Children in grades K to 5 are invited to First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) in Stow for a night of crafts, snacks and fun on Friday, Jan 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday Friends (formerly known as Club UU) is FPC’s monthly, nonreligious drop-off kid’s club. It’s led by a minimum of three adults, and typically between 7 and 9 kids attend. We focus on building social connections between children through creative crafts, fun games and group decision making. Newcomers from the community are always welcome and are invited to bring a friend.
FPC is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Please drop children off and pick them up in the church Vestry. To get to the Vestry, go through the main entrance (not the sanctuary entrance), take a left, and go to the end of the hallway. FPC’s facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Day & Time: Sunday, January 12, 6:45pm – 8:45pm
FPC has partnered with the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson to bring the drUUm-&-dance circle to Stow. Bring your joy and your open heart and join us for an evening of hand drumming and dancing around the “fire” circle. Facilitated by experienced drummers/dancers Jim Flavin and Nan Rogers, we’ll circle up in FPC’s Fellowship Hall to experiment with various types of instruments and sustained rhythm sessions and see what we create together. Let’s gather in sacred and healing community to lower our stress levels, plug into the energy, and raise some good vibes!
The drum circle will take place on the second Sunday of each month. Drummers and dancers of all abilities are welcome; please bring your own drums, and we will have a few drums and other percussion instruments available to borrow. Questions? Contact Nan at nandancing@comcast.net.

Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on Jan. 10. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome! There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted. FPC is a nut-free location.
This month’s menu is Frittata and roasted potatoes. There will be salad and dessert as well. Options made with vegetarian and gluten-free ingredients will be available. All meals are nut-free.
FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you!
This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, Nashoba Valley Rotary, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.

On Jan. 12 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service led by guest minister Rev. Laura Randall from the UU Service Committee entitled, “Communities of Resistance and Resilience.” Authoritarian regimes depend on making people feel alone and powerless. The truth is that we have incredible collective power through communities of resistance, resilience, and mutual aid. Rev. Randall shares stories about such coalitions.
The service takes place both in person in the sanctuary and virtually. Masking is optional. Child care for the service only is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

When: Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-7:45pm
Where: Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room, 486 Main St, Acton
ACTON: Join local author Rich Marcello for a sit-down interview on his 6th novel, The Means of Keeping. Set in a near-future America, The Means of Keeping is a narrative of loss, renewal, and environmental activism set against the backdrop of climate change. Copies of the novel are available at the library circulation desk. Sponsored by the Acton Memorial Library, EnergizeActon.org, & the Acton Sustainability Office. More info HERE.

When: Thursday, January 16, 3:00-4:30pm
Where: Veterans Field, Acton, MA (Corner of Rt. 27 & Rt. 2A/Great Rd, kitty corner from Kitchen Outfitters)
ACTON: Come celebrate the new clean energy technology in town--two EV fast chargers! Join Sustainability Office staff and Energize Acton volunteers by the EV fast charger location at Veterans Field for hot chocolate/tea/coffee, cookies, and sustainability resources. This is meant to be quick, informative, and fun!  More info HERE.

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
     Were your holidays good?  Did you receive the gifts you hoped for?  Maybe a new toaster or microwave oven or coffee maker; are the old ones still working?  Perhaps you received new sheets and a comforter—-and the old ones are still good.  Furniture upgrades?  New kitchenware? Bring your “old” items to Fresh Start Furniture Bank to furnish someone else’s home.
    At present we are in need of all furniture, especially couches, dressers, bookcases, rugs, dining tables, upholstered chairs, recliners, queen and full headboards, end tables, bedside tables and storage cabinets.  We also need artwork, kitchen knives, dishes, cutting boards and colanders.
    We expect donations to be in good condition; if you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to us!  Read our website to see what we DO and DO NOT take for donations, and our address and hours of operation.
     Imagine finally finding a home after being in a shelter—-and having nothing or very little IN the home!  That is what Fresh Start’s clients deal with.  We have helped convert over 4000 empty apartments into homes for more than 12,000 people in the last 10 years.  And, by taking in almost 170,000 pieces of donated furniture and home goods, we have kept all of those items out of landfills.
     Last Saturday 40 donors arrived; they had “cleaned out” for the new year or were just waiting for us to reopen after the holidays.  It was a good start to the new year but the clients keep coming and we need to help them all!

Museum also ends advance ticket reservation system
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced today a $13 admission price from 1:00pm to 4:30pm on weekday afternoons, now through March 28. The discounted price will not be offered on holidays or during school vacation weeks.
Under the Winter Weekday Afternoon Discount program, admission for adults and children will be $13 per person; seniors 60+ will be $12. Children under 1 and teachers are always free. All other Museum-offered discounts such as EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare Card to Culture, Wonderfund, library passes, museum reciprocal programs, AAA, and active duty miliary discounts will still apply.
Regular admission prices are $19.00 for adults and children ages 1 and over, $18.00 for seniors 60+, free for under 1 and teachers.
Discovery Museum also announced the closure of its reservation system. Advance reservations to visit are no longer required nor accepted.

Winter can stretch budgets to the breaking point. With increased costs for food, heating, housing, and transportation, many Massachusetts families are facing tough choices. If you or your family need help accessing food, don’t wait—call Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.
The FoodSource Hotline connects residents to the resources they need right now. Trained counselors are available to help you apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), find free meals for children, and locate emergency food programs like community meals and food pantries. The hotline can also refer callers to other federal food programs, like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).
Whether you’re a college student, a senior, or a family facing hardship, the FoodSource Hotline is a confidential, free, trusted resource recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for anyone seeking food assistance.
Call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for support, available in over 180 languages.
Get Help Now: If you are struggling with food insecurity, call 1-800-645-8333. For more information and access to resources, visit Project Bread’s website, where you can find information in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole. Don’t wait—help is just a phone call away.

The letters have reached our desk as more people than ever before seek help from the Beacon Santa.
Many of these letters come from single mothers, struggling to get their lives back on track and give their children a little something on Christmas morning.
One mother writes that she and her three boys lived in a shelter for 15 months and recently moved into an apartment. She is hoping for a little help from the Beacon Santa because, she writes, “finances are tight and I’d like my children to have a good Christmas this year.”
Another mother of twins writes that she is recently divorced and living on one income with no child support. All of her income goes to pay rent and other necessities, leaving nothing for the extras, such as a gift for Christmas.
She is asking for help from the Beacon Santa.
“This help from the Beacon Santa program would take a huge burden off my shoulders knowing my children will have a better Christmas with the help and support from this charity. This help this Christmas would help my children have a normal Christmas morning with presents under the tree,” she writes.
This year, Beacon Santa has been asked to help more than 600 children. But Beacon Santa would not exist without help from people just like you. Would you please consider donating today?

About the Beacon Santa
Since 1965, the Beacon Santa has raised funds to provide gift cards for families seeking a little help during the holidays.

The Fund provides help for families living in the 12 communities of Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
The fund is managed by three women from Maynard, determined to provide families in need with a little joy during the holidays. Because they volunteer their time, you can rest assured that the money you donate goes to those that need it most.

How to donate
By Mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Online: Through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809. A PayPal account is not needed to donate.

Richard Smith has lectured on and written about antebellum United States history and 19th-Century American literature since 1995. He has worked in Concord as a public historian and Living History Interpreter for 25 years and has portrayed Henry Thoreau at Walden Pond, around the country and in Canada. The former Scholar In Residence for Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Richard has written or edited 11 books for Applewood books and is a regular contributor to Discover Concord Magazine.

The Town of Acton’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) is recruiting members to join its commission. Add your voice and experiences to help make a difference. Members of the Commission must reside in Acton, support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and be able to lend relevant professional, community, or life experience. The DEIC meets monthly, on the second Thursday of each month, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you would like more information, please contact David Martin at davidmartin@actonma.gov or visit Acton’s DEIC Website

 

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

Monday Movie Matinee; Thelma
Monday, January 13th, 1:00-2:40pm
(2024, PG-13) When a 93-year-old woman gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a quest to reclaim what was taken from her. Jane Squibb stars in this comedy based on the experience of the writer/director’s grandmother. Blu-ray disc is available to borrow after the 13th.

Miso Soup & Onigiri Cooking Class with Asako Judson
Tuesday, January 14th, 2:00-3:00pm
Acton seniors only
Soup’s on at the Senior Center for National Soup Month! Join Asako Judson to learn to make two Japanese dishes: miso soup with a vegetable stock base as well as Onigiri, a stuffed rice ball. Soup making will be a demonstration; participants will make their own rice balls, using both a traditional recipe and a new version. These triangular rice balls are delicious and making them is a hands-on, fun activity! Asako Judson, who lives in Acton, has worked at several restaurants and as a private chef and caterer.

A Caregiver’s Journey - Ups, Downs, Obstacles and Resources
Tuesday, January 14th, 6:00-7:00pm
Open to all seniors/free
Join us for a real talk about the highs, lows, challenges, and support available on the journey of caregiving! Ellie Andbiner, founder of Caregivers Wellbeing and Vikki Levine, Business Development Director of Ezra Home Care, LLC have combined their professional and personal knowledge of the caregiver’s journey and have created an educational & interactive conversation that presents the different paths and resources available when it comes to being a primary care partner and aging in place/non-medical home care services. Ellie and Vikki warmly welcome our audience to ask questions, share their concerns about care, care giving and being a care partner.

Real Estate Changes: Understanding Agent Compensation
Wednesday, January 15th, 11:00am to 12noon
Open to all seniors/free
Join us for an insightful seminar where we discuss the dynamic world of real estate, a sector that has captured widespread media attention in recent years due to unprecedented demand, multiple offers, and soaring sold prices. However, the landscape is evolving, and significant changes have emerged, particularly concerning agent compensation. Heather Murphy from Keller Williams Realty Boston North West will provide insights into the changes affecting agent compensation and what these changes could mean to buyers and sellers.

Acton Songsters with Ed Knights
Wednesdays, January 15th and 29th, 1:00-1:45pm
Open to all seniors/free
Join Ed Knights for this group that sings along familiar popular songs and learns the mechanics of singing. Don’t worry about your level of singing—the group is open to anyone interested in singing. Lyrics provided. Sign up with the COA if you are new to the group

Stand Tall, Age Well: A Guide to Posture and Health with Physical Therapist Mary Evans

Wednesday, January 15th 2:00-3:00pm
Open to all seniors/free
Our posture plays a significant role in how easily we move around as we age. A stooped posture and scoliosis develop for many as we age, and can cause considerable discomfort and affect balance. The good news is that we can all become posturally aware, strengthen our muscles around the spine, and make changes for long-term spinal health. Sitting and standing tall aren’t just about good posture, they give us confidence, improve our ability to see our surroundings, ease digestion, build bone and muscle strength, improve our breathing patterns, and help stabilize our balance. Join Dr. Mary Evans PT, DPT, MS, C2 BSPTS to hear the simple steps you can take to start improving your posture today. Mary Evans is a doctor of physical therapy who specializes in spinal health with a focus on kyphosis and scoliosis. She can be found at Rehabhealth360.com.

Forgiveness & Healing with Dr. Miriam Diamond via Zoom from Home or Senior Center
Thursday, January 16th, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to all seniors/free
Forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation…these are important ideals, often easier said than done. In this workshop we’ll consider their deeper meaning and how they connect to our personal experiences. Join Miriam Rosalyn Diamond, PhD, to explore steps toward healing emotional wounds and shifting from being victims to heroes. This is a two-part workshop. In part 1, we’ll focus on definitions, types of forgiveness, and working through emotions. Watch the February newsletter for Part 2 that is happening on Thursday, February 20th, where we’ll explore navigating discussions with the other party/ies, seeking forgiveness, and self-forgiveness. You are welcome to attend either or both sessions. You can participate via Zoom from home or the Senior Center with a group watching on a large screen TV. Register for Part 1: seniorcenter@actonma.gov or 987-929-6652.

Java with John
Friday, January 17th, 9:45am
Open to Acton residents
Town Manager, John Mangiaratti will be here to give updates from the Town, answer your questions and listen to your suggestions and concerns Acton TV will be filming it live.

Rosie Murphy
Health and Human Services Administrative Assistant
Town of Acton Human Services and Senior Center
30 Sudbury Road Rear
Acton, MA 01720
978-929-6652
www.actoncoa.com<http://www.actoncoa.com/>
www.facebook.com/actoncoa

January is a time to recharge and recover from the holidays. It is also National Mental Wellness Month to recognize the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. According to the National Institutes of Health, 57.8 million adults lived with some form of mental illness in 2023. The severity varies from person to person. Understanding mental health statistics in the U.S. can raise awareness and garner support for those in need. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness and women are more likely than men to experience depression. 17% of adolescents ages 12-17 experienced a major depressive episode. 33.5% of adults with a mental illness also have a substance use disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collects data on substance use and mental health. Their 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that multiracial people had the highest rate of mental illness at 36.7%, followed by Whites (24%), American Indian/Alaskan natives (23.5%), Hispanics (20.6%), Blacks (19.4%), and Asians (18.1%).
Mental illness affects people differently. Children ages 6-17 are three times more likely to repeat a grade if they have mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems. Those with severe mental illness have a life span of 10 to 25 years shorter than the general population. 64% of jail inmates have a mental illness compared to 21.6% of the general adult population.
National Mental Wellness Month involves individuals being able to cope with life’s difficulties, having healthy relationships, and taking care of their mental well-being before issues arise. Wellbeingtrust.org tells us that having a purpose in life offers many benefits, including being happier, living longer, sleeping better, and improved heart health. To find that purpose explore your interests, volunteer, consider what you love to do, talk to friends and family, and try new experiences.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental illness. The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource if you feel that a friend or loved one is struggling with a mental illness. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist those who may be struggling mentally. Visit www.jasonfoundation.com to learn how to make a difference and find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office.

 

Happy New Year to Everyone! Please join us welcome in 2025.  We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you every Wednesday.

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

Time: Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:45pm Doors will open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter prior so our volunteers can prepare your Supper.

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

January 2025 Menu

1/15   Chili and Cornbread
Sponsored by Friends of Community Supper

1/22 Roast Pork Loin
Sponsored by Faith Evangelical Free Church of Acton

1/29        Meatloaf Dinner    
                      Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia      

** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
As 2025 begins, we wish to express how grateful we are for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper               http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

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

FITCHBURG, Mass. (Dec. 13, 2024) – The Highlands, a local skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, is starting a Santa’s Hotline that local children can call to talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus and share their Christmas wishes.
The hotline will begin on Dec. 16 and will be available each day from 3 - 5 p.m. until Dec. 24. Parents and children can reach the Santa Hotline by calling the center’s designated toll-free number: 978-353-7344.
The call line will be staffed by volunteer residents who have completed a short training on taking calls to the North Pole and have been dubbed honorary Santas and Mrs. Clauses.
Executive Director Mark Ailinger expressed his love for the initiative because, in addition to bringing children joy, the hotline gives the center’s residents something fun and exciting to do for the community.
“We are thrilled to provide a direct, toll-free phone number for area children to speak with Santa and Mrs. Claus,” said Ailinger. “Our residents are still vibrant members of this community and very much enjoy giving back their time and talent, especially to area children. We’re delighted to offer parents and children the opportunity to create some wonderful memories by having their kids or grandkids talk live to Santa and Mrs. Claus on our toll-free number.”
Located at 335 Nichols Road, The Highlands has been providing the Fitchburg community with short-term rehab, long-term care and specialized memory care for more than 50 years. The center is one of 15 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Massachusetts managed by Life Care Centers of America.
Founded in 1976, Life Care is a nationwide health care company. With headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, Life Care manages nearly 200 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer’s centers in 26 states. For more information about Life Care, visit lcca.com.

On Dec. 22 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service on “Paganism and Wicca.” Our world religions series continues as the wheel turns with this Solstice-time look at the paths of Wicca and Paganism. Rev. Cindy will draw on her own experience of the Pagan path as well as consult with her formerly Wiccan husband Peter. 
The service takes place in person in the sanctuary and also virtually. Masking is optional. Childcare during the service only is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

On Dec. 24 at 9 p.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service featuring traditional carols, anthems, and readings paired with the Christmas themes of hope, joy, love, and peace. Music provided by the FPC Adult Choir, under the direction of Chris Hossfeld, accompanist Trevor Berens, and guest musicians. An extended prelude of Christmas music will begin at 8:45 p.m., and the service will finish with the traditional candle lighting and singing of “Silent Night.”
The service takes place in person in the sanctuary and also virtually. Masking is optional. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

All are welcome to the monthly Multigenerational Game Night at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun!
The next Game Night will take place on Friday, Dec. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. FPC is a nut-free location. It’s located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

On Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a Christmas Eve Family Service featuring a brand-new pageant of the age-old tale, this one based on the animals’ stories of Christmas. The service includes carol singing that finishes with the traditional candle lighting and singing of “Silent Night.” 
The service takes place in person in the sanctuary and also virtually. Masking is optional. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

The camp in Bolton is for students entering Kindergarten through High School.
Activities include swimming, games in the fields and woods, arts & crafts, songs, tracking, hiking, campfires to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, building shelters, Animal Adventures, Predator and Prey, The Amazing Race & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, laser tag in the woods, nighttime activities on Thursday and dinner and s’mores, water guns, an adventure hike, team building activities & more.
Counselors-in-Training must be entering 9th grade or above and attend Orientation June 24- and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 30 – August 8, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
Before/After Care is available!
Campers from all towns are welcome!
See the website for more details and to register: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: bcttdnc@gmail.com (best means of communication) or 978-429-3004 (voice mail)

 

The applications have arrived, and with them, letters from families sharing their struggles and asking for help from the Beacon Santa.
They are grandparents, single moms, families struggling with health issues – all seeking a little respite from their troubles and a little joy for the holidays.
One grandmother writes that she and her husband are raising their three grandchildren – all of whom have health problems. She has had to cut back on working so she can take the children to their doctors’ appointments.
She is asking for help from the Beacon Santa to put a little something under the Christmas tree for the children.
“We would like to be able to give our grandchildren a Christmas that they will remember in a positive and happy way,” she writes.
Another grandmother writes that she is caring for her two granddaughters – alone. She has been struggling with health issues, and her granddaughters “have shown incredible kindness and resilience throughout the year,” she writes.
She wants to provide them with the joy of “giving and receiving” gifts, but her limited income makes it difficult for her to provide gifts on her own.
She is asking Beacon Santa for help.
“I believe that with your help, we can spread some holiday cheer and create happy memories for them,” she writes.
This year, Beacon Santa has been asked to help more than 600 children. But Beacon Santa would not exist without help from people just like you – please consider donating today.
How to donate
By Mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Online: Through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809 or by clicking on the PayPal button in this article. A PayPal account is not needed to donate.

On December 14, 2014 the Maynard Clinton Elks, the Emblem Club and the community continued our mission to HONOR, REMEMBER and TEACH by placing 564 wreaths on the grave sights of our Veterans laid to rest at Saint Bridget’s Cemetery in Maynard.
The keynote speakers were Representative Kate Hogan, Maynard Veteran Agent Peter Harvell and Exalted Ruler Cheryl Lanchester.
If you would like to support our mission and sponsor a wreath for the National Wreaths Across America Day December 13, 2025 go to wreathsacrossamerica.com use Group ID MA0135 Location ID MASBCM or contact me at paulmc789@hotmail.com.

Christmas Eve Service, Tues, Dec. 24 at 7PM at United Church of Christ , Congregational in Boxborough at 723 Mass. Ave.
Join us in our beautiful sanctuary on Christmas Eve as we tell the story of Jesus’ birth, sing carols, and conclude the service in candlelight singing “Silent Night”. If you are unable to attend in person, we also broadcast on Zoom. Please go to boxboroughucc.org/events to get the Zoom link.

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 meetings had been every Thursday evening at 7 pm at the South Acton Congregational Church. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

The Maynard Business Alliance held its 11th Maynard Holiday Stroll on Saturday, December 7th beginning with the traditional Countdown to Light Up Memorial Park for the holiday season!  The large crowd was treated to traditional holiday classics performed by the Interlude Music Choir followed by the arrival of Santa on a Maynard Fire Truck!  The sidewalks were filled with people strolling throughout the festive downtown and enjoying refreshments, live music, and activities while holiday shopping.  Thanks to everyone who came out, we hope you enjoyed the evening!
More than 28 businesses went all out decorating for the holidays this year and 16 competed in the annual window decorating contest.  We’d like to congratulate this year’s winners: Best Overall: Studio inSitu; Most Creative: Lo Tide; Best Lighting (Tie): The Bagel Table and El Huipil; Kid’s Choice: Butler Lumber.  It’s not too late!  If you haven’t had a chance to view them, we invite you to come back to shop, dine, stroll and enjoy the wonderful holiday decor in Maynard!
The MBA Holiday Stroll Committee would like to thank Senator Jamie Eldridge and Select Board Chair Jeff Swanberg for joining us, and State Representative Kate Hogan for leading the crowd in the countdown!  We’d also like to thank Santa for taking time to visit Maynard during his busiest season.
Thank you to the Select Board & Town Administration; Department of Public Works;  Maynard Police and Fire Departments; Joe Foster; Mike Basile & WAVM students Konrad Schluter and Grafton Norris; Ella McGaunn Geiger & Devereux Geiger & the Interlude Music Choir; Mackenzie Fournier, the Maynard Music Association & the Maynard High School A Cappella Group; Lorne Bell; Anne Heinonen; Emily Thayer; Owen Thayer; Glenn & Bonnie Wilson.
We’d like to recognize the Holiday Stroll Planning Committee for their commitment: Mary Brannelly, John Cramer, Casey Davis, Emily Hanson, Deb Hledik, Sam McCormick, Lizza Smith, Megan Summers, Lynda Thayer, Bill Thornley, Amanda Williams Galvin.
Thank you to the following businesses and organizations: 6 Bridges Gallery; Action Unlimited; Amory’s Tomb; Art Signals Studio; ArtSpace Maynard; Azucar; C0deEx; Edward Jones Investments; El Huipil; The Flower Pot; Groovyhome; Inspired Bliss; Interlude Music; Kind Goods; Lo Tide; Level up Gymnastics; LOOK Optical; Maynard Outdoor Store; Metrowest Kung Fu; Maynard Trust Building; Raspberry Beret; Sanctuary; The Sea Cauldron; Smith & Finley Homes; Snazzy Sign; Spirits of Maynard; Sugar Snap; Sutra Studio.
Upcoming events at Maynard’s Veterans Memorial Park:  The Fifth Annual Maynard Menorah Lighting, Thursday, December 26th, 5:15-6:00pm and the 2nd Annual Winter Celebration, Saturday, January 18, 2025, 1:30-5pm!

  At their meeting on Monday, December 9, the Boxborough Select Board hosted State Senator Jamie Eldridge and State Representative Dan Sena for a wide-ranging conversation on a number of local issues, including the MBTA Communities Act, the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center, and water infrastructure.
  The Select Board also discussed whether to bring back the Boxborough Leadership Forum (BLF), an opportunity for the Select Board, Finance Committee, School Committee, and possibly others, to communicate on a regular basis. The Board discussed potential goals, structure, and membership for the BLF but made no decisions.
  Read the full article at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

  At their December 5 meeting, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) voted to request a placeholder on the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) warrant for a Massachusetts Avenue zoning proposal.
  The proposal would change zoning in certain areas along Massachusetts Avenue near the intersection with Interstate 495 from an “industrial/commercial” district to a “Business-2” district.
  The proposed Business-2 district would prohibit certain uses currently allowed, like commercial earth removal, adult use, manufacturing, and warehouse, and would allow certain uses currently prohibited, like retail, service, craft shop/art studio, and specialty food.
  EDC member Rich Guzzardi presented the proposal to the committee, which he developed with the help of Town Planner Alec Wade. The purpose of the proposed change, explained Guzzardi, is to engage in “more thoughtful planning of Mass Ave as our main thoroughfare” and “establish a better balance of districts and uses that meet desired needs.”
  The Boxborough Planning Board has also voted to put a placeholder for this same zoning proposal on the ATM warrant. EDC members discussed the importance of the proposed zoning change to the EDC’s mission and goals and decided to add their own placeholder to the ATM warrant in the event that the Planning Board does not move forward with the article.
  The EDC also discussed the status of the Boxborough Business Grant Program. The program, funded by Boxborough’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriation, has now concluded, with $102,000 awarded to Boxborough small businesses as forgivable loans since the program launched in 2023. Award recipients are Two Friends Chocolates, Oscar’s Burritos, Swymfit, AlphaCars, and Thinking Flower (expected to open in 2025).
   Read the full article at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

At their meeting on December 5, Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) members discussed the Phase Two decision matrix that they will use to help them make a final decision on the site of Boxborough’s future fire station.
  The FSBC expects to choose one of the two remaining sites under consideration – either 502 Massachusetts Avenue (the site of the current fire station) or 72 Stow Road – by the end of January.
  The decision matrix, designed by Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Vertex, includes a list of relevant decision factors and a “weight” for each factor. The decision factors in the matrix include, but are not limited to, “Percolation Test for septic,” “Geotech Survey – Borings,” “Response Time,” and “Conceptual Estimated Total Cost.”
    The FSBC spent two hours reviewing and revising the matrix. Members discussed how each factor will be measured and what weight to assign to each factor. The discussion generated extensive conversation about the many issues surrounding the fire station building project.  
  In the coming weeks, Vertex will work with the town’s architecture firm, Context Architecture, to score both potential fire station sites on each of the matrix’s decision factors. Context has already begun their Phase Two analyses and will have engineers at both sites over the next several weeks.
Read the full article at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

On Wednesday, November 13, Boxborough Town Planner Alec Wade and the 3A Advisory Group held a mapping workshop in the Sargent Memorial Library meeting room.
  The 3A Advisory Group, chaired by Wade and comprised of some Planning Board and Housing Board members and community members, is working to provide recommendations to the Planning Board on how Boxborough can best meet the multi-family zoning requirements of the MBTA Communities Act.
  The MBTA Communities Act, passed by the State Legislature in 2020, requires that the 177 communities served by the MBTA create a zoning district where multifamily housing is allowed as of right, which means there is a more streamlined permitting process compared to the special permit process.
  The purpose of the 3A Mapping Workshop was to gather input from residents regarding where Boxborough’s multi-family zone should be located. Attendees worked in groups at tables topped with color-coded maps of Boxborough with parcel outlines. Lively discussions ensued as each group reviewed the parcel map and placed 7.5 acre-scaled sticky notes on the map to indicate the places where multi-family housing may be appropriate.
  When reached for comment, Planner Wade expressed his satisfaction with the mapping session. “Members of the community shared a diversity of opinions and I felt as though everyone was heard that night. The tone of the conversation that night was pleasant, and there was ample room for constructive disagreement on location and appropriateness of the district. A great meeting overall, with much work still on the horizon.”
    Read the full article at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

  This week, Boxborough News is launching a “Notices” page on our website, www.BoxboroughNews.org. “Notices” is a place to learn and share information about community events and announcements in Boxborough and surrounding towns. It will also house a community calendar.
  Are you curious what’s happening around town and beyond? Visit www.boxboroughnews.org/notices to browse through the postings.
  Are you part of a local organization that wants to spread the word about an upcoming event? Send your announcement to boxboroughnews@gmail.com. Submissions are posted at the discretion of the Boxborough News editors.

The Boxborough News editors have been informed by the Action Unlimited publisher that Boxborough residents will now receive a combined “Acton/Maynard/Boxborough Edition” of the Action Unlimited instead of the “Boxborough Edition.” Action Unlimited will no longer publish a “Boxborough Edition” specifically for Boxborough residents.
  Boxborough News will still publish in the combined “Acton/Maynard/Boxborough Edition,” but many articles will be abbreviated.
  We encourage readers to visit our website, www.BoxboroughNews.org, for our full, weekly publication.
  Boxborough News is appreciative of the continued partnership with Action Unlimited through these changes. We are grateful that Boxborough News content can continue to appear in print.

ACTON, MA – Join us on Christmas Eve. All of our services are designed for all ages and are a great family experience. Christmas Eve services at Mt. Calvary are spectacular. We’ll have a free hot cocoa bar, cookies, special Christmas music, and more!
On Christmas Eve you have choices:
3:30 PM Christmas Eve service is a family service that is great for little ones with the wiggles. Families with children are invited to arrive 30 minutes early for their children to receive and wear a Nativity costume and be a part of the Christmas story. This is a wonderful service with Scripture, Christmas carols, and your children being a part of the story.
6 PM Christmas Eve service is a traditional, beautiful candlelight service as we sing Silent Night. Arrive 15 minutes early for special preservice music with a string quartet.
9 PM Christmas Eve service is a festive candlelight and Holy Communion service. Arrive 25 minutes early for special music with piano, guitar, violins, cello, percussions, and oboe.
Then, join us Christmas Day at 10 AM for a service of Christmas carols and readings.
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was eye-opening. Jesus was not like other newborns. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a feeding trough for animals. A myriad of angels illuminated the sky announcing his birth. Shepherds made a surprise visit and investigated the birth. Joseph and Mary were amazed by all these things. But there’s another stunning surprise that Matthew wants to convey to you at Christmas. Matthew wants you to know that you belong in God’s family.
Mt. Calvary is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue in Acton. Parking is available off Prospect Street. Handicap parking is available at the Massachusetts Ave. circle drive and the Prospect St. parking lot. Overflow parking is available in the Acton Funeral Home parking lot right next door. For more information, visit mtcalvaryacton.org, call (978) 263-5156, or send an email to info@mtcalvaryacton.org.

Are you looking for the ultimate feel-good gift? How about providing a bed for a child who doesn’t have one?
Unfortunately, for many families who turn to Fresh Start Furniture Bank, the absence of a bed is a painful reality. These families come to us with empty hands and heavy hearts. While we strive to fill their homes with donated furnishings, we often need to purchase mattresses to ensure every child has a safe place to sleep.
That’s why we’re on a mission to raise $5000 for our Sweet Dreams Mattress Program, which will provide 25 mattress sets at just $200 each. Your generous support will not only help us reach this goal but will also create ripples of stability and dignity for families in our community for years to come.
No contribution is too small; every dollar counts and brings us closer to turning this dream into reality!
Please send checks to Fresh Start Furniture Bank, 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

Save A Dog is hosting a ‘Meet and Greet’ holiday adoption event at Wag N’ Wash, 1173 Main Street in West Concord on Saturday, December 14, from 10 am to 12 pm. Come meet the adorable dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes, and join the holiday festivities with free store samples and photo ops!
More information about our adoptable dogs (and cats!) can be found on the Save A Dog website: www.saveadog.org. Potential adopters are also encouraged to fill out an adoption application online beforehand.
Now celebrating 25 years of rescuing abandoned dogs and cats through its Sudbury shelter and network of foster homes, Save A Dog has found loving homes for more than 8,500 companion animals.
See you Saturday!

Hours are: Mondays-Fridays: 4:00 PM -8:00 PM
Saturdays: and Sundays: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
The Maynard-Clinton Elks is located at 34 Powder Mill Rd, Maynard, MA  01754.
If you have any questions, please call 978-897-9892.

 

Is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.
Telephone: 978-929-6652          
Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov     
Website: www.actoncoa.com/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa​
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8:00am-5:00pm, Tues 8:00am-7:30pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee
The Holdovers
Monday, December 16th, 1:00-3:15pm
(2023, R for language) A curmudgeonly New England private school teacher stays on campus during Christmas break, forming an unlikely bond with a brainy but troubled student and the school’s cook who just lost a son in the Vietnam War. Stars Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa. Filming locations include Deerfield Academy, Groton School, Fairhaven High School, St. Mark’s School of Southborough, Wakefield Bowladrome, and Pleasant Café in Roslindale. Best Picture Oscar nominee with a win for Supporting Actress Randolph.
Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
Tuesday, Dec 17th, 3:00-4:30pm           
Open to all caregivers of older adults/free
Caregivers of older adults, please join Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, for this group that meets via Zoom and offers practical and emotional support. New participants always welcome! The challenging work of caregiving may leave you feeling stretched thin, which may cause feelings of exhaustion and isolation. Julie ensures safe, non-judgmental settings where members can share and learn from one another and witnesses the strong bonds that develop between members. If you are new to the group, please sign up with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov. Funded by an Executive Office of Elder Affairs grant. Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, and MSc, is an adjunct Professor at Regis College. She is the founder of Help My Aging Parents and serves on the Newton COA Board.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group at the Senior Center
Tuesday, December 17th, 11:00-12noon                                                                     
Open to all/free                                                 
Participants will learn from other grandparents and experts about legal strategies and practices, ways to relieve the stress, and resources available. For additional information, contact group leader Joe O’Leary of the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at 978-760-0360.
A Christmas Carol Live Performance
Tuesday, December 17th, 1:00-2:00pm                                          
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
Join actors Stephen Collins and Poornima Kirby for a funny, heartfelt journey through Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. This adaptation shows Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a grumpy, selfish misanthrope to a generous, wise, and kind man, full of the spirit of Christmas. With Stephen playing Scrooge and Poornima swiftly changing between the other characters, this fast-paced, playful adaptation keeps the beauty and humor of Dickens’ original text, interspersed with melodious Christmas carols, and even a lively English folk dance. Come warm your heart and ring in the holiday season with this refreshing take on a familiar tale! Magic, Music, Transformation? . . . Humbug!
Prison Dogs Documentary with Pizza & Pup Visit
Tuesday, December 17th, 5:00-7:00pm                                                               
Acton residents only
Acton Police Officer Jon Stackhouse will discuss the Puppies Behind Bars program, followed by a showing of the Prison Dogs documentary. The film focuses on three New York prisoners who raise puppies to become service dogs for US veterans and first responders/law enforcement. Pizza will be served, courtesy of the Acton Police Association. The Department’s service dog Zane is a graduate of the program—and his birthday happens to be this month! Please sign up with the COA.
The Second Rome: A Brief History of the Byzantine Empire from 500-1450 with Paolo Di Gregorio
Thursday, December 19th, 1:00-2:00pm                                     
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
For nearly 1000 years the Byzantine Empire played an important, sometimes dominant, role in the Mediterranean. In this illustrated presentation, historian Paolo Di Gregorio will discuss how through war, peace, and political turmoil, the emperors in Constantinople, their generals and functionaries, controlled an empire that bridged East and West, and continued the imperial legacy of Ancient Rome. Paolo Di Gregorio is a historian, archaeologist and educator. He is a Visiting Lecturer in the History Department at Bridgewater State University, and his passion for telling stories of our past is always appreciated by Acton’s older adults!
Java with John
Friday, December 20th, 9:45am
Open to Acton residents
Town Manager, John Mangiaratti will be here to give updates from the Town, answer your questions, and listen to your suggestions and concerns. Peter Light the Superintendent of AB Schools will be joining him. Acton TV will be filming it live.

Exercise Video Recording Schedule:
While Terri is off, you may work out in the gym (introductory training required), try a different class, or participate at the Senior Center via recordings of Terri’s classes on these dates:
Senior Fitness at 8:30am, Tues Dec. 17th & 31st, Wed Dec. 18th, Thurs Dec. 19th & Jan. 2nd
Active Aging at 9:45am on Tues Dec. 17th & 31st, Thurs Dec. 19th & Jan. 2nd
You can view recordings of Terri’s classes from your device or smart TV at home: https://www.youtube.com/@ActonTV1/playlists and scroll down to “Acton Senior Center at Home.”

The Boxborough Minutemen, with help from the Boxborough DPW, will be collecting and chipping Christmas trees from Boxborough residents this year on Saturday, January 4.  In late December, look for the sign-up forms on the Boxborough Minuteman website: https://boxboroughminutemen.org.   The cost for pickup is $15; deadline for all payments is January 1st.
If you prefer not to sign up for tree pickup, you can also deliver your tree for disposal to the “old” Boxborough DPW facility located at 577 Massachusetts Avenue (Route 111) on Saturday, January 4th between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. A disposal fee of $10 will be collected on site when you drop off your tree. For questions email captain@boxboroughminutemen.org