Join us on Thursday, March 20th at 7:00 PM for a presentation by First Connections’ early-childhood educator and playgroup facilitator, Ellie Springer, M.Ed.
Young children thrive when they have clear & consistent boundaries, when they know what to expect from their caregivers, and when they know the adults are in control. Toddlers’ and preschoolers’ developing brains drive them to seek control and power, though, so they are constantly pushing the boundaries we set for them.
In this live virtual event, called “Pick Your Battles: Setting & Holding Limits with Toddlers and Preschoolers,” Ms. Ellie will talk about how to decide whether a battle is worth fighting, when to give your child some control, when and how to set a limit, and what to do when you get that inevitable pushback.
Email Linda at Lmatthews@jri.org to register for this virtual program and receive the link to join.
Want to know more about the services provided by First Connections? We offer services for families with children birth to age 6 in the communities of Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Hanscom AFB, Harvard, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford. Free programs and services include:
First Year of Life Support Groups for new parents
Parent Education programs and presentations
Children’s Playgroups
Parent Blog
Childcare & Early Education Information
Resource & Referral Guidance
ParentChild+ Home Visiting
We are grateful for the financial support of Acton-Boxborough United Way, Concord Carlisle Foundation, The Sudbury Foundation, Maynard Community Chest, Nordblom Family Foundation, William E. Schrafft and Bertha E. Schrafft Charitable Trust, Acton Congregational Church, Concord Trinitarian Congregational Church and individuals like you. Thank you for your support!
For more information, please go to firstconnections.org and view our latest Newsletter with current and upcoming programs, services, and announcements

Do you leak when you laugh, cough or sneeze? Have you had trouble lifting or getting back into exercise? Do you have pain with intercourse? Join us on Thursday, March 27th from 10:00 – 11:00 AM for this helpful discussion led by Dana Williams and Melissa Brandon from the Pelvic Health Team at Emerson Health. Email Linda at lmatthews@jri.org to register for this live virtual event held on Zoom and to receive the link to join.
Want to know more about the services provided by First Connections? We offer services for families with children birth to age 6 in the communities of Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Hanscom AFB, Harvard, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Westford. Free programs and services include:
First Year of Life Support Groups for new parents
Parent Education programs and presentations
Children’s Playgroups
Parent Blog
Childcare & Early Education Information
Resource & Referral Guidance
ParentChild+ Home Visiting
We are grateful for the financial support of Acton-Boxborough United Way, Concord Carlisle Foundation, The Sudbury Foundation, Maynard Community Chest, Nordblom Family Foundation, William E. Schrafft and Bertha E. Schrafft Charitable Trust, Acton Congregational Church, Concord Trinitarian Congregational Church and individuals like you. Thank you for your support!
For more information, please go to firstconnections.org and view our latest Newsletter with current and upcoming programs, services, and announcements.

When: Tuesday, March 18, 7-8pm
Where: Zoom
ACTON: Thinking about a new stove? Learn about the benefits of induction cooktops with Andee Krasner of the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility. She will outline recent research on indoor air quality issues associated with gas stoves. Gas cooktops use primarily methane, which releases a variety of harmful substances into kitchens, including nitrogen dioxide (associated with asthma and lung issues) and benzene (a known carcinogen). The health impacts are especially acute for children and elders. The speaker will highlight the health, safety, and climate advantages of induction cooking, including the responsiveness and efficiency of this magnet-based form of food prep. Co-sponsored by EnergizeActon.org. Info and registration on the events tab at EnergizeActon.org.

If you love discovering unique treasures, handcrafted goods, and supporting local artisans, this is the event for you! Join us at the West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Mass Ave., Acton, on May 10, 2025, from 12-3 PM for an afternoon of shopping, community, and fun. Hosted in partnership with the West Acton Village Merchants Association, this event is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and goodies.
Interested in selling your creations or household items? Vendor spaces are available for a small fee—limited tables, so don’t wait! Contact the church office at 978-263-5902 or wabcadmin@verizon.net.

The Middlesex Conservation District will be holding its annual Spring Plant Sale on Friday May 2 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and Saturday May 3 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Farrington Nature Linc. The address is 291 Cambridge Turnpike in Lincoln, MA.
All items can be pre-ordered through April 21st and picked up on the sale days – we encourage early ordering as all items are sold on a first come, first served basis.  To place an order, you can go to our website at https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/spring-sale-ordering/, go to the Spring Sale page, and order the plants you are interested in online, or email admin@middlesexconservationdistrict.org to request a paper brochure. The order form is also available to view online here.  Offerings will include native shrub seedlings, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, fruits, seeds, and hardgoods such as composted cow manure, and root bags.  All plants are straight, native species that benefit our native pollinators, wildlife, and local ecosystem. We will also be selling excess first quality stock on the days listed above.
The Middlesex Conservation District is a not-for-profit environmental agency whose purpose is conservation of natural resources of Middlesex County.  Proceeds from our biannual plant sales provide educational programs and other activities which aim to protect our soil and water resources. For more information about our sale or programs please visit https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/

 

To honor Concord’s 250th celebration, this talk will dive into Concord’s past, when everyone living here was British until we became Americans. It wasn’t that sudden, of course. Let’s explore
together who the early settlers were, how they lived, and what they believed in. What did the town, their houses, and their farms look like? Barbara Forman, a Town and local museum guide in
Concord for 30 years, will take you on a trip through time. There is no charge. Please call the COA office to sign up at 978-318-3020.

 

Are you curious about what Concord is doing for the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Concord and Lexington? Do you want to know how you can participate? The Concord250 Committee
has been busy scheduling lots of events leading to the big parade in Concord Center on April 19th. We are fortunate to have the leaders of this initiative coming to the COA on March 18th at
11:00 AM to answer your questions and give you tips for the celebration, including information about road closures. The panel for the presentation includes Gary Clayton, Co-Chair Concord250 Executive Committee, Joe Palumbo, Concord250 Events Sub-Committee Chairperson, and Fred Ryan, Concord250 Public Safety Sub Committee Chairperson. Please come with your questions and remember to call the COA office to sign up at 978-318-3020.

 

Did you get a chance to see the bears in Boxborough last year? Are you curious to learn more about these wild animals? Join this engaging presentation to learn about black bear behavior, bear population management, and how communities like Boxborough can take effective steps to prevent conflict and coexist with bears. Join us for The Boxborough Conservation Trust’s Annual Meeting, Thursday, March 27th at the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Mass Ave., Boxborough. This event is free and open to the public.
The program will be presented by Meghan Crawford, Community Engagement Biologist at the MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife). In her role, she works to increase the public’s understanding of wildlife in MA and helps residents take steps to coexist with black bears and other wildlife.

 

 

“All are Welcome.”

How have you been with all this cold weather?  Please join us each week to keep warm.  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 – 5:30pm 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.


March 2025 Menu

3/5         Spaghetti and Meatballs
Sponsored by St John Lutheran Church of Sudbury

3/12       Baked Scrod and Stuffing
                       Sponsored by Astrid Perko in memory of her husband Gene

3/19       Corned Beef and Cabbage
    Sponsored by Friends of Mt Calvary Community Supper

3/26        Shepherd’s Pie
    Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia
   
** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.

We all wish for the coming of Spring. But do take care should snow and cold reappear. Looking forward to seeing you all for laughter and friendship. Remember, if the schools are closed due to snow this month, there will be no Supper.
  
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper               http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA
 

 

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

Monday Movie Matinee

Wedding Season

Monday, March 10th, 1:00-2:40pm

(2022, PG) In this romantic comedy, two young Indian-Americans are pressured by their parents to find the appropriate spouse, they pretend to date during a summer of weddings only to find themselves falling for each other.
Book Discussion Group                                                                 
Open to all seniors/free
Tuesday March 11th, 10:00-11:00am
The discussion for March’s meeting will be around the book The Woman by Kristen Hannah. If you would like to read ahead for April 8th’s meeting, Trust by Herman Diaz. 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.
Il Bel Paese: A Journey Through Italy Part 3 with Paolo Di Gregorio
Tuesday, March 11th, 1:00-2:00pm                                            
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
There are few places that are as rich in beauty, culture, and history as Italy. For centuries, travelers, poets, and artists have been drawn to the country, and many have been seduced by life on the peninsula. This final lecture of the three-part series examines the history and culture of Italy by looking at some of the great cities, artists, and events that have captivated and inspired many. Paolo Di Gregorio is a historian, archaeologist and educator. He is a Visiting Lecturer in the History Department at Bridgewater State University, and his passion for telling stories of our past is always appreciated by Acton’s older adults!
LGBTQ+ Pool & Pizza Social Time
Tuesday, March 11th, 5:00-7:00pm
Come by the Senior Center to play pool, snack on some pizza, and socialize! We’ll also have ping pong available if our new table arrives in time. Free event open to older adults in the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community and allies from Acton and surrounding towns. Please sign up so we have enough pizza either with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov, 978-929-6652 or directly to Chris Chirokas at cchirokas@actonma.gov and same phone number.
Successful Strategies on How to Sell and Buy Your Next Home
Wednesday, March 12th, 11:00-12noon                                                          
Open to all seniors/free
Join us for an insightful seminar with Realtor® Heather Murphy to discuss strategies for selling your current home and purchasing your next one. Learn tips specific to today’s real estate market. Heather, who has over 30 years of experience in real estate, is with Keller Williams Realty Boston North West.
Acton Songsters with Ed Knights
Wednesdays, March 12th and 26th, 1:00-1:45pm                               
Open to all seniors/free
Join Ed Knights for this group that sings familiar popular songs and learns the mechanics of singing. Don’t worry about your level of singing—the group is open to anyone interested in singing. Lyrics provided. Sign up with the COA if you are new to the group.
Mindfulness Meditation with Heidrun Dickson via Zoom
Wednesday, March 12th, 3:00-4:15pm      
Open to all seniors/free
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just needing a moment of peace? Mindfulness can help you cultivate inner calm, focus, and emotional balance! This class is suitable for both beginners as well as those who have some experience with mindfulness. Together, we will explore different mindfulness practices including seated meditation, body scans, and mindful movement. There will be time for sharing and questions, and suggestions for home practice will be provided. Register with the COA at seniorcenter@actonma.gov to receive the link which you can use to drop-in to as many classes in this series as you’d like. You will need a high-speed internet connection and a computer or tablet. Heidrun Dickson has maintained a regular mindfulness practice for many years, including week-long retreats. She trained as a mindfulness teacher at Brown University and loves sharing her learnings with others.
Technology Help Appointments with Acton Memorial Library
Thursday, March 13th, 10:00-11:00am                                                                
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 charge 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.
Senior Property Tax Primer
Thursday, March 13th, 1:00-2:00pm                                                                     
Acton seniors only
Join staff from the town of Acton Assessor’s Office for an update on how property taxes will be affected by increasing home values. They will also share information on numerous ways a homeowner might qualify for property tax relief if you are: over 65 with income and assets that are low-to-moderate, over 70, a veteran with a disability, or suffering financial hardship in general. If you are unable to attend and want to learn more, visit the Acton town website, www.actonma.gov, and click on “Government” and select “Assessors,” or contact the Assessor’s Office at 978-929-6621.
Senior Prom
Swing into Spring at The Senior Prom on April 8th, 5-7:00pm at the Acton Senior Center. There will be music courtesy of the Acton Boxborough high school jazz quartet, dancing, and light refreshments!
Each guest will receive a boutonniere or corsage crafted by d’Vine Floral Design. Special thanks to Danny’s Place who is providing a grant to make this event possible. We hope to see you there! Sign up is required.

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, with March 1 recognized as Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD). It is a global event whose purpose is to remove the stigma attached to self-injury and to encourage parents, family members, educators, and healthcare professionals to recognize the signs of self-harm.
According to the book Healing Self-Injury: A Compassionate Guide for Parents and Other Loved Ones, by Janis Whitlock and Elizabeth E Lloyd-Richardson, it is not unusual for young people to engage in self-injury such as cutting, burning, or scratching themselves until they bleed. This is upsetting to parents, and many worry that self-injury is a sign their child is suicidal.
The relationship between self-injury and suicidal ideation can look similar, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Self-injury is almost always used to feel better rather than an attempt to end one’s life. This is why the technical term for self-injury is non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI.
Symptoms of self-injury may include scars, often in patterns; fresh cuts and bruises; excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn; wearing long sleeves or long pants to hide injuries; frequent reports of accidental injury; and talk of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. According to an excerpt from the book, young people who self-injure are at an increased risk for suicidal ideation. Sixty-five percent of youth who self-injure will also be suicidal at some point. While NSSI does not cause suicide, Whitlock and Lloyd-Richardson note that engaging in self-injury can lower inhibitions toward suicidal ideation.
Factors that may increase the risk of progressing from self-injury to suicide include family conflict, more than 20 NSSI incidents, emotional or sexual trauma, feelings of hopelessness, substance abuse, engaging in risky behaviors, and a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) or PTSD.
The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is a national leader in youth suicide prevention through educational and awareness programs. One of the many programs offered by JFI is a 1-Hour training module entitled Non-Suicide Self-Injury. This training discusses the issue of NSSI and how it relates to suicidal ideation. Examples of NSSI, contributing factors, and signs associated with the behavior are studied. Also, recommendations on how to respond to a young person who may be struggling with self-injury are provided. This training, along with many others, is available to stream at no cost on the JFI website www.jasonfoundation.com

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday March 16 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 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

March 25, 2025, 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.

 

Middlesex Community College has partnered with JED Campus Initiative to increase and strengthen student wellness services on campus. The nonprofit organization works with Middlesex to provide evidence-based practices and resources to help MCC improve their support and response to students’ mental health challenges.
“This partnership with JED Campus creates a more connected environment for students of all types to have a sense of safety and belonging on campus,” said Leonard Russ, MCC’s Dean of Students. “It will and should provide more understanding for the college on how we view our students. They are individuals who have a myriad of different needs that we’re here to support. We want to make sure we’re giving students the best version of MCC, as well as the resources they can use and tap into outside of the college.”
In 2023, MCC conducted the Healthy Minds Survey through Michigan University to get a better understanding of the student experience. In addition, MCC completed the JED Campus Baseline Self-assessment of services and supports on campus. Departments collegewide contributed to a list of over 250 questions related to the support of students’ mental health, including financial aid, facilities and more.
The organization then helped MCC develop a strategic plan focused on seven areas of support. This includes developing life skills, promoting social connectedness, identifying students at risk, increasing help-seeking behavior, providing mental health and substance abuse services, following crisis management procedures, and restricting access to potentially lethal means.
With the data, Middlesex formed subcommittees to implement necessary changes to policies and expand services. JED’s comprehensive approach is part of a shared mission with MCC to support students and make sure “no one falls through the cracks,” according to Amy Mahoney, MCC’s Wellness Counselor.
“Our goal is to reduce stigma and talk about mental health, making it something we don’t shy away from,” Mahoney said. “Students will have access to trainings, so they feel empowered to help themselves and each other. Identifying ourselves as a JED Campus means we have gone through this process to make sure we’re doing everything to prioritize students’ mental health.”
Mahoney believes MCC will be better able to support the whole student so they can reach their academic goals. Through these efforts, MCC strives to assist students in staying at the college, graduating, and transferring to a four-year school or entering the workforce.
One of the survey results that stood out to the college was an issue of loneliness for students. In addition to providing online toolkits and trainings through JED, MCC will host more events and activities throughout the year. Students can better connect to classmates and the community, as well as learn social and life skills.
As a JED campus, MCC is also now part of a network of universities and colleges nationwide who share the same core principles of supporting students’ mental health, according to Russ. With this more well-rounded approach in all areas, Russ believes Middlesex is the “best version of ourselves to deal with challenges and be proactive.”
“We used the data to get the results we need to have more mental health support on both campuses, available to help students, faculty and staff,” Russ said. “The institution is taking a strong stance and has followed the appropriate steps to make sure we’re doing everything we can to support the community as a whole.”

The Active Minds Club at ABRHS is sponsoring the local Out of Darkness Walk on April 5th. Registration starts at 9am and the walk begins at 10am. Please consider sponsoring  by March 17th for a table at the walk or up to the date of the walk for individual donations.  Information at the bottom of this article.
AFSP: Bringing Hope and Preventing Suicide
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is at the forefront of the fight against suicide, working to save lives through research, education, advocacy, and support. Founded in 1987, AFSP has grown into a nationwide organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and providing resources for those in need.
One of AFSP’s most well-known initiatives is the Out of the Darkness Walks, which bring communities together to support suicide prevention efforts. The organization also funds critical research to better understand the causes of suicide and offers programs like Talk Saves Lives to educate the public on recognizing warning signs.
AFSP provides vital support for survivors of suicide loss, connecting them with compassionate resources and peer networks. Through advocacy, the foundation pushes for stronger mental health policies and crisis intervention services.
With suicide being a major public health issue, AFSP’s mission is more important than ever. Please consider donating to AFSP through ABRHS Active Minds Club. Go to afsp.org/acton for directions to donate or contact Karen Farrar at kfarrar@abschools.org or Brittany Dauphinais at bdauphinais@abschools.org. You can also scan the QR code below for details.

Maynard Relay for Life team, the Lady Bugs, will be having our annual fundraiser, Egg your House!  Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 19th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  We will go to Maynard, Acton, West Concord, Stow and Sudbury.  You must order them by April 9th.  Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form.  Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.

The Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame (MHSAHOF) was established in 2006 to honor and perpetuate the memory of all former Maynard students, coaches and associated persons who have brought pride and distinction to the Maynard school system, the Town of Maynard and themselves, primarily through their high school athletic endeavors.  It will be an ongoing opportunity for Maynard residents to continue the tradition of excellence that has been characteristic of Maynard athletics.
Our 10th Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony/Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Maynard Lodge of Elks, 6 PM ~ 11 PM, and we need your help in identifying potential inductees to the MHSAHOF, who, if selected, will be celebrated at that event!  Our past nine banquets have been very well received by the inductees and the general public.
If you know an athlete who you feel deserves to be inducted into the MHSAHOF, please complete a nomination form.  They are available by visiting our website at http://web.maynard.ma.us/civic/mhsahf or by emailing mjtbrannelly@comcast.net. Completed nomination forms should be sent to MHSAHOF, PO Box 56, Maynard, MA 01754.  The deadline for submitting nominations for this event is March 31, 2025.  Nomination forms received after this deadline will be set aside for a potential future induction.  Don’t wait ~ nominate a deserving athlete today!
Additionally, donations are greatly appreciated and may be forwarded to MHSAHOF, PO Box 56, Maynard, MA 01754.  The MHSAHOF is a non-profit organization under Section 501 © 3 and donations are tax deductible.  Thank you!

Surround yourself with art. The Princeton Arts Society’s Annual Spring Show & Sale is the perfect opportunity to view inspiring works of art and perhaps add a piece to your personal collection.
The Show and Opening Reception are free and open to the public:
Friday, May 2, 6 to 8 PM – Opening Reception
Saturday, May 3, 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday, May 4, 10 AM to 4 PM
Princeton Community Center, 206 Worcester Rd. (Post Office Place) Princeton MA.
All work is by the Society’s members, many of whom are award winning artists widely recognized in their fields. The show includes works in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, and more, including three-dimensional works, with subject matter as varied as our artists.
The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization encouraging and supporting area visual, musical, literary and performing artists.
www.princetonarts.org
Facebook: Princeton Arts Society

March 13, 2025, 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 member. Please contact Amanda Spinale, Compass Memory Care Director, at 978-369-4728 or aspinale@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.

Visit emersonhospital.org/EmerSong for Information and Tickets
The Auxiliary of Emerson Health is pleased to present its 7th annual EmerSong – an A Cappella Festival – to benefit Emerson Health’s Behavioral and Mental Health patients. The community is invited to attend EmerSong at one of two shows on Saturday, April 5 – a 3:00 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. evening show at Concord’s Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street in Concord. Doors will open at 2:30 and 7:00 p.m., respectively.
High school, college and adult a cappella groups, including those from Concord, will come together for a lively music festival using only their voices as instruments. Proceeds from EmerSong will benefit behavioral and mental health patients at Emerson, including relaxation tools for adolescents seen in the Emergency Department, and updated furniture to enhance patients’ experience.
Some amazing groups from local universities and high schools will fill out this year’s bill in both shows including: Harvard’s Krokodiloes, Northeastern’s Nor’easters, Brandeis University’s Up The Octave, Tufts’ sQ! and UMass Amherst’s Doo Wop Shop. This year, EmerSong will also feature high school groups from Concord Academy, Lexington, and Weston, and adult groups Broadband and The Works, both of which include several members from Concord. The shows will be emceed by Concord resident Tom Rutledge and will include cabaret-style seating, snacks, soft drinks, and a cash bar at the evening show. Tickets are $35 each. For information, to purchase tickets, or to donate to help support Emerson’s life-saving behavioral health services, visit www.emersonhospital.org/EmerSong. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as these shows often sell out.
“We provide expert, compassionate care 24/7 to people throughout our region experiencing mental health crises, helping them regain stability, health, and hope,” said Steve Reider, Director of Behavioral Health at Emerson Hospital. “EmerSong is a celebration of community and music — both essential to well-being — while raising critical funds to support those on their journey to wellness. We look forward to seeing you at EmerSong!”
The Auxiliary thanks the generous sponsors of EmerSong, including:
• NAMI Central Middlesex
• Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President and CEO, Emerson Health

 

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-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Monday, March 3rd, 1:00-3:10pm
(1966) A middle-aged New England associate professor and his wife expose their young guests to their alcohol fueled vitriolic verbal battles. Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sandy Dennis, and George Segal. Received 13 Oscar nominations with five wins including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Taylor and Best Supporting Actress for Dennis. This film is shown in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library
Managing Stress Workshop with Edward Alessi
Tuesday, March 4th, 1:00-2:30pm                                                                   
Open to all seniors/free                                                   
This workshop will explore the many factors that can cause stress & helpful ways to cope. It will look at the biological along with social factors that date back to pre-historic times relating to why & how we react to stressful factors. Edward Alessi a retired MSW clinical social worker who has taught at many colleges and senior centers. He currently teaches at the Middlesex Community College as an adjunct professor.
Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
Tuesdays, March 4th & 11th, 3:00-4:30pm                       
Open to all caregivers of older adults/free
Caregivers of older adults, please join Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, for this group that meets via Zoom and offers practical and emotional support. New participants always welcome! The challenging work of caregiving may leave you feeling stretched thin, which may cause feelings of exhaustion and isolation. Julie ensures safe, non-judgmental settings where members can share and learn from one another and witnesses the strong bonds that develop between members. If you are new to the group, please sign up with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov. Funded by an Executive Office of Aging & Independence grant. Planning ahead, the first meeting next month is April 1st. Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, and MSc, is an adjunct Professor at Regis College. She is the founder of Help My Aging Parents and serves on the Newton COA Board.
Collette Travel Presentation
Wednesday, March 5th, 11:00-12noon                                                      
Open to all                                                                          
The Friends of the Acton COA are organizing two upcoming trips with Collette Travel. Come hear all about Southern Charm (September 8-14) and Christmas in London (November 29 -December 5). Brochures available at the Senior Center or on www.friendsofactoncoa.com
Piano Performance of Movie Themes with Richard Amir
Thursday, March 6th, 1:00-2:00pm                                       
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
Richard Amir will play iconic music from the movies and will share some interesting tidbits of information during the program. The tunes will feature many award-winning composers and will undoubtedly provide a fun-filled journey down memory lane! During the COVID shutdown, at age 66, Richard Amir found his passion for piano when he learned how to play by ear.
Hot Topics Discussion Group
Wednesdays, 10:30-11:45am                                                         
Open to all seniors/free
This group is an opportunity for people to talk about present or recent major issues of the day. Each member is expected to offer or suggest a topic or issue for the group to engage in and to actively participate as a leader or learner. Facilitated by Sal Lopes.
Needle Arts Group                                     
Wednesdays, 12:30-2:30pm
Open to all seniors/free                                                 
This friendly, social group is open to anyone interested in gathering to sew, knit or crochet.
Visit Bodacious the Therapy Dog
Wednesdays, 10:00am to 12noon   
No visit on March 19th    
Open to all seniors/free
Visit with Bodacious, a sweet golden-doodle, and his handler Dick at the Senior Center. Bodacious and Dick are members of Therapy Dogs International, a non-profit volunteer group whose tagline is “Paws Awhile for Love.” Bodacious is gentle, friendly, affectionate, and hypo-allergenic. Visiting with a therapy dog is known to increase emotional well-being…drop in for a visit!

Fitchburg — LUK, Inc. has recently received funding from the Reliant Foundation to expand their Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention trainings. This is Reliant Foundation’s fourth year funding these trainings for LUK.
LUK shares Reliant Foundation’s goal to reduce stigma around mental health and substance use disorders. By raising awareness, the agency hopes to strengthen mental/behavioral health services for youth and adults, encourage individuals to strive for recovery, or support a loved one in their recovery journey.
With last year’s funding from Reliant Foundation, LUK met and surpassed their goal of training 900 individuals in mental health and suicide prevention through their ongoing partnerships with schools, PTOs, community organizations, and civic groups.
This funding from Reliant Foundation will allow LUK to continue offering a variety of trainings that vary in length, intensity, and scope, allowing training partners to select the most appropriate curriculum for their setting. The overall goal of the project is to raise awareness of mental health challenges, prevent suicide, and connect people in need to supportive services.
“LUK would like to send our gratitude to the Reliant Foundation for their continued support of our mental health training program. This program provides essential education to the community on understanding mental health symptoms in order to intervene both early and effectively,” adds LUK President & CEO Beth Barto. “This funding from Reliant Foundation helps LUK towards creating safe, healthy and resilient communities.”
LUK is thankful for Reliant Foundation’s support and looks forward to another year of offering these important trainings to the Central MA community.
LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
For more information about LUK, Inc., visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find us on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building communities, family by family!

Free courses from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful. Family to Family, starting March 20th in Boxborough, is an eight-session weekly course for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. NAMI’s Basics course, a six-session weekly class starting March 11th in Tewksbury, is for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral health concerns. Topics for both courses include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care, plus the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support. The Basics class also includes information about advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings. Details and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses. Offered by NAMI Central Middlesex. Basics co-sponsored by Northeast Public Health Alliance.

   The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday March 9.  Come see Boxborough’s historic treasures including the 1850’s scale which is sensitive enough to weigh a penny and strong enough to calibrate a 50 pound weight, the “new” hearse built in 1881, and the “old” hearse (come and see how old is old).  Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information or if anyone wishes to arrange a private tour for a small group at a different time please call John Fallon at 978-264-0069.

Did you know cooking with gas might be making your kitchen air worse than outdoor pollution? Gas stoves release harmful stuff like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can even increase asthma risk in kids. And ventilation only helps if your exhaust fan is strong and you actually use it.
When it’s time to replace your stove, consider going electric or induction. Induction stoves heat faster than gas and are super efficient—plus, they’re safer (you can’t burn your hand on the stove!). And with new rebates and tax credits, switching to induction is more affordable than ever.
Join us for an online webinar on March 18th from 7-8pm! Andee Krasner (Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and co-author with Rocky Mountain Institute of a report on gas stoves) will share the facts about gas stove risks and the benefits of induction cooking. We’ll also hear from neighbors using induction cooktops, plus plenty of time for Q&A.
Register here: https://bit.ly/sudbury-march-webinar
Learn more about heat pumps and solar here  and other actions with https://bit.ly/plugINSudburyMA1
This event is sponsored by plugIN MetroWest, in partnership with MassEnergize. The Town of Sudbury and Sustainable Sudbury are excited to be a part of this seven-town effort to empower residents to transform their homes into sustainable, energy-efficient, and comfortable living spaces!

Join the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough for a night of fun and giving at the Bid For Brighter Futures trivia game night on Friday, March 21, 2025, 5:30-9:30 PM at the Boxboro Regency!  Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner(with cash bar), test your knowledge in a friendly trivia competition with fellow attendees(Hosted by Bobby Roast Beef), win great raffle prizes from local donors, and take a chance on our 50/50 Raffle (you need not be present to win).
Net proceeds from the event will benefit local charities, The Acton Food Pantry, Danny’s Place, and Domestic Violence Services Network.
Single Tickets, $60; Table Of 8, $480.  You can purchase tickets online at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/EPQ866BGQ6B52, contact Event Chair, Katrina Sweeney, 978.805.422, ksweeney@nbtc.com, or contact Club President, Dean Roberts, 843.422.0978, rdeanroberts1946@gmail.com.
Join us for a fantastic evening in support of local organizations making a difference in our community!!!

Support for caregivers of adults - a Q&A with Rabbi Judith Kummer and the Congregation Beth Elohim clergy and shared stories from community members.
Join us for a discussion of the joys and challenges in caring for ourselves while caring for our loved ones. We will be exploring this topic through a Jewish lens.
This event will be held at CBE and available via Zoom. Light refreshments and informal sharing to follow the program.
Please sign up below for our planning purposes.
You will have the opportunity, when you sign up, to, optionally, to donate to the CBE Chesed Committee.  Donations are appreciated.
Rabbi Kummer Bio
Rabbi Judy Kummer is a board certified chaplain who delights in her work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings throughout the Greater Boston area.  She earned her BA at Barnard College and her Rabbinic Ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. A Boston native, she has served congregations in the New York area and in Washington DC.  For 18 years she served as Executive Director of the Jewish Chaplaincy Council of Massachusetts.
Rabbi Kummer has recently opened a spiritual care private practice, “Spiritual Support for Life’s Journey,” where she offers skilled spiritual care visits, eldercare programming, bereavement support and lifecycle officiation.

School Edition at The Dragonfly Theater, R.J. Grey Jr. HS in Acton, March 21-30, 2025. Tickets and information at www.OpenDoorTheater.org.
Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue… and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, The Prom: School Edition expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever. Presented by arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
Open Door’s diverse cast will present 6 performances March 21-30, 2025 at the Dragonfly Theater, R.J. Grey Jr. HS, 16 Charter Road, Acton, MA  01720. All performances are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation and open captioning. There will be audio-described performances on the second weekend. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 0-12 and seniors. Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Over its 45-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved audiences and participants to enjoy live theater.

Performances:
Friday, March 21, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
Sunday, March 23, 2025  at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
Friday, March 28, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
Saturday March 29, 2025 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
With special thanks to Open Door’s funders: Sponsored in part by the AB United Way, Astra Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Middlesex Savings Bank, Main Street Bank, Acton Lions, and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Stow, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford.

“Nashoba Valley Neighbors” is hosting a Game Night and Potluck dinner party Saturday March 22 from 5-9pm at the Nagog Clubhouse.
We welcome anyone interested in finding out about our social group at this event!
Address:  Nagog Woods Club House  102 Nonset Path  Acton, MA.

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

Saturday, March 1, 2025 • 1:00 - 3:00pm
Sanctuary, 82 Main Street, Maynard
The Maynard Public Library and the Friends of the Maynard Public Library are hosting a Community Information Fair at Sanctuary (82 Main Street, Maynard) on Saturday, March 1, 1:00-3:00pm, with the participation of local organizations and town committees covering such areas as the environment, education, social issues, health, history, social services, entertainment, and families.
All Maynard residents are invited! Join us to learn about the groups’ services, volunteer opportunities, special events, and how to get involved and stay informed.
​There will be tables around Sanctuary’s event space where organizations will have displays featuring each group’s work, including brochures, posters, pictures, maps, and sign-up sheets. ​A handout will be available which provides website URLs, contact information, and social media sites of all participating organizations for future contact.
​For more information, email sthurston@minlib.net.
Participating organizations (as of Feb. 18):
​ArtSpace
First Connections
Friends of the Maynard Public Library
Friends of Maynard Seniors
Green Maynard
League of Women Voters
Maynard Assabet River Coalition
Maynard Business Alliance
Maynard Community Farmers’ Market
Maynard Community Gardeners
Maynard Council on Aging
Maynard Cultural Council/Cultural District
Maynard Education Foundation
Maynard Food Pantry
Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Maynard Historical Commission
Maynard Marketing Task Force
Maynard Pride Association
Maynard School Committee
Maynard Sustainability Committee
Maynard Tree Corps
NAMI of Central Middlesex
Open Table
Town of Maynard Water Department
Trail of Flowers

(Leominster, MA) February 13, 2025 –Habitat for Humanity North Central MA has the pleasure to announce the 2025 Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of our new board officers for the upcoming year, along with the addition of a new board member, Jamie Conaghan
The newly appointed officers are:
Curt Logee, Board President
Tim Smith, Board Treasurer
Jamie Conaghan, Board Member
“We are thrilled to welcome these dynamic leaders to our board,” said Carolyn Read, Executive Director. “Their passion for Habitat for Humanity NCM and expertise will undoubtedly guide us as we continue to grow and make a meaningful impact in our community. We are excited about the fresh perspectives and energy Jamie will bring to the board,” said Executive Director. “Her background in marketing and strategic communication will be an asset to our team as we continue to grow and advocate for affordable housing.”
In addition to our new officers, we are also honored to introduce Jamie Conahan, SVP Marketing & Digital at Main Street Bank as our newest board member. With years of experience in marketing, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and skills that will be invaluable to our organization. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with her expertise join our board and help us enhance our outreach and engagement efforts. Her experience will play a pivotal role in helping us connect with new audiences and amplify our mission.
“I am honored to play a role in the longstanding, significant work that Habitat for Humanity NCM does in our community,” says Jamie. “As a community banker, I have always been passionate about accessible and affordable housing and resources for all to strengthen our local economy and community.
“We look forward to the positive impact our new board officers and Jamie’s contributions will have on Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. We look forward to the positive impact our new board officers and Jamie’s contributions will have on Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts

Stow, Mass., Feb. 23 – On Feb. 23 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service on “Hinduism.” Our world religions series continues with guest speaker, Deepika Prakash, a long-time Acton resident who founded Diwalifest www.diwalifest.net in 2021. She will speak about the Hindu faith and the importance of community and creativity.
The service takes place in person in the sanctuary and also virtually. Masking is optional. Childcare during the service only is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

Ice Skating, Music, Refreshments~Join us for the 26th Annual AB Community Skate FUNdraiser and AB STEAM meet-up on Sunday, March 2, 2:30pm-4:30pm at Nashoba Valley Olympia (rink #3) in Boxborough.  All ages & skating abilities welcome + non-skater supporters!
Come learn about AB STEAM (Science Technology Engineering ART & Math) formerly AB PIP STEM, as a new non profit!
Please bring food pantry donations. Suggested donation is $5/pp, $20/family. ALL proceeds benefit Acton area causes: local food pantries, AB STEAM, wellness & green/eco causes thanks to the generous support of Nashoba Valley Olympia (NVO) for ice rink time. Colonial Figure Skating Club (CFSC) members & teen volunteers will guide skaters too!
Thank you to Annual AB Community Skate supporters: Nashoba Valley Olympia, Colonial Figure Skating Club, JWB Sports, Acton Coffee, Legend Café, Edible Arrangements of Westford, Oscar’s Burrito in Boxborough, Eve & Murray’s Farm to Table, Idylwilde Farms, Bee’s Knees British Imports for hospitality donations + acanthi.com, Market Dynamics, UPS Store Acton, One27 Photo and Action Unlimited for event media & communications!
See you on March 2 for this AB Community FUNdraising event! More info at actonpip.org.

Stow, MA, March 2 – An afternoon of indoor fun for the whole family will take place in Stow on Sunday, March 2, from 1 to 7 p.m. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will offer carnival games, face painting, movie time, and food and beverages. The carnival games take place from 1 to 5p.m., and movie takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free, carnival game tickets are $1 each, and the cost to play a game is 1 ticket.
We have over two dozen carnival games. including a life-size “whack-a-mole.” There are games for kids from 3 to 12 or more. Prizes include games, puzzles, and stuffed animals. Mac & cheese, chili, cookies, lemonade and more will be available for purchase.
Parent/guardian supervision is required during the carnival games. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend the movie at 5 p.m. or they can sign their child up for childcare. There is no charge for the movie, and donations for childcare are accepted.
The Carnival Games Fest takes place on Sunday, March 2, at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Email dre@fpc-stow-acton.org with any questions about the event. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Please join the Acton Woman’s Club, which is hosting a free concert on Saturday, March 8th at 2 pm featuring Tony Funches who will entertain us with his one-man show featuring favorite songs from the 50s and 60s. Tony has graced stages around the world as the former lead singer of the legendary Hall of Fame music group, The Platters. He performs classic hits such as ‘Only You’, ‘Smoke Gets In Your Eyes’, ‘The Great Pretender’, and many more.

With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Tony continues to captivate audiences with his powerful voice and charismatic performances. His voice’s variety and range provided The Platters with a singing style that was uniquely their own.

The Acton Woman’s Club is a place for fun and companionship.  We host
monthly lunches, social/cultural events, and clubs. Any woman who lives
or works in Acton or a surrounding town may join the Acton Woman’s Club.
Potential new members are welcome! Phone is 978 263-5275 or email us at
awc01720@gmail.com. <mailto:awc01720@gmail.com.>
More info: https://theactonwomansclub.org/

 

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

Monday Movie Matinee

Maria

Monday, February 24th, 1:00-3:05pm
(2024, R for language) Bio-pic starring Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, the renowned opera singer, in the final days of her life in 1970s Paris. Jolie took seven months of opera lessons to prepare for the role.
Memory Lane Café
Tuesday, February 25th, 12:00-1:30pm                                                                       
Open to all/free
A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with memory impairment and their care partners. This month we will be reminiscing about favorite books while creating a bookmark. We ask that attendees bring their care partners. Lunch will be provided. Sponsored by Acton COA, Concord Park and Cooperative Elder Services. Please let us know if you plan to attend.
LitLovers Study Group/Masterpieces of Short Fiction
Tuesday, February 25th, 2:30-4:00pm                                   
Open to all seniors/free
The LitLovers Group is beginning a new area of study! Each month we will view a 30-minute lecture from The Great Courses DVD Masterpieces of Short Fiction, followed by a discussion on the lecture, the featured story, and the author. Short stories have the unique ability to deliver a powerful emotional impact within a concise format, and over the next 24 meetings we will study some of the best. Authors include Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ernest Hemingway, D.H. Lawrence, Flannery O’Connor, James Baldwin, and Anton Chekhov. Copies of the stories will be provided. February’s story is The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allan Poe. For this month’s meeting, you may find the story online or pick up a hard copy at the Senior Center reception desk. Group is facilitated by Program Manager Chris Chirokas
Dinner with Doug
Tuesday, February 25th, 5:00pm                                                                            
Open to all seniors
Chicken broccoli and ziti, garlic bread and dessert are on the menu for dinner. Cost is $5.00. Please sign up prior to the event.
Technology Assistance Clinic (previously Computer Club)
Wednesday, February 26th, 1:30-3:00pm      
Open to out-of-town seniors/free
All seniors are welcome to participate in this drop-in Technology Clinic whenever the need arises.  Bring your technology questions, problems, and issues related to your computer, phone, or tablet. If possible, bring the problem hardware with you to the session.  Several regular attendees are willing to share their experiences, and work with you, one-on-one, to address technology issues, from Windows system difficulties, email setups/usage, networking issues, upgrades, and assistance with “how do I” frustrations. MAC and Chrome/Android users are welcome.  If you are unable to attend in person and would like to talk with a Clinic member via Zoom or phone, please contact the COA and we will forward your information to a Clinic member.
The Great Love Songs of All Time/Vol. 1 with John Clark
Thursday, February 27th, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
Let’s face it—romantic love is the most common topic of popular songs down through the years. So what are the most cherished and enduring love songs of the 20th century (at least up to the 1970s)? It will include classics starting from the teens (Me and My Gal) up to 1972’s First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Some of our very best songwriters are represented here, like Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Some Enchanted Evening and Jerome Kern/Dorothy Fields’ The Way You Look Tonight. Many legendary singers show up, including Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable, Elvis Presley singing Can’t Help Falling in Love and of course Frank Sinatra with Got You Under My Skin. Two great songs from the 1960s made the cut—Unchained Melody and At Last.
Chair Flow Yoga with Rebecca Reber
Thursdays through March 27th, 3:00-3:45pm
This active chair yoga class will combine yoga poses, stretches, breathing and relaxation techniques while sitting or standing (holding the chair). Come enjoy the benefits of reducing anxiety, lowering blood pressure while building strength and balance to feel better in your body and mind. The Center will have some yoga blocks and straps available, but please bring your own if possible (strap could be a scarf; yoga block can be a shoe box). Rebecca is a certified yoga instructor who has been working with seniors for almost a decade. To learn more about Rebecca, visit www.rebeccareberyoga.com/ .

Free courses from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful. Family to Family, starting March 20th in Boxborough, is an eight-session weekly course for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. NAMI’s Basics course, a six-session weekly class starting March 11th in Tewksbury, is for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral health concerns. Topics for both courses include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care, plus the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support. The Basics class also includes information about advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings. Details and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses. Offered by NAMI Central Middlesex. Basics co-sponsored by Northeast Public Health Alliance.

Donate Personal Care Items to Open Table Food Pantry in Maynard
The Rotary Club of Concord is spearheading a donation drive for personal care items for Open Table. The Drive will run from now until the end of March. This is the third year the Club is supporting Open Table with one of its service projects.
The following items are not covered by SNAP/food support programs so Open Table must purchase them for the individuals and families they serve.

Diaper Sizes: 3, 4, 5, 6
Hand and Body Lotion
Detergent Sheets or Detergent Pods
Baby Wipes
Sponges
Dish Soap
Toothpaste
Shampoo

Items can be dropped off at any of the following LOCATIONS:

Action Unlimited, 100 Domino Dr., W. Concord
Coldwell Banker, 11 Main Street, Concord
Concord Teacakes, 59 Commonwealth Ave., W. Concord
Frame-ables, 111 Thoreau St, Concord (Open 10-4, Tues-Sat.)
Keller Williams, 200 Baker Ave. Suite 205, Concord
Middlesex Bank, 64 Main St., Concord
Enterprise Bank, 340 Great Rd., ACTON
W. Concord Wine & Spirits, 1216 Main St.
Spirits of Maynard in Maynard Crossing, MAYNARD

Sunday March 9 2:30pm.  Theater Organ Concert.  Shanklin Music Hall, 130 Sandy Pond Road, Groton.  Jerry Nagano, the 2017 American Theatre Organ Society Organist of the Year will perform at the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that was originally installed in Boston’s Metropolitan Theatre (presently the Wang Theater at the Boch Center) in 1930.  Shanklin Hall was built specifically to house the Wurlitzer resulting in an unparalleled listening experience. Tickets are available online at www.WurlitzerPops.org. The cost is $25 for adults.

The Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame (MHSAHOF) was established in 2006 to honor and perpetuate the memory of all former Maynard students, coaches and associated persons who have brought pride and distinction to the Maynard school system, the Town of Maynard and themselves, primarily through their high school athletic endeavors.  It will be an ongoing opportunity for Maynard residents to continue the tradition of excellence that has been characteristic of Maynard athletics.
Our 10th Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony/Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025 at the Maynard Lodge of Elks, 6 PM ~ 11 PM, and we need your help in identifying potential inductees to the MHSAHOF, who, if selected, will be celebrated at that event!  Our past nine banquets have been very well received by the inductees and the general public.
If you know an athlete who you feel deserves to be inducted into the MHSAHOF, please complete a nomination form.  They are available by visiting our website at http://web.maynard.ma.us/civic/mhsahf or by emailing mjtbrannelly@comcast.net. Completed nomination forms should be sent to MHSAHOF, PO Box 56, Maynard, MA 01754.  The deadline for submitting nominations for this event is March 31, 2025.  Nomination forms received after this deadline will be set aside for a potential future induction.  Don’t wait ~ nominate a deserving athlete today!
Additionally, donations are greatly appreciated and may be forwarded to MHSAHOF, PO Box 56, Maynard, MA 01754.  The MHSAHOF is a non-profit organization under Section 501 © 3 and donations are tax deductible.  Thank you!