Action Unlimited

Environmental Education for Acton Residents

Submitted by Karen Root Watkins

ACTON: From conserving water resources to adopting renewable energy in our homes, Acton residents are learning and acting. On April 26, the Acton Water District led a "Water Wise Nature Walk" about Acton's water supply while touring the key conservation land along Brook Street and 459 Main Street (see Acton’s Town Meeting Warrant Article 10). The kid-friendly walk explained how Acton gets its water and looked at future challenges, especially as we lose open lands and as climate change affects rainfall patterns.

Then, on April 29, Acton experienced a first-time event. Was it a garden tour or home design tour? No, it was a "Clean Energy Homes Tour" sponsored by EnergizeActon.org. Nine Acton homeowners opened their homes to show the latest in high efficiency, low carbon home energy use. Visitors got to see houses with solar panels and solar battery storage that hardly ever draw electricity from Eversource.

Other homes featured the latest generation of cold weather air source and ground source heat pumps that kept their homeowners nice and toasty during February's arctic freeze. Plus, there were nifty appliances such as solar water heaters, super efficient heat pump clothes dryers, and electric garden mowers and tools. One visitor commented, "[The homeowners] were prepared! Seriously, we saw a slide show and got handouts with facts and data at multiple sites. Wonderful!"

At the event's starting point on Elm Street, visitors enjoyed coffee, baked goods, and discussion. The hot topics? People heard about Acton Power Choice Green, an option for all renewable electricity contracted by the Town but billed through Eversource. Second, visitors got info on great state and federal incentives for "electrification" to help us move off of fossil fuels and onto renewable energy systems.

PHOTO: Acton Select Board member and Clean Energy Coach David Martin explains his unique air source heat pump to hydronic (hot water) baseboard heating system.

News from Acton Water District Board of Commissioners Meeting, April 24, 2023

Submitted by Kim Kastens

ACTON: The Acton Water District (AWD) is on the cusp of completing a large solar energy array on their property on Knox Trail in the southeast corner of Acton. This 1.2 megawatt array will provide energy to power the South Acton Water Treatment Plant.

AWD's latest PFAS measurements (Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances, also known as “forever chemicals”) from January, February and March 2023, have all been beneath the Massachusetts Maximum Contaminant Level of 20 parts per trillion for the sum of six PFAS compounds. The addition of PFAS treatment capacity at the North Acton Water Treatment Plant is moving ahead, with ground-breaking expected in May and completion anticipated by the end of 2023.

The AWD's bottled water rebate program, for people who have conditions that require lower exposure to PFAS than for the general population, continues to attract new participants. For the first quarter of 2023, 135 owner-occupied households have received bottled water rebates as bill abatements, and 18 tenants have received rebate checks directly. The water bill abatement program for low-income seniors has attracted six households in the first quarter of 2023. AWD Commissioners have been considering additional mechanisms to aid residents who have less ability to pay. AWD Treasurer Christine McCarthy has been researching the various tax discount programs the Town of Acton offers, as well as utility bill assistance offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

For the second year in a row, the AWD will be receiving an award from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for excellence in water conservation. The award will be presented in a ceremony at the State House on Drinking Water Day, May 11.

Acton Town Elections

Submitted by Alissa Nicol

ACTON: On April 25, Acton’s Annual Town Election was held, and 13.7% of registered voters cast a ballot at the polls or via mail. Polls were open from 7am-8pm at the RJ Grey Junior High School on Charter Road, and 2188 voters elected Jo-Ann Berry, incumbent, as Town Moderator, James (Jim) Snyder-Grant, incumbent, and Alissa Nicol to the Select Board, and Victoria (Tori) Campbell, Leela Ramachandran, and Yanxin Schmidt to the School Committee. Thomas (Tom) Lemire was elected for a 3 year term on the Memorial Library Board of Trustees and Eric Schlesinger was elected for a 1 year term. William Stanford was re-elected as Water District clerk, and Stephen Stuntz was re-elected Water District Commissioner. For complete election results, including vote tallies by precinct and by hour, visit
www.acton-ma.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/18407.

Celebrate Your Drinking Water on Earth Day

ACTON: The Water Supply District of Acton is celebrating Earth Day on April 22 with an open house at their recently completed treatment plant in Acton Center. The Water District and its partners will have information and displays on water conservation and efficiency, WaterSense-labeled products, the importance of water main replacement, and a groundwater model. There will also be information on water quality and groundwater protection efforts, water conservation device giveaways, and tours of the water treatment plant. Walking tours of the adjacent property at 549 Main Street will also be conducted. Activity sheets and stickers will be available for children.

The open house will take place from 10am to 1pm at the Central Acton Water Treatment Plant. All events are free and open to all members of the community and their families. Tours of the treatment plant will be given at 10:15am, 11:15am and 12:15pm, while walking tours of the 549 Main Street property will be given at 10:30am and noon. Three lucky attendees will receive either a rain barrel, a WaterSense-labeled dual flush toilet, or a WaterSense-labeled rain showerhead!

The Water District is an independent municipal government that is chartered to supply water to the Town of Acton. It was established on April 16, 1912 as the West and South Water Supply District of Acton. It currently operates 24 wells, four water treatment facilities, four storage tanks, and maintains over 135 miles of water transmission and distribution mains. It is governed by three elected Water Commissioners, an elected Moderator, and an appointed Finance Committee. The Central Acton Water Treatment Plant is located at 8 Post Office Square Behind (behind the Associated Environmental Systems building. Please observe one way travel around the building). There will be signs directing you to the facility once you approach the post office!

For additional information on the Water District, please visit www.actonwater.com.

Spirits of Maynard Hosts Complimentary Wine and Beer Tasting

MAYNARD: The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable cordially invites the public to a free wine and beer tasting to support its annual Shower for Shelters. The event will be held at Spirits of Maynard, Plaza, 4 Digital Way, Suite 3 on April 21 at 7pm. Light refreshments will also be provided by the Roundtable. There will also be a short presentation by a survivor. Please bring a new, unwrapped housewarming gift to the event. Families transitioning from shelters appreciate gifts of new household items to help them establish their new homes. These generous donations will be collected and given to the clients of Reach Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence. Requested items include: twin size sheets and pillowcases, twin blankets, twin comforters, bed pillows, crib sheets, bath towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, and small kitchen appliances. Supermarket and departments store gift cards are also welcome. For a complete list of requested items, visit www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org.

Acton Republican Town Committee Host Meeting

ACTON: The Acton Republican Town Committee (ARTC) will meet April 19 at 6:30pm at the West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Mass Avenue. Meetings are open to all individuals interested in furthering the principles of limited government and individual liberty. Discuss local Acton issues with visiting School Committee candidates Yanxin Schmidt, Mike Gowing, and Jason Fitzgerald. Agenda topics from members and visitors are also encouraged for spirited discussion. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact RTC Chair Dave at (781) 775-9922 for more information.

Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council Presents 14th Annual ABCC "Our World Film Series"

ACTON/BOXBOROUGH: The ABCC Our World Film Series returns for four successive Friday nights in late April/early May. Live and in-person at a new location, Boxborough’s Sargent Memorial Library Meeting Room, all programs starting at 7pm. The screenings are free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28
A Short Night - The 11th annual Our World Short Film Program, presenting a selection of recent short films produced by film students from Massachusetts colleges and universities. The filmmakers are invited to attend and discuss their work with the audience.

FRIDAY, MAY 5
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan 2020) - An aspiring singer living with his grandmother in the capital of Bhutan dreams of getting a visa to move to Australia. Oscar nominee for Best International Feature Film. “A testament to the vitality of making cinema available to those without standard resources... an affirmation that all films, however humble their origin, can matter and be counted.” -
Ronda Racha Penrice, TheWrap

FRIDAY MAY 12
Flee (Denmark 2021) - The extraordinary true story of a man, Amin, on the verge of marriage which compels him to reveal his hidden past for the first time. Nominated for three Oscars: Best Documentary Feature Film, Best Animated Feature Film, and Best International Feature Film. “Flee is a remarkably humanizing and complex film, expanding and expounding the kind of story that’s too easily simplified.” – Benjamin Lee, The Guardian

FRIDAY MAY 19
The Dark Horse (New Zealand 2014) - A brilliant but troubled New Zealand chess champion finds purpose by teaching underprivileged children about the rules of chess and life. Award winner at the
Rotterdam International Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, St. Tropez International Film Festival. “The heartfelt telling of a truly extraordinary true story with a mesmerizing central performance.” – David Hughes, Empire

More information on the series and prior year’s film selections is available online at
abccourworld.wixsite.com/abccourworld, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ABCCOurWorld.

Acton Water District - April 10, 2023 - NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ACTON: Notice is hereby given that an application has been made on behalf of the Acton Water District for the approval of MassDEP for the Acton Water District to acquire certain lands or rights of land in the Town of Acton for public water supply protection. Said land is located at 549 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720 and is identified on municipal assessor map #E4 as parcel #47.

As required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 Section 41, the Acton Water District will hold a public hearing. The hearing will be held at the Water District’s offices located 693 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA 01720 on April 24, beginning at 11am. The plan showing the land in question is on file at MassDEP (8 New Bond Street, Worcester, MA 01606) and in the office of the Acton Water District and on the public water system’s website. Said plan is entitled 549 Main Street Survey Review Plan – 02-02-2022.

Comments pertaining to this matter may be made orally at the time of the hearing or submitted in writing at any time before May 1 at 5pm, addressed to Department of Environmental Protection, Drinking Water Program Chief, 8 New Bond Street, Worcester, MA 01606. ~ Acton Water District

St. Matthew’s Hosts Half-Day Summer Bible Camp

ACTON: “Seeing God” is a unique half-day camp offered by St. Mathew’s United Methodist Church, July 17-21. ALL children Pre-K thru 6th grade are invited to join from 9am-noon for a fun-filled morning of activities provided in the Science & Nature, Crafts, Outdoor Games and Music Stations. Children will be divided by age into groups of 5-8 with two Shepherds assigned to each group. Daily themes include: Can We See God?, Seeing God in New Ways, Seeing God in Nature, Seeing God in Others, and Seeing God in YOU!

Registration Fees are: Earlybirds - $25 per child/$40 per family through June 17; $30/child; $45 per family after June 17. For parents or grandparents participating in Camp, deduct $10. Financial assistance is available. For more information, call (978) 262-2822. St. Matthew’s is located on Central Street between Idylwilde Farm and Route 2. Registration is open. Please visit www.saint-matthews.org for details.

Maynard Community Gardeners Wants Your Surplus Plants for Annual Plant Sale

MAYNARD: In anticipation of the Maynard Community Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale, the group is asking anyone who would like to donate excess or unwanted plants of any kind or quantity to contact Steve Smith at stevensmith@kw.com with your name, address, and times that are convenient for an MCG member to come and pick up the plants. If you need assistance to dig the plants, include so in your email. The MCG is always looking for unique, harder to find perennials, trees and shrubs but are still open to taking more common perennial varieties such as Hosta, Lily, and Iris. They are especially interested in perennials that are native to the region and/or pollinator friendly.

Unfortunately, any plants that are listed as invasive in MA (e.g. burning bush), or known to be particularly aggressive (e.g. pachysandra) cannot be accepted.

The Maynard Community Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale will be held on May 20 in the parking lot at The Maynard Elks Lodge at 34 Powdermill Road from 9am-12pm. MCG’s Plant Sale is the group’s largest fundraising event of the year, providing gardeners with a large variety of plant choices to get the growing season underway. All the plants at the sale are either donated by members and non-members who want to share their abundance, or provided by Brigham Farm Stand & Greenhouses. The plant sale provides a great opportunity to choose from a wide variety of plants that flourish locally. There will be flowers, vegetables, hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, and shrubs, featuring a large assortment of heights, types, and colors. Your plant donations are what make the Plant Sale possible!

MCG is an organization made up of seasoned and novice gardeners who make it their mission to beautify our small town. The club plants and maintains flower buckets downtown, the beautiful flower-filled alleyway next to the Outdoor store, the seasonally changing downtown triangle, and Maplebrook park. Their hope is to bring beauty and joy to anyone who lives in Maynard, uses the Assabet River Rail Trail, or visits the town to enjoy shops, eateries, and other amenities. All the funds from the Plant Sale go directly to MCG’s efforts to maintain these projects.

2023 Acton Clean Energy Homes Tour

ACTON: Are you thinking about switching from oil heat to efficient cold-weather heat pumps that heat AND cool? Are you considering solar, especially with the increased federal solar incentives? Do you want to decrease your carbon footprint? Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org, the 2023 Acton Clean Energy Homes Tour will take place April 29, 11am-4pm at
10 Homes Around Acton (Base Camp, 19 Elm St Tennis Courts/AB Farmers Market). For more information, go to EnergizeActon.org and click on the Events tab, or register HERE.

Visit and talk with Acton neighbors who have already adopted clean energy technologies! Ten Acton homeowners will welcome you to learn about their equipment, including air source and ground source heat pumps, solar panels and solar battery storage, electric vehicles and EV charging, induction cooking, and more. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, to hear about the experiences of others, and to begin to formulate a plan for your own clean energy future. After you register, you will receive an email with detailed information about the Tour, including host addresses. Not all the hosts are available for all five hours of the tour, so the follow-up email will let you know which homes are available when during the day.

Maynard’s Week of Trees - April 22-29

MAYNARD: Celebrate Maynard’s downtown street arboretum with free special events from Earth Day to Arbor Day.

On April 22, 10-2pm, witness an “island transformation” at the Summer Street parking lot opposite the Fine Arts Theater. Trees, shrubs and plants will be planted through a One Tree Planted grant awarded to the Tree Corps.
On April 26, 6-8pm, learn about old growth trees at The Sanctuary, 82 Main Street. Author Lynda Mapes, forest ecologist Neil Pederson, indigenous forest advocate Andre Strongbearheart, and nature photographer Brent Mathison, will present their special work.
On April 28 at 10am, a beautiful Sourwood tree, known as a “Lily-of-the-Valley” tree will be planted at the Maynard Town Hall. Learn about the planting process while the tree is being planted.
On April 29, 10-10:30am, join the tree dedication for Arbor Day at Town Hall. Hear the story of Arbor Day and official proclamations in honor of the Day.

Acton Woman's Club to Host Cathy Fochtman on April 12

ACTON: Join the Acton Woman's Club at 504 Main Street for its monthly meeting on April 12 at 11:30am. There'll be a finger-food luncheon, a short business meeting, and special guest Cathy
Fochtman, who will guide gusts through making some home horticultural treasures. If you are lucky, you may find yourself taking home one of Cathy's stunning floral arrangements!

A long time Acton resident, former Director of Acton's Recreation Department, Cathy Fochtman is sought after by clubs and organizations for her innovative horticultural therapy presentations. Her “Fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy” has been hosted by Perkins School for the Blind, through the Northeast Horticultural Therapy Network. She is also know for her walking tours of the Acton Arboretum, where she gives an overview of each garden as well as a history of the Arboretum. Cathy has led and is active in the Acton Garden Club, which makes many areas of Acton so very beautiful.

This is last program of the Acton Woman's Club's season. There are many new members, as all women from the Acton region are welcome to join. Please contact Posy for an invitation at janisdyer38@gmail.com or call (978) 369-1295. Masks are optional. New air filters will be running to help everyone be extra safe. Folks can eat inside or outside (weather permitting). You will get a chance to see all the lovely antique Clubhouse. For more information, visit theactonwomansclub.org.

Holy Week at United Church of Christ

BOXBOROUGH: Holy Week at United Church of Christ in Boxborough:

Easter Sunrise - April 9, 6:15am (in person only) at North Cemetery, intersection of Hill and Middle Roads (Parking at Boxborough Museum). Practice the resurrection and welcome Easter morning! Sing hymns and share communion, and flower the cross, a UCCB tradition. Please bring your own flower (ideally one for everyone in your party), to help weave gorgeous variety into the cross! Afterwards, all will enjoy breakfast and fellowship in the Gathering Room at the Church.

Easter Hybrid Worship - April 9, 9:30am. All ages join together (in person or online) for worship full of celebration and joy. Please note: Worship services are streamed live via Zoom and Facebook, and recorded for posting on YouTube (https://bit.ly/3ZlM58Y). Facebook offers closed captioning (subtitles) for those who find that helpful.

- Zoom link with Passcode embedded (cut and paste if necessary): https://bit.ly/3K8xhq1
- Phone in: 929-205-6099, Meeting ID: 845 8688 4054, Passcode: 7387

United Church of Christ Boxborough is located at 723 Massachusetts Avenue. For additional information, see www.boxboroughucc.org or call (978) 263-7387.

Boxborough DTC to Sponsor Household Goods Donation Drive

BOXBOROUGH: Have you started your spring cleaning? The Boxborough Democratic Town Committee is organizing a donation drive for Household Goods in recognition of Earth Day (April 22). Household Goods provides a full range of furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home. By donating, not only will you be helping a family in need, you will also ensure that your unwanted item doesn’t end up in the trash.

Pots and pans, towels, lamps, sheets, blankets, small rugs, etc. are always needed. For a list of items accepted and donation guidelines, please visit www.householdgoods.org or https://tinyurl.com/4cazmftn. Donations are accepted at Household Goods on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am-noon. Can’t get to Household Goods during these hours? The Boxborough DTC will be collecting small item donations (no large furniture) and delivering to Household Goods on Earth Day. For more information, send an email to boxborough.dtc@gmail.com, visit www.boxboroughdems.org or facebook.com/BoxboroughDTC.

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Boxborough Minutemen Patriots’ Day Activities

BOXBOROUGH: On April 17, the Boxborough Minutemen Company will convene at 5:30am outside the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road, to commemorate the events of the original Patriots’ Day. The Museum is located at the edge of Boxborough’s Old Town Center Historic District where some of the original Minutemen from Boxborough mustered on April 19, 1775.

The list of company officers is confirmed by a drumhead election. This is an old tradition whereby minutemen company members indicate their approval by tapping on the company bass drum. The company cannon is fired to announce that the company is ready to meet the enemy. There is a short march to Boxborough North Cemetery for a commemorative musket volley after which the names of men from Boxborough who joined in the battle on April 19, 1775 are read out.

At 6:20am, the Boxborough Company joins its comrades, the Acton Minutemen, at Acton town center for a three volley musket salute, after which both companies embark on the seven mile march on the Isaac Davis Trail to the North Bridge in Concord (arriving about 8:45am) for a skirmish against the British redcoats.

The Minutemen finish the day’s events with a parade through the center of Concord. For information, please contact Captain Tony Newton at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org, or (617) 448-5931.

Open Space & Recreation Public Forum April 12

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Town Planner and the chairs of the Conservation Commission and Recreation Commission will be hosting a public forum on open space and recreation on April 12 from 7-8:30pm at Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road. Boxborough residents and members of the greater community of all ages are invited to discuss updates to the Town's Open Space and Recreation Plan. Parks and open space provide opportunities for fun and relaxation. From bike racks to signage, and even new spaces, this forum will give you a voice to help guide decision-making for the next several years.

Interpreters in Mandarin Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Hindi will be available during the forum.

If you would like to participate or provide feedback, but cannot attend the forum, submit ideas and suggestions to the Town Planner, Alec Wade via email at awade@boxborough-ma.gov, or visit during office hours from 5-6:30pm at Boxborough Town Hall on April 6, 10 or 13.

To review a draft of the plan, visit boxborough-ma.gov, and type OSRP into the Search bar. If you have any questions, please contact the Town Planner at (978) 264-1723.

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Discovery Museum presents,
“A Family Revealed: From Slavery to Hope”

Live, in-person event will feature Wallis Wickham Raemer and Reggie Harris,
cousins and descendants of a Confederate enslaver

ACTON/CONCORD: As a live, in-person 2023 Discovery Museum Speaker Series event, “A Family Revealed: From Slavery to Hope” will be an evening of engaging music and conversation with the audience, two descendants of a Confederate enslaver, one Black and one white, share their story and discuss what it was like to discover each other’s deeply held feelings, pain, and hope.

Featured will be Wallis Wickham Raemer, educator, and Reggie Harris, folk singer and social activist. Raemer, who grew up in Richmond, Virginia, thought it was cool to have a statue of her great-great-great-grandfather, Willams Carter Wickham, in the center of town. But as she grew older she changed her mind–especially after meeting Reggie Harris, who also is a descendant of the same Confederate general but by way of Bibanna Hewlett, one of the 275 people that he enslaved. For Mr. Harris, a wonderfully gifted folksinger and educator, the statue was a painful reminder of the abuse his family suffered and the refusal of America to fully acknowledge its past. After the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017 Wallis and some members of her family wrote a letter to the city requesting that the statue be removed. But it remained until protesters dragged it down with a rope. This is real history and it’s complicated. But Reggie and Wallis are facing it by talking it out and through music. They’ve shared their journey on CNN, in a recent film, in schools, and in an article in The New York Times.

This event will be held May 9 from 7-8:30pm at no charge in the Nashoba Brooks School, 200 Strawberry Hill Road in Concord. Required advance registration is available at http://bit.ly/DMSpeakerSeries.

Acton Town Election Important Dates

ACTON: Mark your calendars for these important Town of Acton election dates:

April 14: Last day to register to vote for town election (at Town Hall or Online Voter Application (state.ma.us)
April 18: Last day to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot (vote-by-mail-paper-application-2023.pdf (state.ma.us)_
April 25: Annual Town Election - R.J. Junior High School Gymnasium 7am-8pm.
May 1: Annual Town Meeting - Acton Boxborough Regional High School 7pm until late.

Communication in Ages 0-2

ACTON: Learn about ways to connect, support and understand your baby age 0-24 months with presenter Mary Beilman, a Baby Sign Language Educator certified thru the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting, based on Dr. Joseph Garcia's Sign with Your Baby program. Discuss communication milestones including crying, understanding and first words. In addition, learn about the benefits of using sign language to help build communication skills, reduce frustration, and enhance communications. Participants will learn basic signs to incorporate into your daily routines. Bring your baby, a blanket, and enjoy a story and song that includes the new signs we learn. This event will be held at First Connections on April 19, 10-11am. Masks required for adults. To register, email lmatthews@jri.org.

Emerson Health 5k Run~Walk for Cancer Care – Registration Now Open
High-Performance Shirts for All Registrants!

CONCORD/ACTON: Registration is open for Emerson Health’s 24th annual 5k Run~Walk for Cancer Care at www.emersonhospital.org/5k. All proceeds support healing programs for patients who receive cancer care at Emerson. In addition to the 5k, there will be a one-mile Kids’ Run and medals for the top finishers.

There are two ways to participate: Join the in-person event on May 6 at 8am at Nara Park in Acton, which includes free breakfast from Blackbird Cafe, ice cream from Kimball Farm, lawn games from All in Events MA, and community tables.

Or, sign up to do the virtual event to complete the 5k anytime between May 1 – May 6. Visit the website for details, to register, and make a donation. All registrants receive a high-performance race shirt.

The Run~Walk event is a great opportunity to meet up with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Encourage everyone you know to come out and exercise while raising money to support people in the community with cancer. For more information, email runwalk@emersonhosp.org, call Emerson’s Development Office at (978) 287-3084, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @EmersonHealth5K.

Patriots’ Day Spirit at the Faulkner Homestead

ACTON: On April 16, the Iron Work Farm will explore the full meaning of Patriots’ Day, which was established to commemorate the start of not one, but two wars in our country’s history. In both wars, the people of Acton and the Faulkner Homestead played an important part. Beginning at 1pm, three groups of re-enactors will be on hand to mark the April 19, 1861 start of the Civil War. Soldiers of the 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and the 12th Georgia Infantry will stage an encampment and hold skirmishes in the Faulkner woods, while members of “Be What Remains”, the re-enactors of the US Sanitary Commission, will demonstrate the help they gave to the enlisted soldiers during the war. A musical ensemble, the “Shades of Gray” will be on hand to perform mid-19th century tunes.

On April 19, 1775, on the first day of the Revolutionary War, local families gathered in the Faulkner dooryard to cook food to take to the Acton militiamen in the field. Visitors will experience 18th -century home life with outdoor cooking, children’s games, etc., while in the Faulkner House, members of the Nashoba Valley Weavers Guild will demonstrate colonial weaving, and show off the old “barn frame” loom. At the end of the afternoon (about 5:30pm), the Acton Minutemen will stage their annual “Robbins’ Ride” reenactment—the arrival of the horse and rider who brought the news to Col. Francis Faulkner earlier that day that the British were marching on Concord.

Patriots’ Day Spirit is open to the public for a modest donation—“Give What You Will”. Parking is available in the nearby public lots.

Candidate Forum

ACTON: The League of Women Voters Acton-Area will host a Candidates Forum ahead of the April 25 Election Day. All candidates whose names will appear on the town ballot have been asked to participate. If a candidate is in a contested race, they will appear on a panel for the race and answer a series of pre-selected questions from the League and from voters who have submitted questions ahead of time. If a candidate is in an uncontested race they will be given the opportunity to make a statement.

The forum will be held in the Faulkner Meeting Room at Acton Town Hall on April 10 at 7pm. It will also be available live on Acton TV's cable channel and Acton TV's YouTube channel. The forum will be recorded and made available to watch on Acton TV, Acton TV's YouTube channel as well as the League's website: lwv-acton-area.org.

The League of Women Voters is eager to help voters learn more about the candidates running in the Acton Town Election and provide a non-partisan forum for all candidates to be heard. The event is part of the LWV's mission to encourage the active and informed participation of all citizens in government and the electoral process. It will be free and open to the public.

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SVT Announces Spring Programs

Area residents are invited to attend one of the many nature-themed programs hosted by Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT). The nonprofit conservation group recently posted its Spring 2023 Program Calendar on its website, along with complete details and registration information. Highlights include a Senior Walks in Acton, Wayland, and Sudbury (various dates in April and May); Unlock Your Inner Food Gardener (May 6); Spring Wildflower Walks in Berlin and Sudbury (May 13); a Plant Identification and Natural History Walk in Harvard (May 14); and a Full Moon Walk in Wayland (June 2). Space is limited and registration is required.

In honor of Earth Day, SVT will lead a History Hike Up Tippling Rock in Sudbury on April 22, at 9am. Plus, a special webinar on April 20 will explore how backyard gardens can contribute to climate change resilience.

SVT also offers volunteer opportunities for those interested in caring for local conservation lands. Upcoming projects include building a boardwalk across wetlands in Sudbury, creating a new hiking trail in Berlin, and pulling non-native invasive plants from conservation areas in several towns. New volunteers are also invited to attend the Spring Volunteer Orientation Session over Zoom on April 26 at 7pm.

Complete information about SVT programs and volunteer projects is available at www.svtweb.org/calendar.

Fall Youth Dance Classes at Acton Woman's Club

ACTON: Registration for the Acton Woman’s Club fall Youth Dance Classes is now open online at https://theactonwomansclub.org/dance/Registrations. Registrations are on a “first come, first served” basis. There are usually more registrants than space in the classes.

The Club is excited to introduce their new instructor, Carole Ann Baer. Baer has been in the dance field for well over 30 years, bringing an array of experience to her profession. She danced with the world champion BYU Ballroom Dance Team while in college, and continued teaching ballroom at both the Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray dance studios in Salt Lake City, Boston and Worcester, and has been a dance instructor at Brandeis University for over 25 years. She has also been a theater choreographer for the Ephraim Curtis Middle School in Sudbury and The Temple Shir Tikva Players in Wayland. Baer's love of dance and love of people translates in her classes, with a warmth and ease of instruction. Everyone is welcome and made to feel comfortable.

The nine sessions of Friday evening dance classes run from September 8 through November 17. For more information or to register, visit https://theactonwomansclub.org/dance/ or email awcactondanceclass@gmail.com.

As a non-profit, charitable social club in the Historic Center of Acton, the Acton Woman’s Club has sponsored Dance Classes for over 70 years as a community enrichment program for thousands of local youth, providing an exciting Friday evening of fun and dancing, learning a variety of dance styles, as well as dance floor etiquette. The Dance Classes generate funds that promote the AWC’s building maintenance and philanthropic activities, including ABRHS senior scholarships and donations to local charities. Membership in the Club is open to any woman who lives or works in Acton. For more information, visit https://theactonwomansclub.org.

ACC Hosts Holy Week Services

ACTON: The Ministry of ACC invites you to join us for Holy Week and Easter Services.
Members, Non-Members, Friends and Family. All are Welcome.

Palm Sunday - April 2 9:30am
Fresh Eco Friendly Palms

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service -
April 6 at 8pm
Join for this Holy Day and share Communion

Good Friday - April 7 Worship Service at 7pm

Easter Sunday Worship & Flowering of the Cross - April 9
9:30am Easter Egg Hunt following worship
10:30am Abundant Fellowship
11:15am Second Easter Service

Come early or stay late for light refreshments and an abundance of Fellowship.

Acton Water District Spring 2023 Water Main Flushing

ACTON: The Acton Water District will begin its spring water main flushing program on April 10, 2023. They will primarily be flushing water mains in Acton Center, which is roughly the area north of Route 2 to the Route 2A/119 corridor and east towards the Concord town line (East Acton).

Customers directly impacted by flushing will be notified via automated phone call prior to the commencement of flushing. Road signs will be placed in the vicinity of the areas being flushed prior to initiating flushing. We will not be flushing on April 17 due to the Patriots’ Day holiday. Discolored water and periods of low pressure may be experienced on, or in the general vicinity of, any of the streets being flushed. Areas outside of the flushing zone may also experience some of these conditions, although the program is designed to minimize widespread impacts.

Flushing will occur between the hours of 8am and 8pm, Monday-Thursday. Since at any time during this period customers may experience discolored water, it is advisable to draw and store some drinking water prior to flushing in your area. Any customers experiencing discolored water should not launder light-colored clothing, or run their dishwashers, as the minerals in the water may cause staining.

This process is necessary for improving water quality in the distribution system, exercising valves and hydrants, and to clean mineral deposits from the pipes to minimize future incidents of discolored water.

For updates on areas being flushed, please refer to the Water District website at www.actonwater.com, or call (978) 263-9107. You may also follow Acton Water District on Twitter @Actonwater. Your patience and understanding are appreciated as they conduct this necessary maintenance activity.

Julie lheureux boston walkway photograph

“Viewpoint” Art Exhibit Opens at 6 Bridges Gallery on April 5, 2023

MAYNARD: 6 Bridges Gallery presents “Viewpoint,” an exhibit of recent works by associate member artists Micah Bridges, Bryan Clocker, Jeanne D’Amico, Julie L’Heureux, Natalie MacKnight, and Melissa Vance Goodman. The exhibit will be on view at 6 Bridges Gallery, 77 Main Street, from April 5-May 13. It will also be hosted online at 6 Bridges Gallery. A reception will be held on April 15 from 5–7pm.

In this exhibit, Bridges, Clocker, D’Amico, L’Heureux, MacKnight and Vance Goodman showcase new bodies of work around the collective theme of “Viewpoint.” These works take on different perspectives of the environment and nature, look at the unconventional, and highlight different angles from up close to a far. Works in the exhibit include ceramics, photography, printmaking and paintings.

Photographer Micah Bridges writes, “I find the concept of “Viewpoint” fascinating as it is a way to describe how one views the world. Or even as the expression of seeing things in an unconventional manner. This is an inspiration to me as many times as humans we focus solely on a single viewpoint missing out on all that is around us.”

For more information, please visit https://6bridges.gallery, https://www.facebook.com/6BridgesGallery and https://www.instagram.com/6bridgesgallery/?hl=en.

PHOTO: “Boston Walkway,” Photograph, by Julie L’Heureux

Join Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church for Holy Week and Easter Services

ACTON: You are invited to Holy Week and Easter services with Mt. Calvary. Celebrate the most unforgettable, life-giving time in the Christian calendar. Begin the journey to Easter with a series called, Radical Love. You’ll hear what Jesus shared during His last week, during His dying moments, and experience how Jesus radically changed everything on Easter with his great love. Mt. Calvary offers a number of opportunities to gather together for Easter worship.

Palm Sunday, April 2
“Love Went Up” at 9am & 10:30am — On Palm Sunday Jesus went up to Jerusalem. The people around Jerusalem expressed their need shouting, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13). Join a beautiful Palm Sunday with special music and a message of love for you. Mt. Calvary Kids and Youth at 9am.

Maundy Thursday, April 6
“Love Knelt Down” at 7pm — During Passover, Jesus does something remarkable by pausing evening festivities to humble Himself and kneel at His friends’ feet. Jesus sets a concrete example of what loving others looks like. Join us for a contemporary service to reflect upon Jesus’ words and celebrate Holy Communion.

Good Friday, April 7
“God’s Friday – Love Grows” for families at 10am – All are welcome to a craft morning. Walk at your own pace through the interactive stations followed by a kids' Easter message at 11am. It will be a fun morning for adults and kids to share, so bring another family and enjoy a truly good, Good Friday.

“Love Ran Red” at 7pm. How does Christ see himself upon the cross? Join an evening worship with traditional music. You will hear the Seven Last Words of Jesus from select texts, pray and reflect upon Psalm 22 – Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Easter Sunday, April 9
“Radical Love” for everyone at 9am and 11am – Jesus radically changes everything. What happened on Easter morning radically changes how we think, act and live today. Join two uplifting morning worship services with Kids Connection. Coffee and refreshments served at 10am, followed by an egg hunt for children at 10:30am.

For more information, visit www.mtcalvaryacton.org or call the church at (978) 263-5156. The Church is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue. Parking (including handicap) is available behind the church, off Prospect Street, and at the Acton Funeral Home on Massachusetts Avenue.

Discovery Museum Continues 2023 Speaker Series with Dr. Susan Linn

ACTON: Next up in the Discovery Museum 2023 Speaker Series is Who's Raising the Kids? Big Tech, Big Business, and the Lives of Children with Dr. Susan Linn, author and psychologist on March 29, 7-8pm, presented via Zoom Webinar. This event is free with pre-registration; $5 suggested donation appreciated. For more information visit https://26033.blackbaudhosting.com/26033/Discovery-Museum-2023-Speaker-Series-Whos-Raising-the-Kids.

Dr. Linn’s unparalleled research on the impact of Big Tech and big business on children argues that our digitized-commercialized culture, and the ways it infiltrates our homes and classrooms, is damaging for kids and families as well as society at large. In this talk, based on her September 2022 book, Who's Raising the Kids? Big Tech, Big Business, and the Lives of Children, Susan will explore and expose the roots of this modern condition, explain the commercial incentives that drive it, and map out what we can do for our families, our students, and our communities, to create change.

Dr. Linn will be interviewed by her sister, Nancy Pearl, retired Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book at the Seattle Public Library and author of the “Book Lust” series, four titles filled with recommendations of good books to read.

Open Door Presents The SpongeBob Musical

ACTON: Soak in the effervescent SpongeBob Musical with Open Door Theater at The Dragonfly Theater, R.J. Grey Jr. High School. Open Door’s multicultural/ multigenerational cast will present seven performances between March 24-April 2, all of which are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation and open captioning. There will be audio-described performances on the second weekend. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit www.opendoortheater.org.

Performances:
- 3/24 at 7pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- 3/25 at 1pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- 3/26 at 1pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- 3/31 at 7pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
- 4/1 at 1pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
- 4/1 at 7pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- 4/2 at 1pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau. The SpongeBob Musical is an action-packed underwater adventure highlighting diversity, courage, and friendship.

Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Over its 43-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved and marginalized audiences and participants to enjoy live high-quality theater. Sponsored in part by the AB United Way, Astra Foundation, and the Massachusetts, Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury and Westford Cultural Councils.

Tour of Acton Public Works Facility Scheduled for April 1

ACTON: On May 1, 2023, Acton Town Meeting will be considering the approval of $1,225,000 requested for the design of a new Public Works Facility (Article 6). This sum is recommended by the Town Manager in response to the Final Report of the Department of Public Works Facility Study Committee (DPWFSC), accepted by the Select Board in November, 2022. The Study found that the existing facility, built over 50 years ago, was seriously undersized, was in poor condition, and was inappropriate for present needs.

The DPWFSC has set up a public tour of the facility on April 1, 10am-1pm, assisted by DPW Staff, to provide an opportunity for residents to see the conditions and make an informed decision on May 1, 2023 at Town Meeting. Access the facility from 14 Forest Road (behind the Transfer Station). For more information check out the Department of Public Works Facility Study Committee page via the Boards and committees tab in the Actonma.gov website.

Long Live the Queen!: A Bus Tour of Acton, Concord, and Littleton Queen Anne Homes

ACTON/CONCORD/LITTLETON: Many Queen Anne buildings have stood the test of time and still grace the streets of these three towns over a hundred years later. On April 30 at 1pm, join Histoury as they explore the picturesque and playful style that reigned in the last decades of Queen Victoria’s era, glimpsing into the lives of many locals along the way. The Long Live the Queen! Bus tour is a one-time cultural experience in the Massachusetts area. Spots are very limited!

Histoury is an organization that brings to life architectural tours that are both entertaining and educational. Made up of experts in tourism and history preservation, our team creates one-time tours in the New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts areas that both inform and inspire! For more information, visit https://histoury.org.

Call for Art: Tzfat in Maynard Exhibition

MAYNARD: The Tzfat in Maynard Exhibition is seeking submissions of art for an exhibit at the Maynard Public Library from May 1–31, with an artist reception on the evening of May 18. The actual work can be delivered until April 15. but an intent to participate is required by March 31.

The Maynard Cultural Council is helping to fund this exhibit, coordinated by Lisa B. Corfman. Tzfat is an artist colony in Israel; Maynard has its own significant art district, so Tzfat is very much a sister community. Artwork that embodies the themes of loving your neighbor as yourself, hope, unity, positivity, diversity, creation, spirituality in Maynard, Tzfat and/or Jewish knowledge is appropriate. More about artwork being submitted:

- It does not have to be newly created.
- Artwork that can be hung is fine. It does not have to have a Jewish focus or be created by a Maynard artist.

To register your intent to particpate, send a note to Lisa (LBCorfman@gmail.com) or call (617) 308-2573. Artists retain 75% of any sales. More specifics about what to include in submission requests are available at https://jewishhope.org/tzfat-everywhere/.

“This event will allow individuals to discard unwanted firearms in a simple, non-judgmental way. It is a tremendous public safety initiative that could prevent unwanted guns from ending up in the hands of someone that may wish to do harm to themselves or others,” said Acton Police Sergeant Scott Krug, member of AB Cares.

AB Cares to host Safer Homes, Safer Community: A Community Gun Buyback Program

ACTON: AB Cares is once again partnering with the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office to host a gun buyback initiative on May 6, 9am-12pm at the St. Matthew’s Methodist Church located at 435 Central Street. Individuals turning in unwanted firearms are asked to transport them to the site unloaded and in the trunk of their car. Ammunition will be accepted as well. No ID required, no questions asked - and each person turning in a firearm will have the option of receiving a gift card to a local grocery store. All firearms and ammunition will be handled by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and will be destroyed by the Massachusetts State Police.

This event was first held in 2021. While it was our community’s first gun buyback, the results exceeded expectations. A total of 34 firearms and an assortment of ammunition were collected, and last year, 20 firearms and additional ammunition. Many of those who turned in firearms have expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to do so in a safe manner. In addition, most participants opted to “pay it forward” and donate their grocery gift cards to low-income residents of Acton and Boxborough, allowing AB Cares to not only take a step towards improving the safety of our community but help needy residents at the same time.

Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the U.S., causing more than 38,000 deaths and nearly 85,000 injuries each year. Gun violence is an epidemic, and public health measures such as gun buyback programs are necessary steps to help address this crisis. “This event is incredibly timely; we know that mental health across the lifespan has suffered as a result of the pandemic; in fact, some now refer to the “dual pandemic” of suicide and COVID-19. AB Cares is committed to suicide prevention, and helping reduce the risk of suicide by firearms is a good place to start,” said Deborah Garfield, LICSW Director of The Eliot Center and member of the AB Cares coalition.

“We know that nearly 6 out of every 10 gun deaths in Massachusetts are suicides, and firearm is the most lethal mean of suicide, with 22% of all suicides by firearm. This event will provide residents the opportunity to safely, securely dispose of unwanted and unused firearms to make our homes and our communities safer by reducing the chance of accidental discharge, self-harm, and theft,” said Katie Neville, Acton-Boxborough United Way’s Executive Director and member of the AB Cares coalition.

“This event will allow individuals to discard unwanted firearms in a simple, non-judgmental way. It is a tremendous public safety initiative that could prevent unwanted guns from ending up in the hands of someone that may wish to do harm to themselves or others,” said Acton Police Sergeant Scott Krug, member of AB Cares.

“We are proud to once again be working with AB Cares, the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments and all those involved to help facilitate this year’s event,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “These buybacks continue to enhance community and home safety by providing local residents with the opportunity to safely and securely dispose of unwanted firearms.”The initiative is funded through the generosity of numerous organizations including Acton-Boxborough United Way, Danny’s Place Youth Services, Minuteman Senior Services, West Acton Baptist Church, Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and the towns of Acton and
Boxborough. Many local organizations have also stepped up to support this event as partners, including the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments, the League of Women Voters – Acton Area, the Acton Council on Aging, NAMI Central Middlesex, the Boxborough Well-Being Committee, and St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. For more information, visit bit.ly/ABcares, or contact the AB Cares coalition at abcarescoalition@gmail.com or (978) 263-1777.

How Jews Confront Modernity: A Conversation with Barry Shrage

ACTON: Congregation Beth Elohim (133 Prospect Street) presents "How Jews Confront Modernity: A Conversation with Barry Shrage," with an introduction by Rabbi Emeritus Lewis Mintz. The event will take place April 2 from 3-5pm in person and on Zoom. This program is partially funded by the Rabbi Lewis Mintz fund at Congregation Beth Elohim. If you would like to contribute to this fund, visit www.bethelohim.org/donate, click on Donate and choose the Rabbi Lewis Mintz Fund.

Barry Shrage is the Inaugural speaker in the Rabbi Lewis Mintz series and is Professor of the Practice at the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University. One of America's foremost Jewish leaders, Shrage served for the past 30 years as president of Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) of Greater Boston and as a powerful voice on the American Jewish communal scene. He is known in Boston and throughout the world for his support of Jewish education; his promotion of engagement by religious and nonreligious Jews; his commitment to working for social justice at home and abroad alongside others; his support of Israel; his bridge-building, outreach, and engagement with the non-Jewish community in creative partnerships; and for his boundless energy and creativity.
After retiring from CJP in 2018, Barry Shrage joined the Hornstein Program, where he trains and mentors students in their future roles as Jewish professional leaders. He is also working closely with the How Jews Confront Modernity: A Conversation with Barry Shrage, with an introduction by Rabbi Emeritus Lewis Mintz where he is developing and leading a new initiative on Jewish identity.

SAVE THE DATE: "The Power of Angels" 2023 Kitty Angels Fundraiser May 6 & 7

AMHERST, NH: Plans are coming together for another fabulous fundraiser for Kitty Angels, Inc., so mark your calendars! This year’s event will take place on May 6 & 7, from 9am-5pm at Treasures Antiques and Collectables, 106 Ponemah Road (Route 122). Yes, pets are always welcome! The kitties and vendors have taken the necessary precautions and are excited to have you get out of the house and come visit with them for some fabulous finds, great “free” entertainment and most important of all, to help Kitty Angels!

Look for all your favorite vendors, including artist Eric Nickola, dba WolfpacStudios, Artist Lori-Ellen Budenas of Respect the Wood, Monica Gesualdo of Trading Faces, Food Vendor B’s Grumman Grub, Heart’s Design Jewelry. Forever Clean Soaps, Gabe’s Creations, LAB House, Shire Enduring Creations, Dubz Dyes, Morel Woodworking, Baby Snuggz, SoGo Metal Art, Happy Cat Creations, Vinyl Revival, Dusty Finds, Blueberry Cove Creations, Damsel In Defense, Willey’s Whirleys, Baboosic Lake Gourds, Anthony Acres, Color Street, Paws & Spas, Lynda’s Felted Critters, Custom Care Designs, Fiber Art by Eve Huston, Cam’s Shop, Amherst Animal Hospital and so many more. The bands and soloists for the event, consist of keyboardist/band member Joey Peavey, Side Effects, Jensing, North Sound Duo, Jeff Damon, Sunset Rhythm and Wildwood.

Featured throughout the fundraising weekend and into the month of June, is an electrifying raffle of numerous and diverse prizes, all generously donated by local and national businesses, professional sports teams, private individuals and some of the awesome on-site vendors.

Kitty Angels, Inc. is the sole beneficiary of this event. They are a no-kill cat shelter and are made up of all unpaid volunteers, dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and kittens, furnishing them with treatment for injuries or other health issues and then placing them into new forever homes with compatible owners. They are a non-profit, 501(C)3 charitable corporation where all donations are fully tax-deductible and every penny of every donation is used in the caring of cats. Consider adopting a new life-long forever-friend!

Interested in becoming a vendor at the event? Contact Sherry or Rick Tobin, at (603) 672-2535.

Acton Police Department Shares Ongoing Success of Clinical Responder Program

ACTON: Interim Chief Jim Cogan wishes to share the ongoing success of the Acton Police Department’s clinician outreach program:

Bethany Van Emburgh joined the Department as its first full-time clinician in January 2022. She uses a trauma-informed and person-first model to de-escalate crises, and offers ongoing support and advocacy for all she comes into contact with. Van Emburgh, an Acton native, is a full-time non-uniformed Department member. The position is funded through a multi-year grant from the state Department of Mental Health. In the first year of the clinician program:

Referrals to a Jail/Arrest Diversion Program totaled 508, with 155 in the final three months of 2022.
Van Emburgh followed up on 427 cases. Follow-ups can include visits to the home, phone calls, meetings with the individual and other collaterals, or a mixture of these. Out of the 508 cases that were referred to the clinician, 427 follow up activities were completed, with the others either being referred to other agencies or just declined follow-up services.
The number of individuals referred by the Department to a general or psychiatric hospital for evaluation decreased from 110 in 2020 and 95 in 2021 to 81 in 2022.

Van Emburgh assists with a wide variety of community-based services. She connects residents with mental-health and substance misuse programs, coordinates with local and state service organizations, and ensures services are accessible and equitable. She trains officers to provide new skills when responding to mental-health calls, and serves as a co-first responder when needed. She also works to proactively intervene in situations that may not require a public safety response.

Chief Cogan and Van Emburgh cited the case of a resident who became disconnected from their usual support network, and began calling the Department regularly for assistance. While the resident was in no immediate danger the responding officer could spend 45 to 90 minutes at their home, diverting that officer from other duties.

Van Emburgh worked with the resident over several months to reconnect them to their support systems and allow the resident to access the more appropriate services and supports to meet their needs.

Acton had been part of a consortium with a single co-responding clinician shared among several police departments. Then-Chief Richard Burrows decided Acton needed its own dedicated clinician.

“I’ve been a big supporter of this since it started in 2015, and felt we were getting so much out of it,” Chief Cogan said. “Today, with expanded services, we’re seeing a major difference.”

Chief Cogan is exploring ways to expand the clinician program and increase its impact in the community. Community members interested in the clinician program, or who would like to connect with Van Emburgh, are asked to contact her at 978-929-7515 or bvanemburgh@actonma.gov.

Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean's List

CONCORD/CARLISLE/ACTON: Congratulations to the following local students who were named to the 2022 fall semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston:

Francesca Servello, Acton (01720)
Emma Ely, Carlisle (01741)
Annie Kinzlmaier, Concord (01742)
Olivia Palmer, Concord (01742)
Emma Wilcoxson, Concord (01742)

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.

Three Acton Firefighters Graduate from Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's Career Recruit Program

ACTON: Chief Robert Hart and the Acton Fire Department are pleased to announce that three Acton firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Career Recruit Program. Firefighter/ Paramedic's Cote Kilbride and Justin Mercuio, and Susan Lombard were among 23 firefighters who graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's Career Recruit Program Class 309. Firefighter/Paramedic Lombard joined Acton Fire in April 2022, Firefighter/ Paramedic Kilbride joined in May 2022, and Firefighter/Paramedic Mercuio joined in August 2021.

The 10-week program prepares firefighters for basic firefighting, including search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, fire attack and life safety lessons, as well as non-fire responses and hazardous material response.

“I would like to congratulate our members for their completion of the Career Recruit Program,” said Chief Hart. “Our members are dedicated individuals, and I would like to wish Firefighter/Paramedic Lombard, Firefighter Kilbride and Firefighter Mercuio the best of luck in this next chapter of their careers.”

At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, firefighter recruits learn a wide range of skills in an intensive 10-week program. Certified and more experienced firefighters lead classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and firefighting practice. Students are given training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, confined space rescue techniques and rappelling. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program, all students have met national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001.

PHOTO: (From left) Firefighter/Paramedics Susan Lombard, Cote Kilbride and Justin Mercuio.

The Boxborough Finance Committee Completes Work on the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Finance Committee has completed its work on the Fiscal Year 2024 operating budget to be presented at Annual Town Meeting which starts at 7pm on May 8 at Blanchard School. Boxborough registered voters who attend Annual Town Meeting vote on the budget.

This year’s budget represents an increase of 4.8%. Education, including the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District assessment and vocational technical education, accounts for 55% of the annual budget. The remaining 45% of the budget funds Town Government, including Police, Fire, Town Hall, the Department of Public Works and the Library. The non-education portion of the budget also funds employee and pension benefits, debt service, insurance and the reserve fund.

Maria Neyland, Chair of the Finance Committee said, “This year’s budget ensures fairness to taxpayers and meets the needs of the town without sacrificing essential services.”

At the recommendation of Michael Johns, Town Administrator, the Finance Committee agreed to reorganize and streamline several smaller budgets. Utilities, maintenance, landscaping, and Steele Farm were moved into a single budget. The only exception was Hager Well, which serves Blanchard School, a part of the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District.

Neyland said, “The budget process was efficient and seamless, thanks in large part to a strong working relationship with the Town Administrator.”

The Finance Committee meets every Tuesday during the budgeting season leading up to the Annual Town Meeting. All members of the public are encouraged to attend FinCom meetings. Agendas are posted on the Town’s website. Agenda Center • Boxborough, MA • CivicEngage (boxborough-ma.gov).

Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley Awards Scholarships to Local Students for Upcoming (RYLA) Conference in June

The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley announced that it has awarded scholarships to this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference to be held in June. The lucky scholarship winners are Nevaeh Duplessis, Vincenzo Porfino, Riley Dinjian and Madison Oxnard.

Robert Johnson, local Committee Chairperson, said that the chosen students will be among the more than 150 Massachusetts high school sophomores who will attend the RYLA Conference. Aimed at developing the leadership potential of young men and women, the conference will feature many thought-provoking events including interactive Leadership Labs, exciting guest speakers, and challenging mental and physical activities that will provide the participants with a chance to excel amongst and with their peers. Topics will include decision-making, critical thinking, communicating effectively, ethics, and public service. To be chosen, the candidates needed to qualify by showing leadership potential and good citizenship characteristics and showing a strong desire to attend and benefit from the conference. Additionally, in their individual interviews, they needed to stand out from the other applicants.

Congratulations from the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley to this year’s scholarship winners and their families! Anyone interested in obtaining further information should visit www.ryla7910.org or contact
Robert Johnson at johnson@itesafety.com, (978) 875-3143 or any other member of the Nashoba Valley Rotary Club.

Open Table Benefits from Local Rotarians' Grant Funding & Donation Drive

Open Table is benefitting from local Rotarians’ grant funding and donation drive. The Maynard-based charity is dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities in 21 local communities, including Acton, Boxborough, Concord, and Maynard. Open Table’s mission is to end hunger by providing healthy food in ways that respect the dignity and diversity of the people it serves.

"We are so grateful for this partnership with the Rotary Club of Concord and the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough," states Alexandra DePalo, executive director of Open Table. "Many of the individuals and families we serve need the personal-care items that these clubs will collect. This initiative will have a major positive impact on so many members of our community."

The Concord and Acton-Boxborough clubs have partnered to provide a total of $5,000 in Rotary grant funding to Open Table. The two clubs are also conducting a donation drive to provide Open Table with personal-care items are not covered by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP. They are seeking donations from the general public of the following five sets of personal-care items:

- Diapers: Sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6. Each month, Open Table needs 260 each of these sizes. The largest box of any brand in those sizes will be great because Open Table needs two (2) boxes of each size per month.
- Baby Wipes – Standard Size: 24 to 36 packets per month.
- Laundry Detergent and Dish Soap: 400 units per month.
- Toothpaste and Shampoo: 400 units per month.

Here, alphabetically, are Concord’s and Maynard’s nine donation-bin locations:

- Action Unlimited, 100 Domino Dr., Concord
- Coldwell Banker, 11 Main Street, Concord
- Concord Teacakes, 59 Commonwealth Ave., Concord
- Frame-ables, 111 Thoreau St., Concord
- Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest, 200 Baker Ave. Suite 205, Concord
- Middlesex Bank, 64 Main St., Concord
- Minute Man Arc Early Intervention, 1269 Main St., Concord
- Spirits Liquor Store, Maynard Crossing, 4 Digital Way, Suite 3, Maynard (next to
Market Basket)
- The Thoreau Club, 275 Forest Ridge Rd., Concord

And here, alphabetically, are Acton’s and Boxborough’s seven donation-bin locations:

- Boxborough Liquors & Convenience, 1233 Massachusetts Ave., Boxborough
- Citizens Bank, Gould’s Plaza, 270 Great Rd., Acton
- Donelan's Supermarket, Gould’s Plaza, 248 Great Rd., Acton
- Extra Steps Pediatric Therapies, 222 Main St., Acton
- Gould’s Clothing, Gould's Plaza, 260 Great Rd., Acton
- Roche Brothers Supermarket, 387 Massachusetts Ave., Acton
- Stop & Shop Supermarket, Powder Mill Plaza, 100 Powder Mill Rd., Acton

Members of both the Rotary Club of Concord and the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough are "People of Action" in "Service above Self" - both locally and worldwide. To learn more, visit RotaryClubOfConcord.org and ActonBoxboroughRotary.org. For additional information, contact Acton-Boxborough President Steve Jones-D'Agostino at either abrotaryclub@gmail.com or email the Concord at info@rotaryclubofconcord.org.

Boxborough Elections

BOXBOROUGH: Have you ever thought about running for a Town elected office? If so, check out the Boxborough Town Clerk and the League of Women Voters – Acton Area websites. Everything you need to participate in local elections as a voter or as a candidate is there. The League website features videos with advice from former candidates and candidate checklists. Explore the links below to learn about open positions in Boxborough and key dates for voter registration, elections and Town Meeting. Boxborough has vacancies for skilled and engaged citizens like you!

IMPORTANT DATES:
Deadline for pulling nomination papers: March 24, 2023
Last day to submit nomination papers: March 28, 2023
Open Positions (Position, # pos, Term)

Select Board, 2, 3-year term
Select Board, 1, 1-year term
School Committee, 2, 3-year term
Planning Board, 2, 3-year term
Library Trustees, 2, 3-year term
Board of Health, 1, 3-year term
Constable, 0, 3-year term
Town Moderator, 1, 1-year term
Town Clerk, 0, 3-year term

League of Women Voters Election Resources: https://bit.ly/LWV-ActonArea

Boxborough Website: https://bit.ly/boxboroughelections

“Boxborough Bill” Celebration Held

BOXBOROUGH: About 80 people gathered recently at Boxborough’s Sargent Memorial Library, to celebrate passage of the “Boxborough Bill,” legislation allowing the town to qualify as a Green Community. Boxborough Sustainability Committee Chair Francie Nolde welcomed everyone to the event and thanked State Sen. Jamie Eldridge and State Rep. Dan Sena for initiating and supporting the bill, which Governor Charlie Baker signed last October.

Nolde explained that the bill, which Sen. Eldridge dubbed the “Boxborough Bill,” now allows the town to vote at annual town meeting, May 8-11, to qualify to apply for grants to improve energy conservation in town buildings and vehicles. Voters will be asked if they will accept an annual electric surcharge of an average of $5.04 per household to add to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center which joins other state funds to pay for the program. Residents may ask questions about the article and the next steps the town must take to becoming a Green Community at an open, virtual forum on April 11 at 7pm. The Sustainability Committee will provide a Zoom link and details soon.

Nolde added, “We have already met three of five criteria needed to join 290 of the state’s 351 municipalities as Green Communities. Upon meeting those criteria, we will receive an estimated $130,000 to improve energy efficiency.” She also asked citizens to go to EnergizeBoxborough.org to “find many opportunities to improve your carbon footprint.”

Sen. Eldridge thanked the Sustainability Committee, and all Boxborough people working to improve energy efficiency, for “coming together” to encourage Rep. Sena and Sen. Eldridge to create a bill making it possible for towns like Boxborough, to become Green. He explained that because Boxborough is served exclusively by a municipal (consumer financed) light company, with not even one home connected to a public (investor owned) electric company, the town could not apply for state grants. The “Boxborough Bill” removed that restriction, and Sen. Eldridge emphasized that the bipartisan support for the bill on Beacon Hill proved “we can accomplish much by working together.”

Rep. Sena thanked the Sustainability Committee and everyone present for contributing to the effort. He said, “Boxborough is leading in many ways to fight climate change.”

Attending the event to talk with residents were Peishan Bartley, Sargent Library Director; Bryon Clemence, Water Resources Committee; Kate Davies, Sustainability Committee; Heather Fleming, FreeBee Market co-founder; Rita Grossman, Boxborough Conservation Trust President; Marjorie Kamp, 2040 Book Club founder; Liz Markiewicz, Conservation Commission Chair; and Rebecca Verner, Planning Board. Francie Nolde expressed gratitude to Energy New England’s chief strategy officer, Vin Ragucci, and Littleton Electric Light Company general manager Nick Lawler and his team for their work on the Boxborough Bill.

Because he could not attend the celebration, Ragucci wrote, “Thanks to the effort of Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Sena, the bill made its way from three separate bills … to a final bill … signed by Gov. Baker. This is a huge accomplishment and shows that with teamwork, we can make just about anything happen!”

Nolde also thanked library director Bartley “for opening Sargent Library for us on a night when it is usually closed.” Boxborough Fire Police Chief Paul Fillebrown estimated the attendance at 80 and expressed enthusiasm for the size and the “glow” of the gathering.

Help Maynard Tree Corps Purchase & Plant Trees Downtown

MAYNARD: On March 18 at 3pm in Maynard Fine Arts Theatre, 19 Summer Street, have fun and help beautify Maynard's downtown. Join Steve and Lizza Smith of Keller Williams Realty in support of Maynard Tree Corps to view the inspirational movie Kiss the Ground. Admission to the movie is free and donations are gratefully accepted (but not required) for the Maynard Tree Corps to purchase and plant native trees in Maynard's beautiful downtown. The more donations we collect, the more trees we will plant. Register for your free tickets on Eventbrite.

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Maynard Community Information Fair

MAYNARD: The Maynard Library and the Friends of the Library will be hosting a Community Information Fair on March 18 from 10:30 to noon at the library. Representatives from more than 35 organizations and town committees will be on hand to talk about their work, services and special events. Newcomers to town, newly retired people, empty-nesters with more time on their hands or anyone wanting to get more involved post-pandemic can learn about membership and volunteer opportunities. People can also learn about how to stay informed about community events and activities. The participating groups’ missions cover a range of issues including children and education, seniors, environment and gardening, community, food and food insecurity, health, local history, culture and arts, sustainability, civics, tax and legal issues, housing, scouting and pets. The list of participating groups can be found at www.maynardpubliclibrary.org/community-info. The Maynard Library is located at 77 Nason Street. Additional parking is at the town lot on Summer Street.

BCTrust Annual Meeting: Conservation & Stewardship at Mount Auburn Cemetery

BOXBOROUGH: You may have seen marathoner Dave Barnett out running the streets of Boxborough, but now you can find out what else he’s been up to for nearly three decades before recently retiring. Boxborough Conservation Trust is excited to announce that new Board Member, and long-time Boxborough resident, Dave Barnett will be the speaker at BCT’s Annual Meeting on March 21 at 7pm at the Sargent Memorial Library. All are welcome to join this free event, the first of several that will celebrate BCTrust’s 25th Anniversary this year!

As President & CEO Emeritus, Dave Barnett spent 28 years at Mount Auburn leading a transition to more ecologically friendly landscape design and maintenance practices on this 175-acre site in Cambridge/Watertown. A primary focus of Dave’s presentation will be the restoration of a four-acre portion of the cemetery to the New England woodland that was eloquently described at the founding of Mount Auburn in 1831. Phased over 25 years, this project included the removal of Norway maples and other invasive species and the planting of several thousand plants native to New England, comprising 120 species of trees, shrubs and woodland groundcovers. With a vernal pool in the center of this woodland, preserving the habitat for the significant population of Spotted salamanders was a key focus. The project also included the successful re-introduction of American toads, Gray tree frogs and Spring peepers – which had all disappeared from Mount Auburn due to past “cemetery maintenance” practices.

Dave will also share examples of other smaller-scale projects, ranging from a butterfly/pollinator garden to the replacement of turf with native species of groundcovers to the planting of bird-attracting trees and shrubs. Images from Dave’s own property in Boxborough will attempt to reiterate what last year’s annual meeting speaker, Doug Tallamy, told us about how all of us individually can “bring nature home” and make a difference in making the earth more resilient and wildlife friendly.