BOSTON, FOXBORO, Mass. - On December 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) and Gillette partnered for a unique “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event that brought together youth, volunteers, and New England Patriot Quarterback and Gillette athlete Drake Maye, New England Patriots Wide Receiver and BBBSEM ambassador DeMario Pop Douglas and Patriots Hall of Famer Rob Ninkovich for a day of sports and community engagement. Held on the field at Gillette Stadium, the event highlighted the importance of mentorship, offering a fun opportunity for prospective volunteer mentors to get involved while making a lasting impact on local youth.
The event kicked off with a lively pep talk from BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O'Donnell and Pat the Patriot, the official mascot of the New England Patriots. This spirited opening set the tone for a day full of energy and connection. Ninkovich, Maye, and Douglas also joined the action, each participating as a "Big for a Day" to underscore the power of mentorship and encourage others to volunteer. The event marked Douglas’ official debut as a BBBSEM ambassador.
Over 25 current BBBSEM matches, along with youth on the organization’s waiting list to be matched with their mentors, took to the field for drills, skills clinics, and friendly flag football games. The day was designed to foster new connections and inspire potential Bigs to begin their own mentoring journeys.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Gillette and bring attention to the critical need for mentorship in our community,” said Mark O'Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “This event not only gave us the chance to showcase the power of mentorship but also provided an opportunity for new volunteers to experience firsthand how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.”
The event featured several key moments, including a speaking program, a skills clinic, and a series of flag football games, which gave participants the chance to demonstrate teamwork and leadership. The day concluded with a heartfelt recognition ceremony, thanking volunteers and mentors for their dedication to youth empowerment.
The BBBSEM event was one of ten flag football experiences happening across the country as part of a larger national partnership between men’s grooming brand Gillette and Big Brothers Big Sisters.Through this partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Gillette are coming together to bring more mentors into the lives of young men through the unifying power of sports.
BBBSEM continues to grow its impact, matching over 4,000 youth annually with caring adult mentors. The event underscored the organization’s mission to defend the potential of children and to create a community where every young person has access to the guidance and support they need to succeed. Mentorship is a necessity and through sports, connections across cultures and generations are made, helping to build a more unified, inclusive society.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child has the support of a caring adult mentor who can help them reach their full potential,” said O'Donnell. “Today, we’ve seen the impact that such mentorship can have, and we hope this event inspires even more people to step forward and become Bigs.”
For more information on how to volunteer, or to learn more about BBBSEM’s programs, visit www.emassbigs.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 76 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org..

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is thrilled to announce that Night Lights was named the winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. Thank you to our wonderful community for taking the time to help the Garden earn this national recognition. We look forward to the rest of this year's dazzling displays (tickets are still available) and hope you’ll join us in experiencing this award-winning event!
Visit https://nebg.org/ for more information.

 

We know it’s a big ask.
With the economy in flux, unemployment on the rise, grocery prices still too high, every dollar is being stretched as tight as possible.
But if you can spare a few dollars for the Beacon Santa, we will make sure the money goes to put a smile on a young child’s face.
Every dollar that you donate will help a family in need.
“Working overnight is great when you have small children who need you to be home during the day. But also impossible, with small children, when the other parent is gone on random military assignments and not home to watch them,” writes one mother of five young children.
All she wants is some money to take her children shopping for clothes.
“Although things are getting better and we are solely focused on improving our finances, for our children’s sake, the holidays fast approach and we cannot celebrate without help, so please choose our home, Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, January 3 ,2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold, who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St. 

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

     The Fresh Start family would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.  Our shelves and stockroom and display areas are pretty well stocked now, thanks to donations from so many people in the area who responded to our specific requests for linens and kitchen items and furniture.
     At present what we need most is MONEY to pay our bills and to buy mattresses and to keep our truck fueled and maintained.  If you can help, please click on the link above and look for the big green DONATE button.  You can donate online with PAYPAL or with Venmo and you can always bring or send a check payable to Fresh Start Furniture Bank at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749.  Your donation is tax deductible.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.  We supply furniture and furnishings at no charge to prequalified clients coming out of homelessness.  Please help us to keep doing what we do so well.

 

• January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2

• Autism-Friendly Evening – January 10
• Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – January 31
• Inclusive Evening – February 28, March 21, May 16, June 27
• Mask On, Play On! – April 11
• Morning for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA visitors – date tba

All are welcome to the monthly Multigenerational Game Night at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! (Please do not bring snacks with nuts.)

The next Game Night will take place on Friday, Jan 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. 

  The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday December 21 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Rich Grady at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org or Lieutenant Tim Blankenship at lieutenant@boxboroughminutemen.org.
  The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.
  Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including marching in parades and town celebrations, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to the FreeBee Market, community supper, and other service organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
  All are welcome to come and make new connections with others.
  For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.

Join us on Sunday, December 21st at 4:00 pm for the 61st Annual Community Sing-In of the MESSIAH ORATORIO here in our church, open to the wider community. The Music Director for this event is the renowned Leon Burke. This is a marvelous opportunity for singers and listeners to join professional soloists and orchestra to share this treasured tradition. No experience required! Bring a friend!
Bring your own music score or buy one at the door. There is a suggested donation of $25 to help pay our professional musicians, but of course no one is turned away! Harvard UU Church is located at 9 Ayer Rd, Harvard.

 

The Town of Acton wants to hear people’s stories, ideas, and hopes for making our community stronger and fairer for everyone. These small group talks are part of a larger project aimed at understanding what people need and helping everyone feel healthy, included, and supported.

Why Join?
✔ Share your experience on Acton.
✔ Help find out what is going well and what we can make better.
✔Meet neighbors and share your ideas about how our town should grow

What to Expect
✔ A group talk that lasts 60–90 minutes and is held online.
✔ Anyone who lives or works in Acton can join.
✔ We can help with language or accessibility.

If you are interested in joining us, please register here (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TDT52PX). Our sessions are planned to be conducted digitally on January 13 and 15. If these dates don’t work for you, we are happy to share the times for other sessions. The registration form offers an option for you to express interest outside of the specified dates.

Amazon Gift Card or new long-sleeve tee for coming to give in December

BOSTON, Dec. 8, 2025 — Time is critical for patients this December. The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply steady over the busy holiday season. Types O positive, O negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now and in the coming weeks.
December is National Month of Giving, and your Red Cross blood or platelet donation can bring hope and healing. Create a new holiday tradition and help spread comfort and support lifesaving care. When the unexpected happens, it’s the blood products already on the shelves that matter.
Redefine the meaning of a gift bag; give something that means something and schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
For a limited time, those who come to give Dec. 8-18, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Those who come to give Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on December offers, see RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. If you’re unable to give, consider making a financial donation to support our lifesaving mission at redcross.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 8-31, 2025:

Maynard
12/23/2025: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks #1568, 34 Powder Mill Rd

The spirit of the holidays is generous – but it can also be expensive.

If you tend to go into debt with holiday shopping, here are some practical tips to help manage your spending this year:

First, start with a budget. Then write it down, which can make you more accountable. To stick to it, regularly compare what you spend against your budget.

Next, shop early. It can help you avoid panic buying, overspending and costly shipping charges.
Another thought – pay with cash or debit to stay grounded in what you can afford.

And finally, save money by trimming your gift list to only close friends and family. Or give experiences like a meal together or help cleaning which often cost less and create memories.

The holidays should bring joy, not financial strain. A little planning now can help give you a peaceful start to the new year – and a healthier financial outlook.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA. Member SIPC

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English? Since 1990 the library has been
training adults to become volunteer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutors.
Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others
become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools
or the medical profession. But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as
progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor. Tutors often
speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the
challenges facing those who are adapting to ours.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the
desire to share your knowledge of English. The training is free, although it is necessary to
purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in
person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using Teams, FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and
email as they “meet” with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection.
We still have learners who need our help.

Registration for tutor training is now open! Two sessions are currently scheduled:

- The January 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors are scheduled for five Wednesday
evenings, 6:00PM – 9:00PM. Dates are January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4. Only
the last session will be held in-person in the Wayland Library conference room. The
rest of the sessions will be held on Zoom. Pre-registration is required.

- The Spring 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors will meet on Monday mornings
9:00AM – noon on March 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6. Only the April session will be
held in-person at the library; all others will be on Zoom. Preregistration is required.
If you are interested in participating, wish to enroll or have questions, please contact Ginny Steel
and Jane Albert at esol@waylandlibrary.org

Taught by local artist Judith-Grace Miller, these 6 week classes start the week of January 5 at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford and are perfect for beginners and those looking for a refresher working in oil or acrylic. We'll cover design and composition, value, color mixing and more to help you best express yourself as an artist. There will be weekly demos and plenty of personalized easel-side assistance in these small group classes. Choose from day or evening: Monday evenings Jan 5–Feb 9 from 6:30–8:30pm or Wednesday mornings Jan 7–Feb 11 from 10:30am—12:30pm. $275. Instructor will provide materials list upon registration. Register here https://parisharts.square.site/arts-in-the-loft

 

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

 

Immigrants in our area who want to improve their competency in English now have greater opportunities.  Fourteen generous and enthusiastic people have just completed a training course and are now certified to be tutors of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).  These recent “graduates” include seven from Wayland – Lois Bruss, Sue Feldman, Lidet Girma, John Mead, Dona Mitra, Clinton Savidge and Wendy Sobel; one from Sudbury – Carol Abbot; one from Natick – Ginit Marten; one from Acton – Louisa Chase, one from Wellesley – Jackie Leung: one from Waltham - Mimi Facher; one from Carlisle - Kathy Wasserman; and one from Marlborough - Luba Robidoux. These new tutors, like those who were trained last spring, and some who have been tutoring for years, work one-to-one with learners. Learners currently working with our tutors have come from many different countries, including Korea, Ukraine, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Latvia, Turkey and China.
Much tutoring is now done remotely, using whatever technology works for both tutor and learner, be it FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or simply phone and email.  Some tutor/learner pairs work in person, typically in a local library.
As usual, we can put all possible tutors to work with waiting learners.  The next two tutor-training courses have been scheduled: one starting in January and one starting in early March.  Tutors do not need to know another language, nor do they need to know every detail of English grammar.  For more information see the Wayland Library website.

 

It is a magical time of year – lights shining bright, ornaments glistening on Christmas trees, and Santa visiting throughout the area.

But for many people, the holiday magic is fraught with anxiety, and they have reached out to the Beacon Santa for help in providing a little Christmas cheer.

And so, we are reaching out – asking you to help us. Please consider donating this year – every little bit helps.

One mother writes that she is struggling to make ends meet, especially after her children’s father died in June. “I am worried that I will not be able to provide my children with a Christmas they deserve because there simply is not anything left for gifts and holiday extras after covering basic needs. I do my best to keep things stable for my children, but the holidays can be especially hard. Your generosity would make a world of difference for my children,” she writes.

One mother struggling to leave an abusive husband is asking for help for three of her five children this year. “I am hoping the holiday season with all its magic of Santa will bring them joy, laughter and smiles during this tough time. I don’t think I will be able to afford gifts under the tree this year and I don’t want to see disappointment and more sadness, so I am reaching out for help,” she writes.

The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.

Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.

A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
By mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643, Maynard, MA  01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate with Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Welcome to winter!  The volunteers at Fresh Start on Tuesday morning arrived with the first snow of the season.  Fortunately, it was not enough to necessitate closing.  We had four client visits scheduled but three cancelled because of the weather.   We met our new volunteer & administrative coordinator and look forward to working together.  As we worked, sorting linens, cleaning and testing lamps and small appliances, unloading and loading furniture, and entering items into inventory we shared thoughts about our Thanksgiving celebrations and the Patriots win.
Four (!) trucks arrived filled with linens and blankets and comforters  from the Hudson and Marlborough Lions Clubs who did a blanket drive for us.  Our crew couldn’t get through it all today to make an accurate count.  What a wonderful “Giving Tuesday” gift!

An inventory check showed some gaps in our supplies.  We need new bed pillows and mattresses and box springs for our clients.  Also rugs and dressers.  We seem to always be low on kitchen items like silverware, non-slotted spoons, measuring cups and spoons, strainers, vegetable peelers, tongs, can openers and whisks.

Please check our website to learn more about our organization and help us to help others.  We love cash donations to pay the rent and keep the truck fueled!  We accept small donations on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 until noon.  Furniture donations as well as household items can be brought on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30(furniture)and until noon for small items.  We are located at 16 Brent Drive in Hudson.  Check us out!

The Council on Aging at the Human Services & Senior Center is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.
Telephone: 978-929-6652            
Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov       
Website: www.actoncoa.com/  
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa​

Opening Hours: 
Monday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-6:00pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee
Annie Hall
Monday, December 8th, 1:00-2:35pm
(1977, PG) Woody Allen plays a divorced Jewish comedian reflecting on his past relationship with Anne Hall (Diane Keaton), an aspiring nightclub singer. Oscars for Best Picture, Best Writing, and Best Actress for Keaton.

Hearing Screening Appointments with Audiologist Megan Ford
Tuesday, December 9th, 9:30 to 11:45am                                         
Acton 60+ only
Megan Ford Au.D., a licensed audiologist in practice since 1998, will provide hearing screenings, ear wax checks, and basic hearing aid checks. Please allow 15 minutes for your appointment. Dr. Ford has worked at several major medical centers in Boston, Cleveland and Worcester. In 2013 she opened her private practice, HearSmart Audiology, in Littleton. There has been such a high demand for Dr. Ford's appointments, she now comes to the Center monthly!

Book Discussion Group                                                                  
Tuesday December 9th, 10:00-11:00am                                                        
Open to all age 60+/free
The discussion for December's meeting will be around the book Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. If you would like to read ahead, the discussion for January's meeting is around the book Briar Club by Kate Quinn. Copies of the books are on hold for the group at Acton Memorial Library. You may also check availability at Citizen's Library (978-929-6654). Ann Kulsick facilitates the gatherings.
 
Truth About Seed Oils: Facts, Myths & Smart Use
Tuesday, December 9th, 11:00-11:45am                    
Open to all age 60+/free
Join Minuteman Senior Services nutrition intern Zahraa Pyriadi, a student at University of Massachusetts-Lowell, for a quick, evidence-based look at what seed oils are, what the science says, and how to use them smartly.

Brain Health Presentation
Wednesday December 10th, 11:00am                                  
Open to all 60+/free    Join Deaconess Abundant Life Services for a presentation at the Acton Senior Center. What is Brain Health?  Brain health refers to how well a person's brain functions across several areas.  We offer some simple guidelines and some recommendations to keep your brain healthy! Signup is required.
 
Technology Assistance Clinic
Wednesday, December 10th, 1:30-3:00pm      
No clinic Dec. 24th                  
Open to all age 60+/free
All seniors are welcome to participate in this drop-in Technology Clinic whenever the need arises.  Bring your technology questions, problems, and issues related to your computer, phone, or tablet. If possible, bring the problem hardware with you to the session.  Several regular attendees are willing to share their experiences, and work with you, one-on-one, to address technology issues, from Windows system difficulties, email setups/usage, networking issues, upgrades, and assistance with "how do I" frustrations. MAC and Chrome/Android users are welcome.  If you are unable to attend in person and would like to talk with a Clinic member via Zoom or phone, please contact the COA and we will forward your information to a Clinic member.
 
Golden Rainbow & Friends Social Hour: Winter Wonderland Party
Wednesday, December 10th, 2:00-3:00pm               
Open to all LGBTQ people age 60+ & allies/free
Join Rainbow Coordinator Rosie Latto for a Winter Wonderland Party! There will be a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, holiday bingo, and conversation. People in the LGBTQ+ community and allies are warmly welcome. Please RSVP to the Council on Aging at 978-929-6652 or to Chris Chirokas at the same number or cchirokas@actonma.gov.
 
Deep Ocean Life with Peter Girguis
Wednesday, December 10th, 2:00-3:15pm       Open to all age 60+/free
Eighty percent of our planet's habitable living space is in the deep sea, the ocean realm that is beyond the reach of sunlight. In this presentation Dr. Peter Girguis will take you on a trip through the deep sea, learning about the extraordinary animals and microbes that thrive therein and about their adaptations to this environment. He will also touch upon humankind's relationship with the ocean, the birth of deep-sea biology and the technological innovations that first took humans into the deep, humankind's impact on the ocean, and how we still have time to turn the tide. This program is possible because of the generosity of Lynne Osborn. Peter Girguis is a Professor at Harvard University. He received his B.Sc. from UCLA and his Ph.D. from the UC Santa Barbara. He has authored or co-authored over 150 publications. His honors include the 2007 and 2011 Lindbergh Foundation Award for Science & Sustainability, the 2018 Lowell Thomas Award for groundbreaking advances in Marine Technology, the 2020 Petra Shattuck Award for Distinguished Teaching, and the 2024 Captain Don Walsh Award for Ocean Science and Exploration. 

Technology Help Appointments with Acton Memorial Library Staff
Thursday, December 11th, 10:00-11:00am                                                   
Acton 60+ only   
Need help with common smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet or laptop functions? Olivia Wennerod, Adult Programming Librarian, will be at the Senior Center for one-on-one help with your device. Bring your fully charged device and your questions, and Olivia will troubleshoot technology problems alongside you. If they can't help with a specific problem you are having, she will do her best to find the right resources that can help you. Call the COA to reserve a 15-minute appointment.
 
Holiday Music of the 50s & 60s with John Clark
Thursday, December 11th, 1:00-2:00pm  
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
Get into the spirit of the season with this presentation featuring classic holiday songs from the 50s and 60s! You'll hear the stories behind It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Broadway composer Meredith Willson (of Music Man fame)and country star Willie Nelson's Pretty Paper. Did you know that songwriter Johnny Marks had written three big hits during these years? Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee), A Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) and Run Rudolph Run (Chuck Berry)? And in the 1950s there were novelty songs galore like The Chipmunk Song, I'm Getting' Nuttin' for Christmas and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (which was used for a Saks Fifth Avenue advertising campaign). You'll also see performance clips for This Time of the Year (Brook Benton), There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (Perry Como), The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Andy Williams) and Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano).

Java with John
Friday, December 12th, 9:45am                                      
Open to Acton Residents
Town Manager, John Mangiaratti will be here to give updates from the Town, answer your questions and listen to your suggestions and concerns. Acton TV will be filming it live.  If you are unable to make it to program but have a question you want answered please email manager@actonma.gov Special guest will be Patricia Costa, Director of Economic Development

 

Will you help the children?
Hundreds of applicants have reached out, as they do every year, asking the Beacon Santa for help in making their Christmas just a little bit brighter.
It is a request we can’t meet without your help.
One single grandmother writes that she has custody of her teenage grandchildren and struggles to make ends meet. She is asking for help from Beacon Santa because Christmas presents are simply not in the budget.
“I know they no longer believe in Santa … [but] they still love the magic,” she writes.
Another grandmother writes that she and her husband have had custody of their grandson since he was 3 ½. They both work to help pay for an advocate and the therapy her grandson needs for his autism and anxiety. Once again, they are asking Beacon Santa for help to put a few presents under the tree.
“Every Christmas he has been blessed with the help from the Beacon Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

 

Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “Baroque on Fire”

Program
Francesco Geminiani | Concerto Grosso #1, after Corelli, in D major, Op. 5
Jean-Philippe Rameau | Fifth Concert in d minor, from Piéces de clavecin en concerts
Domenico Scarlatti | Sonata in d minor K141
Georg Philipp Telemann | Fantasy #1 in B-flat major, TWV 40:14–25 9
Michael Praetorius | Selections from Dances from Terpsichore
Antonio Vivaldi | Concerto for two violins in A minor from L’Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 8

When & Where: Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 PM
First Congregational Church
14 Mountain Road, Princeton

Friday, December 5 at  7:30 PM
Museum of Worcester
30 Elm Street, Worcester

Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to the performance
Post-concert reception for all

How: Adult $31-40, Senior $29-38, College Students $10
EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free

Information and tickets for these concerts are available on the ensemble’s website, www.worcesterchambermusic.org, or by calling the office at (508) 926-8624.

 

America is facing a food system shortage. Livestock veterinarians are the new endangered species. Farmers are losing access to the experts they need to keep our food supply safe.
More than 500 U.S. counties across 46 states are federally designated veterinary shortage areas. Just 1.3% of registered veterinarians specialize in food animal practice. This frontline workforce is fraying at a time when U.S. farms produce over 94% of all red meat and poultry Americans consume.
Addressing this growing concern will require sustained industry investment in education that makes veterinary careers more accessible, in recruitment efforts that prioritize rural areas, and in hands-on training that adequately prepares the next generation.
Food animal veterinarians are the unsung heroes of American agriculture. They inspect livestock, administer vaccines, and provide critical guidance on herd health. They support the viability of family farms, local economies, and the safety of the food on our tables.
Yet the United States has lost 90% of food animal veterinarians since the 1950s. And the number of these critical vets continues to decline.
For one, the cost of veterinary education is prohibitive. New graduates leave school with an average debt load of about $150,000. For those called to food animal practice, that financial burden is often compounded by lower pay than they could expect to earn in clinics that focus on companion animals.
Then there's the nature of the work. Rural veterinarians have to travel long distances to reach clients and face physical strain from handling large animals. They're often on call both nights and weekends.
The result is a dwindling workforce.
For farmers, this creates impossible choices: delay care or watch helplessly as animals suffer and operations become less productive. These aren't just emotional losses. They threaten the survival of farms and ranches.
The consequences ripple outward to grocery stores and dinner tables. When veterinary oversight is compromised, it becomes harder to contain the spread of foodborne pathogens. Roughly 9 million Americans fall ill from contaminated food each year -- a number that could soar if we fail to restore the frontline of livestock care.
The shortage could also limit our ability to tackle emerging diseases in animal populations, which often spread quickly through supply chains, and in some cases, jump to humans. Early detection and response require having trained veterinarians on the ground.
There are several things we can do to help overcome this challenge.
Loan repayment and scholarship programs are already making an impact. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program offers up to $40,000 per year for students who commit to working in shortage areas after graduation. My employer, Merck Animal Health, has awarded scholarships and grants to veterinary students, which totaled over $1.5 million in 2024 alone. In July, the company partnered with the Farm Journal Foundation to expand its online educational hub, which features learning modules designed to help students succeed in veterinary careers.
There's room for more public- and private-sector initiatives like these.
Recruitment strategies also need to evolve. Students from rural backgrounds are more likely to return to and serve their home communities. Veterinary schools must do more to identify and support these students.
Equally important is improving the training of future veterinarians. Increasing access to hands-on, experiential, and virtual learning can equip students with the skills they need to succeed.
Revitalizing rural veterinary care isn't just about filling vacancies -- it's about ensuring the vitality of communities and protecting our food supply. By investing in the next generation of livestock veterinarians, we can do just that.
Justin Welsh, DVM, is the executive director of U.S. livestock technical services at Merck Animal Health. This piece originally ran in the Oklahoman.

Sunday, December 14, 5 p.m: First Parish Church of Stow and Acton presents a solstice celebration. Music Director Chris Hossfeld conducts the FPC Choir with accompanist Trevor Berens and soprano Jessica Tunick Berens. This is a multi-faith concert with seasonal music, including Bach’s "Dona Nobis Pacem" and "Ubi Caritas" by Ola Gjeilo, whose compositional style is often described as cinematic and evocative, with a lush, harmonious sound. The service begins at 5 p.m. at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Rd, Stow MA 01775.

 

The Boxborough Minutemen, with help from the Boxborough DPW, will be collecting and chipping Christmas trees from Boxborough residents this year on Saturday, January 3 between 10 AM and 2 PM.  Beginning December 20, look for the sign-up forms on the Boxborough Minuteman website: https://boxboroughminutemen.org. The cost for pickup is $20; deadline for all payments is December 31.
For pickup, please have your tree outside where it can be easily located by the Minutemen and ready for pickup. If you prefer not to sign up for tree pickup, you can also deliver your tree for disposal to the “old” Boxborough DPW facility located at 577 Massachusetts Avenue (Route 111) on Saturday, January 3rd between 10 AM and 2 PM. A disposal fee of $10 will be collected on site when you drop off your tree. For questions email captain@boxboroughminutemen.org

Please join us Friday, December 12 for our next dinner. We offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.

Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking. If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

The Boxborough Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee invites all to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 14 at 5 p.m. at the town menorah in front the Boxborough Fire Station, 502 Mass Ave.
  This year, the town will host a larger first night celebration to light the menorah with music, complimentary refreshments, and a craft table for kids.
  The menorah lighting will continue at 6 p.m. on each subsequent night, December 15-22. The town invites Boxborough families to volunteer to lead the lighting. Interested in participating? Sign up by emailing the PCCC at pccc@boxborough-ma.gov and then invite your friends and neighbors to join you!
  It is the town's second year hosting a menorah lighting in addition to the annual tree lighting. The town's menorah was designed, built, and donated to the town last year by the Kollmann-Klein family.
  Parking for the menorah lighting will be available across Massachusetts Avenue at the Blanchard Memorial School.

Boxborough's annual Tree Lighting celebration, hosted by the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee, will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 4 p.m. at the Boxborough Fire Station, 502 Mass Ave.
  Enjoy a performance of holiday favorites by the Blanchard BrassWind Ensemble and the Blanchard Chorus, along with complimentary cookies and hot chocolate. High school volunteers will host a face-painting table and a craft table, with wooden ornaments for children to decorate. 
  Once the tree has been lit and the songs have been sung, Santa Claus will be escorted down Mass Ave by the Boxborough Fire Department to greet children at the Fire Station.
  This year, the town has invited representatives from the Boxboro Regency to flip the switch and light the tree. Other recent honorees include Two Friends Chocolates and the FreeBee Market team.
  Parking for the tree lighting celebration will be available across Massachusetts Avenue at the Blanchard Memorial School. The Boxborough Police Department will have floodlights and officers stationed at the Massachusetts Avenue crosswalks to help pedestrians safely cross the street.
  Come kick off the holiday season with friends and neighbors at this festive Boxborough tradition!

 

DiscoverSTEM, first launched in 2005, returned this year for the first time since 2019 and it was heartwarming to see the overwhelming enthusiasm from the community.  DiscoverSTEM 2025 was an outstanding success, and we are grateful to everyone who helped bring this event back to life.  This year, the event on November 7 included over 50 exhibitors from a diverse range of STEAM fields, including: robotics, environmental science & sustainability, health science, public safety, AI, financial literacy, engineering, trade careers, art and music. These exhibitors engaged over 500 attendees with fun and educational interactive exhibits. To all the attendees -- thank you so much for joining us and we hope you enjoyed interacting with our fabulous exhibitors.

Special thanks to Ruchi Jain, the lead AB STEAM volunteer who worked tirelessly to make it all happen.  Additional thanks to Karen "KJ" Herther, AB PIP STEM Founder and Coach, and Gary Kappel, Exhibitor Lead, for their DiscoverSTEM support and mentoring, and to Janice Ward for professional event communications and graphics. Thanks also to ABRSD for partnering with us for the event, particularly the AB High School science and counseling departments, AV, AB High School Food Services, and AB Community Education for hosting and support. We would also like to thank local media partners including Action Unlimited and ActonTV for helping to spread the word about DiscoverSTEM since its genesis in 2005.

Finally, we are grateful for the generosity of our platinum level sponsors which included: Qualcomm, SolidWorks, Acton Lions Club, Acton Ford, Northern Bank, and Huntington Learning Center in Acton, as well as our numerous gold and silver level sponsors and contributors. With the funds raised, AB STEAM can continue to provide FREE STEAM-related activities and events for our community. It takes a village, and we feel particularly lucky to be part of this one.

For a recap and photographs from DiscoverSTEM, please visit us on the web at www.absteam.org/discoverstem.  There you can also learn more about the organizing group, AB STEAM, a 501c3 non-profit, and its journey from an NSF grant funded group, AB PIP STEM, to today.

 

• Don't forget about required withdrawals. If you're 73 or older, you’ll need to take your required minimum distribution from traditional retirement accounts to avoid a 25% penalty on any amount you should have withdrawn but didn't. This rule also applies to some people who inherited retirement accounts, including certain Roth accounts.
• Use your flexible spending money. Got money sitting in a flexible spending account at work? Remember, these accounts follow a "use it or lose it" rule. Check with your HR department about your plan's specific deadlines for spending the money and submitting receipts. Whether it's that dental work you've been putting off or new prescription glasses you need, now's the time to use those funds before they disappear.
• Boost your retirement savings. Consider ramping up your pretax retirement contributions before year-end. Not only will this help your future self, but it might also reduce your current tax bill. If your workplace plan allows it, you can even set up automatic increases for next year so you won't have to remember to do it later.
• Share the wealth through gifting. In 2025, the current tax rules let you give family or friends up to $19,000 per person without affecting your lifetime gift tax exemption. Married couples can combine their allowances to give up to $38,000 per person. Plus, you can pay someone's tuition or medical bills directly without these payments counting against your gift limits at all.
• Navigate new tax changes. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act has made several tax provisions permanent, including lower individual tax rates and higher standard deductions. However, it also introduces new changes that might affect your situation. It's worth sitting down with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand how these updates impact your specific circumstances.
• Examine your investments. Take some time to review your investment portfolio. Ask yourself: Did your investments perform as expected this year? Do they still match your goals and comfort level with risk? You might need to rebalance things to get back on track.
• Build up your emergency fund. It’s ideal to have enough cash saved to cover three to six months of living expenses in an easily accessible account. This safety net can prevent you from having to raid your retirement savings when unexpected expenses pop up.
• Review your estate planning documents. This is especially important if you've had major life changes like marriage, divorce or a new baby. Don't forget to check the beneficiary designations on all your bank and brokerage accounts as well as life insurance policies – these often override what's written in your will.

Join us at our Sit-Down Supper! The month of Holiday Celebrations is here. Please, take time to join us for a dinner with new and familiar friends. Join us as we bring cheer into your lives.  We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you every Wednesday.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton     472 Massachusetts Ave. Acton MA 01720

Time: Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:45pm Doors will open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter prior so our volunteers can prepare your Supper.

Parking: Park your car in the back parking lot and enter from the walkway to the church door.


December 2025 Menu

12/3       Spaghetti and Meatballs
                       Sponsored by The Acton Women’s Club
12/10       Swedish Meatballs with Buttered Noodles
    Sponsored by Mt Calvary Lutheran Church

12/17        Our Holiday Turkey Dinner with all the Fix’ns
    Sponsored by Boston Metro West Bible Church
12/24th & 31st  Closed – May this month of many Holidays bring you peace!


** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.

As 2025 comes to an end, we wish to express how grateful we are for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.

http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community
http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

Acton Memorial Library and West Acton Citizens' Library will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, for Thanksgiving.
Both libraries will reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 29.

Accompanied children are invited to visit Santa and Mrs. Santa on Sunday, December 7 between 1pm and 4pm at the Acton Woman’s Clubhouse at 504 Main Street, Acton Center.   The safe and quiet atmosphere of the cheerful living room is especially fine for small children and those who prefer less noise and fewer crowds.  There is no charge, but any voluntary donations will be used towards maintaining this historic building.  Picture taking is encouraged.
Santa (aka Richard Goodman) and Mrs. Claus (Patti Hunt, his daughter) moved to this area last year from Orange County, California.  Widower Richard, 94 years young, resides in a senior living apartment in Chelmsford where Patti often visits.  When he is not Santa, he enjoys dining out, seeing movies and visiting his granddaughter and great grandsons.
Upon arriving in town with her husband, outgoing Pattie immediately joined the Acton Woman’s Club to make friends in her new community.  She did that quickly and is currently the Club’s President.
A veteran of the aeroSpace industry, Richard  has been an annual Santa for over 30 years. As such, he donates his time with Pattie to help raise money for various good causes. Richard is a founding member of the nonprofit  "Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas."   Members of FORBS must grow and maintain their own facial hair for that purpose, and agree to promote a positive image of Santa.
Having Santa at the Acton Woman’s Club this year rounds out their 110 anniversary celebration of the founding of the organization.  www.theactonwomansclub.org 

First Parish Church, 353 Great Road, Stow
Sunday, November 30, 2025
10 AM

This service will invite and encourage those gathered to consider the possibilities for and benefits of cultivating internal joy regardless of external circumstances. Through music, spoken word, and time for personal reflection, this service will offer ideas and practices to open ourselves to moments of joy in everyday living--to cultivate joy in our lives. Service will be led by Lisa Fagerstrom, Lay Leader -
Join Worship by Video: https://tinyurl.com/22-23fpc
Meeting ID: 999 7077 0266
Passcode: 01775
Join worship by phone: (929)205-6099 (long distance rates will apply)
Note: For those who prefer, a mask-required seating area is available in the back right corner of our sanctuary. Please consult with an usher if assistance is needed. 
FPC now has a closed captioning option with online services. If the Closed Captioning option is not turned on, you can use the button at the bottom of your screen to request the host turn it on.