Chelmsford Quilters Host Quilt Show

Excitement is in the air for this upcoming Quilt Show! And what could be more beautiful than a room filled with hand crafted quilts?! Catch the enthusiasm and attend this local Quilt Show being held May 18 & 19 at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road (route 40) in North
Chelmsford, MA. Show hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The show features over 100 Traditional, Modern, and Art quilts made by members, a Members Boutique, Silent Auction of Mini Quilts, Themed Raffle Baskets, Quilting Demonstrations, and More! Show Vendors are Bits ‘n Pieces Quilt Shop of Pelham NH and blade sharpener National Sharpening Company. This year, our Charity Quilt Raffle will benefit Lowell Transitional Living Center.
Admission is $10 and free for children under 12; cash or check only as we are unable to accept credit or debit cards. Building is wheelchair accessible with plenty of free parking.
The group's Quilt Shows are held every two years and are always a highlight of Guild programming. If you are in the area, this show is a “must see” event!
For more information, visit  www.chelmsfordquiltguild.com

“Formations: Clay, Stone, Time” Art Exhibit opens at 6 Bridges Gallery on May 22, 2024

6 Bridges Gallery presents “Formations: Clay, Stone, Time,” an exhibit of ceramics by Jeanne D’Amico, photographs by Julie L’Heureux, and sketches by Natalie MacKnight.
The exhibit will be on view at 6 Bridges Gallery, 77 Main Street, Maynard, from May 22 through June 22, 2024. It will also be hosted online at 6 Bridges Gallery. A reception will be held on June 8, 5:00–7:00 PM.
Ceramic artist, Jeanne D’Amico, makes functional pieces: tea bowls, mugs, bowls, vases and plates for everyday use. Working with clay on the wheel requires being present with continuous movements and decisions. Occasionally, while throwing one piece, suddenly the clay veers off in another direction. The change could be caused by an unintended hand movement or a change in the consistency of the clay. By choosing to continue in the new direction, a bowl might instead become a vase or a platter. Most times, Jeanne finds that the new piece is infinitely better than the one she had in mind. In addition, the piece often leads to ideas for new functional work.
Digital photographer Julie L’Heureux specializes in still life, landscapes, and portraits. She has a profound fascination for the enduring presence of rock formations and the enigmatic Petrified Forest. Her photography transcends mere representation, capturing fleeting moments set against the timeless backdrop of nature’s sculptures. Each image she creates is more than meets the eye; it is a canvas where light, shadows, color, and clarity are orchestrated to craft an illusion that stirs the realms of our imagination. Utilizing her camera, expert lighting, and the transformative powers of digital tools like Lightroom and Photoshop, L’Heureux invites viewers to explore the juxtaposition of the fleeting and the eternal which is central to her thematic focus on the Petrified Forest and the rock formations, while still capturing the artistic process and vision.
Natalie MacKnight is known for her energetic black and white gouache paintings of boulders and stone walls. In this exhibit, she presents a series of sketches in graphite, charcoal and pencil. MacKnight is one of the many artists displaced when her previous studio building shut down. Working in her home studio, she decided to set aside painting for a bit and focus on sketching. Sketching became an exploration of stone vs. the elusive nature of time:  Boulders and stone walls sit in the forest, patiently and determinedly waiting, while ever-shifting light and foliage flutter around them. MacKnight hopes these sketches will prompt the viewer to embrace the lightness in their own world.
For more information about the exhibit, please visit 6 Bridges Gallery, Facebook, and Instagram.

Gorgeous Iris Show!

On Monday May 27 (Memorial Day) the Iris Society of Massachusetts invites you to an iris show – ‘Dancing with Irises’ – at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St., West Concord. You will see irises that society members grow in their local gardens and bring to the show to compete for awards. Admission is free, and the show is open to the public from 1-4 pm. The center is accessible and has easy parking. In addition to the array of beautiful, scented irises to which the judges have given awards, there will be tables of companion plants as well as floral arrangements that use irises and that reflect the show’s theme of ‘Dancing with Irises.’ You are encouraged to vote on your favorite iris in the show as well as your favorite companion plant. Rhizomes of spring blooming bearded irises and potted siberian irises will be on sale. They usually sell quickly. Society members will be on hand to answer general questions about irises as well as more specific horticultural queries. To find out more about the show and about the iris society, go to the website: massirises.org.

Lucie Hager: Poet and Chronicler of Boxborough’s Early History

Lucie Hager was a remarkable woman of the 19th Century.  Though she was largely self-taught, she was a successful school teacher, bookkeeper and a prolific writer of poetry.
Late in the nineteenth century Lucie wrote the Boxborough section in a comprehensive history of Middlesex County containing histories of every city and town in the county. At that time Boxborough with its 325 inhabitants was one of the smallest towns in the County . Encouraged by this work and by her friends, she wrote a separate history of Boxborough alone. That book was published in 1891 as “Boxborough: A New England Town and its People”. The book is a treasure trove of lore of the Town and of its notable families.
Come hear Alan Rohwer of the Boxborough Historical Commission discuss the life and labors of this pioneering woman in the meeting room of the Sargent Memorial Library at 427 Massachusetts Avenue (route 111) on Thursday May 23 at 7 p.m.  The event is free and registration is not required.

Religious Education Sunday and Bridging – FPC Sunday Service Stow, Mass., May 19

First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will hold a special Sunday service celebrating its religious education program, to include recognition of graduating high school seniors “bridging” to adulthood. The service will also feature our annual “RE Extravaganza”! The service will take place both in person and virtually on May 19 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

FPC Plant and Jewelry Sale Stow, MA, May 18

A jewelry sale will take place during the annual plant sale at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The jewelry will be available indoors and will include everything from fun costume bracelets and necklaces to vintage treasures, such as silver earrings and chains, signed pins, and more. The plant sale will include a selection of perennials, ground cover, herbs, annuals, shrubs, small trees, and garden-related items. The plant and jewelry sales will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the church parking lot and Community Room, respectively. To get to the Community Room, go through the main entrance (not the sanctuary entrance), take a left, and go through the second door on the right. Proceeds
benefit the church. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

First Parish Church Is Donating 3 Birthday Parties for Children in Need.

Many families struggle to offer their children the joyful birthday celebrations they deserve. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) and FPC volunteer staff are offering 3 free parties, to occur between July 2024 and June 2025, to families that might not otherwise be able to have a party for a child. The youth at FPC have helped build a party “escape room” chest that’s available for birthday rentals. The parties are best suited for children and youth between 8 and
17. This includes the use of FPC’s Vestry, including tables and chairs for up to 20 people (though the escape adventure is recommended for 5 to 10 participants), and access to a small kitchen. The parties also include an FPC volunteer who will open and close the building and act as “games master” for the escape adventure. Pirate-themed Escape Room in a Chest: ● 12 puzzles to solve (suited to ages 8 to adult) ● A 60- to 90-minute adventure (approximately) ● Teams of 5 to 10 people Typical Party ● 2 hours total ● Up to 90 min in Escape Game ● Remainder of time in Vestry Cafe for any food, cake and beverages you bring. The value of the party is $300 ($250 rent and $50 sexton fee). Low-income families and foster families are encouraged to apply using the URL below. At least one adult must be present throughout the party. Tinyurl.com/FPCpiratebday Applications will be reviewed by FPC’s minister. Requests will be accepted until May 30. Recipients of the parties will be contacted by June 10, 2024. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Over the Moon - MMMH Spring Concert

June 9 at 3pm
The Umbrella Arts Center, Concord MA
A sing-along performance by the Music Makes Me Happy Chorus, a Concord-based non-profit chorus for adults with special needs.

Our concert will be in collaboration with Boston-based BEYOND THE NOTES and will feature:
• Violinist Sarah Whitney
• The barbershop quartet “Have Voices, Will Travel”
• Owen Leeuwis, tenor sax from Berklee College of Music
• Percussionist Mitchell Gordon
• Soprano Ella McGaunn Geiger
• Chorus pianist Devereux Geiger.
Admission is Free, All Ages Welcome (suggested Donation of $20

Save the date!!!
Boxborough Fifer's Day Volleyball Tournament: June 15

Boxborough Fifer's Day Volleyball Tournament: June 15
The Annual Boxborough Fifer's Day Volleyball Tournament will take place on
Saturday June 15 at Flerra Meadows in Boxborough.  This year there will again be three coed brackets: "Open", "Players" and "Backyard". All brackets will start at 1 p.m.
· The Open bracket is intended for teams of "serious" volleyball players who play or compete on a regular basis. The entry fee is $75 per team; a $200 cash prize and trophies will be given to the first place team.
· The Players bracket is for teams with some volleyball experience, who may be or have been competing in volleyball league play.  The entry fee is $65, and trophies will be given to the first place team.
· Backyard bracket is intended for teams of neighbors and friends who do not regularly play or compete in volleyball. The entry fee is $60 per team.
Total entrants are limited to 20 teams. Entry is first come first served.  Interested
teams should go to w
ww.fifersday.org  for information and an entry form. For
questions email volleyball@boxboroughminutemen.org

Green Acton Fixit Clinic, May 18th

Do you have a broken or non-functioning item you think may be repairable? Bring it to the *free* Green Acton Fixit Clinic, where knowledgeable coaches will help you troubleshoot, tinker, and maybe fix your item! We also do sharpening, so bring your

dull kitchen knives and garden tools. Coaches will help with small appliances, toys, devices, clothing, electronics, bikes and anything else that you can carry!

At the four previous Green Acton Fixit Clinics, our repair rate was about 70%. Some examples of what Acton residents have fixed, with our coaches’ help: vacuum cleaners, table lamps, winter coats, a piano stool, electric fans, an iPad, a laser printer, clocks, chairs, a wildlife camera, a mobility scooter headlight, flashlights, and many more. Plus, we have sharpened over 200 dull knives! Your visit is FREE, although we may ask for a donation to defray costs of supplies such as batteries, electrical fixtures, or sewing notions. Please join us at the Acton Memorial Library at
486 Main Street (Rt 27) for the 5th Green Acton Fixit Clinic, Saturday, 5-18-24 from 10 AM - 1 PM. Upcoming Fixit Clinic dates: September 14th, 2024; January 11, 2025; and May 24, 2025.

If you want to bring a repairable item for us to look at and have time to check in before the event, visit bit.ly/3W4MVFM
If you would like to volunteer or coach, visit  .ly/inpersoncoachsignup
Thanks for repairing and reusing to help save money, build skills and help the environment!
Mcg plant sale

The MCG Plant Sale is THIS Saturday!

Maynard Community Gardeners Annual Plant Sale May 18th
Head on over to the Maynard Community Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale, THIS
Saturday, May 18th in the Maynard Elks Lodge parking lot at 34 Powdermill Road in Maynard, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. This is a great opportunity to choose from a wide variety of plants that flourish locally, at bargain prices!  Flowers, vegetables, hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, and shrubs will all be available in an assortment of heights, types, and colors. We will also feature a small flea market of deeply discounted garden-related tools and objects. Come early for the best selection!

Maynard Community Gardeners is an organization comprised of seasoned and novice gardeners who make it their mission to beautify our small town. All funds raised at the plant sale go directly to MCG’s ongoing efforts, including the many flower planters along the sidewalks and in public spaces downtown, the beautiful flower-filled alleyway off Nason Street, the seasonally changing downtown triangle, and Maplebrook Park. Your purchases at the plant sale make it possible for MCG to continue bringing beauty and joy to all who live in and visit Maynard!
Patrick beverly

Town of Acton Recognizes Two Municipal Employees with 2023 Joseph
A. Lalli Merit Award's

Patrick Hawthorne and Beverly Hutchings are recognized by Town Manager John Mangiaratti as the 2023 recipients of the Joseph A. Lalli Merit Award. (Courtesy Town of Acton)

ACTON — Town Manager John Mangiaratti is pleased to announce that
Patrick Hawthorne and Beverly Hutchings are recipients of the 2023
Joseph A. Lalli Merit Award for Municipal and Public Safety Employees of the Year.

The award is given each year to town employees who demonstrated unparalleled dedication, exceptional performance, and a commitment to the town’s values.

“These employees have gone above and beyond to serve our residents,” Town Manager Mangiaratti said. “Their hard work, passion, and positive attitude have not only propelled our commitment- providing excellent customer service measures but have also inspired their colleagues to strive for excellence.”

Hutchings and Hawthorne were honored on May 7 before the start of the second night of the Town Meeting.

Hutchings, who is the Outreach Coordinator for the Council on Aging, was named the town’s Municipal Employee of the Year. She’s worked for the Town of Acton for 27 years. Hutchings worked in the Nursing Department before joining the Council on Aging in 2011.

“Beverly goes above and beyond what is required and does her best to provide the seniors (and their caregivers) in this community with the assistance they need,” Town Manager Mangiaratti said. “Her soft-spoken manner can diffuse any type of stressful situation and put others at ease.”

As the Council on Aging’s outreach director, Hutchings’ duties include organizing events, wellness checks, coordinating transportation, arranging grocery and medication deliveries, and more.

“Thank you for the recognition of the Municipal Employee of the Year Award from the Town of Acton and the Joseph A. Lalli Foundation,” Hutchings said. “It was a wonderful acknowledgment of my work. I enjoy working with the residents and departments in this community.”

Hawthorne was named Acton's Public Safety Employee of the Year. He was hired by the Town of Acton in 2007 as a public safety communicator. His experience and professionalism has diffused many situations, including during a road rage incident last year. Hawthorne successfully guided a driver through local roads so that he could make his way to the Public Safety Building.

“Patrick is always calm and one step ahead of what needs to be done,” Town Manager Mangiaratti said. “Throughout the years he has effectively helped people who call 911 get the assistance that they need in a calm and professional manner.” Hawthorne said of the award: “Winning the Joseph A. Lalli Merit Award means the world to me. As a public servant, this is something that you strive for. I am honored and thankful for being this year’s recipient.”
Qr code image

Jewelry Fundraiser Seeks Donations

ACTON: Friends of Acton Council on Aging will be hosting a Jewelry Sale Fundraiser on October 16.  They are currently accepting jewelry donations at the Acton Senior Center Front Desk (30 Sudbury Rd Rear, Acton, MA 01720).  All jewelry is welcome (new, old, single earrings, vintage, you name it!).  Jewelry collected will be sold at the October Jewelry Sale with proceeds used to fund programs and events at the Acton Senior Center. For more information, visit https://friendsofactoncoa.com
Acton garden

Acton Garden Club Supports The Garlic Mustard Pull!

Acton Garden Club Supports The Garlic Mustard Pull!
What is Garlic Mustard? It is a nonnative invasive plant from Europe that takes over, destroys soil and prevents the growth of native species, wildflowers, and other plants in our woodlands, conservation areas & the Acton Arboretum.
Look for it in your yard or by the roadside!
Pull it while flowering with the roots, before it goes to seed in June and spreads. Every Plant Counts! The big ones and the little ones!
Dispose of it in black plastic bags in the trash or special area at the transfer station. Eat it!  It is edible! Clean the leaves thoroughly. Recipes on the Internet.
For more information, go to ActonGardenClub.org or https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/plants/garlic-mustard

Music Fest 2024

Saturday, May 25
1pm-7pm
Rideout Field, West Concord
Headline Act: The Bruce Marshall Group Musical Lineup to include:
1pm CCHS Chamber Music Group
2pm Rockabye Beats
3pm The Joy of Music Clarinet Ensemble
4pm Ya Mon: Mr. Hot Pepper (steel drums)
5pm The Bruce Marshall Group
(Roadhouse BBQ, Ice Cream, Local Vendors-Bring refillable water bottle) FREE COMMUNITY EVENT!

Squash Stigma and Support Wellness Together

The Town of Maynard is inviting everyone to learn about 8 dimensions of wellness on Thursday, May 30th, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Maynard Public Library, 77 Nason Street. Hear inspiring stories of how people have overcome the stigma affecting mental health recovery and substance use recovery along with other challenges to support wellness. To reserve a seat, please email: Moira Carter, Public Health Nurse, mcarter@townofmaynard.net. Otherwise, call or text Scott Francis at MOAR (508) 971-5421.

A Brief History of the Nashua, Acton & Boston Railroad aka The Red Line with Marilyn Day and Rick Hurst

Sunday, May 19, 2024
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Westford Museum
2 Boston Road, Westford, MA, 01886
In 2004, Westford Author, Paul Baillio wrote a book on the history of an old railroad that had significant impact on the railroad history of Westford and surrounding towns, entitled “The Nashua, Acton, & Boston Railroad, 1873-1926, A Legacy of Wonderful Arch Bridges and Quiet Walking Trails.” You probably are already familiar with the Stone Arch Bridge Trail which was a piece of the roadbed for this railroad.
Westford Historian Marilyn Day, along with Rick Hurst, member of the Boston & Maine Archives, have added bells and whistles to Mr. Baillio’s research with more pictures and information about this Westford rail line.
Don’t get sidetracked and miss your connection. No ticket required however a suggested donation of $10 per person is greatly appreciated!

Placement Auditions on May 19 for Concord Conservatory’s Overture String Orchestra

Announcing Concord Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) new program for the fall: Overture String Orchestra—which guarantees to enhance your student’s musicianship and take their skills to the next level! Specifically designed for intermediate violin, viola, cello, and bass students in grades 4 through 8, the Orchestra will improve musical abilities through a comprehensive, creative, and collaborative approach, fostering the joy of making music together. The CCM Overture String Orchestra offers a challenging and rewarding chamber orchestra experience, maintaining a focus on personalized instruction and a curriculum tailored to meet the needs of each student. By encouraging students to listen to their peers, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and perform harmoniously as a group, the Orchestra will elevate their musical talents. Overture String Orchestra players need not be CCM students, but are required to be in private lessons with a qualified instructor and are encouraged to participate in their school orchestra programs, if available to them. Auditions will take place this spring on Sunday, May 19 starting at 3 pm. Sign up now for the no stress 5-minute audition, which will only be used for placement purposes. Don't miss this opportunity for your young musician to become a part of our community of talented musicians! Sign up by either calling CCM at (978) 369-0010 or on the CCM website at concordconservatory.org/programs/overture-string-orchestra/ About CCM Concord Conservatory of Music: It is a community of people who are passionate about music education. CCM enrolls over 500 students annually and offers programs for all ages and abilities. As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord, MA, and 17 surrounding communities. Its curriculum includes private instruction, group classes, and performance opportunities. Financial assistance is available

Moving-On

MOVING-ON invites singles age 60 or over, from all towns, to come to their non-denominational meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. The time is 7:00PM and the place is The Church of Our Redeemer, at 6 Meriam St., Lexington. The remainder of Thursdays we meet on Zoom. This nonprofit group of singles has been meeting for many years to discuss diverse topics and engage in social activities. Younger people are also welcome. Come and meet new friends. To get more information and the Zoom link, email info@moving-on-together.org.

Acton Garden Club Plant Sale

The Acton Garden Club will hold its Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 18th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm rain or shine at the Red House - 468 Main Street, Acton, MA.

Come early for the best selections of Annuals, Perennials, Native Plants and locally grown herbs vegetables, shrubs, and trees. There will be a Raffle Table with great prizes and gardening advice from our Master Gardeners.
Proceeds of the Annual Garden Sale support our community, through scholarships for graduating ABHS seniors, maintenance of town gardens and planters, and educational programs for the club members and the community.

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday May 19 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Bob Lucas at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org, or 978-263-1540.
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, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to town 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.

Come see Boxborough’s Treasures

The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday May 19. 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.

Acton Woman's Club Bake Sale

It's time! The ovens will be baking soon! The Acton Woman's Club is looking forward to another successful pie and baked goods sale.
All home baked! Mark your calendar! Saturday, May 18, starting at 9 am
at the Clubhouse! at 504 Main St. Proceeds support high school scholarships.
Don't miss out! It always sells out!
And during the sale, you can get a tour of the antique
Clubhouse building [ask for Margie or Brenda]. Not only can you experience a gracious living room furnished with antiques, you may want to consider using the building for your next party or private event. And coming by for a visit on a spring day during our bake sale would be a wonderful way for you to see the building from the inside and see how lovely it is...So come along and check out the beautiful space, and buy something scrumptious! for your upcoming dinner party! for a friend! or just for you! We have room for more members, especially if you like to bake or organize events! the Club is a great way to make new friends! More information:www.theactonwomansclub.org

Brunch Fundraiser to Support DSVN (Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc.)

Celebration of Hope Benefit
Saturday, May 18th, 11:00am-2:00pm
The Barn at Gibbet Hill
Enjoy Brunch in the Rustic Elegance and Celebrate...
Hope, Connections, & Community Partnerships
Tickets $100 per person (Ticket price covers the cost of brunch, drinks, dessert, entertainment, and rental fees)
To Reserve Tickets: Visit DVSN.org/Benefit2024 or call 978-318-3421 for more information. Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal: $100,000

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. Presents: A Star Watch at the Stow Minute Man Airfield

Saturday, May 11th from 8:30 PM until 10:30 PM
SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. It’s galaxy season! This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring the Virgo supercluster of galaxies, as well as other deep sky wonders like the double galaxy M51, the Sombrero galaxy and the planetary nebula and galaxy pair of the Owl Nebula and M108! See a host of beautiful double stars and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects. There will be a bright overhead pass of the International Space Station (bright as Venus) at 9PM. Don’t miss it!
Masks are not required but will be available. If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone ill, we ask that you refrain from attending.
The weather caused us to cancel our last event, so be sure to check before you come. A cancellation notice will be posted on our website www.sasobservatory.org by 3:00 PM that day. If we do cancel on Saturday, we will try again the next night (Sunday), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

The Taste in Motion ~
Sunday, May 19, 2024, 2~5 PM, Maynard Center

You’re invited to a Fantastic Around the Town Sampling Experience in Maynard’s town center on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 2 ~ 5PM, with all proceeds benefitting the Maynard Education Foundation (MEF)!

Sample dishes from your favorite local restaurants, enjoy live entertainment by local celebrity Jae Mannion & the Maynard High School Jazz Band, and enter to win fabulous raffle prizes, all while strolling Main Street and Nason Street, Maynard. Eateries that do
not have brick and mortar locations in Maynard center will set up a tent at the parking lot in the Mill and Main parking lot, across from 155 Main Street, Maynard. Please visit w w w.ma yn a rd e d u ca ti o n .o rg for the latest list of participating restaurants.

Purchase your event wristbands in advance for adults $25; children $10 (ages 2-12), children under age 2 free by going to w w.ma yn a rd ed u ca ti on .o rg . Wristbands will also be available at the event for $30 (adult) and $15 (children ages 2-12) at the Maynard Education Foundation (MEF) tent in the Mill & Main parking lot (across from 155 Main Street, Maynard). Then, with a map in hand, explore our local eateries, checking out their menus, meeting the dedicated owners & staff.  Vote on your favorites to show your support.

This event is made possible by our sponsors, the restaurants, and folks like you who donate to MEF. We are grateful to our sponsors: Premier and Major Sponsors Chris & Carolyn DiSilva, Ink Etc Marketing, Middlesex Savings Bank, Minuteman Building and Preservation, Inc, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Open Door Education; also to our Sponsors Acton Funeral Home, Capital Group Properties and Dunn Oil Co/MacFarlane.

The Maynard Education Foundation’s mission is to enhance educational excellence in the Maynard public schools by providing grants for new initiatives, enrichment activities and professional development opportunities for teachers, students and administrators since our inception in 2000. MEF is a 501 c 3 organization.

The Taste in Motion is a rain or shine event. All funds raised will go towards the grant programs that support Maynard Public Schools. Tickets are considered a donation and are non-refundable. Join your friends and neighbors for this fun community event in support of the Maynard Education Foundation and thank you for your support!!

Maynard Community Gardeners Annual Plant Sale on May 18th (Wanted: Your Surplus Plants!)


The Maynard Community Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 18th in the Maynard Elks Lodge parking lot at 34 Powdermill Road in Maynard, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. This is a great opportunity to choose from a wide variety of plants that flourish locally, at bargain prices!  Flowers, vegetables, hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, and shrubs will all be available in an assortment of heights, types, and colors. We will also feature a small flea market
of deeply discounted garden-related tools and objects. Come early for the best selection!


All plants at the sale are either donated by members/non-members who want to share their abundance or provided by Stow Garden Center. If you have surplus plants that you would like to donate to the plant sale, please email Loretta West at lorett aw es t3@aol. com for the drop off-site and times. If you need help digging up the plants you are donating, please contact Steve Smith at
s tevens mith @kw.com to make arrangements. We are especially interested in perennials that are native to our region and/or pollinator friendly.


Maynard Community Gardeners is an organization comprised of seasoned and novice gardeners who make it their mission to beautify our small town. All funds raised at the plant sale go directly to MCG’s ongoing efforts, including the many flower planters along the sidewalks and in public spaces downtown, the beautiful flower-filled alleyway off Nason Street, the seasonally
changing downtown triangle, and Maplebrook Park. Your plant donations make the MCG Annual
Plant Sale and its proceeds possible, bringing beauty and joy to all who live in and visit
Maynard!

Sons of Blarney to Perform in Stow


May 11 – In a family-friendly show that will have your toes tapping, Vinny Pendergast and the Sons of Blarney will perform classic Irish tunes in Stow on Saturday, May 11, at 7 p.m. This lively, energetic 5-member band consists of lead singer Vinny Pendergast (originally from County Mayo, Republic of Ireland) on vocals and guitar; Steve Brown on penny whistle and bones; Paula Cookson Luria on percussion; Paul Luria on banjo, mandolin and harmonica; and
John Sullivan on bass, guitar and octave mandolin. Vocals are by all. These seasoned musicians have performed extensively in Massachusetts and beyond. Their music will have you singing along and maybe even dancing. The Sons of Blarney will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your face. This is a benefit show for an area family seeking asylum; suggested donation per adult is $20 with no donation requested for children. Tickets are required and can be ordered at tinyurl.com/SonsOfBlarney. Doors open 6:30 p.m., and the concert will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. The concert will take place at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Rd., Stow.
 
Acton garden club

Acton Garden Club presents:
Living With Wildlife in Massachusetts
Tia Pinney, Biologist, Lead Naturalist, at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm

May 7, 2024
10:30 AM
St Matthew's Church, 435 Central Street, Acton, MA

Learn about commonly encountered wildlife and their intersection with the wild and developed spaces we inhabit.

We share Massachusetts with a diverse range of wildlife that you may have come across exploring your neighborhood or making headlines in the news. Learn about commonly encountered wildlife such as deer, coyote, and raccoons, and their intersection with the wild and developed spaces we inhabit. Find out best practices for maintaining bird feeders and attracting visitors. From amazing pollinators to problematic mosquitoes and ticks, we’ll introduce some incredible insects and how they impact each other. Whether you watch it from your window or your timeline, you’ll learn more about how to peacefully co-exist with these unique neighbors.

Crafts & Play for Kids 4 to 11


May 10 – Children aged 4 to 11 are invited to First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) in Stow for a night of crafts, snacks and fun on Friday, May 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Club UU is FPC’s monthly, nonreligious drop-off kid's club. It's led by a minimum of three adults, and typically between 7 and 9 kids attend. We focus on building social connections between children through creative crafts, fun games and group decision making. Newcomers from the community are always welcome and are invited to bring a friend. In May, the theme will be mindfulness, with some Zentangle, kids’ yoga, and active movement games. As always, we'll end with flashlight hide-and-seek. Club UU will take a break after this, but it’s expected to return on Sept.
20. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Please drop children off and pick them up in the church Vestry. To get to the Vestry, go through the main entrance (not the sanctuary entrance), take a left, and go to the end of the hallway. For more information, call 978-897-8149. FPC’s facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Building Connection One Song at a Time

May 5 – The Morning Star Singers, a group of indigenous women who are hand drummers and singers, will be welcomed by First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) for an outdoor Sunday service about building community and beginning reparations. The Morning Star Singers seek to preserve and continue the beautiful tradition of women’s singing in native culture. For this service, they are planning on wearing red in remembrance of missing/murdered indigenous women and two-spirit individuals. Attendees are invited to join them in wearing red. The service will be held on May 5 at 10 a.m. on the lawn behind the church; come through the atrium doors and head through doors directly across. In case of rain, it will be held in Fellowship Hall (go through atrium doors and turn right). FPC is hoping to stream the service online if possible. Please check Sunday service listings at www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services for updated
information. Child care is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join
religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, call FPC Admin Meg at 617-291-3351 or visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow.

Town Hazard Mitigation Plan Comment Period Open
Through April 30

A draft Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Town of Boxborough is available for public comment through April 30. The draft plan can be found on the town’s website at https://bit.ly/3w0jIVr.
  “Implementation of this plan will significantly enhance our resilience to hazards such as flooding, snowstorms, high winds, and extreme temperatures,” says Town Planner Alec Wade.
  Once the town adopts the final plan and it is approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the town will be eligible to pursue “pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation grant opportunities.”
  Hard copies of the draft plan are available for in-person review at the Town Planner’s Office, 29 Middle Road, and at Sargent Memorial Library. Feedback can be provided by completing a Google Form at https://bit.ly/3w0jIVr or at the hard copy viewing locations.
  The Hazard Mitigation Plan “identifies and prioritizes strategies to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards and climate change on our community.” It was developed by Boxborough’s 17-member Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee in collaboration with Jamie Caplan Consulting, LLC, with funding support from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
  For more information, contact Town Planner Alec Wade at 978-264-1723 or awade@boxborough-ma.gov.

Select Board Rejects Building Committee’s Revisions to Fire Station Warrant Article


At its meeting on April 22, the Select Board discussed potential changes to Article 42 on the Town Meeting Warrant, “Professional Services for New Fire Station.” The changes, recommended by a unanimous vote of the Building Committee at its April 17 meeting, reduced both the dollar amount of the article and the scope of services.
  After much discussion, Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg’s motion to reduce the dollar amount of Article 42 from $500,000 to $250,000 in accordance with the Building Committee’s recommendation did not pass. Hilberg and Priya Sundaram voted in favor of the motion; Wes Fowlks and Dave McKiernan voted against the motion.
  The Town Administrator clarified that the text of the warrant cannot be changed at this time, since it has been printed and will be posted imminently; however, a reduction of the funds and services in Article 42 could be presented as an amendment on Town Meeting floor.
  The Building Committee’s proposed revisions to Article 42 included decreasing the total funds requested from $500,000 to $250,000; funding only a preliminary “conceptual” design instead of a “schematic” design or “construction” design; identifying four properties for which conceptual designs and budgets will be developed; and removing funding for an Owner’s Project Manager.
  Before voting on whether to accept the Building Committee’s revisions, Select Board members discussed the purpose of Article 42, how the funds would be used, and the pros and cons of reducing the funding and scope of services as recommended by the Building Committee. The Board took comments from the public as well.
  In other business, the Select Board heard the Q3 Finance Report presented by Town Accountant Kelli Pontbriand and Treasurer/Collector Naomi Quansah. They reported on Q3 activities and indicated that the town is in good shape with respect to both expenses and revenues. Accountant Pontbriand noted that all American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds must be spent or committed with contracts in hand by December 2024. She suggested that the town make a plan for how to spend the remaining funds, which total just over one million dollars.
  The Board also unanimously approved a revised Boxborough Sustainability Policy presented by Kate Davies, co-chair of the Sustainability Committee. The Policy is intended to “support coordinated, ambitious, fact-based decision making and actions across all Town departments, committees, and groups, in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, as set out in the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050, and to prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change on the Town.”

Groton Garden Club Plant Sale

May 11th, 9:00-NOON, Legion Common
75 Hollis St., Groton, MA
Cash or Checks Only
*Native Plants
*Perennials
*Shrubs
*And More...
www.grotongardenclub.org

Littleton Country Gardeners Plant Sale

Town Common, Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9am-2pm
Perennial • Fairie Gardens • Herbs & Veggies• Pollinator and Native Plants
Ask a Master Gardener and Membership booths!
Keeping Littleton Beautiful
Littleton Country Gardeners maintain 13 civic sites in town with seasonal plantings.
Cash or Check only!

Memory Lane Café at the
Acton Senior Center

May 28, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm at the Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road, Rear, Acton. A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with memory impairment and their care partners /caregivers. Cafés are a place to talk with others, enjoy lunch and an activity or entertainment together. We do ask attendees to bring their care partners. Lunch will be provided. Sponsored by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community and Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. RSVP by calling 978-929-6652. Groups will be held on the last Tuesday of each month.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Concord Park

May 9, 2024, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Please call 978-369-4728 or email mking@concordpark.org for the details and a Zoom invite.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Heritage Chorale 2024 Spring Concert:
Hold Fast to Dreams

Please join us for our Spring Concert, “Hold Fast to Dreams,” to be held on Sunday, May 19 at 4 pm at the Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive, Framingham. We’ll be presenting Roland Carter’s “Hold Fast to Dreams,” based on a poem by Langston Hughes, Florence Price’s “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight,” based on a poem by Vachel Lindsay, and Margaret Bonds’s “Simon Bore the Cross,” based on a poem again by Langston Hughes. The concert will also feature baritone soloist Philip Lima. The Heritage Chorale, an auditioned mixed chorus, brings the joy of music to Metrowest communities. Visit heritagechorale.org for more details and to purchase advance tickets online, saving $5 per ticket versus the price at the door.

Mark Your Calendar!
Maynard Community Gardeners
Annual Plant Sale on May 18th

(Wanted: Your Surplus Plants!)
The Maynard Community Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 18th in the Maynard Elks Lodge parking lot at 34 Powdermill Road in Maynard, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  This is a great opportunity to choose from a wide variety of plants that flourish locally, at bargain prices!  Flowers, vegetables, hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, and shrubs will all be available in an assortment of heights, types, and colors. We will also feature a small flea market of deeply discounted garden-related tools and objects. Come early for the best selection!
All plants at the sale are either donated by members/non-members who want to share their abundance or provided by Stow Garden Center. If you have surplus plants that you would like to donate to the plant sale, please email Loretta West at lorettawest3@aol.com for the drop off-site and times. If you need help digging up the plants you are donating, please contact Steve Smith at stevensmith@kw.com to make arrangements. We are especially interested in perennials that are native to our region and/or pollinator friendly.
Maynard Community Gardeners is an organization comprised of seasoned and novice gardeners who make it their mission to beautify our small town. All funds raised at the plant sale go directly to MCG’s ongoing efforts, including the many flower planters along the sidewalks and in public spaces downtown, the beautiful flower-filled alleyway off Nason Street, the seasonally changing downtown triangle, and Maplebrook Park. Your plant donations are what make the MCG Annual Plant Sale and its proceeds possible, bringing beauty and joy to all who live in and visit Maynard!

Joy Bible Study Spring Luncheon

Joy Bible Study invites area women to attend our annual Spring Luncheon
Date: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 9:45-11:45
Acton Joy Bible Study is a friendly community of women from different denominations who  desire to study the Bible, share laughter, develop lasting friendships, and share personal  insights. It has been meeting for 41 years.
The Spring Luncheon includes personal testimonies from two of our members, worship through  music, and announcement of our next study beginning September 2024. The morning  concludes with a complimentary luncheon provided by our members. Come see what we are all  about!
We meet at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 54 Hosmer St, Acton, MA  www.joybiblestudy.com

Ministry as Improv – FPC Sunday Service

Stow, Mass., April 28 – So much is changing in our world, faith, and congregational lives. As we engage this changing reality, we need tools to help us meet the needs of this liminal time. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) is pleased to welcome the Rev. Darrick Jackson, ministerial credentialing director for the Unitarian Universalist Association, to lead the Sunday service on April 28 at 10 a.m. Rev. Jackson will show us how improvisation can provide us with a framework for ministry in these times. He will show us how to add some “Yes, and…” to our lives and as part of FPC’s congregation – and how “Yes, and…” can help us to better accept and understand others, create new possibilities, and more.
The service will take place both in person and virtually. Masking is optional. Child care is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 978-897-8149 or visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow.

Windborne A Cappella Quartet
to Perform in Stow

Stow, Mass., April 27 – The critically acclaimed a cappella quartet Windborne will perform songs drawn from centuries of world music, from labor and civil rights struggles as well as modern folk compositions, at the New Revival Coffeehouse in Stow on Saturday, April 27. NPR called them “The best musical discovery of the year…stunningly powerful. Windborne sets a new bar for harmony singing today!”
Tickets are $20 in advance at tinyurl.com/WindborneMusic and $25 at the door. Doors open at 7pm. and the concert begins at 7:30pm. Masks are optional. The New Revival Coffeehouse is located at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow. For questions, call 978-274-2593 or email coffeehouse@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Nashobah Praying Indians:
A Living People, A Living Landscape

Boxborough (and Littleton) was originally the Praying Indian Village of Nashobah, a place of spirit and vision.   On Sunday May 5, the Boxborough Historical Society will present Sagamore Strong Bear Medicine of the Nashobah Praying Indians and local historian Daniel V. Boudillion at the Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road, starting at 2 p.m. They will discuss the Nashobah people, their spirit, their journey of survival, the village, and the sacred landscape that is all around us.
Strong Bear Medicine is Sagamore of the Nashobah Praying Indians and the founder of the Friends of the Nashobah Praying Indians.  Daniel V. Boudillion is an avid historian and author with a wide knowledge of early Nashobah history and has recently published “History of the Nashobah Praying Indians: Doings, Sufferings, Survival and Triumph”.
The event is free and registration is not required

Mt. Calvary Community Supper’s
12th Birthday

On April 10th Mt. Calvary Community Supper Acton celebrated its 12th birthday. Since our founding in April 2012, by Mike Tobia, Betty Andrews, Carol Graton, Pastor Tim Knapp and a core group of church members, in partnership with Acton-Boxborough United Way, we have now served over 55,000 meals to neighbors who have joined us every Wednesday throughout the years. As the only active community supper in Acton, it is evident that our mission to help alleviate food insecurity and social isolation is so very important and necessary in our communities. The success of Mt. Calvary Community Supper has been remarkable. Through the transitions of inside dining, to a “drive-thru parking lot supper” necessary during the pandemic, to the return to Fellowship Hall, it has filled a great void for all our guests. For some, it is a time to have a warm prepared meal that is not from a microwave. For others it is a time to be welcomed by our volunteers and join other guests, rather than be alone at home. Food and friendship are in abundance at our Supper. We strive to help all who join us to feel a sense of belonging to our community – “our family”.
Each week, families with children, singles, groups of friends and neighbors of all ages, sit down to enjoy a nutritious meal in the light, airy Fellowship Hall of the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church at 472 Mass Avenue in Acton. Individual guests come from a unique background, but all come for a moment in their day when they can be treated with dignity and respect. It is gratifying for all the volunteers to see everyone enjoy the meal and engage in conversation and laughter. This is especially notable during holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations when everyone is treated to special decorations, singing and musical presentations, and recognition of birthdays and milestones.
The preparation and organization of Mt. Calvary Community Supper requires the dedication of many individuals. Throughout each year, over 100 compassionate, rotating volunteers offer their time and energy to make certain all runs smoothly. Every week preparations for the 3-course meal begin on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, our cooking team creates a delicious dinner. Students come in to assist with setting up Fellowship Hall and greeting guests. Teams of volunteers arrive to welcome each diner and serve the meal. Of course, all would not be possible without those who arrive later to tackle the clean-up of the dining room and the kitchen.  Many hands make light work.
In addition to wonderful volunteers, Mt. Calvary Community Supper is indebted to the generosity of our sponsors, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church members, civic, business and community organizations, fellow churches, and wonderful individuals who give from their heart with their time, gifts, and monetary donations. We are very blessed to have this support. It instills in us our commitment to our guests and provides each volunteer with the reward of knowing we are making a positive difference in their lives. As so well stated by one of our guests:
“While food is necessary to sustain the body, food and a community supper serve a much greater purpose of nourishing the entire human spirit as we dine and communicate with our friends and neighbors.”
In the words of our former Chairman Mike Tobia who passed away in November 2020:
We are “Always Grateful for Another Wednesday.”
Should you wish to learn more about our journey and weekly happenings, follow these links:
Https://MtCalvaryacton.org/community-Supper
https://wwwfacebook.comCommunitySupperofActonMA

Town of Acton, Massachusetts residents Rooting for a Greener Tomorrow!

In celebration of Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari’s Birth Centennial, Acton residents joined hands as dedicated volunteers of the non-profit organization Dr. Shri Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP), undertaking a nationwide Tree Plantation and Conservation drive at NARA garden, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA 01720 on 7 April 2024.
DSNDP aims to foster a brighter future by advocating for environmental sustainability and cultivating a greener and healthier planet for all. The organization is advocating tree plantation and conservation in collaboration with the US government to address the demand for afforestation, aid carbon sequestration, regulate environmental temperature, prevent soil erosion, and promote biodiversity.
During the 3-hour conservation drive at Acton, 12 dedicated DSNDP volunteers performed weeding around 194.33 yards and collected 33 large bags of weed.  This initiative is an integral part of DSNDP’s Nationwide Tree Plantation and Conservation Drive, reaching across 14 states and 27 cities. The joint effort between the Town of Acton - Acton Recreation Department and DSNDP volunteers signifies their shared commitment to enhancing the Town of Acton, progressing one mile at a time.
In alignment with DSNDP’s motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family), the organization is also involved in other initiatives such as Nationwide Cleanliness drives, Women’s Cancer Awareness Conference, Blood and Plasma donation campaigns among many others.


Discovery Museum To Hold Online Auction Fundraiser April 29 – May 8

ACTON, MA - Discovery Museum will kick off its annual Bid for Kids online auction fundraiser on Monday, April 29 at 8:00am at https://www.biddingforgood.com/discoveryacton and close on Wednesday, May 8 at 8:00pm.
Many individuals and local businesses have come together to support the Museum, donating popular and hard-to-get items to be auctioned off. The catalog will have more than 150 items, including a Red Sox VIP Package for 4 including scoreboard message, fly casting lessons, a Blackjack card-counting demonstration and lesson, theatre tickets, a create-your-own ice cream experience, gift certificates for local services and restaurants, and much more.
Proceeds from the auction will support the Museum’s Open Door Connections programs which serve to make the Museum affordable and accessible to all through programs such as Especially for Me, supporting free visits for families with children on the autism spectrum, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are blind or low-vision, and free Friday night admission year-round. Shoppers and museum supporters alike can visit the auction at https://www.biddingforgood.com/discoveryacton.

How You Can Get More  Election
Information In Acton.

The Acton Exchange has launched its newly re-designed website and is off and running. An article in the local online news source can tell you all about the upcoming elections and meetings. Don’t miss other articles that include interviews with candidates. There will be plenty of letters as well in this week’s edition of the Exchange as we debut that section. Join our cadre of volunteer writers, editors, and tech specialists working together to bring local news to Acton. Write to info@actonexchange.org if you want to get involved.

Flea Market

West Acton Baptist Church will be holding a Flea Market May 11th from 12 noon to 3:00 in the parking lot, 592 Mass Ave. during the West Acton Merchants Village Association Spring Fling.  Spaces available for a small donation. Limited number of tables, first come, first served.
Slated to date: Acton Police Dept with Zane their comfort dog! Handmade Greeting cards, Vintage used jewelry & the church membership will be offering vintage teacups for sale. Contact church office 978-263-5902 or wabcadmin@verizon.net.

Green News From Green Maynard

OK, so this one’s personal. Last night I had a dream that I was living in a sort of dormitory and discovered that the Assabet River had risen to the level of my second story floor and that with one more rainfall it would in fact be covering the floor. Fortunately, I’ll be dead before that ever happens, though with the melting of the polar ice caps, the dream is not far-fetched. The ground seems pretty saturated these days and perhaps (but I don’t know for sure) our aquifers are replenishing themselves. But looks can be deceiving. Younger readers will not recall or maybe even know, that only about 35 years ago there were spring floods so severe that parts of 117 at Nine Acre Corner, and Rt. 27 through Wayland were closed due to the kind of flooding that could stall your car and perhaps float you off. These were not floods caused by rain, but by the melting of snow. Yes! Not that long ago one would have to shovel many times a winter and not just your driveway, but your roof as well, lest it collapse under the weight of all that snow.
So, yes, there’s a lot of water now, but the very cause of rain as opposed to snow, is likely to give us a drought filled summer of record breaking heat. Remember to follow your town’s watering regulations, hand water your plants, and let your grass go brown when nature calls for it to do so.
There’s a sign at the Park Street stop on the Red line that says “Shower Tomorrow”. Good advice. Every time you shower you remove your body’s protective microbiome. For more on this please read “Clean: The New Science of Skin” by James Hamblin. Perhaps experiment with showering every other day. Speaking of over-washing, it’s pretty well established now that washing your clothes too often is a sure way to shorten their life, not to mention the issue of all the microfibers that end up in our waterways and back into our lives in unexpected and harmful ways.  On that note, sweet dreams!

Goward Playground Celebrates 10th Year Birthday!

Acton, MA – Join us to celebrate the  Goward Playground 10th Birthday on May 11, 2024, from 3-5 PM at Goward Playground, adjacent to the Acton Memorial Library parking lot.  We will have music, games, prizes, face painting, and a very large birthday cake!
The Goward Playground, adjacent to the Acton Memorial Library, was reopened on May 17th, 2014, after a major renovation.  A group of local parents formed the Friends of the Playground Committee to renovate the original wooden playground which was installed in 1995.  The group raised $80K from the community and local businesses while the balance came from town appropriations working closely with the Acton Recreation Department.   “While many of our kids who we planned the playground for are now off to college, it is great to see so many new families and kids enjoying the playground,” said co-founder and Acton parent Steve Leo. Join us as we commemorate this milestone anniversary with a party!
Many Acton residents don’t know that the Goward Playground was named for Clarence N. Goward. Before the land was a playground, according to Harold R. Phalen’s ‘History of the Town of Acton,’ it was the site of the Acton Fair. The Acton Fair, which started in 1917, was a popular event for many years and was run by the Acton Agricultural Association. Mr. Goward served as president of the Acton Agricultural Association intermittently from 1920 until 1932. In 1941, the town bought the land and built the first playground in 1944. It became known as the Goward Playground.