The Middlesex County 4-H Fair is from August 28-30, 8am-6pm, except for Sunday, when it closes at 4pm. The fairground is located at 55 South Chelmsford Road, Westford. There is parking at the fairgrounds, as well as additional parking with a free shuttle that drops off at the gate.
The fair is family-friendly and geared towards kids, but is enjoyable for all ages. There is livestock which includes horses, goats, dogs, cows, chickens, rabbits, and sheep.  The animals are shown by 4-H youth, who compete for ribbons and also to entertain the public.
The showing class is where animals are displayed and are judged on how well they handle and how they look. Some of the highlights in livestock are the horse shows, rabbit races, the chicken poop bingo and dog agility.
In addition to livestock, 4-H members are also judged on various projects, which are displayed in the Static Barn. Examples of projects include: arts and crafts, home-grown produce, photography, bee and maple products, and a wide variety of posters - just to name a few.
One of the most popular activities is the hay ride, which allows people to see the whole fair while riding a tractor. There are also various shows and performances, corn husking and a watermelon eating contest, bouncy house, and lots of fair food.
4-H youth help run parts of the fair, and it is not uncommon to see them as you walk around. The fair happens once a year, but 4-H members spend all year working on their projects, taking care of, and training their animals. These 3 days of the fair allow the pubic to see all their hard work.
There is enough at the fair that you will not get bored, but it isn’t large like the Topsfield or BigE fair. The fair has been relatively unchanged since its founding in 1956. We like to stick to the roots of what a county fair really is.
4-H is a youth organization founded in 1902, with 6 million youth nationwide and 5,148 in Massachusetts. Although the roots of 4-H are in agriculture, it has expanded to a wide range of interests including STEM education. 4-H focuses on developing skills like public speaking, record keeping, leadership, and working on year long projects with animals or plants which teaches patience and hard work.

 

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

With the September 1st state primary fast approaching, Middlesex County voters can hear directly from the two Democratic candidates vying to lead the county’s District Attorney office. Incumbent District Attorney Marian Ryan and challenger David Solet, a former longtime prosecutor in the office, appeared recently at a candidate forum taped at NewTV’s studios in Newton. The tape of the forum is online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA.

The forum was organized by a coalition of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and local League of Women Voters chapters – including the Westford League – in coordination with NewTV, Newton’s local media outlet. Following League practice, the forum was structured around a series of moderated questions submitted by community members in advance, with both candidates having equal time to respond and lay out their vision for the office.

Since there is no candidate for District Attorney on the Republican primary ballot, the winner of the Democratic primary will be the presumptive next District Attorney.

As chief prosecutor for Middlesex County, the DA decides whether to bring charges, prosecutes criminal cases, and works with police during investigations, with a duty to pursue fair outcomes, not just convictions.

The taped forum is now online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA, giving voters time to watch it before heading to the polls in the state primary election on Tuesday, September 1. Registered Democrats, as well as unenrolled voters (aka “independent” voters) and those enrolled in political “designations” who choose the Democratic ballot, can vote in this race.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information, go to https://lwv.westford.org/.

 

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

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

Monday Movie Matinee
Strangers on a Train
Monday, August 24th, 1:00-2:40pm
(1951, PG) Alfred Hitchcock film noir about a psychopath trying to forcibly persuade a tennis star to agree to his theory that two strangers can get away with murder by killing the other person’s most-hated person. Stars Farley Granger, Robert Walker, and Ruth Roman. Showing this film is made possible by support of the Acton Memorial Library.

Genealogy Group                                                          
Tuesdays, August 25th, 1:00-2:00pm
Discover your family history in a supportive environment. Novice, experienced, or simply the curious are welcome. Learn the basics, get advice, and share new discoveries and strategies. Emphasis is on research methods, presentation formats, and the meaningfulness of preserving the past for future generations. For the second monthly meeting, bring your portable computer (or at least a notebook) with the goal of expanding

Dizziness and Balance Program
Tuesday, August 25th, 1:00pm                                                                               
Open to all 60+/free                   
Join Encompass Health for a program at the Acton Senior Center. Do you know that 20-40% of community dwelling adults 65+ years old fall at home*? Our physical therapist will discuss what factors contribute to dizziness and balance, and what you can do to decrease your risk of falling. You will also learn exercises and activities that you incorporate into your everyday life. We will also identify potential safety risks in your home and your environment. Sign up is required.

Remember Music Student Performance
Tuesday, August 25th, 3:00-4:00pm              
Open to all age 60+/free
Remember Music is a student-led musical outreach program that brings live performances to participants at the Senior Center. Talented musicians perform a variety of instruments, including piano, cello, flute, creating an engaging and uplifting musical experience for residents. Each performance is designed to foster connection, relaxation and joy through the shared experience of music.

Technology Assistance Clinic
August 26th, 1:30-3:00pm                                
Open to all 60+/free        
All seniors are welcome to participate in this drop-in Technology Clinic whenever the need arises.  Bring your technology questions, problems, and issues related to your computer, phone, or tablet. If possible, bring the problem hardware with you to the session.  Several regular attendees are willing to share their experiences, and work with you, one-on-one, to address technology issues, from Windows system difficulties, email setups/usage, networking issues, upgrades, and assistance with “how do I” frustrations. MAC and Chrome/Android users are welcome.  If you are unable to attend in person and would like to talk with a Clinic member via Zoom or phone, please contact the COA and we will forward your information to a Clinic member.

Your Next Chapter: Buying & Selling After 55 with Marie Cumming, SRES®
Thursday, August 27th, 1:00-2:00pm                                                                        
Open to all/free
Marie Cumming, Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), will host an educational seminar designed to help homeowners age 55+ navigate their next housing chapter with confidence. She will be joined by Matt Lazowski, Senior Mortgage Specialist, and Rafael Svelti, Certified Financial Planner™, who will share their expertise. Attendees will learn about downsizing and rightsizing options, current market conditions, mortgage solutions for seniors, and how financial planning will play a critical role in long-term financial security. The goal of the seminar will be to empower seniors with clarity and practical guidance so they can move forward confidently—whether staying put, downsizing, or beginning an entirely new chapter.

Bodacious the Therapy Dog Visit
Wednesdays, 10:00am to 12noon                                               
Open to all 60+/free
Visit with Bodacious, a sweet golden-doodle, and his handler Dick at the Senior Center. Bodacious and Dick are members of Dog B.O.N.E.S. [Building Opportunities for Nurturing & Emotional Support) Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts. Bodacious is gentle, friendly, affectionate, and hypo-allergenic.

The Spiritual Growth and Community Center (SGCC) is the outreach program arm of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley, located in Stow, MA. Founded at the Unitarian Church of Marlboro and Hudson (UCMH) in 2008, the SGCC moved to its new home in Stow following UCMH’s merger with the First Parish Church of Stow & Acton in 2026.

For over seventeen years, the SGCC has been living its mission, providing the Assabet Valley region with high-quality, inspirational programs, classes, and events to awaken curiosity, joy, compassion, and personal growth for the mind, body, and spirit.

To welcome SGCC to Stow, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV) is offering a startup special: from now through September 30, 2026, all of our recurring programs are free (except for materials cost, and beverages for Pub Theology). All are welcome! Unless otherwise stated, all events will take place at UUCAV, 353 Great Road 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.

The SGCC is run by our SGCC Director, Cynthia Menard, and the SGCC Committee, a Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley. For more information on joining the committee or hosting an event, contact Cynthia Menard at sgcc@uucav.org. For a listing of programming offerings, to register for upcoming events, or just to learn more about SGCC, visit our website at www.uucav.org/sgcc.

Fall is just around the corner, which means it’s apple pie season at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV, formerly First Parish Church of Stow and Acton)! Our volunteers will soon be hard at work picking, prepping, and baking our famous homemade apple pies.

Sales begin September 19 and will run every Saturday and Sunday through October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to noon – or until we’re sold out, so be sure to come early!

Each 3 lb. pie is $20, and mini pies are $10. You’ll find the apple pie stand right out front at 353 Great Road in Stow, on Route 117 near the Route 62 intersection.

Special thanks to Shelburne Farm of Stow for generously donating the apples for the pies.

For 50 years, Minuteman Senior Services has provided older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers with the information and assistance they need to make informed decisions about their care and support. The need for volunteer meal drivers is growing as more older adults depend on home-delivered meals to remain safely and independently at home. Just a few hours of your time each month can help ensure that local seniors receive nutritious meals and the social connection that comes with a friendly visit.
We are seeking caring volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound older adults from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekdays. Volunteers can choose to serve once a week or twice a month. Mileage reimbursement is available. This simple commitment can have a lasting impact on the life of an older adult in your community. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 781-221-7093 or email volunteer@MinutemanSenior.org.

• Bella Mojica, Acton

August 18, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society begins its 21st Season with a concert titled “Autumn Winds” at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard on September 25 and at Assumption University in Worcester on September 26.  A reception will follow each concert.
The chamber music ensemble opens the season with three pieces written in three centuries. Mozart and Brahms each composed works in their masterful styles that display the virtuosity of the hornist and clarinetist for whom they were written. In 1782 shortly after his marriage, Mozart composed his Horn Quintet for friend Joseph Leutgeb; Leutgeb played a natural horn which, unlike modern French horns, lacked valves, relying instead on a variety of crooks and hand-stopping techniques to play the instrument’s full range. In 1891, Brahms wrote his Clarinet Trio for Richard Mühlfeld, whose fine musicianship inspired Brahms to begin composing again after an intentional retirement. Dohnányi’s Sextet showcases both instruments in a work that nods to Brahms while delighting in its own eccentricity and sass. In 1935, Dohnányi wrote this piece during a long illness.

Friday, September 25 @7:30PM Saturday, September 26 @7:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
9 Ayer Road, Harvard 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM

Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K.407/386c
Johannes Brahms | Clarinet Trio, Op. 114
Ernő Dohnányi | Sextet, Op. 37

Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians:
Krista Buckland Reisner and Rohan Gregory, violin
Mark Berger, viola
Peter Sulski, viola
David Russell, cello
Joshua Gordon, cello
Randall Hodgkinson, piano
With guests Gary Gorczyca, clarinet; Clark Matthews, French horn
All venues are handicapped accessible.

Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/autumn-winds/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624

Event: Northboro Junior Woman’s Club 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair
Date: Saturday, November 7,2026
Time: 9:00AM-3:00PM
Place: Robert E. Mexican Middle School,  145 Lincoln Street, Northboro, MA

Jurying Information: This is a juried show requiring that all items are handmade. Please visit NJWC’S website for applications and more show details. www.northborojuniors.org/craft-fair.html

The Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization that has been active in Northboro for over 40 years. They support community projects in Northboro as well as internationally. The Harvest Fair is the club’s major fundraiser.

 

Regional initiative expands capacity to produce, process, and store locally adapted seed needed for ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

WAYLAND, MA — As climate change fuels increasingly severe storms, flooding, drought, wildfire, and habitat loss across the United States, demand for native plants and seed for ecological restoration has reached unprecedented levels. To help address a critical shortage of locally adapted, locally grown native seed throughout the Northeast, Native Plant Trust has launched the Restoration Accelerator™, a regional initiative designed to expand the production, processing, and storage of native seed for habitat
restoration, conservation, and horticultural use.
“Restoring ecosystems at scale begins with seed,” Native Plant Trust CEO Tim Johnson said. “By investing in the infrastructure, partnerships, and scientific expertise needed to expand native seed
production, we are helping ensure that future generations inherit landscapes that are healthier, more
diverse, and more resilient than those we see today.”
Native plant communities form the foundation of healthy ecosystems, supporting pollinators and wildlife, protecting water quality, storing carbon, stabilizing soils, and helping landscapes withstand environmental change. Yet even as demand for native plants grows, the supply of locally adapted seed has struggled to keep pace.
“As the pace of ecological change increases, preserving local adaptation is increasingly important for building resilience in ecosystems. We will not win this battle by simply introducing more plants from the south. The flora of the Northeast will adapt, and we can support this process by ensuring all the pieces remain in place. Gardens, designed spaces, and restoration projects all help shepherd the ecosystems in which we live into the future by valuing the use of locally adapted native plant material,” says Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture at Native Plant Trust.
The need is urgent. A 2023 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that ecological restoration in the 21st century will be required at a scale never before seen, as native plant communities face mounting threats from climate change and environmental degradation. At the same time, restoration practitioners, conservation organizations, government agencies, and commercial growers across the country face a well-documented shortage of native seed, often using seed mixes with non-native species designed for different regions and lacking transparency about seed origins.
The Restoration Accelerator™ builds upon more than three decades of the Native Plant Trust's
nationally recognized expertise in seed banking, conservation, and native plant propagation. Based at
Nasami Farm, the organization's nursery in western Massachusetts, the program coordinates with seed
users and native plant and seed producers in Massachusetts to better understand needs and match
production to demand, offering seed and plant production services to restoration practitioners (i.e.,
seed users) on a contract basis. Those services include wild seed collection, nursery production, and
seed increase, and providing services to both new and experienced growers, including training and
consultation, wild-sourced starter seed, plugs for increase plots, seed processing services, and climate-
controlled seed storage. The facilities include a dedicated seed-processing building and a storage facility equipped with a cold-dry room and a long-term storage freezer, enabling growers to clean, process, and safely store large quantities of seed while maintaining viability and quality.

For more information about the Restoration Accelerator™, please contact ra@nativeplanttrust.org.

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

   With some hot summer days behind us and some still to come you might not be thinking of blankets and comforters.  However, Fresh Start has a massive need for all sizes of blankets and  comforters right now.  We also always need shower curtains and liners and hooks.  A lot of our clients move into a new home and find there is no curtain in the shower.
     For kitchenware we need measuring cups, both for dry and liquid, and measuring spoons.  Also cutting boards and drinking glasses.
     Finally, we are currently low on tables & chairs and end tables.
      Please check our website (above) for more information, for our location in Hudson and for our hours.  We accept donations in good (not necessarily new)condition on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-noon for household items and on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30 for furniture and until noon for household items.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.

Acton, MA – Discovery Museum will host local author Julie Carrick Dalton to discuss her acclaimed new novel, The Forest Becomes Her, on Wednesday, September 23, 7:30pm. The novel is set in Concord, MA. The event is free with pre-registration.
In a fireside chat with Discovery Museum CEO Marie Beam, Julie will discuss the novel's themes of environmental loss, grief, resilience, and our enduring connection to forests. Together, they'll explore a question that feels more urgent than ever: If today's children never develop a meaningful relationship with nature in the first place, what do we risk losing—not only environmentally, but culturally and emotionally?
This event is for adults only. Space is limited. Museum exhibit galleries will be closed. Light refreshments will be served.

What: An Evening with Julie Carrick Dalton, author of The Forest Becomes Her
When: Wednesday, September 23, 7:30pm
Where: Discovery Museum, 177 Main Street, Acton, MA
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required in advance at https://bit.ly/DaltonSept2026; space is limited
Who: Adults only

 

Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members. DVSN advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 partner communities.

The 40-hour, 3-week training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic
violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The September/October 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on
September 28 through October 16.

Week 1: Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
Week 2: Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
Week 3: Tuesday* and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
*Due to the Monday, Oct. 12, holiday.

For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.
DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

 

Westborough, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) invites singers and music lovers from throughout Central Massachusetts to its annual Summer Sing on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation B'nai Shalom, 117 East Main Street, Westborough, MA.
Whether you're an experienced choral singer, someone who simply enjoys singing for fun, or a listener who appreciates beautiful music, everyone is welcome. This unique event brings community members together with Assabet Valley Mastersingers in the audience to sing side by side in an informal, welcoming setting. Those who prefer not to sing are invited to simply relax and enjoy the music.
This year's “Summer Sing” features two inspiring choral masterworks: Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg and Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. Scores will be available for those who do not have their own music, so there is no need to bring anything but your enthusiasm.
Illuminare is an uplifting contemporary work in which light gradually returns, hope is restored, and our future is illuminated and guided in peace. Paired with Fauré's timeless Requiem, known for its comforting message of eternal rest and serenity, the evening offers an unforgettable musical experience for both singers and listeners.
Under the direction of Dr. Robert P. Eaton, who founded the Assabet Valley Mastersingers in 1978, the Summer Sing is designed to be enjoyable and accessible for all. No audition or previous choral experience is required—just a love of music and a willingness to participate.
Event Information
Summer Sing
Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Congregation B'nai Shalom
117 East Main Street
Westborough, MA
Admission: $10.00 at the door or online at www.avmsingers.org.
About Assabet Valley Mastersingers
Founded in 1978 by Artistic Director Dr. Robert P. Eaton, the Assabet Valley Mastersingers is a regional chorus dedicated to artistic excellence and innovative programming. AVM presents performances throughout the MetroWest communities, including Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, Marlborough, and surrounding towns. The chorus brings together talented volunteer singers and professional musicians to perform celebrated choral masterworks, lesser-known gems, and newly commissioned works.
For additional information, please visit www.avmsingers.org or contact Tricia Campero at tcampero@avmsingers.org.

Begun as a labor of love and becoming a local tradition, the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival returns for its fifth consecutive year on Saturday, September 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV, formerly First Parish Church of Stow and Acton). The festival will include local craft beer brewers, food trucks, live music, and a separate, dedicated children’s area with games and crafts.

General admission is $10 suggested donation per person, with those 12 and under admitted free. Drink tickets for beer or hard cider are $6, and soft drinks and bottled water will be available at food trucks.

The festival will take place rain or shine in Stow Town Center at 353 Great Road. The facilities at UUCAV are wheelchair accessible with accessible parking. For more information, email craftbeerfest@uucav.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @AssabetCraftBeer.

Where: Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Rd, Acton, MA
When: Saturday, September 12th – 2:00pm-5:00pm

Join us for Wide Open Doors: a free community event at Acton Congregational Church.
There will be an open mic for music, poetry, and readings, along with barbeque and children’s activities.

We also welcome our local community exhibits: AB Compass/Resource Room, Acton Food Pantry, and more!

All are welcome to join us for an afternoon of fun, inspiration, and community.
Questions? Email the office at office@actonc.org.

ACTON, MA — The Apple Valley Catholic Community (AVCC) will host its Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 89 Arlington Street, Acton, MA. This is open to all and a family-friendly charity event that aims to bring the community together for an afternoon of food, ice cream, craft beer, live music, dancing and games. Admission is a suggested donation of $10, and children under 12 are free.
For more information, or to skip the line and get tickets ahead of time, visit avcatholic.org or view the official event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/927818830348780/

August 15, 2026  Acton, MA — Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts announces its submission of a request for funding from the USDA Rural Development Housing Preservation Grant.

Funds awarded will be used to assist very low and low-income homeowners in repairing and preserving their homes in western Middlesex and northern Worcester counties.

The public is invited to comment by contacting Carolyn Read at 978-348-2749 or by mail within 15 days of this announcement.

The statement of activities for this grant is available at Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts at 416 Great Road, Acton.

BOSTON – Following recent targeted cyberattacks on water systems spanning several U.S. states, the Office of Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, through the work of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust (the Trust) and in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), are highlighting the need for investments in cybersecurity at local drinking water facilities to protect public health and safety. The state is supporting this vital need through the Public Water Suppliers Cybersecurity Improvements Grant Program, created to combat the growing threat of these malicious attacks. The program is currently accepting applications and communities can apply as soon as possible.
“As cyber threats become more frequent and sophisticated, we must ensure our local water suppliers have the resources they need to protect their systems,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. “This grant program allows our state's smaller and most at need communities to continue improving critical security infrastructure to safeguard public health for their residents.”
While the nature of the recent attacks is still under review, it is understood that hackers are remotely accessing PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), changing administrator passwords and causing disruption to operations not limited to but including pressure loss and flooding. Outdated software, weak network security, vulnerable access controls and a lack of employee cybersecurity training are all threats to critical US water infrastructure.
“Massachusetts has some of the oldest infrastructure in the nation, and it was built long before cybersecurity was a consideration,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Water systems, particularly those in small, rural, and underserved communities, face heightened risks due to aging infrastructure and limited funding. As cyber risks continue to evolve, MassDEP is committed to ensuring water systems have the financial and technical resources they need to safeguard the water residents rely on every day.”
Massachusetts is working closely with its public water suppliers to assess risk and mitigate attacks with the help of $2 million in grant funding made available by the Trust and MassDEP.
Since 2024, the Trust and MassDEP have been offering grants for up to $50,000 to eligible Public Water Suppliers (PWSs) with a cybersecurity risk assessment and at-risk operational technology equipment. To be eligible to apply, a PWS must meet criteria as a small system or a disadvantaged community.
The program’s goal is to support PWSs in improving their cybersecurity defense, mitigate risks of cyberattacks, and enhance overall resiliency and compliance. The grant supports projects that address cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified through PWS cybersecurity assessments that could impact the quality or quantity of our drinking water.
As of July 2026, the program has provided $1.3 million in grants to 38 water systems. Public Water systems are eligible to receive up to $50,000 through the State Revolving Fund to mitigate cyber risks.
MassDEP anticipates an increase in grant applications as cybersecurity needs continue to grow and the statewide sanitary survey, which includes cybersecurity requirements, prompts more PWSs to apply for funding. In addition to grant funding, MassDEP created a Cybersecurity Resource Hub to provide resources for Public Water Systems across the state. The hub includes assessments, training, and emergency planning tools for public water systems.

For More Information 
To see if your water system is eligible for a cybersecurity improvement grant, visit the Trust’s Public Water Suppliers Cybersecurity Improvements Grant Program page for more details.

Join us September 23 at 7:30pm Nature, Childhood & The Future: An evening with author Julie Carrick Dalton Wednesday, September 23 7:30 pm at Discovery Museum, Acton
Join us for an evening with local author Julie Carrick Dalton, whose acclaimed new novel, The Forest Becomes Her, is set in neighboring Concord and explores the profound relationship between people and the natural world. 
In a fireside conversation with Discovery Museum CEO Marie Beam, Julie will discuss the novel's themes of environmental loss, grief, resilience, and our enduring connection to forests. Together, they'll explore a question that feels more urgent than ever: 

What happens if today's children never develop a relationship with nature?  

Through conversation and audience reflection, we'll consider why experiences in nature matter and what role each of us can play in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
Whether you're a reader, a parent, an educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of nature to shape our lives, we invite you to join us for an evening of thoughtful conversation, community, and inspiration. 
The free event is for adults only. Registration is required as seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served. Register Now at https://26033.blackbaudhosting.com/26033/An-Evening-with-Julie-Carrick-Dalton

Saturday, August 15 at 7pm | Summer Concert Series: Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli w/ Special Guest Anelise (Folk/Gospel/Soul)
“Storytellers at heart, [Diamond and Abatelli] combine a beautiful classical piano and a warm-toned guitar to make music that seeps into the soul and permeates the senses.” – Pulse Magazine
"Soulful singer/songwriters with substance and style wrapped in heavenly harmony"
Onsite vendor: IEMMALLO Wine
Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink, and are also invited to purchase beverages from our onsite vendor.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, $5 for students, FREE for kids!
Purchase tickets at 19Carter.org/summer-concert-series

Monday, August 17 at 2pm | Chat with Public Health Nurse Sandi!
Stop by to chat with Public Health Nurse Sandi Richard over tea or coffee. A wonderful opportunity to share your thoughts and concerns on all things health! All are welcome.

Saturday, August 22 at 10am | Parody Playhouse
A dynamic music and movement program led by experienced music teacher, award-winning songwriter, and toddler mom Erica Leigh! Bring your kiddoes (ages 0-6) and enjoy parodies of iconic artists with built-in time for caregivers to hang out! Please register in advance at 19Carter.org. Cost: $5 per family, or pay what you can! 

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

Selections focus on “Connections”, both musical and thematic, promoting visions of hope and shared humanity.
Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals, Monday evenings August 31, September 7, and September 14 at the First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9:15. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers.
Sunday, November 22, 2026, our season opens with Maurice Durufle's much beloved "Requiem".  Stylistic traditions and techniques spanning centuries are evident in this piece, composed in 1947, which is mainly contemplative, but breaks into memorable dramatic renderings of appropriate texts. Barbara Jones directs the chorus, accompanied by organ, strings, trumpets, harp and timpani, in the beautiful Salem Covenant Church just east of Worcester.
Building on the great success of Christopher Tin’s “To Shiver The Sky” (April, 2026), we eagerly anticipate performing his “The Drop that Contained the Sea” on April 11, 2027.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus is a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly encourage Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! We hope to see you this month!

For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email
soundsofstow@gmail.com

 

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey, is pleased to announce its 2026-2027 Season. All performances will take place in the auditorium of The Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (12 Green Road GPS) in Bolton MA, about a mile west of the center of town. Admission to all concerts is free, open to the public, and wheelchair accessible The season provides a wide variety of musical offerings:

Sunday, November 1, 2026, 3 pm. “Hallowe'en Revisited” includes The Masquerade Suite by Aram Khachaturian, Barbara York's Encountering Baba Yaga (featuring Andy Kern, alto saxophone), and Mussorgsky's A Night On Bald Mountain, as well as other spooky works!

Sunday, February 7, 2027, 2 pm. “Tales of Day's Past” showcases W. Francis McBeth's suite, Beowulf, with Cesar Franck's Psyche and Eros, and the iconic Sketches on a Tudor Hymn by Fisher Tull, with additional music by Leo Delibes and Karl King.

Sunday, May 2, 2027, 3 pm. “SOUSA!”with the entire Symphony on Themes by John Philip Sousa by Ira Hearshen. This incredible four-movement work is based on music from some of the “March King's” most beloved melodies: The Washington Post, The Thunderer, Fairest of the Fair, and Hands Across the Sea.

Thursday, June 10, 2027, 7:30 pm. “Hail and Farewell!”  As we move to new high school building. NSB will play the final concert in the Nashoba Regional High School Auditorium, saluting graduating Seniors and Alumni with performances of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, The NSB-commissioned Wolves of Nashoba, and solos by graduating Seniors.

In addition, The Nashoba Symphonic Band produces a series of Chamber Concerts performed by mixed groups of band members. Those concerts will be on Saturday afternoons, December 5, April 10 and May 1. Those programs will be announced in the fall.
The Nashoba Symphonic Band welcomes NEW PLAYERS at the beginning of each season and at rehearsals immediately following each concert. There are no auditions, but adult membership is limited to a certain number within each section. Students (grade 8 and above) are required to present a recommendation from their school instrumental director or private instructor. OPENINGS include: Oboe 1; two Clarinet 3; one Alto sax 2; two section Trumpet 2; two French horn; two or more Tuba.
Rehearsals of the Nashoba Symphonic Band are held 7-9 pm on Thursdays in the band room of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117, about a mile west of Bolton town center (GPS address in 12 Green Road, Bolton MA).

FIRST REHEARSAL  for the 2026-2027 Season will be  Thursday, September 3rd at 7 pm. in the band room of Nashoba Regional High School.
REGISTRATION for ALL new and returning members will begin at 6 pm. in the auditorium lobby.

Those wishing to become members should contact the director, David Bailey,  baileydavidwayne@gmail.com in advance. Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Friends of Music and supported in part by grants from the Cultural Councils in Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. All performances of the Nashoba Symphonic Band are free and open to the public.
 

 

• Brain & Language Development: Studies in early childhood education show that active participation in group music classes accelerates language acquisition, auditory processing, and spatial reasoning in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
• Social Regulation & Teamwork: Group rhythm circles, singing games, and shared play help young children learn turn-taking, emotional regulation, and cooperative skills in a gentle, supportive environment before stepping into traditional pre-K or elementary classrooms.
• Hands-On Technology at CCM 2: For older children and teens, the new CCM 2 Media Lab (15 Junction Square Drive) introduces young creators to modern digital music production, beat-making, and audio recording using software like GarageBand, fostering digital literacy alongside artistic expression.

• DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 1-3 PM
• LOCATIONS:
  • CCM Main Building: 1317 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742
  • CCM 2 Media Lab: 15 Junction Square Drive, Concord, MA 01742
• Admission: Free
• ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
  • Early childhood music and movement exploration for infants through age 5
  • Hands-on instrument try-outs (piano, strings, woodwinds, and percussion)
  • Interactive digital music and beat-making demos at the CCM 2 Media Lab
  • Meets-and-greets with CCM faculty members
  • Sign-ups for free class demo sessions

 

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

Monday Movie Matinee
Love Sarah
Monday, August 10th, 1:00-2:40pm
(2020) When Sarah dies in a bicycling accident, her mother, daughter and best friend put their differences aside to make Sarah’s dream of opening a London bakery come true. Heart-warming film stars Celia Imrie. Showing this film is made possible by support of the Acton Memorial Library.

Book Discussion Group with Ann Kulsick                                                
Tuesday, August 11th, 10:00-11:00am
Open to all 60+/free
August’s book is The Door to Door Book Store by Carsten Henn. Copies of the books are on hold for the group at Acton Memorial Library or check availability at Citizen’s Library (978-929-6654).

Gym Orientation                                                                       
Tuesday August 11th, 10:30am
Acton 60+ only
Anyone using the gym needs to attend an orientation by a COA staff member and sign an exercise waiver.  If you are interested in signing up call 978-929-6652.

Folk/Blue Grass Performance by You, Me, Her, & That Guy
Tuesday, August 11th, 2:00-3:00pm                                              
Open to all age 60+/free       
What better way to spend a summer afternoon than with live music?! This group is comprised of four friends who met at music classes and had such a good time that they banded together to keep learning! Much of the acoustic string band, Americana, and bluegrass music they love is old or inspired by the good old stuff. “We just want folks to hear it the way it may have sounded on front porches played by aunts and neighbors: live and (usually) unplugged.” Nearly everyone will recognize some of the band’s repertoire & there are some newer songs they want to introduce you to. You, Me, Her, & That Guy is Jim Clark (banjo), John Roberts (guitar, vocals), Laurelyn Roberts (vocals), Pat Sorenson (guitar, vocals).

Golden Rainbow & Friends Social Hour
Wednesday, August 12th, 2:00-3:00pm        
Open to all age 60+/free
People in the LGBTQ+ community and friends/allies are warmly welcome to this social hour facilitated by Rainbow Coordinator Rosie Latto. July 8th is National Blueberry Day so this delicious fruit will be the theme for the gathering! On August 12th, World Calligraphy Day, learn some basics of this technique which acts as a moving meditation, helping quiet the mind and lower stress by anchoring your focus to the present moment. Please sign up to attend with the Council on Aging or with Chris Chirokas at cchirokas@actonma.gov or 978-929-6652.

Reminiscing Round Table: Famous US Landmarks III
Thursday, August 13th, 1:00-2:00pm                                                
Open to all age 60+/free
People enjoy visiting famous US landmarks because they offer a powerful mix of history, natural beauty, & cultural identity, allowing travelers to connect with stories and landscapes that define our nation. Come join us as we continue our landmarks exploration. Be it the history of Williamsburg, the natural beauty of White Sands National Park or the cultural identity behind Route 66 you will hopefully recall past adventures & learn something new. As before, we’ll start with some clues to guess our destination and encourage participants to share their memories as well.


 

Begun as a labor of love and becoming a local tradition, the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival returns for its fifth consecutive year on Saturday, September 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV, formerly First Parish Church of Stow and Acton). The festival will include local craft beer brewers, food trucks, live music, and a separate, dedicated children’s area with games and crafts.

General admission is $10 suggested donation per person, with those 12 and under admitted free. Drink tickets for beer or hard cider are $6, and soft drinks and bottled water will be available at food trucks.

The festival will take place rain or shine in Stow Town Center at 353 Great Road. The facilities at UUCAV are wheelchair accessible with accessible parking. For more information, email craftbeerfest@uucav.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @AssabetCraftBeer.

Looking for friendship and good conversation?  The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club would like to invite you to connect with our members on Thursday August 27, 2026 at our Mini Golf event in Westford.  We will meet at Kimball Farm, 400 Littleton Road, Westford from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM to enjoy friends, mini golf, food, and ice cream.  We will meet under the tent with our Nashoba Valley neighbors sign at the table.  If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org.

Our ongoing public events are Lunch Bunch, Movie Nights, Book Club, Dinner Group, Brunch, Trivia Nights, Summer Picnic, Wine Tastings, as well as Men’s and Ladies Night out events.

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard.  Originally called the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton, and then the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club, in 2014, we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club to reflect our current members and their interests.  Our club welcomes any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more information, as well as information on how to become a member of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club.  We look forward to seeing you!

On Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 9 – 1, Memorial Congregational Church is hosting its Fall 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.

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

The Silver Club of the Uxbridge Senior Center will be taking a trip to Virginia Beach from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3. For $819, it includes the bus, the hotel, 5 breakfasts, 6 dinners, a guided tour of Williamsburg, a narrated Norfolk Naval Base Harbor Cruise, admission to the Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin, the boardwalk, Virginia Beach Aquarium, and the Mariner's Museum and Park. Everyone is invited to join the group on this tour. The bus will depart from the park and ride in Millbury on Rt 20.
Please call Sue at 508-341-0797 for more information

 

Community invited to share stories of Club impact as organization prepares for its next chapter 

After 30 years of dedicated service to the children, families, and communities of MetroWest, Chris Duane, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest, will retire following an extraordinary career devoted to creating opportunities and changing lives.
To celebrate her remarkable legacy, Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest will dedicate its signature annual fundraising Gala & Auction on Friday, October 23, 2026, to honoring Chris’ decades of leadership while raising critical funds to ensure the organization’s mission continues to thrive for generations to come.
The Gala, to be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Framingham, will bring together community leaders, alumni, supporters, corporate partners, volunteers, families, and friends for an evening celebrating both Chris’ impact and the thousands of young people whose lives have been forever changed through the work of Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest. Proceeds will directly support Club programs and the young members who depend on them.
The evening will bring together Club members, alumni, staff, corporate partners, and community supporters — a gathering that reflects exactly the kind of community Chris spent her career building.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at www.bgcmetrowest.org/gala.
"Chris has given everything to this mission," said Robert Borek, Chair of the Board of Directors. "What she built here isn't just a stronger organization — it's a community of people whose lives were genuinely changed. We are honoring her legacy by doing what she always did: keeping the focus on the young people who walk through our doors every day."
Throughout her tenure, Chris has helped guide Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest through tremendous growth and transformation. Under her leadership, the Club has grown from a small, one-Clubhouse organization to a three Clubhouse and $4M operation serving 3,200 young people annually across MetroWest — shaping futures, building confidence, and lighting a path forward for generations of members.

We Want to Hear from You 
In conjunction with the Gala announcement, Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest is inviting the community to participate in a special storytelling campaign celebrating Chris’ legacy.
Help us build the celebration of a lifetime. If the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest — or Chris Duane — played a meaningful role in your life, we want to hear your story.
Were you a Club member who found your voice here? An alumnus whose career took shape because of this place? A family who felt the difference? We are collecting stories from across our community to be shared at the gala and beyond — a living testament to what happens when young people are given the chance to thrive.
“This celebration is about much more than one remarkable leader,” said Laura Terzigni, Vice President. “It’s about recognizing the ripple effect of decades of service and ensuring that Chris’ legacy continues through the children we will serve tomorrow.”
To share your story, visit www.bgcmetrowest.org/gala or contact Laura Terzigni at laura.terzigni@bgcmetrowest.org Submissions will be accepted through October 1, 2026.