Below are concerts with tickets available at Groton Hill Music Center, 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton MA. Just 40 miles northwest of Boston, Groton Hill presents award-winning artists in a variety of genres in the center’s world-class 1000 seat and 300 seat performance halls. The center offers ample free parking, exclusive table-to-concert dining for patrons, and more in a stunning setting on 110 acres of protected farmland. Learn more and buy tickets at grotonhill.org/tickets.

JUST ADDED
ON SALE FRIDAY 2/20 AT 10AM - Steve Earle - 51 Years of Songs & Stories
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 8pm in The Concert Hall
Tickets: $55 - $65 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
A solo and acoustic show. American music icon Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. The protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark is a multi Grammy-winner, an actor, a composer for stage and screen, and a master storyteller whose songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. He's also the latest inductee to the Grand Ole Opry!

UPCOMING SHOWS
Solas
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 7pm The Concert Hall
Tickets: $55 - $65 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Seamus Egan, tenor banjo, flute, whistle, Winifred Horan, fiddle, John Williams, accordion, Nuala Kennedy, flute, vocals, Alan Murray, guitar
Solas is lighting up stages across the globe as they celebrate three decades of pushing boundaries and honoring traditions in Irish music. Hailed by The Boston Globe as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced,” and by The Wall Street Journal as “an Irish traditional band bearing all the marks of greatness,” Solas continues to captivate audiences with their spellbinding musicianship and genre-defying creativity.

Vista Philharmonic Orchestra: Ravel Revealed
Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 7:30pm The Concert Hall
Tickets: $30 - $100 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Vista Philharmonic Orchestra, the resident professional orchestra of Groton Hill Music Center, celebrate the music of Maurice Ravel in his 150th birthday year. Acclaimed pianist Marika Bournaki joins as guest soloist.

Caitlin Canty
Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 8pm Meadow Hall
Tickets: $39 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Caitlin Canty, vocals, guitar, Jeremy Moses Curtis, bass, Jeff Berlin, drums, Will Seeders, guitars and banjo.
Acclaimed folk-roots singer-songwriter and regular on the roots festival circuit, Vermont’s Caitlin Canty celebrates the release of Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove –her fifth studio release - and marks a return to her roots, a grittier and more electric Americana sound with echoes of her critically-acclaimed 2015 album, Reckless Skyline.

Jacob Jolliff Band with special guest Stash Wyslouch
Friday, March 6, 2026 at 8pm Meadow Hall
Tickets: $39 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Jacob Jolliff - mandolin, vocals, Ross Martin – guitar, Myles Sloniker -  bass, George Jackson - fiddle
An alumnus of celebrated progressive bluegrass bands Joy Kills Sorrow, the Yonder Mountain String Band, and Bela Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart project, Jacob Jolliff is one of the genre’s top mandolinists and a sought-after collaborator, sharing the stage with Bela Fleck, Darol Anger, Tony Trischka, Sam Bush, David Grisman, Ronnie McCoury, Michael Daves, and many others. Special guest Stash Wyslouch is an avant-garde Bluegrass guitarist, singer and songwriter who has toured and recorded with Jolliff, The Deadly Gentlemen, Bruce Molsky's Mountain Drifters, The Jacob Jolliff Band, and Tony Trischka's Early Roman Kings, among others.

 

BOSTON, Mass. - Known for his speed, determination, and playmaking ability on Sundays, New England Patriots Wide Receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas is taking his impact beyond the gridiron, partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) to help expand access to year-round, one-to-one youth mentoring programs across the region. Through this partnership, Douglas will serve as an ambassador for the organization, engaging with mentoring matches - referred to as Bigs and Littles - and supporting the nonprofit’s recruitment, fundraising, and community engagement efforts throughout the year.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is the state’s leading one-to-one youth mentoring organization, partnering with families to provide children with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. Grounded in research and proven outcomes, BBBSEM creates matches based on shared interests, geography, and personality and provides ongoing professional support to Bigs, Littles, and their families. The organization welcomes youth and volunteers of all races, ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities, serving as a bridge between communities and helping close opportunity gaps in education and access to resources.
“Having someone in your corner who believes in you and pushes you to be better can change everything,” says Douglas. “Mentorship is about showing up every day, putting in the work, and staying consistent - on and off the field. It’s about letting young people know that their future matters. I’m proud to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts to help create those opportunities for kids who deserve the same support and guidance that helped shape me.”
Last month, Douglas debuted as a BBBSEM ambassador during a “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event at Gillette Stadium, where he joined youth, volunteers, and fellow Patriots players as a “Big for a Day.” The experience underscored the power of teamwork and leadership, reinforcing his commitment to using his platform to inspire young people and encourage others to step onto the field as mentors.
As a BBBSEM ambassador, Douglas will participate in agency events, connect with mentoring matches, and help raise awareness about the urgent need for more volunteer mentors across Eastern Massachusetts. His involvement will help build momentum for the organization’s mission to ensure every child has access to a positive, life-changing mentoring relationship.
“Pop embodies what it means to lead with heart, authenticity, and purpose,” says Mark O’Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “His passion for mentorship and willingness to invest his time and voice in our mission makes him an incredible role model for the young people we serve. We’re thrilled to welcome him into the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts community.”

BBBSEM supports thousands of youth annually through community, school and campus-based  mentoring programs, enrolling new Bigs and Littles and encouraging community members to get involved. In its 76th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 mentoring relationships. To learn more, enroll a child, or become a volunteer mentor, visit www.emassbigs.org. 

Your credit score can have a big impact on your financial life.

From renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan, your score can open doors — or close them.

Simply put, your credit score predicts how likely you are to pay bills on time. A higher score often means easier access to credit, lower interest rates and better insurance premiums.

The most common model — the FICO score — ranges from 300 to 850. Above 670 is good; 740 and higher is very good.

When determining this score, payment history matters most, making up 35% of your score. So, paying bills on time matters.

The second most important factor in your credit score is credit utilization, which is 30% of your score. So, keep balances below 30% of your limit.

You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com.

Building good habits now makes borrowing easier and less expensive later, giving you more flexibility to pursue your goals.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA. (978) 841-5800. Member SIPC

Do you have a household item that needs repair? Green Maynard and the Maynard Public Library will be holding a FixIt Clinic on Saturday, February 28 from 1-4 pm.
Bring your broken small appliances, bicycles, clothing/textiles, electronics, toys, etc., for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair. We'll provide workspace, tools, and guidance by volunteer coaches to help you disassemble, troubleshoot, and maybe even FIX your item!
Register at https://bit.ly/itemcheckin. Fill in as much information as you can in the form. This will help the volunteer coaches fix your item.

If you would like to volunteer to help fix things at the event, please sign up here http://bit.ly/inpersoncoachsignup. Thank you!

Co-sponsored by Green Maynard, Maynard Public Library, and Sustainable Stow

 

Maynard Relay for Life team, the Lady Bugs, will be having our annual fundraiser, Egg your House!  Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 4th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  We will go to Maynard, Acton, Concord, and Stow.  You must order them by March 25th.  Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form.  Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.

  The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday March 8.  Come see Boxborough’s historic treasures including the 1850’s scale which is sensitive enough to weigh a penny and strong enough to calibrate a 50 pound weight, the “new” hearse built in 1881, and the “old” hearse (come and see how old is old).  Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information or if anyone wishes to arrange a private tour for a small group at a different time please call John Fallon at 978-264-0069.

BOSTON, Mass. (Grassroots Newswire) February 19, 2026 - The following local residents have been named to the 2025 fall semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston.

Acton (01720): * Jamilah Kasozi, * Bella Mojica, * Grace Poisson

Concord (01742): * Vivi Larew, * Maliha Malek, * Maya McCabe, * Blythe Pomeroy, * Fay Tubbs,
* Sonia Vader

Maynard (01754): * Emma Cryan, * Carly Rieter
Sudbury (01776): * Olivia Shienbrood

To qualify for dean's list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.

About Simmons University
Located in the heart of Boston, Simmons is a respected private university offering nearly 50 majors and programs for undergraduate women and graduate programs open to all on campus, in blended formats or entirely online, in nursing and health sciences, business, communications, social work, public health, library and information science, and more. Founded in 1899, Simmons inspires a culture of education, connection, and action through high-impact learning with engaged faculty, an immersive community that forges lifelong networks, and career-centered programs that accelerate professional success. The result is a Simmons experience that prepares graduates to thrive as they launch and advance in their careers. For more information, please visit www.simmons.edu.

 

 

An exciting and historically significant repair project is set to begin this spring in West Acton. The church at 592 Massachusetts Avenue is located within the West Acton Village Historic District and stands as the village’s oldest active church.
The original West Acton Baptist Church, built in 1846, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1852 in the classic New England Meeting House style. Its original pointed steeple (see historic photos) was blown down during the hurricane of 1934 and later replaced with a gilded dome. Atop the dome sits a beautifully crafted ornamental weathervane. Today, the church and its distinctive dome remain important landmarks at the center of our community.
The belfry houses a historic bronze bell cast in 1854 at a foundry once owned by Paul Revere. More than simply a place of worship, this building represents a cherished part of our shared heritage. For generations, it has stood as a symbol of the community, bearing witness to countless joyful celebrations and solemn gatherings alike.
Beyond Sunday services of the West Acton Baptist Church, the building serves many additional purposes. It houses church offices and provides secure meeting space for several AA groups. It supports community traditions such as the West Acton Village Merchants Association Holiday Stroll raffle each December and hosts weekly “Thrifty Thursday” pop-up thrift events. The Acton Cooperative School’s early childhood program also operates within the building. Outside, a 24/7 Mini Food Pantry—stocked by church members and community donors—provides ongoing support to neighbors in need.
Today, however, the dome and belfry clearly show signs of wear. More than 20 years have passed since the last major maintenance, and this iconic structure now requires immediate attention.
We gratefully acknowledge the foresight of the Town of Acton and the 2013 Community Preservation Commission grant that funded interior structural repairs to the belfry flooring. The upcoming project will involve a comprehensive inspection and restoration of the entire steeple structure, including the base (which once housed a clock), the belfry with its screened windows for the antique bell, the dome, and the weathervane. The structure will be prepared, repaired, painted, and restored to ensure both its beauty and longevity.
Due to the high cost of gold, the dome will be returned to the blue color it bore in the 1960s—possibly for the same reason at that time. Even so, the project remains substantial, with estimated costs between $250,000 and $300,000 due to the extensive repairs required to preserve this historic landmark.
We are pleased to report that our application has been submitted to the Historic District Commission (HDC). During a pre-application meeting on February 10, 2026, the project received positive feedback. A public hearing is expected to be scheduled in late March, and we hope to have strong community support.
For more information about the Steeple Beautification Project, please contact us at wabcadmin@verizon.net (Subject: Steeple Project) or visit the steeple page on our website: West Acton Historic Steeple Project - West Acton Baptist Church

A Hebrew College class taught @ Congregation Beth Elohim
Instructor: Rabbi Yoni Kadden
Dates: 3/9, 3/16, 3/23 Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: in person at Congregation Beth Elohim
Cost: $120. Financial aid available
Register @ Hebrew College website

 

 

Services every Sunday at 10AM
For more information about these services, or to download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.

Line Dancing! Saturday March 7, 7:00 – 8:30
Back by popular demand!  The Arts committee is sponsoring another night of chill-busting Line Dancing from 7:00-8:30. Our leader will again be Paul Hughes, who is very good at teaching the steps and routines. So even the most beginner dancer will still be successful and have fun!  Families are welcome. This event is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted to offset Paul’s fee.

Our building at 353 Great Road, Stow is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is free parking.
Guest Table Community Dinner, March 13, 5:30
Please join us Friday, March 13 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.

Sunday 3/15, 3PM
Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra
The FPC Music Committee is proud to present Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra in concert in the FPC Sanctuary. Toe-tapping fun for the whole family!
The Orchestra plays vintage arrangements of ragtime music and popular songs from the 1890’s – 1920’s. That includes rags, fox-trots, slow drags, two-steps, waltzes and more, and features works of Joplin, Salisbury, Lamb, Turpin, Berlin, and others. They put a smile on your face and a spring in your step!
Founded in 2022, Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra sprang from pianist Suzie Cartreine’s lifelong love of ragtime, combined with her academic interest in historical performance practice.
The band is drawn from a roster of professional-level musicians from the Greater Boston area. Recent appearances include the New England Folk Festival, Chelmsford Open Spaces, the Medford Library Summer Concert Series, and numerous porchfests in the Boston area. Suzie Cartreine was Director of Music and Organist at FPC from 2002 to 2011.
The suggested donation is $20–40. Donations will be accepted at Eventbrite, at the door, and at coffee hour on March 8 and March 15.
You can find find audio and video samples on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TurkeyHillRagtimeOrchestra
Game Night, Friday March 20, 7-9PM
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

 

Registered Democrats in Maynard will hold a caucus on March 21, 2026 to elect Delegates and Alternates to the 2026 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.
The caucus will be held March 21 at the Maynard Public Library, Roosevelt Room, 77 Nason Street, Maynard, Massachusetts. Doors open at 10:30am, we encourage attendees to arrive early. Everyone who arrives by 11:15 will be admitted.
Maynard can elect 8 Delegates and 4 Alternates to the Convention. The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Maynard.
We welcome any registered Maynard Democratic to run for one of the delegate seats.
Same-day voter registration will be available at the caucus - paper registration forms will be available and those who are interested should come a few minutes early. Any person who is not shown on the Democratic Party list must either provide proof of Party registration or preregistration or must register before the end of the caucus registration period.
Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are not elected as a Delegate or Alternate may apply to be an Add-on Delegate at the caucus or at 2026 Convention Add-on Application.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party’s 2026 Nominating Convention will be held in Worcester at the DCU Center on Friday and Saturday, May 29th and 30th, 2026. 

 

 

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

Revolutions and Banana Wars: US Intervention in Latin America from the Monroe Doctrine to the Cold War with Paolo Di Gregorio
Monday, February 23rd, 1:00-2:00pm            
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
For the last 200 years, the United States has had a complex, often controversial, relationship with our southern neighbors. Recent events in South America and the Caribbean illustrate that the story of this relationship is still unfolding. This illustrated talk examines the history of US involvement in the Americas, and the politics, economics, and ideologies that shaped the story. Paolo Di Gregorio is a historian, archaeologist and educator. He is a Visiting Lecturer in the History Department at Bridgewater State University, and his passion for telling stories of our past is enthusiastically received by Acton’s older adults!

Generate Hope for a Good Future Workshop via Zoom
Tuesday, February 24th, 1:00-2:00pm                                                               
Open to all age 60+/free
Hope can uplift and motivate us while we navigate challenges, uncertainty, and unpredictability. Join Dr. Miriam Rosalyn Diamond to take steps toward envisioning a better future through inspiration, a growth mindset, maps, receiving and providing support. Participate via Zoom from home or via a large screen TV with others at the Senior Center. Register: seniorcenter@actonma.gov or 987-929-6652. Miriam Rosalyn Diamond, PhD, is an educator, program developer, and inclusion specialist. She teaches adult education and college classes on lifespan development, friendship, and ethical awareness.

LitLovers Study Group/Masterpieces of Short Fiction: The Rocking-Horse Winner
Tuesday, February 24th, 2:30-4:00pm                                                              
Open to all age 60+/free
The group views a 30-minute lecture from The Great Courses: Masterpieces of Short Fiction, followed by a vibrant discussion on the lecture, the featured story and the author. This month’s story is The Rocking-Horse Winner by D.H. Lawrence. Short stories have the unique ability to deliver a powerful emotional impact within a concise format, and we are studying some of the best! Upcoming authors include Flannery O’Connor, James Baldwin, John Updike, and Margaret Atwood. If you need a copy of the story, pick up at reception or contact facilitator Chris Chirokas at cchirokas@actonma.gov to have a digital copy emailed.

Dinner with Doug
Tuesday, February 24th, 4:30pm                                                                                     
Acton 60+ only
We will be having chicken kabobs with tzatziki sauce, rice pilaf, vegetables, pita bread and dessert. Please sign up prior to the event.  $5.00 is requested.
Greatest Love Songs of All Time Part 2 Presentation
Thursday, February 26th, 1:00-2:00pm                  
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
Join John Clark to reminisce to the sound of these beloved romantic songs, from lighthearted twenties tunes like Side by Side and I Can’t Give You Anything but Love to more serious standards like All of Me and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Hey, I’ll bet you a plug nickel that you remember slow dancing to these 1950s favorites: the doo-wop classic I Only Have Eyes for You and a familiar hit song Play Misty for Me. Or how about Rosemary Clooney’s sweet and lovely Tenderly that became a jazz standard and Old Black Magic that got a musical makeover on the lively Louis Prima & Keely Smith version? Other performers and recording artists include the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Kay Starr, Cliff Edwards, Diane Krall, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Bobby Vinton, Louis Armstrong, Gene Autry, Art Garfunkel, The Beatles and more! It’s the month for Valentines so come and take a sentimental musical stroll down Memory Lane! Prior to a career as a high school and adult education teacher, John Clark worked in music publishing in Nashville. He enjoys sharing his passion for music with senior centers and senior residences.

Join the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge!
Looking for guidance on selecting what to read, a new genre to try or just motivation to read more? The Acton Council on Aging is partnering with the non-profit Massachusetts Center for the Book to foster a love of reading throughout 2026! Each month offers a prompt for what to read—the prompt for February is book outside your usual genre or spin the wheel to select a genre on the Mass Center for the Book website. Other prompts include a short story or essay collection and an adult classic you have never read. Participants are welcome to submit the title read each month to Massachusetts Center for the Book to qualify for prizes. Participate as little or as much as you desire. For more information or to sign up to receive the reading challenge newsletter, go to https://www.massbook.org/ and scroll down to Reading Challenge. The site also offers book recommendations for each month’s prompt.

19 Carter Street, Berlin

Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5

Monday: A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Turn off your TV and stop by for 2 hours of pleasant tea and pleasantries, pastries with good company, and no politics!
Tuesday: Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday: Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: Office Hours with Melissa (Director of the Berlin COA) 10 – 11am (Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday: Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday: Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Thursday: Afternoon Games 2 - 4pm
Friday: Open Art Studio & Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday: Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday: Social 10am - 1pm
Office Hours w Senator Kennedy’s team Every second Wednesday of the month at 11am – 12pm

Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2026

Monday, February 23, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Friday, February 27, 7:30pm | The Jazz Club feat. Mark Russell
Come by for a casual evening at The Jazz Club and be energized with music by the talented violinist and singer Mark Russell! Tickets: $10 at 19Carter.org

Saturday, February 28, 7:30pm til whenever | House Show
A casual night of music for 20- & 30-yr-olds
$10 or pay what you can. Learn more at 19Carter.org

Our building at 353 Great Road, Stow is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is free parking.
Services every Sunday at 10AM
For more information about these services, or to download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.

Learning from Ten Years of Local Climate Work to Plan for the Next Ten, Tuesday, February 24, 7PM
Join representative of four towns to learn about progress and plans to protect our climate. Senator Jamie Eldridge will be present to offer the view from Beacon Hill.
Stow, Acton, Maynard, and Hudson have each made progress in combatting climate change and reducing global warming. We need to learn about what each town has accomplished and future plans so we can support one another. Bring your questions! Our efforts must continue if we are to be successful. Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton at 353 Great Rd in Stow.

Carnival Games - Winter Games Fest, Saturday, February 28, Noon to 4PM
Stow, MA, Saturday February 28th – An afternoon of indoor fun for the whole family will take place in Stow on Saturday February 28th from noon to 4 p.m. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will offer carnival games, face painting, and snacks and beverages. The carnival games take place from noon to 4pm.
Admission is free, carnival game tickets are $1 each, and the cost to play a game is 1 ticket.

We have over three dozen carnival games. including a life-size "whack-a-mole", pop bottle standup, plinko, life size tetris, and an "impossible" giant slidey puzzle. Many of the games are life size wooden games built by FPC members and youth. There are games with different levels of difficulty for kids from age 2 to adults young at heart. We will have stuffed animal prizes (every child goes home with at least 1 prize). Popcorn, cookies, lemonade and more will be available for purchase.
Parent/guardian supervision is required during the carnival games. Email dre@fpc-stow-acton.org with any questions about the event. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Maynard Hometown Heroes Banners are flown with an American Flag.  Many of our American Flags have have been flying for 5 years for 6 months of each year. We needed to retire a lot of them this past year due to fading and damage. We are asking for your help to replace at least 75 of them. The 46 KIA banners and flags were our first ones up downtown. Those and many others are in need of replacing, as well as about 20 flag poles that have been broken. We now have over 130 total banners hanging throughout our town. Our goal is to raise $4000 or more to get as many flags as we can so they all are waving beautifully. There are towns around us that only hang the banner with no flag. We hope you feel the same way as we do, the American Flags really make the banners stand out honoring our veterans. To donate, please make your check to: Town of Maynard, with Hometown Heroes fundraiser in the memo - send to: Town of Maynard, c/o Town Administrators Office, 195 Main Street, Maynard, MA 01754. If you have any questions, please contact kim.lalli@comcast.net. Thank you for your consideration in supporting this project.

 

• What actions have others taken?
• What should be done to get more residents engaged?
• How important is energy affordability?
• What encourages or discourages people from acting?

 

" Henry Knox’s Trek from Ticonderoga: Myths, Realities,
and Results for Boston” with J. L. Bell
Thursday, February 26th 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Acton Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Room 204

In early 1776, the young Continental Army colonel Henry Knox moved dozens of heavy cannons and mortars from Lake Champlain to the siege lines around Boston; one of the most famous stories from the Revolutionary War. And like many famous stories, it embodies a fair amount of legend and lore. This talk sorts out what we know, what we only think we know, and what we should know about how Knox brought this “noble train of artillery” that helped to make all Massachusetts independent.

J. L. Bell maintains the Boston1775.net website, offering daily helpings of history, analysis, and unabashed gossip about Revolutionary New England. He is the author of “The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War.” John is working on a new book about the difficult first year of the Continental artillery force.

Remote Participation: You can watch live on YouTube at Acton TV
http://tinyurl.com/Acton-TV. Recordings will be available at Acton TV https://actontv.org/and on our website https://www.actonma.gov/250 where
you’ll find all programming information and a link to our commemorative store.

 

CONCORD, MA – Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members. DVSN advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 partner communities.

The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The March 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on March 2 through
March 20: Monday and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised fieldtraining at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.

DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

 

The Active Minds Club at ABRHS is sponsoring the local Out of Darkness Walk on April 11th. Registration starts at 9am and the walk begins at 10am. Please consider sponsoring  by March 2nd for a table at the walk or up to the date of the walk for individual donations.  Information at the bottom of this article.
AFSP: Bringing Hope and Preventing Suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is at the forefront of the fight against suicide, working to save lives through research, education, advocacy, and support. Founded in 1987, AFSP has grown into a nationwide organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and providing resources for those in need.
One of AFSP’s most well-known initiatives is the Out of the Darkness Walks, which bring communities together to support suicide prevention efforts. The organization also funds critical research to better understand the causes of suicide and offers programs like Talk Saves Lives to educate the public on recognizing warning signs.
AFSP provides vital support for survivors of suicide loss, connecting them with compassionate resources and peer networks. Through advocacy, the foundation pushes for stronger mental health policies and crisis intervention services.
With suicide being a major public health issue, AFSP’s mission is more important than ever. Please consider donating to AFSP through ABRHS Active Minds Club. Go to afsp.org/acton for directions to donate or contact Karen Farrar at kfarrar@abschools.org or Brittany Dauphinais at bdauphinais@abschools.org. You can also scan the QR code in the flyer for details.

On Sunday, March 1, Acton-Boxborough Community Compass will host its first-ever Community Baby Shower at the Acton-Boxborough Resource Center (15 Charter Road, Acton) from 1:00–3:00 PM.
Designed for expecting parents and families with babies under one year old who live in Acton or Boxborough, the event aims to connect families with local resources, build community, and celebrate new beginnings.
The free event will feature local partner organizations sharing information about programs and supports available to families, along with experts on topics such as infant sleep, nutrition, breastfeeding, and postpartum wellness. Families will also be able to browse free maternity and baby clothing, diapers, wipes, and baby gear available through the Resource Center.
The Community Baby Shower is made possible through grant support from Emerson Health, whose partnership helps expand access to both clinical and non-clinical supports for families during the critical first year of a child’s life.
In addition to resource tables and educational sessions, the afternoon will include light refreshments and small touches of celebration and care — reinforcing the event’s focus on connection and community.
Acton-Boxborough Community Compass operates the AB Resource Center, which provides free clothing, essentials, and navigation support to residents of Acton and Boxborough. The organization is funded almost entirely by local donations and business sponsorships — truly “from AB, for AB.”
Register for the Community Baby Shower at: bit.ly/AB-Baby

 

 

• The purchase of 984 Massachusetts Avenue as the site for a new Fire Station
• Funding for design plans for the proposed new station

The League of Women Voters - Acton Area invites you to attend the inaugural event sponsored by the ‘Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative Fund’ to raise awareness and stimulate dialogue on Immigration Policy at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
This discussion will be led by immigration attorney Antonio Massa Viana, whose passion for service and civil rights motivated him to create this opportunity to reflect on the impact of current immigration policies.  He will explain the complexities of immigration law, share stories of current immigration enforcement practices, and identify possible reforms leading to a new system based on our shared values of freedom and justice for all!  The information presented by Atty Viana will help us to better understand the current national conflict on immigration.
Please come, listen, inquire, learn, participate in this discussion and together let’s wrestle with the question of what immigration policy should look like!
The event will take place on Saturday, Feb, 28, 2026 from 2 to 3:30 PM EST at the Acton Town Hall, Rm 204.  The event is free and open to the public.  It will be televised on Acton TV or you can participate interactively via Zoom.  In case of a snow emergency, the forum will take place entirely on Zoom.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state and national government. The League develops positions on issues, but does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.
 Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information about the League.

  On Saturday, February 28, at 1 p.m., Boxborough Democrats will convene in person in the Sargent Memorial Library meeting room, 427 Massachusetts Ave, to elect four delegates and four alternates to represent Boxborough at the 2026 State Democratic Party’s Nominating Convention. Registration opens at 12:30 p.m.
  Registered and pre-registered Boxborough Democrats who are 16 years old by February 19, 2026 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Disabled, Underrepresented Racial and Ethnic Groups, Veteran, Youth (16 to 35 years old), and LGBTQ+ community members not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/caucus.
  The 2026 Convention will be in-person at the DCU Center on Friday and Saturday, May 29th and 30th. Delegates and alternates from across the state will gather at the convention to nominate and endorse Democratic candidates for state constitutional offices and the U.S. Senate.
  Those interested in getting involved with the Boxborough Democratic Town Committee should contact Chairperson Abby Reip at boxborough.dtc@gmail.com or 978-490-5343. For additional information, visit boxboroughdems.org or facebook.com/BoxboroughDTC.

If you’re a local business owner, you’re juggling many priorities: growing revenue, managing expenses, supporting your team and planning for your own future. What if one tool could help with all these goals?
A workplace retirement plan might be that solution and can, directly or indirectly, offer benefits that extend beyond simple savings.
Double the tax advantages. Starting a retirement plan can deliver immediate tax advantages. For the business, employer contributions are tax-deductible. And as a participant in your company plan, your pretax salary deferrals are excluded from income taxes; your investments within the plan are tax-deferred until distributed. Many plans now offer Roth options that allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
Local businesses may also qualify for federal tax credits that help offset startup costs, employee education expenses and plan administration fees. Additional credits may be available for auto-enrollment features and employer contributions made during the plan’s first five years.
A competitive edge in hiring. In today’s labor market, offering a retirement plan can differentiate your business from competitors and help improve employee retention.
Many plans also provide access to financial education tools and resources, helping your employees make informed decisions about saving, investing and planning for retirement. This support can lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity, contributing to a positive work environment for your business.
More flexible than state-sponsored options. If you live in a state requiring an employee retirement program, you might be considering a state-sponsored plan. While these programs can provide a starting point, they typically offer fewer investment options, lower contribution limits and limited design flexibility.
Establishing your own workplace retirement plan lets you customize features for your business needs to control administrative costs, set contribution limits and offer employees a wide range of investment options. This added control in plan design can lead to better outcomes for your business and your employees.
Reducing a hidden risk in your own retirement planning. Business owners often have as much as 80% of their net worth tied up in their businesses, according to the Exit Planning Institute. While that demonstrates commitment to success, it also creates significant financial risk to the owner.
Relying solely on a future business sale to fund your retirement can be precarious. Market shifts, timing challenges or limited buyer interest could derail those plans. By building personal assets through your employer-sponsored retirement plan, you can gain financial flexibility and reduce the risk of having your retirement lifestyle depend entirely on one event.
Getting started. With various retirement plan options available, determining which one fits your business best can feel overwhelming.
A qualified financial advisor can help you navigate these decisions, explaining the trade-offs between different plan types and identifying which option best suits your unique situation. They can also help you understand eligibility requirements and ensure the plan you choose aligns with your business goals and personal financial objectives.
Starting a workplace retirement plan represents an investment in your future, your employees and the long-term success of your business.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA. (978) 841-5800.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) is hosting the fifteenth Annual Comedy Night Benefit, featuring the area’s most popular and talented comedians on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Hudson Portuguese Club, 13 Port Street in Hudson. The event, being held in support of the ARC of Marlborough, will include lots of laughs, food, and raffle prizes. The ARC has been serving the local community for over fifty years, since 1972, and relies on fundraising and donations to provide its services.

Entertainers at the Comedy Night Benefit include popular comedians Mark Riley, Sam Pelletier, and Ethan Cannon. Hosting the evening is Dave Rattigan. 

Regular host Dave Rattigan performed last year in Dublin, Ireland, and he’s also performed in Japan, at Fenway Park, The Cape Cod Melody Tent, South Shore Music Circus, a lumberyard, the lobby of an ad agency, a library, and several parking lots. “There’s nothing funny about the way he looks, until he gives that deadpan look of his,” popular blogger Ralph Fatello (RalphsPic.com) wrote. “His outward appearance is something out of a mature GQ magazine.  He looks like a cross between a semi hip banker, and your mild-mannered father-in-law …. Dave is the master of completely dismantling himself in front of a crowd of strangers.  I’m always torn as to whether I should console him, or just laugh my ass off like everyone else ….” His stand-up has been played on SiriusXM Radio, he’s performed on the syndicated Steve Katsos Show, and he’s been featured on television commercials on NESN. He’s a regular at the Hampton Beach (NH) and Cotuit comedy festivals and is part of the Ranting Parents Comedy Tour.

Mark Riley is an energetic Boston headliner with a unique perspective on everyday situations. Riley was once a professional ice hockey referee (he spent a very short time in the NHL) who also ran a Gymboree. The former runner-up in the Boston Comedy Festival headlines in Boston as well as playing top rooms in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Atlantic City. Among those he’s performed with are Steven Wright, Joe Rogan and Lenny Clarke. He headlines colleges and corporate shows as well and has worked as an actor in commercials, industrial films, and a hockey-themed comedic web series. He also hosts the podcast Chirping Zebras.

Sam Pelletier has been bringing his unique blend of observation and relatability to audiences for over a decade. Originally from the (somewhat) great state of Maine, Sam won the Cellar on Treadwell Competition in 2023, and was a finalist in the New England’s Funniest Comedian Competition of 2021. He opened for national headliners including Shane Torres, Joe Bartnick, and Alex Edleman. Sam has been featured in the Boston Comedy Festival, Maine Comedy Festival, and Mutiny Radio Comedy Festival in San Francisco. His hobbies include hiking and being a good listener.

Ethan Cannon performs stand-up nightly around Boston and New England, at venues ranging from Off Cabot Comedy Club, the Comedy Studio, Don't Tell Comedy, and Improv Asylum. He recently performed in the Boston Comedy Festival as well as Last Comix Standing at Mohegan Sun's Comix Roadhouse.

Doors open for the event at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Food is available for purchase. Coffee and desserts are complimentary. For further information on sponsorships, program ads, tickets or table reservations, call the ARC office at 508-485-4357. Tables of 10 ($350) and individual tickets ($35) should be purchased in advance at the ARC. Chairing the planning for the event are Tracey Gustafson, and Christine Sacco.

The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) ranks as one of the most respected and active recovery service resources in Middlesex County.  As a nonprofit organization, the ARC provides individualized referral services, Recovery Coach appointments and daily peer-support meetings at no cost to those seeking recovery from substance use disorder. To donate to the ARC or sponsor the 15th Annual Comedy Night Benefit please call the ARC (508-485-4357) or go to the website at www.theaddictionreferralcenter.org/2026-comedy

 

Intrigued by the sport of curling? Now’s your chance to watch a national curling event in Massachusetts. Curling, an Olympic sport, continues to draw interest and new fans across the Commonwealth. It’s a sport where women can participate on equal footing with men.
Broomstones Curling Club, located in Wayland, MA at 1 Curling Lane, is hosting the National Women's Bonspiel on February 19-22. Sponsored by the United States Women’s Curling Association, women from across the country representing 28 different curling clubs will challenge each other during a four-day bonspiel starting on Thursday, February 19th, with games also scheduled on Friday and Saturday, culminating with finals on Sunday, February 22nd.
Invited guests to the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. include Wayland Select Board Chair Carol Martin, State Rep. Carmine Gentile, USWCA President Ann Kirkpatrick, and Rich Collier, President of Broomstones Curling Club.
Though members of the public are welcome to come down to Broomstones to view the action in person, the games can also be streamed from home. Find more information, including teams, schedule, and the live game streams at the bonspiel's event page here: https://sites.google.com/broomstones.org/2026-uswca-nationals/home.
And for those interested in trying the sport, Broomstones will be hosting an Olympic Open House later this season. The club also offers limited ice rental opportunities for private groups throughout the season, subject to availability. Check the website for further details: https://broomstones.com.

 

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

The Town of Acton Human Services and Senior Center will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of President’s Day


Solar, Heat Pumps, and Electric Bills, Oh My!
Tuesday, February 17th, 1:00-2:00pm                                               
Open to all/free
Join the Acton Sustainability Office to learn how to lower your short and long-term energy costs by investing in energy efficiency and clean energy. Explore different avenues for home energy system upgrades such as heat pumps and solar, learn about available incentives, and get a few easy tips on how to reduce your fossil fuel use with electric supply options like Acton Power Choice. We will also discuss how to protect yourself from common energy scams and ensure you’re paying the lowest cost for your electricity. Feel free to bring your bills and come with questions! Of course, snacks will be provided.  Register here: https://forms.gle/g1gDypgKq3Uggoaw9 or with the Council on Aging. Questions? Email Sustainability@actonma.gov

Reflexology Appointments with Rebecca Howard
Tuesday, February 17th, 3:00-4:30pm                          
Acton age 60+ only
Reflexology is a complementary health therapy involving applying gentle pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, and ears to promote relaxation and promote healing and balance in other parts of the body. Curious how reflexology can help you? Contact the Council on Aging to make an 25-minute appointment with reflexologist Rebecca Howard, and let us know if you must cancel.

Golden Rainbow & Friends Social Hour
Wednesday, February 18th, 2:00-3:00pm                                                     
Open to all age 60+/free
People in the LGBTQ+ community and friends/allies are warmly welcome to this social hour facilitated by Rainbow Coordinator Rosie Latto. This month’s topic is projected to be a presentation of Boston's queer history. Refreshments served. Please reach out to Chris Chirokas at the COA with any questions: cchirokas@actonma.gov or 978-929-6652.

Words Galore via Zoom                                                           
Thursdays, February 19th through March 12th, 9:00-9:55am
Open to all age 60+/free  
Val Walker’s winter session of Words Galore will meet for four weeks via Zoom for fun and lively word play and brain twisters—a logophile’s paradise! Learn new words, explore the history of old words and delve into the origins of words. Enjoy limericks, riddles, famous quotes, puns, and fascinating trivia about trendy words. Play guessing games with the dictionary and words-within-word games. Contact the COA at seniorcenter@actonma.gov to receive the Zoom link. Val Walker, MS, is an educator, blogger and author. She offers her wordplay and poetry classes at many Senior Centers and enjoys sparking our wits and encouraging lighthearted banter—and fun!

Housing Options for Older Adults with Attorney Dale Tamburro
Thursday, February 19th, 1:00-2:30pm                                                            
Open to all age 60+/free
Join Attorney Dale Tamburro to explore ways estate planning can help you stay in your home and the financial/legal ramifications of the housing choices you make. He will discuss what to do if you want to age in place, how to protect your home from creditors and nursing homes, whether staying at home is the right option, how you should/could own your home, determining if you have enough money (liquidity) to age in place, the financial and personal benefits of staying at home, tying your home options into an estate plan, pulling equity from your home, and long-term care protections of your home. Bring your questions!


 

More than 100 children and youth from Acton and Boxborough received new athletic shoes and socks during a community sneaker event held January 20, 2026.
The event was hosted by Acton-Boxborough Community Compass (ABCC) in partnership with Operation Warm and McGovern Subaru of Acton. Families selected brand-new sneakers in a wide range of sizes and styles, while volunteers staffed activity stations, served food, and supported families throughout the afternoon.
Organizers said the initiative addressed an often-overlooked need. Access to properly fitting footwear can affect a child’s comfort, health, participation in school activities, and overall confidence. For some families, replacing sneakers during the winter months presents financial challenges.
Acton-Boxborough Community Compass mobilizes local resources and partnerships to strengthen health, education, and financial stability across the two towns. The sneaker event reflected that mission by meeting a practical need in a way that preserved dignity and fostered connection. Collaboration among nonprofit partners, local business, and volunteers made the event possible.
Acton-Boxborough Community Compass welcomes interest from community members and businesses seeking to support future initiatives, access resources, or learn more about its work through the ABCC Resource Center

Join Us for a Mardi Gras Pancake Supper!
Date: February 17th, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Rd, Acton MA
Cost: Free

Bring the whole family for a fun and festive evening on February 17th from 5:30–7:30pm! Enjoy a free, family-friendly event filled with games, crafts, music, and more.
Everyone is welcome, and there’s something for all ages. We’d love for you to join us!
For more information and to RSVP, please visit https://www.actonc.org/post/mardi-gras-pancake-supper


Skills For Disagreeing Better: A Braver Angels Presentation
Date: February 25th at 7:00pm
Location: Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Rd, Acton MA
Cost: Free

What if disagreement didn’t have to feel so hard?
Join us on February 25th at 7:00pm for Skills for Disagreeing Better, a Braver Angels presentation with practical tools for listening, speaking up, and finding common ground. Come build better conversation skills with us!
RSVP & details: https://www.actonc.org/post/skills-for-disagreeing-better