ACTON: State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and State Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord) are pleased to announce that the State Revolving Fund loan program has awarded over $15 million to the town of Littleton to fund water infrastructure projects supporting a clean, healthy, and modern water supply.

This funding is part of $1.3 billion in low-interest-rate loans and grants allocated for projects proposed by municipalities, regional water supply and wastewater treatment districts, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Administered by the Clean Water Trust, the State Revolving Fund is instrumental to improving water quality, updating aging infrastructure, and improving renewable energy and climate resiliency in water systems across the Commonwealth. This year's funding includes $173 million from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and finances 61 clean water infrastructure projects, 50 drinking water construction projects, and 39 Asset Management Planning projects.

“Water infrastructure is in serious need of updates and climate resiliency improvements in municipalities across the commonwealth. I am grateful this essential funding has been allocated to Acton to address the public health challenge of PFAS contamination as well as to expand their municipal sewer system,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) “The continued investment in protecting this crucial water resources is paramount and I am proud to be sponsoring S.476 An Act improving municipal water infrastructure, which would increase municipal funds for drinking water, wastewater, or stormwater infrastructure.”

“The Town of Acton and communities across the commonwealth are experiencing significant challenges in their efforts to deliver reliably safe drinking water, especially with respect to PFAS,” said State Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord) “A lack of water infrastructure is also creating a significant bottleneck to future economic development along Great Road in Acton. This funding is a significant step forward in meeting Acton’s significant water treatment and infrastructure needs.”

The State Revolving Fund programs make water projects accessible to communities and ensures affordability through loan forgiveness offered to municipalities meeting the affordability criteria, including 64 of this year's new projects. Additionally, reduced borrowing rates are available for communities meeting the Housing Choice Initiative criteria to support municipalities pursuing sustainable and affordable housing.

Through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, the Acton Water Supply District will receive $7,820,000 for PFAS Treatment at the Central Acton Water Treatment Plant and $8,700,000 for PFAS Treatment at the South Acton Water Treatment Plant. These projects are essential to the community given that recent sampling results for certain locations in Acton have been found to be in exceedance of the maximum contaminant level for PFAS. Additionally, through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the town of Acton will receive $20,854,000 for the Acton Great Road Sewer Project to extend Acton’s municipal sewer system to the Great Road area of the town.

Clean, safe water is essential to the health and prosperity of the Commonwealth. Funding provided through the State Revolving Fund enables the projects necessary to maintain and improve Massachusetts’ water infrastructure and ensures this need is met for residents today and for generations to come.

ACTON: As Christians celebrating 50 days of Easter Tide, some are asking God to change our lives, change our hearts, and let us become messengers of Easter joy and hope. Ending the vigils against gun violence now just seems like bad timing. Join South Acton Church at the corner of School and Main Streets on Wednesdays from 4-5pm. Bring your own sign (dark black against a white background shows up best) or use one from South Acton Church’s library at 35 School Street.  The vigils will continue for the foreseeable future. Questions or ideas, contact Joan Fischer at joanlfischer@comcast.net. 

ACTON: There is a hidden jewel behind the old Makaha building on Great Road across from Donelan’s. Since becoming Great Road Church, the shed attached to the back left of the building has been converted to a give and take book library for all to enjoy. It is stocked with over a thousand gently used and new books. You will find picture and board books for the little ones, and beginning and easy readers. There are even workbooks to keep the kiddos busy. There are some graphic novels in the young adult section as well as fantasy and other popular books. There is also a wide array of books for adults. This includes mystery, history, current events, philosophy and religion in both hard and soft back books. There are even treats for holidays and different themes highlighted each month. For example, May is the month for brides and you will find a large assortment of books for planning weddings. Take and keep what you need and donate what you would like to share. Another bonus, it is always open. Even if the door is closed, you can just open it up and enjoy. This is a place for people to relax and share their love of reading and will be sure to bring a smile to your face.

Submitted by Karen Root Watkins

ACTON: From conserving water resources to adopting renewable energy in our homes, Acton residents are learning and acting. On April 26, the Acton Water District led a "Water Wise Nature Walk" about Acton's water supply while touring the key conservation land along Brook Street and 459 Main Street (see Acton’s Town Meeting Warrant Article 10). The kid-friendly walk explained how Acton gets its water and looked at future challenges, especially as we lose open lands and as climate change affects rainfall patterns.

Then, on April 29, Acton experienced a first-time event. Was it a garden tour or home design tour? No, it was a "Clean Energy Homes Tour" sponsored by EnergizeActon.org. Nine Acton homeowners opened their homes to show the latest in high efficiency, low carbon home energy use. Visitors got to see houses with solar panels and solar battery storage that hardly ever draw electricity from Eversource.

Other homes featured the latest generation of cold weather air source and ground source heat pumps that kept their homeowners nice and toasty during February's arctic freeze. Plus, there were nifty appliances such as solar water heaters, super efficient heat pump clothes dryers, and electric garden mowers and tools. One visitor commented, "[The homeowners] were prepared! Seriously, we saw a slide show and got handouts with facts and data at multiple sites. Wonderful!"

At the event's starting point on Elm Street, visitors enjoyed coffee, baked goods, and discussion. The hot topics? People heard about Acton Power Choice Green, an option for all renewable electricity contracted by the Town but billed through Eversource. Second, visitors got info on great state and federal incentives for "electrification" to help us move off of fossil fuels and onto renewable energy systems.

PHOTO: Acton Select Board member and Clean Energy Coach David Martin explains his unique air source heat pump to hydronic (hot water) baseboard heating system.

Submitted by Kim Kastens

ACTON: The Acton Water District (AWD) is on the cusp of completing a large solar energy array on their property on Knox Trail in the southeast corner of Acton. This 1.2 megawatt array will provide energy to power the South Acton Water Treatment Plant.

AWD's latest PFAS measurements (Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances, also known as “forever chemicals”) from January, February and March 2023, have all been beneath the Massachusetts Maximum Contaminant Level of 20 parts per trillion for the sum of six PFAS compounds. The addition of PFAS treatment capacity at the North Acton Water Treatment Plant is moving ahead, with ground-breaking expected in May and completion anticipated by the end of 2023.

The AWD's bottled water rebate program, for people who have conditions that require lower exposure to PFAS than for the general population, continues to attract new participants. For the first quarter of 2023, 135 owner-occupied households have received bottled water rebates as bill abatements, and 18 tenants have received rebate checks directly. The water bill abatement program for low-income seniors has attracted six households in the first quarter of 2023. AWD Commissioners have been considering additional mechanisms to aid residents who have less ability to pay. AWD Treasurer Christine McCarthy has been researching the various tax discount programs the Town of Acton offers, as well as utility bill assistance offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

For the second year in a row, the AWD will be receiving an award from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for excellence in water conservation. The award will be presented in a ceremony at the State House on Drinking Water Day, May 11.

ACTON: The Acton Republican Town Committee (ARTC) will meet April 19 at 6:30pm at the West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Mass Avenue. Meetings are open to all individuals interested in furthering the principles of limited government and individual liberty. Discuss local Acton issues with visiting School Committee candidates Yanxin Schmidt, Mike Gowing, and Jason Fitzgerald. Agenda topics from members and visitors are also encouraged for spirited discussion. If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact RTC Chair Dave at (781) 775-9922 for more information.

ACTON/BOXBOROUGH: The ABCC Our World Film Series returns for four successive Friday nights in late April/early May. Live and in-person at a new location, Boxborough’s Sargent Memorial Library Meeting Room, all programs starting at 7pm. The screenings are free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28
A Short Night - The 11th annual Our World Short Film Program, presenting a selection of recent short films produced by film students from Massachusetts colleges and universities. The filmmakers are invited to attend and discuss their work with the audience.

FRIDAY, MAY 5
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom (Bhutan 2020) - An aspiring singer living with his grandmother in the capital of Bhutan dreams of getting a visa to move to Australia. Oscar nominee for Best International Feature Film. “A testament to the vitality of making cinema available to those without standard resources... an affirmation that all films, however humble their origin, can matter and be counted.” -
Ronda Racha Penrice, TheWrap

FRIDAY MAY 12
Flee (Denmark 2021) - The extraordinary true story of a man, Amin, on the verge of marriage which compels him to reveal his hidden past for the first time. Nominated for three Oscars: Best Documentary Feature Film, Best Animated Feature Film, and Best International Feature Film. “Flee is a remarkably humanizing and complex film, expanding and expounding the kind of story that’s too easily simplified.” – Benjamin Lee, The Guardian

FRIDAY MAY 19
The Dark Horse (New Zealand 2014) - A brilliant but troubled New Zealand chess champion finds purpose by teaching underprivileged children about the rules of chess and life. Award winner at the
Rotterdam International Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, St. Tropez International Film Festival. “The heartfelt telling of a truly extraordinary true story with a mesmerizing central performance.” – David Hughes, Empire

More information on the series and prior year’s film selections is available online at
abccourworld.wixsite.com/abccourworld, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ABCCOurWorld.

ACTON: Notice is hereby given that an application has been made on behalf of the Acton Water District for the approval of MassDEP for the Acton Water District to acquire certain lands or rights of land in the Town of Acton for public water supply protection. Said land is located at 549 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720 and is identified on municipal assessor map #E4 as parcel #47.

As required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 Section 41, the Acton Water District will hold a public hearing. The hearing will be held at the Water District’s offices located 693 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA 01720 on April 24, beginning at 11am. The plan showing the land in question is on file at MassDEP (8 New Bond Street, Worcester, MA 01606) and in the office of the Acton Water District and on the public water system’s website. Said plan is entitled 549 Main Street Survey Review Plan – 02-02-2022.

Comments pertaining to this matter may be made orally at the time of the hearing or submitted in writing at any time before May 1 at 5pm, addressed to Department of Environmental Protection, Drinking Water Program Chief, 8 New Bond Street, Worcester, MA 01606. ~ Acton Water District

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Town Planner and the chairs of the Conservation Commission and Recreation Commission will be hosting a public forum on open space and recreation on April 12 from 7-8:30pm at Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road. Boxborough residents and members of the greater community of all ages are invited to discuss updates to the Town's Open Space and Recreation Plan. Parks and open space provide opportunities for fun and relaxation. From bike racks to signage, and even new spaces, this forum will give you a voice to help guide decision-making for the next several years.

Interpreters in Mandarin Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Hindi will be available during the forum.

If you would like to participate or provide feedback, but cannot attend the forum, submit ideas and suggestions to the Town Planner, Alec Wade via email at awade@boxborough-ma.gov, or visit during office hours from 5-6:30pm at Boxborough Town Hall on April 6, 10 or 13.

To review a draft of the plan, visit boxborough-ma.gov, and type OSRP into the Search bar.  If you have any questions, please contact the Town Planner at (978) 264-1723.

ACTON: Mark your calendars for these important Town of Acton election dates:
 

ACTON: The Ministry of ACC invites you to join us for Holy Week and Easter Services.
Members, Non-Members, Friends and Family. All are Welcome.

Palm Sunday - April 2 9:30am
Fresh Eco Friendly Palms

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service -
April 6 at 8pm
Join for this Holy Day and share Communion

Good Friday - April 7 Worship Service at 7pm

Easter Sunday Worship & Flowering of the Cross - April 9
9:30am Easter Egg Hunt following worship
10:30am Abundant Fellowship
11:15am Second Easter Service

Come early or stay late for light refreshments and an abundance of Fellowship.

ACTON: You are invited to Holy Week and Easter services with Mt. Calvary. Celebrate the most unforgettable, life-giving time in the Christian calendar. Begin the journey to Easter with a series called, Radical Love. You’ll hear what Jesus shared during His last week, during His dying moments, and experience how Jesus radically changed everything on Easter with his great love.  Mt. Calvary offers a number of opportunities to gather together for Easter worship.

Palm Sunday, April 2
“Love Went Up” at 9am & 10:30am — On Palm Sunday Jesus went up to Jerusalem. The people around Jerusalem expressed their need shouting, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13). Join a beautiful Palm Sunday with special music and a message of love for you. Mt. Calvary Kids and Youth at 9am.

Maundy Thursday, April 6
“Love Knelt Down” at 7pm — During Passover, Jesus does something remarkable by pausing evening festivities to humble Himself and kneel at His friends’ feet. Jesus sets a concrete example of what loving others looks like. Join us for a contemporary service to reflect upon Jesus’ words and celebrate Holy Communion.

Good Friday, April 7
“God’s Friday – Love Grows” for families at 10am – All are welcome to a craft morning. Walk at your own pace through the interactive stations followed by a kids' Easter message at 11am. It will be a fun morning for adults and kids to share, so bring another family and enjoy a truly good, Good Friday.

“Love Ran Red” at 7pm. How does Christ see himself upon the cross? Join an evening worship with traditional music. You will hear the Seven Last Words of Jesus from select texts, pray and reflect upon Psalm 22 – Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Easter Sunday, April 9
“Radical Love” for everyone at 9am and 11am – Jesus radically changes everything. What happened on Easter morning radically changes how we think, act and live today. Join two uplifting morning worship services with Kids Connection. Coffee and refreshments served at 10am, followed by an egg hunt for children at 10:30am.

For more information, visit www.mtcalvaryacton.org or call the church at (978) 263-5156. The Church is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue. Parking (including handicap) is available behind the church, off Prospect Street, and at the Acton Funeral Home on Massachusetts Avenue.

ACTON: On May 1, 2023, Acton Town Meeting will be considering the approval of $1,225,000 requested for the design of a new Public Works Facility (Article 6). This sum is recommended by the Town Manager in response to the Final Report of the Department of Public Works Facility Study Committee (DPWFSC), accepted by the Select Board in November, 2022. The Study found that the existing facility, built over 50 years ago, was seriously undersized, was in poor condition, and was inappropriate for present needs.

The DPWFSC has set up a public tour of the facility on April 1, 10am-1pm, assisted by DPW Staff, to provide an opportunity for residents to see the conditions and make an informed decision on May 1, 2023 at Town Meeting. Access the facility from 14 Forest Road (behind the Transfer Station). For more information check out the Department of Public Works Facility Study Committee page via the Boards and committees tab in the Actonma.gov website.

ACTON: AB Cares is once again partnering with the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office to host a gun buyback initiative on May 6, 9am-12pm at the St. Matthew’s Methodist Church located at 435 Central Street. Individuals turning in unwanted firearms are asked to transport them to the site unloaded and in the trunk of their car. Ammunition will be accepted as well. No ID required, no questions asked - and each person turning in a firearm will have the option of receiving a gift card to a local grocery store. All firearms and ammunition will be handled by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and will be destroyed by the Massachusetts State Police.

This event was first held in 2021. While it was our community’s first gun buyback, the results exceeded expectations. A total of 34 firearms and an assortment of ammunition were collected, and last year, 20 firearms and additional ammunition.  Many of those who turned in firearms have expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to do so in a safe manner. In addition, most participants opted to “pay it forward” and donate their grocery gift cards to low-income residents of Acton and Boxborough, allowing AB Cares to not only take a step towards improving the safety of our community but help needy residents at the same time.

Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the U.S., causing more than 38,000 deaths and nearly 85,000 injuries each year. Gun violence is an epidemic, and public health measures such as gun buyback programs are necessary steps to help address this crisis. “This event is incredibly timely; we know that mental health across the lifespan has suffered as a result of the pandemic; in fact, some now refer to the “dual pandemic” of suicide and COVID-19. AB Cares is committed to suicide prevention, and helping reduce the risk of suicide by firearms is a good place to start,” said Deborah Garfield, LICSW Director of The Eliot Center and member of the AB Cares coalition.

“We know that nearly 6 out of every 10 gun deaths in Massachusetts are suicides, and firearm is the most lethal mean of suicide, with 22% of all suicides by firearm. This event will provide residents the opportunity to safely, securely dispose of unwanted and unused firearms to make our homes and our communities safer by reducing the chance of accidental discharge, self-harm, and theft,” said Katie Neville, Acton-Boxborough United Way’s Executive Director and member of the AB Cares coalition.

“This event will allow individuals to discard unwanted firearms in a simple, non-judgmental way. It is a tremendous public safety initiative that could prevent unwanted guns from ending up in the hands of someone that may wish to do harm to themselves or others,” said Acton Police Sergeant Scott Krug, member of AB Cares.

“We are proud to once again be working with AB Cares, the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments and all those involved to help facilitate this year’s event,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “These buybacks continue to enhance community and home safety by providing local residents with the opportunity to safely and securely dispose of unwanted firearms.”The initiative is funded through the generosity of numerous organizations including Acton-Boxborough United Way, Danny’s Place Youth Services, Minuteman Senior Services, West Acton Baptist Church, Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and the towns of Acton and
Boxborough. Many local organizations have also stepped up to support this event as partners, including the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments, the League of Women Voters – Acton Area, the Acton Council on Aging, NAMI Central Middlesex, the Boxborough Well-Being Committee, and St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. For more information, visit bit.ly/ABcares, or contact the AB Cares coalition at abcarescoalition@gmail.com or (978) 263-1777.

CONCORD/CARLISLE/ACTON: Congratulations to the following local students who were named to the 2022 fall semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston:
 

• Francesca Servello, Acton (01720)
• Emma Ely, Carlisle (01741)
• Annie Kinzlmaier, Concord (01742)
• Olivia Palmer, Concord (01742)
• Emma Wilcoxson, Concord (01742)

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.