Maynard Relay for Life team, the Lady Bugs, will be having our annual fundraiser, Egg your House!  Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 19th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  We will go to Maynard, Acton, West Concord, Stow and Sudbury.  You must order them by April 9th.  Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form.  Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.

The Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame (MHSAHOF) was established in 2006 to honor and perpetuate the memory of all former Maynard students, coaches and associated persons who have brought pride and distinction to the Maynard school system, the Town of Maynard and themselves, primarily through their high school athletic endeavors.  It will be an ongoing opportunity for Maynard residents to continue the tradition of excellence that has been characteristic of Maynard athletics.
Our 10th Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony/Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Maynard Lodge of Elks, 6 PM ~ 11 PM, and we need your help in identifying potential inductees to the MHSAHOF, who, if selected, will be celebrated at that event!  Our past nine banquets have been very well received by the inductees and the general public.
If you know an athlete who you feel deserves to be inducted into the MHSAHOF, please complete a nomination form.  They are available by visiting our website at http://web.maynard.ma.us/civic/mhsahf or by emailing mjtbrannelly@comcast.net. Completed nomination forms should be sent to MHSAHOF, PO Box 56, Maynard, MA 01754.  The deadline for submitting nominations for this event is March 31, 2025.  Nomination forms received after this deadline will be set aside for a potential future induction.  Don’t wait ~ nominate a deserving athlete today!
Additionally, donations are greatly appreciated and may be forwarded to MHSAHOF, PO Box 56, Maynard, MA 01754.  The MHSAHOF is a non-profit organization under Section 501 © 3 and donations are tax deductible.  Thank you!

Surround yourself with art. The Princeton Arts Society’s Annual Spring Show & Sale is the perfect opportunity to view inspiring works of art and perhaps add a piece to your personal collection.
The Show and Opening Reception are free and open to the public:
Friday, May 2, 6 to 8 PM – Opening Reception
Saturday, May 3, 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday, May 4, 10 AM to 4 PM
Princeton Community Center, 206 Worcester Rd. (Post Office Place) Princeton MA.
All work is by the Society’s members, many of whom are award winning artists widely recognized in their fields. The show includes works in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, and more, including three-dimensional works, with subject matter as varied as our artists.
The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization encouraging and supporting area visual, musical, literary and performing artists.
www.princetonarts.org
Facebook: Princeton Arts Society

March 13, 2025, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Please contact Amanda Spinale, Compass Memory Care Director, at 978-369-4728 or aspinale@concordpark.org for more information and the Zoom link. This group is free and open to the public.

Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Visit emersonhospital.org/EmerSong for Information and Tickets
The Auxiliary of Emerson Health is pleased to present its 7th annual EmerSong – an A Cappella Festival – to benefit Emerson Health’s Behavioral and Mental Health patients. The community is invited to attend EmerSong at one of two shows on Saturday, April 5 – a 3:00 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. evening show at Concord’s Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street in Concord. Doors will open at 2:30 and 7:00 p.m., respectively.
High school, college and adult a cappella groups, including those from Concord, will come together for a lively music festival using only their voices as instruments. Proceeds from EmerSong will benefit behavioral and mental health patients at Emerson, including relaxation tools for adolescents seen in the Emergency Department, and updated furniture to enhance patients’ experience.
Some amazing groups from local universities and high schools will fill out this year’s bill in both shows including: Harvard’s Krokodiloes, Northeastern’s Nor’easters, Brandeis University’s Up The Octave, Tufts’ sQ! and UMass Amherst’s Doo Wop Shop. This year, EmerSong will also feature high school groups from Concord Academy, Lexington, and Weston, and adult groups Broadband and The Works, both of which include several members from Concord. The shows will be emceed by Concord resident Tom Rutledge and will include cabaret-style seating, snacks, soft drinks, and a cash bar at the evening show. Tickets are $35 each. For information, to purchase tickets, or to donate to help support Emerson’s life-saving behavioral health services, visit www.emersonhospital.org/EmerSong. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as these shows often sell out.
“We provide expert, compassionate care 24/7 to people throughout our region experiencing mental health crises, helping them regain stability, health, and hope,” said Steve Reider, Director of Behavioral Health at Emerson Hospital. “EmerSong is a celebration of community and music — both essential to well-being — while raising critical funds to support those on their journey to wellness. We look forward to seeing you at EmerSong!”
The Auxiliary thanks the generous sponsors of EmerSong, including:
• NAMI Central Middlesex
• Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President and CEO, Emerson Health

 

The Council on Aging at the Human Services & Senior Center is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.
Telephone: 978-929-6652          
Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov     
Website: www.actoncoa.com/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa​
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8:00am-5:00pm, Tues 8:00am-7:30pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Monday, March 3rd, 1:00-3:10pm
(1966) A middle-aged New England associate professor and his wife expose their young guests to their alcohol fueled vitriolic verbal battles. Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sandy Dennis, and George Segal. Received 13 Oscar nominations with five wins including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Taylor and Best Supporting Actress for Dennis. This film is shown in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library
Managing Stress Workshop with Edward Alessi
Tuesday, March 4th, 1:00-2:30pm                                                                   
Open to all seniors/free                                                   
This workshop will explore the many factors that can cause stress & helpful ways to cope. It will look at the biological along with social factors that date back to pre-historic times relating to why & how we react to stressful factors. Edward Alessi a retired MSW clinical social worker who has taught at many colleges and senior centers. He currently teaches at the Middlesex Community College as an adjunct professor.
Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
Tuesdays, March 4th & 11th, 3:00-4:30pm                       
Open to all caregivers of older adults/free
Caregivers of older adults, please join Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, for this group that meets via Zoom and offers practical and emotional support. New participants always welcome! The challenging work of caregiving may leave you feeling stretched thin, which may cause feelings of exhaustion and isolation. Julie ensures safe, non-judgmental settings where members can share and learn from one another and witnesses the strong bonds that develop between members. If you are new to the group, please sign up with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov. Funded by an Executive Office of Aging & Independence grant. Planning ahead, the first meeting next month is April 1st. Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, and MSc, is an adjunct Professor at Regis College. She is the founder of Help My Aging Parents and serves on the Newton COA Board.
Collette Travel Presentation
Wednesday, March 5th, 11:00-12noon                                                      
Open to all                                                                          
The Friends of the Acton COA are organizing two upcoming trips with Collette Travel. Come hear all about Southern Charm (September 8-14) and Christmas in London (November 29 -December 5). Brochures available at the Senior Center or on www.friendsofactoncoa.com
Piano Performance of Movie Themes with Richard Amir
Thursday, March 6th, 1:00-2:00pm                                       
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
Richard Amir will play iconic music from the movies and will share some interesting tidbits of information during the program. The tunes will feature many award-winning composers and will undoubtedly provide a fun-filled journey down memory lane! During the COVID shutdown, at age 66, Richard Amir found his passion for piano when he learned how to play by ear.
Hot Topics Discussion Group
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:45am                                                         
Open to all seniors/free
This group is an opportunity for people to talk about present or recent major issues of the day. Each member is expected to offer or suggest a topic or issue for the group to engage in and to actively participate as a leader or learner. Facilitated by Sal Lopes.
Needle Arts Group                                     
Wednesdays, 12:30-2:30pm
Open to all seniors/free                                                 
This friendly, social group is open to anyone interested in gathering to sew, knit or crochet.
Visit Bodacious the Therapy Dog
Wednesdays, 10:00am to 12noon   
No visit on March 19th    
Open to all seniors/free
Visit with Bodacious, a sweet golden-doodle, and his handler Dick at the Senior Center. Bodacious and Dick are members of Therapy Dogs International, a non-profit volunteer group whose tagline is “Paws Awhile for Love.” Bodacious is gentle, friendly, affectionate, and hypo-allergenic. Visiting with a therapy dog is known to increase emotional well-being…drop in for a visit!

Fitchburg — LUK, Inc. has recently received funding from the Reliant Foundation to expand their Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention trainings. This is Reliant Foundation’s fourth year funding these trainings for LUK.
LUK shares Reliant Foundation’s goal to reduce stigma around mental health and substance use disorders. By raising awareness, the agency hopes to strengthen mental/behavioral health services for youth and adults, encourage individuals to strive for recovery, or support a loved one in their recovery journey.
With last year’s funding from Reliant Foundation, LUK met and surpassed their goal of training 900 individuals in mental health and suicide prevention through their ongoing partnerships with schools, PTOs, community organizations, and civic groups.
This funding from Reliant Foundation will allow LUK to continue offering a variety of trainings that vary in length, intensity, and scope, allowing training partners to select the most appropriate curriculum for their setting. The overall goal of the project is to raise awareness of mental health challenges, prevent suicide, and connect people in need to supportive services.
“LUK would like to send our gratitude to the Reliant Foundation for their continued support of our mental health training program. This program provides essential education to the community on understanding mental health symptoms in order to intervene both early and effectively,” adds LUK President & CEO Beth Barto. “This funding from Reliant Foundation helps LUK towards creating safe, healthy and resilient communities.”
LUK is thankful for Reliant Foundation’s support and looks forward to another year of offering these important trainings to the Central MA community.
LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
For more information about LUK, Inc., visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find us on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building communities, family by family!

Free courses from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful. Family to Family, starting March 20th in Boxborough, is an eight-session weekly course for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. NAMI’s Basics course, a six-session weekly class starting March 11th in Tewksbury, is for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral health concerns. Topics for both courses include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care, plus the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support. The Basics class also includes information about advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings. Details and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses. Offered by NAMI Central Middlesex. Basics co-sponsored by Northeast Public Health Alliance.

   The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday March 9.  Come see Boxborough’s historic treasures including the 1850’s scale which is sensitive enough to weigh a penny and strong enough to calibrate a 50 pound weight, the “new” hearse built in 1881, and the “old” hearse (come and see how old is old).  Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information or if anyone wishes to arrange a private tour for a small group at a different time please call John Fallon at 978-264-0069.

Did you know cooking with gas might be making your kitchen air worse than outdoor pollution? Gas stoves release harmful stuff like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can even increase asthma risk in kids. And ventilation only helps if your exhaust fan is strong and you actually use it.
When it’s time to replace your stove, consider going electric or induction. Induction stoves heat faster than gas and are super efficient—plus, they’re safer (you can’t burn your hand on the stove!). And with new rebates and tax credits, switching to induction is more affordable than ever.
Join us for an online webinar on March 18th from 7-8pm! Andee Krasner (Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and co-author with Rocky Mountain Institute of a report on gas stoves) will share the facts about gas stove risks and the benefits of induction cooking. We’ll also hear from neighbors using induction cooktops, plus plenty of time for Q&A.
Register here: https://bit.ly/sudbury-march-webinar
Learn more about heat pumps and solar here  and other actions with https://bit.ly/plugINSudburyMA1
This event is sponsored by plugIN MetroWest, in partnership with MassEnergize. The Town of Sudbury and Sustainable Sudbury are excited to be a part of this seven-town effort to empower residents to transform their homes into sustainable, energy-efficient, and comfortable living spaces!

Join the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough for a night of fun and giving at the Bid For Brighter Futures trivia game night on Friday, March 21, 2025, 5:30-9:30 PM at the Boxboro Regency!  Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner(with cash bar), test your knowledge in a friendly trivia competition with fellow attendees(Hosted by Bobby Roast Beef), win great raffle prizes from local donors, and take a chance on our 50/50 Raffle (you need not be present to win).
Net proceeds from the event will benefit local charities, The Acton Food Pantry, Danny’s Place, and Domestic Violence Services Network.
Single Tickets, $60; Table Of 8, $480.  You can purchase tickets online at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/EPQ866BGQ6B52, contact Event Chair, Katrina Sweeney, 978.805.422, ksweeney@nbtc.com, or contact Club President, Dean Roberts, 843.422.0978, rdeanroberts1946@gmail.com.
Join us for a fantastic evening in support of local organizations making a difference in our community!!!

Support for caregivers of adults - a Q&A with Rabbi Judith Kummer and the Congregation Beth Elohim clergy and shared stories from community members.
Join us for a discussion of the joys and challenges in caring for ourselves while caring for our loved ones. We will be exploring this topic through a Jewish lens.
This event will be held at CBE and available via Zoom. Light refreshments and informal sharing to follow the program.
Please sign up below for our planning purposes.
You will have the opportunity, when you sign up, to, optionally, to donate to the CBE Chesed Committee.  Donations are appreciated.
Rabbi Kummer Bio
Rabbi Judy Kummer is a board certified chaplain who delights in her work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings throughout the Greater Boston area.  She earned her BA at Barnard College and her Rabbinic Ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. A Boston native, she has served congregations in the New York area and in Washington DC.  For 18 years she served as Executive Director of the Jewish Chaplaincy Council of Massachusetts.
Rabbi Kummer has recently opened a spiritual care private practice, “Spiritual Support for Life’s Journey,” where she offers skilled spiritual care visits, eldercare programming, bereavement support and lifecycle officiation.

School Edition at The Dragonfly Theater, R.J. Grey Jr. HS in Acton, March 21-30, 2025. Tickets and information at www.OpenDoorTheater.org.
Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue… and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom: School Edition expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. Presented by arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
Open Door’s diverse cast will present 6 performances March 21-30, 2025 at the Dragonfly Theater, R.J. Grey Jr. HS, 16 Charter Road, Acton, MA  01720. All performances are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation and open captioning. There will be audio-described performances on the second weekend. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 0-12 and seniors. Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Over its 45-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved audiences and participants to enjoy live theater.

Performances:
Friday, March 21, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
Sunday, March 23, 2025  at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
Friday, March 28, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
Saturday March 29, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
With special thanks to Open Door’s funders: Sponsored in part by the AB United Way, Astra Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Middlesex Savings Bank, Main Street Bank, Acton Lions, and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Stow, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford.

“Nashoba Valley Neighbors” is hosting a Game Night and Potluck dinner party Saturday March 22 from 5-9pm at the Nagog Clubhouse.
We welcome anyone interested in finding out about our social group at this event!
Address:  Nagog Woods Club House  102 Nonset Path  Acton, MA.

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

Saturday, March 1, 2025 • 1:00 - 3:00pm
Sanctuary, 82 Main Street, Maynard
The Maynard Public Library and the Friends of the Maynard Public Library are hosting a Community Information Fair at Sanctuary (82 Main Street, Maynard) on Saturday, March 1, 1:00-3:00pm, with the participation of local organizations and town committees covering such areas as the environment, education, social issues, health, history, social services, entertainment, and families.
All Maynard residents are invited! Join us to learn about the groups’ services, volunteer opportunities, special events, and how to get involved and stay informed.
​There will be tables around Sanctuary’s event space where organizations will have displays featuring each group’s work, including brochures, posters, pictures, maps, and sign-up sheets. ​A handout will be available which provides website URLs, contact information, and social media sites of all participating organizations for future contact.
​For more information, email sthurston@minlib.net.
Participating organizations (as of Feb. 18):
​ArtSpace
First Connections
Friends of the Maynard Public Library
Friends of Maynard Seniors
Green Maynard
League of Women Voters
Maynard Assabet River Coalition
Maynard Business Alliance
Maynard Community Farmers’ Market
Maynard Community Gardeners
Maynard Council on Aging
Maynard Cultural Council/Cultural District
Maynard Education Foundation
Maynard Food Pantry
Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Maynard Historical Commission
Maynard Marketing Task Force
Maynard Pride Association
Maynard School Committee
Maynard Sustainability Committee
Maynard Tree Corps
NAMI of Central Middlesex
Open Table
Town of Maynard Water Department
Trail of Flowers

(Leominster, MA) February 13, 2025 –Habitat for Humanity North Central MA has the pleasure to announce the 2025 Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of our new board officers for the upcoming year, along with the addition of a new board member, Jamie Conaghan
The newly appointed officers are:
Curt Logee, Board President
Tim Smith, Board Treasurer
Jamie Conaghan, Board Member
“We are thrilled to welcome these dynamic leaders to our board,” said Carolyn Read, Executive Director. “Their passion for Habitat for Humanity NCM and expertise will undoubtedly guide us as we continue to grow and make a meaningful impact in our community. We are excited about the fresh perspectives and energy Jamie will bring to the board,” said Executive Director. “Her background in marketing and strategic communication will be an asset to our team as we continue to grow and advocate for affordable housing.”
In addition to our new officers, we are also honored to introduce Jamie Conahan, SVP Marketing & Digital at Main Street Bank as our newest board member. With years of experience in marketing, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and skills that will be invaluable to our organization. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with her expertise join our board and help us enhance our outreach and engagement efforts. Her experience will play a pivotal role in helping us connect with new audiences and amplify our mission.
“I am honored to play a role in the longstanding, significant work that Habitat for Humanity NCM does in our community,” says Jamie. “As a community banker, I have always been passionate about accessible and affordable housing and resources for all to strengthen our local economy and community.
“We look forward to the positive impact our new board officers and Jamie’s contributions will have on Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. We look forward to the positive impact our new board officers and Jamie’s contributions will have on Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts

Stow, Mass., Feb. 23 – On Feb. 23 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service on “Hinduism.” Our world religions series continues with guest speaker, Deepika Prakash, a long-time Acton resident who founded Diwalifest www.diwalifest.net in 2021. She will speak about the Hindu faith and the importance of community and creativity.
The service takes place in person in the sanctuary and also virtually. Masking is optional. Childcare during the service only is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

Ice Skating, Music, Refreshments~Join us for the 26th Annual AB Community Skate FUNdraiser and AB STEAM meet-up on Sunday, March 2, 2:30pm-4:30pm at Nashoba Valley Olympia (rink #3) in Boxborough.  All ages & skating abilities welcome + non-skater supporters!
Come learn about AB STEAM (Science Technology Engineering ART & Math) formerly AB PIP STEM, as a new non profit!
Please bring food pantry donations. Suggested donation is $5/pp, $20/family. ALL proceeds benefit Acton area causes: local food pantries, AB STEAM, wellness & green/eco causes thanks to the generous support of Nashoba Valley Olympia (NVO) for ice rink time. Colonial Figure Skating Club (CFSC) members & teen volunteers will guide skaters too!
Thank you to Annual AB Community Skate supporters: Nashoba Valley Olympia, Colonial Figure Skating Club, JWB Sports, Acton Coffee, Legend Café, Edible Arrangements of Westford, Oscar’s Burrito in Boxborough, Eve & Murray’s Farm to Table, Idylwilde Farms, Bee’s Knees British Imports for hospitality donations + acanthi.com, Market Dynamics, UPS Store Acton, One27 Photo and Action Unlimited for event media & communications!
See you on March 2 for this AB Community FUNdraising event! More info at actonpip.org.

Stow, MA, March 2 – An afternoon of indoor fun for the whole family will take place in Stow on Sunday, March 2, from 1 to 7 p.m. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will offer carnival games, face painting, movie time, and food and beverages. The carnival games take place from 1 to 5p.m., and movie takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free, carnival game tickets are $1 each, and the cost to play a game is 1 ticket.
We have over two dozen carnival games. including a life-size “whack-a-mole.” There are games for kids from 3 to 12 or more. Prizes include games, puzzles, and stuffed animals. Mac & cheese, chili, cookies, lemonade and more will be available for purchase.
Parent/guardian supervision is required during the carnival games. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend the movie at 5 p.m. or they can sign their child up for childcare. There is no charge for the movie, and donations for childcare are accepted.
The Carnival Games Fest takes place on Sunday, March 2, at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Email dre@fpc-stow-acton.org with any questions about the event. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Please join the Acton Woman’s Club, which is hosting a free concert on Saturday, March 8th at 2 pm featuring Tony Funches who will entertain us with his one-man show featuring favorite songs from the 50s and 60s. Tony has graced stages around the world as the former lead singer of the legendary Hall of Fame music group, The Platters. He performs classic hits such as ‘Only You’, ‘Smoke Gets In Your Eyes’, ‘The Great Pretender’, and many more.

With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Tony continues to captivate audiences with his powerful voice and charismatic performances. His voice’s variety and range provided The Platters with a singing style that was uniquely their own.

The Acton Woman’s Club is a place for fun and companionship.  We host
monthly lunches, social/cultural events, and clubs. Any woman who lives
or works in Acton or a surrounding town may join the Acton Woman’s Club.
Potential new members are welcome! Phone is 978 263-5275 or email us at
awc01720@gmail.com. <mailto:awc01720@gmail.com.>
More info: https://theactonwomansclub.org/

 

The Council on Aging at the Human Services & Senior Center is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.
Telephone: 978-929-6652          
Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov     
Website: www.actoncoa.com/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa​
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8:00am-5:00pm, Tues 8:00am-7:30pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee

Maria

Monday, February 24th, 1:00-3:05pm
(2024, R for language) Bio-pic starring Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, the renowned opera singer, in the final days of her life in 1970s Paris. Jolie took seven months of opera lessons to prepare for the role.
Memory Lane Café
Tuesday, February 25th, 12:00-1:30pm                                                                       
Open to all/free
A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with memory impairment and their care partners. This month we will be reminiscing about favorite books while creating a bookmark. We ask that attendees bring their care partners. Lunch will be provided. Sponsored by Acton COA, Concord Park and Cooperative Elder Services. Please let us know if you plan to attend.
LitLovers Study Group/Masterpieces of Short Fiction
Tuesday, February 25th, 2:30-4:00pm                                   
Open to all seniors/free
The LitLovers Group is beginning a new area of study! Each month we will view a 30-minute lecture from The Great Courses DVD Masterpieces of Short Fiction, followed by a discussion on the lecture, the featured story, and the author. Short stories have the unique ability to deliver a powerful emotional impact within a concise format, and over the next 24 meetings we will study some of the best. Authors include Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ernest Hemingway, D.H. Lawrence, Flannery O’Connor, James Baldwin, and Anton Chekhov. Copies of the stories will be provided. February’s story is The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe. For this month’s meeting, you may find the story online or pick up a hard copy at the Senior Center reception desk. Group is facilitated by Program Manager Chris Chirokas
Dinner with Doug
Tuesday, February 25th, 5:00pm                                                                            
Open to all seniors
Chicken broccoli and ziti, garlic bread and dessert are on the menu for dinner. Cost is $5.00. Please sign up prior to the event.
Technology Assistance Clinic (previously Computer Club)
Wednesday, February 26th, 1:30-3:00pm      
Open to out-of-town seniors/free
All seniors are welcome to participate in this drop-in Technology Clinic whenever the need arises.  Bring your technology questions, problems, and issues related to your computer, phone, or tablet. If possible, bring the problem hardware with you to the session.  Several regular attendees are willing to share their experiences, and work with you, one-on-one, to address technology issues, from Windows system difficulties, email setups/usage, networking issues, upgrades, and assistance with “how do I” frustrations. MAC and Chrome/Android users are welcome.  If you are unable to attend in person and would like to talk with a Clinic member via Zoom or phone, please contact the COA and we will forward your information to a Clinic member.
The Great Love Songs of All Time/Vol. 1 with John Clark
Thursday, February 27th, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
Let’s face it—romantic love is the most common topic of popular songs down through the years. So what are the most cherished and enduring love songs of the 20th century (at least up to the 1970s)? It will include classics starting from the teens (Me and My Gal) up to 1972’s First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Some of our very best songwriters are represented here, like Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Some Enchanted Evening and Jerome Kern/Dorothy Fields’ The Way You Look Tonight. Many legendary singers show up, including Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable, Elvis Presley singing Can’t Help Falling in Love and of course Frank Sinatra with Got You Under My Skin. Two great songs from the 1960s made the cut—Unchained Melody and At Last.
Chair Flow Yoga with Rebecca Reber
Thursdays through March 27th, 3:00-3:45pm
This active chair yoga class will combine yoga poses, stretches, breathing and relaxation techniques while sitting or standing (holding the chair). Come enjoy the benefits of reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure while building strength and balance to feel better in your body and mind. The Center will have some yoga blocks and straps available, but please bring your own if possible (strap could be a scarf; yoga block can be a shoe box). Rebecca is a certified yoga instructor who has been working with seniors for almost a decade. To learn more about Rebecca, visit www.rebeccareberyoga.com/ .

Free courses from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful. Family to Family, starting March 20th in Boxborough, is an eight-session weekly course for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. NAMI’s Basics course, a six-session weekly class starting March 11th in Tewksbury, is for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral health concerns. Topics for both courses include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care, plus the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support. The Basics class also includes information about advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings. Details and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses. Offered by NAMI Central Middlesex. Basics co-sponsored by Northeast Public Health Alliance.

Donate Personal Care Items to Open Table Food Pantry in Maynard
The Rotary Club of Concord is spearheading a donation drive for personal care items for Open Table. The Drive will run from now until the end of March. This is the third year the Club is supporting Open Table with one of its service projects.
The following items are not covered by SNAP/food support programs so Open Table must purchase them for the individuals and families they serve.

Diaper Sizes: 3, 4, 5, 6
Hand and Body Lotion
Detergent Sheets or Detergent Pods
Baby Wipes
Sponges
Dish Soap
Toothpaste
Shampoo

Items can be dropped off at any of the following LOCATIONS:

Action Unlimited, 100 Domino Dr., W. Concord
Coldwell Banker, 11 Main Street, Concord
Concord Teacakes, 59 Commonwealth Ave., W. Concord
Frame-ables, 111 Thoreau St, Concord (Open 10-4, Tues-Sat.)
Keller Williams, 200 Baker Ave. Suite 205, Concord
Middlesex Bank, 64 Main St., Concord
Enterprise Bank, 340 Great Rd., ACTON
W. Concord Wine & Spirits, 1216 Main St.
Spirits of Maynard in Maynard Crossing, MAYNARD

Sunday March 9 2:30pm.  Theater Organ Concert.  Shanklin Music Hall, 130 Sandy Pond Road, Groton.  Jerry Nagano, the 2017 American Theatre Organ Society Organist of the Year will perform at the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that was originally installed in Boston’s Metropolitan Theatre (presently the Wang Theater at the Boch Center) in 1930.  Shanklin Hall was built specifically to house the Wurlitzer resulting in an unparalleled listening experience. Tickets are available online at www.WurlitzerPops.org. The cost is $25 for adults.

The Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame (MHSAHOF) was established in 2006 to honor and perpetuate the memory of all former Maynard students, coaches and associated persons who have brought pride and distinction to the Maynard school system, the Town of Maynard and themselves, primarily through their high school athletic endeavors.  It will be an ongoing opportunity for Maynard residents to continue the tradition of excellence that has been characteristic of Maynard athletics.
Our 10th Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony/Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Maynard Lodge of Elks, 6 PM ~ 11 PM, and we need your help in identifying potential inductees to the MHSAHOF, who, if selected, will be celebrated at that event!  Our past nine banquets have been very well received by the inductees and the general public.
If you know an athlete who you feel deserves to be inducted into the MHSAHOF, please complete a nomination form.  They are available by visiting our website at http://web.maynard.ma.us/civic/mhsahf or by emailing mjtbrannelly@comcast.net. Completed nomination forms should be sent to MHSAHOF, PO Box 56, Maynard, MA 01754.  The deadline for submitting nominations for this event is March 31, 2025.  Nomination forms received after this deadline will be set aside for a potential future induction.  Don’t wait ~ nominate a deserving athlete today!
Additionally, donations are greatly appreciated and may be forwarded to MHSAHOF, PO Box 56, Maynard, MA 01754.  The MHSAHOF is a non-profit organization under Section 501 © 3 and donations are tax deductible.  Thank you!

A Snapshot of Acton’s Early Black Residents (1730-1830)
Wednesday, February 26th at 7 PM in Acton Town Hall, Room 204
The Acton 250 Committee presents Acton’s celebrated historians Anne Forbes, Bill Klauer and Bob Pion who will discuss recent learnings of Acton’s Black residents in honor African American History Month. Black citizens were among the residents here when Acton first became a Town in 1735, and several fought in the Revolution at the Concord Bridge and other New England battles.
Remote Participation: You can watch live at Acton TV http://tinyurl.com/Acton-TV. Recordings will be available at Acton TV https://actontv.org/ and on our website https://www.actonma.gov/250 where you’ll find all programming information and a link to our commemorative store.
Sponsored by the Acton Lions Club

Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “Voices Rising”
Program Allison Loggins-Hull | Homeland Carlos Simon | An Elegy: A Cry From the Grave Carlos Simon | Warmth from Other Suns Jessie Montgomery | Strum James Lee III | Abraham’s Sons, In Memory of Trayvon Martin Adolphus Hailstork | String Quartet No. 2, “Variations on Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
When & Where: Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 PM **UPDATED VENUE** Mechanics Hall, Washburn 321 Main Street, Worcester Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to the performance Post-concert dessert reception for all
How: Adults $45, Seniors $42, College Students $10 w/ID EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free
Information and tickets for these concerts are available on the ensemble’s website, www.worcesterchambermusic.org, or by calling the office at (508) 926-8624.

LEGO® Discovery Center Boston is starting their biggest mini LEGO® competition yet, as kids across New England can build their way to be crowned Boston’s 2025 Mini Master Model Builder and also vie for the title of 2025 Global Mini Master Model Builder!
The epic building competition is part of the Creativity Academy event held at LEGO Discovery Center Boston, operated by Merlin Entertainments, now through March 3rd. Kids can build a LEGO creation to compete for the honor while at the attraction and then one builder will be crowned Boston’s Mini Master Model Builder in March once the event concludes. More info about the Mini
Each of the winning local Mini Master Model Builders will be tasked to create another LEGO® build to be displayed at the one and only Home of the Brick, LEGO® House, in Billund, Denmark to vie for the title of the first-ever Global Mini Master Model Builder!
LEGO House comprises over 25 million LEGO bricks spread across four immersive Experience Zones, a Masterpiece Gallery of fan creations, and a multi-sensory LEGO museum. Also, LEGO House is home to some of the world’s largest LEGO models including the Tree of Creativity, giant dinosaurs, waterfalls and more.
Last year, Tara, age 11, won the title of Boston’s 2024 Mini Master Model Builder by building Derby the LEGO® Horse that won the judges over, and even got to spend a few days shadowing actual LEGO Master Model Builders in the attraction! Tara created a video calling all local Mini Builders to enter the Global Mini Master Model Builder Competition.

It is unknown at this time. Once a site is selected and a design is completed, we will have a cost estimate.
Why have recently completed fire stations been less money to build?
It is nearly impossible to compare the design and costs of two different fire station projects. There are several independent factors that go into designing a fire station that are individual to each specific Town and department. Some of these include space needs, scope of operations (fire, rescue, EMS, prevention, education, communications, emergency management, etc.), current & future growth (Town, staffing, equipment, etc.), whether a community has a single or multiple stations, Town bylaw requirements, etc. A more accurate comparison is to look at the cost per square foot.
How much money has already been spent on the Fire Station project to date?
As of January 23, 2025, of the $500,000 voted at Annual Town Meeting, we have spent $115,000. We have an additional $197,000 committed for the consultants and $188,000 uncommitted, in contingency, remaining.

Our fire station is over 50 years old and is at the end of its useful life. A new fire station will be designed to meet the needs of the community and meet the space and equipment needs. Equipment and safety standards have changed, so a new fire station will allow us to better house our fire fighting and emergency equipment, protecting our investment in this equipment, and comply with current safety standards.

Did the Town consider renovating and adding onto the current fire station?
Yes, due to the condition of the building, this wasn’t possible.

How were the fire station space needs determined?
Context Architecture reviewed the needs of the fire department, the current equipment, future equipment and the current Codes and Standards. They determined a new fire station should be approximately 24,000 square feet. Within this estimation, 65% (15,600 square feet) would be the apparatus bay. The remaining 35% (8,400 square feet) would contain the administrative offices, decontamination space, training room, dormitory space, showers and restroom, etc. Dormitories are required because fire fighters live in the fire station. Note the 24,000 square feet is an estimate that includes a grossing factor to account for walls, hallways, the elevator and other factors. The final size will be determined in the design phase and may be smaller.

Why does the fire department need a training room?
Fire fighters need a dedicated space to provide mandated training for the hundreds of hours of training that are required. The room would enable Boxborough to host local and state fire, emergency management, and medical classes. By having our own training space, our firefighters could participate in training during their regular work day rather than need overtime to attend training off site. Additionally, for larger training with fire fighters from other communities, vendors sometimes offer registration fee discounts to the department. The Training Room would also serve as the Emergency Operations Center in the event of natural and manmade disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or major wildfires.

All are welcome to the monthly Multigenerational Game Night at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun!
The next Game Night will take place on Friday, Feb. 14, from 7 to 9 p.m. FPC is a nut-free location. It’s located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. In the event schools in the Nashoba Regional School District are closed due to winter weather, Game Night will also be cancelled.

On Feb. 16 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service led by minister Rev. Susan Suchoki Brown entitled, “The Vulnerabilities and Challenges of a Thriving Life and Love.” Our Sabbatical Minister will be getting to know the congregation and sharing some of her recent learnings about living, loving, thriving, and surviving.
The service takes place both in person in the sanctuary and virtually. Masking is optional. Child care for the service only is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

 

The Council on Aging at the Human Services & Senior Center is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.
Telephone: 978-929-6652
Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov<mailto:seniorcenter@actonma.gov>
Website: www.actoncoa.com/<http://www.actoncoa.com/>
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa<http://www.facebook.com/actoncoa>​
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8:00am-5:00pm, Tues 8:00am-7:30pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon
The Town of Acton Human Services and Senior Center will be closed Monday, February 17, in observance of President’s Day.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
Tuesday, February 18th, 11:00-12noon
Open to all/free
Participants will learn from other grandparents and experts about legal strategies and practices, ways to relieve the stress, and resources available. For additional information, contact group leader Joe O’Leary of the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at 978-760-0360.

Tuesday Afternoon Movie
The Holdovers
Tuesday, February 18th, 4:00-6:15pm
(2023, R for language) Encore viewing! A curmudgeonly New England private school teacher stays on campus during Christmas break, forming an unlikely bond with a brainy but troubled student and the school’s cook who just lost a son in the Vietnam War. Stars Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa. Filming locations include Deerfield Academy, Groton School, Fairhaven High School, St. Mark’s School of Southborough, Wakefield Bowladrome, and Pleasant Café in Roslindale. Best Picture Oscar nominee with a win for Supporting Actress Randolph. DVD available to borrow from Senior Center lounge resource library after 2/18.

Forgiveness & Healing Pt. 2 with Dr. Miriam Diamond via Zoom from Home or Senior Center
Thursday, February 20th, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to all seniors/free
Forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation…these are important ideals, often easier said than done. In this workshop we’ll consider their deeper meaning and how they connect to our personal experiences. In this second part of the workshop, we’ll explore navigating discussions with the other party/ies, seeking forgiveness, and self-forgiveness. Having attended part 1 not required. Join Miriam Rosalyn Diamond, PhD, to explore steps toward healing emotional wounds and shifting from being victims to heroes. You can participate via Zoom from home or the Senior Center watching on a large screen TV. Contact the COA at seniorcenter@actonma.gov<mailto:seniorcenter@actonma.gov> or 978-929-6652 to register.

Weekly Cribbage Game
Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00am
Open to all seniors/free
Come by the Senior Center for a fun game of cribbage with this newly formed group. Instruction will be given if needed. There will be some cards and boards available or bring your own.

Acton Rainbow Planning Team to Explore the Programming Needs of the LGBTQ+ Older Adults
The Acton Council on Aging is forming a team of community members to explore how the Council on Aging/Senior Center can meet the programming needs of Acton LGBTQ+ residents age 60 and up. Members may be from the LGBTQ+ community, allies or municipal employees. The Council on Aging’s goals are for Acton’s LGBTQ+ older adults to have their voices heard about programming and feel that the Senior Center is a welcoming place. If you are interested in participating or have programming suggestions, please contact Chris Chirokas (she/her), Acton Council on Aging Program Manager, at cchirokas@actonma.gov or 978-929-6652.

New Gym/Fitness Room Policy
Acton seniors only
The gym is now open during the Senior Center’s normal operating hours. There will not be a monitor in the room. Anyone using the gym needs to be trained to use the equipment by a COA staff member and sign an exercise waiver. If you are interested in signing up for training call 978-929-6652.

Dr. Brian Hainline
Across the country, young people are dropping out of organized sports. The share of kids ages 6 to 17 who participated in a team sport dropped by nearly 5 percentage points between 2017 and 2022. The decline isn’t primarily because kids are losing interest. Rather, what they’re losing is access -- especially as the cost of participation continues to rise.
Reversing this trend is critically important for kids’ mental and physical health. So it’s worth looking at some of the barriers sports have faced, and how tennis is forward-thinking in this matter.
It’s no secret that learning and playing a sport at an early age can prove enormously valuable. Sports participation is associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in young people -- as well as better self-esteem, improved cognition, and heightened physical literacy. Physical activity releases endorphins, feel-good hormones that put you in a better frame of mind and enhances brain connections. It helps kids maintain a healthy weight and sets young people on a path to a lifetime of healthy habits.
Barriers to sport involvement, especially financial ones, have been growing ever more formidable. The average cost of playing youth basketball was over $1,000 a year in 2022. Soccer was almost 20% more expensive, at $1,188 a year on average. No wonder nearly two-thirds of families say the cost of youth sports is a financial strain.
Tennis is one of the few sports to counter the trend of inaccessibility. Since 2019, the number of Americans ages 6 and older playing tennis has increased by 34 percent -- and currently stands at 23.8 million.
Part of this success is tennis’s relatively low barriers to entry, especially compared to more equipment-heavy games like hockey, football, or skiing. All you need to get started is a racquet and a few balls -- maybe $30 worth of equipment in total -- and access to one of the nation’s roughly 270,000 tennis courts, which are typically free to use.
Modest equipment costs are only part of tennis’ growth. The game has found ways to adjust to people of all ages and abilities, including individuals who are too often told they cannot participate in sports because of physical, mental, or age-related challenges.
Tennis recognizes that not everyone needs to play on the same size court and by the same rules.
All the way down to beginner youth (and all the way up to the elderly), adaptations are available, ranging from the speed and size of the ball, the size and weight of the racket, the size of the court, rules of service, scoring, and the length of a match. Importantly, wheelchair tennis has made a major breakthrough and is an exciting variant of the game that’s widely available.
Tennis is also a game young people can play into adulthood. There are leagues and competitions across the country for players 18 and over, 40 and over, and even 95 and over.
Sports remain one of our best tools for combatting the crisis in youth health. All sports need to look for opportunities to expand their reach through custom tailoring to meet players where they are.
Brian Hainline, MD is Chair of the Board and President of the United States Tennis Association and recently transitioned from the NCAA as their Chief Medical Officer. He co-chaired the International Olympic Committee Consensus Meetings on both Pain Management in Elite Athletes and Mental Health in Elite Athletes. Brian is Clinical Professor of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. This piece first appeared in the Boston Herald.

Middlesex Community College is excited to announce The Owl Theatre will be coming/returning to the college’s Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center (AAC) in Lowell. With the Luna Theater at nearby Mill No. 5 closing on Sunday, February 2, Middlesex will now honor that theater’s legacy with a new version opening at the AAC hearkening back to the building’s roots.
“The Luna Theater provided a unique space in downtown Lowell for film lovers to gather and share the communal experience of a movie,” said Jim Lichoulas, Mill No. 5 Owner. “Now, I’m happy to pass the baton to Middlesex Community College to carry on many of the Luna traditions with their new venture in the nearby Academic Arts center.  With this news, Greater Lowell will continue to have a theater venue to keep the tradition of film alive downtown.”
“MCC looks forward to continuing the cultural offerings set by the Luna Theater at Mill No. 5,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “We are thrilled to provide film options and community entertainment to Greater Lowell. Keeping culture in the downtown area, putting films on the big screen, and bringing the community together matches the work we’re already doing by hosting the Lowell Asian American Film Festival and El Encuentro Film Festival at the AAC. Our hope is to carry on this important institution and provide expansive opportunities for our film and communication programs as we move forward.”
Event planning for the Owl Theatre at Middlesex is underway. This includes bringing the Luna’s crescent moon statue over to the AAC and adding an owl to the artwork.
“Built in 1876, the Boston and Maine depot where our AAC now stands was home to one of the original Lowell movie theaters, The Owl Theatre, which opened in 1913 before becoming the Rialto movie theater,” said Patrick Cook, MCC’s Vice President of Administration. “MCC’s new version of The Owl Theatre is a fantastic opportunity to go back to the building and our community’s roots to one of the first uses of the space. Tying in the college’s owl mascot to this original concept is a perfect fit, while maintaining a wonderful community tradition established so successfully by the Luna Theater for so many years.”
MCC will soon be announcing a series of films that will take place on weekends. Stay tuned for exciting announcements about the first slate of films. In the meantime, email John Bachelder, MCC’s AAC Manager at Bachelderj@Middlesex.edu to recommend movies or film genres.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/campus/academicartscenter.html for more information on MCC’s AAC.

Acton: Each Thursday, First Connections facilitates a First Year of Life (FYOL) Support Group meeting from 9:30-11:00 AM via Zoom with 1 Thursday per month held in person. Please email efiorini@jri.org for a weekly reminder email and link to join.
The FYOL Support Group is facilitated by Emily Fiorini, MA, a clinician specializing in the FYOL, with additional guest speakers. Parents in the postpartum year can join this group to get support for their own emotional wellbeing, recovery, and transition into parenthood; baby’s development; feeding and sleep support; and community resources. Emily is also available for free one-on-one Zoom consultations by request to meet individual needs.
The FYOL group supports all new parents. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, parenting solo, partnered, or married, an adoptive or biological parent, have one baby or more, you are welcome here!
For more information about First Connections, our program offerings, and our extensive directory of community resources and referral services, please visit our website at firstconnections.org where you will find a link to our Parent Blog and our seasonal Newsletter listing current programs open to registration.
It is never too early to find resources that you can rely on and a community you and your baby can be a part of. We are here for you whenever you need us.
Funding for these parent groups is provided by the Concord Carlisle Foundation and Nordblom Family Foundation. We are so grateful to these organizations for their financial support that allows us to provide these critical postpartum support services to families in the area free of cost. For more information about these and other free programs and services provided by First Connections, please visit our website at firstconnection.org.

Acton’s Dog Park Committee (ADPC) and the Town of Acton are excited to announce that a contract has been entered into with Woodall Construction of Norfolk, MA to build Acton’s dog park in 2025. To be located at 348 Main Street, the park is one component of a revitalization effort at the junction of Main Street (Route 27) and Route 2.
Major funding for the park comes from the Stanton Foundation’s $275K design and construction grants combined with $100K in Community Preservation Act funding. Eight years in the making, the park will provide a safe and secure environment for owners to exercise and socialize dogs in two separate, enclosed areas with benches, water fountains, and waste stations. For more information or to become involved, visit https://actondogpark.weebly.com/.

When: Saturday, March 1, 11:00am and 1:00pm
Where: Address sent upon registration
ACTON: Think local! Despite huge federal cutbacks on environmental work and uncertainty about federal clean energy rebates, the Mass Save program still offers great incentives on home electrification in Massachusetts. Are you thinking about heat pumps? Join Acton Clean Energy Coach David Martin as he shares how he has electrified his home, from heating to the kitchen and the laundry room and beyond. Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org as part of its 2025 monthly clean energy home tour series. More info and registration HERE. Or go to “Events” on our website, EnergizeActon.org.