Acton/Maynard

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Current Edition - 11/15/24

Acton/Maynard

Just click below on the paper you want to read. You can read life-size by clicking on the four corner box bottom right, then turn pages with mouse at corners just like you would if paper!

Previous Edition - 11/08/24

HEADLINES

Craftfair2024flyer

12th Annual Craft Fair

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Harvard Lions 34th Annual Citrus Sale Benefits Local Charities

The Harvard Lions are selling fresh oranges and grapefruit. Treat your family to great fruit while at the same time benefiting Lions charities and families in need! We offer Royal Ruby Red grapefruit -- Sweet, thin-skinned and seedless, the flavor is reminiscent of refreshing red grapes and sweet nectarines. California Navel oranges – Easy peeling with the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Seedless and packed with Vitamin C. Grapefruit, oranges and ‘mixed’ are available in 20 lb. boxes for $40 each. Order online through November 21 and have the fruit delivered to your home in Ayer, Bolton, Boxborough, Devens, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Littleton, Maynard, Shirley or Stow by a Harvard Lion on December 14. No need to be home for delivery. If outside our delivery area we can arrange for you to pick up on December 14 in Harvard. For those outside of our local delivery area we also offer a Mail Order Gift Box Option that offers different size options and different varieties of fruit, nuts, candy, soup and cake mixes from $20 to $45. This order can be shipped anywhere in the Continental US. Order by December 15 for delivery by Christmas. More details on the citrus sale can be found at www.harvardlions.com or emailharvardlionsfruitsale@gmail.com.
Nov 8 needle arts fair

Friends of Acton Council on Aging Needle Arts Fair 2024

Our Needle Arts group has been busy creating many beautiful items just in time for the holidays! Please stop by and browse our collection. Help the Friends of Acton COA support programs and events at the Acton Senior Center. Your support is appreciated!
Date: Tuesday Nov. 19th and Wednesday Nov. 20th
Time: 10:30-1:30pm
Where: Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Rd Rear, Acton, MA 01720
Website: https://friendsofactoncoa.com
Nov 8 concord womens chorus

Concord Women’s Chorus Presents ‘The Harper’s Song’

Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents the holiday season concert “The Harper’s Song: A Ceremony of Carols,” on Saturday, December 7, 4 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord.  The performance is conducted by CWC Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank, accompanied by Daniel Goldsmith, piano, and Carrie Kourkoumelis, harp.
Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” scored for women’s voices and harp, sits at the heart of Concord Women’s Chorus’s December concert of inspired, seasonal works. Marked by innocence, joy, and optimism, this magical sequence of carols is one of the composer’s most beloved works.
The program also includes David Conte’s lyrical “The Harper’s Song” and Elaine Hagenberg’s haunting “O Come, Emmanuel,” both scored for voices, piano, and cello, as well as Ed Henderson’s urgently dramatic “The Huron Carol.” To round out the program, Carrie Kourkoumelis, harpist, performs a sparkling harp solo.
Concord Women’s Chorus is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power of women’s voices through song, hailing from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices.  CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us.
Tickets to “The Harper’s Song” are $30 adults, $25 seniors and students, $10 children ages 12 and under, available at concordwomenschorus.org and at the door.  Trinity Episcopal Church is fully accessible.  For more information, or to join Concord Women’s Chorus, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.

Bedford Garden Club November Meeting

The Bedford Garden Club meeting on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, will be held at The Residence at Bedford, 240 South Road, Bedford. 9:30 AM: Social period. 10 AM: The Guestspeaker is Michele Schuckel on Winter Blooms - Amaryllis and Paperwhites. The public is invited. Michele will teach about the origin and history of Amaryllis and Paperwhites, provide tips for forcing and care, and demonstrate creative ways of potting these plants for beautiful arrangements from start to finish. Michele will create 3 containers with Amaryllis and/or Paperwhites. These containers will be raffled off at the end of the presentation. There will be a per ticket charge for the raffle. Michele is an experienced, organized and detail-oriented public speaker, and a certified Master Gardener. She is the owner and principal designer of Natural Selections Garden Design, which provides numerous services including designing native gardens, garden installation and maintenance, organic practices, holiday decorating, and instruction and consultation on home composting
Note: Use the main entrance, and the receptionist will point you to the dining room. The Residence suggested that those attending carpool.

Crossing the Waters "Water, Wind, Sails, Bones" Fundraiser for African Pilgrimage

Join First Parish at Crossing the Waters Institute for Cultural Exchange's (CTW) fundraiser at First Parish to support a pilgrimage to West Africa! Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 7 pm.
This event aims to raise funds for CTW’s upcoming 2025 pilgrimage to Benin, West Africa, a significant cultural and spiritual journey for descendants of the African diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral roots. The pilgrimage to Benin is a key initiative of CTW, marking the organization’s ongoing mission to heal the wounds of slavery through education, cultural exchange, and spiritual reflection.
The Performance, “Water, Wind, Sails, Bones,” will be presented as a staged reading. It is a powerful performance piece that weaves together dance, poetry, music, song, and the rhythmic pulse of African drumming to tell the story of the Interfaith Pilgrims’ journey and the harrowing experience of the transatlantic slave trade.
$100 suggested donation/pp
Read more: https://fpsudbury.org/2024/10/23/wind-sails-bones/
Free parking is available at First Parish’s Meetinghouse, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, or across the street, behind Sudbury Town Hall.
Nov 8 updated folk festival

Folk Festival ’24 at First Church Unitarian Littleton

19 Foster St. Littleton, MA November 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm
First Church Unitarian Littleton is ready again this year to bring some joy into your life with Folk Festival ’24. This Folk Festival began so many years ago in a congregants living room! It has grown and changed a lot over these 14 years or so. We are proud to say that this year we have two of my favorite professional bands anywhere playing for us.
First up is the Sarah Levecque Band. Sarah grew up right here in Littleton - actually right here on Foster St. adding some lovely local musical color to match the changing colors of the leaves. The Sarah Levecque Band has become a popular staple of the Boston music scene.
Our headliner act features The Sugarsnap Trio from Burlington, VT. They played last year for Folk Festival ’23 and brought the house down. They say when you hear them for the first time you have to pick your jaw up off the floor - that’s how good they are.
Both bands classify their genre as “Americana”. I know you’ve heard it but you may not have put the music with the name. Americana uses elements from folk, rock, blues, soul and more, all of which have their musical roots in America.
There will be an Intermission offering a range of baked goods and other snacks. Beverages include coffee, tea and hot mulled cider. All for sale for $1 each.
New this year is our 50/50 Raffle. Buy Raffle tickets before the show starts from our funny raffle lady (you’ll know her when you see her) or during Intermission. Toward the end of Intermission, the winning ticket will be drawn and the winner gets 50% of all the cash collected for the Raffle! Folk Festival ’24 tickets are available at the door for $25 and online for $20. Or, you may make a donation of your choice to attend the Festival. Say, “I’d like to make a donation” at the door. First Church Unitarian is located at 19 Foster St., Littleton, MA across from the fire station. Questions? Text Patti at 978-621-1065. See you there!
Nov 8 smack dabs

Good-Time Swing from The Smack Dabs

Stow’s New Revival Coffeehouse will open its season on Nov. 16 with the good-time swing blues music of the 1930s performed by The Smack Dabs. The Dabs features the songs of Tampa Red, Big Bill Broonzy, The Harlem Hamfats, and many other artists from the swing era. This delightful and timeless genre features a rich variety of musical styles, ranging from mournful blues to joyful celebrations, setting the stage for incredible solo and group improvisations and delighting audiences and dancers alike. The concert takes place at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Rd., Stow. Doors open at 7pm. and the concert begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 in advance at Tiny.cc/SmackDabs and $25 at the door. For questions, call 978-274-2593 or email coffeehouse@fpc-stow-acton.org. FPC is a nut-free location. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

What Comes Next? – FPC Sunday Service

The Sunday after the election, things may be settled or they may still be unfolding, but either way the future lies ahead of us to determine. On Nov. 10, at 10 a.m., Firs tParish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service on “What Comes Next?” FPC Minister the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum will discuss what our Unitarian Universalist faith is calling us to focus on in this hour. The service takes place both in person in the sanctuary and virtually. Masking is optional. Childcare 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, visitwww.fpc-stow-acton.org.

Crafts & Play for Kids in Grades K-5

Nov. 8 – 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, Nov. 8, from 6:30 to 8:30p.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.

American Chop Suey/Goulash at Guest Table in Stow

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 Nov. 8. 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 American chop suey/goulash. There will be salad, bread, broccoli, and dessert bars 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.

Heritage Chorale Fall Concert

Experience a musical adventure on Sunday, November 24, 4pm, at St. Mark's School, 25 Marlboro Rd., Southborough! This first concert of the Heritage Chorale's 88th season--A Glorious Journey: Vienna & Paris--not only features the music of two style-defining cities, but also music that takes us from classical to modern periods. Professional instrumentalists and vocal soloists will join the Chorale. Visit heritagechorale.org for concert details and to purchase advance tickets from the Chorale's Online Box Office.
Nov 8 sounds of stow


Baroque Brilliance -- Sounds of Stow Fall Concert


Join the Sounds of Stow Chorus & Orchestra for their 46th season opening concert: “Baroque Brilliance” on November 24, 2024, at 2pm. The concert will be held at a local and state-of-the-art venue, Maynard High School, 1 Tiger Drive in Maynard, MA. Under the direction of Barbara Jones, the chorus and orchestra open with Giovanni Gabrieli’s stunning “Jubilate Deo” for double chorus accompanied by a brass ensemble of four trumpets, four trombones. This opener raises the curtain on music by three great Baroque composers, all born in 1685.
Scarlatti -- “Iste confessor”, “Cibavit eos”; Handel -- delightful and sensuous selections from “Solomon”; and Bach – moving motet “DerGerechte kommt um” and beloved “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” – some selections will be familiar, others less so, but all are interesting and rewarding. In addition, our instrumentalists: brass, winds and strings, will enhance the program with selections that will be sure to enhance this delightful program. For further information and tickets, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email info@soundsofstow.org. Sounds of Stow is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as administered by the local cultural councils of Stow, Acton-Boxborough, Bolton, Carlisle and Hudson.

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday November 17 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Chad Childers at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org.
The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.
Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including marching in parades, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to town organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
All are welcome to come and make new connections with others. For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.

Upcoming Events at Acton COA

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

THE COUNCIL ON AGING AT THE HUMAN SERVICES & SENIOR CENTER WILL BE CLOSED ON  MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, IN HONOR OF VETERAN’S DAY.
Book Discussion Group           
Tuesday, November 12th, 10:00-11:00 am                                                      
Open to all seniors/free
The discussion for the November meeting will be around the book James by Percival Everett.  Copies of the book are on hold for the group at Acton Memorial Library. You may also check availability at Citizen’s Library (978-929-6654). Ann Kulsick facilitates the gatherings. High Conflict by Amanda Ripley will be discussed at the December meeting.
Senior Driving Safety: A Safe Drive Through the Aging Process
Tuesday, November 12th, 1:00pm                                    
Open to all seniors/free                                                         
Developed by a retired Ohio state trooper, this presentation is designed for seniors who are questioning their driving skills and may be considering a retirement from driving. Topics include: defining the problem; warning signs of diminished driving skills; what you can do to continue driving safely; tips for reducing the likelihood of a traffic crash; exercise and driving; and making the decision to continue or retire from driving. Offered by Tim Walsh, CSA CDP, pf Senior Care Authority.
Caramel Apple Cooking Class with Asako Judson      
Tuesday, November 12th, 2:00-3:00pm                                        
Acton seniors only
Join Asako Judson to make homemade caramel apples. After dipping the apples in caramel, you can add toppings like nuts, chocolate or sprinkles. Once you know the tips, they are simple to make. They are not only a delicious classic fall treat, they also look lovely! Asako Judson, who lives in Acton, has worked at several restaurants and as a private chef and caterer.
Technology Help Appointments with Acton Memorial Library
Thursday, November 14th, 10:00-11:00 am                                                  
Acton seniors only 
Need help with common smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet or laptop functions? Join Heather Murray, Acton Memorial Library Reference Librarian, at the Senior Center for one-on-one help with your device! Bring your fully charged device and your questions, and Heather will troubleshoot technology problems alongside you. If Heather can’t help with a specific problem you are having, she will do her best to find the right resources that can help you. Call the COA to reserve a 15-minute appointment.
Poet of the Month via Zoom: Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Thursday, November 14th, 10:30-11:30am                               
Open to all seniors/free
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s independence & courage as a prominent English poet in the 1840s drew admiration and critical acclaim. Browning’s humane & compassionate point of view addressed social injustice topics such as the slave trade, child labor in mines & mills, & restrictions on women. Emily Dickinson was hugely influenced & inspired by her poems. Watch the December newsletter for details on the December 5th Poet of the Month meeting featuring Robert Bly. Contact the COA at seniorcenter@actonma.gov to register & receive the Zoom link.
Java with John
Friday, November 15th, 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.
Nov 8 updated catie curtis

Bedford’s New Song Music Series Welcomes Folk-Rock Artist Catie Curtis on November 16

The New Song Music Series in Bedford, MA, launches its inaugural season on Saturday, November 16, with a concert by veteran folk-rock artist Catie Curtis. Known for her gorgeous voice and socially conscious songwriting, Curtis engages audiences with an optimistic mix of insightful wit and pitch-perfect vocals. Curtis has toured full-time in the United States and Europe for over 25 years, releasing 14 recordings and collaborating with some of the finest musicians and producers in the country. Her songs have been featured in films and TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy. She has also performed at the White House several times. New Song is located in the Reed Room of Bedford’s Town Hall – an intimate 100-seat venue in the heart of historic Bedford, MA. This volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District showcases musical styles ranging from contemporary folk to bluegrass to Americana and more.
Tickets for the November 16 concert are $25 and may be purchased at the door or via our website, www.newsongbedford.org. Doors open at 7:00 and the music begins at 7:30. The address is 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA. A selection of sweet treats and beverages will be available at the event. Visit our website for information about New Song and future concerts. Contact New Song Music Series info@newsongbedford.org.
Nov 8 small works

Something for Everyone! - Small Works & Holiday Marketplace


Come make your holiday shopping more meaningful by supporting local artists! Members of the Princeton Arts Society invite you to come to browse, shop, and enjoy hundreds of their fine, artisan-made items. Peruse creative, unique, yet affordable small wall art in many media, as well as tables overflowing with jewelry, cards, prints, ornaments, fabric items, original books, bags, ceramics, woodworking, and so much more! Don’t miss out on this amazing holiday art extravaganza! Fridays, December 6 & 13, 6-8:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays, December 7 & 8 and 14 & 15, 10 AM-4 PM
Location: 206 Worcester Road, Princeton Senior & Community Center, Princeton, MA.
The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows.

Kids Fall Playdate at the Windsor School

A community group dedicated to inclusive gatherings in the hopes of creating a better world. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2-5 pm
We will play outdoor games if weather permits, such as tag, sack races, and badminton. If inclement weather we will play indoor games such as charades. Make a mask, and other arts and crafts. Have cider and snacks, and make an apple sculpture. Enjoy the last of Fall with friends! 24 Windsor Ave., Acton, MA 01720
RSVP Karen Boutet 617-875-1790

UCC Boxborough’s Merrie Christmas Fair: A Welcoming Event for Everyone!

When: Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9am-1pm
Online Auction begins November 13
Where: UCC Boxborough church campus, 723 Middle Road Boxborough 01719
For: Everyone!
The Boxborough Merrie Christmas Fair promises a fun-filled shopping celebration with local handicrafts, delicious food and surprising treasures for all! Come share the joy and shop for your family, friends or treat yourself. Look for truly handmade gifts from soft knitted scarves to hand carved trees and fresh greens for a Thanksgiving table. The fair has 91 years’ experience sharing local creativity and artistry in a fun, festive setting. At the Sugar Plum café, have lunch and sip cocoa as you enjoy the live music of jazz and blues singer Phyllis Fallon and the Workingman’s Music Duo. The online Silent Auction has close to two hundred items for young and old alike. The online auction is an easy way to shop over ten days, November 13-23. Items range from fine home crafted items to snowshoes to restaurant gift cards and museum memberships to expansive vacations including a trip to Tuscany, a two night stay in NYC with Broadway tickets and a windjammer cruise out of Bar Harbor. If you like to thrift, shop at our vintage jewelry table or the legendary recycled Attic Treasures that fill the Town Hall? The fair has something for everyone and is a chance to buy truly local and sustainably. This year’s fair not only supports UCC Boxborough, a partner with FreeBee market, but ten percent of fair proceeds will go directly to North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity.
Save that date: November 23, from 9am-1pm at UCC Boxborough 723 Massachusetts Ave and Boxborough Town Hall on Middle Road. Come and wander the fair, have lunch, let your children shop in their own shopping area, poke through the Attic Treasures, sit outside by the fire pit where Santa might be making a s'more! Meet a friend, have fun with your neighbors, and know that your dollars buy much more than gifts, you are supporting your community as you shop. Meet you at the fair! Online Silent Auction goes up in early November for browsing. Bidding begins November 13 and ends November 23. https://www.BiddingForGood.com/UCCBSilentAuction

Theater Organ Concert

 
Sunday November 17, 2:30pm. Shanklin Music Hall, 130 Sandy Pond Road, Groton.
Dave Wickerham will perform at the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. The Shanklin Music Hall was built specifically for the Wurlitzer to give the audience an unparalleled concert experience. Tickets are available online at www.WurlitzerPops.org. The cost is $25 for adults.

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. Presents: A Star Watch at the Stow Minute Man Airfield

 
Saturday, November 9th from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM
Rain date: Sunday, November 10th
Well, we’re definitely into the fall season! SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring glorious Saturn with near edge-on rings, Venus if you come early, Jupiter if you stay late, and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon all night long! See the galaxies of Pegasus and Andromeda, as well as a host of colorful double stars! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects. Scary masks are not required but will be available. If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone ill, we ask that you refrain from attending. In case of bad weather, a cancellation notice will be posted on our website www.sasobservatory.org by 3:00 PM the day of our event. If we do cancel on Saturday, we will try again the next night (Sunday night), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers

The Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers will perform at the Old Chelmsford Garrison House on Sunday, November 10th, at 2:00 P.M. They will perform eastern social songs accompanied by a water drum and handcrafted rattles. Dressed in traditional clothing, the singers and dancers encourage audience participation. The Old Chelmsford Garrison House is an historical house museum located at 105 Garrison Road in Chelmsford. A donation of $20 per car will be collected at the gate. The gate will open at 1:30 and the performance will begin at 2:00. The Garrison House is located at 105 Garrison Road, off Route 110. For more information, call 978-256-8832, visit our Facebook page, or www.garrisonhouse.org. The Wampanoag Nation website is wampanoagnationsingersanddancers.com.
Nov 8 veterans memorial park

Veterans Day Ceremony in Bedford

Bedford's Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Monday, Nov. 11 starting at noon at Veterans Memorial Park, 160 Great Road (next to Bedford Funeral Home). Join us in honoring our veterans who served in war and in peacetime. Attendees can remember special veterans by placing flags on the Veterans Memorial Wreath of Honor. Contact Paul Purchia (781-275-2464) for more information. Note: In case of heavy rains, the outside ceremony will be canceled and moved to the Bedford High School auditorium starting at 12.

Veterans Day in Boxborough

The Town of Boxborough cordially invites our Town Veterans and all residents to attend the 2024 Veterans’ Day Ceremony on Monday, November 11th promptly at 11 am.  This will take place at the Veterans Tribute Memorial on the grounds of the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue. Parking is available at the Library lot and also at the Blanchard Memorial School lot; using the bridge walkway to get to the Site. Veterans’ Day recognizes the commitment and dedication of Boxborough’s Veterans and their families. We look forward to seeing you there so that we can honor all of those who have served in our Armed Forces.

Veterans Day in Acton

The Town of Acton’s Veteran Services Department, as well as the Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee, invite you to join us for this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony. The ceremony will be observed on Monday, November 11th at 11am.  Please park behind Town Hall or behind the Fire Station.  The ceremony will take place outdoors (weather permitting) by the Isaac Davis monument on the town common. In the event of inclement weather, we will move the ceremony to the Faulkner room inside town hall.  All are encouraged to attend. We hope you can join us in paying reverence to our nations’ heroes.
Vigil 2024 flyer final 2

Domestic Violence Event

14th Annual Bedford Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat – Friday, Oct. 25, 2024

Bedford's 14th annual Trunk or Treat will be hosted by the Bedford Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Oct. 25 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Whole Foods parking lot on 175 Great Rd, Bedford MA.
More than 25 chamber members and community groups will be participating with many being dressed for the occasion in their favorite Halloween costumes and with creatively decorated trunks. Treaters will enjoy a safe, family-fun environment going from trunk to trunk for candy, goodies, and giveaways.
This is a free event and is open to all families with young children. Everyone is encouraged to stop by. Costumes encouraged, but not required.

Clean Energy Home Tour – Focus on Heat Pumps

 
When: Saturday, October 26th, 11am or 1pm
Where: Acton, MA (Address sent upon registration.)
ACTON: Now, more than ever, how we use energy matters for the natural world and for future generations. Visit a home where the owners have switched to an air source heat pump, then a heat pump hydronic system and other clean technologies. Feel the comfort level for yourself! The homeowner is one of Acton’s Clean Energy Coaches and he looks forward to your questions about transitioning off fossil fuels. There will be two free sessions, one at 11am and one at 1pm. The address will be sent upon registration. Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org. For info and registration, go to "Events" on the website or to https://community.massenergize.org/ActonMA/events/1620.

Westford’s Parish Center for the Arts“A CLOSER LOOK” works by Westford Artist Mary O’Connell

On display from November 24 through December 22. Artist’s reception on Sunday, December 1 from noon until 3PM. The PCA Gallery is pleased to welcome Westford resident and artist Mary O’Connell with an exhibition of acrylic and oil paintings on canvas entitled ”A Closer Look”. Her framed paintings depict still lifes of food, fruit, flowers and animals rendered in luscious color with realistic modeling. These paintings consider the moment; how light reveals shape, the pleasure of abundance, and simple beauty in nature. Creating has defined Mary’s interests since she was a child. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University, she continued her art studies in portrait drawing and painting at the Decordova Museum School and Emerson Umbrella in Concord. Working in her home studio, she gathers many of her subjects from nature, her love of animals, and her travels. She has received recognition locally, having exhibited her work in Chelmsford, Concord, Lexington, Belmont, and at Westford’s Regional Art Event. Mary can be contacted at her website www.maryoconnellart.com. The PCA Gallery is open to visitors each Sunday from noon until 2PM.

South Acton Church Rummage & Bake Sale

Come One, Come All! The South Acton Church famous fall Rummage Sale is back!! Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 35 School Street in South Acton. The bargains will be Fabulous!
Upstairs, we’ll have delicious baked goods, scrumptious soups, veggie wraps, and beef and vegan chili --- perfect for lunch or take-out! Also, we’ll have our famous frozen entrees, terrific to keep in the freezer for a fast and healthy dinner. Downstairs will be all the deals! Clothes for all ages, housewares, toys, jewelry, and lots of special items, all at stunning bargain prices.
Come check us out!
Oct 25 mental health course teachers

Mental Health Course, in Person in Boxborough

Family to Family is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments & therapies, practicing communication & problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The course will meet in person in Boxborough Mondays, November 11 to January 13, excluding holiday weeks, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Additional information and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/family-to-family-fall2024-boxborough.
Oct 25 maynard holiday stroll

The Maynard Holiday Stroll

Hosted by the Maynard Business Alliance
Saturday, December 7th, 2024
Lighting of Memorial Park begins at 5:45pm
Holiday Stroll 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Please join us for a beloved Maynard tradition, the Lighting of Memorial Park!  Enjoy holiday caroling led by Interlude Music beginning at 5:45 PM followed by an exciting countdown to light up the park at 6:00pm and then the highly anticipated Santa sighting as he arrives on a Maynard Fire Truck!  Spend the remainder of your evening walking through downtown Maynard and taking in the sights and sounds of the holidays. Many downtown businesses will be open offering shopping specials, live music, light refreshments, and more. This is a great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done at the charming, distinctive shops in Maynard. You’ll be able to check off gifts on your list while helping to support our local businesses at the same time. We can’t wait to celebrate the holiday season with you!
More beloved Maynard holiday traditions:  On Sunday, December 8th, the 1st annual Holiday Village will be held in Memorial Park beginning at noon and the 58th annual Holiday Parade will step off at 2:00pm and travel through downtown Maynard.  The official Maynard Menorah Lighting at Memorial Park will be held later in the month. (Date TBA).
Visit the Maynard Business Alliance website https://www.maynardbusinessalliance.org/events-calendar/2024-holiday-stroll
or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maynardbusinessalliance/ for more details.
For Maynard Holiday Village and Holiday Parade information visit https://www.lightuptheholidaysmaynard.com/

Memory Lane Café at the Acton Senior Center

November 26, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm at the Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road, Rear, Acton. A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with memory impairment and their care partners/caregivers. Cafés are a place to talk with others, enjoy lunch and an activity or entertainment together. We do ask attendees to bring their care partners. Sponsored by the Acton Council on Aging, Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community and Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. An RSVP is not required but appreciated. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please call Sharon Mercurio, Acton Council on Aging Director, at 978-929-6652. Groups will be held on the last Tuesday of each month. This group is free and open to the public. Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group

November 14, 2024, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia isn't easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you're going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family members. Please contact Amanda Spinale, Compass Memory Care Director, at 978-369-4728 oraspinale@concordpark.org for more information and the Zoom link. This group is free and open to the public. Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

2024 Women’s Health Event

Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Location: The Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow St, Concord, MA 01742
Description: Join us for VIP access to women’s health experts. Spend a fun evening with friends, enjoy appetizers and mocktails, learn the latest health trends and prepare for and navigate changes in women’s bodies in our 30’s and beyond. The opportunity to meet some of Emerson’s top female physicians and leaders will follow the program. This event sells out so be sure to get your tickets early! All proceeds will support Women’s Health initiatives at Emerson Health. Cost: $40. Visit:  http://emersonhealth.org/womenshealthevent

Guest Table Community Dinner

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 Nov. 8. 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. 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.
Oct 11  meet at the fair

Meet me at the Fair!


Celebrate 91 years of creativity and community at the Boxborough Merrie Christmas Fair on Saturday, November 23, from 9am to 1pm at the Boxborough Church located on the corner of Route 111 and Middle Road.  You will find handmade ornaments, seasonal greens, homemade gifts, jewelry, baked goods, live music and attic “treasures”. There will also be a children’s table for the smallest shoppers and Santa will roam between the church, town hall and the community center.  Shop online early at the fair's Silent Auction to find unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list. The site goes live on November 13 at 8:00am: https://www.biddingforgood.com/UCCBSilentAuction
Oct 25 jones tavern

Open house at the Faulkner Homestead and Jones Tavern, Sunday, October 27

The Iron Work Farm’s two Acton house museums will be open Sunday afternoon, October 27. Jones Tavern, 128 Main Street, first built in 1732 and opened by Samuel Jones as a tavern in 1750, will be open from 1 to 3:00 p.m. The 1707 Jones-Faulkner Homestead, 5 High Street, will be open from 3 to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can explore the restored rooms of this 1707 “First Period” architectural gem, the oldest house in Acton and home of the owners of the longtime fulling and grist mills on Fort Pond Brook. Members of the Nashoba Valley Weavers’ Guild will be on hand to demonstrate weaving, spinning and other textile crafts. Parking is available on-site or nearby

Boxborough Community Trunk or Treat at Craft Food Halls

Sunday, October 27 · 3:30 - 5:30pm
500 Beaver Brook Road, Boxborough, MA 01719
Join us at Craft Food Halls Boxborough for a festive day of Trunk-or-Treating. Volunteers will be decorating their trunks and handing out candy to eager trick or treaters in our parking lot.
Come early for lunch or stay late for dinner - either way Craft Food Halls has you covered!
Tickets and admission are free, but we kindly ask you to consider donating items to the Acton Boxborough United Way or the Acton Boxborough Food Pantry. They will be assisting in giving out candy to all the Trick-or-Treaters and would greatly appreciate your support! Pressing needs include new mittens, hats, underwear, socks, and non-perishable foods.
Interested in decorating a trunk? Email us at info@craftfoodhalls.com for more info!

“It Can’t Happen Here…Again” Event

Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 4:00 PM
At Carleton-Willard Village, 100 Old Billerica Rd, Bedford, MA, 01730
"It Can't Happen Here . . . Again," a 1/2 hour play by the Writers for Democratic Action.  It is about fascism in America in the 30's and now. It will be performed all over the country and at CWV on Sunday, Oct. 27. A discussion will follow the performance.  Please join us!

The Hidden History of Black Boston

Wednesday, November 6th, 6pm-8pm at the Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room, 486 Main Street, Acton, MA
Learn about Black Boston's 400-year history with Joel Mackall at the library! We will delve into the rich narratives of neighborhoods and pivotal sites, events, and figures from the eras of Faneuil Hall and Long Wharf, which marked Boston's connection to the Atlantic world, all the way to the vibrant Black communities that flourished in Beacon Hill in the early republic, and the South End and Roxbury in the early 20th century. Wednesday, November 6th at 6pm. Sign up here: https://buff.ly/4cteh0f #AML #ActonMA

Haunted Library

Saturday, October 27th from 6:00-8:00pm.
For one night only, on October 26, Acton Memorial Library will open its doors to ghouls and teens alike. Come to this free, after hours event and prepare to be scared! Activities will include a showing of a horror movie, crafts, campfire stories, and, for the bravest of you, entry into our haunted stacks! Costumes are encouraged but optional! Candy and snacks will be provided. For teens in grades 7 through 12. Please note there may be areas where lighting will be low.

CPR Awareness Health for
Humanity Workshop for Kids

Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room, Saturday, October 26th, 1:00-2:00pm
Join in person or virtually. Register now!
Discover how you can become a hero! Join our CPR workshop on October 26, led by high school students and designed to teach young attendees about important first aid skills. Learn how to handle a variety of situations, from minor injuries to major emergencies, and make a real difference in someone's life. There will be fun games and prizes included!! #AML #ActonMA #LibraryEvents
Looking good awards

Acton’s Looking Good Awards Presented on October 1st.

The Acton Garden Club has been at it again, beautifying the town and surveying the town to recognize Acton Business who bring beauty and curb appeal to their doorstep.
Each year a committee of Acton Garden Club members travel throughout the town, searching for gardens and landscapes deserving of recognition.  Criteria for judging include design, color, texture, creativity, scale, and maintenance and awards are granted in various categories.This year the “Acton’s Looking Good” committee discovered some unique gardens and whimsical displays.  
The Recipients of the “Acton’s Looking Good” Award were honored October 1st at the Acton Garden Club meeting with a plaque and photograph of their landscape and a reception at Acton Town Hall.