Action Unlimited

Theater Organ Concert

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

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

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

Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers

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

Veterans Day Ceremony in Bedford

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

Veterans Day in Boxborough

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

Veterans Day in Acton

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

Domestic Violence Event

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

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

Clean Energy Home Tour – Focus on Heat Pumps

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

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

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

South Acton Church Rummage & Bake Sale

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

Mental Health Course, in Person in Boxborough

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

The Maynard Holiday Stroll

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

Memory Lane Café at the Acton Senior Center

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

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

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

2024 Women’s Health Event

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

Guest Table Community Dinner

Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on Nov. 8. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome! There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted. FPC is a nut-free location. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you! This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, Nashoba Valley Rotary, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.
Oct 11 meet at the fair

Meet me at the Fair!


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

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

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

Boxborough Community Trunk or Treat at Craft Food Halls

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

“It Can’t Happen Here…Again” Event

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

The Hidden History of Black Boston

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

Haunted Library

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

CPR Awareness Health for
Humanity Workshop for Kids

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

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

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


All Souls and Samhain
FPC Sunday Service Oct. 27

 
First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service on “All Souls and Samhain.” As the fall turns to winter, FPC’s minister, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum, will remember the losses of our community this year and learn how the traditions of All Souls and All Saints are tied to the pagan Samhain. The service takes place both in person in the sanctuary and virtually on Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. The Open House will be held in Fellowship Hall and will be in person only. Masking is optional. Child care for the service only is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcomed 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.

Guest Table Community Dinner

Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on Nov. 8. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome! There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted. FPC is a nut-free location. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you! This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, Nashoba Valley Rotary, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.
Oct 25 smack dabs

Good-Time Swing from The Smack Dabs
on Nov. 16

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

Small Works Art Exhibit at The Lunenburg Library

The Lunenburg Public Library is once again hosting the annual Small Works Art Exhibit this fall and holiday season. This year’s exhibit will open on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in the Wallace Community Room, and remain up until Thursday, January 2, 2025. Artists in Central Massachusetts are encouraged to submit up to three works of art, each under 11”square, by the Friday, November 15th deadline. Handouts with the submission guidelines can be picked up at the library’s front desk. All submissions should be dropped off at the library before the building closes at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 15th to be juried by the Library Director. To celebrate the exhibit installation, visitors are invited to the exhibit opening reception between noon and 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 16th. Guests are also welcome to view the artwork any time during the library’s operating hours, unless the room is in use for an event or meeting. The library asks artists to price their works for sale under $100 – making them wonderful holiday gifts that support local artists and your local library! If you would like more information, please contact Muir Haman at 978-582-4140 ext. 15 or email atmhaman@lunenburgma.gov
Oct 25 recycling bins

You can recycle your hairbrush – really!

And not just your hairbrush – you can also recycle electronic hair tools and appliances, old manual toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, empty toner and ink cartridges, and other surprising items listed here: https://tinyurl.com/littletonmarecycles   We have four collection points in the area:  the Acton or Littleton Donelan’s grocery store, the Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton, and if you have a Littleton transfer sticker, there’s a bin there, too.  Details and pictures on website.
Terracycle gives points for each item which translate into cash for non-profits such as 4-H, schools, and libraries.  This recycling stream helps fund the Acton C.R.A.F.T. 4-H club’s community service activities.  Still have questions?  Email littletonma.recycles@gmail.com

The Alcott Toastmasters Fall Open House Upcoming

Monday, Oct 28th, 2024, from 7-9 PM at The Monument Hall, 62 Monument Square, Concord, MA. Attendees will be able to learn about Toastmasters, experience a real Toastmasters meeting, and participate in prepared speech presentations, speech evaluations, and impromptu speaking with Table Topics questions. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment for individuals to improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Light refreshments will be served at the meeting.

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. Presents:

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

Learn to Communicate & Become an Effective Speaker

Do you want to advocate new activities at meetings?
Do you want to make an effective presentation at a Town Meeting or Public Hearing?
Do you want to effectively share your experience and knowledge with professional organizations of various community clubs?
Did you know that joining and participating in Toastmasters will enable you to succeed in any or all of these situations?
The Isaac Davis Toastmasters Club invites you to attend an open house meeting on Monday, October 28, from 7:00 to 8:30 at the Acton Public Safety Facility EOC, 371 Main Street Acton, MA. Members will host a meeting to show you Toastmasters in action. Isaac Davis Toastmasters has been serving Acton and the surrounding towns for 52 years.  Please register at  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/isaac-davis-toastmasters-club-open-house-tickets-1052079747847
Oct 25 mcc transfer fair

MCC to Host Transfer Fairs to Help Students Explore Next Steps


For individuals of all ages and stages in their lives, Middlesex Community College offers a strong starting point for continuing their education and entering the workforce. To introduce students to different four-year college and universities, Middlesex is hosting transfer fairs on both the Lowell and Bedford campuses in October.“We encourage our students to explore the many options available to them and to begin planning early for their next steps after graduating,” said Jane Fain, MCC’s Coordinator of Transfer Affairs. “Our transfer fairs help students gain important admissions information on potential schools and start developing their plan. We hold fairs in both the Fall and Spring semesters because having these conversations as soon as possible while at MCC help students avoid unwanted surprises or roadblocks once they’re ready to transfer.”During each fair, students have opportunities to meet with admissions representatives from a number of institutions. They can learn about varying four-year school’s offerings and requirements for transferring after they graduate from MCC. This year’s fairs will welcome more than 40 colleges and universities.Admissions representatives are experts on their school’s information and a resource to MCC students as theyexplore their options, according to Fain. Meeting with the representatives helps students get a better sense of how selective and competitive institutions are, as well as know important deadlines and scholarship information.MCC helps students transfer to four-year colleges and universities across New England and nationwide each year. With a number of articulation agreements and MassTransfer, MCC makes the transfer process as easy as possible. By starting at Middlesex, students can save thousands on tuition costs by completing their general education requirements before attending a four-year school. At MCC, students get early exposure to their field of interest,with courses, hands-on experiences, and networking opportunities in just the first two years of their academic journey. “At MCC, we strive to work with our students to develop and put into action a plan for their academic, transfer and career goals from day one of their time with us,” said Nick Cloutier, MCC’s Coordinator of Transfer. “We are excited for this year’s fairs to help our students meet with different institutions, explore their options, and find the best fit that meets their needs. You want to start the process as soon as possible!” The Lowell Transfer Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cowan Center Cafeteria on Wednesday, October 30. Students can attend the Bedford Transfer Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Campus Center on Thursday, October 31. For more information, contact Fain at FainJ@middlesex.mass.edu.
Learn More

Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition

Auditions for the Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, February 5 & 6, 2025 at Concord Academy, 166 Main St., Concord, MA.  The winner will be the featured soloist at the Concord Orchestra's Concerts, on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025., and will receive the Ehlers Memorial Scholarship.  The second and third place finishers may be invited to perform a recital prior to these concerts.  The competition is open to high school and younger instrumental students, including pianists.  A complete concerto or other work suitable for performance with orchestra must be memorized for the audition.  Applications are due by January 17, 2025.   For more information and an application form, email:  jan.kinmonth@gmail.com with subject line “Concord Orchestra YA Competition.”    Applications can be made online, and additional information can also be found at https://www.concordorchestra.com/young-artist-concerto-competition.

Join us for our annual Pumpkin Festival!

Held at New England Nurseries, 216 Concord Road, Bedford
The event will take place on Saturday, October 26th, from 1 PM to 4 PM. There will be many free activities, including a Spooky Scavenger Hunt, Trick-or-Treating, Face Painting, Kids' Crafts, and more! We'll also have refreshments for purchase, a build-a-scarecrow station, and, of course... pumpkins!
Oct 25 holy family parish

Holiday Fair in Concord

Holy Family Parish, 10 am to 4 pm, November 1 & 2, Monument Hall, 62 Monument Square, Concord, MA. Free Admission. Featuring: Handmade crafts, ornaments, holiday items, scarves, hats, baby items, blankets. Gifts & re-gifts. Children’s toys, puzzles, games, books. Wreaths (pine cone, fabric, cork). Indoor plants. Jewelry. Gift books (all genres, hard cover). Food (baked goods, jams & salsas, “mixin a jar,” candy, vanilla, herbs). Raffle items (large themed baskets & gifts). Silent auction of special items (framed original oil painting, heirloom quality handmade Irish knit afghan, use of a vacation home, and a $200 restaurant gift card. Café from 10 am to 2 pm both days.

Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean's List

The following local residents have been named to the 2024 spring semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston.
* Alissa Campbell, Acton (01720)
* Bella Mojica, Acton (01720)
* Fran Servello, Acton (01720)
* Sonia Vader, Concord (01742)
* Carly Rieter, Maynard (01754)
* Charlotte Hogan, Sudbury (01776)
To qualify for dean's list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.
Congratulations to all!!
Oct 25 folk festival

Folk Festival to be held in Littleton on November 9, 2024

First Church Unitarian in Littleton will hold a Folk Festival on Saturday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. at 19 Foster Street, Littleton.
The headlining artist is award-winning folk-blues-soul act The Sugarsnap Trio. You don't want to miss this talented young group! The Sugar Snap Trio features Collin Cope, harmonica and vocals; Chris Page, guitar and vocals; and Luke Hausermann, upright bass.
The opening artist is the popular Boston-based Sarah Levecque Band with their mixture of folk and blues and “Americana”. The band features singer-songwriter-guitarist Sarah Levecque; Peter Zarkadas, guitar and vocals; and Johnny Sciascia, upright bass.
There will be a brief intermission with refreshments. The evening will also include a “50/50 Raffle”.
A suggested donation is $25 per person at the door, but any donation in any amount is appreciated, and no one will be turned away. Tickets can be purchased in-advance for $20 per person at this link (as well as the option to watch the livestream of the concert): https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/9d16ea6e-cb2b-4020-856a-0e26a4a1b747

Bessie’s Closet Pop-Up at Discovery Museum

Friday, November 1st, 3:30pm-7:30pm, Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd,  10:00am-3:00pm. Museum Admission not Required.
Bessie’s Closet is a free pop-up clothing store open to all members of our community. Supported by donations from our Museum community and beyond, Bessie’s Closet offers new or gently-used clothing and shoes for both children and adults. Anyone who may benefit is welcome to visit Bessie’s Closet. Museum admission is not required, but also not included. All items are available free of charge, take what you need! Items available in Bessie’s Closet are dependent upon donations received. Discovery Museum, 177 Main Street (Route 27) • Acton.

Acton Woman's Club adds Treasure Table Sale to its October 19 Pie Sale!

The ovens will be baking soon for The Acton Woman's Club's Autumn Bake Sale!
Saturday, October 19, starting at 9 am outside the Clubhouse at 504 Main St, until noon or when we sold out.
We'll have homemade pies as well as cakes, bars, and other desserts, for sale. Proceeds will help us award 2 scholarships to AB senior students.
This year, in addition to the Bake Sale will be a Treasure Table with handcrafts, collectibles, and novelties for sale, which will have been mostly handmade, knitted and sewn by our members. We'll also be selling AWC Tea Towels, and AWC note cards, each with a picture of the Historic Club House, celebrating our 110 Anniversary of the Acton Woman’s Club.
We expect the baked goods to be snatched up to go into the freezer for Thanksgiving, so pies sell out quickly.  Don't miss out.
During the sale, you might like a tour of the antique Clubhouse [ask for Marge or Brenda]. Not only can you experience a gracious living room furnished with antiques, you may want to consider using the house for your next party or private event. And coming by for a visit on a
fine fall day during our bake sale would be a wonderful time for you to also go inside the building and find out how lovely it is...So come along, check out the beautiful space, and buy something scrumptious for your upcoming party, or just for you!
The Acton Woman's Club has room for more members, especially if you like to bake or organize events! The Acton Woman's Club is a great way to make new friends! More information: www.theactonwomansclub.org
Acton Woman's Club
504 Main Street, PO Box 2253, Acton, Massachusetts
www.theactonwomansclub.org
Oct 18 trevor berens at fpc

Piano Concert: 200 Years of Women Composers

Pianist Trevor Berens presents a concert of music written by women, from1836 through 2005. The music is as varied as it is beautiful, from Clara Schumann’s early suite of short works inspired by the music of Chopin (“Soirées Musicales”) to Marti Epstein’s minimalist pieces written at the turn of this century (selections from “American Etudes”). Trevor will also be performing, in its entirety, Florence Price’s rarely heard set of four dances, “Dances in the Canebrakes”, as well as music by the early twentieth-century American composer, Amy Beach.The concert takes place on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m., at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, where Trevor is the accompanist. Tickets are available at the door and in advance at Eventbrite(tiny.cc/200Years) for a suggested donation of $5–$40. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

What Kind of Church Holds an Annual Beer Fest?

Stow, Mass., Oct. 20 – What Kind of Church Holds an Annual Beer Fest? (Okay, it’s actually a beer and food truck festival with a dedicated area just for children’s games - with prizes!) Find the answer to that and so much more at the Open House for First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, on Sunday, Oct. 20. The Open House will follow FPC’s 10 a.m. service on “Joy, Play, Fun!” It will take place at about 11:15 a.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Have coffee and refreshments and learn about FPC’s many programs, including its choir, New Revival Coffeehouse concert series, Guest Table community dinner, weekly Peace Vigil, annual art exhibit, and its many social justice programs (at least two of them, the LGBTQ+ and Climate Change task forces, will have booths). You can also find out about its religious education classes, where children and youth explore world religions and their own hearts to find a spiritual, ethical path. Maybe you’ll find an hour of peace in your week, or new friends who care like you do about the worth and dignity of all people, a chance to sing in a choir, cook a meal for a community dinner, join a small ministry group, or even help plan the next beer fest! FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Joy, Play & Fun! – FPC Sunday Service

On Oct. 20 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service on “Joy, Play & Fun!” FPC’s minister, the Rev. Dr.Cynthia L. Landrum, will explore a theology and activism based in joy, drawing on the works of Adrienne Maree Brown, the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and others. An Open House will follow the service for anyone curious about FPC and its programs in religious education, music, social justice, and more. All are welcome to the service, the Open House or both! The service takes place both in person in the sanctuary and virtually. The Open House will be held in Fellowship Hall and will be in person only. 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

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, Oct. 18, 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.

Mental Health Course, in Person in Boxborough

Family to Family is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments & therapies, practicing communication & problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The course will meet in person in Boxborough Mondays, November 11 to January 13, excluding holiday weeks, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Additional information and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/family-to-family-fall2024-boxborough.
Oct 18 jake kinney

Pianist Jake Kinney performs Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

The Concord Band opens its 2024–25 season with a concert on Saturday, October 26, 7:00 pm at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord, MA.
Music Director James O’Dell chose the theme "100th Anniversaries" in recognition of Geoge Gershwin’s composition and premiere of Rhapsody in Blue in 1924, a year that marks many musical milestones.
The program commemorates the passing of composer Giacomo Puccini, the most successful proponent of Italian opera after Verdi, and Gabriel Fauré, one of the foremost French composers of his generation. The program also features Camille Saint-Saëns’ Pas Redouble, arranged for a band by Arthur Frackenpohl, as well as Academy Award winning themes by Henry Mancini, considered one of the greatest composers in the history of film, in an arrangement by Warren Barker. Both Frackenpohl and Mancini were born in 1924.
Gershwin composed Rhapsody in Blue in a few short weeks for a concert by Paul Whiteman’s Palais Royal Orchestra, titled "An Experiment in Modern Music,” presented at Aeolean Hall in New York City in February of 1924. Whiteman’s intent was to show that American jazz could be combined with classical and other types of music. The original score by Ferde Grofe comprised 23 instruments and piano solo. Subsequently, Thomas Verrier expanded the original setting to concert band instrumentation based on Grofe’s manuscripts.
Pianist Jake Kinney is the featured soloist on Rhapsody in Blue. Kinney is a versatile musician, performing with the Concord Band on trumpet, with our Jazz Ensemble on piano, as well as leading our Holiday Pops sing-along on vocals.
Kinney first performed Rhapsody in Blue in 2014 at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney, ME, and again in 2016 with the Greece Symphony Orchestra in Rochester, NY. Of the composition, Jake said, “it is one of my favorite pieces of music of all time, truly occupying a unique niche within the piano repertoire. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jim O’Dell and the Concord Band for this opportunity.”
Admission to the Concord Band's Fall Concert is free, with a requested donation of $20 per person. A reception will follow the concert.
Oct 18 kobe henro

The First TNVR Clinic in Northern Puerto Rico, will take place the weekend of March 22-23, 2025 and the Sudbury-based nonprofit is accepting donations and volunteers

Kobe Henro Pet Food Bank in partnership with Puerto Rican-based Miracles For Sato Rescue (MFSR) will be opening a pop-up Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release (TNVR) clinic in Puerto Rico. Pippi’s Project, will be the first TNVR clinic in northern Puerto Rico, with its launch scheduled for the weekend of March 22-23, 2025 in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. Helaine Block, founder of Kobe Henro commented, “In just under eight months, we have built a strong and determined team to help control the stray population (650,000 dogs/satos and 1,000,000 cats/gatos) on the island.” For additional information or to donate, please contact: Helaine Block at: info@kobehenro.org and donations via venmo @kobehenro. Checks can be mailed to: Kobe Henro, Inc. 100 Powder Mill Road – Suite 124, Acton, MA 01742

Nashoba Regional High School's Fall Play

 
Kick off your holiday season this November with Nashoba Regional High School's performance of “A Christmas Carol”, November 22-24. This classic retelling of Ebenezer Scrooge's experience with the 3 ghosts is great for all ages. Be sure to purchase your tickets today! Performances are:
Friday, November 22nd 7pm
Saturday, November 23rd 7pm
Sunday, November 24th 2pm
$14.00 Adult;$10.00 Child / Student / Senior
https://www.ticketstage.com/T/NFOD

DACP: A Local Organization Providing Summer Camp Experiences For All. Donations Greatly Appreciated.

What is the value of a summer camp experience for a child? According to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, attending a summer camp “increases children’s self-esteem, independence, leadership, friendship skills, social comfort, and values and decision-making skills, from the beginning to the end of a session” (Lessons from Camp, HGSE, 2016). The Doli Atamian Campership Program, an all-volunteer organization that raises funds to send income-eligible children from Acton and Boxborough to camp, has been working since 1995 to provide these critical opportunities for all. DACP is named after long-time Acton resident and Acton Housing Authority Director Doli Atamian, who championed the cause of making sure that every child, regardless of economic status, was valued and cared for. By raising funds from individuals, churches, businesses, and civic organizations, DACP funds scholarships of $300 to provide summer enrichment for children who may not otherwise be able to afford the experience. Our board works closely with the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and the Housing Authorities in both Acton and Boxborough to identify children who would benefit from a scholarship. In 2024, 124 scholarships were granted and families chose a variety of camps and activities ranging from theater camps to sports camps to NARA park summer passes and more. The response from families at the end of the summer illustrates the importance of the work of DACP. From one parent “The scholarship helps immensely. The campership opens up different options that I would not be able to afford on my own”. From a camper: “Thank you so much for this opportunity. I think it was a privilege to be there, and I had a lot of fun with my friends. Theater camp was the best.” DACP is actively fundraising for the 2025 season and welcomes all donations. To learn more about the Doli Atamian Campership Program or to make a donation, please visit www.doliatamiancampership.com. Other than non-profit fees, postage, and paper, ALL donated funds go directly to camperships. A summer camp experience is valuable for children who often have no access to recreational areas and limited opportunities to explore new interests and skills. DACP is here to provide for the children of Acton and Boxborough and appreciates the support of the community in making a summer experience available for all.