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
The Apartment
Monday, March 16th, 1:00-3:05 pm
(1960) In this Billy Wilder comedy, a Manhattan insurance clerk tries to advance his career by letting executives use his apartment for trysts, but office politics and his own romantic hopes complicate matters. Stars Shirley MacLaine, Jack Lemmon and Fred MacMurray. Oscar for Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Editing, and Art Direction. Lemmon and MacLaine received nominations for their performances. This film is shown in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library.

Hearing Screening Appointments with Audiologist Megan Ford
Tuesday, March 17th, 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 offers monthly screenings at the Senior Center!

SPECIAL MOVIE DAY--Tuesday Movie Matinee
Four Letters of Love
Tuesday, March 17th, 1:00-2:50pm
(2024) The paths cross of two young people whose lives are very different but both marked by tragedy. Drama based on the bestselling novel by Niall Williams stars Helena Bonham Carter, Gabriel Byrne, Pierce Brosnan, Ann Skelly, and Fionn O’Shea. Set in 1970s Ireland. This film is shown in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library.

Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
Tuesday, March 17th, 4:30-6:00pm                                   
Open to all caregivers of older adults/free
Caregivers of older adults, please join Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, for this group that meets via Zoom and offers practical and emotional support. New participants always welcome! The challenging work of caregiving may leave you feeling stretched thin, which may cause feelings of exhaustion and isolation. Julie ensures safe, non-judgmental settings where members can share and learn from one another and witnesses the strong bonds that develop between members. If you are new to the group, please sign up with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov. Funded by an Executive Office of Aging & Independence grant. Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, and MSc, is an adjunct Professor at Regis College. She is the founder of Help My Aging Parents. 

Visit with Sophia Darsch from Acton’s Sustainability Office
Wednesday, March 18th, 11:00am to 12:30pm                          
Open to all
Do you have questions about: home energy updates; Mass Save incentives & rebates; heat pumps, weatherization and energy-saving devices; cost-savings and energy bills? Stop by the Senior Center for drop-in office hours with Sophia from the town of Acton Sustainability Office. Bring your questions, your utility bills or just come to learn more about your energy- and cost-saving options. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please contact sdarsch@acton-ma.gov.

Acton Songsters with Ed Knights
Wednesday, March 18th, 1:00-1:45pm                                      
Open to all age 60+/free
Join Ed Knights for this group that sings familiar popular songs and learns the mechanics of singing. Don’t worry about your level of singing—the group is open to anyone interested in singing. Lyrics provided. Sign up with the COA if you are new to the group. After his career as an internal medicine physician at Acton Medical Associates, Ed became an avid volunteer in the community and enjoys sharing his love of music and singing. He has studied voice at the Boston Conservatory and performs in musicals and operas.

Irish-Themed Line Dancing Party with Paul Hughes
Wednesday, March 18th, 2:30-3:30pm                 
Open to all 60+/free
Paul will be teaching some line dancing steps with an Irish twist in this fun dance party in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Paul will be donning a leprechaun hat so join him by wearing green or accessorizing! No experience necessary. Paul Hughes is a line and ballroom dance instructor and teaches at various senior, recreation, and community centers throughout MetroWest Boston.

Monthly Breakfast
Friday, March 20th, 9:00am                                                                                         
Acton 60+ only
Join us for a warm, plentiful breakfast! Typically, French toast, eggs, fruit, bacon and or sausages are prepared by chef Veteran Services Officer James MacRae. Cost is $3.00. Fruit is kindly provided by Life Care of Acton. Sign up is required.

Ukulele Play Along Monthly Series
Friday, March 20th, 10:00-11:00am          
Open to out-of-towners age 60+ if space available/free
If you know the basics of playing the ukulele, join Julie Stepanek for a monthly play along! After a short review and Q&A, participants will play some fun and easy songs because one learns to play the ukulele by playing the ukulele! Group will typically meet on the third Friday each month but watch the newsletter for dates. Sign up if you are new to this monthly series and indicate whether you will bring your own ukulele or use one provided by Julie. Please let the Council on Aging know if you are not continuing. This program is supported by a grant from the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Barre Fitness Class with Jen Walsh
Tuesdays, March 3rd through 31st, 8:30-9:15am
Barre is a full-body, low-impact workout set to upbeat music that blends elements from a variety of exercise styles including ballet, Pilates and asana from yoga. Barre focuses on building lean muscle tone by utilizing light resistance and body weight exercises. Participants of all levels will benefit from this challenging, accessible workout. Bring a mat to each class; the Center has some available if needed. Some find knee pads helpful for floor work. Jen Walsh teaches at Revolution Community Yoga + Fitness in Acton. She is certified in Modern Barre, Core Mat 1 Power Pilates, is trained as a yoga instructor, and has experience teaching older adults.

Zumba Gold with Yachun Lin
Thursdays, March 5th through Thursday April 2nd, 8:30-9:20am
Zumba Gold is a fun cardio class with low-impact movements that are gentle on your joints. Each class focuses on building strength, cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, and flexibility and is set to upbeat music. All levels welcome. Yachun Lin is a certified Zumba Gold instructor with experience teaching older adults.

Total Body Fitness with Heidi Clermont
Fridays, March 13th through April 3rd, 8:30-9:20am
Total Body Fitness is a dynamic, upbeat class that focuses primarily on standing exercises, with some seated movements, to engage the entire body. Emphasizing mobility, strength, balance, flexibility and endurance, this class provides a well-rounded workout that incorporates bodyweight movements, free weights, resistance bands and other tools. It offers a challenging and effective way to improve overall fitness in a wonderful group environment. Heidi Clermont is a certified Senior Fitness and Group Fitness Instructor with experience teaching a variety of classes to older adults.
 

“ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER WEDNESDAY”
“All are Welcome.”

Are you eager for Spring? It’s coming. We just need to be patient at this time of year. Please join us each week to keep warm.  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 – 5:30pm 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.


March 2026 Menu

3/4         Mediterranean Chicken
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Elohim Sisterhood

3/11       Roast Pork Tenderloin
                       Sponsored by United Christ Church of Boxborough

3/18       Our St Patrick’s Day Shepherd’s Pie
    Sponsored by Faith Evangelical Free Church

3/25       Herb Roasted Chicken
    Sponsored by St John Evangelical Lutheran Church
     
** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.

We all wish for the coming of Spring. But do take care should snow and cold reappear. Looking forward to seeing you all for laughter and friendship. Remember, if the schools are closed due to snow this month, there will be no Supper.

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

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.
Sunday, March 15th, 2026
"Creativity, Labor, & Ethics -- AI!"
10 AM
Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum
Often in our spring auction, Rev. Cindy auctions off a sermon topic to be chosen by the highest bidder.  This year's topic is about Artificial Intelligence and the nature of creativity.  What is creativity?  Is AI truly creative?  Is it ethical to use AI?  What does AI tell us about the importance and value of human labor?  In short, what is "intelligence" and what is "human"?  Rev. Cindy's delighted to explore this topic, and may or may not use AI to help her write the sermon...
Join Worship by Video: https://tinyurl.com/fpcstow
Meeting ID: 999 7077 0266
Passcode: 01775
Sunday, March 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! The suggested donation is $20–40. Donations will be accepted at Eventbrite, at the door,
You can find audio and video samples on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TurkeyHillRagtimeOrchestra
Friday March 20, 7-9PM
Game Night,
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.

Join the Maynard Tree Committee, the Maynard Tree Corps, and the Maynard Department of Public Works for an Arbor Day celebration at Memorial Park on Saturday, April 25, featuring a dedication of our Downtown Arboretum—a newly accredited, street‑based collection of primarily native trees that enhances Maynard’s civic spaces, supports local wildlife, improves air quality, and serves as a living classroom with educational tags and interpretive signage. Enjoy coffee and pastries from Gilly’s Throwback Snacks (donated by Smith & Finley Homes) from 9:30–10:00 AM, hear guest speakers including Mike Stevens at 10:00 AM, watch a tree‑planting demonstration at 10:30 AM, and pick up your free tree at 11:00 AM. Reserve your tree here: https://forms.gle/6mfZQ2qfB6UKuCrh7. Questions? Email Lizza Smith at Lizza@kw.com. We’d love to see you there!

   Since 2014 Boxborough has been part of the Acton Boxborough Region School District for all grades.  But what about the 230 years before that?  How were Boxborough children educated? When did education become compulsory? How many one room school houses still exist in town? Who built the Blanchard School? How did the Acton Boxborough Regional School District first come about? On Sunday March 22 at 2 p.m. in the Boxborough Town Hall, John Fallon, a two term past member of both the Boxborough and Acton Boxborough School Committees, will discuss 230 years of Boxborough education. The program is free and all are welcome. 

Join us for a lively night of good food and entertainment and lend your support to the Acton Food Pantry at our signature fundraiser this year, Season of Change, held at The Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton on April 14th.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  Our event features tastings from exceptional local chefs from The Barn at Gibbet Hill, Season to Taste, 80 Thoreau, Puritan & Company, Salt Box Kitchen, Adelita and Silver Girl.  Renowned comedian Jimmy Tingle is our emcee, auctioneer, and entertainer for the evening!

An online auction is also part of this fundraising event, running from April 1-14 with over 100 items donated from area businesses and community members to bid on.  In addition, Jimmy Tingle is overseeing a live auction for attendees only featuring weekends on Cape Cod and Vermont, sports tickets, and more!  We are fortunate to have many generous businesses and individuals supporting the food pantry this year by sponsoring the event.  See our list of sponsors, auction items (coming soon) and other event information on our webpage www.chefchallenge.org.

 

When you open a retirement account or buy life insurance, you are asked to name a beneficiary. It may feel like routine paperwork, but this choice can shape your family’s future in powerful ways.

Many people forget about their beneficiary forms after they sign them, but these instructions can override your will. If they are outdated, your money could go to someone you didn't intend, creating what experts call an accidental inheritance.

When life changes — through marriage, divorce, children or the loss of a loved one — it's a good time to review your choices.

You'll also want to be cautious about naming minors as beneficiaries because the court would need to get involved.

And for family members with special needs, improperly naming a beneficiary could jeopardize that person’s eligibility to receive government benefits.

Take time today to add beneficiary designations if you haven't already, or to confirm that your beneficiary designations still reflect your wishes.

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

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Happy (almost) Spring!  My outdoor thermometer is showing 68 degrees now!
     Please check our website (above) for information about our furniture bank.  There are links to donate $$ through PayPal and Venmo.  You can find our hours of operation, what we take and do not take, information about what we do, and lots more.
     This week we still need:
Queen sheet sets, queen and full-size blankets & comforters, bath mats & shower liners and bath towels.  In the kitchen department we need large skillets and large pots, food storage containers, mixing & serving bowls, pot holders, measuring spoons & cups, non-slotted & slotted spoons, can openers, cutting boards, strainers, baking sheets, and silverware.  We are low on artwork to dress up our clients’ new homes.  We always need box springs and mattresses, and rugs and dining tables.  You can bring non-furniture items to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson from 9-noon Tuesday and Thursday and from 8:30-noon on Saturdays with furniture donations from 8:30-10:30 Saturday.
     We help a lot of families, thanks to donations from people like you.  Donations do not have to be new (but that’s great if they are!) but they need to be in good shape for us to give to our clients.
   Thank you!

On Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9 – 1, Memorial Congregational Church is hosting its Spring electronics recycling and document shredding event.

The event is open to all communities and will be held rain or shine.  At the electronics recycling truck, prices vary from $25-50 for a TV, $15 for a laptop computer, $15-25 for a computer monitor, $5-$40 for appliances, and $5 for a box of electric cords.  Workers will remove the items from your vehicle and place them in the recycling truck which is operated by a state-licensed electronic recycling company who will properly dispose of all items. They will accept ANYTHING WITH A CORD OR BATTERY (including washing machines, air conditioners, space heaters, treadmills, etc.) as well as propane tanks, any type of battery, printer ink cartridges, and toner cartridges.

The fee for shredding is just $9 per copy paper box or brown grocery bag.  A volunteer will remove your boxes or bags of documents from your car and your documents will be shredded on-site.  The truck is equipped with closed-circuit TV so you can actually watch the shredding if you wish. Personal and business documents of any type may be shredded.

You may pay by cash, check, or VENMO.

MCC is located at 26 Concord Road, just across from Goodnow Library in Sudbury. For more information, please email recycling@MCCSudbury.org  or call 978-443-3885.

 

BOSTON, MA — Women's Money Matters, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that empowers women and girls living on low incomes to improve their financial health, is seeking volunteer coaches and presenters across Eastern Massachusetts to support a surge in demand for its free financial wellness programs. The nonprofit is recruiting volunteers in Middlesex, Suffolk, Essex, and Norfolk Counties as recent federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid have left thousands of Massachusetts families without critical safety net support. In Massachusetts, nearly 1 in 9 women live in poverty, and for women of color, that number climbs to 1 in 5. Recent federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid have compounded that stress.
Women's Money Matters offers free, group-based financial wellness programs that combine financial health workshops, peer support, and personalized one-to-one coaching. WMM's programs don't just provide financial concepts. They build the confidence and habits that lead to lasting change. It's not just about knowing how to manage money, but ultimately gaining confidence and feeling in control of your financial life.
Central to that model is the one-to-one coaching relationship. Each participant is paired with a dedicated volunteer coach for the duration of the three-month program: someone who shows up every week, learns their specific goals and challenges, and provides consistent, personalized support that a classroom setting alone cannot offer. Coaches are not required to have a financial background. Their role is to listen, encourage, and help participants stay accountable to the goals they set for themselves.
Alongside coaches, volunteer presenters bring subject matter expertise into the workshops themselves. Presenters share their knowledge in a single, 90-minute workshop—perfect for busy professionals who want to give back but can't commit to an ongoing volunteer role. Topics range from building credit to protecting against fraud to retirement planning.

The Impact: Real Results, Real Change
WMM's financial wellness programs produce measurable, life-changing outcomes. Among Financial Futures graduates:

• 254% average increase in savings—from $264 at program start to $934 at completion
• 26% average increase in monthly income—from $2,072 to $2,601
• 40+ point average credit score increase
• 96% of graduates feel confident managing their finances at program completion
• 100% report using a budget to manage their expenses—up from just 20% at program start

Join 417 volunteers who contributed more than 14,000 hours to WMM last year and help grow that impact!

Upcoming Information Sessions
Register now to learn more about volunteer opportunities:

• March 16 | 12:00–1:00 PM
  • Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/k-VWOZqURd-KjMsVx7tEtA
• April 14 | 6:30–7:30 PM
  • Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WtEQSFgGTQq0H7vnqg1fLQ
• May 13 | 7:00–8:00 PM
  • Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ujr996qFQZqvzNA24kbk_A

For a full list of upcoming information sessions, visit: womensmoneymatters.org/upcoming-programs/upcoming-info-sessions/
To express interest in volunteering, contact Ariana Contreras at acontreras@womensmoneymatters.org or visit womensmoneymatters.org/volunteer-opportunities/.

(128 Lowell Road – Westford) Sunday March 29th – 1PM
20 Easter Hams and 20 Turkeys raffled on a spin wheel
*Sirloin Strips, Prime Ribs and others are also being raffled off. Raffle tickets on sale at the event! $1500 Cash drawing as well! (Drawing tickets on sale now – see any Stony Brook member) Open to the public.
Food and beverages will also be available.

 

Hosted by Isaac Davis Toastmasters Club
"Ready to Speak with Confidence?"
There is nothing quite like the safe, supportive space of a Toastmasters club to find clarity in your thoughts, sharpen your message, and step boldly into your confident voice.
Event Details:
When: Monday, March 9 at 7:00 PM
Where: Acton Public Safety Facility, 371 Main Street, Acton
Cost: FREE for all guests
Why Join Us?
Whether you are preparing for professional presentations, upcoming interviews, community leadership, or simply want to express yourself more clearly, we provide the tools to help you succeed.
A Welcoming Environment: Experience a live meeting and participate at your own comfort level.
Structured Growth: See how practice and supportive feedback accelerate your leadership presence.
Local Community: Meet neighbors and members from the Acton and Littleton area.
FIND YOUR VOICE. LEAD WITH CONFIDENCE.
Learn more: 2193.toastmastersclubs.org
RSVP or Questions? Contact Peter Thompson:
Call/Text: 978-844-0188
Email: peterthompson711@gmail.com

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.

Friday, March 13, 5:30PM
Guest Table Community Dinner,
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.
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, March 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! The suggested donation is $20–40. Donations will be accepted at Eventbrite, at the door.

The League of Women Voters – Acton Area will host a moderated panel discussion on Zoom on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM EST. The event is free and open to the public.
Many people with disabilities face barriers to participating in Town Meeting. This webinar will explore those challenges and share practical strategies to remove obstacles and increase participation.
Expert panelists will cover (1) key requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for accessible public meetings; (2) how individuals can request reasonable accommodations; and (3) the process towns must follow to comply with the law. The panel will share various ways towns have successfully removed barriers, including using accessible venues, offering virtual options, hiring sign language interpreters, and providing closed captioning and large-print materials.
Panel members include Jeff Dougan, Assistant Director for Community Services, MA Office on Disability; Wanjiku Gachugi, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Town of Acton who also serves as the local ADA Coordinator; and Jo-Ann Berry, Town Moderator, Town of Acton and Director, League of Women Voters, Acton Area. The panel will be moderated by League member, Mary Ann Ashton.
Whether you are a dedicated Town Meeting attendee, a passionate advocate for broader civic engagement, or serve in a leadership role—such as Town Moderator, Special Educator, a member of a local Disability Commission, or a member of the Council on Aging—this session is designed for you. By attending, you will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster greater inclusivity and strengthen your community’s democratic process.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the change. Register today and help ensure every voice—regardless of ability—is heard at Town Meeting.
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. It has a long tradition of providing important voter information services, such as this webinar. Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information.
This event is part of the “Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative.”

CONCORD, MA, Jan. 26, 2026 – Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area (FWNHA) is inviting museums, cultural organizations, historical societies, libraries, land trusts, arts groups, and other organizations across its 45-community region to become partners in the 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, taking place throughout the month of May.

Hidden Treasures is an annual, month-long, region-wide celebration that highlights the people, places, stories, landscapes, and creative traditions that define this nationally designated Heritage Area. Participating organizations host free, public events or activities—such as guided walks, open houses, performances, exhibits, talks, or self-guided experiences—that showcase a “hidden treasure” in their community.

Participation is free, and partner organizations receive broad regional visibility through Freedom’s Way’s website, interactive event map, newsletters, print promotions, and mobile app. Mini-grants of up to $350 are available to help offset eligible program expenses.

Organizations within the Heritage Area’s 45 communities are encouraged to learn more and sign up at https://freedomsway.org/HTPartner or share questions/ideas tohiddentreasures@freedomsway.org .

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday March 15 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.

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate everything women have achieved and to honor their strength and resilience. It’s also a chance to have honest conversations about real-life challenges many women face.
One of these is the growing trend of divorce among those ages 50 and older, often called “gray divorce.” While finding yourself in this situation can feel overwhelming, it also can be an opportunity to reclaim your independence and create a life that reflects your dreams and values.
Today, one-third (36%) of divorcing adults are 50 or older (The Journals of Gerontology, 2022) and 77% of women who experienced gray divorce remain single 10 years after divorce ("Repartnering following gray divorce," 2019). While that might sound surprising, many women view this as a time to focus on goals, dreams and well-being without compromise.
Of course, there are financial realities to consider. Women older than 50 often experience a 45% drop in their standard of living after divorce (compared to 21% for men), and household income can fall by 23% to 40% in the first year ("The Economic Consequences of Gray Divorce for Women and Men," 2020). So, building financial confidence isn’t just important; it’s empowering.
If you are 50 or older and recently divorced, take the following steps with your financial advisor. You don’t have to do it all at once; small steps can help lead to greater financial security over time. Find a financial advisor who truly listens. If you’ve ever felt unheard or dismissed, don’t settle. Your future deserves someone who respects your voice. Get clear on your finances. List your assets, debts, income and expenses to understand your financial situation — the first step toward taking control. Create a flexible plan. Include your current needs, short-term goals and retirement aspirations. Instead of feeling intimidated, you can let a financial advisor help make this simple and manageable. Learn about money. Read, attend workshops and join online communities focused on women and finance. Every bit of knowledge adds confidence. Build an emergency fund. Work toward having three to six months of living expenses in a low-risk, liquid account. This may take gradual, consistent contributions, but ultimately, this cushion can help provide a sense of security as you navigate your new circumstances. Review insurance and your employer benefits. Make sure your medical insurance coverage is adequate. Consider long-term care insurance to help preserve your retirement assets. Estate planning. Work with an attorney to review beneficiary designations on bank and brokerage accounts while updating your will, powers of attorney and, as needed, a revocable living trust. Social Security. If you were married 10 years or longer, understand your rights to Social Security benefits from your ex-spouse.
Rather than being the end, gray divorce can represent a new chapter. This International Women’s Day, celebrate your resilience and your potential. The future is yours to shape, and it can be as bold, bright and fulfilling as you want it to be.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Successful donations will receive free testing in March, $15 Amazon Gift Card by email for coming to give March 1-31

• Early detection isn’t just good for long-term health — it’s also a warning for people’s wallets. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to provide donors with health insights that can help bridge preventative care gaps, such as undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension.
• Visit RedCrossBlood.org now to book a time to give blood or platelets. In March, the Red Cross will provide free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations. Those who come to give March 1-31 will also get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March.

The Middlesex Conservation District will be holding its annual Spring Plant Sale on Friday, May 1, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 AM – 1:00PM at the Minuteman High School. The address is 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421. All items can be pre-ordered through April 24th and picked up on the sale days – we encourage early ordering as all items are sold on a first come, first served basis.

To place an order, you can go to our website at https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/spring-sale-ordering/, go to the Spring Sale page, and order the plants you are interested in online, or email
admin@middlesexconservationdistrict.org to request a paper brochure. The order form is also available to view online. Offerings will include native shrub seedlings, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, and hardgoods such as garden labels. All plants are straight, native species that benefit our native pollinators, wildlife, and local ecosystem. We will also be selling excess first quality stock on the days listed above.

The Middlesex Conservation District is a not-for-profit environmental agency whose purpose is conservation of natural resources of Middlesex County. Proceeds from our biannual plant sales provide educational programs and other activities which aim to protect our soil and water resources. For more information about our sale or programs please visit https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/.

 

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.