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Pop-Up Climate Café - Local Businesses Act on Climate

By Karen (Kj) Herther & Avantika Nautiyal

WEST ACTON: The Town of Acton Economic Development Office and EnergizeActon.org organized a ‘Pop-Up’ Small Business Climate Café led by business advocate Karen ‘Kj’ Herther on Friday, July 28 at the ‘3 Moms & a Pop-Up’ space at 577 Mass Ave, next to Middlesex Bank. The Summer Acton Retail Pop-Up space is a sustainable energy-efficient structure made by Maine-based OpBox from more than 14,000 plastic water bottles.

Open until August 21, the pop-up shop features three local women entrepreneurs: Emily Frey (The Fluffy Dog Flower Farm), Michele Montalvo (Girly Girl Soaps) & Namrata Shah ( iJewelshop & just launched ‘Pop-Up’ business Wax and Scent). Current Pop-Up shop hours vary, and are typically Friday 3-6pm and Sunday 10-2pm, when shoppers are en route to the Acton Boxborough Farmers Market.

At the Small Business Climate Café, Acton's local businesses shared the sustainable choices they are making toward Acton's climate action initiative. While each business tailors creative solutions that best fit their business model, there were some clear categories and takeaways from the event.
Sustainable Products & Services (lead with sustainability – product offering, organic, local/regional, fresh / seasonal, quality durable products, fix or repair model)

Fluffy Dog Flower Farm
Pedal Power
Bella’s Eco Cleaning
Eve & Murray Farm to Home
Kitchen Outfitters
True West Brewing
Kuksi Foods Cookies
Q Cleaner & Tailor

Eco ‘Climate friendly’ Packaging (e.g., re-fillable, recyclable, reusable, earth-friendly material, glass)

Fluffy Dog Flower Farm (refillable glass vase)
All Things Spiced (reusable, recyclable)
Bella’s Eco Cleaning (refillable glass cleaner)
Eve & Murray (earth friendly packaging, sustainable (non-plastic reusable) food wrap)
Kitchen Outfitters (recycle, earth friendly products)
Q Cleaner & Tailor (environmentally friendly dry cleaning bag)
Wax & Scent (refillable glass candles)
West Side Creamery (eco packaging, recycling, compostable straws)

Sustainable/Zero waste growing & manufacturing production process (organic, pre-order, method or APP to reduce food waste)

Girly Girl Soaps (zero waste, re-use soap ends)
Fluffy Dog Flower Farm (organic, cut fresh, composting )
iJewelShop (melt down, re-use metals)
All Things Spiced (pre-order)
El Huipil (Food APP to reduce food waste)

Clean & renewable energy (clean heating & cooling, solar, Acton Power Choice (APC) Green 100% renewable electricity/EV/efficient transportation (EV, hybrid)) & delivery route optimization

Retail Pop-Up Project Shops housed in sustainable Opbox
Bogi Boutique (clean heating & cooling, energy efficiency audit/steps)
Eve & Murray (clean heating & cooling)
Fluffy Dog Flower Farm (APC Green)
iJewelShop & Wax and Scent (clean heating & cooling, APC Green, EV product delivery)
All Things Spiced (EV/delivery route optimized, APC Green)
Patty Sutherland Realty Group (remote service option, hybrid vehicle)
Danny’s Place (clean heating & cooling)
Q Cleaner & Tailor (energy efficiency audit, APC Green)

As a by-product of the small business climate conversations, seven new local businesses joined other Acton Climate Coalition members endorsing the 2020 Town of Acton Climate Emergency Declaration. To celebrate the ‘3 Moms & a Pop-Up’ businesses, a donation was made to support a local sustainable cause: Acton Housing & Climate Justice.

For the uninitiated, this Pop-Up project was organized by Acton’s Economic Development Office in partnership with UpNext and the 495/Metrowest Partnership, with support from the Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce. The project is funded by the Massachusetts Office of Business Development’s REDO grant program. EnergizeActon.org, a collaboration between the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town of Acton Sustainability Office, hosts a series of Climate Café events covering a range of climate friendly topics.
Learn more about the organizers at: Acton.ma.gov/business and Project Pop-Up | 577 Mass Ave Acton (project-pop-up.com) and EnergizeActon.org/events.

Bugles Across America

By Alissa Nicol

ACTON: Since September 2015, Acton residents have been gathering monthly at the Town Common for a monthly Bugles Across America service, a short memorial to those who lost their lives in service to our country. The service concludes with a live playing of “Taps” by two volunteer buglers.

The service on August 6, Acton’s 216th, also included a short memorial to David Thoma, founder of the Massachusetts Chapter of Bugles Across America, who passed away on July 23. Eric Sahlberg, Pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church where Thoma was a member, was present to share remembrances of a man committed to traditional American values and to serving his community. A funeral will be held on the morning of Saturday, August 19 at Mt. Calvary.

The Bugles Across America service is held every month on the first Sunday at 5pm. Attendees gather on the lawn adjacent to the Acton Center Fire Station; parking is available at Town Hall or in the lot behind the station. All are welcome!

Choreographed Horseback Riding Benefits Equine Therapy Program

By Kim Kastens

ACTON: On August 5 and 6, over a hundred horses and riders gathered at Bear Spot Farm on Pope Road in Acton to showcase their riding skills and raise money to benefit the equine therapy program of the Bear Spot Foundation.

The equestrian discipline on display was "dressage." In dressage, the horse and rider perform a prescribed set of movements within an arena, completing their moves within seven or eight minutes. At the Bear Spot event, riders competed at a range of levels 1 through 4, along with Freestyle. The pairs who are new to dressage perform simple maneuvers such as large circles to the left and right, and they are allowed to have a reader call out the moves from the side of the arena. The more skilled riders perform from memory, and complete more difficult maneuvers, such as pirouettes. The rider is not allowed to talk to the horse, but must instead communicate by nearly invisible "aids" such as subtle weight shift or thigh pressure.

This event was a fundraiser for the Bear Spot Foundation. The Bear Spot Foundation supports the Farm's program of equine facilitated psychotherapy. In this form of therapy, clients with depression, anxiety, terminal illness or loss interact with a human therapist and a specially trained horse, sometimes described as a "co-therapist." The child or adolescent client grooms and saddles the horse, and may snuggle them, and then rides the horse with the therapist walking alongside. The Bear Spot website recounts how an adolescent with deep depression found "a positive feeling in her body, her mood and so in her sense of self" through her relationship with therapeutic horse Jake.

In an interview after the first day of competition, Bear Spot owner Jane Karol explained that the event raises money through sponsorships and entry fees, and the horses and riders come from approximately a two-hour radius around Acton. Building on a doctorate in psychotherapy, Karol founded the equine therapy program and the Foundation in 2004, when such an approach was still quite unusual. Bear Spot's program is especially effective, according to Karol, because the clients ride the horses, rather than just grooming and feeding them as in some other programs. When a child sits up high on a horse, the apparent power relationship with the adult therapist is reversed, and some clients find it easier to talk. Others benefit from feeling the calm, steady gait of the horse, according to the Bear Spot website.

Acton-based rider Sara Carlisle and her horse Ace of Spades won first place in the Sunday afternoon FEI Freestyle Test of Choice competition, and achieved a high enough score to move closer to qualifying for the regional championships. "Freestyle" means that the routine is choreographed to music, the required moves can be done in any order, and the judge attends to how well the horse's moves follow the music. Ms. Carlisle and Ace of Spades set their routine to I Wanna Dance with Somebody, by Whitney Houston. Interviewed after her winning ride, Carlisle said that she likes dressage because there is always room for improvement and she is working in such close partnership with the horse. She said she has been riding every day since she was four years old. As for Ace of Spades, she bought him for one dollar because he was so rambunctious, and has worked with him for eight years to bring him to his current status as a Grand Prix level competitor. She praised the Bear Spot competition as one of the best organized of all of the many competitions she attends. Carlisle is the head trainer at Lythrum Farm on Nagog Hill Road in Acton.

For more about the Bear Spot Foundation and its equine therapy program, see www.bearspotfarm.com/copy-of-therapy, and for Lythrum Farm see www.lythrumfarmdressage.com. If you'd like to watch a high quality dressage competition, locally, free of charge, Bear Spot Foundation Dressage Benefits are held every May and August.

PHOTO: Overview of Bear Spot Farm Dressage event: Competing horse and rider on the near ring, with judge's booth to the right. Horses warming up in middle distance; barn and indoor ring in the far distance.

Acton Recognizes India Independence Day

By Alissa Nicol

ACTON: A crowd of about sixty gathered at Acton Town Hall on August 6 to commemorate the 77th Anniversary of India’s Independence Day. The event was organized by Acton Indian Americans and India Association of Greater Boston (IAGB), an organization that promotes civic leadership, community service, youth engagement, and cultural events. Acton resident and long-time civic volunteer, Sahana Purohit, took charge of program planning, engaging with Town staff and officials, state legislators, and members of the Indian American community, to ensure a successfully executed and well-attended event.

Former Select Board member Himaja Nagireddy, Acton’s first Indian American elected official, and Dia Prakash, a rising seventh grader at RJ Grey, hosted the program, sharing personal stories relating the meaning that India’s Independence Day holds for each of them and introducing the speakers and performers. Nagireddy and Prakash were a dynamic pair, fostering enthusiasm from those gathered in front of Town Hall.

Vaishali Gade, IAGB President, made the opening remarks, followed by comments from all three members of Acton’s legislative delegation. Senator Jamie Eldridge remarked on the parallels between the overthrow of colonial rule in America and India, as well as the activities of non-violence and civil disobedience that inspired the leaders of the country’s “second revolution,” the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Referencing the importance of representation, Eldridge remembered Nagireddy’s recently completed term on the Acton Select Board, and Leela Ramachandran’s recent election to the School Committee. He also offered a more personal note of gratitude, noting that his district’s Indian American members have always made him feel so welcome. Representative Dan Sena offered that “this day represents not only the triumph of India’s sovereignty, but also the strength, unity, and resilience of the Indian people.” He also reminded the crowd that the flag represents prosperity, hope, and pride. Representative Simon Cataldo noted the astounding contributions of Indian Americans to the communities in which they live, here in Acton and beyond. He encouraged attendees to be civically active and engaged, noting that democracy is not self-actualizing and that we must continue to work to protect democratic ideals.

Select Board member Alissa Nicol shared, on behalf of the Select Board, that it was a great honor to participate in the day’s event, reflecting that the opportunity to share in cherished cultural traditions together enriches the Acton community. The American National Anthem was sung by Tara Vishwanathan. The tricolor, which became the official flag of India on August 15, 1947 and is known as “Tiraṅgā,” was raised by Select Board member Nicol. The Indian National Anthem was sung by a delightful trio of children: Anika Singh, Myra Manchanda and Saiba Jetly, guided by their teacher Vaishnavi Kondapalli. The official proclamation naming August 6 India Day in Acton was Select Board Vice Chair Fran Arsenault.

Tanu Phoenix, Executive Director of India Association of Greater Boston made closing remarks, noting the remarkable achievement of the nation, cultivating unity through a dizzying diversity. Phoenix and Gade presented plaques to both the Town of Acton and event coordinator, Sahana Purohit, who has coordinated the annual flag raising ceremony in Acton for the past four years. Phoenix also made an exciting announcement: on Tuesday, August 8, at the Red Sox v Royals game, fans will be treated to Indian percussion and dance performances and Indian food, and IAGB will be throwing the opening pitch. Ticket holders who purchase through the IAGB.org website will receive a custom Red Sox replica jersey highlighting the tricolor Indian flag!

The entire program was filmed by Acton TV volunteers, so Action Unlimited readers will be able to view the recording soon on Acton TV’s YouTube channel.

Public Safety Department Hosts National Night Out

By Alissa Nicol

ACTON: On August 1, Acton held the annual National Night Out at the Public Safety Facility on Main Street. National Night Out is a program that fosters community awareness of services provided by law enforcement, and offers an opportunity for residents to develop relationships with the first responders who serve in their community.

An estimated two hundred participants enjoyed meeting and chatting with police officers, sergeants, lieutenants, the Deputy Chief, the Department Clinician, and Acton Fire Department staff as well as other folks in the community who provide important services. Staff from the Middlesex County Sheriff showed off one of their vehicles, workers from Cucurbit Farm brought a tractor to the event, and an enormous front loader from the Highway Department thrilled those courageous enough to climb up and into the cab. Law enforcement staff provided guided tours of the Public Safety Facility, including Dispatch and the Emergency Operations Center. The Mass State Police Air Wing even brought in a helicopter.

The event was festive, featuring live music by Jay Mannion, ice cream provided by Westside Creamery, pizza donated by Domino’s, New London, and Sorrento’s, and tabling by several local businesses, including Pedal Power, Middlesex Savings Bank, Colonial Chevrolet, and Digital Federal Credit Union.

PHOTO: National Night Out attendees visit Dispatch inside the Acton Public Safety Facility (Photo credit: Alissa Nicol)

Senator Eldridge, Representatives Sena & Cataldo Announce $484,000 Grant for Boston Area Gleaners

Funding will assist in expanding yield and production capacity for the Acton-based non-profit

ACTON: State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) announced today that a grant amounting to approximately $484,000 has been secured for Boston Area Gleaners, an Acton-based non-profit which works on issues of food waste and food access, with the goal of supporting an equitable, just, and sustainable local food system. Boston Area Gleaners’s operations include gleaning — the gathering of surplus crops for donation — as well as transportation services for food distribution and the Boston Food Hub, which helps connect local farmers to buyers that value local, nutritious food.

The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program seeks to ensure equitable food access for everybody in the Commonwealth by providing grants that help farmers, fishermen, and other local food producers be more interconnected with a strong, resilient food system. The FSIG Program has a special focus on locally produced food. The grant issued to Boston Area Gleaners will allow the organization to purchase additional farming equipment as well as a refrigerated truck, which will increase yield and production capacity.

“Boston Area Gleaners has done great work in strengthening the local food system in the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “I’m very thankful to the EEA for approving a grant that will help them expand their operation, and I’m looking forward to seeing their continued success and valued contributions to the community.”

“I would like to thank the EEA and the FSIG Program for providing this grant," said Representative Sena. "Ensuring equitable access to food is a crucial issue, and I commend Boston Area Gleaners for all of their efforts to address food insecurity and redistribution in the Commonwealth.”

"Boston Area Gleaners is providing an important boost to food security, which is one of the most daunting challenges in our region,” said Representative Cataldo. “Increasing the capacity of the Gleaners’ successful work through the EEA’s grant will help farmers, families, and our environment.”

For more information about the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program, click here. For more information about Boston Area Gleaners, click here.

Stephanie Duggan Appointed as Maynard Assistant Town Administrator

MAYNARD: The Select Board and Town Administrator Gregory Johnson are pleased to announce the appointment of Stephanie Duggan as the new Assistant Town Administrator. The Select Board appointed Duggan at its regular meeting on July 18.

Duggan has been employed by the Town since 2008, starting as Clerk to the Board of Health. She was promoted to positions of increasing importance and responsibility, serving as Administrative Assistant in the Office of Municipal Services (2012-2014), Executive Assistant to the Town Administrator (2014-2019), and Human Resources Coordinator (2019-2020).

She most recently served as Human Resources Manager, working on Town matters including legal compliance, personnel laws and regulation, recruitment and hiring, training and development, and wellness initiatives.

Duggan studied Television and Radio Broadcasting at Emerson College, and holds graduate certificates in Local Government Leadership and Municipal Finance from the Massachusetts Municipal Association/Suffolk University Moakley Center. She has also participated in municipal professional development programs, and holds numerous relevant licenses and certifications.

A Maynard resident, she also is active in her community, having shared her time and energy with groups including the Maynard Music Association, Maynard Public Schools PTO, Maynard Public Schools Drama Department, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

"I am very impressed at what Stephanie provides to the Town and administration," Town Administrator Johnson said. "As a lifelong resident and Town Hall staff member with substantial professional development accomplishments, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the community and municipal management. She has been integral in efforts to modernize the organization, especially toward the professional development of department heads. She is key to successful management of the people side of Town Hall, including negotiations with personnel and labor groups, as well as all recruiting and hiring. We look forward to seeing what she will be able to achieve in this new role."

Town of Acton Announces Childcare Subsidy Program for Families

ACTON: Town Manager John S. Mangiaratti announces that the Town of Acton has dedicated $40,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to offer a childcare subsidy program for the 2023-2024 school year. The program is intended to provide grants to families in need of childcare, maintain employment, attend school, or seek employment through a job search.

Participating families will receive $3,000 to cover the cost of childcare or after-school care for children ages 13 and under. Funding can be used at any program licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (DEEC), Extended Day through Acton-Boxborough Community Education, Acton Recreation, and Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley.

Funds will be awarded to eligible families on a first-come, first-served basis using the following ARPA guidelines for household size and income limit:

Household of 1, Income Limit $61,100
Household of 2, Income Limit $69,810
Household of 3, Income Limit $78,520
Household of 4, Income Limit $87,230
Household of 5, Income Limit $94,250
Household of 6, Income Limit $106,740
Household of 7, Income Limit $120,360

Applicants must provide proof of address and verify their income.

Once an application has been approved, funds will be paid to the childcare provider directly. The application can be viewed here.

Those with question about the program or application should contact the Community Services Office at 978-929-6651 or by email at lducharme@actonma.gov.

Reading Roundtable at West Acton Baptist Church

ACTON: All in the Acton Community are welcome to join a Community Book Club at the West Acton Baptist Church (PLEASE NOTE: The books we read will not be religious in nature) on August 19 at 5pm. The first book is "A Little Ray of Sunshine" by Kristan Higgins. Light refreshments served. Handicapped accessible. The church is located at 592 Massachusetts Avenue. Please RSVP for food purposes, (978) 263-5902 or wabcadmin@verizon.net. For more information visit www.westactonbaptistchurch.org.

Celebrate Farmers Market Week August 6-12

ACTON/BOXBOROUGH/MAYNARD/HUDSON/MARLBOROUGH: August 6-12 has been designated 2023 National Farmers Market Week. This celebration of Farmers' Markets recognizes how they increase access to fresh food, support local farmers and food producers and build community.

Summer produce is reaching its peak with corn, tomatoes, and beans all available. During the week, there are many opportunities for area residents to visit one or more farmers markets. On Sunday, the Acton-Boxborough Farmers’ Market is held from 10am–1pm, abfarmersmarket.org. On Tuesday, visit the Hudson Farmers Market from 4-7 pm on Main St in front of Town Hall. facebook.com/hudsonsfarmersmarket. On Saturday, the Maynard Farmers’ Market runs from 9am-1pm in the Mill Pond parking lot on Main St, MaynardFarmersMarket.com and the Marlborough Farmers Market from 9am-1pm, facebook.com/Marlborough-Farmers-Market-306000149747102 The Markets in Marlborough, Hudson and Maynard are all easily accessible from the Assabet River Rail Trail facebook.com/AssabetRiverRailTrail

In addition to offerings such as local fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods, meats, dairy, coffee, hot sauces, cider, wine and other specialty items, most farmers' markets are gathering places that often feature artisans, musical performances, community information and kids’ activities. Many MA Farmers' Markets also accept Senior / WIC Farmers' Market coupons and SNAP benefits. Check the individual market websites for details. Let's make this the week everyone visits a farmers' market to find out what all the excitement is about!

July 24 Acton Select Board Meeting Update

by Tom Beals

ACTON: At the Monday July 24 Acton Select Board meeting, Town Manager John Mangiaratti updated the Board on the effort to form a Regional Dispatch Center with the Town of Concord. Mangiaratti notified the Board of a Fiscal Year 2024 grant from the State 911 Department for $50,000 for project management, which brings state support, including the previous two fiscal years, to $1,723,403. Acton and Concord signed an agreement in May 2021 to form a Regional Dispatch Center that can handle incoming emergency calls from both towns. At Monday’s meeting, the Board discussed concerns that were raised by the Concord Select Board at their June 26, 2023, meeting, including the timing of hiring the director, participation of additional towns, and the location of the facility. Concord Board members had noted that Acton’s Public Safety Facility would not be a neutral location. Some Acton Board members expressed concern about the cost of a different location. The Acton Board concurred with Concord that hiring a director for the Center would help the project progress and noted that they were in favor of talking to other towns and that they wanted to continue pursuing a regional emergency call center.

In other business, Acton Conservation Agent Mike Gendron described the status of the 53 River Street Dam removal. A contract has been signed and work is scheduled to begin in August 2023. The anticipated park design has been scaled back at the present funding level; however, other funding sources to complete the design are being sought.

Select Board member Fran Arsenault discussed changes to the Human Services Committee; the committee is seeking new members. The Board approved changes to the committee’s charter. Ed Mullen, Acton Building Commissioner, recommended changes to some fees. The Board approved the changes. Select Board member David Martin said he has been attending meetings of the MBTA Advisory Board for years, and the Acton Board voted to make Mr. Martin the designated representative to the MBTA board.

At the end of the meeting, the Board discussed a topic that was not on the agenda but was taken up because it was timely. They approved a proclamation of Indian Independence Day that will be read at an August 8 celebration outside of Town Hall.

The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for August 24, 2023.

Open Table Receives $168,529 Food Infrastructure Grant from Commonwealth of Massachusetts

MAYNARD/CONCORD: Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, today announced that it has received a Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) in the amount of $168,529 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Open Table was one of 165 organizations selected from across the state to receive funding to help promote food security and resiliency.

The grant will be used to help renovate the Open Table Annex at 39 Main Street in Maynard and, specifically, to purchase a walk-in freezer and refrigeration. Located adjacent to Open Table’s existing pantry and offices, the new annex space will enable Open Table to keep more food onsite and, in turn, better support its growing client base with both on-site food distribution as well as its prepared meals and its growing mobile programs.

“This grant will be used to strengthen Open Table’s infrastructure and ensure that individuals and families throughout the MetroWest area have access to food,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “We are most grateful to the State for its commitment to fighting food insecurity by partnering with local organizations like Open Table. We, like many other food pantries, are seeing a significant increase in demand, and are working hard to make sure that everyone has food on their table.”

In addition to meeting the current needs, Open Table is aware that almost 50 percent of food insecure households in the Metro West area are not currently accessing a food pantry. With the added capacity from this grant, Open Table hopes to expand programs and partnerships with local organizations that serve individuals and families in need.
Currently Open Table distributes bags of groceries, which include fresh produce, proteins, dairy, baked goods, and shelf-stable products, to over 300 households each week and provides over 1000 prepared meals to clients that hail from the Metro West suburbs. The organization offers food through its on-site drive-through model as well as a number of delivery programs. Open Table has received incredible support from the communities it serves through donations of food and funds, making it possible to continue to address food insecurity in the MetroWest area.

The FSIG program was created to provide grants for capital infrastructure investments that increase access to locally produced food for families and individuals throughout the state who may be facing food insecurity, live in gateway cities or food deserts, or otherwise face unequal access to food. The program seeks to ensure that farmers, fishers, and other local food producers are better connected to a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate future supply chain issues.

Concord Conservatory Collecting Ukuleles for Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley

CONCORD/MAYNARD: Do you have a ukulele sitting in a closet that you haven’t touched in years? Consider donating your ukulele to a program offering free music classes for kids. The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) provides free weekly ukulele group classes to kids attending the Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley in Maynard. Most of the kids at the Club do not own a ukulele, making practicing their instrument at home holding them back from making greater strides in their musicianship. CCM, in partnership with the Concord Cambridge Savings Bank, will have a collection box for either new or gently used soprano-sized ukuleles. The collection box is located in the branch located at 202 Sudbury Road, Concord.

Help put a ukulele in kids’ hands who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience music instruction. Studying music is like nothing else—providing emotional, social, and linguistic benefits. You’ll be giving the gift of music that keeps on giving. The goal is to collect at least 30 ukuleles allowing Club members to keep a ukulele at home to practice during the week and to be able to play their tunes for their family and friends. Thank you in advance for helping make a difference—one instrument at a time.

Contact CCM with any questions you may have about your ukulele donation. To learn more about CCM, visit ConcordConservatory.org, email info@ConcordConservatory.org, or call (978) 369-0010.

The Intersectional Environmentalist visits the Acton Arboretum

by Kim Kastens

This summer, Acton residents are joining together in the first annual Community Read, part of a program called "Stories Connect Us." The book for this summer's read is The Intersectional Environmentalist, by Leah Thomas. The author examines the intersection of environmentalism, racism, and privilege, and makes the case that saving the planet requires uplifting the voices of all kinds of people.

On July 12, a Community Read group walked the Acton Arboretum, observing and discussing themes from the book under the guidance of Acton Conservation Assistant Bettina Abe. The Arboretum strives to make experiences in nature accessible and welcoming to a wide range of visitors, including those who use wheelchairs, are visually impaired, those of limited means, and those who are far from their native lands. Even Acton residents who had been to the Arboretum many times before noticed new things when looking at the natural and built environment through the lens of intersectionality.

Guide Abe described the Arboretum as "wheelchair-friendly although not 100% ADA [Americans with Disability Act] compliant." Many of the paths have the hard surface and gentle gradient needed for easy wheelchair access. Signage directs wheelchair users away from those paths where the landscape is too steep or bumpy. Many of the picnic tables are designed so that wheelchair users can roll right up to the table without bumping into benches or table legs. A website maintained by the Friends of the Acton Arboretum details the length, gradient, surface texture, and availability of benches along the main trails, so that wheelchair users and their companions can plan a safe visit.

Abe pointed out that--in contrast to many botanical gardens of comparable beauty--the Acton Arboretum is free of charge.

Midway through the tour, the group entered the China Trail Garden. In this space, many of the plants are native to Asia, including gingko, Japanese maple, and rhododendron. The landscape architect, Hongbing Tang, worked with local botanists and Acton’s Chinese and Chinese-American community to select plants that would flourish in Acton's climate and would help first generation Acton residents feel at home. The China Trail Garden won a jury special recognition from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects, who praised it for "comprehensive and diverse community engagement" and "cultural...significance."

Visitors Tour the West Concord Junction Cultural District

by Franny Osman

On Monday, July 17, State Representative Simon Cataldo and the West Concord Junction Cultural District Committee hosted a walking tour of the Cultural District and a roundtable discussion with Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, and Carolyn Cole, Program Officer, of the Mass Cultural Council (MCC). Fifty or so participants met for coffee and introductions at the Bradford Mills building, then toured the art gallery and the Concord Sign Museum in that space. Wooden signs from beloved establishments gone by (and some still extant) evoked memories and spurred conversation about stores that only recently closed, such as the West Concord Five and Ten and the West Concord Super Market. The Sign Museum (pictured) is open for self-guided tours weekdays 9am-5pm.

Local historians and artists led participants on walking tours, stopping at stores, the train depot, and the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail where it crosses Nashoba Brook. Artists who designed and led the public creation of several murals in the village, photographer Edward Feather and Art for All founder Margot Kimball, described the public and technical processes they used. The murals depict the area’s people, industrial history, transportation, food production, and the Rail Trail.

Luncheon, provided by Debra’s Natural Gourmet, Nashoba Brook Bakery, and Concord Teacakes, was served in the basement of Fowler Library, a welcome respite on a blazing hot day. Debra’s owner Adam Stark attended the event, as did State Representative Carmine Gentile, Concord’s Deputy Town Manager Megan Zammuto, Concord Select Board member Mary Hartman, Carlisle Cultural Council member Mark Levitan, Carlisle Gleason Library Director Martha Feeney-Patten, Acton Select Board member Alissa Nicol, and several members of “the committee with the long name”: the West Concord Junction Cultural District Committee. Representatives from the Chelmsford Cultural Council, Umbrella Arts Center, and other arts and economic development groups also joined.

After lunch, Bobbit, Cataldo, and Cole fielded questions about cultural districts. Bobbit and Cole, who originally met when they were doing theatre in Washington DC, encourage originality and creativity, and coordination with other entities such as transportation providers, as communities create these districts. They said that cultural districts attract tourists and entrepreneurs, and improve quality of life for visitors and members of the host community.

Other participants from Acton included this author; Jin Hong Yang, chair of the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council; sculptor Meredith Bergmann; sculptor and museum owner Yin Peet; painter and former chair of the ABCC Sunanda Sahay; Acton Economic Development Department intern May Hong; Discovery Museums CEO Neil Gordon; and Acton resident and Carlisle Library Director Martha Feeney-Patten. Over lunch, Sunanda Sahay described discussions about five years ago about forming a cultural district in Acton, and several Acton residents expressed interest in renewing that effort.

Acton Food Pantry awarded $135,000 Cummings Grant

Acton nonprofit receives three years of funding from Cummings Foundation

ACTON: Acton Food Pantry is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The Acton-based organization was selected from a total of 630 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $135,000 over three years.

Acton Food Pantry is committed to alleviating food insecurity in our area by partnering with the community to provide access to food with care, dignity, and respect.

“Acton Food Pantry relies on donations from our community to feed upwards of 1,680 individuals and distribute over 50,000 pounds of food each month. The Cummings Grant is our first significant grant in almost 40 years, and it will allow us to expand our pantry into the communities that need us most. Each year over the next three years, Acton Food Pantry will receive $45,000 to bring a mobile market into high-need areas within Acton and then expand outward to areas that are currently unserved."

The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties. Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.

“The way the local nonprofit sector perseveres, steps up, and pivots to meet the shifting needs of the community is most impressive,” said Cummings Foundation executive director Joyce Vyriotes.

“We are incredibly grateful for these tireless efforts to support people in the community and to increase equity and access to opportunities.”

The majority of the grant decisions were made by about 90 volunteers. They worked across a variety of committees to review and discuss the proposals and then, together, determine which requests would be funded. Among these community volunteers were business and nonprofit leaders, mayors, college presidents, and experts in areas such as finance and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).

“It would not be possible for the Foundation to hire the diversity and depth of expertise and insights that our volunteers bring to the process,” said Vyriotes. “We so appreciate the substantial time and thought they dedicated toward ensuring that our democratized version of philanthropy results in equitable outcomes that will really move the needle on important issues in local communities.”

The Foundation and volunteers first identified 150 organizations to receive three-year grants of up to $225,000 each. The winners included first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings grants. Twenty-five of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected by a volunteer panel to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $1 million each. This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 46 different cities and towns.

Cummings Foundation has now awarded $480 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s 150 grant winners, plus nearly 1,500 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

Electric Vehicle “Petting Zoo”

ACTON: What is an EV Petting Zoo?! Numerous electric vehicle (EV) owners are gathering at the Acton Memorial Library to show off their vehicles to interested visitors. See old models and new (Tesla, Bolt, Solterra, EV6, and more). Sit in a vehicle, see how the dashboards are set up, talk with the owners about their experiences driving electric, learn about rebates on cars and chargers, etc. Hear a brief presentation on the current EV marketplace, plus get resources about federal and state rebates, area charging stations, and great local organizations supporting the transition to EVs. This program is part of the summer Climate Café Series, sponsored by EnergizeActon.org and the Acton Memorial Library, meeting every Wednesday, 5-6pm, in July and August.

Tips for Safe Fourth of July Celebrations

According to the state Department of Fire Services and State Police, Massachusetts fire departments reported nearly 1,000 fires related to illegal fireworks between 2013 and 2022. In addition to the 42 fire service injuries, five civilian injuries, and $2.5 million in damages attributed to these fires, Massachusetts medical facilities reported about 30 severe burn injuries extending to 5% or more of the victims’ bodies that were caused by illegal fireworks. In 2022 alone, fire departments reported 106 fires and explosions attributed to fireworks, an increase of nearly a third over the prior year.

It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks of all kinds in Massachusetts without a license and a permit. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and brought into Massachusetts. It includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and other fireworks. Fines range from $10 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.

Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to your local Police Department.

In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.

Additionally, residents are reminded of these key safety tips for Fourth of July celebrations:

Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
Report illegal fires to the police.
Remember that alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here.

The Department also urges residents to observe the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on getting home safely following Fourth of July celebrations:

Be mindful of pedestrians.
Always wear your seatbelt.
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2017 to 2021, 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 38% of the drivers killed were drunk.
Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.
Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.

Meet a clean energy coach 2 230626 170512

Meet an Acton Clean Energy Coach!

ACTON: Transitioning to clean energy for our homes and cars is a great decision! But the process can be complicated. Acton's FREE Clean Energy Coaches are standing by to help you through these changes.

On July 12 from 5-6pm, Chat with David Martin and Jim Clark, two of Acton’s new Clean Energy Coaches and find out about the free consultations available through this program, sponsored by the Town’s Sustainability Office under the leadership of Director Andrea Becerra. All seven coaches are trained volunteers with personal experience transitioning to clean energy technologies. They are ready to help other Acton residents learn about, plan for, and initiate actions such as the adoption of home/building weatherization, efficient electric heat pump systems, solar power, electric vehicles, and other energy adaptations to help us address climate change.

This program is part of the 2023 Climate Café Series co-hosted by EnergizeActon.org and the Acton Memorial Library. The Climate Café aims to be a helpful, informal gathering where Acton residents can discuss a fossil fuel free future. Local people who have experience in clean energy technologies will share their insights and answer questions from others who are considering these technologies and who are exploring ways to reduce their carbon footprints. Each week in July and August will be a different focus, with a range of technical and environmental topics. Each session will be one hour, 5-6pm, on Wednesdays. When the weather is good, we will be outside behind the Acton Memorial Library, so feel free to bring a picnic or grab a slice of pizza and relax while we discuss these positive efforts. If the weather is wet, we will be inside in the Library’s meeting room on the first floor. (Sorry, food is discouraged inside.) No registration is necessary. Simply drop by the Library!

The Clean Energy Coach Program is one of the Town’s newest clean energy initiatives, which also include Acton Power Choice, EnergizeActon.org, Abode Energy Management consultations, and the Neighborhood Clean Heating and Cooling Project.

Saved an Owl Today

by Bettina Abe

ACTON: A couple of weeks ago when the phone rang in the Acton Conservation Office at Town Hall where I work, I was very happy I was there to answer it. A lady said that she was parked on the side of Pope Road next to a baby owl-- who had been standing in the middle of the road until she got there. She reported that the owl did not appear injured.

I asked her if she could safely stay for five more minutes, and she said yes. I had thick leather gloves in my car already, AND a cardboard box. The last time some neighbors called me to “rescue” an owl from their driveway (about 10 years ago), it was on a freezing winter day and that Eastern Screech Owl had been hit by a car. That time I had placed the almost frozen, wounded screech owl into a towel lined box and drove it to Tufts Wildlife Animal Hospital in North Grafton. It didn’t move the whole way, and just stared at me with big eyes. Tufts did what they could, but the screech owl did not make it.

This time I arrived at Pope Road and immediately called my former boss, Tom Tidman, who was Acton’s Natural Resources Director for 35 years. I had seen Tom rescue raptors before. The first thing Tom said was, “Be sure you have a hat on, and have someone keep lookout. If the parent owl sees you touch its baby, it may swoop down and hurt you.” No parents were seen lurking anywhere, and this baby wasn’t making a sound. Check. “Always use leather gloves or the talons will pierce your hand.” It was a young barred owl who had probably fallen out of the nest, then hopped the wrong way until it ended up in the middle of the road. Bird parents commonly feed fledglings on the ground until they learn to fly. It’s a vulnerable state for them to be in. But kids are incredibly resilient.

The owl did not look injured. It kept staring at the lady who had called me, and clicking its beak. They will bite, and that beak looked sharp. Just go for it. I circled around behind the little guy/gal, and gently pressed the wings to its body so it would not flap and hurt itself. It weighed as much as a pencil though it was eight inches tall, and was really fluffy. Still, no parent dive bombing me. “Put the owl on a branch about 5 feet off the ground, and be sure the talons grab onto the branch,” Tom instructed. Right. This owl locked eyes with me. I started backing away. The other folks jumped in their car and drove off, mission accomplished.

A few minutes later, I backed up another six feet. In the distance I saw something with a large wingspan swoop in the trees. I hoped and prayed it was the mom or dad. I backed up another ten feet. The baby hopped and flapped and climbed to some higher branches. A very good sign. I crossed Proctor Street and just hung out, leaning against my car. It was really hard to leave. I sure wish I’d had a frog, mouse, or dog treat in my pocket to give that hungry baby. Finally, I left the owlet on its own, hoping the story would have a happy ending.

If you find wounded wildlife in Acton, call Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford (978) 413-4085; newhousewildliferescue.org. They accept donations. According to MassWildlife, in most cases, it’s best to leave wildlife alone. Learn more at www.mass.gov/wildlife-rehabilitation.

(PHOTO by Bettina Abe)

Nagog Park Redevelopment Hearing

by Tom Beals

ACTON: At the June 26 meeting of Acton's Select Board, representatives for McGovern Auto Group, as well as their law and engineering firms, presented a substantially revised redevelopment plan for Nagog Park. The first Nagog Park redevelopment plan that was submitted to the Town in February 2023 had aroused considerable community opposition, and the revised plan addressed some of those concerns. The Select Board and Acton residents offered comments after McGovern's presentation.

In opening remarks to the hearing, Acton Planning Director Kristen Guichard and Select Board member Dean Charter described the scope of the Select Board's options when a project's activities fall within Zoning Bylaw regulations. Guichard said, "When an underlying use is allowed as of right under zoning, the board's review authority is confined to site plan review." Charter reiterated, "If the applicant decides to continue on with the car dealership, there's no practical way that can be stopped."

Mark Bobrowski (Blatman, Bobrowski, Haverty & Silverstein, LLC, Concord, MA) introduced the presentation, describing meetings with town staff and concerned citizens. David Kelly of Kelly Engineering Group presented the revised plan, emphasizing that the plan is a work in progress. The revised proposal describes a single auto dealership building, rather than the two buildings that were originally proposed. Possible accommodations for almost all the affected businesses were described, although not in detail.

The Select Board’s questions addressed details of the plan, consistent with the Board’s limited powers as described in the opening remarks. Residents' comments were more free-ranging. The limitations of the Board’s powers provoked comment, including frustration that those limitations were not made known in advance. Others suggested that a broader view of the Board’s powers could invoke consistency of a given project to the Town’s master plan, which might provide legal justification to reject the project outright. One speaker noted that the consultant conducting the Great Road Complete Streets Study was unaware of the impact of the Nagog Park proposal, suggesting a failure of communication among town groups. A recurring theme of the remarks questioned the need for yet another auto dealership, and the perception of a developing “auto mile” on Great Road.

The hearing concluded with unanimous agreement of the Board to continue consideration of the Nagog Park proposal on September 11, 2023 at 7:10pm.

Linen Mountain Miracle

by Alissa Nicol

ACTON: For the third year in a row, Crown Uniform & Linen Service donated their services to professionally launder over half a ton of linens that Acton-based Household Goods volunteers collected during the Boston College student move out in May. According to Household Goods, the company transformed a mountain of donated sheets and towels into fresh and folded linens that the organization could offer to their clients. Crown was introduced to Household Goods by the non-profit organization Life Science Cares, which partners life science corporations with organizations that disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequality in local communities in the Boston and several other regions.

(Photo Courtesy of Household Goods)

Scouting for Instruments

by Franny Osmon

ACTON/GROTON: Arjun Saulnier, a member of Boy Scouts Troop 284 of Acton, didn’t have to look far to find an Eagle Scout project that was a great fit. The recent Acton-Boxborough Regional High School graduate and longtime violin student of Groton Hill Music School’s Angel Hernandez was quite familiar with Groton Hill’s mission to give music generously when there is need. So Arjun went on a mission of his own – to search out and collect gently used instruments (and the funds to refurbish them) for Groton Hill to distribute to students in need.

This spring, Arjun and his mom, Hashi Chakravarty, transported nearly two dozen instruments – violins, guitars, a drum set, woodwind and brass instruments – plus a xylophone and a banjo – to the music school. Arjun knew that many of the instruments he collected were likely in need of a tune-up, so he also collected $1100 to bring them back to life so they could go to new homes.

“I’m extremely glad to be able to give back to Groton Hill after taking lessons there for so long,” said Arjun. “I hope my project and the accompanying donation can help to bring the joy of music to other students!” Arjun plans to pursue chemistry studies at Case Western Reserve in Ohio this fall.

Local Residents Earn Dean's List Honors from MassBay Community College

WELLESLEY HILLS: The following local students have been named to the MassBay Community College Dean's List. They achieved this outstanding academic honor for the spring 2023 semester.

* Jordan Gordon of Boxborough, who studies Business Administration
* Anna Roberts of Boxborough, who studies Computed Tomography
* Jordan Cedeno of Maynard, who studies Liberal Arts - Elementary Education
* Marina Schiering of Stow, who studies Liberal Arts
* Daniel Ryu of Wayland, who studies Business Administration
* John Wilson of Wayland, who studies Liberal Arts
* Jacob Snyder of Wayland, who studies Liberal Arts - Psychology /Sociology
* Andrew Eggleston of Wayland, who studies Computer Science
* Lara Shelton of Wayland, who studies Liberal Arts

To be eligible for the MassBay Dean's List, students must complete at least six credits of college-level courses, be in good standing with the College, and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. To learn more about MassBay, visit massbay.edu.

Discovery Museum Announces
2023 Scholarship Recipients

ACTON: Discovery Museum announced today its second annual Discovery Museum Scholarship recipients, four area high school students selected through a competitive application process that saw 143 applications from students in 73 towns throughout Massachusetts.

Launched in 2022 in celebration of the Museum’s 40th anniversary, the Discovery Museum Scholarship recognizes high school students who embody the mission and values of the Museum. Scholarships of $1,500 each were awarded to:

Caleb Conners, Westborough; Westborough High School
Caroline Crowley, Medford; Mystic Valley Regional Charter School
Kyla Hughes, Dunstable; Groton-Dunstable Regional High School
Aynsley Szczesniak, Norfolk; Pearson Online Academy

“We created the Discovery Museum Scholarship to recognize the millions of young people who have come through our doors over the past 41 years—so many of whom have gone on to inspire us,” said CEO Neil Gordon. “Caleb, Caroline, Kyla, and Aynsley each impressed us with their achievements, perspectives, and community support activities. From their applications we learned a bit about how Discovery Museum impacted them while they were young and contributed to the paths they have chosen. We are very proud to honor and support these impressive students on the next step in their educational journeys.”

Acton Police and Fire Departments Share Tips for Safe Fourth of July Celebrations

ACTON: Police Chief James Cogan and Interim Fire Chief Anita Arnum wish to share several important safety tips and reminders as residents prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

The Town of Acton will not be holding its traditional fireworks display this year, but residents are still encouraged not to take fireworks into their own hands.

According to the state Department of Fire Services and State Police, Massachusetts fire departments reported nearly 1,000 fires related to illegal fireworks between 2013 and 2022. In addition to the 42 fire service injuries, five civilian injuries, and $2.5 million in damages attributed to these fires, Massachusetts medical facilities reported about 30 severe burn injuries extending to 5% or more of the victims’ bodies that were caused by illegal fireworks. In 2022 alone, fire departments reported 106 fires and explosions attributed to fireworks, an increase of nearly a third over the prior year.

It is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks of all kinds in Massachusetts without a license and a permit. This includes fireworks purchased legally elsewhere and brought into Massachusetts. It includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and other fireworks. Fines range from $10 to $1,000, and some violations could carry a one-year prison sentence.

Residents are encouraged to report any misuse of fireworks they notice in the community to the Acton Police Department at 978-264-9638.

In case of a firework-related or other emergency, always dial 911.

Additionally, residents are reminded of these key safety tips for Fourth of July celebrations:

Attend organized and permitted fireworks displays only.
Report illegal fires to the police.
Remember that alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix.
Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks. The loud noises and flashing lights can be frightening and overwhelming for pets. Pets can become frightened and run from familiar environments and people, becoming lost. Read more here.

The departments also urge residents to observe the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on getting home safely following Fourth of July celebrations:

Be mindful of pedestrians.
Always wear your seatbelt.
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. From 2017 to 2021, 1,460 drivers were killed in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 38% of the drivers killed were drunk.
Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, do not plan on driving. Instead, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service to get home safely.
Take keys away from individuals who are under the influence and are planning to drive. Alcohol and drugs impair perception, judgment, motor skills, and memory, which are critical for safe and responsible driving.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, safely pull over and call 911.

Habitat for Humanity Home Dedicated in Acton

By Alissa Nicol

ACTON: On June 16, a bright, sunny day with blue skies, a new Habitat for Humanity home in Acton was dedicated. In a moving and inspiring program, the McTernan Daniels family moving into the Carlisle Road home expressed their deep gratitude to all who played a part in the project. Reverend Cindy Worthington-Barry led all who gathered in a blessing of the home, gifts were presented by the North Central Habitat for Humanity Construction Manager Rick Perkins, Discovery Museum CEO Neil Gordon, and the Local Project Committee. At the conclusion of the program, the key was presented to the family by Acton Community Housing Corporation (ACHC) Chair Janet Adachi.

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is a local, independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Volunteer labor along with donated materials, land, and funding makes the construction of these homes possible. Habitat homeowners provide labor as well, and pay for a below-cost home through an interest-free mortgage. The Carlisle Road home is the fourth Habitat home to be built in Acton. This sustained collaborative relationship with Acton is a testament to the Town’s commitment to providing affordable housing opportunities for families.

This project was made possible by numerous key partners. Senator Jaime Eldridge’s remarks touched on the Senate’s focus on affordable housing in its tax package and the fact that Habitat for Humanity provides one of the few home-ownership opportunities for low-income families. All five members of the Acton Select Board were in attendance and offered a warm welcome to Zach, Maribeth and their three young children.

The Town of Acton donated the home and also provided funding from the ACHC’s Community Housing Fund and a CPA grant. The volunteers who worked on the construction of the home are too many to list here, but include residents from the neighborhood, students from Minuteman Technical High School, and corporate partner volunteers from Acton Boxborough United Way, Workers Credit Union, Emerson Hospital, Enterprise Bank, Great Road Church, Cisco, and Dell. Major contributors included Housing Ministries of New England, Wells Fargo, Acton Lions Club, Acton Congregational Church, South Acton Congregational Church, West Acton Baptist Church, UCC Boxborough, Lazaro Paving, and Solar Design Associates, and DSD Renewables.

PHOTO: Senator Jamie Eldridge

YV Art Museum Presents Sculptures by Ted Castro

ACTON: YV Art Museum administered by Contemporary Arts International (CAI), a non-profit organization, presents the sculptures by Ted Castro. The exhibition will start on July 9 and last through August 27. In addition, in the Gallery, a documentary film by Chen Bohan, a filmmaker from Taiwan will be showing after the Artist’s Talk. This show focuses in the presentation of Ted's wood work. Ted studied figurative subject extensively through drawing and sculpting over 20 years, particularly in the context of extraneous muscular form. His work is emotional and truly expressive deeply from his heart.

Ted Castro was born in New York City. He began art in high school. Ted attended Pratt Institute and graduated with honors. He apprenticed and made stained glass windows with Martino Studios in Framingham. Later, he taught stained glass at the Worcester Center for Crafts where he attended classes for furniture refinishing woodworking. Ted has been carving for more than two decades and is passionately creating pieces that capture the humanitarian tangles we are all in. The hard work and time dedicated to creating sculpture is transformative providing an
openness to add honesty and clarity to the work. He has had 2 solo shows, participated in sculpture symposia, and been a father at home for his two daughters. In 2022 Ted tested his will power and completed hiking the Appalachian Trail southbound in 4 months.

CAI is open to visitors everyday 10am-6pm, visitors are encouraged to phone or text (617) 699-6401 to make appointment. The admission fee is $10 for adults; $5 for over 65 or under 16, which includes a tour of the studio and the sculpture park. For more information, visit www.contemporaryartsinternational.org or www.yvartmuseum.org.

Acton Deputy Chief Anita Arnum to Serve as Interim Fire Chief

ACTON: Town Manager John S. Mangiaratti is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief Anita Arnum will serve as Interim Fire Chief upon the retirement of Chief Robert Hart on June 25. Deputy Arnum is already the highest-ranking woman in the history of the Acton Fire Department, and she will be the first female to serve as chief or interim chief.

Arnum began her career with the Acton Fire Department as a full-time firefighter in 1989. She was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in January 2012 and named Captain in March 2017. She was named Deputy Chief and Town Emergency Management Director in November 2020.

Arnum has a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology and Chemistry from UMass Amherst, and a Bachelor's Degree in Fire Science from Anna Maria College. She is also a graduate of the Grants Management Certificate Program from Management Concepts, and a graduate of the Chief Fire Officer Training Program at the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute.

Arnum is a state and nationally registered paramedic, a member of the State Hazmat Response Team, and a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Search and Rescue System. She is also certified in numerous technical rescue fields, and is qualified as an instructor/trainer in EMS, hazmat, firefighting, and technical rescue.

Arnum helped guide the Town of Acton through the COVID-19 pandemic, providing testing, vaccination clinics and procuring difficult to obtain personal protective equipment for firefighters.

She is also known for fostering positive relationships between town departments and the community, and constantly seeks out opportunities for the Department to train, grow, and work with other communities to stay at the forefront of technology.

"Deputy Chief Arnum has been a great leader within the Acton Fire Department, and I look forward to her continued leadership and mentorship of firefighters in her role as Interim Chief," said Town Manager Mangiaratti.

PHOTO: Acton Deputy Chief Anita Arnum will serve as Interim Fire Chief when Chief Robert Hart retires on June 25. (Courtesy Acton Fire Department)

Community Bag Program to Benefit the Friends of Maynard Seniors

HUDSON/MAYNARD: For the month of July the Community Bag Program at Stop and Shop, 10 Technology Drive in Hudson, will benefit the Friends of Maynard Seniors. For every reusable Community Bag purchased for $2.50 a donation of $1 will be given to the Friends of Maynard Seniors. These reusable bags are a great way to carry your groceries and also items for summer activities. Why not purchase several? Your donation to the Friends of Maynard Seniors is a wonderful gift to help Senior Citizens when help is needed. Your donations are appreciated!

Summer Bible Camp in Acton

ACTON: Join St. Matthew’s Summer Bible Camp in Acton, July 17-21 from 9am-noon, for five fun-filled mornings. Children from pre-schoolers to 6th-graders are welcome. The theme is “Seeing God,” which will be reflected in activity centers: Music, Science and Nature, Outdoor Games and Crafts. For more information visit www.saint-matthews.org.

Volunteers Use Puppets to Teach about People with Disabilities

by Joan Burrows, founding member and still active on the Commission on Disabilities

ACTON: The Acton Commission on Disabilities (COD), now in its 36th year, was made a Commission by state law in 1987. The first group of seven members got to work right away. All agreed on parking as the first issue we would address. We did! And we have been working ever since to make life better for all those with a disability:from parking to accessible sidewalks, easy-open doors, wide aisles, and people who can see the person as any other and treat accordingly. It is about access, awareness, and acceptance.

Dealing with adults who already had their views and prejudices was difficult at times, but our members were dedicated and tireless. This involved them and their children, their whole families, and everyday life.

I could now write a long article, or two or three, about our experiences on the COD back then, but I want to zero in on the young people. Before their prejudices form, we need to reach them and help them understand. We found a program, Kids on the Block Puppets that was and is a fantastic way to help our children (and some adults) how to better understand a disability.

We purchased many puppets – one uses a wheelchair, one is blind, one uses crutches—and they all have a friend they talk with. We presented shows to school groups. The best learning came when the brief show was over and the children had time to ask questions. Their questions were right on the issues; children do that! We answered all their questions and, if there were more after we left, the children wrote them down and the teacher would pass them on to us.

We began by training adults to perform with the puppets, and it was a successful program. Later, we tried with high school volunteers. This helped two-fold as it taught the older group as well as the young.

In the last couple of years, the COD has pulled the puppets out of storage and found some high school students to practice and perform with them—first, at Oktoberfest in spring of 2021, then at the Kelley’s Corner Block Party hosted by Acton’s Economic Development and Recreation departments in September of 2022.

However, the scripts are now old and we need help updating them—from teachers, students, people with a disability or understanding (as a family member or caregiver), or members of local organizations.

We have these wonderful puppets and would like to use them to help others. Please contact the Acton Commission on Disabilities, cod@actonma.gov or call the Town Manager’s office at (978) 929-6611 to offer your creative skills. Thank you.

PHOTO by Fran Osman

Tavernier Place Opens its Doors

by Franny Osman

ACTON: On June 12, local and state affordable housing advocates and developers gathered at Tavernier Place at 446 Massachusetts Ave. in Acton, across from RJ Grey Jr. High, for a ribbon-cutting for the new building of 31 rental units for seniors and people with disabilities. The development is named for Nancy Tavernier, 20-year chair of the Acton Community Housing Corporation (ACHC). Project developer Steve Joncas of Common Ground Development Corporation introduced a lineup of speakers including legislators and leaders and funders of Affordable Housing.

State Senator Jamie Eldridge spoke of paying tribute to the dignity of residents of affordable housing; and of the importance of advertising new housing opportunities. Eldridge remembered housing champion Bob Whittlesey, late chair of the Acton Housing Authority who was one of the fiduciaries of the Boston Housing Authority in the 1970’s and who founded several national and statewide housing organizations. Eldridge expressed excitement about an (unnamed) Acton resident who took care of other people’s children for many years and gave so much to her community, who is moving into Tavernier Place. State Representatives Dan Sena and Simon Cataldo, and a representative from US Representative Lori Trahan’s office, also spoke and presented citations.

Joncas appreciated Massachusetts Housing Partnership as true to its name of “partner” in financing. Nancy McCafferty, Director of Business Development at Massachusetts Housing Partnership, described the generosity and collaboration amongst funders, including RBC Community Investments whose Director Stephen Lee also spoke. Tavernier Place was developed by Common Ground Development Corporation, the development subsidiary of Community Teamwork Inc., a Lowell-based social service nonprofit. Much of the $15 million in financing came through low-income housing tax credits and other state funds awarded through the former Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), now renamed the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), the agency charged with creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents.

Select Board chair Jim Snyder-Grant said the Board was a “backstop,” whose role was to say “yes” as much as possible, and he looks forward to this wonderful addition to affordable housing in Acton being fully occupied within a few months.

Nine-year Select Board member Janet Adachi, who replaced Nancy Tavernier as chair of the ACHC, said that Nancy will visit the building next month. Adachi appreciated the patience, vision and tenacity of Common Ground in its work preserving the Towne high school building for 15 affordable apartments, and now building Tavernier Place. She said that ACHC has provided about half a million dollars in small grants toward the project, not easy for a small Town entity. Adachi read off an “academy award” thank you list which included developer and philanthropist Steve Steinberg, Town Manager John Mangiaratti, many Select Board members along the way, present and past Planning Directors, and the Housing for All community organization.

Attendees representing board members from Acton Housing Authority, Acton TV, Acton Memorial Library, the Human Services Committee, Miracle Field, Housing and Climate Justice for Acton, Housing for All, Commission on Disability, Transportation Advisory Committee, and others, enjoyed refreshments and tours. They visited sample units, friends’ moving box-filled apartments, and a comfortable community room. They admired the “luxury vinyl” flooring that felt softer underfoot–and rougher and less slippery–than standard vinyl flooring. The units have ample kitchen area, living room, bedroom, and spacious, accessible bathrooms with walk-in showers.

Asked about turning radius for public transportation vehicles, the architect and construction company said that the parking lot allows a fire truck to turn around, so the van should have no trouble.

Leaders on the project cut the ribbon (twice) to make sure all dignitaries were included.

PHOTO courtesy of State Senator Jamie Eldridge

Victorian Home Tour

by Alissa Nicol

SOUTH ACTON: On June 17, a Victorian Home Tour will take place in South Acton Village. The J.W. Tuttle House is considered one of the finest examples of Victorian Italianate architecture in Massachusetts. The house is furnished with authentic 19th century art and period furnishings. The tour will offer a glimpse of the integration of modern and period design principles. To register for this free event, visit
https://vichomegarden.myshopify.com/products/victorian-home-and-garden-tour-saturday-june-17th-1-pm-tour

Acton Boxborough Cultural Council Grantee Reception

by Alissa Nicol

ACTON: The Acton Boxborough Cultural Council (ABCC) held its Annual Grantee Reception at NARA Park on Tuesday, June 6. Attendees enjoyed musical performances and also remarks by members of our local legislative delegation, Senator Jaime Eldridge and Representative Simon Cataldo. According to the ABCC website, “The Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council (ABCC) is one of 329 all-volunteer local cultural councils serving every municipality in Massachusetts. The legislature appropriates funds annually to the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), which then allocates funds to local councils.

The grantees in attendance were announced and had the opportunity to share details about their projects. A tribute was given by the ABCC Chair, Jin Yang, to two long-time ABCC members who passed away earlier this year, Dawn Wang and Nancy Evans. Dawn initiated and implemented the China Trail Garden special 3-year project at the Acton Arboretum which recently won a design award from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects, and Nancy served as Chair of the Our World Film Series sub-committee for several years.

A total of $16,200 was allocated this year. Recipients included the Acton Chinese American Civic Society, Inc. for the 2022 Boston Asian Music Festival, the Acton Boxborough Regional High School for the Orquesta de la Revolucion, the Chinese Family Network, Inc. for Hands-On Demos of Renewable Energy to Immigrant Families, Eileen Herman-Haase for Dancing Joy with Dance Caliente, Nashoba Valley Chorale for Wake Up, My Spirit, Open Door Theatre of Acton, Inc. for The SpongeBob Musical, Deepika Prakash for DiwaliFest 2023, Hongbing Tang for a Digital Art Workshop, The Concord Orchestra, Inc. for the 2022 - 2023 Season and Music Director Search, and many more. Details on the 2023 grant application cycle will be posted to the ABCC website this summer, www.actonboxboroughculturalcouncil.org. Applications are due in October each year.

PHOTO: ABCC Grantee Reception at NARA Park. (Courtesy of Senator Jamie Eldridge)

GCFM Awards – June 2023

ACTON: The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts (GCFM) announced awards to the Garden Club of Acton in Categories of Publicity and Historic Preservation at its annual meeting in Hyannis recently. The Acton Garden Club received an award in the category of Historical Preservation. The club was honored for preserving and archiving its history each year with the creation of beautiful photo books, using publishing software, detailing the club’s activities. The Acton Garden Club also received an award in Publicity for its program “Acton Looking Good 2022”. This program promotes civic beautification and recognizes Acton businesses who enhance the town’s beauty with their inspirational landscapes.

Congratulations to the Members of The Acton Garden Club, for their amazing work in beautifying the town and for their work in historic preservations.

The Acton Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts and has served the town since its founding in 1933 to “Promote a greater interest in gardening and to share experiences that shall be of mutual benefit.” For more information on “Acton Looking Good 2023” and activities of The Acton Garden Club, go to www.actongardenclub.org.

Home Filters for PFAS Removal from Tap Water

by Ron Parenti

ACTON: Since new regulations for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were established by the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) in 2021, the Acton Water District has issued several advisories that include the words “consumers in a sensitive subgroup are advised not to consume, drink, or cook with water when the level of PFAS6 is above 20 ng/L”. This directive has prompted a number of homeowners to consider the installation of a home filtration system, but since the water supplied to Acton residents only infrequently exceeds the State’s limit on these contaminants it is not necessary to spend a large amount of money to achieve an extra measure of protection. Filters that are effective in removing PFAS are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), and consumers should verify that the product complies with the ANSI/53 or ANSI/58 standards. A list of NSF certified filters can be found at
www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/contaminant-reduction-claims-guide

The following information is also important. The MassDEP regulation of 20 parts per trillion and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed regulation of 4 parts per trillion are relatively new.

Although NSF-certified filters for home use have a demonstrated ability to remove PFAS, this certification does not guarantee that the treated water will comply with the new purity requirements.

Actual contaminant levels following filtration cannot be determined without an expensive test (about $300) and, to maintain performance, the internal filter cartridges must be replaced regularly. Finally, it's important to understand that only a fraction of our daily exposure to PFAS is attributed to drinking water. While exposure ratios for Acton residents have not been measured, the EPA and MassDEP assume a 20% fraction for drinking water and assign most of the remaining exposure to food and food packaging. All of these factors should be considered when considering the purchase of a home filtration system for PFAS removal.

Types of Filter Installations

Whole-House Filters - The most expensive installation is a point-of-entry filter that treats all of the water that enters the house. These systems can be customized to remove a wide variety of chemical contaminants, heavy metals, and particulates. Installation is usually performed by a licensed plumber, and the total cost typically exceeds $1,000. Replacement cartridges may cost as much as $200.
Under-Sink Filters - Since only about 10% off the water that enters a house is actually consumed as drinking water, point-of-use filters represent a cost-effective option for PFAS removal. The cost will depend on the complexity and type of filtration, but NSF certified units can be purchased for about $300. Replacement cartridge prices are in the $50 to $100 range.
Pitcher Filters - Compact counter-top filtration units that can be automatically or manually filled have recently become available for PFAS removal, and these products represent the least expensive treatment alternative. Prices for the pitchers are in the $100 range, but the removable filter cartridges may need to be replaced frequently at a cost of about $50. Over the long term, this option is likely to be more economical than the purchase of bottled water.

Filtration Technologies

GAC Filtration - Granular activated carbon is a filtration media that has been widely used to remove chemicals and particulates in drinking water. Contaminants adhere to the carbon media and are efficiently removed from the input water stream. Since the number of adsorption sites is limited, the lifetime of the filter cartridge will depend on the contaminant load and is not easily determined without regular testing. Regulations relating to filter disposal are still being reviewed by the MassDEP and the EPA.
Reverse Osmosis - These filters employ a porous membrane that segregates the input water stream into two outputs, one of which is the treated water and another that contains the extracted contaminants. Studies have shown that reverse osmosis is more effective than GAC in removing PFAS, but this method has two serious drawbacks. First, it is very inefficient in terms of water use, since the contaminated output stream comprises 75% of the input water volume. Second, according to Massachusetts law it is illegal to discharge the contaminated water stream from a reverse osmosis system to a Title 5 septic system, which would preclude the use of this filtration technology for most of the homes in Acton. Regulations for this type of discharge into the Town’s sewer system are still under review.

Ongoing PFAS Remediation Efforts at the Acton Water District

Because PFAS chemicals have been used to manufacture a wide range of consumer products for over 50 years, trace amounts of these contaminants have been detected at the parts per trillion level in water supplies throughout the world. The new MassDEP drinking water regulations for PFAS are far more stringent than those placed on any other contaminant (almost 1000 times lower than the EPA regulation for arsenic), and warnings must be sent to water users whenever the specified limits are exceeded by even a small amount. The Acton Water District has expended significant time and monetary resources in the past two years to initiate the capital improvements needed to comply with the current MassDEP and anticipated Food and Drug Administration regulations. Full compliance will require substantial upgrades to each of the Water District’s three treatment facilities.

Feeding the Birds

by Bettina Abe

ACTON: “Feed the birds, ‘tuppence’ a bag” is a familiar Mary Poppins song. People feed the birds for lots of reasons, the least of which is the gratification that we are supporting and supplementing food sources for our feathered friends. After all, humans build on land, replacing trees, shrubs, grasses, dunes and riverbanks with houses, mills, bridges, roads, parking lots and factories—land that otherwise would be available to birds to land on, forage around, and nest in.

We hang our feeders from tree branches or poles. Some of us are friendly to squirrels and let them share in the spoils, entertained by their antics. Other people wage battles with squirrels to ban them from the bird food bounty by greasing the poles, putting up plastic domes, metal baffles, or cones.

Wildlife experts share conflicting advice on feeding local bird populations on our properties.

- MassWildlife emphasizes that congregating wildlife into unnaturally high densities (under the feeder) increases the risk of disease spread, especially during warm weather where accumulated seed can spoil.
- MassWildlife and MassAudubon strongly suggest removing feeders from yards between March and November, the months when black bears are active.
- MassAudubon reminds us that a number of Massachusetts hawk species prey on birds at feeders, most notably Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks. The organization notes that predation is a natural occurrence in the lives of wild birds and mammals along with normally high mortality in most bird populations, including owls.

Visit the MassAudubon website for information on how to store seed and clean feeders.

The bottom line is that people love to watch birds, count them, and marvel at their biodiversity. Migration alone is a Herculean feat for such a tiny animal that flies thousands of miles under the blazing
sun, howling winds, and driving rains.

There are many other extremely effective ways to support birds besides feeding them. Donate to a worthy conservation organization. Plant native trees, shrubs, and perennials that provide food and habitat year ‘round. Don’t spray pesticides and herbicides. Insects are important to the food web cycle and there are other ways to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and ticks without spreading poison and carcinogens into the air, soil, and water. Avoid using rodenticide and educate others on the danger to owls and hawks who fatally ingest poisoned rodents.

Continue to watch, count, appreciate, and research these fascinating dinosaurs! It’s a hobby that will keep giving back to you. There’s always something new to learn. According to Emily Singer, Quanta Magazine (June 12, 2015) birds descended from a group of two-legged dinosaurs known as therapods, whose members include T-Rex. Not sure I want one of those snacking in my backyard, however! There are wonderful apps for identifying bird song and learning about nest engineering and remarkable adaptations and variations. According to BirdLife International, there are over 10,000 species of birds on Earth, each with their own unique appearance and habits. Birds are depicted in painting, sculpture, on fabric, and in every conceivable art form. Bird conservation is a great place to meet people and explore the planet, virtually and in person. Protecting open space is the best way to ensure avian survival.The Acton Lions provide support to eye care research & many local charitable organizations & community efforts. If you are interested in membership, please contact a member or email acton_lions@hotmail.com.

Acton Lions Town Fair

by Marion Maxwell

ACTON: Acton Lions Town Fair is back! June 25-28 at the School Street Fields off Route 2 Eastbound. Thursday & Friday 6-10pm; Saturday noon-11pm; Sunday noon-6pm. Fun for all. A significant amount of funds collected is donated to the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund. Other funds raised during the fair and throughout the year go to about 25 local charities. Info: www.actonlions.org.

The Acton Lions provide support to eye care research & many local charitable organizations & community efforts. If you are interested in membership, please contact a member or email acton_lions@hotmail.com.

New Leadership at the Acton Water District Finance Committee

by Kim Kastens

ACTON: Laboring in relative obscurity, the Acton Water District Finance Committee (AWD FinCom) grapples with tough problems and big price tags. Their work is becoming more complicated and possibly more consequential as the Water District faces escalating capital and operational costs to remove perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other contaminants from the water supply.

The AWD is a separate municipal entity from the Town of Acton, with its own charter, bylaws, board of commissioners, annual meeting, moderator, and finance committee. According to the bylaws, AWD FinCom's responsibilities are to review the budget for the annual meeting, make recommendations to the commissioners on any matters of a financial nature arising out of an annual or special meeting, and make recommendations as to the long-range fiscal plans of the District. The three members of the AWD Fincom are appointed by the AWD Moderator, and serve three-year, renewable terms.

As of their May 26 meeting, the AWD Fincom has a new chair and one new member. The new chair is William (Bill) Guthlein. He has been a AWD FinCom member for approximately ten years. He brings to the committee a background in corporate financial management, underlain by an MBA from Harvard Business School. In addition, he is a lawyer, Certified Public Accountant, and Chartered Financial Analyst. The new member is John Peterson, a veteran of the Acton School Board. He leads a consulting company in the pharmaceutical industry, making use of his PhD in organic chemistry. The third member of the committee is engineer Ron Parenti, who is a former water commissioner and currently serves on the Town of Acton Water Resources Advisory Committee.

When asked about his priorities for the AWD Fincom for the coming year, the new chair replied by email, "... the top priority of the Finance Committee is always to provide oversight of the financial
management of the district. This role involves periodically reviewing operating results and investment performance; reviewing and recommending approval of the budget and warrant articles to the public at the annual meeting; and providing advice to the commissioners about water pricing and capital spending.
These latter items, water pricing and capital spending, are currently the focus of AWD FinCom's efforts as the cost to treat PFAS and other contaminants drives up water rates. The FinCom is currently preparing a proposed scope of work for a water rate study for the district. As water rates have increased there has been growing concern about whether the current pricing model fairly allocates the cost of water to users of water. Volume rates vs. fixed fees, summer rates vs. winter rates, and increasing block rates [the tiered system by which larger-volume users pay more per cubic foot] all have an impact on who pays for the cost of water. Water rates influence the incentive to conserve. There is also concern about the burden water rates have on low-income households."

West Acton Baptist Announces Mini Food Pantry

WEST ACTON: The West Acton Baptist Church is pleased to announce the installation of a Mini Food Pantry! The Acton community has a need for items to be available for those in need beyond the hours of the Acton Food Pantry. The structure is located next to the door by the elevator just off our parking lot located at 592 Massachusetts Avenue. Donations of non-perishable & unexpired items greatly appreciated. For more information, visit www.westactonbaptistchurch.org.

Settlement agreement reached in PFAS lawsuit, potentially benefiting the Acton Water District

by Fran Osman

ACTON: At the June 5 meeting of the Acton Water District (AWD) commissioners, District Manager Matthew Mostoller announced that the District had received word that a settlement agreement had been reached in a multi-district lawsuit against the manufacturers of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a family of chemicals that have been widely used in non-stick coatings, water-repellent surfaces, personal care products, food packaging, firefighting foam and other applications. However, they have been linked to liver damage, weakened immune systems, and several forms of cancer. The Acton Water District was one of thousands of public water suppliers signed onto the lawsuit. According to New York Times coverage of the settlement agreement, the chemical companies Dupont, Chemours, and Corteva have reached an agreement in principle to set up a $1.19 billion fund to help remove these toxic substances from public drinking water supplies. The deal still requires approval by a judge. Spread among thousands of public water suppliers and subtracting lawyers' fees, $1.19 billion will not come close to covering the costs of remediating PFAS. In Acton alone, voters at the 2023 AWD annual meeting authorized the District to borrow $14 million to install PFAS treatment systems at the Central Acton and South Acton Water Treatment Plants.

2022 Acton Water Quality Report Available

ACTON: The Acton Water District’s latest Water Quality Report is available online at www.actonwater.com/ccr. This report details Acton’s drinking water supply and treatment methods and summarizes the results of water quality samples collected in our system in 2022. If you would like a hard copy of the report or have questions on the information contained within it, please contact Alexandra Wahlstrom, Environmental Analyst at (978) 263-9107.

Acton Fire Chief Robert Hart to Retire from 38-Year Career

ACTON: The Acton Fire Department reports that Fire Chief Robert Hart, who joined the department as a call firefighter in 1985, will retire on June 24 from a 38-year career. Chief Hart became a call firefighter in 1985, and was among eight men hired as a full-time firefighters on August 8, 1988. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2001, captain in 2007, deputy chief in 2012, and became chief of the department in 2016.

In his years as a firefighter and chief, Hart oversaw a vital modernization of the Acton Fire Department, with computers added to fire apparatus, schedules changed from a bulletin board to a computerized schedule, and records management transferred completely to computers, along with the department's policy manual, among other changes.

"We moved into the 21st century with a lot of our technology," said Hart.

The department also launched an Advanced Life Support ambulance service in 2017, improving the level of service from town ambulances from what was previously only Basic Life Support service.

Hart also prioritized protecting firefighters, and worked to increase education and the use of specialized equipment such as gear washers, extractors and dryers to help protect firefighters from cancer risks, while also procuring improved gear for firefighters to wear.

Hart said being chief taught him that people and personnel are the most important thing in any fire department, and he credits members of the department with doing the hard work that was required to modernize and upgrade the department's services.

"It's not like I did all that myself," Hart said. "It was accomplished with our personnel really working hard behind the scenes to make sure they were communicating with vendors and getting the most out of our new products. My hat is really off to the members of the department for embracing new technology and really working hard to make it the best it can be."

It was also people who made the job the most interesting and rewarding for Hart, who worked with other town departments and boards, as well as residents, in order to get a fourth fire station built in North Acton. He also noted the community and town hall's support for keeping firefighters well equipped with the tools they need to do their jobs.

"I've really enjoyed working with the community," Hart said. "We could not have built a fourth fire station in North Acton without community support, which was overwhelming and awe inspiring. The willingness of this community to support it's fire department is huge. It's been wonderful to work with the fire department family, but also to work with the town hall family."

Chief Hart followed in his father's footsteps when he became a firefighter, and said it was his father's experience and working a carpentry job for another firefighter that first got him interested in joining the fire service.

Hart said firefighting changed over his years on the job. Equipment improved to enable firefighters to get further into buildings and hotter and more dangerous conditions, but fires changed as well as building furnishings are more commonly made with plastic products, which burn faster and hotter than the wool and wood and cotton that furnishings used to be made of.

"Fires get hotter a lot quicker now, which poses a higher risk for firefighters," Hart said. "Understanding how building products and furnishings change is important for a firefighter, as is fire education and working with the academy to make sure personnel are well-trained."

Asked for advice for younger firefighters and up and coming officers, Hart said that while it's important to keep up with technology and to make sure firefighters are always equipped with what they need to do their jobs, he recommends keeping focus on the personnel within a department.

"Your people are what makes this wheel go around," said Chief Hart. "They are, by far, the most important piece of the fire department puzzle."

"I'm honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to be this community's fire chief," said Chief Hart. "This department and town treated me very well over the years, and I'm really humbled to say thank you. I wish everyone much success, and I am able to retire without worrying about the future of the department because there are a lot of good people here to carry on."

Photo courtesy of Acton Fire Department.

Adaptive Bikes at NARA

ACTON: The Acton Recreation Department is delighted to announce the return of adaptive bike rentals. The bikes make it possible for people of all abilities to ride on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail or around Acton. Their rental program is running thru August 27. To rent a bike outside of this timeframe, please contact the Acton Recreation Department directly.

The fleet of bikes include: 2 adult recumbent trikes, 1 adult hand cycle, 1 adult trike, 1 adult side-by-side trike, and 2 child trikes. To reserve a bike, please go to www.actonrec.com and follow the prompts on the date, time, and the bike you'd prefer. This rental program is FREE for Acton residents, and $5 for non-residents to help with the maintenance of the bikes. After you sign up for a time slot, go to NARA Park, 25 Ledge Rock Way, and speak with the park ranger there who will help you get your bike. It is recommended that you get to the park at least 15 minutes before your designated time. Please bring a photo ID as collateral when you take the bike with you.

All riders must wear a helmet. It is suggested you bring your own, as there is a limited supply to lend out. Have a cellphone on hand; if you have any issues on your bike ride, call NARA's office for assistance at (978) 929-6641. If you have any questions about this program, please email recreation@actonma.gov or call (978) 929-6640 x0.

Acton Pride Festival

By Jeff Vandegrift

ACTON:
Friday, June 16 – Acton Pride Drag Show, NARA Amphitheater, 8pm. Ages 14+. Online Tickets can be purchased for $10/person. $15/person at the gate.

Performers include: Onya Neez, Mal E Fishn't, Sasha Stone, Ms. Petty, Lana Backwards, Stef Anya, and Servixx. Join us for Acton's first Pride Festival. Tickets and more information.

History of drag shows

Saturday, June 17 – Acton Pride Festival, NARA Amphitheater, 12-3pm. Free Event for all ages!

The Acton Pride Festival has been made possible by a Festival Grant from Mass Cultural Council and sponsorships from businesses and residents in our community. The Town of Acton is proud to receive this grant for the first annual Acton Pride Festival. The Acton Pride Committee strives to be as inclusive as possible to all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations.

One Acton resident says, "I’ve been an Acton resident for 15 years and this is the first time there’s been a Pride celebration planned, and I am excited to bring my kids so that they can see other queer families and feel like they have community here in Acton."

The Acton Pride Festival will be a day of free activities for children such as bounce houses, yard games, music and more! More information.

History of Pride

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

By Alissa Nicol

ACTON: The Acton Select Board allocated $50,000, and another $100,000 in reserve, of the approximately $7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies the town received in 2021 from the Federal Government to fund an Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Requests from residents for funds to help pay bills associated with mortgages, childcare, and utilities led the board to expand the initial $50,000 allocation to a more general Emergency Assistance Program in February of this year. This program has been successful in helping fifty-two Acton residents with grants totaling $45,654.

The flexible use of these funds has been a tremendous support to the residents receiving the grants. Requests for assistance continue to remain high. On Monday, May 22, the Select Board unanimously approved that the remainder of the allocated ARPA rental assistance funds, totaling $100,000, also be expanded to include the categories of mortgage, utilities and childcare. With this vote, the program can continue to provide flexible assistance that best meets the needs of the community.

To apply for a grant, please find the application here.

Discovery Museum CEO Neil Gordon Honored with 2023 Nonprofit Excellence Award in Leadership

ACTON: The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network (MNN) announced yesterday that Discovery Museum CEO Neil Gordon was selected winner of the 2023 Nonprofit Excellence Award in Leadership.

The Excellence Award in Leadership recognizes a nonprofit chief or senior executive who has an extraordinary record of organizational results and exemplifies strategic vision, passion, integrity, innovation, perseverance, and a collaborative spirit at an organization that exemplifies the most innovative, creative, and effective work being done throughout the Commonwealth.

As CEO of Discovery Museum, Gordon guided the beloved institution through more than a decade of transformative growth, successfully expanding access for children with disabilities, leading the industry on sustainability, and connecting kids and families with the joy and developmental and mental health benefits of nature play. Motivated by an unwavering commitment to families and to his staff, Gordon, who will retire at the end of 2023, also deftly steered the organization through the pandemic, with the Museum emerging stronger than before.

This year, an independent panel of judges reviewed more than 135 nominations for awards in six categories. The 30 finalists ranged from large education providers to small arts organizations and represented different regions of Massachusetts.

NVTHS Craft Fair Seeks Vendors

WESTFORD: The Nashoba Valley Technical High School Foundation's 11th Annual Craft Fair will be held November 18 from 10am-3pm (set up 8am-9:30am) at NVTHS, 100 Littleton Road (Rt. 110). Register now for this well-attended event - only 100 spots available! Vendor fees are $75, which includes an 8' spot and 2 chairs. Bring your own table or display. Click HERE for more information and to complete the online registration/payment. Any questions, email NVTHSFoundation@nashobatech.net.

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2nd Annual Maynard Jazz Fest

MAYNARD: The second annual Maynard Jazz Fest will be held on June 17 between 2-6pm! Make your way to Maynard’s lively downtown and enjoy the second annual Maynard Jazz Fest, sponsored by the Maynard Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council! Music will take place on the main stage in Memorial Park right in the center of downtown, and
on a second “education” stage in front of the mural in Naylor Court. This Maynard Cultural District event is FREE and “open air” allowing you to come and go as you please while you experience the buzzing life that surrounds Maynard’s downtown storefronts. Be sure to bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and come early to reserve your spot!

Listeners will hear a wide variety of talent on the main stage featuring Blueprint Jazz
Club, District 5 Jazz Band (pictured), Latin Logic: Boston based Salsa band, and headlining this year: BT ALC Big Band! Between the mainstage sets, MHS Jazz Band will perform and there will also be jam sessions hosted by JazzHers and Interlude Music! The headliner Boston’s BT ALC Big Band is a fabulous and entertaining group that never disappoints.

Mark your calendars, and expect to experience the best that Maynard has to offer this summer! If you have any questions, email maynardjazzfest@gmail.com.

About Action Unlimited

A weekly advertising publication with seven (7) different editions to choose from - Acton (Acton, Boxboro, Maynard), Ayer (Ayer, Groton, Harvard, Shirley, Devens), Chelmsford, Concord (Concord, Carlisle, Bedford), Hudson (Hudson, Stow), Marlborough (Marlborough, Sudbury) and Westford (Westford, Littleton), Each edition is filled with news, events, puzzles, local advertisers, classifieds and more!

The Action is also your one stop shop for graphic design, copying services, website design, business card printing, scanning & shredding services.

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