Action Unlimited

Acton/Boxborough

Just click below on the paper you want to read. You can read life-size by clicking on the four corner box bottom right, then turn pages with mouse at corners just like you would if paper!

Current Edition -6/26/26

Acton/Maynard/Boxborough

HEADLINES

Council on Aging Events

Reading of the Declaration of Independence with Musket and Cannon Salute

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence at Minute Man
Friday, July 3, 2026
8:30 pm
North Bridge, Concord
Parking will be limited but available at 174 Liberty St. and 280 Monument St. Concord
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of American Independence with a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the hillside overlooking Concord’s North Bridge. Following the reading, park staff and volunteers will present a thrilling nighttime musket and cannon-fire salute and music of the Revolution.
Personal flashlights recommended.
This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Minute Man

FREE Children's Activities: Celebrating 50 years of the Tom Denney Nature Camp

12-3pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 (Heavy Rain Date Sunday June 28)
Bowers Springs Conservation Area
44 Flanagan Road
Bolton, MA

12pm Welcome and short Annual Meeting
2-3pm Animal Adventures Show
12-3pm: Games, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Temporary Tattoos, Tie-Dye, Water Guns, Hiking, DJ Love Music, Raffle for a free week of camp, Mexican Food Truck, and S'mores

Concord Art Presents: Say It with Flowers
June 11, 2026 - August 11, 2026

Concord, MA - Beginning Thursday, June 11, Concord Art presents Say It with Flowers. The exhibition will be on view through August 11. Concord Art is located at 37 Lexington Road, Concord.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10am – 4:30pm, Sunday 12pm - 4pm

The impulse behind Say It with Flowers is rooted in the community that is Concord Art. As we near completion of our new classroom, the Keyes Art Barn, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible generosity of our community that made it possible. With that in mind, and with the knowledge that the grounds around Concord Art will still be a construction zone during the summer, we decided to bring the gardens inside and to fill our galleries with a riot of color and texture.

The exhibition takes its title from the familiar Florists Telegraph Delivery (FTD) slogan, coined in 1917 by Boston adman Patrick O’Keefe and inspired by the Victorian practice of floriography, where floral arrangements were used to send secret messages. The FTD slogan was hugely successful and helped shape the industry by encouraging people to send flowers to express a wide range of emotions: secret and not-so-secret love, congratulations for significant life events, or sympathy for a loss.

Contemporary artists have taken things further, infusing familiar floral forms with deeper meanings and raising questions about our relationship to nature and what it means to live in today’s world. From addressing social isolation during Covid to posing questions about body politics and fertility to honoring a beloved dog, the nineteen artists in this exhibition use the subject of flowers to address a wide range of themes both political and deeply personal. Whether reimagining fifteenth-century botanical illustrations or fashioning ethereal sculptures out of light, these artists embrace the sensual nature of flowers, using the materiality of paint, graphite, ink, paper, sticks, cyanotype, photography, and collage to create a distinctive and evocative language. And in so doing, they invite the viewer to listen in.

Artists featured in this exhibition include Laura Blacklow, Loren Eiferman, Tina Feingold, Tom Fels, Emily Filler, Aaron Fink, Beth Galston, Nancy Gruskin, Katrine Hildebrandt, Fiona Kennedy, Kirstin Lamb, Jaeok Lee, Alex Maclean, Neeta Madahar, Susan Maxfield, Linda Nagaoka, Tucker Nichols, Roberta Paul, Katherine Richmond, and Peter Gruner Shellenberger.

Maynard Community Band Returns for Its 79th Season of Free Summer Concerts

The Maynard Community Band (MCB), directed by Michael Karpeichik, is proud to present its
79th year of free outdoor summer concerts at Memorial Park, across from the Fine Arts Theater in downtown Maynard. Concerts are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm, running from June 24th through August 26th. This year's program features international musical highlights along with tributes to Hollywood, Broadway, rock favorites, and the Armed Forces with brand-new arrangements added to beloved marches and patriotic tunes.
The season opens on Wednesday, June 24th, launching a musical journey that promises something for everyone. This year marks Michael Karpeichik's 24th year as conductor, and he is joined by Assistant Conductor Peter Gillies. Together they lead a larger, energized ensemble of musicians drawn from Maynard and several surrounding towns. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, settle in, and enjoy an evening of live music performed by your neighbors and friends.
A special Independence Day concert will be held on Wednesday, July 1st in celebration of the Fourth of July holiday.
All concerts are free and open to the public. In the event of rain, concerts will be canceled. Please check the Maynard Community Band's Facebook page or website at www.maynardcommunityband.com for updates.
The MCB welcomes new members! If you are an instrumentalist interested in joining, visit www.maynardcommunityband.com and click the "Join the Band" tab. See you at the show!

Mt Calvary Community Supper July 2026
“ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER WEDNESDAY”
“All are Welcome.”

Join us at our All-Sit-Down Supper! We welcome all our guests inside to join neighbors and friends at the tables in Fellowship Hall. Welcome Summer! We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.

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.

July 2026 Menu
7/1 Time to Celebrate: HAPPY 4TH OF JULY-HAPPY 250th USA!!
   Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs and Potato Salad
   Sponsored by Acton Boxborough Community Compass

7/8 Summer BBQ: Chicken Tenders and Coleslaw
   Sponsored by friends of Mt Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton

7/15 Fenway Night: Sausage and Pepper Subs (And onions if you wish.)
In Memory of Joan Appleton
7/22 Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs
   Sponsored by Friends of Mt Calvary Community Supper

7/29 Roast Pork Tenderloin
   Sponsored by Friends of Mt Calvary Community Supper

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

We are so grateful for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

Iron Work Farm Open House at Jones Tavern and the Faulkner Homestead

Sunday, June 28 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.

128 Main Street and 5 High Street, Acton
The Iron Work Farm continues its series of combined “4th Sunday” events with museum open houses at Jones Tavern (128 Main St., 1 to 3 p.m.) and at the Jones-Faulkner Homestead (5 High St., 3 to 5 p.m.)
In this important anniversary year, come visit the homes of two families closely involved with the American Revolution, and Acton’s oldest standing tavern. At the Faulkner House, participate in textile production techniques and learn about the important process of “fulling” woolen cloth.
No charge; parking on site or nearby. Check www.ironworkfarm.org for details.

Three New Members Elected to Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Board of Directors

LOWELL, MA – At its Annual Board Meeting on June 9, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) unanimously elected three new members to its Board of Directors: Marie Beam of Littleton, Jeff Bush of Groton, and Mouli Ramani of Andover.

Marie Beam is Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Museum in Acton, Massachusetts, a National Medal for Museum Service-winning nonprofit dedicated to inviting children and their families to explore science and nature through play. Prior to becoming CEO, she served as the Museum’s Chief Development Officer for 10 years. Before that, she led fundraising programs and campaigns for nearly two decades at the Fay School and Simmons University. Her career has centered on expanding equitable access to learning experiences and championing the nonprofit sector’s expertise and creativity. Beam is a 2021 recipient of the New England Museum Association’s Excellence Award and resides in Littleton, Mass.

Jeff Bush is President of Heritage Properties, located at 142 Middle Street in Lowell. In his role, Bush leads the senior management team overseeing staff and operations, continuing work he began at Heritage Properties in 2016 as an analyst focused on acquisition, redevelopment, and investment opportunities. He holds a degree from Brown University and a certificate in Real Estate Finance from Boston University. Bush also holds board seats with the House of Hope and the Lowell Plan, and resides in Groton, Mass.

Mouli Ramani serves as President and CEO of Aviwell SAS, a biotech company headquartered in Toulouse, France with offices in the Boston area, working at the intersection of life and data science to develop sustainable solutions to improve animal health and food security. Over his career, Ramani has held senior leadership positions at early-stage startups and Fortune 500 companies alike, with expertise spanning sales, strategic marketing, operations, and capital formation. He has served as Vice President of Sales and Strategic Marketing at Nortel Networks and Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Nextworth, and has closed transactions worth over US$2 billion worldwide.

“We are thrilled to welcome Marie, Jeff, and Mouli to the Board,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “Each brings exceptional professional expertise and a genuine commitment to this region. Their leadership will strengthen the Foundation as we continue to respond to the evolving and growing needs of Greater Lowell’s hardworking families and communities.”

Emphasizing Mental Health During Men's Health Month

The month of June is dedicated to many things, one of which being men’s health. In order to be truly healthy, people need to work on their physical health as well as their mental health. However, mental health often does not receive as much attention as it deserves. Men’s mental health gets even less attention.
In youth suicide (ages 10-24), males are nearly three times more likely to die by suicide than their female peers. That doesn’t go away with age either. Our communities are affected by mental health not getting the attention it needs. Simply having more conversations at home, with friends, at work, or at extracurriculars can make a positive impact. By having these conversations, we create a space where someone can feel safe to speak up when they’re struggling.
Check in on those around you. Many times, people face mental health issues in silence, which can cause them to feel isolated and alone. Give them the opportunity to share what they’re dealing with and be willing to listen. Talking about what someone’s experiencing and listening to them is the easiest way to help them realize they’re not alone. Making these conversations more common and having them in routine environments helps normalize addressing mental health and supporting those who experience mental health struggles whether they choose to talk about them or not.
You can never truly know what is going on inside someone else’s head. While sometimes there are visible effects of someone struggling with their mental health, others you would never be able to tell are facing a battle we can’t see. Having conversations, being willing to listen, and offering support are things that everyone is capable of doing to improve the way our communities address mental health.
For more information about resources, suicide prevention, ordering materials, accessing training videos, or finding the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office near you, visit www.jasonfoundation.com. The Jason Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to the prevention of youth and young adult suicide through awareness and education. Be willing to have hard conversations. Stay informed so that when those hard conversations happen, you are prepared to help in any way possible.

Ashlyn Mercier Crowned Miss Massachusetts 2026
First Police Officer to Wear the State Crown

Worcester, MA – June 20, 2026 – Ashlyn Mercier was named Miss Massachusetts 2026 at the Hanover Theater in Worcester. Mercier is an active-duty police officer in Westborough and will make history as the very first law enforcement officer to compete at the Miss America Competition. The 25-year-old competed alongside 22 other young women from across the Commonwealth and previously held the title of Miss Bay State 2026.
Mercier holds an undergraduate degree in National Security from the University of New Haven in Connecticut and earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University. She is the daughter of Kevin and Traci Mercier of Oxford and performed a contemporary lyric dance for the talent phase of the competition.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be Miss Massachusetts,” said Mercier. “I cannot thank the judges enough for trusting me to step into this role. I have been involved with the Miss America opportunity for six years and it has truly shaped me into the woman I am. I am thrilled to represent my home state on the Miss America stage.”
Mercier’s Community Service Initiative is titled “Nick’s Courage: One Smile Goes a Mile”.
“This was created in honor of my younger brother who is a two-time pediatric cancer survivor,” said Mercier “I hope to forge meaningful partnerships with organizations that share a similar mission to mine, which is to bring positivity and hope into the lives of children battling critical illnesses.”
In addition to promoting this cause, she will also work alongside the American Heart Association championing the Go Red for Women initiative.
“Ashlyn was crowned from a field of incredible competitors,” said Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Foundation Executive Director Dolores Rabuffo. “Her heart for serving her community and passion for the organization is inspiring. Our entire board is looking forward to supporting her for the next year.”
Mercier won a $10,000 scholarship along with a generous prize package and will be competing to become Miss America in West Palm Beach, Florida in late August. Miss America finals are scheduled for September 6, 2026.

2026 Northborough Free Summer Concert Series

The Northborough Community Affairs Committee is pleased to announce the return of our free Summer Concert Series for 2026. All concerts will be held on Thursdays at Ellsworth-McAfee Park (Rt. 135) in Northborough from 5-7 pm. There will be a variety of food vendors at every show. Here is our line up:

Disco Lemonade - Sunday, June 28, 5pm
Houston Bernard - Sunday,July 19, 5pm

Petty Larceny - Sunday, August 2, 5pm

School of Rock Showcase - Sunday, August 9, 5pm

Stay tuned for updates on special activities that will be happening in addition to the musical performances.

Thank you to all of our sponsors; Flaherty Physical Therapy, Lexus of Northborough, Hotworx, Peppers Artful Events, Woofie's, School of Rock, Mathnasium, St. Mary's Credit Union, Main Street Bank, Avidia Bank, Central One Financial Credit Union, Carvalho & Roth,and Curtis Septic Services. The concert series is also supported in part by a grant from the Northborough cultural council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
For more information about the Northborough Community Affairs Committee visit our website at www.northboroughcac.weebly.com or like us on Facebook.

UMass Lowell Students Install Solar Power in Dominican Republic to Provide Reliable Electricity
Solar panels help keep lights on in community where electricity is scarce

SOSÚA, Dominican Republic – When entering a dark room, most people turn on a light without thinking twice, but for 730 million people worldwide, access to electricity is scarce.
“People deserve to have these basic necessities. It shouldn’t be something they have to fight for,” said Jacob Hoffman, a rising junior mechanical engineering major at UMass Lowell.
Hoffman and seven other UMass Lowell students completed a mechanical engineering directed study during the spring semester, which included a one-week trip to Sosúa, Dominican Republic, where they installed solar panels for residents without reliable electricity. The trip was sponsored by UMass Lowell’s Center for Energy Innovation (CEI) and the Energy Access Foundation, whose mission is to accelerate access to sustainable energy in developing countries.
Working alongside representatives of the Energy Access Foundation, the students installed solar panels at a school in the Bella Vista neighborhood of Sosúa. They then presented to the school about solar power and how it will help their educational experience.
“We were all very touched by how much this means for the community and how this will help them keep the school up and running when they have power outages,” said Nuala Rodgers, a rising junior climate change and sustainability major.
The students also installed solar power systems at three homes in the area. They designed the systems before the trip, after researching quality, cost-effective solar components and studying how much sun Sosúa receives.
The students learned a valuable lesson during the trip: Not everything goes as planned. They faced multiple challenges, including tin roofs being too sharp to wrap wires around and screw holes from mounting brackets posing leak hazards. However, they got creative and found solutions for each issue that appeared.
“Designing a system in the classroom, everything is working under ideal conditions, but when we actually got down there, we had to have backup plans to adapt our system,” said Jackson DeMello, a rising junior electrical engineering major. “You need to have that hands-on experience to actually understand how something will work.”
While in the Dominican Republic, the students immersed themselves in the culture. They tried local cuisine, participated in activities like surfing and explored the nearby city of Puerto Plata.
The students are getting updates from the Energy Access Foundation on how their solar power systems are performing.
“An important part of installing these projects, both at a larger scale at the school and smaller ones at the homes, is that our mission wasn’t just to install and forget about it. It’s about sustained community impact,” Rodgers said. “In the case of the school, we heard that they had an all-day power outage recently, but with the power generated from our solar panels, they were able to keep school in session all day.”

America’s Time Capsule Sealed Until 2276

A remarkable chapter in America250's story is nearly complete: America's Time Capsule has officially been sealed.
Created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the capsule will be buried at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia on July 4, 2026, where it will remain until it is reopened in 2276.
Inside is a record of America at this historic moment, contributions from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories, along with items from all three branches of the federal government, America250 programs, and national partners.
What does America look like in 250 years?
The answers can be found in the stories, artifacts, innovations, and records preserved within the capsule, including:

Student artwork and essays from America’s Field Trip
Contributions from every state and territory representing local history, culture, and community life
Historic records and items from Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Executive Branch
Sports memorabilia reflecting the role of athletics in American culture
A groundbreaking DNA-based storage device from the Library of Congress containing digitized treasures from the nation’s collection
Objects representing American innovation, creativity, and everyday life in 2026

Developed in collaboration with experts from NIST, the Library of Congress, and the National Park Service, the capsule was carefully designed to preserve its contents for the next 250 years.
When it is opened in 2276, future generations will discover a snapshot of America at this historic milestone.
As America250 continues the countdown to July 4, 2026, America's Time Capsule stands as a lasting tribute to the people, ideas, and experiences that define our nation today.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

What Happens When a Wine Bar and
a Bookstore Team Up?

You get an afternoon filled with great books, great wine, and a great excuse to spend a summer day exploring Downtown Maynard!

On Saturday, July 11, Barrels & Vines and Felixology Bookshop are partnering to host the first-ever Sip & Save Sidewalk Sale, a collaborative event that combines a neighborhood sidewalk sale, a used book pop-up, and a relaxed wine tasting experience. From 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, visitors can browse hundreds of used books spread across both locations. Whether you're searching for a beach read, a favorite classic, a children's book, a young adult series, or a nonfiction title you've been meaning to pick up: there will be something for every type of reader.

The event will feature more than 400 used books, including:
• Children's books
• Young adult titles
• Fiction and non-fiction
• Hardcover and paperback books
• Book sets and series
• Recent releases
• Timeless classics

At Felixology Bookshop, the used books will be displayed on the sidewalk, creating a traditional summer sidewalk sale atmosphere. Visitors can browse bargain finds outside before heading inside to explore Felixology's curated selection of new books, gifts, and literary-themed treasures.

Just across the street at Barrels & Vines, guests can continue browsing books while enjoying Maynard's new and unique self-pour wine experience. Visitors are invited to sample wines from around the world, enjoy charcuterie boxes and light snacks, and discover their next favorite book at the same time.

The event is designed to be family-friendly as well. While adults browse, children ages 5 to 15 can enjoy a complimentary Kids' Corner at Barrels & Vines featuring games, snacks, drinks, and a welcoming space to relax and have fun.

More than anything, Sip & Save is an opportunity to slow down, explore downtown, support local businesses, and enjoy a different kind of Saturday afternoon!

Bring a friend. Bring your family. Bring your summer reading list. Or, simply come browse and see what treasures you discover. Admission is free.

FREE 6-Week A Cappella Adventure

Come experience the fun of a cappella singing – FREE – for six wonderful weeks this Summer! Women, all ages, backgrounds and voice ranges, are invited!
"Summer Sing," sponsored by Women of Note, award-winning regional a cappella chorus, is being offered to the public as a commitment-free opportunity for women from all walks of life – including mothers and daughters, friends, neighbors or other family members – to experience the joy and fun of singing close, four-part a cappella harmony.
Whether seasoned singers or beginners, participants will have an opportunity to learn new songs, enhance their vocal skills and meet new friends. The program starts Monday, June 22, at 7 p.m. and runs for six sessions culminating August 3, with a Friends and Family showcase, where participants can demonstrate their skills and talents in a welcoming environment. Weekly sessions run from 7-8:30 p.m., but guests can choose to stay later, if desired. All rehearsals are held at 87 Lincoln St. [Baptist Churches of New England HQ Building], Northborough, MA.
A chapter of Harmony, Inc., non-profit and educational women’s singing organization, Women of Note's members hail from 25 towns throughout east central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Visitors are always welcomed.
To learn more, visit: www.womenofnote.org

Council on Aging Events

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 Friday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth.

Monday Movie Matinee
Jay Kelly
Monday, June 22nd, 1:00-2:25 pm
(2022, PG-13) An amateur historian defies the stodgy academic British establishment in her efforts to find King Richard III’s remains, which were lost for over 500 years. Sally Hawkins and Steve Coogan star in this drama based on a true story. This film is shown in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library.

Hearing Screening Appointments with Audiologist Megan Ford
Tuesday, June 23rd, 9:30 to 11:45am
Acton age 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!

Collette Trips sponsored by the Friends of the Acton COA
Tuesday, June 23rd, 10:00am
Open to all age 60+
A representative from Collette Travels will be here to talk about the trips we have planned for 2027; Tropical Costa Rica Feb 9 – 17, Discover Mackinac Island featuring the Tulip Time Festival May 3 – 11, and the Enchanting Christmas Markets of Germany, France and Switzerland Nov 27 – Dec 5, 2027.

Generate Hope for a Good Future Workshop via Zoom
Tuesday, June 23rd, 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 Lottery
Tuesday, June 23rd, 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 Lottery by Shirley Jackson. 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 copy emailed.

Technology Assistance Clinic
Wednesday, June 24th, 1:30-3:00pm
Open to out-of-town 60+/free
All seniors are welcome to participate in this drop-in Technology Clinic whenever the need arises. Bring your technology questions, problems, and issues related to your computer, phone, or tablet. If possible, bring the problem hardware with you to the session. Several regular attendees are willing to share their experiences, and work with you, one-on-one, to address technology issues, from Windows system difficulties, email setups/usage, networking issues, upgrades, and assistance with “how do I” frustrations. MAC and Chrome/Android users are welcome. If you are unable to attend in person and would like to talk with a Clinic member via Zoom or phone, please contact the COA and we will forward your information to a Clinic member

State Songs of the USA Presentation with John Clark
Thursday, June 25th, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
Many state songs are barely known by the residents of that state, but most of this program’s state songs will be familiar to everyone in the room. Home on the Range (Kansas), You Are My Sunshine (Louisiana) Yankee Doodle (Connecticut), Carry Me Back to Old Virginny, Oklahoma, and Georgia on My Mind are the most recognizable of the bunch. Here is an interesting fact: Roll on Columbia (Washington) was written by Woody Guthrie and his son Arlo Guthrie wrote Massachusetts, one of our own seven state songs. Two more of these state songs are credited to Stephen Foster--Swanee River (Florida) and My Old Kentucky Home. And two of the more recent state songs were written and recorded by singer/songwriter John Denver—Take Me Home Country Roads (West Virginia) and Rocky Mountain High (Colorado). You’ll learn a lot about the history of many of our states and of our great country from the back stories of the song writing. So come along and celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday and sing or hum along if the mood strikes! 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.

Library Closed for Juneteenth

Acton Memorial Library will be closed on Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. The library will reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 20.

Acton Memorial Library will be switching to summer weekend hours soon. From Saturday, June 27, through Saturday, October 3, the library will be open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays. Monday through Friday hours and West Acton Citizens' Library hours will not change.

Sign Up for Children’s Summer Lunch Program

Fuel Up for Summer Program Provides Weekly Lunch/Snack for Children
Concord and Maynard, MA (June 15, 2026) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, is bringing back its Fuel Up for Summer program, which provides daily nutritious lunch and snacks for children over the summer months. Families can register with Open Table now if they are not currently registered, and begin placing online orders on July 9, 2026. Summer lunches will be distributed for six weeks beginning the week of July 14, 2026. This program is offered in addition to Open Table’s groceries and prepared frozen meals.
Parents can sign up online or by phone to participate in this program, and pick up as many as three lunch trays per week for each child. Summer lunch trays are healthy and convenient and include a sandwich or wrap in both meat and vegetarian options that change weekly. Sandwiches may be turkey, ham and cheese, hummus or sunbutter, each complemented by cut vegetables or a side salad, such as potato, pasta, or rice.
The lunches can be supplemented with the traditional Open Table Kids’ Bags, which include salty and sweet snacks, easy to prepare light meals, and drink boxes. All options are peanut-free.
Kids summer lunch trays are available starting the week of July 14 for pick up at:
Open Table, 33 Main Street, Maynard
Tuesdays: 3:00 to 6:30 pm
Thursdays: 1:00 to 4:30 pm
To guarantee availability, kids lunch trays must be reserved in advance by Monday at noon for the week of pick up.
Online form: https://www.opentable.org/order-form/
Call: (978) 369-2275
Email: orders@opentable.org
No cost, safe, and private. No photo ID or proof of financial need required. If you have never been to Open Table before, register online to save time. Current clients do not need to re-register.
“Every week, hundreds of local families rely on Open Table for the food they need. Summer vacation can put even more stress on parents when kids are no longer getting lunch at school,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “We are happy to do our part to offer some extra food support during July and August- particularly as food and gas prices are so high this year.”

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

The Concord Band Sounds of Summer Concert Series

The Concord Band, directed by James O’Dell, has many diverse musical options to enjoy this summer! Concerts at 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord will be held on Thursdays, June 25 and July 16, at 7:15pm. Program music themes are “Born in the USA” and “Boston Liberties” and will feature pieces commissioned by the Band, as well as spirited works by Leroy Anderson, Leonard Berstein, Duke Ellington, Clare Grundman, and John Williams. The venue at 51 Walden is fully air conditioned; concerts are free and donations are gratefully accepted.
Pack a picnic and enjoy the sunset at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA. Join the Concord Band on the concert lawn this summer as the Band returns to the Fruitlands Outdoor Stage for its 41st season of live music. Concerts will be held on Thursdays, July 2, July 9, and July 23, at 7:15pm, and music themes include “Quarter Millennium Celebration, “Born in the USA”, and “A Little Night Music”; the July 23 concert will feature Concord Band small ensembles. Bring your favorite fare, enjoy stunning sunset views, and settle in for an evening of timeless tunes performed by a 65-member ensemble representing 40 area towns. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs - there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the evening. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Limited seating is available on the patio. Both the patio and restrooms are wheelchair accessible. $10/non-members, $5/members, children under 6 free. To purchase tickets in advance, visit the website thetrustees.org/program/concerts. In the event of inclement weather, check the same site for cancellations.
Come celebrate Independence Day at Picnic in the Park at Emerson Field in Concord, on July 4th at 3:00pm, when the Concord Band will celebrate musical themes for the Quarter Millennium. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors at 51 Walden Performing Arts Center, a fully air-conditioned venue.
On Wednesday, July 15, at 7:00pm, at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA the Concord Band, with its music theme "Boston Liberties", will open the evening's program for the John Philip Sousa National High School Honor Band. The Concord Band will feature commissioned works written for the Band by composers Stephen Bulla, Roger Cichy and Julie Giroux, as well as pieces by John Philip Sousa. Seating is general admission; accessible seating will be available upon arrival. Students and Seniors $15; Adults $20. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the website mechanicshall.org/tickets.

Save the Bluebird Group Needs Stovepipes

6" diameter stovepipes about 2 feet long are needed to mount to pipes under bluebird nesting boxes to counter animal invasions.
Racoons, snakes, etc. climb up the pipes to access the entrance hole, killing nestlings.

Please drop off stovepipes in driveway at 25 River Street in Maynard. (driveway to the left of the yellow house.)
Thank you.

2nd Annual Nature Play Festival at Discovery Museum July 10—Free!

Acton, MA – Discovery Museum will host a Nature Play Festival on Friday, July 10, 2026, 10:00am to 4:00pm, with free admission for all. The Museum will also be open with free admission from 4:00pm to 8:00pm for Summer Friday Night Free.
At Nature Play Festival visitors can explore and learn outdoors throughout the campus and inside, with immersive nature-based activities including Invasive Plant Papermaking, Mud Kitchen, Bug Hunts, Treehouse Yoga, and more. Hands-on activities will be offered in the giant, wheels-accessible treehouse and Discovery Woods nature playscape, and visitors can take a guided Nature Walk on the Great Hill Conservation Land that abuts the campus. The fun will continue indoors with exhibit galleries exploring the properties of air, water, light and color, sound, math, building, making and tinkering, and more.
Local organizations will be on site with activities and information for kids and families, including: Farrington Nature Linc, 350 Mass MetroWest, Boston Area Gleaners, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust, Acton Memorial Library, Kids Naturally, Rockland Trust, Natick Community Organic Farm, First Connections, Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention, Daisy Hill Farm, Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival, The Nature Connection, TimberNook Middlesex County, and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office.
There will be food, games, and fun as we connect with nature and appreciate the wonderful planet we all call home. State and local officials will be on hand to celebrate with the community. The Bees and Thank You and the Chicken on the Road food trucks will be onsite during the festival with food for purchase.
Free admission for all. Rain or shine. More information at https://www.discoveryacton.org/visit/nature-play-festival-2026-free

What: Nature Play Festival
When: Friday, July 10, 10am to 4pm (Museum also open 4pm to 8pm, though the Festival will end at 4pm)
Cost: FREE, 10am to 8pm
Where: Discovery Museum, 177 Main Street, Acton, MA
Registration: Not required nor available
Offsite parking only: There will be NO visitor parking on the Discovery Museum campus during Festival hours. Free, continuous shuttle buses will run from 9:50am to 8:00pm from lots at 11 Charter Road 133 Prospect Street in Acton.
Rain Date: none, the event will happen rain or shine

Thank you! Discovery Museum’s Nature Play Festival is made possible by Rockland Trust.

Father's Day History

Each year, the third Sunday in June is a time to pay homage to fathers and the millions of other men who have stepped into the role of father. While it may seem as though Father's Day has been around forever, it didn't become a nationally recognized holiday in the United States until 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed Joint Resolution 187 into law.
Many thank Sonora Smart Dodd for making Father's Day happen. In 1909, while attending a Mother's Day sermon in church, Dodd felt fathers were equally deserving of praise. To honor her own father, a Civil War veteran and widower who raised six children alone, Dodd petitioned for a Father's Day on June 5th (the anniversary of her father's death) in her native Spokane, Washington. The celebration was deferred to the third Sunday in June. Another account says Grace Golden Clayton came up with the idea for a Father's Day in 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia. Clayton was inspired to celebrate fathers after 361 local men perished in a deadly mine explosion. Clayton brought the idea up to the minister of her local church.
Historians say that Father's Day may even be a much older idea. St. Joseph's Day, which was celebrated each year on March 19 in Catholic nations of Europe since the medieval era, and later elsewhere around the world, commemorates Joseph, the husband of Mary and father figure to Jesus. It was said that Joseph should be held up as the ideal example of fatherhood. The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates St. Joseph's Day on July 20. In the Orthodox Christian Church, the second Sunday before the Nativity is celebrated as the Sunday of the Forefathers - celebrating all of Jesus' male ancestors, with an emphasis on Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish faith.

What Is the Summer Solstice?

Many people anxiously await the first day of summer and look forward to activities that are tailor-made for warm weather. The first day of summer is known as the summer solstice, which marks the official start of astronomical summer. The solstice features more hours of daylight than any day of the year, according to Space.com. The next summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs on June 21, 2026.

The National Weather Services says the summer solstice happens at the moment the earth's tilt toward the sun is at a maximum. The sun will appear in its highest elevation with a noontime position that will not move much for several days before and after the summer solstice. The word solstice is derived from the Latin word sol, meaning sun.

During the summer solstice, the sun travels the longest path through the sky, which is why it is the day with the most daylight. The length of daylight depends on the latitude. At the equator, the time from sunrise to sunset is about 12 hours.

Although many people celebrate the summer solstice primarily for the extra hours of daylight, the solstice has historically been assigned deeper meaning in many cultures. In Scandinavian countries, the solstice is celebrated as a holiday known as Midsummer's Eve, which is observed on a weekend near the time of the summer solstice. Festivities include dancing, singing, drinking, cleaning house, lighting bonfires, and more.

During the summer solstice at Stonehenge in the United Kingdom, the sun will rise behind the entrance to a stone circle and the sunlight will flow into the center of the monument. Researchers believe solstices have been celebrated at Stonehenge for thousands of years.

The summer solstice is soon to arrive, marking the start of summer, which is reason enough to celebrate this unique day on the calendar.

Greater lowell foundation volunteer award

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards $268,200 in Grants to Local Nonprofits at Annual Meeting

LOWELL, MA – On Tuesday, June 9, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation hosted its Annual Meeting at UMass Lowell's Coburn Hall, bringing together community members, nonprofit partners, and donors to celebrate philanthropy in Greater Lowell. A total of $268,200 in competitive Discretionary Grants was awarded to 30 nonprofits serving Greater Lowell across three funding focus areas: Children's Services, Leclair Elder Services, and LGBTQ+ Services.

These grant awards are part of a competitive grant process in which nonprofit organizations apply for funds and independent committees review proposals and select awardees. The GLCF Discretionary Grants program is one of several competitive grant programs offered through the Foundation each year.

“With the largest discretionary grant distribution in our Foundation’s history, these investments reflect the trust our donors place in us and the urgent needs of Greater Lowell’s nonprofit community,” said GLCF President and CEO Jay Linnehan. “At a time when federal funding cuts are creating real strain on local organizations, this local philanthropic support is more critical than ever.”

The Foundation presented Bill and Jan Haddad of On the Move with the 2026 Bankers’ Volunteer Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of their extraordinary dedication to volunteering and lifelong commitment to the Greater Lowell community. On the Move’s mission is to allow all children a better opportunity to affect their future by decreasing the disparity in educational achievement.

The program also featured Community Impact presentations from Lisa Ansara, Executive Director of the Lowell Youth Leadership Program, and Alexandra DePalo, Executive Director of Open Table, both of whom spoke to the value of community-centered services in today’s challenging funding environment.

About the Greater Lowell Community Foundation:
Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 500 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of over $77 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $55 million to the Greater Lowell community.

June 2026 Events at 19 Carter

19 Carter St, Berlin
Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5
Monday A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Tuesday Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday Irish Session 7 - 10pm
*NEW! Thursday Game Night feat. the Crokinole Club 7 - 9pm
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
*NEW! Office Hours w Rep Kilcoyne's Team Every first Friday of the month at 10am

Saturday, June 20 at 7pm | Summer Concert Series: Southern Rail (Bluegrass)
Southern Rail’s concerts are high-octane exuberant fun with stunning harmonies, irrepressible good humor, and sparkling banjo, guitar, and mandolin. Onsite vendor: Clover Road Brewing
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, $175 summer pass;
$5 for students, FREE for kids! Purchase tickets at 19Carter.org

Monday, June 22 at 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Music Includes brings people of all abilities and identities together for inclusive, high-quality musical experiences. Join us in a safe, joyful space to share songs of all kinds. Select Mondays from June 22 - August 24. $60 for 6 sessions. Register at nacc.net/nacc-membership-application.html. Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.

Thursday, June 25 at 4pm | 4th of July: Then & Now
Come hear Terry Ingano, a noted Clinton historian, discuss the tradition of the 4th of July in Berlin and surrounding towns. Cost: Free! This program is funded by the Berlin Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Saturday, June 27 at 10am | Parody Playhouse
A dynamic music and movement program for ages 0-6 with parodies of iconic artists like The Beatles with built-in time for caregivers to hang out! Suggested donation: $5

Tuesday, June 30 at 2:15pm | Book Club
This month we will be reading 2 plays: "What the Constitution Means to Me" by Heidi Schreck and "English" by Sanaz Toossi. All are welcome to stop by and join the discussion. Suggested donation: $5

Littleton History. Modern Brew.

What did the Littleton Minutemen drink after a long day of drills at Liberty Square? Find out on June 18th at 7 PM!

The Littleton Historical Society is teaming up with Dirigible Brewing Company to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. We're launching a colonial ale brewed with local ingredients—inspired by the flavors once served at the old Lawrence Tavern.

The Highlights:
Trivia Night: Revolutionary War facts, local legends, and prizes.
Best Dressed:Show up in your most authentic colonial garb to win a free T-shirt!

Location: 24 Porter Rd., Littleton
Time: 7:00 PM

Let’s drink to 250 years of liberty!

Acton Council on Aging Events

Acton 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

Shredding Event
Monday, June 15th, 10:00-12:00pm
Acton seniors only
A1 shredding company will be on site at 30 Sudbury Rd. to destroy personal documents. Limit of 6 grocery-sized bags per person. Any questions please contact us at 978-929-6652. Sponsored by the Friends of the Acton Council on Aging. A $1 donation per bag is requested.
Please do not arrive early.

Monday Movie Matinee
Merrily We Roll Along
Monday, June 15th, 1:00-3:25pm
(2025, PG-13) Showbiz brings three friends together, but ambition tears them apart. This revival of the Sondheim musical was filmed live on Broadway and won four Tony Awards. Stars Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez and Daniel Radcliffe.

Investing 101 Seminar with Ron Grasso
Tuesday, June 16th 1:00-2:00pm
Open to all age 60+/free
Join this user-friendly workshop designed to help retirees better understand the basics of investing. Certified Financial Planner Ron Grasso will cover how investments work, how to generate income in retirement and how to think about risk in a changing market – all explained in a simple, easy–to–follow way. No prior financial experience or knowledge needed to attend! After 26 years at Morgan Stanley, Certified Financial Planner Ron Grasso now heads The Grasso Wealth Management Group at USB Financial where the team specializes in helping retirees make informed, confident decisions about their finances.

Community Dinner
Tuesday, June 16th, 4:00-5:30pm
Open to all 60+
Using the book Let’s Talk About Death Over Dinner by Michael Hebb as our guide we will enjoy a delicious dinner together. As we share a meal, Cheryl will help us begin to have these important conversations . . . and encourage you to then plan and host your own dinners! Please sign up for this program.
Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
Tuesday, June 16th, 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, June 17th, 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, June 17th, 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.

Farewell to Sharon and Beverly
Thursday, June 18th, 1:30-3:00pm
All Welcome
After years of dedication and wonderful memories, Beverly Hutchings and Sharon Mercurio are moving on to their next adventures. We cannot let them go without a proper celebration. Join us as we share stories, express our gratitude, and wish them the absolute best.

Acton Parks and Recreation Upcoming Events

Acton Parks and Recreation is planning a variety of special events, including:

June 27-28: Great American Campout

June 27: Acton-Westford Pridefest

July 2: The Town of Acton is hosting an Independence Day Celebration at NARA Park on Thursday, July 2. The event will begin at 4 p.m. with Family Fun Time where you can purchase an all you ride inflatable bracelet or enjoy a complimentary swim or beach visit. Family Fun time is from 4-7:30 P.M. Beginning at 7:30 the event moves up to the Amphitheater for a patriotic welcome ceremony featuring our local legislators, Acton Minutemen, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. At 8:00 P.M. a full production concert will be performed by The Boss Project – Tribute to Bruce Springsteen. The second half of the show a spectacular laser light show will be added to the concert. This event is free to attend and food vendors will be onsite throughout the day and evening. Parking is onsite at the upper and lower parking area and upper fields. There are no shuttle buses or designated off-site parking areas.
More information, including dates, times, tickets, and locations for all the events and special programs are kept updated for any changes and are available online. Visit actonrec.com for updates throughout the season with direct click to links on EventBrite.

From Gas Pumps to Charging Stations: EV Basics for Everyday Drivers

When: Wednesday, June 17th, 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Zoom
Acton: Now is the time to go electric! With local gas prices climbing over $4.00 a gallon, the financial case for making the switch to an electric vehicle has never been stronger. Charging an EV at home costs the equivalent of just $2.80/gallon – and EVs cost 30–50% less to maintain than gas cars. That's ~$4,000 in savings over five years. Whether you're looking to purchase or lease, thinking new or used, now is a great time to lock in immediate, predictable savings. Hear directly from EV drivers, get your questions answered, and take the next step toward going electric. Sponsored by MassEnergize and EnergizeActon.org. For more info and registration, go to https://energizeacton.org/event/from-gas-pumps-to-charging-stations-ev-basics-for-everyday-drivers/ or www.bit.ly/EV-101.

Acton Emergency Preparedness Fair

When: Tuesday, June 16th, 5:00-7:00pm
Where: NARA Park Bathhouse Pavilion
Acton: Come learn how the Town of Acton prepares for climate emergencies such as flooding and extreme heat, and what resources are available to YOU, the Acton community. Learn how to be more resilient in the face of power outages and extreme weather events by talking with local officials about heat waves, “Go Kits,” supplies you might need on hand for different situations, and what extra preparations are needed for kids, pets, and older adults. We will also have free food and activities for the whole family, including a scavenger hunt, prizes, a library pop-up, and the opportunity to check out and touch the Town's electric emergency vehicles! Pop in anytime from 5:00-7:00 PM, rain or shine! Sponsored by the Acton Sustainability Office, the Acton Fire Department, and the Acton Health and Human Services Department. More info at https://energizeacton.org/event/acton-emergency-preparedness-fair/
Questions? Email sustainability@actonma.gov

* The Acton Lions Town Fair is Coming to Town*

June 18th - June 21st— Thursday through Sunday! At the School Street Fields, off Route 2E
Kick off your summer with fun, family, and celebration! Join us for an unforgettable event that’s perfect for:
Graduates!
Student Athletes, Academic and Sport Teams, Clubs!
Classmates & Friends & co-workers!
Families & Neighbors!
Celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer with exciting activities, great company, a BBQ, and community spirit. Whether you’re honoring a season well played, a year well learned, or just ready for some fun in the sun—this is the place to be!
Bring your family, friends, classmates, teams, and neighbors!
Let’s celebrate together!
The town fair hours are* :
·Thursday, June 18th 6:00-10:30 PM
·Friday, June 19th 2:00-10:30 PM
·Saturday, June 20th 1:00-10:30 PM
·Sunday, June 21st 1:00-8:00 PM
* Depending on the weather
The Lion’s Club is a global service organization best known for its decades-long commitment to fighting blindness and preserving sight as well as community fundraising, with donations and service back into the local community and nationally as well as internationally.
http://www.actonlions.org/
https://www.facebook.com/ActonLionsClub/

Household Goods Awarded $225,000 Cummings Grant

Acton nonprofit receives 3 years of funding from Cummings Foundation
Acton, Mass., June 4, 2026 – Household Goods has been selected as one of 150 nonprofits to receive funding through Cummings Foundation’s annual grant program, which awarded $35 million this year. Chosen through a competitive review process that drew a record 959 applicants, the Acton-based organization will receive $225,000 over three years.
Household Goods provides a full range of donated furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home.
"We are deeply grateful to the Cummings Foundation for its investment in Household Goods and the families we serve," said Sharon Martens, Executive Director of Household Goods. "This support helps ensure that thousands of individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness, escaping domestic violence, or facing financial hardship can create homes filled with comfort, and hope. Together, we are transforming donated furniture and household items into stable homes and brighter futures."
This year, the Woburn-based Cummings Foundation increased its annual grant program from $30 million to $35 million and shifted to fully unrestricted funding, allowing recipients to direct grant dollars where they are needed most.
Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes noted that the changes reflect growing concerns among Greater Boston nonprofits about rising costs, increased demand for services, and sustained uncertainty around public funding.
“Nonprofit professionals are closest to the challenges facing their communities, making them best positioned to determine where and how new funds will drive the greatest impact,” said Vyriotes. “By providing increased, flexible funding, we hope to strengthen organizations’ long-term stability and help them respond to evolving community needs.”
The annual grant program supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and primarily serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties, as well as Brookline, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Quincy, and Wellesley.
Since its founding, Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $650 million to Greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s grant recipients, along with additional information about the Foundation and its grant programs, is available at CummingsFoundation.org.
About Household Goods
Household Goods, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at 530 Main Street, Acton, MA that furnishes over 3,500 homes with 100,000 household items every year. This is made possible by hundreds of dedicated volunteers who contribute tens of thousands of hours. The organization has been serving the community since 1990 and has furnished 60,000 homes across Massachusetts since its founding. Learn more at householdgoods.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, Mass., and has grown to become one of the largest private foundations in New England. In addition to its annual grant program, the Foundation directly operates two not-for-profit retirement communities: New Horizons at Marlborough and New Horizons at Choate, in Woburn. Additional information is available at CummingsFoundation.org.

June 2026 Events at 19 Carter
19 Carter St, Berlin

Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5
Monday A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Tuesday Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday Irish Session 7 - 10pm
*NEW! Thursday Game Night feat. the Crokinole Club 7 - 9pm
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
*NEW! Office Hours w Rep Kilcoyne's Team Every first Friday of the month at 10am

Saturday, June 13 at 1:30pm | How American Music Started
Join us for a presentation by Matt McConeghy as he shares a history of some notable New England neighbors who were Heroes of American Music. Suggested donation: $5

Sunday, June 14 at 6pm - 8:30pm | Jazz Jam
Improvise in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Players & listeners welcome. Email Ken at ken@parrishworks.net with questions. Suggested donation: $5

Friday, June 19 at 4:30pm | Juneteenth Celebration
Come listen to lyric and verse with themes of collective consciousness performed by Born Everlasting, followed by homemade strawberry shortcake. All are welcome to this free event! Learn more at 19Carter.org.

Saturday, June 20 at 7pm | Summer Concert Series: Southern Rail (Bluegrass)
Southern Rail’s concerts are high-octane exuberant fun with stunning harmonies, irrepressible good humor, and sparkling banjo, guitar, and mandolin. Onsite vendor: Clover Road Brewing
$25 in advance, $30 at the door,
$5 for students, FREE for kids! Purchase tickets at 19Carter.org

Monday, June 22 at 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Music Includes brings people of all abilities and identities together for inclusive, high-quality musical experiences. Join us in a safe, joyful space to share songs of all kinds. Select Mondays from June 22 - August 24. $60 for 6 sessions. Register at nacc.net/nacc-membership-application.html. Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.

Join Us for Our Free Nature Play Festival at Discovery Museum

Free admission all day on Friday, July 10

The Museum will be open with free admission 10am - 8pm. (Opening 1 hour later than usual.)

Have fun, explore, and learn outdoors and inside at Discovery Museum’s FREE Nature Play Festival! We'll gather with our community and local businesses to offer immersive nature-based activities throughout our campus.

Explore our inclusive, accessible, and giant Treehouse and Discovery Woods nature playscape, and take a guided Nature Walk on the conservation land that abuts our campus. The fun will continue indoors with our STEM-based galleries and hands-on activities.

Activities include: Guided Nature Walks, Mud Kitchen, Invasive Plant Papermaking, Bug Hunts, Treehouse Yoga, and so much more! Free admission for all!

Important Information to know before you go: There will be NO ONSITE PARKING during the Festival—free shuttle service will run continuously to off-campus lots. More info on parking locations coming soon. The Museum will open at 10am—1 hour later than usual This event will take place rain or shine. We cannot accept camp groups on this day, and any arriving will be turned away. For the comfort and safety of all, no large strollers or wagons will be permitted inside the Museum. Exceptions will be allowed for medical or accessibility constraints. This event will take place rain or shine. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of this event, contact our Senior Director of Development, Tobey Fossey at tfossey@discoveryacton.org.

Juneteenth Celebration at the Boutwell House
A Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Followed by Refreshments

Mark the 163rd anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19. Join a community reading by Groton resident Mark Deuger, retired from military service, followed by refreshments, at the Boutwell House, 172 Main Street, 5 to 6 pm. All are invited to celebrate this moment in our nation’s history in an event co-sponsored by the Groton History Center and the Groton Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee.
In fact, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, two years after Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in D.C., that some 2,500 African Americans in Texas were granted their liberty. Ample reason to commemorate the Proclamation among friends.
The Groton History Center continues its Open House series on Saturday, June 20, 11 to 2. Come tour (or browse) the exquisite 1851 Boutwell House with its collection of arts and antiquities, and stroll (or sit awhile) in Georgie's Garden with its magnificent views of Gibbet Hill.
The GHC's hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 10 to 2, and Fridays 10 to 4, with drop-in hours for house tours from 1 to 4 pm. For details info@grotonhistory.org, or call 978-448-0092.

The Next Step in Leadership Transition for Assabet Valley Mastersingers

Northborough, MA — Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) announces the search for a dynamic,
collaborative Artistic Director (part-time, contractor) to begin in the Summer of 2027. This position offers the opportunity to lead a respected ensemble dedicated to artistic excellence, ambitious programming, and meaningful community engagement. Reporting to the Executive Board and working closely with the General Manager, the Artistic Director will realize and shape the organization’s artistic vision as well as provide comprehensive leadership to the chorus, soloists, and orchestra. Equally important are strong musicianship, thoughtful and audience-engaging programming, and the capacity to inspire a volunteer ensemble through clear, respectful, and motivating communication.

Founded in 1978, Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) has grown into a respected Metro West/Central Massachusetts regional chorus known for performance excellence, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to community through song. Reflecting on his years with the organization, Dr. Robert P. Eaton, the retiring Artistic Director, expressed profound gratitude for the dedication, passion, and commitment of the hundreds of singers, patrons, and supporters who have helped shape the AVM community, noting that the organization has “succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.”

The position of Artistic Director requires a collaborative professional who works effectively within
nonprofit governance structure, and who contributes to planning, fundraising, and outreach efforts. Candidates are sought who bring integrity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the community choral tradition, along with the commitment to artistic growth and organizational partnership, to the table. The ideal candidate would be a master of choral conducting and rehearsal technique and demonstrate significant experience leading large-scale choral-orchestral repertoire, while having the long-term ability to cultivate refined ensemble sound, musicality, and stylistic authenticity across a wide range of periods and genres. Compensation is commensurate with training, experience, and achievement.

For more information, visit https://www.avmsingers.org

USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Events Kick Off Today, June 1

WASHINGTON — Last year, U.S. Postal Service employees suffered more than 5,200 dog attacks. To combat this, USPS is sharing vital safety guidance to help pet owners protect mail carriers and ensure uninterrupted mail delivery. A monthlong Dog Bite Awareness campaign begins today, with the theme of “Don’t turn your back on dog bite prevention.”

“Every single day, our postal employees serve their communities across dynamic, fast-changing environments,” said Leeann Theriault, employee safety and health awareness manager. “Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant, shared vigilance. This campaign reinforces a vital truth: Animal behaviors can change in an instant, but proactive awareness from both our carriers and the customers we serve can stop painful injuries before they ever happen."

Keep Mail Delivery Safe: Tips for Dog Owners
Even the most predictable pets can act unpredictably when defending territory or feeling startled. Because dogs rely on protective instincts, owners must manage their dogs during delivery times to prevent accidents. Keep your dog in a separate closed room before opening the front door. If you step outside, ensure the door is firmly latched. Always use a leash if your dog is outdoors during mail delivery. Finally, never accept mail directly from a carrier in the presence of your dog, and teach children to avoid doing so, as dogs can misinterpret the interaction as a threat.

The Financial and Emotional Damage of a Dog Attack
Protecting your carrier protects your wallet. If your dog attacks a postal worker, you could owe thousands of dollars out of pocket to cover their medical care, lost shifts, replacement clothing and emotional distress.

“I was walking my route when a dog jumped the fence and lunged at me,” said San Antonio Letter Carrier Fiona Hudson. “I used my dog repellent and mail bag to defend myself, but it was too late. I was rushed to the hospital bleeding, with a broken bone, a severe arm sprain and was barely able to move. While my physical wounds have healed, the trauma of that vicious attack stays with me. Customers must take responsibility and secure their dogs during delivery hours.”

Take Action: Unsecured Dogs Stop Mail Delivery
When a carrier feels unsafe because of a roaming dog, mail service can be temporarily suspended. Until the carrier feels safe enough to restart delivery, the mail will have to be picked up at the dog owner’s local Post Office.

If a carrier feels a house or neighborhood is unsafe to deliver to and there is no way to inform residents their mail service has been suspended, the residents will have to contact the supervisor at their local Post Office for more information. The residents would also have to pick up their mail at the Post Office until it is safe to resume delivery. If a dangerous dog issue is not resolved, owners can be required to rent a Post Office Box to receive mail.

Armed with Awareness: How Carriers Prevent Dog Bites
Postal carriers undergo extensive safety training to spot potential canine hazards. Carriers are instructed to remain vigilant and exercise the precautions below:

Announce entry. Rattle a fence gate or make a non-threatening sound before walking into a yard. Maintain visual contact. Never startle an animal and always keep eyes locked on the dog. Assume dog poses risk. Avoid petting or feeding any animal on the assumption that every dog has the potential to bite. Block exits. Secure outward-swinging doors with a foot to prevent a pet from escaping.

If a dog attacks, carriers are trained to stand their ground, use their mail satchel as a protective shield and deploy dog repellent if necessary. To stay ahead of these risks, USPS also provides carriers with awareness tools, including handheld scanners that feature built-in dog warning alerts and physical warning cards that are placed into mail sorting cases to alert a carrier of a dog at a certain address.

NWTF Massachusetts Supports Legislation Strengthening Hunting Heritage

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The Massachusetts State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation supports proposed legislation that will expand hunting opportunities across the Bay State, recently endorsed by Gov. Maura Healey. The proposed legislation would allow hunting on Sundays, expand hunting with crossbows and reduce the setback distances for bowhunting and falconry.
“Wildlife management is most effective when agencies have the flexibility to make adaptive, biologically informed decisions,” said Kaylee Szymanski, NWTF district biologist for New England. “Regulated hunting plays a critical role in maintaining healthy and sustainable wildlife populations, and modernizing these regulations gives wildlife professionals additional tools to manage species using science-based approaches while creating more opportunities for people to participate in conservation through hunting.”
This new legislation will modernize outdated hunting laws and expand access for outdoor recreation. Massachusetts is one of two states left in the country that still enforces a ban on Sunday hunting. Legalizing hunting on Sundays during limited hunting seasons will create equitable access to outdoor recreation and provide MassWildlife with an increased ability to manage healthy wildlife populations.
“Getting in the woods to hunt is dependent on access to the outdoors,” said Jesse Warner, NWTF R3 coordinator for the Northeast. “Whether it's someone with years of experience or none at all, allowing Sunday hunting opportunities increases when a person can get out and experience the life-changing power of the outdoors. This aligns with our efforts through the Forests and Flocks Initiative to increase hunting and shooting sports access, as well as engaging in policy efforts that advocate for hunter’s rights.”
To inform the proposed legislative changes, MassWildlife held five public listening sessions across the state, generating over 11,200 comments. The Massachusetts NWTF State Chapter wrote a letter of support, strongly encouraging the passing of the proposed legislation. The NWTF’s overarching recommendation was to grant MassWildlife regulatory authority to manage Sunday hunting and crossbow use through regulation instead of state legislation. This will allow the agency to apply adaptive, data-driven management and respond efficiently to changing conditions.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation   
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.

Falcons Hatched at Umass Lowell Welcomed into State's Inventory of Majestic Birds
Wildlife Conservationists Assess and Tag Five Chicks for Future Study

LOWELL, Mass. - Five peregrine falcon chicks have officially joined the UMass Lowell flock now that state wildlife biologists have tagged the birds with identification bands that enroll them in state and regional monitoring and protection programs.
The clutch of chicks - two females and three males - hatched in May to a pair of adult falcons living in a nest box on the roof of the university's Fox Hall, the tallest building in Lowell. On Monday, biologists from the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Transportation's Wildlife and Endangered Species Unit visited the chicks to assess their health, identify their gender and share information about their diet and habitat.
Led by Chalis Bird, the DFW's northeast district wildlife biologist, the team retrieved the chicks from the nest box while guests watched on video monitors from inside the building. Once in hand, the chicks were brought inside where they were fitted with numbered metal leg bands that will allow conservationists to track the falcons over their lifespan, typically about 10 years. The chicks were safely returned to the nest box about an hour later. They will fly to new territory as young birds this August.
Peregrine falcons are the fastest birds in the world, reaching dive speeds of more than 240 mph in flight. They are highly adaptive and live in a variety of urban and rural environments. But, due to the prevalence of the pesticide DDT by the mid-1960s, there were no falcons nesting in the eastern United States, and the birds were federally designated as an endangered species. After DDT was banned in 1972, efforts to rebuild the population began.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the state's peregrine banding and restoration efforts. Today, the falcons' status in Massachusetts has been upgraded to birds "of special concern."
UMass Lowell's care of the raptors is just one of the initiatives that exemplifies the university's commitment to sustainability and the environment. The university is the highest-rated campus for sustainability in Massachusetts, according to the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). The organization has designated UMass Lowell as one of 11 platinum-rated campuses in the U.S. and one of 18 in the world.
A mating pair of the majestic peregrines has called Fox Hall home since at least 2007, when the birds were discovered on the building's gravel roof - falcons do not build conventional nests but often lay their eggs out in the open. The university then constructed the nest box to shelter the birds from the elements and better ensure their success.
Also known as "duck hawks," the falcons are UMass Lowell's real-life River Hawks - the namesake of the university's athletic teams. Over the past 19 years, more than 50 peregrine chicks have been raised atop of Fox Hall. The birds are monitored via
webcams (https://t.e2ma.net/click/4g20pg/sjclupy/gibqkq)
that allow the public to see them in their urban habitat high above the Merrimack River. Area schoolteachers often use the birds' story to help educate children about wildlife.
In 2025, wildlife biologists identified 40 nesting pairs of falcons across the Bay State. Falcons raised at UMass Lowell have gone on to establish other nests in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Rhode Island.

WCMS Performs Summer Concert

Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society

What: High Five featuring works by Felix Mendelssohn and Antonín Dvořák. WCMS musicians will play in the air-conditioned, handicapped accessible venue.

When & Where:
Saturday, June 13, 2026 | Brooks Concert Hall, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester 7:30 PM

Program:
Mendelssohn | String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 87
Dvořák | Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op. 81

How: Information and tickets here: https://worcesterchambermusic.org/summer-concert-high-five/

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

A Picnic and Party Celebrating the Solstice, Sun, River and Arts

June 21st, 5pm to 8pm at the Old Manse (269 Monument Street, Concord, MA)

Picnic in the back lawn of the Old Manse along the banks of the Concord River. Enjoy music by Anna Huckabee Tull and Friends, art-making, face-painting, a sing-a-long and an Earth Float!
This is a free family friendly way to celebrate Father’s Day. Just bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and a picnic!

Hosted by Musketaquid Arts & Environment, in partnership with Art for All and the Concord Carlisle Girl Scouts. Thank you to our sponsors: Concord Cultural Council, SuAsCo Wild & Scenic Stewardship Council, National Park Service, and The Trustees.

Acton/Boxborough

Acton/Maynard/Boxborough

HEADLINES

Council on Aging Events

Reading of the Declaration of Independence with Musket and Cannon Salute

FREE Children's Activities: Celebrating 50 years of the Tom Denney Nature Camp

Concord Art Presents: Say It with FlowersJune 11, 2026 - August 11, 2026

Maynard Community Band Returns for Its 79th Season of Free Summer Concerts

Mt Calvary Community Supper July 2026“ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER WEDNESDAY”“All are Welcome.”

Iron Work Farm Open House at Jones Tavern and the Faulkner Homestead

Three New Members Elected to Greater Lowell Community Foundation Board of Directors

Emphasizing Mental Health During Men's Health Month

Ashlyn Mercier Crowned Miss Massachusetts 2026 First Police Officer to Wear the State Crown

2026 Northborough Free Summer Concert Series

UMass Lowell Students Install Solar Power in Dominican Republic to Provide Reliable ElectricitySolar panels help keep lights on in community where electricity is scarce

America’s Time Capsule Sealed Until 2276

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

What Happens When a Wine Bar anda Bookstore Team Up?

FREE 6-Week A Cappella Adventure

Council on Aging Events

Library Closed for Juneteenth

Sign Up for Children’s Summer Lunch Program

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

The Concord Band Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Save the Bluebird Group Needs Stovepipes

2nd Annual Nature Play Festival at Discovery Museum July 10—Free!

Father's Day History

What Is the Summer Solstice?

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards $268,200 in Grants to Local Nonprofits at Annual Meeting

June 2026 Events at 19 Carter

Littleton History. Modern Brew.

Acton Council on Aging Events

Acton Parks and Recreation Upcoming Events

From Gas Pumps to Charging Stations: EV Basics for Everyday Drivers

Acton Emergency Preparedness Fair

*** The Acton Lions Town Fair is Coming to Town***

Household Goods Awarded $225,000 Cummings Grant

June 2026 Events at 19 Carter19 Carter St, Berlin

Join Us for Our Free Nature Play Festival at Discovery Museum

Juneteenth Celebration at the Boutwell HouseA Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Followed by Refreshments

The Next Step in Leadership Transition for Assabet Valley Mastersingers

USPS National Dog Bite Awareness Events Kick Off Today, June 1

NWTF Massachusetts Supports Legislation Strengthening Hunting Heritage

Falcons Hatched at Umass Lowell Welcomed into State's Inventory of Majestic BirdsWildlife Conservationists Assess and Tag Five Chicks for Future Study

WCMS Performs Summer Concert

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

A Picnic and Party Celebrating the Solstice, Sun, River and Arts

Littleton History. Modern Brew.

Concord Art Presents: Say It with Flowers
June 11, 2026 - August 11, 2026

Mt Calvary Community Supper July 2026
“ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER WEDNESDAY”
“All are Welcome.”

Three New Members Elected to Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Board of Directors

Ashlyn Mercier Crowned Miss Massachusetts 2026
First Police Officer to Wear the State Crown

UMass Lowell Students Install Solar Power in Dominican Republic to Provide Reliable Electricity
Solar panels help keep lights on in community where electricity is scarce

What Happens When a Wine Bar and
a Bookstore Team Up?

* The Acton Lions Town Fair is Coming to Town*

June 2026 Events at 19 Carter
19 Carter St, Berlin

Juneteenth Celebration at the Boutwell House
A Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation Followed by Refreshments

Falcons Hatched at Umass Lowell Welcomed into State's Inventory of Majestic Birds
Wildlife Conservationists Assess and Tag Five Chicks for Future Study