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Current Edition - 11/28/25

Acton/Maynard/Boxborough

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 - 11/21/25

HEADLINES

Maynard clinton elks

Maynard-Clinton Elks Christmas Tree Sale

The Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks is selling Christmas trees again this year. Hours are:
Mondays-Fridays: 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Trees go on sale Friday, November 28th

The Maynard-Clinton Elks is located at 34 Powder Mill Rd, Maynard, MA  01754.
If you have any questions, please call 978-897-9892.

December 2025
ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER WEDNESDAY”
All are Welcome.”

Join us at our Sit-Down Supper! The month of Holiday Celebrations is here. Please, take time to join us for a dinner with new and familiar friends. Join us as we bring cheer into your lives.  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.


December 2025 Menu

12/3       Spaghetti and Meatballs
                       Sponsored by The Acton Women’s Club
12/10       Swedish Meatballs with Buttered Noodles
    Sponsored by Mt Calvary Lutheran Church

12/17        Our Holiday Turkey Dinner with all the Fix’ns
    Sponsored by Boston Metro West Bible Church
12/24th & 31st  Closed – May this month of many Holidays bring you peace!


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

As 2025 comes to an end, 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
http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

Libraries Closed for Thanksgiving

Acton Memorial Library and West Acton Citizens' Library will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, for Thanksgiving.
Both libraries will reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 29.

Santa in Acton on December 7

Accompanied children are invited to visit Santa and Mrs. Santa on Sunday, December 7 between 1pm and 4pm at the Acton Woman’s Clubhouse at 504 Main Street, Acton Center.   The safe and quiet atmosphere of the cheerful living room is especially fine for small children and those who prefer less noise and fewer crowds.  There is no charge, but any voluntary donations will be used towards maintaining this historic building.  Picture taking is encouraged.
Santa (aka Richard Goodman) and Mrs. Claus (Patti Hunt, his daughter) moved to this area last year from Orange County, California.  Widower Richard, 94 years young, resides in a senior living apartment in Chelmsford where Patti often visits.  When he is not Santa, he enjoys dining out, seeing movies and visiting his granddaughter and great grandsons.
Upon arriving in town with her husband, outgoing Pattie immediately joined the Acton Woman’s Club to make friends in her new community.  She did that quickly and is currently the Club’s President.
A veteran of the aeroSpace industry, Richard  has been an annual Santa for over 30 years. As such, he donates his time with Pattie to help raise money for various good causes. Richard is a founding member of the nonprofit  "Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas."   Members of FORBS must grow and maintain their own facial hair for that purpose, and agree to promote a positive image of Santa.
Having Santa at the Acton Woman’s Club this year rounds out their 110 anniversary celebration of the founding of the organization.  www.theactonwomansclub.org 
Iron work farm

Iron Work Farm Living History Program:  “How Mummers Saved Christmas”

What did the colonists celebrate before Thanksgiving and Christmas?  Come to the Faulkner House at 5 High Street and discover the clandestine way the American colonists celebrated the Yuletide season. Christmas celebrations were disguised as other celebrations, and the colonists disguised themselves, as well. We will gather by the bonfire for song, revelry and a raucous mummers’ play just as the early Americans did. Learn how celebrating Christmas could land you a fine, a day in the stocks or even jail!   This is a great way to start the holiday season and to begin the revelry--at the oldest house in Acton.
No charge.

Parking on site or nearby.  Check www.ironworkfarm.org for details.

Cultivating Joy in Turbulent Times

First Parish Church, 353 Great Road, Stow
Sunday, November 30, 2025
10 AM

This service will invite and encourage those gathered to consider the possibilities for and benefits of cultivating internal joy regardless of external circumstances. Through music, spoken word, and time for personal reflection, this service will offer ideas and practices to open ourselves to moments of joy in everyday living--to cultivate joy in our lives. Service will be led by Lisa Fagerstrom, Lay Leader -
Join Worship by Video: https://tinyurl.com/22-23fpc
Meeting ID: 999 7077 0266
Passcode: 01775
Join worship by phone: (929)205-6099 (long distance rates will apply)
Note: For those who prefer, a mask-required seating area is available in the back right corner of our sanctuary. Please consult with an usher if assistance is needed. 
FPC now has a closed captioning option with online services. If the Closed Captioning option is not turned on, you can use the button at the bottom of your screen to request the host turn it on.

DONATE A DINNER BASKET or SPONSOR A CHILD TO HELP THE MAYNARD FOOD PANTRY

As in years past, the Maynard Food Pantry will be helping local families in need during the upcoming holiday season by providing them with dinner baskets and gifts.

Donations of dinner baskets and/or gifts from families, organizations, groups and companies will help us accomplish this goal.  Suggestions for dinner baskets include a canned ham or fresh ham together with a combination of bagged potatoes, fresh squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, canned or fresh vegetables, apples, oranges, canned pineapple, fruit juice, packaged rolls and packaged desserts.

Those who would like to purchase gifts will be given specific information about a certain child(ren) including ages, sizes and special gift requests.

If you would like to donate one or more of these items or would like additional information, please contact Mary Brannelly at mjtbrannelly@comcast.net no later than Friday, December 12, 2025 for drop off information.

Please consider sending a donation of any amount to Maynard Food Pantry, PO Box 55, Maynard, MA 01754.  As we begin our 33rd year, the Maynard Food Pantry is very grateful for the outpouring of support we receive from residents, businesses and organizations in Maynard and beyond!  Thank you and enjoy your Holidays!
Maynard holiday parade

59th Annual Maynard Holiday Parade & Holiday Village

Looking for some holiday magic? Join us at the 59th annual Maynard Holiday Parade in downtown Maynard on the afternoon of Sunday, December 7! Make it a day to remember by visiting Maynard’s Holiday Market and festively decorated local stores/restaurants before the parade. Details below.
Holiday Village: From noon to 3 pm, stroll through a holiday village at Memorial Park (corner of Summer and Nason Streets). Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the winter season as you browse and buy locally made crafts, decorations, and food from vendors. Face painting, temporary tattoos, and do-it-yourself crafts will also be there. Bring some cash along to donate to Maynard High School’s student-run WAVM Beacon Santa Telethon, an annual tradition that supports families during the holiday season.
While downtown, be sure to visit the amazing stores and restaurants on Nason and Main Streets, many of whom are parade sponsors. You’ll find bountiful options for buying Christmas, Hanukkah or winter gifts for family and friends. Getting hungry? Enjoy a delicious meal, snack, or beverage at one of our many excellent restaurants or cafés.
The 59th Annual Parade: At 1:45 pm, look up to see Santa Claus waving at you from a helicopter! Next, food collection trucks will roll down the parade route at 1:50 pm to collect your canned food donations. As a community, we can provide "more love, less hunger." At 2:00 pm, the parade kicks off, with our Grand Marshall, Vic Lalli, leading the way. As Maynard’s favorite children’s musician, Vic has introduced the joy of music to children for many years.
Guests of Honor will include:
*Joshua Morse, town volunteer, who has rallied support for a senior center, new elementary school, and has also served on other infrastructure committees. Josh’s expertise – combined with his easy-to-understand explanations – have moved our town forward on many important projects.
*Sarah Cressy, organizer of our favorite fall events; MaynardFest and Downtown Trick or Treat. Sarah’s non-stop energy, marketing of Maynard, and organizational planning skills are unparalleled.
*Bob McCarthy, former Finance Committee member extraordinaire for many years, is now one of the creators The Maynard Voice online newspaper. Bob has been a role model for positive, respectful volunteer leadership in our town.
This joyful holiday parade will feature various bands, floats, decorated vehicles, and festively dressed walkers representing local businesses, nonprofit organizations, musical groups, and entertainers. This year’s parade theme is holiday movies and we can’t wait to see and hear everyone’s creativity in action.
Parade viewers can watch from the section of Sudbury St. between the mill parking lot and Main St., as well as Main St. between Sudbury St. and McDonald’s/Jarmo’s, and Summer St. from Nason St. eastward. Nason Street is also part of the parade route and will be a “low noise” area for parade-goers who are sensitive to loud noises.
For more parade details, including our generous parade and fall ball (our main fundraising event) sponsors and donors, go to https://www.lightuptheholidaysmaynard.com or follow our Facebook page, 59th Maynard Holiday Parade, to receive updates regarding weather delays. We are still accepting donations on the website, so please check it out if you would like to make a business or personal donation to the parade fund.
In case of rain/snow, the parade will be moved to Sunday, Dec. 14, same time.
See you at the parade and happy holidays!

Financial Focus: Social Security Myths: What to Know

 
There are some myths around Social Security we should clear up.

The first is that it is going bankrupt. But according to a Social Security Administration analysis from June 2025, benefits will continue – though starting in 2033, it may only pay 77 cents on the dollar. Congress has options to fix the shortfall before then.

The second myth is that budget cuts will delay or reduce benefits. Budget cuts and staff reductions may affect wait times when calling or visiting a Social Security office, but only Congress can change benefit amounts, which they have not done. Currently, the Social Security Administration states that benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for current recipients will not be delayed.

Third is the myth that these benefits are no longer taxed. However, if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, you'll owe taxes on part of your benefits.

For now, save adequately and make informed decisions about when to claim your benefits. A financial advisor can help.

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

The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division Calls for Red Kettle Volunteers and Donations Across the State

 
Volunteers needed to bring joy to families in need this holiday season
CANTON, MASS. (November 3, 2025) – With the holiday season approaching, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is kicking off its annual Red Kettle Campaign across the Commonwealth, and volunteers are urgently needed in nearly every region.
As more families across Massachusetts face economic hardship, inflation and housing costs heading into the holidays, the need for The Salvation Army's services continues to grow. The organization serves as a critical safety net, providing Christmas gifts and food, offering emergency assistance with bills, and providing shelter to those without a home. All Red Kettle proceeds support The Salvation Army's work with individuals and families right in the communities where donations are collected. On average, volunteer bell ringers raise enough money to provide nearly 250 meals to children and families in their respective towns. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Give With JOY.”
“Each act of generosity, large or small, helps The Salvation Army make the season brighter for families across Massachusetts,” said Major Elijah Kahn, General Secretary of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. “Our volunteers and donors embody the spirit of the holidays and make it possible for us to bring joy where it’s needed most.”
The first local Red Kettle campaigns of 2025 kick off across the state in November. Areas with upcoming campaign launches that are in need of volunteers and support include: the Merrimack Valley, Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts (Hyannis, Fall River, and New Bedford), the North Shore (Newburyport, Salem, and Lynn), MetroWest, Mass Bay/Boston, the Route 2 area (Athol, Greenfield, and Fitchburg), as well as Western (Springfield and Pittsfield) and Central Massachusetts (Milford and Worcester).
The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is working to raise more than $2.3 million through this year’s Red Kettle Campaign to support critical year-round social services. Donations can be made in person at a Red Kettle or virtually.
To volunteer at a Red Kettle or donate online, visit salvationarmyma.org/redkettle.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helps more than 28 million people in nearly every zip code in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from substance abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at our more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country. In 2024, Forbes ranked The Salvation Army 6th in its list of America’s Top 100 Charities. And in 2021, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked The Salvation Army 2nd on its list of “America’s Favorite Charities.” For more information about supporting The Salvation Army or your local service centers, visit salvationarmyma.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.
Filmmaking at umbrella arts

Filmmaking at The Umbrella Arts Center, Concord


CONCORD, MA - Teaching middle-schoolers to make movies is a recipe for successful creative collaboration, according to freelance filmmaker and educator Tom Flint. “Making films is where kids are at right now,” said Flint, who leads filmmaking workshops for about 30 11- to 14-year-olds at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord.

Flint’s designed and directed a series of three, free moviemaking courses for middle-school students at The Umbrella, as part of Arts Elevate, a pilot project supported by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF). In addition to helping them discover the fun and accessibility of moviemaking, Flint’s workshops were also formulated to have a positive impact on students’ health and wellness.

“I enjoy engaging with kids at this age to introduce them to the medium of film, so they can see where it may take them in terms of story-telling and creative problem-solving,” said Flint, adding “It may not always be easy. The kids are being challenged – filmmaking is really difficult.”

Launched this fall, GLCF’s pilot project, titled Arts Elevate: Embedded Community Artists for Youth Wellness in Greater Lowell, placed four artists in 12-week residencies at nonprofit organizations in Lowell, Groton, Acton and Concord (at The Umbrella Arts Center), explained Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy. The Arts Elevate initiative was developed for Greater Lowell with lead funding from the Barr Foundation through its Creative Commonwealth Initiative.

“As adolescents report rising levels of stress and isolation, we needed to create timely and accessible pathways to wellness,” said Aradhya. “Arts Elevate recognizes that when young people engage in creative expression, they discover who they are and how they belong. Tom’s workshops at The Umbrella Arts Center demonstrate how powerful these creative opportunities can be for middle-schoolers navigating this critical developmental period,” she said.

Located in downtown Concord, The Umbrella Arts Center is a nonprofit regional multi-disciplinary arts center, serving Concord and surrounding towns, according to Rebecca Campbell-McGonagle, Education Program Manager. Flint’s film workshops are geared toward students in grades 6 through 8 and provide iPads to shoot their movies. “We wanted very much for these workshops to NOT be too advanced, technologically, for the students,” stressed Campbell-McGonagle.

Flint’s workshops include Hands-On Moviemaking I and II, and Reel Adventures. All filmmaking workshops will culminate in a mid-December Red-carpet Screening Premiere, when students, parents and guests gather to view all films created as part of the program.

The concept of experimentation and documentation, with an eye toward expanded programming, is one key element of the Arts Elevate pilot, said GLCF’s Aradhya. “This pilot program is much more than just four embedded-artist programs. We’re documenting what works, what challenges arise, what outcomes we’re seeing. We’ll then create a toolkit that will help other organizations replicate this model,” she explained.

For more information about The Umbrella Arts Center, visit: https://theumbrellaarts.org

For more information about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation Arts Elevate program, or to support this initiative, visit: https://www.glcfoundation.org/arts-elevate/

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND CHAMBER CONCERT

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, David Wayne Bailey, Music Director, will present its first Chamber Music Concert of the 2025-26 Season on Sunday, December 7th at 2 pm in the auditorium of the Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (GPS Green Road), Bolton MA. Admission is Free!

The concert features three performing groups comprised of members of the Nashoba Symphonic Band. The NSB Clarinet Choir will play the Overture to Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Mozart's Divertimento No.14 and Christmas Day, a medley of familiar carols by British composer, Gustav Holst. The Trombone Ensemble offers several selections, including music by Mendelssohn, Weber and Scott Joplin. Rounding out the program will be the NSB Chamber Players with Tower Music by Massachusetts-born Alan Hovhaness and Robert Nagel's Serenade for Winds.

Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music and supported, in part, by the kind grants of cultural councils in Bolton, Lancaster, Stow, Clinton, Ashby and Lunenberg, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Navigating the fourth trimester

Navigating the Fourth Trimester

This free workshop offers a supportive place for expectant parents to explore the physical, emotional and relational challenges that accompany the first 3 months after birth. In this program you will learn evidence-based strategies for adjusting to life with a newborn, coping with challenges related to sleep and feeding, managing changes in your relationships, and nurturing your own wellbeing during this transformative time. Join First Connections for this interactive in-person session facilitated by lactation counselor and infant sleep consultant Mary Beilman and Emily Fiorini, LMHC, who specializes in infant and parent mental health. Helpful postpartum community resources will be included. Free for the birthing person and one support person. Register through Emerson Health's Steinberg Wellness Center in Concord through this link: https://emersonhealth.jotform.com/253204506617048. This program will take place on Wednesday, December 3 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Fresh start furniture bank1

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

When Coast Guard veteran Aris Lopez finally gained custody of his two kids, their new apartment was empty. No beds, no table, no couch.
That changed when they came to Fresh Start Furniture Bank. Thanks to supporters like you, his family received beds, a sofa, a dining set, and essentials that turned their space into a real home. Imagine that: your generosity helped a veteran and his children step into their new life together with hope.
Every week, we serve local families rebuilding after homelessness, domestic abuse, military service, or other hardships. Furniture is donated, but getting it to families takes real resources: fuel for our truck, warehouse space, and dedicated staff and volunteers.
At present we are low on can openers, 60W light bulbs, twin & full blankets, serving utensils & non-slotted spoons, cutting boards, dish towels, rugs, dressers, mattresses & box springs, silverware, serving platters, bed frames with headboards, and couches and love seats.  You can bring non-furniture donations on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and furniture and household items on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30.
Your gift restores dignity, comfort, and stability.
Help local families take their next step forward by clicking on the QR code below.  Thank you!
FreshStartFurnitureBank.org
16 Brent Dr, Hudson, MA

Council on Aging Events

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

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

The Town of Acton Human Services and Senior Center will be closed on Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

Monday Movie Matinee
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Monday, November 24th, 1:00-2:50pm
(1969, PG) In 1890s Wyoming a band of outlaws go on the run when a train robbery goes wrong. Robert Redford, Paul Newman and Katharine Ross star. Oscar nominee for Best Picture with wins for Writing, Cinematography, Original Song, and Original Score. DVD available to borrow from resource shelf after November 24.

Hearing Screening Appointments with Audiologist Megan Ford
Tuesday, November 25th, 9:30 to 11:45am                                    
Acton 60+ only
Megan Ford Au.D., a licensed audiologist in practice since 1998, will provide hearing screenings, ear wax checks, and basic hearing aid checks. Please allow 15 minutes for your appointment. Dr. Ford has worked at several major medical centers in Boston, Cleveland and Worcester. In 2013 she opened her private practice, HearSmart Audiology, in Littleton. There has been such a high demand for Dr. Ford’s appointments, she now is coming to the Center monthly!

Protect Yourself from Fraud and Identity Theft
Tuesday, November 25th, 1:00-2:00pm                                                          
Open to all age 60+/free
Each year criminals steal billions from Americans using tactics including tech support and business impersonation, AI, cryptocurrency, and social media. Join Alice Diamond of the AARP Speakers Bureau for an eye-opening session where she will delve into the strategies of scammers and how you can outsmart them. Learn the essential steps to safeguard your identity and finances. Don’t miss this crucial presentation—your security could depend on it! Alice Diamond formerly served as Associate Dean of Career and Community Service at Lesley University. She became interested in joining efforts to combat fraud when she encountered numerous fraudulent job postings in her work. Alice volunteers on the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. 

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

LitLovers Study Group/Masterpieces of Short Fiction: The Killers
Tuesday, November 25th, 2:30-4:00pm                          
Open to all age 60+/free
The group views a 30-minute lecture from The Great Courses: Masterpieces of Short Fiction, followed by a discussion on the lecture, the featured story and the author. This month’s story is The Killers by Ernest Hemingway. Short stories have the unique ability to deliver a powerful emotional impact within a concise format, and we are studying some of the best! Upcoming authors include D.H. Lawrence, Flannery O’Connor, Franz Kafka, James Baldwin, and Margaret Atwood. Copies of the stories are provided at the previous month’s meeting; you can also pick up a hard copy at reception or contact facilitator Chris Chirokas at cchirokas@actonma.gov or 978-929-6652 if you’d like a digital copy emailed.
 

Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Hogan Announce $618,500 for Housing and Transportation Improvements in Maynard

Maynard, MA – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and State Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow)  are proud to announce that the Executive Office of Economic Development has awarded $618,500 to the Town of Maynard through the Community One Stop for Growth grant program.
The funding comes from the Community One Stop for Growth program, the main operation for targeted public economic development investments in the Commonwealth. The One Stop is made up of 13 different grant programs that fund development projects related to community capacity building, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, and infrastructure. The consolidation of these programs under a single application streamlines grant procurement processes for municipalities as well as the Commonwealth.
The Housing Choice Grant Program will be used to complete a five-year update to the Town of Maynard’s 2021 Housing Production Plan. With the $60,000 from this grant, Maynard plans to hire a consultant to complete the plan, including data collection, analysis, and conducting community outreach.
The allotted $558,500 from the MBTA Community Catalyst Fund will be used to prepare Maynard’s final design documents to add pedestrian and bicycle paths along its one-mile portion of the Corridor. The multi-jurisdictional Powder Mill Road Corridor redevelopment initiative has been in process since 2019, and is designed to accommodate 474 residential units and the ongoing private construction of a 270-unit apartment complex immediately adjacent on the Maynard/Acton border.
“The Community One Stop for Growth grants provide invaluable support towards the maintenance and development of Massachusetts’ economic projects,” said Senator Eldridge. “I am deeply grateful for the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, and Housing & Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus for their commitment to ensuring commercial and residential growth. These grants will help Maynard as they foster small businesses, housing developments, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure that help these communities thrive.”
“Planning and design efforts to revitalize the Powder Mill Road corridor in Maynard are well underway. This new funding to plan and create safe bike and pedestrian pathways on a notoriously treacherous stretch of highway is critical to the ongoing rezoning process and will support new high-density mixed-use development and benefit existing neighborhoods,” said Representative Hogan. “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Executive Offices of Housing and Economic Development for helping our communities further their vision of establishing the corridor as a regional economic driver."
“The time is here to begin putting the pieces in place that will help foster complete communities along the ‘Powder Mill Road Corridor’.  Our residents and businesses want and deserve safe paths, Free from motorized vehicle traffic, to travel,” said Maynard Planning Director Bill Nemser.  “This grant will allow us to design and engineer final plans for new sidewalks and paths along the corridor.  Our hope is that we improve Powder Mill Road to a level where the existing neighborhoods as well as new businesses and residents can safely enjoy walking or bicycling along the corridor. The update of Maynard’s Housing Production Plan comes at a critical juncture in Maynard’s development: the community leadership recognizes the value a Housing Plan provides as a guiding tool. What the plan really provides is a snapshot telling us what Maynard’s housing needs are based on our current demographics and community trends. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Executive Offices of Housing and Economic Development, Senator Eldridge and Speaker Pro Tempore Hogan for all they have done to help us secure these grants.”
Maynard clinton elks

Maynard-Clinton Elks Christmas Tree Sale

The Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks is selling Christmas trees again this year. Hours are:
Mondays-Fridays: 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Trees go on sale Friday, November 28th

The Maynard-Clinton Elks is located at 34 Powder Mill Rd, Maynard, MA  01754.
If you have any questions, please call 978-897-9892.

Call for Artists for Holiday Show in Stow

SAGA (Stow Area Guild of Artists) is sponsoring an indoor holiday fair of handmade art and still has a few 8x8 foot spaces available. The art fair runs Sat. Dec. 13 - 10-4 and Sun. Dec. 14 12-4 at the Pompo Community Center in Stow.  Booth fee is $50 for non-SAGA members and $35 for members.  No commissions from the artists. You will be with painters, photographers, potters, jewelers and other talented artisans. Deadline for signing up is 11/22.  If interested please go to  https://www.stow-artists.org and complete the contact form on the join us tab.
Festival of sharing

St. Matthew's Festival of Sharing

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Acton will host its unique “Festival of Sharing” Holiday Fair on December 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

As always, all proceeds from the event will benefit local and international charitable organizations supported by St. Matthew’s.

Please join us to shop, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and experience live Christmas music. The festival is held at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Main Street, Acton, MA.
Please click the link for the list of organizations.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V9uPkAh59Rzhq02kgTP415Gf0Y4jD8ZQ/view?usp=sharing or visit https://saint-matthews.org/

Greetings from Theatre III!

Upcoming Auditions!
We will be holding auditions for our spring musical production of Nice Work If You Can Get It on Tue, Dec. 2nd and Wed, Dec. 3rd (7pm, 8pm, and 9pm slots) with callbacks on Thu, Dec 4th.

A hilarious new screwball comedy, Nice Work If You Can Get It pokes fun at the Prohibition era in a clash of elegant socialites and boorish bootleggers, all set to the glorious songs of George and Ira Gershwin. Highlights from the score include “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Sweet and Low Down,” “Delishious” and the title song.


** Creative Team
------------------------------------------------------------

Directed by Alison Walters-Short
with Assistant Director Andrew DeSisto
Musically Directed by Jayden Weichtmann
Choreographed by Caroline Hubbard
Produced by Maren Caufield and Linda Minkoff
Stage Managed by Nadine Sa

Learn more and sign up now!
https://www.theatre3.org/upcoming/NiceWork2026

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING WITH THEATRE III?
It takes a true community to run a community theater and new volunteers are always welcome, both for specific shows and for ongoing roles!  Want to be part of Theatre III in a volunteer capacity?  Let us know with our ** Volunteer Interest Form! https://www.theatre3.org/getinvolved/volunteer

HARVEST WELCOME SUNDAY, FIRST PARISH CHURCH OF STOW AND ACTON

Sunday Nov 23, 10 AM, Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum with Yaakov Trek Reef, intern minister, explore the mythology built around Thanksgiving. That mythology tells of a people starving and of a people who provided welcome and sustenance. While there’s much harm that our Thanksgiving mythology covers up and causes, the message of providing welcome in troubled times has value. Without mythologizing our past, we’ll explore the message of welcome and how it’s been given in our community, and how we can strengthen welcome as we go forward. First Parish Church, 353 Great Road, Stow
Small works holiday show1

Small Works Holiday Show Now Open at ArtSpace Gallery in Maynard

Experience the fun of giving one-of-a-kind artworks this holiday season. The Small Works Holiday Show features a variety of affordable, small-scale artworks by local and regional artists, which are perfect for holiday gifting or starting your own collection. From November 14 to January 10, shoppers may choose between paintings, prints, watercolors, drawings, jewelry, photography, ceramics, textiles, and mixed media works in a variety of styles. Artworks are no larger than 12” x 12,” making them easy to transport or mail. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a holiday shopper, or simply looking for inspiration, this festive show offers something for everyone.

The ArtSpace Gallery is located at 15 Main Street in Maynard, MA. Hours are:Tue & Wed, 10AM-3PM; Thu & Fri, 12-5PM; Sat & Sun, 12-4PM.  We will also be open during the Maynard Holiday Stroll on 12/6.

The Gallery accepts checks, Venmo, cash, and credit cards.
“top dog” calendar sale2

“Top Dog” Calendar Sale to Benefit Acton Community Dog Park

Looking for a useful gift for your canine-friendly friends and family? Top Dog Calendars, featuring local dogs, their stories and photos, are on sale now for just $25. You might even recognize someone you know! All proceeds benefit Acton Community Dog Park, currently under construction and slated to open in Spring 2026. Get yours while supplies last at www.actondogpark.weebly.com. Your purchase/donation is tax deductible, and we will contact you to arrange calendar pickup.

Financial Focus: The Real Meaning of Diversification in Investing

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” In the world of investing, it’s solid advice.

Unfortunately, some people misinterpret this wisdom. They spread money across multiple financial institutions, working with several financial advisors.

But this creates some drawbacks. You may be paying more in fees. Managing the paperwork could get complicated. And working with multiple financial advisors may result in conflicting investment strategies. Without a comprehensive view of your portfolio, each financial advisor may recommend investments that don’t work well together.

Diversification does matter. While consolidating accounts makes sense, diversifying your actual investments remains crucial. You’ll want a balanced mix of stocks and bonds appropriate for your age and goals.

If your retirement savings and investment accounts are scattered among various financial institutions, consider consolidating everything with one trusted financial advisor. The streamlined record-keeping, possible reduced fees and comprehensive financial guidance can help improve your wealth-building potential while keeping management simpler.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA.
       
Angels in the light

"Angels in the Light"

A candlelight ceremony in the loss of a child.....

Sunday December 14th - 6:30pm
First Congregational Church
675 Old Post Rd
N. Attleboro, MA

Music, vocalist, readings, speaking your child's name, fellowship
Please bring a 5x7 photo of your child........

www.mylesabove.org 

Dudley Laufman’s Happy Holidays HoeDown

It is with great pleasure that Groton Grange #7, with The Contra Banditos, host a One Time Holiday Contra Dance Extravaganza. We will be honoring our internationally celebrated 95 year old Barn Dance Caller, the "one and only", Mr. Dudley Laufman (read his Wikipedia page). The dance will be held December 6th, 7:30 to 10:30 PM, at the Groton Grange #7, 80 Champney St, Groton. All ages, beginner and experienced dancers, are invited. Dudley Laufman will be the caller. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $6 per person; family maximum is $20. PARK ON GRANGE SIDE OF CHAMPNEY ST. ONLY.

We Need Armistice Day, Not Veterans Day

 
Armistice Day recognizes Peace. Veterans Day recognizes war, sacrifice, and militarism. We need to change Veterans Day back to its original designation - Armistice Day.
The Great War (World War I) concluded November 11, 1918, with an end of hostilities between the Central Powers and the Allied Powers. The first Armistice Day was celebrated exactly one year later to commemorate Peace and World War I veterans. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it: “a day to be dedicated to the cause of World Peace and to be thereafter celebrated through the exercise of good will and mutual understanding.” In 1938, Congress made it a national holiday.
President Eisenhower, following WWII and Korea with pressure from Veterans groups, changed the name in 1954. Veterans Day has become largely ceremonial and patriotic emphasizing military pride and sacrifice. Armistice Day was recognized with ringing church bells and speeches calling for Peace. Groups reflected on the costs of war and advocated for international cooperation.
Changing back to Armistice Day doesn’t mean disrespecting veterans. In fact, many veterans support the idea — believing that the best way to honor them is to prevent future wars. As veteran and historian Howard Zinn once said: “Another Memorial Day. Another war. Yes, let's honor those who died in the nation's many wars. But if we do not want to keep adding to the soldiers' graves, let's also ask why they died.” (2005)
This country spends an extraordinary amount of money on war making. And, it has been in perpetual war since Eisenhower’s renaming. Changing the holiday back to Armistice Day might help us recognize the need for diplomacy over war and shift our focus to creating Peace and abandoning warfare.
I encourage local churches to ring their bells eleven times at 11:00AM every November 11th to commemorate the end of The Great War and to support Peace in our badly fractured world.

Willard Hunter
Veterans For Peace
US Navy 1968-1972

= = == = == = =
Citation (APA style):
Wilson, W. (1919, November 11). Proclamation 1872—Armistice Day, 1919. The American Presidency Project. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-1872-armistice-day-1919

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 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
Worcester chamber music

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents “Baroque on Fire” December 4 in Princeton and December 5 in Worcester


November 5, 2025   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th Season with a concert titled “Baroque on Fire” at Princeton’s First Congregational Church on December 4 and at Museum of Worcester on December 5.  A reception will follow each concert.
The annual WCMS Baroque holiday concert brings the fire this year, with virtuosic turns from well-known composers. That fire settles to a warm glow, inviting our audience to settle in for a musical winter evening.
Thursday, December 4 @7:30PM Friday, December 5 @4PM
First Congregational Church Museum of Worcester
14 Mountain Road, Princeton 30 Elm Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM
Program
Francesco Geminiani
| Concerto Grosso #1, after Corelli, in D major, Op. 5
Jean-Philippe Rameau | Fifth Concert in d minor, from Piéces de clavecin en concerts
Domenico Scarlatti | Sonata in d minor K141
Georg Philipp Telemann | Fantasy #1 in B-flat major, TWV 40:14–25 9
Michael Praetorius | Selections from Dances from Terpsichore
Antonio Vivaldi | Concerto for two violins in A minor from L’Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 8

Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians: Krista Buckland Reisner and Rohan Gregory: violin,  Peter Sulski: viola,  Ariana Falk: cello.
With guests: Tracy Kraus: flute, Alex Vavilov: viola, Moises Carrasco: double bass, John McKean: harpsichord/
All venues are handicapped accessible.Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/baroque-on-fire/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624
Spm launches 43rd season

SPM Launches 43rd Season with a Tribute to America’s 250th Anniversary


Symphony Pro Musica is proud to announce the opening concert of its four-part season honoring America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, a celebration of the nation’s spirit through the power of classical music.

Concert Series I will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 7:30pm at Hudson High School, Hudson MA, and on Sunday, December 7th at 3:00pm at Mill Pond School in Westborough, MA.   There is a free, pre concert talk 45 minutes before the performance at each event and an after concert reception.
Central to the program is a performance William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 5, entitled “The Western Hemisphere”.  SPM’s tribute is inspired by the hope and vision embodied in Still’s music—a call to move toward a future guided by compassion and fairness. William Grant Still, widely regarded as the first African-American composer to craft a truly American classical sound, is celebrated for his heartfelt melodies, vibrant rhythms, and vivid tone painting. This performance marks SPM’s inaugural presentation of a Still composition.

Complementing Still’s inspirational work are two masterpieces by Johannes Brahms: the stirring “Tragic Overture” and the iconic Piano Concerto No. 2. The latter is often cited as one of the five greatest piano concertos ever written, renowned for its depth, virtuosity, and emotional resonance.
Joining SPM for Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is acclaimed young American pianist Clayton Stephenson, praised by Gramophone Magazine for his “extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts” and interpretations that are “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive.” Stephenson’s artistry promises to bring new life to this beloved work, offering audiences an unforgettable experience.

For tickets and more information about the concert:  https://www.symphonypromusica.org/programs/2025-26-concert-i
For more information about SPM: https://www.symphonypromusica.org/ or call 978-562-0939.

Council on Aging Events

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

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

The Town of Acton Human Services and Senior Center will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

Monday Movie Matinee
Casablanca
Monday, November 10th, 1:00-2:45pm
(1942, PG) A cynical expatriate café owner struggles to decide whether to help his former girlfriend and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco. Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Berman and Paul Henreid star in this war-time romance which won Oscars for Best Picture, Director and Screenplay. DVD available to borrow from Senior Center resource shelf after Nov.

Caregiver: A Love Story   
Monday, November 10th, 10:30am-12 noon                        
Open to all
In honor of family caregivers and in celebration of National Caregivers’ month. Join us for a screening and discussion of this poignant film about caregiving, end of life and the essential, yet largely unseen workforce - the family caregivers who support their loved ones at home.
Cheryl Botieri, MS, an End-of-Life Educator, Family Support Specialist, & End-of-Life Doula, will be facilitating our discussion. This program is funded by the MA Councils on Aging's Strengthening End-of-Life Conversations Initiative.

Greeting Card Craft Workshop with Nancy Dodge
Wednesday, November 12th, 10:00-11:30am                                
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
In this workshop suitable for all skill levels, you will make one to two greeting cards. You may choose from several versatile designs of holiday cards based on your experience level and make your creation unique by selecting embellishments and a sentiment. All supplies provided by instructor. Registration required. Image of sample cards available to view at Reception. Nancy Dodge is an avid crafter and a Stampin’ Up distributor.

Author Talk with Sarah Boyer: Coming Out, Becoming Ourselves: Lesbian Stories from the Boston Daughters of Bilitis 1969–1999
Wednesday, November 12th, 1:00-2:00pm                                                
Open to all/free
While Sarah Boyer worked as oral historian at the Cambridge Historical Commission, she was invited to interview past members of the Boston Daughters of Bilitis, a chapter of the earliest known lesbian organization in the US. She was inspired by the extraordinary stories of “ordinary” folks, and her book is a result of ensuring the voices of the emerging gay liberation movement be heard and their lives celebrated. Learn more about these women and the Daughters of Bilitis with Sarah! Please sign up with the COA at 978-929-6652 or directly with COA staff member Chris Chirokas at the same number or cchirokas@actonma.gov.

Technology Assistance Clinic
Wednesday, November 12th, 1:30-3:00pm
Open to all 60+/free               
No Clinic 11/26     
All seniors are welcome to participate in this drop-in Technology Clinic whenever the need arises.  Bring your technology questions, problems, and issues related to your computer, phone, or tablet. If possible, bring the problem hardware with you to the session.  Several regular attendees are willing to share their experiences, and work with you, one-on-one, to address technology issues, from Windows system difficulties, email setups/usage, networking issues, upgrades, and assistance with “how do I” frustrations. MAC and Chrome/Android users are welcome.  If you are unable to attend in person and would like to talk with a Clinic member via Zoom or phone, please contact the COA and we will forward your information to a Clinic member.

Technology Help Appointments with Acton Memorial Library Staff
Thursday, November 13th, 10:00-11:00am                                                                      
Acton 60+only   
Need help with common smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet or laptop functions? Olivia Wennerod, Adult Programming Librarian, will be at the Senior Center for one-on-one help with your device. Bring your fully charged device and your questions, and Olivia will troubleshoot technology problems alongside you. If they 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.

Part D Prescription Drug Plan Selection Appointments
Thursday, November 13th, 12:30-3:30pm   
Acton 60+ only
Are you interested in comparing Part D prescription drug plans during Medicare Open Enrollment in the interest of saving money? Schedule an appointment with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy outreach team who will assist you in comparing plans! These appointments are only to compare stand-alone Part D plan costs, and will explore deductibles, tier structures and true out-of-pocket annual cost. Appointments are scheduled in 45-minute blocks of time at 12:30, 1:15, 2:00, 2:45. This program is a collaboration between the Acton Council on Aging and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Call the COA at 978-929-6652 to schedule an appointment and be sure to bring a list of your medications on November 13th.

The Music of The Beatles and Beyond with John Clark
Thursday, November 13th, 1:00-2:00pm                                         
Open to out-of-towners 60+ for $5
In the mid-1960s Beatles producer George Martin was guiding the group into experimental songs using orchestration, electronics and exotic instrumentation. Hit singles like Yesterday and Eleanor Rigby used strings in artful ways. The first psychedelic song Tomorrow Never Knows broke new ground in 1966, and along the way George Harrison added Eastern spirituality to the mix. The Beach Boys competitively released Pet Sounds and Smiley Smile which spurred The Beatles on to the crowning achievement of Sgt Pepper’s. Soon groups like Procol Harum and Moody Blues brought classical elements to their music giving us Whiter Shade of Pale and Nights in White Satin. The progressive rock genre emerged in the wake of this music featuring groups like Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Yes, King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

Java with John
Friday November 14th, 9:45am                                               
Open to Acton Residents
Join us for coffee, muffins and the Town Manager, John Mangiaratti. He 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.  If you are unable to make it to program but have a question you want answered? Please email manager@actonma.gov
 

Moving Forward in Community
– FPC Sunday Service

 
Stow, Mass., Nov. 9 – On Nov 9 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service led by Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef entitled “Moving Forward in Community.” This is an exciting year for the FPC Community, with big questions in our near future. This service will launch our annual stewardship drive and highlight our hopes and dreams as a community.

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.

Multigenerational Game Night at FPC

Stow, Mass., Nov. 14 – 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, Nov. 14, 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. 

Guest Table Community Dinner

All are welcome to Guest Table Community Dinner at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton
(FPC) on Friday, November 14. Our community dinner is served on the second Friday of each
month in FPC’s Fellowship Hall. There is no charge for the meal, but donations are gratefully
accepted and we are always looking for volunteers to help set-up, cook, serve, or clean-up. We
offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. Doors open at 5 PM,
dinner is served at 5:30 PM.

Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow
Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow
Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.

First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are
wheelchair accessible with free accessible parking. If you have questions or would like to
volunteer with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.
Oars giving back tuesday

OARS Giving "Back" Tuesday

When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 5-7PM
Where: Nashoba Brook Bakery, 152 Commonwealth Ave #3, Concord, MA 01742

Description: Instead of asking for donations on Giving Tuesday, OARS 3 Rivers is giving back. Join us for an evening of snacks, drinks, and community at Nashoba Brook Bakery, and meet the OARS team!
This event also launches our December theme, "Clean up Your Assabet," and kicks off a year of exciting events to honor OARS’ 40th anniversary. Come celebrate with us and get your special “Clean up Your Assabet” T-shirts before they run out! For more information, and to register for this free event, visit oars3rivers.org/events/event/clean-up-your-assabet/

Boxborough to Hold Menorah Lighting Celebration on Sunday December 14, Seeks Volunteer Families for Subsequent Nights

The Boxborough Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee invites all to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 14 at 5 p.m. at the town menorah in front the Boxborough Fire Station, 502 Mass Ave.
  This year, the town will host a larger first night celebration to light the menorah with music, complimentary refreshments, and a craft table for kids.
  The menorah lighting will continue at 6 p.m. on each subsequent night, December 15-21. The town invites Boxborough families to volunteer to lead the lighting. Interested in participating? Sign up by emailing the PCCC at pccc@boxborough-ma.gov and then invite your friends and neighbors to join you!
  It is the town’s second year hosting a menorah lighting in addition to the annual tree lighting. The town’s menorah was designed, built, and donated to the town last year by the Kollmann-Klein family.
  Parking for the menorah lighting will be available across Massachusetts Avenue at the Blanchard Memorial School. 

Boxborough’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration Will Be Held Saturday, December 6

Boxborough’s annual Tree Lighting celebration, hosted by the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee, will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 4 p.m. at the Boxborough Fire Station, 502 Mass Ave.
  Enjoy a performance of holiday favorites by the Blanchard BrassWind Ensemble and the Blanchard Chorus, along with complimentary cookies and hot chocolate. High school volunteers will host a face-painting table and a craft table, with wooden ornaments for children to decorate. 
  Once the tree has been lit and the songs have been sung, Santa Claus will be escorted down Mass Ave by the Boxborough Fire Department to greet children at the Fire Station.
  This year, the town has invited representatives from the Boxboro Regency to flip the switch and light the tree. Other recent honorees include Two Friends Chocolates and the FreeBee Market team.
  Parking for the tree lighting celebration will be available across Massachusetts Avenue at the Blanchard Memorial School. The Boxborough Police Department will have floodlights and officers stationed at the Massachusetts Avenue crosswalks to help pedestrians safely cross the street.
  Come kick off the holiday season with friends and neighbors at this festive Boxborough tradition!

Mt. Calvary Community Supper November Menu

Mccs november 2025 menu real

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday November 16 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Rich Grady at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org or Lieutenant Tim Blankenship at lieutenant@boxboroughminutemen.org.
  The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.
  Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including marching in parades and town celebrations, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to the FreeBee Market, community supper, and other service organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
  All are welcome to come and make new connections with others.
  For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.

Boxborough Fall Library Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Boxborough Library Fall used book sale will start with a Preview Sale for members on Friday, November 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door).  The main public sale will take place on Saturday, November 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Everything Must Go sale will be held on Sunday November 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Standard size bags will be provided; pay $5 to fill each bag however you like.
  The sale will take place in the meeting room of the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue. Proceeds from the sale will go toward additional library programs and museum passes. Cash and checks only.

   Please support this sale by attending and by donating your gently used hard covers, paperbacks, music, and audiovisual items, and also puzzles and board games in complete and as new condition. Donations will be accepted from Monday November 3 through Thursday November 6 at the library during regular library hours. Please no VCR tapes or magazines or any material in really poor condition.

Boxborough Garden Club Hosts Author

The Boxborough Garden Club will host speaker Neal Sanders at Sargent Memorial Library on Monday, November 10.

Please join garden club members at the library on Monday, November 10th at 7pm. After refreshments and a brief business meeting, our speaker, Neal Sanders, will present his talk, “Gardening is Painless and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves” at 7:30 p.m.

Neal is the author of 16 mysteries, 7 of which involved garden clubs! He writes a blog and gardens with his wife Betty in Medfield. They have spent the past ten years creating a brand-new garden from scratch and have tales to tell!!

Neal will offer copies of his books for sale after the talk.

For information about the Boxborough Garden Club, please email Flo Hanover at fhanover10@gmail.com.
The nightflies (music of steely dan)2

The Nightflies (Music of Steely Dan)
Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center
82 Main Street, Maynard, MA
Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 8:00PM

(Maynard, MA) - THE NIGHTFLIES return to Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center in Maynard, MA on Saturday, November 8, 2025 promising a fun energetic night of music of Steely Dan. Audiences can expect favorites from Can't Buy a Thrill, Countdown to Ecstasy, Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied, The Royal Scam, Aja, and Gaucho—plus selections from Donald Fagen’s acclaimed solo effort, The Nightfly.

Doors open at 7:30PM. This is an All-Ages show. Tickets are $23-$33 online with "choose-your-own" reserved table seating or standing room. There will be a large dance floor and a full bar. Attendees are invited BYO snacks/food (no outside drinks). The Nightflies have a history of selling out venues, so advance ticketing is recommended. Advance tickets are available at https://sanctuarymaynard.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=540. If not sold out, tickets will be available at the door for $25-$35.

The Nightflies have been entertaining audiences since their debut show in 2023 and selling out venues in MetroWest and Boston areas, as well as performing at private parties. What began as an informal get-together of 10 talented musicians for the love and challenge of playing the intricate arrangements of Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, of Steely Dan, became a high energy, danceable party of music by Steely Dan. Their name is a tip-of-the-hat to the 1982 standard-bearer Donald Fagen solo album, The Nightfly. They perform an ambitious medley of those recognizable, danceable, foot tapping, 70’s-80’s radio hits, plus a few Becker/Fagen’s deep cuts.
Band members include Lori Zuroff, Marcia J. Macres, and Tess Ferraiolo on lead and background vocals, Barry Silverman on keyboards, Gary Jenkins on bass, Paul Greenspan and Mickey Roache on guitars, Bob Adams and Mark Seibel on saxophones, and Jon Golden on drums/percussion. These musicians come from various Massachusetts towns including Acton, Boxboro, Carlisle, Methuen, Saugus, Sudbury, and Westford, MA.

The Nightflies are available for private parties, corporate events, and venues in the Boston and Merrimack Valley areas. For booking, please contact Marcia J. Macres (bookingbymarcia@gmail.com).

Free Pop-up Clothing Shop, “Bessie’s Closet,” returns to Discovery Museum November 7 – 9th

 
ACTON, MA – Discovery Museum will host a free-of-charge pop-up clothing shop, called “Bessie’s Closet,” November 7 through 9, 2025. Donations of new or gently used clean clothing in any size are being collected through November 1. A collection box is located in the Museum’s lobby.
Bessie’s Closet will be open to all on Friday, November 7, 3:30pm – 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, 10:00am – 3:00pm. Paid museum admission is not required to shop, nor is it included.
Bessie’s Closet began as a staff-led initiative in 2022. Two events have been held each year since then and more than 2,000lbs of clothing and shoes are distributed at each.

Discovery Museum is a community-supported non-profit organization.

Music at First Parish of Stow and Acton this Month

 
Sonic Liberation Players in Concert: Voiceless Mass 
Saturday, November 8th, 2025 - 7:30PM Sanctuary & Hall

Sonic Liberation Players open their 8th season with Raven Chacon's "Voiceless Mass," winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Music. FPC Accompanist Trevor Berens will join the ensemble from our historic Hutchings pipe organ. The concert will also feature John Cage's rarely-performed "Apartment House, 1776", which celebrates the various music of this country in 1776, and a new commission from composer Eddie Davis. Suggested donation: $20. Donations collected at the door or in advance at Eventbrite.com.

House of Hamill - Upcycled Celtic Folk
Saturday, November 15th, 2025 - 7:30PM


Pennsylvania-based House of Hamill is a fixture on festival stages across the US and have shared their music and stories on the country’s premier folk stages. Their original song “Banks of the Brandywine” was a Grand Prize winner in the 2024 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Appearing at First Parish’s New Revival Coffeehouse
Visit houseofhamill.com for more information.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the concert.  Doors open at 7:00. Go to Eventbrite to purchase tickets.
Sounds of stow concert

Sounds of Stow Concert Announcement


Sounds of Stow and Orchestra opens its 47th season on Sunday November 23, 2025 at 2:00pm with "Timeless Tidings," music from British and American composers with pieces including John Rutter's Gloria!, in celebration of his 80th birthday. Additional works by Vaughan Williams, Finzi, Britten and Bernstein will be performed with a full orchestra, in a new Marlboro venue perfect for the occasion.

Rutter's Gloria!, with its rousing and challenging rhythms, was his first big hit for chorus and orchestra. It drew immediate acclaim in 1974 at the opening and has been a favorite with audiences and performing groups ever since. An excellent brass section is lined up to give this irresistible piece full justice. Also on the program are works by three other British composers- Gerald Finzi's In Terra Pax, full of rich and striking harmonies, Ralph Vaughan Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols, selected movements from Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols, and Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein to complete the program. The final movement of Bernstein's piece concludes with this fervent hope: "Behold how good, and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity." Truly a timely and moving message, beautiful and serene, from music written in 1965. Music will be performed in English, Latin, and Hebrew, with subtitles accompanying the text.

The chorus will be performing at the Charles W. Whitcomb Middle School, 25 Union St, in Marlborough, on Sunday November 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM. This school has plenty of free parking close to the entrance, is approximately four miles from Stow Center, and has easy access from rts 290, 495 and 85. Our Bass-Baritone soloist will be Mark-Andrew Cleveland, and Soprano will be Meghan Zuver. Mr. Cleveland performs across the country, and has sung with the Sounds of Stow frequently in the past, while Ms Zuver, also an acclaimed soloist, will be making her debut with the Sounds of Stow chorus and orchestra. Visit soundsofstow.org for tickets and additional information.

We hope to see you all there for this seasonal and uplifting performance! This is a new venue for this group, so please note the address when making arrangements to attend!