Action Unlimited

Mt. Cavalry Community Supper
March 2026

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

Are you eager for Spring? It’s coming. We just need to be patient at this time of year. Please join us each week to keep warm. We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you every Wednesday.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton 472 Massachusetts Ave. Acton MA 01720

Time: Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:30pm Doors will open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter prior so our volunteers can prepare your Supper.

Parking: Park your car in the back parking lot and enter from the walkway to the church door.

March 2026 Menu

3/4 Mediterranean Chicken
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Elohim Sisterhood

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

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

3/25 Herb Roasted Chicken
Sponsored by St John Evangelical Lutheran Church

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

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

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

Upcoming EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH

Services every Sunday at 10AM
For more information about these services, or to download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.
Sunday, March 15th, 2026
"Creativity, Labor, & Ethics -- AI!"
10 AM
Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum
Often in our spring auction, Rev. Cindy auctions off a sermon topic to be chosen by the highest bidder. This year's topic is about Artificial Intelligence and the nature of creativity. What is creativity? Is AI truly creative? Is it ethical to use AI? What does AI tell us about the importance and value of human labor? In short, what is "intelligence" and what is "human"? Rev. Cindy's delighted to explore this topic, and may or may not use AI to help her write the sermon...
Join Worship by Video: https://tinyurl.com/fpcstow
Meeting ID: 999 7077 0266
Passcode: 01775
Sunday, March 15, 3PM
Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra,
The FPC Music Committee is proud to present Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra in concert in the FPC Sanctuary. Toe-tapping fun for the whole family!
The Orchestra plays vintage arrangements of ragtime music and popular songs from the 1890’s – 1920’s. That includes rags, fox-trots, slow drags, two-steps, waltzes and more, and features works of Joplin, Salisbury, Lamb, Turpin, Berlin, and others. They put a smile on your face and a spring in your step! The suggested donation is $20–40. Donations will be accepted at Eventbrite, at the door,
You can find audio and video samples on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TurkeyHillRagtimeOrchestra
Friday March 20, 7-9PM
Game Night,
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

Open Table Announces Lineup for 2026 Chopped for Charity Competition and Gala
Annual fundraiser to honor long-time Board Member Patty Chambers

Concord and Maynard, MA (March 10, 2026) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, today announced the lineup for Chopped for Charity 2026 with television and radio personality Chef Joe Gatto returning as the Master of Ceremonies and chefs Joubert Amazan, Erin Harleman, and Audley Mills competing for highest honors. This year’s honoree is Open Table Board Chair emerita Patty Chambers. Open Table will also recognize Middlesex Savings Bank as a valued partner in its mission.
Open Table’s annual gala and cooking competition returns to Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord on Friday, May 1, for an evening of food, fun, and philanthropy. Guests will enjoy an exciting culinary showdown, live auction, as well as hors d’oeuvres and a light dinner in a beautiful setting.
VIP tickets are $250 and include preferred seating, a private cocktail reception and an opportunity to meet the chefs. General Admission is $175 per person. Tickets are available at opentable.org/chopped.
“Open Table is excited to welcome our supporters back to the Chopped for Charity gala,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “We look forward to a fun-filled evening that will include a live cooking competition, a variety of chef experiences and a terrific silent auction. This is a great night for a great cause.”
A special focus of this year’s event will be a celebration of Patty Chambers, Open Table Board Chair Emerita. Patty has served 12 years on the Open Table Board of Directors, including three years as chair. She continues to be an active volunteer in the organization’s planning and fundraising. “Patty is an Open Table champion,” said DePalo, “we are thrilled to honor and thank her.”
The competition line up:
Joe Gatto, master of ceremonies for the evening, is a private chef, culinary instructor, author, and host of the cutting-edge cooking show From Scratch. His private-chef client list has included a star Boston Red Sox player and the CEO and founder of iRobot, among others.
he 2025 Chopped for Charity chef contestants will be donating private in-home dinners to be offered as live auction items at the event.
Three acclaimed local chefs will take center stage as competitors in a fast-paced cooking challenge before an expert panel of judges.
Chef Joubert Amazan -- Born and raised in the city of Boston, Chef Amazan began his culinary journey like many before him; at home with his mother, an immigrant from Haiti. He has a vast amount of catering and restaurant experience, including a stint with Disney, and has recently formed a catering firm, Kitchen Harmony LLC.
Chef Erin Harleman – Chef Erin is the owner of The Saucy Plate a personal chef service in Metrowest Boston. Erin works with clients one-on-one to create custom menus to suit every family’s unique dietary needs and preferences. Her focus is on wholesome, unfussy recipes with an emphasis on in-season produce and quality ingredients. Erin believes that what we consume is integral to our overall health and that the most important investment we make should be in our family's health and well-being. Chef Erin holds a master's degree in Gastronomy from Boston University as well as Culinary, Cheese, and Levels 1 and 2 Wine Certificates from BU.
Chef Audley Mills -- A Montego Bay, Jamaica native, Chef Mills is a culinary maestro celebrated for his ability to weave his Caribbean heritage with diverse global influences. He's renowned for transforming traditional Jamaican recipes with a "new school flare," crafting award-winning dishes that have earned him widespread acclaim. He's a seven-time winner of the Boston JerkFest Jerk Cook-off and a four-time champion of the Boston JerkFest Seafood Throwdown. His numerous accolades also include the People’s Choice Jerk Chicken (2012), Haley House Bakery Iron Chef (First Champion 2012), and Best Vegan Chili (Dorchester Chili Cook Off 2015), among others. He was also honored with the Boston City Council's Exemplary Citizenship Award and Commitment to the Community in 2015.
About Open Table
Open Table is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989. The organization works to address hunger in the local community by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity and diversity of those served. For more information, visit: https://www.opentable.org/

Biosphere Book Club – March Title: Abundance (Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson)
When: Wednesday, March 25th, 7:00-8:15pm
Where: Zoom

Acton: Curious about this best-seller that is called a “once-in-a-generation, paradigm-shifting call to renew the politics of plenty”? We will reflect on Abundance through the lens of climate justice, environmental health, and our hopes for a sustainable future. You do not need to read the book. A reflection guide with quotes and questions will be sent to those who register. For more info and registration, go to EnergizeActon.org or to https://forms.gle/6MYr91wzqxkDymBx5. The goal of the Biosphere Book Club is to reflect on climate vis-à-vis the health of human and ecological communities.

From Gas to Induction: Cleaner Cooking for Your Home and Climate

When: Thursday, March 19th, 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Zoom

Acton: Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Consider switching from a gas to an induction stove for faster, safer, and cleaner cooking! Plus, recent studies in Europe and the U.S. indicate that gas stoves have serious respiratory risks, including increased asthma rates for children, from the off gassing during cooking and even when the stove is off. (See The Stanford Report, May 4, 2024) Join Andee Krasner, of Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility, to learn more about health impacts of gas cooking and how induction is a comparable alternative. Find out how induction works, get tips, and discover incentives to make the switch easier. Go to EnergizeActon.org and click on Events for info. Registration at bit.ly/cleaner-cooking. Sponsored by MassEnergize.org and EnergizeActon.org.

Arbor Day Celebration at Memorial Park

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

Education for Boxborough: 1783 to 2013

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

Tickets Are Now LIVE for the Acton Food Pantry Chef Challenge Fundraiser

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

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

How Outdated Beneficiary Choices Can Derail Your Plans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

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

Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding Event
Help Save Our Planet and Protect Your Identity

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

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

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

You may pay by cash, check, or VENMO.

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

THE FIFTH DOMAIN OF WARFARE

Saturday March 21, 1:00 PM
Fort Devens Museum, 3rd Floor, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA

Join us at the Fort Devens Museum as we welcome back Gabriel Landowski to share an update of current cybersecurity concerns and initiatives-including increased use of AI.
In 2026 Cyber will continue to impact our lives in a number of ways. From Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing to the daily operation of nations at home and abroad. Please join us and ask the questions you’d like to learn more about!
Gabriel Landowski is a current Army Reserve Major and Cyber Operations Officer as well as Google | Mandiant Managed Defense Consultant with more than a decade of experience. His views and opinions are his own and do not represent the US government/military, Mandiant, or Google.
The Fort Devens Museum is located on the 3rd floor of 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA with universal accessibility. The museum is open 10 to 3 on March 21st with the program at 1:00 PM. Admission to the museum and the program is free with donations appreciated. Visit fortdevensmuseum.org for more information.

Women's Money Matters Seeks Volunteers to Meet Growing Need for Financial Wellness Programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

59th Annual Ham & Turkey Raffle
At Stony Brook Fish & Game

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

Open House: Discover the Power of Your Voice

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

Upcoming EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH

Services every Sunday at 10AM
For more information about these services, or to download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.

Friday, March 13, 5:30PM
Guest Table Community Dinner,
Please join us Friday, March 13 for our next dinner. We offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Sunday, March 15, 3PM
Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra,
The FPC Music Committee is proud to present Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra in concert in the FPC Sanctuary. Toe-tapping fun for the whole family!
The Orchestra plays vintage arrangements of ragtime music and popular songs from the 1890’s – 1920’s. That includes rags, fox-trots, slow drags, two-steps, waltzes and more, and features works of Joplin, Salisbury, Lamb, Turpin, Berlin, and others. They put a smile on your face and a spring in your step! The suggested donation is $20–40. Donations will be accepted at Eventbrite, at the door.

All Are Invited to a Webinar on “Barriers to Town Meeting Participation for People with Disabilities”

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

Freedom’s Way Invites Local Organizations to Join 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival
Partner sign-up deadline: April 1, 2026

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

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

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

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

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday March 15 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Rich Grady at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org or Lieutenant Tim Blankenship at lieutenant@boxboroughminutemen.org.
The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775. You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.
Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including marching in parades and town celebrations, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to the FreeBee Market, community supper, and other service organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
All are welcome to come and make new connections with others.
For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.

Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 – 4:00PM

The FPC Music Committee is proud to present Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra in concert in the Sanctuary on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 4 pm.
The Orchestra plays vintage arrangements of ragtime music and popular songs from the 1890’s–1920’s. That includes rags, fox-trots, slow drags, two-steps, waltzes and more, and features works of Joplin, Salisbury, Lamb, Turpin, Berlin, and others. They put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Guaranteed to be toe-tapping fun for the whole family!
Founded in 2022, Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra sprang from pianist Suzie Cartreine’s lifelong love of ragtime, combined with her academic interest in historical performance practice.
The band is drawn from a roster of professional-level musicians from the Greater Boston area. Recent appearances include the New England Folk Festival, Chelmsford Open Spaces, the Medford Library Summer Concert Series, and numerous porchfests in the Boston area.
Suzie Cartreine was Director of Music and Organist at FPC from 2002 to 2011.
The suggested donation is $20–40. Donations will be accepted at Eventbrite, at the door, and at Sunday coffee hour on March 8 and 15.
Audio and video samples are available on YouTube.

Barriers to tm lwv webinar registration qr code 3 19 26

All Are Invited to a Webinar on "Barriers to Town Meeting Participation for People with Disabilities"

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

Financial Focus®
International Women’s Day: Thriving After Gray Divorce

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

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

Boost the Blood Supply: Red Cross Offers Free A1C Testing as 1 in 5 Donors Have Levels in Prediabetic or Diabetic Range

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

New American Red Cross data reveals that 1 in 5 blood donors have elevated A1C levels — a sign that prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health.

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

SAGA Spring Equinox Art Fair Celebrates Local Creativity and Community

Stow, MA – The Stow Area Guild of Artists (SAGA), in partnership with the First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, invites the community to welcome the new season at the Spring Equinox Art Fair, taking place March 21 and 22 at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow, MA.
Event Hours:

Saturday, March 21: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday, March 22: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

This celebration of local art will feature works for sale from more than 25 talented local artists. Visitors can explore a diverse array of original, handcrafted artwork including pottery, photography, paintings, textiles, and much more. The fair offers a unique opportunity to find one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting artists from the surrounding community.
Guests are encouraged to meet the artists and learn about their creative processes.
In addition, each participating artist has donated a piece of artwork for a special raffle. Attendees can enter for a chance to win an original work.
Live music by singer, guitarist, Alex Rosewicz will create a welcoming and festive atmosphere throughout the event.
Admission is free and open to the public. There is plenty for free parking
Join SAGA and the First Parish Church Arts Committee in celebrating creativity, community, and the arrival of spring at this inspiring seasonal art fair. For more information go to www.stow-artists.org/.

MIDDLESEX CONSERVATION DISTRICT 2026 SPRING PLANT SALE

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

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

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

EMASS Senior Softball League Opens Player Registration for 2026 Season
Be Part of a Team, Form Lasting Friendships and Enjoy Balanced Competition

WAYLAND, Mass. – February 26, 2026 – Eastern Massachusetts Senior Softball (EMASS) is opening its annual registration campaign for men and women softball players age 50 and older. With approximately 500 members, the league attracts players from towns across Eastern Massachusetts, with games played primarily in Wayland, Medfield, Ashland, and Framingham. The EMASS season runs from late April through early October, including playoffs. Interested players can register for the EMASS 2026 season at https://e-mass.org/current-programs.

EMASS has six divisions that accommodate a range of skill levels. Two play doubleheaders on Saturday mornings, and four play on weekday mornings. EMASS has many seniors in their fifties and sixties who can still hit a ball over a 300-foot fence, run down a deep drive in the outfield, or turn a double play in the infield. Other divisions allow players whose talents may have diminished over time to enjoy playing with similarly skilled friends.

A Community of Like-Minded Players Who Become Friends: “We are a group of folks who recognize how lucky we are to be able to play a game we love at our current age and at a level that matches our abilities,” said Steve Bober, Commissioner of EMASS.
“I joined EMASS when I retired and didn’t know a single person,” said Al Handel, an EMASS Division Coordinator. “Six years later, the best thing about being part of this community has been the number of friends I’ve made. This is truly the essence of the experience.”

A Physical Activity Outlet with Balanced Competition: EMASS adds about 60 new players each year. “We shuffle team rosters in all divisions every year to enhance connections within our large softball-loving community,” said Board member Rich Goldberg. “Our members enjoy competing with and against their friends.”
A Sense of Accomplishment: In retirement, without a job to perform consistently, some retirees worry about how they will enjoyably fill their days.
“A lot of my self-worth came from my job, so when I retired, I worried whether I would still matter,” said Andy Wrobel. “EMASS softball has helped answer that question with a resounding ‘yes.’ Now, in addition to other pursuits, I measure my accomplishments in hits, runs scored, smiles, and high-fives.”

For more information about EMASS Senior Softball League, visit www.e-mass.org.
About EMASS Senior Softball League :EMASS was founded in 1995 and offers active seniors of all skill levels a safe, well-organized opportunity to play competitive slow-pitch softball. Players can sign up for a division with players of similar abilities. With two Saturday divisions and four weekday divisions, players can play at a level most comfortable for them. Many members play on different teams in multiple divisions.

Open Door Theater Takes Flight with HONK! March 20-29 in Acton

Open Door Theater proudly presents HONK!, a musical telling of “The Ugly Duckling” story. HONK! is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his siblings, and others are quick to notice and point this out. Ugly is kind-hearted, awkward and innocent, and his journey of self-discovery is the heart of the show. This messaging supports the mission of Open Door Theater and will resonate with audiences now more than ever. Like Open Door Theater, HONK! has the audacity to assert that the default state of community should be inclusion and that “fowl” behavior will no longer be tolerated.
Open Door’s cast will present 6 performances March 20-29, 2026 at the Dragonfly Theater at RJ Grey Jr. H.S, 16 Charter Rd, Acton. 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 at www.OpenDoorTheater.org. 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 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
Saturday March 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described

Sponsored in part by the Community Foundation for Metrowest, Astra Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Middlesex Savings Bank, Main Street Bank, Acton Lions, AB Community Compass and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Ayer, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, Stow, Sudbury and Westford.

Concord Band Presents “Movie Night”

The Concord Band presents its Winter Concert, titled "Movie Night," on Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7:00 pm, at the Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street, Concord MA. Music Director James O'Dell has selected iconic themes from film scores.

The title theme from John Williams’ jazz-oriented and Oscar-nominated score for Catch Me If You Can was arranged for band by Jay Bocook and features Concord Band alto saxophone soloist David Southard and the Band’s vibraphone and xylophone players.

The program includes a medley of movie music by fellow Academy Award winning composer Ennio Morricone, from popular spaghetti Westerns Once Upon a Time in the West, as well as The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. More Western themes are featured from Elmer Bernstein’s Oscar-nominated score for The Magnificent Seven.
Hollywood has long relied on Broadway adaptations to fill movie theaters. The program will present selections from Leonard Bernstein’s music for the Tony award winning show and 1961 Oscar for Best Score in a Musical, West Side Story, arranged for band by W.J. Duthoit.
Walt Disney’s animated classic Fantasia is now widely regarded as one of the most significant animated films of all time, in part due to innovative symphonic performances of classical music in an animated feature. For this concert, the Concord Band will play Night on Bare Mountain by Modeste Mussorgsky, which featured prominently in the film.
Although Johan de Meij’s band Symphony No. 1 The Lord of the Rings was written some twelve years before the movie trilogy and their scores by Howard Shore, the characters and action from the popular books and movies will spring to life when the Concord Band plays the first and fifth movements, “Gandalf” and “Hobbits.”
The Concord Band is a 65-piece symphonic band that plays at least five indoor and six outdoor concerts each year. The March 14th concert is free with open seating; a donation of $20 is requested. A complimentary reception will follow the concert.
Additional information about the Concord Band and the concert can be found at the website www.concordband.org, the blog at concordband.blogspot.com, on Facebook and YouTube.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
On Tuesday, Donna from the Congregational church in Westborough arrived with a car FULL of donations for us. Here she is with Wendy from Fresh Start, unloading the housewares. And not a moment too soon! We need a LOT of household items right now. We are totally out of measuring cups and spoons, cutting boards, colanders, mixing bowls, table knives & forks and non-slotted spoons.
We only have one single serving sized baking pan on the shelf. So we would be thrilled to receive loaf pans, baking/cookie sheets and 9 x 13 and 8 x 8 bakeware in metal, glass or ceramic or even a casserole dish (can you tell that we’re LOW??)
We are also very low in our stock of twin, full and queen sized sheet sets, blankets, comforters & quilts. Also bath towels and wash cloths. And shower curtains and rings or hooks.
We have very few area rugs to cover our clients’ floors in this cold weather.
Finally, we are in need of box springs, all sizes.
Help us, if you can, by bringing your good-condition (or new!) donations to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (9-noon)(no furniture) and on Saturday mornings (furniture 8:30-10:30 and household items until noon).
Thank you for helping us to give others a fresh start!

Greetings from Groton Hill!

Below are concerts with tickets available at Groton Hill Music Center, 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton MA. Just 40 miles northwest of Boston, Groton Hill presents award-winning artists in a variety of genres in the center’s world-class 1000 seat and 300 seat performance halls. The center offers ample free parking, exclusive table-to-concert dining for patrons, and more in a stunning setting on 110 acres of protected farmland. Learn more and buy tickets at grotonhill.org/tickets.

JUST ADDED
ON SALE FRIDAY 2/20 AT 10AM - Steve Earle - 51 Years of Songs & Stories
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 8pm in The Concert Hall
Tickets: $55 - $65 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
A solo and acoustic show. American music icon Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. The protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark is a multi Grammy-winner, an actor, a composer for stage and screen, and a master storyteller whose songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. He's also the latest inductee to the Grand Ole Opry!

UPCOMING SHOWS
Solas
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 7pm The Concert Hall
Tickets: $55 - $65 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Seamus Egan, tenor banjo, flute, whistle, Winifred Horan, fiddle, John Williams, accordion, Nuala Kennedy, flute, vocals, Alan Murray, guitar
Solas is lighting up stages across the globe as they celebrate three decades of pushing boundaries and honoring traditions in Irish music. Hailed by The Boston Globe as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced,” and by The Wall Street Journal as “an Irish traditional band bearing all the marks of greatness,” Solas continues to captivate audiences with their spellbinding musicianship and genre-defying creativity.

Vista Philharmonic Orchestra: Ravel Revealed
Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 7:30pm The Concert Hall
Tickets: $30 - $100 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Vista Philharmonic Orchestra, the resident professional orchestra of Groton Hill Music Center, celebrate the music of Maurice Ravel in his 150th birthday year. Acclaimed pianist Marika Bournaki joins as guest soloist.

Caitlin Canty
Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 8pm Meadow Hall
Tickets: $39 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Caitlin Canty, vocals, guitar, Jeremy Moses Curtis, bass, Jeff Berlin, drums, Will Seeders, guitars and banjo.
Acclaimed folk-roots singer-songwriter and regular on the roots festival circuit, Vermont’s Caitlin Canty celebrates the release of Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove –her fifth studio release - and marks a return to her roots, a grittier and more electric Americana sound with echoes of her critically-acclaimed 2015 album, Reckless Skyline.

Jacob Jolliff Band with special guest Stash Wyslouch
Friday, March 6, 2026 at 8pm Meadow Hall
Tickets: $39 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Jacob Jolliff - mandolin, vocals, Ross Martin – guitar, Myles Sloniker - bass, George Jackson - fiddle
An alumnus of celebrated progressive bluegrass bands Joy Kills Sorrow, the Yonder Mountain String Band, and Bela Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart project, Jacob Jolliff is one of the genre’s top mandolinists and a sought-after collaborator, sharing the stage with Bela Fleck, Darol Anger, Tony Trischka, Sam Bush, David Grisman, Ronnie McCoury, Michael Daves, and many others. Special guest Stash Wyslouch is an avant-garde Bluegrass guitarist, singer and songwriter who has toured and recorded with Jolliff, The Deadly Gentlemen, Bruce Molsky's Mountain Drifters, The Jacob Jolliff Band, and Tony Trischka's Early Roman Kings, among others.

Worcester Chamber Music Society
Presents Annual Free Family Concert March 8

February 23, 2026 Worcester, MA – Worcester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) is thrilled to present its Annual Free Family Concert on March 8, 2026, with a performance at 3:00pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Neighborhood Strings students will perform at the beginning of the concert. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
Sunday, March 8 @3PM
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
Generously sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank, Cornerstone Bank, UniBank, Fidelity Bank, and Country Bank. This concert is also funded in part by the Shrewsbury Cultural Council and Worcester Arts Council, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Program
Maurice Ravel | Mother Goose Suite
Lior Navok | Beauty and the Beast – world premiere performance

With guests:
Lilit Hartunian, violin / Pascale Delache-Feldman, double bass / Leslie Amper, keyboard
Venue is handicapped accessible.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Reserve early, since this event typically sells out quickly.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/fairy-tales-and-fables/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

New England Patriots Wide Receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts to Champion Youth Mentorship

BOSTON, Mass. - Known for his speed, determination, and playmaking ability on Sundays, New England Patriots Wide Receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas is taking his impact beyond the gridiron, partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) to help expand access to year-round, one-to-one youth mentoring programs across the region. Through this partnership, Douglas will serve as an ambassador for the organization, engaging with mentoring matches - referred to as Bigs and Littles - and supporting the nonprofit’s recruitment, fundraising, and community engagement efforts throughout the year.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is the state’s leading one-to-one youth mentoring organization, partnering with families to provide children with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. Grounded in research and proven outcomes, BBBSEM creates matches based on shared interests, geography, and personality and provides ongoing professional support to Bigs, Littles, and their families. The organization welcomes youth and volunteers of all races, ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities, serving as a bridge between communities and helping close opportunity gaps in education and access to resources.
“Having someone in your corner who believes in you and pushes you to be better can change everything,” says Douglas. “Mentorship is about showing up every day, putting in the work, and staying consistent - on and off the field. It’s about letting young people know that their future matters. I’m proud to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts to help create those opportunities for kids who deserve the same support and guidance that helped shape me.”
Last month, Douglas debuted as a BBBSEM ambassador during a “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event at Gillette Stadium, where he joined youth, volunteers, and fellow Patriots players as a “Big for a Day.” The experience underscored the power of teamwork and leadership, reinforcing his commitment to using his platform to inspire young people and encourage others to step onto the field as mentors.
As a BBBSEM ambassador, Douglas will participate in agency events, connect with mentoring matches, and help raise awareness about the urgent need for more volunteer mentors across Eastern Massachusetts. His involvement will help build momentum for the organization’s mission to ensure every child has access to a positive, life-changing mentoring relationship.
“Pop embodies what it means to lead with heart, authenticity, and purpose,” says Mark O’Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “His passion for mentorship and willingness to invest his time and voice in our mission makes him an incredible role model for the young people we serve. We’re thrilled to welcome him into the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts community.”

BBBSEM supports thousands of youth annually through community, school and campus-based mentoring programs, enrolling new Bigs and Littles and encouraging community members to get involved. In its 76th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 mentoring relationships. To learn more, enroll a child, or become a volunteer mentor, visit www.emassbigs.org.

Financial Focus: Your Credit Score Matters More than You May Think

Your credit score can have a big impact on your financial life.

From renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan, your score can open doors — or close them.

Simply put, your credit score predicts how likely you are to pay bills on time. A higher score often means easier access to credit, lower interest rates and better insurance premiums.

The most common model — the FICO score — ranges from 300 to 850. Above 670 is good; 740 and higher is very good.

When determining this score, payment history matters most, making up 35% of your score. So, paying bills on time matters.

The second most important factor in your credit score is credit utilization, which is 30% of your score. So, keep balances below 30% of your limit.

You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com.

Building good habits now makes borrowing easier and less expensive later, giving you more flexibility to pursue your goals.

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

Acton Conservation Trust Annual Meeting

March 15, 2026
Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St, Acton MA, Room 204

1:00 PM Business Meeting
1:15 PM Carol Holley Conservation Volunteer award presentation to Terry Maitland
1:30-2:30 PM Animal Adventures presentation

This program is free for all and perfect for families with children aged 5 and older.
Please register at actonconservationtrust.org so we know how many to expect.

Maynard FixIt Clinic on February 28

Do you have a household item that needs repair? Green Maynard and the Maynard Public Library will be holding a FixIt Clinic on Saturday, February 28 from 1-4 pm.
Bring your broken small appliances, bicycles, clothing/textiles, electronics, toys, etc., for assessment, disassembly, and possible repair. We'll provide workspace, tools, and guidance by volunteer coaches to help you disassemble, troubleshoot, and maybe even FIX your item!
Register at https://bit.ly/itemcheckin. Fill in as much information as you can in the form. This will help the volunteer coaches fix your item.

If you would like to volunteer to help fix things at the event, please sign up here http://bit.ly/inpersoncoachsignup. Thank you!

Co-sponsored by Green Maynard, Maynard Public Library, and Sustainable Stow

Egg Your House - Relay for Life Fundraiser

Maynard Relay for Life team, the Lady Bugs, will be having our annual fundraiser, Egg your House! Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30. We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 4th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them). You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc! We will go to Maynard, Acton, Concord, and Stow. You must order them by March 25th. Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form. Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order. Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.

Come see Boxborough’s Treasures

The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday March 8. Come see Boxborough’s historic treasures including the 1850’s scale which is sensitive enough to weigh a penny and strong enough to calibrate a 50 pound weight, the “new” hearse built in 1881, and the “old” hearse (come and see how old is old). Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information or if anyone wishes to arrange a private tour for a small group at a different time please call John Fallon at 978-264-0069.

Women's Business Network (WBN) hosts Returning to Yourself: Reducing Stress and Anxiety through Somatic Mindfulness

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, March 12th at 6:30 pm at the church hall at St. Theresa's Church (Holy Trinity Parish), 17 Still River Road in Harvard MA. Guests are welcome. After a brief meeting and introductions, Pamela Dussault, Personal Crisis Coach and Caregiver Advocate, will speak on dealing with stress, sharing that stress is a signal that we have become disconnected from ourselves. Her talk will gently guide women back to their bodies and their inner safety, offering not just a technique but a true return to themselves. WBN is a local, volunteer run networking group of women in small businesses, professional practices, non-profits and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education & networking. Contact dboliva@charter.net for more information.

Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean's List

BOSTON, Mass. (Grassroots Newswire) February 19, 2026 - The following local residents have been named to the 2025 fall semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston.

Acton (01720): * Jamilah Kasozi, * Bella Mojica, * Grace Poisson

Concord (01742): * Vivi Larew, * Maliha Malek, * Maya McCabe, * Blythe Pomeroy, * Fay Tubbs,
* Sonia Vader

Maynard (01754): * Emma Cryan, * Carly Rieter
Sudbury (01776): * Olivia Shienbrood

To qualify for dean's list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.

About Simmons University
Located in the heart of Boston, Simmons is a respected private university offering nearly 50 majors and programs for undergraduate women and graduate programs open to all on campus, in blended formats or entirely online, in nursing and health sciences, business, communications, social work, public health, library and information science, and more. Founded in 1899, Simmons inspires a culture of education, connection, and action through high-impact learning with engaged faculty, an immersive community that forges lifelong networks, and career-centered programs that accelerate professional success. The result is a Simmons experience that prepares graduates to thrive as they launch and advance in their careers. For more information, please visit www.simmons.edu.

West Acton Historic Steeple Project

An exciting and historically significant repair project is set to begin this spring in West Acton. The church at 592 Massachusetts Avenue is located within the West Acton Village Historic District and stands as the village’s oldest active church.
The original West Acton Baptist Church, built in 1846, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1852 in the classic New England Meeting House style. Its original pointed steeple (see historic photos) was blown down during the hurricane of 1934 and later replaced with a gilded dome. Atop the dome sits a beautifully crafted ornamental weathervane. Today, the church and its distinctive dome remain important landmarks at the center of our community.
The belfry houses a historic bronze bell cast in 1854 at a foundry once owned by Paul Revere. More than simply a place of worship, this building represents a cherished part of our shared heritage. For generations, it has stood as a symbol of the community, bearing witness to countless joyful celebrations and solemn gatherings alike.
Beyond Sunday services of the West Acton Baptist Church, the building serves many additional purposes. It houses church offices and provides secure meeting space for several AA groups. It supports community traditions such as the West Acton Village Merchants Association Holiday Stroll raffle each December and hosts weekly “Thrifty Thursday” pop-up thrift events. The Acton Cooperative School’s early childhood program also operates within the building. Outside, a 24/7 Mini Food Pantry—stocked by church members and community donors—provides ongoing support to neighbors in need.
Today, however, the dome and belfry clearly show signs of wear. More than 20 years have passed since the last major maintenance, and this iconic structure now requires immediate attention.
We gratefully acknowledge the foresight of the Town of Acton and the 2013 Community Preservation Commission grant that funded interior structural repairs to the belfry flooring. The upcoming project will involve a comprehensive inspection and restoration of the entire steeple structure, including the base (which once housed a clock), the belfry with its screened windows for the antique bell, the dome, and the weathervane. The structure will be prepared, repaired, painted, and restored to ensure both its beauty and longevity.
Due to the high cost of gold, the dome will be returned to the blue color it bore in the 1960s—possibly for the same reason at that time. Even so, the project remains substantial, with estimated costs between $250,000 and $300,000 due to the extensive repairs required to preserve this historic landmark.
We are pleased to report that our application has been submitted to the Historic District Commission (HDC). During a pre-application meeting on February 10, 2026, the project received positive feedback. A public hearing is expected to be scheduled in late March, and we hope to have strong community support.
For more information about the Steeple Beautification Project, please contact us at wabcadmin@verizon.net (Subject: Steeple Project) or visit the steeple page on our website: West Acton Historic Steeple Project - West Acton Baptist Church

Jewish Immigration to America

A Hebrew College class taught @ Congregation Beth Elohim
Instructor: Rabbi Yoni Kadden
Dates: 3/9, 3/16, 3/23 Time: 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: in person at Congregation Beth Elohim
Cost: $120. Financial aid available
Register @ Hebrew College website

Upcoming EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH

Services every Sunday at 10AM
For more information about these services, or to download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.

Line Dancing! Saturday March 7, 7:00 – 8:30
Back by popular demand! The Arts committee is sponsoring another night of chill-busting Line Dancing from 7:00-8:30. Our leader will again be Paul Hughes, who is very good at teaching the steps and routines. So even the most beginner dancer will still be successful and have fun! Families are welcome. This event is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted to offset Paul’s fee.

Our building at 353 Great Road, Stow is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is free parking.
Guest Table Community Dinner, March 13, 5:30
Please join us Friday, March 13 for our next dinner. We offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.
Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Sunday 3/15, 3PM
Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra
The FPC Music Committee is proud to present Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra in concert in the FPC Sanctuary. Toe-tapping fun for the whole family!
The Orchestra plays vintage arrangements of ragtime music and popular songs from the 1890’s – 1920’s. That includes rags, fox-trots, slow drags, two-steps, waltzes and more, and features works of Joplin, Salisbury, Lamb, Turpin, Berlin, and others. They put a smile on your face and a spring in your step!
Founded in 2022, Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra sprang from pianist Suzie Cartreine’s lifelong love of ragtime, combined with her academic interest in historical performance practice.
The band is drawn from a roster of professional-level musicians from the Greater Boston area. Recent appearances include the New England Folk Festival, Chelmsford Open Spaces, the Medford Library Summer Concert Series, and numerous porchfests in the Boston area. Suzie Cartreine was Director of Music and Organist at FPC from 2002 to 2011.
The suggested donation is $20–40. Donations will be accepted at Eventbrite, at the door, and at coffee hour on March 8 and March 15.
You can find find audio and video samples on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TurkeyHillRagtimeOrchestra
Game Night, Friday March 20, 7-9PM
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

MAYNARD, MA TO ELECT DELEGATES TO DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTION

Registered Democrats in Maynard will hold a caucus on March 21, 2026 to elect Delegates and Alternates to the 2026 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.
The caucus will be held March 21 at the Maynard Public Library, Roosevelt Room, 77 Nason Street, Maynard, Massachusetts. Doors open at 10:30am, we encourage attendees to arrive early. Everyone who arrives by 11:15 will be admitted.
Maynard can elect 8 Delegates and 4 Alternates to the Convention. The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Maynard.
We welcome any registered Maynard Democratic to run for one of the delegate seats.
Same-day voter registration will be available at the caucus - paper registration forms will be available and those who are interested should come a few minutes early. Any person who is not shown on the Democratic Party list must either provide proof of Party registration or preregistration or must register before the end of the caucus registration period.
Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are not elected as a Delegate or Alternate may apply to be an Add-on Delegate at the caucus or at 2026 Convention Add-on Application.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party’s 2026 Nominating Convention will be held in Worcester at the DCU Center on Friday and Saturday, May 29th and 30th, 2026.

2026 Annual AB Skate FUNdraiser & Food Drive is March 8

Ice Skating, Music, Refreshments~ Join us for the 27th Annual AB Community Skate FUNdraiser, food drive and AB STEAM meet-up on Sunday, March 8, 2:30pm-4:30pm at Nashoba Valley Olympia (rink #3) in Boxborough. All ages & skating abilities welcome (skate rentals available) + non-skater supporters! Please bring food pantry donations & healthy finger foods & drinks to share.

Come learn about AB STEAM (Science Technology Engineering ART & Math) formerly AB PIP STEM, turning 25 as a new non profit!

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 teach and guide skaters!

Thank you to Annual AB Community Skate supporters: Nashoba Valley Olympia, Colonial Figure Skating Club, JWB Sports (for skate rentals - *mention event*), Acton Coffee, Legend Café, Oscar's Burrito in Boxborough, Eve & Murray's, Idylwilde Farm, Bee's Knees British Imports for hospitality donations and Acton Lions Club (cause donation), acanthi.com, Market Dynamics, UPS Store Acton, Action Unlimited & ActonTV for local event media & communications!

See you on March 8 for this AB Community FUNdraising event! More info at www.ABSteam.org/events.

Council on Aging Events

The Council on Aging at the Human Services & Senior Center is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.
Telephone: 978-929-6652
Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov
Website: www.actoncoa.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/actoncoa

Opening Hours:
Monday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-6:00pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 8:00am-4:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-12noon

Revolutions and Banana Wars: US Intervention in Latin America from the Monroe Doctrine to the Cold War with Paolo Di Gregorio
Monday, February 23rd, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
For the last 200 years, the United States has had a complex, often controversial, relationship with our southern neighbors. Recent events in South America and the Caribbean illustrate that the story of this relationship is still unfolding. This illustrated talk examines the history of US involvement in the Americas, and the politics, economics, and ideologies that shaped the story. Paolo Di Gregorio is a historian, archaeologist and educator. He is a Visiting Lecturer in the History Department at Bridgewater State University, and his passion for telling stories of our past is enthusiastically received by Acton’s older adults!

Generate Hope for a Good Future Workshop via Zoom
Tuesday, February 24th, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to all age 60+/free
Hope can uplift and motivate us while we navigate challenges, uncertainty, and unpredictability. Join Dr. Miriam Rosalyn Diamond to take steps toward envisioning a better future through inspiration, a growth mindset, maps, receiving and providing support. Participate via Zoom from home or via a large screen TV with others at the Senior Center. Register: seniorcenter@actonma.gov or 987-929-6652. Miriam Rosalyn Diamond, PhD, is an educator, program developer, and inclusion specialist. She teaches adult education and college classes on lifespan development, friendship, and ethical awareness.

LitLovers Study Group/Masterpieces of Short Fiction: The Rocking-Horse Winner
Tuesday, February 24th, 2:30-4:00pm
Open to all age 60+/free
The group views a 30-minute lecture from The Great Courses: Masterpieces of Short Fiction, followed by a vibrant discussion on the lecture, the featured story and the author. This month’s story is The Rocking-Horse Winner by D.H. Lawrence. Short stories have the unique ability to deliver a powerful emotional impact within a concise format, and we are studying some of the best! Upcoming authors include Flannery O’Connor, James Baldwin, John Updike, and Margaret Atwood. If you need a copy of the story, pick up at reception or contact facilitator Chris Chirokas at cchirokas@actonma.gov to have a digital copy emailed.

Dinner with Doug
Tuesday, February 24th, 4:30pm
Acton 60+ only
We will be having chicken kabobs with tzatziki sauce, rice pilaf, vegetables, pita bread and dessert. Please sign up prior to the event. $5.00 is requested.
Greatest Love Songs of All Time Part 2 Presentation
Thursday, February 26th, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
Join John Clark to reminisce to the sound of these beloved romantic songs, from lighthearted twenties tunes like Side by Side and I Can’t Give You Anything but Love to more serious standards like All of Me and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman. Hey, I’ll bet you a plug nickel that you remember slow dancing to these 1950s favorites: the doo-wop classic I Only Have Eyes for You and a familiar hit song Play Misty for Me. Or how about Rosemary Clooney’s sweet and lovely Tenderly that became a jazz standard and Old Black Magic that got a musical makeover on the lively Louis Prima & Keely Smith version? Other performers and recording artists include the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Kay Starr, Cliff Edwards, Diane Krall, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Bobby Vinton, Louis Armstrong, Gene Autry, Art Garfunkel, The Beatles and more! It’s the month for Valentines so come and take a sentimental musical stroll down Memory Lane! Prior to a career as a high school and adult education teacher, John Clark worked in music publishing in Nashville. He enjoys sharing his passion for music with senior centers and senior residences.

Join the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge!
Looking for guidance on selecting what to read, a new genre to try or just motivation to read more? The Acton Council on Aging is partnering with the non-profit Massachusetts Center for the Book to foster a love of reading throughout 2026! Each month offers a prompt for what to read—the prompt for February is book outside your usual genre or spin the wheel to select a genre on the Mass Center for the Book website. Other prompts include a short story or essay collection and an adult classic you have never read. Participants are welcome to submit the title read each month to Massachusetts Center for the Book to qualify for prizes. Participate as little or as much as you desire. For more information or to sign up to receive the reading challenge newsletter, go to https://www.massbook.org/ and scroll down to Reading Challenge. The site also offers book recommendations for each month’s prompt.

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA

19 Carter Street, Berlin

Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5

Monday: A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Turn off your TV and stop by for 2 hours of pleasant tea and pleasantries, pastries with good company, and no politics!
Tuesday: Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday: Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: Office Hours with Melissa (Director of the Berlin COA) 10 – 11am (Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday: Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday: Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Thursday: Afternoon Games 2 - 4pm
Friday: Open Art Studio & Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday: Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday: Social 10am - 1pm
Office Hours w Senator Kennedy’s team Every second Wednesday of the month at 11am – 12pm

Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2026

Monday, February 23, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Friday, February 27, 7:30pm | The Jazz Club feat. Mark Russell
Come by for a casual evening at The Jazz Club and be energized with music by the talented violinist and singer Mark Russell! Tickets: $10 at 19Carter.org

Saturday, February 28, 7:30pm til whenever | House Show
A casual night of music for 20- & 30-yr-olds
$10 or pay what you can. Learn more at 19Carter.org

EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH THIS MONTH

Our building at 353 Great Road, Stow is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is free parking.
Services every Sunday at 10AM
For more information about these services, or to download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.

Learning from Ten Years of Local Climate Work to Plan for the Next Ten, Tuesday, February 24, 7PM
Join representative of four towns to learn about progress and plans to protect our climate. Senator Jamie Eldridge will be present to offer the view from Beacon Hill.
Stow, Acton, Maynard, and Hudson have each made progress in combatting climate change and reducing global warming. We need to learn about what each town has accomplished and future plans so we can support one another. Bring your questions! Our efforts must continue if we are to be successful. Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton at 353 Great Rd in Stow.

Carnival Games - Winter Games Fest, Saturday, February 28, Noon to 4PM
Stow, MA, Saturday February 28th – An afternoon of indoor fun for the whole family will take place in Stow on Saturday February 28th from noon to 4 p.m. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will offer carnival games, face painting, and snacks and beverages. The carnival games take place from noon to 4pm.
Admission is free, carnival game tickets are $1 each, and the cost to play a game is 1 ticket.

We have over three dozen carnival games. including a life-size "whack-a-mole", pop bottle standup, plinko, life size tetris, and an "impossible" giant slidey puzzle. Many of the games are life size wooden games built by FPC members and youth. There are games with different levels of difficulty for kids from age 2 to adults young at heart. We will have stuffed animal prizes (every child goes home with at least 1 prize). Popcorn, cookies, lemonade and more will be available for purchase.
Parent/guardian supervision is required during the carnival games. 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.

American Flags Need Replacing

Maynard Hometown Heroes Banners are flown with an American Flag. Many of our American Flags have have been flying for 5 years for 6 months of each year. We needed to retire a lot of them this past year due to fading and damage. We are asking for your help to replace at least 75 of them. The 46 KIA banners and flags were our first ones up downtown. Those and many others are in need of replacing, as well as about 20 flag poles that have been broken. We now have over 130 total banners hanging throughout our town. Our goal is to raise $4000 or more to get as many flags as we can so they all are waving beautifully. There are towns around us that only hang the banner with no flag. We hope you feel the same way as we do, the American Flags really make the banners stand out honoring our veterans. To donate, please make your check to: Town of Maynard, with Hometown Heroes fundraiser in the memo - send to: Town of Maynard, c/o Town Administrators Office, 195 Main Street, Maynard, MA 01754. If you have any questions, please contact kim.lalli@comcast.net. Thank you for your consideration in supporting this project.

Maynard Hometown Heroes Banners - Phase 6 Now Open

The Maynard Hometown Heroes committee is now accepting applications for all Maynard veterans that would like to purchase a banner. Phase 6 is now open. Any Maynard-based veteran, whether native or a new resident is welcome to be part of the program. If the Veteran, or Active Military person were born and raised in Maynard but does not currently reside in Maynard would also qualify.The deadline for placing your order is March 13, 2026. Applications are available at the Town Hall on the tables upstairs and downstairs, the library, the Council on Aging office, and at the Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks, or you can go to: townofmaynard-ma.gov - the Town of Maynard website - and search Maynard Hometown Heroes. If you would like more information, you can email: MaynardHometownHeroes@gmail.com

Learning from Our Towns on Ten Years of Local Climate Work: Feb 24, 7PM

For the past ten years, countries and communities of all sizes have set goals to limit the threat of climate change. In many ways this began with the International Panel on Climate Change’s agreement to limit global warming to 1.5C with specific goals for 2030 and 2050 to help us reach net zero carbon emissions. This is a big and varied effort affecting actions at the national and international level, as well as at the town and individual levels. At the local town level, we have installed solar, added EV cars, and charging stations, insulated our homes, and added heat pumps to homes and town buildings. We have learned to value native plants and begun to protect critical pollinators.

It’s hard to remember our initial reactions to new technologies like solar cells on house roofs. Few of us understood heat pumps. Remember the first time you saw or drove an EV or hybrid car? Since then, we have also learned more about the electrical grid that makes much of this possible. We have made progress, but still have a long way to go to achieve the 1.5-degree goal if we even can.

This is not to ignore the challenges we face, but we need to learn what progress we and our neighboring towns have made as a base for future plans so we can support one another. We are in this together and our efforts must continue if we are to be successful. Join representatives of four towns to learn about progress and plans to protect our climate. What would you like to know more about?

What actions have others taken?
What should be done to get more residents engaged?
How important is energy affordability?
What encourages or discourages people from acting?

To begin the learning and sharing process, there will be a discussion on
February 24 at 7:00 pm at First Parish Church in Stow (353 Great Road). Senator Jamie Eldridge will be present to offer the view from Beacon Hill. We will leave plenty of time for questions so we can learn from each other.

Mt. Cavalry Community SupperMarch 2026

Upcoming EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH

Open Table Announces Lineup for 2026 Chopped for Charity Competition and GalaAnnual fundraiser to honor long-time Board Member Patty Chambers

Biosphere Book Club – March Title: Abundance (Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson)When: Wednesday, March 25th, 7:00-8:15pmWhere: Zoom

From Gas to Induction: Cleaner Cooking for Your Home and Climate

Arbor Day Celebration at Memorial Park

Education for Boxborough: 1783 to 2013

Tickets Are Now LIVE for the Acton Food Pantry Chef Challenge Fundraiser

How Outdated Beneficiary Choices Can Derail Your Plans

Fresh Start Furniture BankWww.freshstartfurniturebank.org

Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding EventHelp Save Our Planet and Protect Your Identity

THE FIFTH DOMAIN OF WARFARE

Women's Money Matters Seeks Volunteers to Meet Growing Need for Financial Wellness Programs

59th Annual Ham & Turkey RaffleAt Stony Brook Fish & Game

Open House: Discover the Power of Your Voice

Upcoming EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH

All Are Invited to a Webinar on “Barriers to Town Meeting Participation for People with Disabilities”

Freedom’s Way Invites Local Organizations to Join 2026 Hidden Treasures FestivalPartner sign-up deadline: April 1, 2026

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime OrchestraSunday, March 15th, 2026 – 4:00PM

All Are Invited to a Webinar on "Barriers to Town Meeting Participation for People with Disabilities"

Financial Focus®International Women’s Day: Thriving After Gray Divorce

Boost the Blood Supply: Red Cross Offers Free A1C Testing as 1 in 5 Donors Have Levels in Prediabetic or Diabetic Range

SAGA Spring Equinox Art Fair Celebrates Local Creativity and Community

MIDDLESEX CONSERVATION DISTRICT 2026 SPRING PLANT SALE

Greetings from Groton Hill!

Worcester Chamber Music SocietyPresents Annual Free Family Concert March 8

New England Patriots Wide Receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts to Champion Youth Mentorship

Financial Focus: Your Credit Score Matters More than You May Think

Acton Conservation Trust Annual Meeting

Maynard FixIt Clinic on February 28

Egg Your House - Relay for Life Fundraiser

Come see Boxborough’s Treasures

Women's Business Network (WBN) hosts Returning to Yourself: Reducing Stress and Anxiety through Somatic Mindfulness

Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean's List

West Acton Historic Steeple Project

Jewish Immigration to America

Upcoming EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH

MAYNARD, MA TO ELECT DELEGATES TO DEMOCRATIC STATE CONVENTION

2026 Annual AB Skate FUNdraiser & Food Drive is March 8

Council on Aging Events

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA

EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH THIS MONTH

American Flags Need Replacing

Maynard Hometown Heroes Banners - Phase 6 Now Open

Learning from Our Towns on Ten Years of Local Climate Work: Feb 24, 7PM

Mt. Cavalry Community Supper
March 2026

Open Table Announces Lineup for 2026 Chopped for Charity Competition and Gala
Annual fundraiser to honor long-time Board Member Patty Chambers

Biosphere Book Club – March Title: Abundance (Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson)
When: Wednesday, March 25th, 7:00-8:15pm
Where: Zoom

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding Event
Help Save Our Planet and Protect Your Identity

59th Annual Ham & Turkey Raffle
At Stony Brook Fish & Game

Freedom’s Way Invites Local Organizations to Join 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival
Partner sign-up deadline: April 1, 2026

Suzie Cartreine and the Turkey Hill Ragtime Orchestra
Sunday, March 15th, 2026 – 4:00PM

Financial Focus®
International Women’s Day: Thriving After Gray Divorce

Worcester Chamber Music Society
Presents Annual Free Family Concert March 8