Fuel Up for Summer Program Provides Weekly Lunch/Snack for Children
Concord and Maynard, MA (June 11, 2025) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, is bringing back its Fuel Up for Summer program, which provides daily nutritious lunch and snacks for children over the summer months. Families can sign up for the program now and begin receiving kids’ meals along with their weekly food pantry distribution beginning the week of June 23.
Parents can sign up online or by phone to participate in the summer program, then pick up as many as three lunch packs a week for each child along with the rest of their groceries. Summer lunch packs are healthy and convenient and include both a sandwich or wrap in both meat and vegetarian options, as well as vegetable sticks or side salad. The lunches can be supplemented with the traditional Open Table Kids’ Bags, which include salty and sweet snacks, easy to prepare light meals, and drink boxes. All options are peanut-free.
Kids’ packs are available starting June 23 for pick up at:
Open Table: 33 Main Street, Maynard
Tuesdays: 3:00 to 6:30 pm
Thursdays: 1:00 to 4:30 pm
To guarantee availability, kids’ lunch packs must be reserved in advance by Monday at noon for the week of pick up. No photo ID or proof of financial need is required.
Sign up at: https://www.opentable.org/kids/
Call: (978) 369-2275
Email: orders@opentable.org
“Every week, hundreds of local families rely on Open Table for the food they need. The summer months can be especially difficult for families who depend on school lunches, and we are happy to help relieve some of that stress,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “This year brings new challenges and great uncertainty for Open Table, but we remain committed to serving our neighbors in need.”

Caption: The Open Table Fuel Up for Summer program provides free, healthy lunches for kids.
Find out more: Open Table Kids’ Program
About Open Table
Open Table is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989. Its mission is to address hunger in the local community by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity and diversity of those served. For more information, visit: www.opentable.org

Acton, MA — June 3, 2025 — As summer break begins, Acton-Boxborough Food and Nutrition Services is proud to launch the Summer Eats Program, a free meal initiative ensuring that children and teens across the region have access to healthy, nutritious meals while school is out.
Beginning June 30th, and running through August 8th, the Summer Eats Program offers free lunches to youth aged 18 and under, with no registration, paperwork, or ID required. The program aims to bridge the nutrition gap that many families face during the summer months when school-provided meals are unavailable.
“Every child deserves access to healthy food year-round,” said Kirsten Nelson, Acton- Boxborough Director of Food Services, “The Summer Eats Program is about more than just meals — it’s about community, dignity, and helping kids return to school ready to learn.”
Lunches will be available at the Acton Coach Estates 53-55 Brook St Acton MA daily Monday through Fridays from June 30th through August 8th at 11:30-12:00. (There are no meals provided on July 4th)
Program Highlights:

• Free meals for all children 18 and under
• No ID, registration, or paperwork required. You do not need to live in Acton or
  Boxborough
• Family-friendly activities and events
  For further information and to see the daily activity and lunch menu, visit us at www.abschoools.org/district/food_services/summeats.

United Church of Christ, Boxborough, 723 Mass. Ave.
Thursday, June 19 at 10:00am
Would you like to attend a short and familiar worship service during the week?  Our Called to Care team will be hosting a dementia-friendly worship service on Thursday, June 19th at 10 am.  The service will be 30 minutes long, with familiar hymns, and familiar scriptures and prayers.  All are welcome to this service and fellowship after the service.  It is also a time to connect with others who are interested in dementia-friendly events and fellowship.

On Thursday, 26 June, Smith College Professor of Astronomy James Lowenthal will lead us on a virtual tour of the night - how the natural world comes alive, how humans and other diurnal creatures need darkness to thrive, how artificial light at night upsets ecosystems, and how the growing international Dark Sky movement is working to rein in light pollution and protect and bring back natural darkness at night. Visit the Maynard Public Library Events page (https://maynardpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/dark-sky-presentation/) to sign up for a Zoom link.

On June 19 at 2:00 pm, Acton’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission invites you to commemorate Juneteenth. We begin at the Acton Congregational Church with Author Ray Anthony Shephard, who will present a history of Juneteenth and its relevance to other fights for freedom, followed by a musical selection. Around 3:00 pm, we will walk to the Acton Women’s Club where Local Tour Guide Amy Cole will share Acton’s history about Emancipation and local abolitionists. We end our commemoration with how horse culture ties into the history of Black freedom.
Please RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA4AC23A5FCC43-57016448-acton#/​ If you have any questions or would like to request reasonable accommodations, then contact us at deic@acton-ma.gov.

LINCOLN, Mass. – A new outdoor exhibition that explores relationships between the natural world and ideas of home will open Thursday, June 5, at The Trustees’ deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln. Nature Sanctuarywill feature new site-responsive commissions and loans by six contemporary women artists.
The featured artists in Nature Sanctuary are Venetia Dale, Kapwani Kiwanga, Joiri Minaya, Zohra Opoku, Kathy Ruttenberg, and Evelyn Rydz. Dale and Rydz are both Massachusetts-based artists, continuing deCordova’s support of artists from the region.
“Nature Sanctuary offers our public a way to experience deCordova’s art and landscape as deeply interconnected. The artworks respond to and emphasize their ecological surroundings and make us more aware of the ways humans shape and protect the natural environment,” shares Sarah Montross, Museum Director and Chief Curator of deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.
The exhibition is framed by deCordova’s past as a family home as well as its present-day integration within The Trustees, Massachusetts’ largest and the nation’s first conservation and preservation nonprofit.
Spanning the Sculpture Park’s front lawns and beyond, the new installations express refuge, care, and the shared protective relationships between humans and the natural world. The artists respond to past, present, and future ramifications of ecological change, as well as histories of land use and the movement of people, plants, and animals across homelands. Their projects reveal contradictions inherent to a “nature sanctuary” and expose how protecting the natural world has been used, at times, to justify the exclusion or displacement of living beings.
The exhibition will also broaden ecological awareness of deCordova’s landscape, which is home to diverse flora and fauna, including nesting hawks, snapping turtles, and monarch butterflies. Public programming and interpretation will focus on connections between art and place. Nature Sanctuary will be on view through Fall 2026.

Sunday, June 22, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
128 Main Street and 5 High Street, Acton
The Iron Work Farm continues its series of combined “4th Sunday” events with a museum open house at the Jones Tavern (1 to 3 p.m.) and at the Jones-Faulkner Homestead (3 to 5 p.m.), as well as the first part of a two-part program for children on colonial ceramics, “Fire in the Hole.”
For “Fire in the Hole,” part of our hands-on Colonial Life series for children and families, from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Faulkner Homestead we will dig and build a kiln pit, and learn how to process clay and make a vessel for the dining table. A traditional colonial rough, working man's lunch will be served in the field.
No charge.
Parking on site or nearby.     Check www.ironworkfarm.org for details

HARVARD, Mass. – Fruitlands Museum in Harvard has reopened for the 2025 with a new exhibition focusing on the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Shakers in America, drawing from one of the oldest and largest repositories of Shaker archival material which is maintained by The Trustees of Reservations.
“a good many hands” Shaker Communities Woven through Word, Image & Object is now open to the public in the Seasonal Gallery at Fruitlands. Fruitlands sits just four miles from the site of the Harvard Shaker Village, first settled in 1781 and closed in 1918. Fruitlands Museum’s founder Clara Endicott Sears acquired many Shaker objects from the village, opening the first Shaker museum at Fruitlands in 1922. Those objects were entrusted to The Trustees when it acquired Fruitlands in 2016.
Fruitlands Museum is open May 1-Nov. 2 on Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, the museum is open holiday Mondays – Memorial Day, Labor Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the museum buildings is included in the admission to Fruitlands.

 

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
Book Discussion Group                                                
Tuesday June 10th, 10:00-11:00am                                             
Open to all seniors/free
The discussion for June's meeting will be around the book Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout. If you would like to read ahead for the July 8th meeting Bel Canto by Ann Pachett. 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.
 
History of Baroque Rome with Paolo Di Gregorio
Tuesday, June 10th, 1:00-2:00pm           
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
During the 16th and 17th centuries Rome, the Eternal City, underwent a tremendous physical transformation, as architects, sculptors, and artists decorated the city with countless churches, palazzi, and fountains.  This illustrated talk by Paolo Di Gregorio will tell the rollicking, often violent, story of the characters and personalities that shaped Baroque Rome. Hold the Date: Paolo's next presentation will be Tuesday, July 1st at 1:00 on the history of tariffs in the US.
 
The Ice Cream Man is Coming!
Tuesday, June 10th, 3:00-4:00pm                                                            
Acton seniors only
Celebrate summer with a free ice cream treat from Dylan & Pete's Ice Cream truck at the Senior Center.
 
Talk on Pickleball and Other Recreation Programming for Seniors
Tuesday, June 10th, 4:00pm                                                             
Open to all seniors/free
You're Invited! Join us for a special presentation and Q&A session hosted by the Town of Acton's Recreation and Programs Coordinator, Mike! This event will focus on recreation opportunities for seniors, including pickleball, ping pong, and other activities you'd love to see offered. Mike will also share creative ways for seniors to get the most out of the Rec Center. Bring your ideas, questions, and enthusiasm—we'd love to hear from you!

Greeting Card Craft Workshop with Nancy Dodge
Wednesday, June 11th, 10:00-11:30am                  
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
In this workshop suitable for all skill levels, you will make one to two greeting cards. You can choose from several versatile designs of greeting cards based on your experience level and make your creation unique by selecting embellishments and a sentiment. All supplies provided by instructor. Registration required. Nancy Dodge is an avid crafter and a Stampin' Up distributor.
 
Introduction to Breathwork
Wednesday, June 11th, 1:00-2:00pm                                       
Open to all seniors/free
Join Gauri Tandon of Neurovana Health for a workshop on breathing exercises rooted in the centuries old practice of pranayama. This practice is known to help with better sleep, improved digestion, & reducing stress. Also discussed will be concepts of self-awareness through breathwork and strategies to include in our daily lives to help us feel better.

Technology Assistance Clinic
Wednesday, June 11th and 25th, 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.

Technology Help Appointments with Acton Memorial Library
Thursday, June 12th, 10:00-11:00am                                                    
Acton seniors only   
Need help with common smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet or laptop functions? Join Olivia Wennerod, Acton Memorial Library Adult Programming Librarian, at the Senior Center for one-on-one help with your device! Bring your fully charge device and your questions, and Olivia will troubleshoot technology problems alongside you. If Olivia 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.

Dance Songs of the 50s & 60s with John Clark
Thursday, June 12th, 1:00-2:00pm                   
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
What was the big musical trend in the period between Elvis and Rock & Roll of the mid-50s and the music explosion sparked by the Beatles, Stones & Dylan in the mid-60s? DANCE SONGS! This multimedia presentation by John Clark will start with The Stroll in 1958 and how things got creative with dance partners on American Bandstand giving lessons on the latest steps. The Twist was the easiest and the most popular but Mashed Potato Time and the Loco-Motion were not far behind. Other dances that had teenagers of all ages jumpin' and gyratin' were Hully Gully, the Monkey, the Jerk, the Wah-Watusi, the Hitch-Hike, the Shotgun, and the Swim, At the Hop, Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, and Let's Dance. Artists include Chubby Checkers, Little Eva, James Brown, The Diamonds, Danny & the Juniors, and Chris Montez

The Annual Boxborough Fifer's Day Four Mile (“Fifer’s 4”) Road Race will take place on Saturday June 21 at Flerra Meadows in Boxborough. The Race will start at 9:30 a.m. at the entrance to Flerra Meadows which is located on Stow Road in Boxborough one half mile south of the intersection of Stow Road and Massachusetts Avenue (Route 111).  The wheel measured course will cover a four mile flat run through Boxborough. Trophies will be awarded to female and male runners in each of seven divisions: up to 19 years old; 20-29; 30-39; 40-59; 50-59; 60-69 and 70 years and older.  A free Fifer’s Day T-shirt will be given to the first 100 entrants.
  Individual registration fee is $25 by June 18. Registration fee after that date and on the day of race is $30. The maximum entry fee per family is $60. For information and an entry form, please go to https://boxboroughminutemen.org/fifers-day-signup-road-race-2025 or e-mail roadrace@boxboroughminutemen.org.

June 23, 2025: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Acton Memorial Library
     486 Main Street, Acton, MA


Please join the Acton 250 Committee for its next speaking event featuring historian and author Don N. Hagist on Monday, June 23 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM in The Acton Memorial Library’s Meeting Room, 486 Main Street, Acton, MA. Don will share lesser-known narratives from the Revolutionary Era, including the lives of British soldiers who engaged the colonials on April 19, 1775 and maintained the Siege of Boston for the following year.

Don is managing editor of Journal of the American Revolution (allthingsliberty.com). His historical studies focus on presenting an accurate picture of individual soldiers and their families, especially those of the British army who served in America. This research is done using exclusively primary sources, mostly from archives in North America and Europe. He is a consultant for the PBS documentary The American Revolution produced by Ken Burns, and has written several recent books including Noble Volunteers: the British Soldiers who fought the American Revolution (Westholme, 2020), The Revolution’s Last Men: The Soldiers behind the Photographs (Westholme, 2015) and These Distinguished Corps: British Grenadier and Light Infantry Battalions in the American Revolution (Helion, 2022). Don is an engineering consultant and technical editor, and also writes for several well-known syndicated cartoonists.
Remote Participation: A recording will be available at Acton TV https://actontv.org/ and on our website https://www.actonma.gov/250

Calling All Artisans!  Vendor Applications Now Being Accepted
  The Missions & Outreach Ministry at ACC is thrilled to announce a new tradition at Acton Congregational Church — our First Annual Handmade Harvest Market @ ACC! Located in the heart of Acton, MA, this event brings together a variety of talented artisans and enthusiastic shoppers for a wonderful day of creativity and community.
What: A juried handmade craft fair celebrating creativity, community, and craftsmanship
Where: Acton Congregational Church, Acton, MA
When: November 1, 2025 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Vendor Application Deadline: June 15, 2025
  We're seeking artisans and crafters with high-quality, original handmade goods to apply for a spot at this juried market. The Handmade Harvest Market Committee will thoughtfully review all applications to ensure a vibrant and diverse selection of vendors.
  All proceeds from this market will benefit the outreach programs of Acton Congregational Church. Join us in making the Handmade Harvest Market at ACC a creative, meaningful, and memorable event!
  Applications can be submitted by using the button below or the following URL::
https://tinyurl.com/HHMVendor42025

Join us for the fourth annual Maynard Jazzfest on Saturday, June 21st between 12:30-5 PM in Maynard's Memorial Park!  This Maynard Cultural District event is FREE and "open air" allowing you to come and go as you please while you experience the buzzing life that surrounds Maynard's downtown storefronts and restaurants. Be sure to bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and come early to reserve your spot!

Listeners will be entertained by the talent on the main stage featuring Bluedog, Christine Fawson Quartet, and headliner "Two Tuckers" featuring Mike Tucker and Tucker Antell! In between the mainstage sets, enjoy musical performances by the Maynard High School Jazz Band, and Marlborough High School Jazz Band on the adjacent Education Stage on Summer St.

Make your way to Maynard's lively downtown and enjoy an afternoon of live jazz in the Cultural District. Mark your calendars and expect to experience the best that Maynard has to offer this summer on June 21st from 12:30-5PM! If you have any questions, feel free to email us at maynardjazzfest@gmail.com. For updates, follow us on facebook.com/maynardjazzfest or check the Events Calendar on DiscoverMaynard.com. 

In case of inclement weather, this event will be held indoors at Fowler School, 3 Tiger Dr., Maynard, MA. Weather updates will be posted on Facebook and DiscoverMaynard.com

See you there

 

Join us at our All Sit Down Supper! We welcome all our guests inside to join neighbors and friends at the tables in Fellowship Hall. Welcome Summer! We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.

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.


June 2025 Menu

6/4 Mediterranean Chicken with Rice Pilaf
        Sponsored by West Acton Baptist Church

6/11 BBQ Night: Pork Chops with Roasted Veggies
 Sponsored by Chaves Heating and Air Conditioning

6/18 Ballpark Night: Hot Dogs with all the Fixin’s
Sponsored by Boston Metro West Bible Church of Littleton
6/25 Italian Summer Supper: Antipasto Salad and Meatball Subs
  Sponsored by Friends of Community Supper



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

We are so grateful for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.
    
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper               http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

An intimate support group for grieving mothers ...

Saturday June 21st
10:30am-12:30pm
The Hudson Public Library
Tavares Room
3 Washington St
Hudson, Ma
www.mylesabove.org

On Wednesdays, starting with June 11th, the Concord Band returns to the Fruitlands Outdoor Stage in Harvard, MA, for its 40th season of live music under the stars. Concerts begin at 7:15pm; Gates open at 5:00pm. Bring a picnic, enjoy stunning sunset views, and settle in for an evening of timeless tunes performed by a 65-member ensemble representing 40 area towns.
With a wide-ranging program that includes historic tributes, Broadway classics, holiday favorites, and more, the Concord Band continues a tradition that has delighted audiences since 1959.

The Acton Commission on Disabilities will be celebrating the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 27th from 11 to 2 in the lower pavilion of NARA park  25 Ledge rock way. The park is wheelchair accessible we will be there rain or shine picnic provided. All are welcome. Free, accessible, transportation is available for Acton residents.   Contact cod@actonma.gov with any questions

On June 19 at 2:00 pm, Acton’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission invites you to commemorate Juneteenth. We begin at the Acton Congregational Church with Author Ray Anthony Shephard, who will present a history of Juneteenth and its relevance to other fights for freedom, followed by several musical selections. Around 3:00 pm, we will walk to the Acton Women’s Club where Local Tour Guide Amy Cole will share Acton’s history about Emancipation and local abolitionists. We end our commemoration with how horse culture ties into the history of Black freedom.
Please RSVP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BA4AC23A5FCC43-57016448-acton#/​ If you have any questions, then contact us at deic@acton-ma.gov.

June 18 @ 8pm – midnight (!)
Shavuot is the holiday that commemorates the single most important event in Jewish history: the giving of the Torah (the first five books in the Hebrew Bible) to Moses at Mount Sinai. Please join us for our annual fun and educational community gathering. At CBE, we learn from each other, and share food, especially cheesecake (for this holiday) . When you join us, you’ll learn why we eat dairy on Shavuot! We will share teachings from Rabbi David and Cantor Sarra, and from our congregants. Teachings could be Torah study, Jewish topics, games, music, movement, creativity and more. If you have something you would like to teach, please contact adulted@bethelohim.org.
According to legend, the Israelites overslept the morning of the giving of the Torah. To "repair" our behavior on the night of the original Shavuot, the kabbalists created a gathering, called "Repairing the Night of Shavuot", in which we stay up all night learning. (We try to stay up to midnight, but you don't have to!) We start at 8 PM with a short service/minyan in the sanctuary and then move over to the swing space for the Tikkun at about 8:15 PM. We will be partially indoors and partially outdoors (depending on the weather) and hybrid via Zoom. Please use this link to register. https://www.bethelohim.org/event/shavuot-5785
Congregation Beth Elohim is committed to fostering an open, diverse community that acts as a place for spiritual development, as well as the celebration of Jewish culture and values. As an independent congregation, we forge a unique balance between preserving Jewish traditions and embracing progressive ideals, creating an environment that is inclusive to all. 133 Prospect St Acton, MA

Stow, Mass., Jun. 13 – Children in grades K to 5 are invited to First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) in Stow for a night of crafts, snacks and fun on Friday, Jun. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday Friends (formerly known as Club UU) is FPC’s monthly, nonreligious drop-off kid's club. It's led by a minimum of three adults, and typically between 7 and 9 kids attend. We focus on building social connections between children through creative crafts, fun games and group decision making. Newcomers from the community are always welcome and are invited to bring a friend.

FPC is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Please drop children off and pick them up in the church Vestry. To get to the Vestry, go through the main entrance (not the sanctuary entrance), take a left, and go to the end of the hallway. FPC’s facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Stow, Mass., June 8 – On June 8 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a special music service featuring the work, A Vision Unfolding, by composer Kyle Pederson and poet/singer Shanelle Gabriel. Join the FPC Choir and guest instrumentalists for this work that invites us to reach out to build bridges of care and connection, standing in solidarity with those whose voices are too often dismissed, regardless of their skin color, sexual orientation, faith background, or other characteristic. It explores what our country has stood for in its best moments, drawing on the powerful declarations of a nation rooted in equality, freedom, justice, and inclusion. The choir has been rehearsing the music for the past two months and is excited to share it with you!

The service takes place both in person in the Sanctuary and virtually. Masking is optional. Child care for the service only is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.

FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org

Stow, Mass., Jun. 13 - 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 Jun. 13. 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 an “Allergen Aware” location.

This month’s menu is salad, veggie lasagna, cornbread, and desserts. Options made with vegetarian and gluten-free ingredients will be available. All meals are “Allergen Aware.”

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.

When:  Thursday, June 19th - Sun., June 22nd  

Hours:

• Thursday: 6:00 – 10:00 PM
• Friday:  6:00 - 10:30 PM      
• Saturday: 1:00 - 10:30 PM
• Sunday: 1:00 - 8:00 PM

Location: School St. Fields, Acton, on Route 2 eastbound
Description: This event has been a beloved local tradition since the 1970s and serves as our largest fundraiser. Join us in supporting the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund to advance eye-related research and aid various local charities.
Like us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ActonLionsClub
Follow us at www.actonlions.org   

Julia Hurd, a Speech & Language Pathologist at Clough Family Center for Rehab and Sports Therapies, will present a free, live webinar on Introducing Solid Foods for Infants on Thursday, June 12, 10-11:00 a.m. through First Connections. Starting solids can be such an exciting step as your baby is learning and growing But it can also be stressful when you may not be sure how to begin. The Starting Solid's presentation will be geared towards those with questions on how and when to begin solids to decrease that stress! We will go over the various readiness signs for solids which typically begin to appear around 6 months, but this may differ from baby to baby. We will also dive into which method may be best for you and your baby: baby-led weening or the traditional path. Tips, tricks and tools will be integrated at each part of the conversation to try and make this process as smooth as possible. Each baby and family will be different, but the information given by a licensed speech and language pathologist who works with babies and will help you determine what your baby will need and what you can expect on this new journey with your child! To receive the link to join this program, please email First Connections: lmatthews@jri.org. We are a free parent support and education program funded by the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care, serving all families with children under age 7 in 11 towns.

 

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
Book Discussion Group                                                
Tuesday June 10th, 10:00-11:00am                                             
Open to all seniors/free
The discussion for June's meeting will be around the book Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout. If you would like to read ahead for the July 8th meeting Bel Canto by Ann Pachett. 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.
 
History of Baroque Rome with Paolo Di Gregorio
Tuesday, June 10th, 1:00-2:00pm           
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
During the 16th and 17th centuries Rome, the Eternal City, underwent a tremendous physical transformation, as architects, sculptors, and artists decorated the city with countless churches, palazzi, and fountains.  This illustrated talk by Paolo Di Gregorio will tell the rollicking, often violent, story of the characters and personalities that shaped Baroque Rome. Hold the Date: Paolo's next presentation will be Tuesday, July 1st at 1:00 on the history of tariffs in the US.
 
The Ice Cream Man is Coming!
Tuesday, June 10th, 3:00-4:00pm                                                            
Acton seniors only
Celebrate summer with a free ice cream treat from Dylan & Pete's Ice Cream truck at the Senior Center.
 
Talk on Pickleball and Other Recreation Programming for Seniors
Tuesday, June 10th, 4:00pm                                                             
Open to all seniors/free
You're Invited! Join us for a special presentation and Q&A session hosted by the Town of Acton's Recreation and Programs Coordinator, Mike! This event will focus on recreation opportunities for seniors, including pickleball, ping pong, and other activities you'd love to see offered. Mike will also share creative ways for seniors to get the most out of the Rec Center. Bring your ideas, questions, and enthusiasm—we'd love to hear from you!

Greeting Card Craft Workshop with Nancy Dodge
Wednesday, June 11th, 10:00-11:30am                  
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
In this workshop suitable for all skill levels, you will make one to two greeting cards. You can choose from several versatile designs of greeting cards based on your experience level and make your creation unique by selecting embellishments and a sentiment. All supplies provided by instructor. Registration required. Nancy Dodge is an avid crafter and a Stampin' Up distributor.
 
Introduction to Breathwork
Wednesday, June 11th, 1:00-2:00pm                                       
Open to all seniors/free
Join Gauri Tandon of Neurovana Health for a workshop on breathing exercises rooted in the centuries old practice of pranayama. This practice is known to help with better sleep, improved digestion, & reducing stress. Also discussed will be concepts of self-awareness through breathwork and strategies to include in our daily lives to help us feel better.

Technology Assistance Clinic
Wednesday, June 11th and 25th, 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.

Technology Help Appointments with Acton Memorial Library
Thursday, June 12th, 10:00-11:00am                                                    
Acton seniors only   
Need help with common smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet or laptop functions? Join Olivia Wennerod, Acton Memorial Library Adult Programming Librarian, at the Senior Center for one-on-one help with your device! Bring your fully charge device and your questions, and Olivia will troubleshoot technology problems alongside you. If Olivia 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.

Dance Songs of the 50s & 60s with John Clark
Thursday, June 12th, 1:00-2:00pm                   
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
What was the big musical trend in the period between Elvis and Rock & Roll of the mid-50s and the music explosion sparked by the Beatles, Stones & Dylan in the mid-60s? DANCE SONGS! This multimedia presentation by John Clark will start with The Stroll in 1958 and how things got creative with dance partners on American Bandstand giving lessons on the latest steps. The Twist was the easiest and the most popular but Mashed Potato Time and the Loco-Motion were not far behind. Other dances that had teenagers of all ages jumpin' and gyratin' were Hully Gully, the Monkey, the Jerk, the Wah-Watusi, the Hitch-Hike, the Shotgun, and the Swim, At the Hop, Papa's Got a Brand New Bag, and Let's Dance. Artists include Chubby Checkers, Little Eva, James Brown, The Diamonds, Danny & the Juniors, and Chris Montez
 
Navigating the 4th Trimester
Navigating the 4th Trimester is a free in-person workshop that offers a supportive place for expecting parents to explore the physical, emotional, and relational challenges that accompany the first 3 months after birth. In this program you will learn evidence-based strategies to support a personal postpartum plan that includes practical strategies for adjusting to life with a newborn, coping with challenges related to sleep and feeding, managing changes in your relationships, and nurturing your own wellbeing during this transformative time. Join First Connections for this interactive session facilitated by lactation counselor and infant sleep consultant, Mary Beilman, who draws from over 20 years supporting new parents; and mental health counselor Emily Fiorini, who specializes in infant and parent mental health and is First Connections' program director. Helpful postpartum community resources are included. Birthing person and a support person are welcome to attend free of charge. This program will take place in Concord on Wednesday, June 4, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Register through Steinberg Wellness Center for Mind and Body by calling 978-287-3777 or going to the http://emersonhealth.org website.   

The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday June 8.  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.

   Boxborough’s School House #2 will be open to the public on Sunday, June 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. With kind permission of Nancy (Robinson) Morrison, who co-owns the property with her sister Jane Sawisch, you will be able to visit Schoolhouse #2 at 339 Picnic Street (corner of Hill Road), tour the 1857 building, and see exhibits specific to this building. You will receive a one-page history of the Schoolhouse.
   The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open also from 2 to 4 p.m. and you can see some of Boxborough’s other treasures. This will also  provide an alternative to the outhouses behind the Schoolhouse! 

  The Annual Boxborough Fifer's Day Volleyball Tournament will take place on Saturday June 21 at Flerra Meadows in Boxborough.  This year there will again be three coed brackets: "Open", "Players" and "Backyard". All brackets will start at 12:30 p.m.
· The Open bracket is intended for teams of "serious" volleyball players who play or compete on a regular basis. The entry fee is $80 per team; a $200 cash prize and trophies will be given to the first place team. 
· The Players bracket is for teams with some volleyball experience, who may be or have been competing in volleyball league play.   The entry fee is $70, and trophies will be given to the first place team.
· Backyard bracket is intended for teams of neighbors and friends who do not regularly play or compete in volleyball.  The entry fee is $60 per team.
  Total entrants are limited to 20 teams. Entry is first come first served.  Interested teams should go to www.fifersday.org for information and an entry form. For questions email volleyball@boxboroughminutemen.org

The Acton Community Chorus proudly presents their spring concert celebrating legendary female icons on Saturday, June 7th at 7:00 PM and Sunday, June 8th at 4:00 PM. Now in their 41st season, the chorus will perform beloved hits from a diverse range of powerhouse artists including Aretha Franklin, Lady Gaga, Bonnie Raitt, Dolly Parton, Chappell Roan, and many more. This musical tribute promises to showcase the extraordinary contributions women have made across various musical genres.
Join the celebration at Great Road Church in Acton. Tickets are available now on the chorus's website at www.ActonCommunityChorus.org. Don't miss this opportunity to experience these timeless classics. We hope to see you there!

Hello - Student Ambassador Exchange Hosting is seeking caring families in the US to host foreign exchange high school students for the coming school year. Our exceptional students come from Spain, Asia, Germany, Italy, and many other countries. If you have a spare bed, can provide meals when the student is home, and can offer a nurturing and supportive environment, you have what it takes to help these students achieve their dreams while creating a unique, enriching experience for your family.
Sofia is active and friendly. She plays tennis and the oboe in her local orchestra. Sofia brings passion, creativity, and a genuine excitement for connecting with others.
Marco is a sociable boy who likes basketball, swimming & soccer. He is excited to share his cultural traditions while embracing new experiences with his host family! We can help host families select a student whose personality and interests match what you feel your family and community have to offer.
Check out:  Student Ambassador Exchange and Meet Our Students  Email: info@saeglobal.org. Call 512-323-9595 ext 3040

June 10, 2025-Book Club Event at the Concord Free Public Library, Trustees Room,  Main Library , 129 Main St., Concord, MA. 10 AM. A book discussion about "The Things They Carried"  by Tim O'Brien is a collection of short stories about a platoon of American soldiers fighting on the ground in the Vietnam War.  Copies of the book are available at the Main Library.

July 20,2025- Worcester Woo Sox Game-1:05PM-"Indebt to a Vet " event.. Tickets are $25/pp Contact 978-618-8525 for ticket info.

November 7, 2025-Lincoln Council on Aging,  Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Rd. Lincoln, MA. 1:00PM.  "Trench Art and Trinkets: What Did They Bring Home>"  A presentation by Lincoln, MA               Veteran's Services Officer Peter Harvell.  Bring your trench art or militaria piece to be appraised at the event.

November 11, 2025-Vetaran's Day Flag Retirement Ceremony, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA.  8:00AM. The ceremony will include a prayer, a cannon salute, Taps being played ,  and the National Anthem followed by the flag retirement ceremony. Meet at 7:45 AM at Prichards's Gate at 34 Bedford Street, Concord, MA to join the MFSG march procession.

For more information about these events or becoming a MFSG member, please contact 978-618-8525. Look for additional military related events in the Boston/Metro West area on our Facebook page.

We all have a pretty good idea by now of what can be recycled in the "blue bins":  bottles and cans, cardboard and paper.  But did you know that there are also places like TerraCycle that can recycle non-standard items like hairbrushes and manual toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, and old clean socks?  The Acton C.R.A.F.T. 4-H club is collecting those items, plus empty toner/ink cartridges, squeezable snack food pouches like GoGoSqueez, and more "beyond the bin" items listed on 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, look for the yellow bin there.  Details and pictures on website.  If the bin is getting full, please contact us to let us know.

Terracycle gives points for these recyclables 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


4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.  For more information about the Acton C.R.A.F.T. 4-H Club, please contact Elaine Shirron, 4-H Leader, at 978-635-0122.  4-H is the outreach education program of UMass Extension in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture and local government.  Contact the 4-H Northeast Regional Extension Office at 413-545-2646 for more information.

 

• Location: Littleton Middle School (55 Russell Street, Littleton, MA)
• Time: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Farm tour to follow)

• Action for Healthy Kids Leadership – advancing equity and policy for better school meals
• Chef John C. White – John Stalker Institute, leading a scratch-cooking demo
• Dr. Manasa Mantravadi – Pediatrician and culinary medicine expert
• Local farmers and vendors – providing insight on regional food sourcing
• State and federal legislators – engaging with scalable models for reform

• "The food in Littleton's cafeterias is the best I've experienced in 27+ years," said Lyn Snow, Director of Student Services. "Even students with food selectivity and medical diets are participating with enthusiasm and confidence."
• "My son asked for school pizza for his birthday," a parent shared. "That's how much he loves it."
• "It's like a restaurant—chefs even ask if you'd like more!" said one student.

• 7:45 AM – Registration & Breakfast
• 8:05 AM – Welcome & Roundtable Overview (AFHK)
• 8:10 AM – Remarks from Superintendent Dr. Kelly Clenchy
• 8:15 AM – Guest Introductions & AFHK Mission
• 8:30 AM – "Small Changes, Big Impacts" – Leah Botko, SN Director
• 8:45 AM – Scratch-Cooking Demo – Chef John C. White
• 9:30 AM – Group Discussion: School Nutrition Challenges & Solutions
• 10:45 AM – Break
• 11:00 AM – Workshop: Recognition Award Application Process
• 11:30 AM – Vendor Showcase: Local Food Suppliers & Partners
• 12:00 PM – School Lunch Experience: Build-Your-Own Chipotle Bowl with 8th Grade Class
• 12:30 PM – Depart for Farm Tour
• 12:45 PM – Local Farm Tour -Spring Brook Farm- 591 Great Rd, Littleton, MA 01460
• 1:30 PM – Closing Remarks – Leah Botko & Rob Bisceglie (AFHK)

 

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

The Human Services and Senior Center Building will be closed on Monday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day.

Henna Tattoos
Tuesday, May 27th, 9:30-11:30am                                                 
Open to all seniors/free
Mandy from Wicked Good Henna will be in the lounge doing free henna tattoos. Stop by and get one or watch the process.
A Caregiver’s Journey - Ups, Downs, Obstacles & Resources
Tuesday, May 27th, 1:00-2:30pm                                                                    
Open to all seniors/free
Join us for a real talk about the highs, lows, challenges, and support available on the journey of caregiving! Ellie Andbiner, founder of Caregivers Wellbeing and Vikki Levine, Business Development Director of Ezra Home Care, LLC have combined their professional and personal knowledge of the caregiver’s journey and have created an educational & interactive conversation that presents the different paths and resources available when it comes to being a primary care partner and aging in place/non-medical home care services. Ellie and Vikki warmly welcome our audience to ask questions, share their concerns about care, care giving and being a care partner.
LitLovers Study Group/Masterpieces of Short Fiction: The Necklace
Tuesday, May 27th, 2:30-4:00pm                                     
Open to all seniors/free Each month the group views a 30-minute lecture from The Great Courses: Masterpieces of Short Fiction, followed by a discussion on the lecture, the featured story, and the author. This month’s story is The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant. Short stories have the unique ability to deliver a powerful emotional impact within a concise format, and we are studying some of the best. Copies of the stories are provided at the previous month’s meeting; if you want a copy emailed contact Chris Chirokas at cchirokas@actonma.gov or 978-929-6652.
Technology Assistance Clinic (previously Computer Club)
Wednesday, May 28th, 1:30-3:00pm                              
Open to all 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.
Laugh for Your Health with Susan Phillips                    
Thursdays, 11:00 am-12:00noon                   
Open to all seniors/free
Laughter is an instant vacation! Come join us as we do easy and fun seated laughter exercises to shift our mood, relieve stress, relax our whole body, positively connect with others, and infuse our whole being with joy! In this interactive program, we learn how to generate our own laughter without relying on jokes. This worldwide practice is called Laughter Yoga, but there are no mats or yoga poses. We add yoga breaths, which are deep belly breaths, for soothing breaks between exercises. Come enjoy all the health benefits the power of giggles has to offer and leave feeling relaxed and refreshed! Funded by an Executive Office of Aging & Independence grant.

Native Plant Trust is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Lea Johnson as Director of Conservation. Dr. Johnson brings extensive experience in community ecology, ecological restoration, and urban ecosystems, blending foundational scientific research with practical applications for sustainable land management and ecological design. Bringing Dr. Johnson on board marks an important step forward as the organization celebrates its 125th anniversary, prepares to accelerate the rate of rare plant monitoring, and expands native plant seed banking and plant production activities.

Great news! A Friend in Need has found a “new home”! The Acton/Boxborough United Way has agreed to oversee us. This means we are now under a new 501(c)(3) umbrella, enabling us to continue helping local families as we have for over thirty years.
After the closing of the South Acton Congregational Church, we needed to find a partner, and we are very happy to have ABUW take on that role. The new address for sending donations is:
A Friend in Need, P.O. Box 2258, Acton, MA 01720
Thank you for your invaluable support over the years, which has helped numerous families in our communities. We look forward to maintaining our relationship.
Our mission is to provide immediate assistance until a family can receive more substantial aid from other agencies. Much of our funding comes from generous community residents. Our resources are lower now than they have been for years, and we kindly ask that you donate to AFIN.
Our volunteers cover postage and all other costs, allowing us to give away 100% of our donations.
Anyone in urgent need can seek financial assistance by visiting a clergy member or a social service representative and asking them to contact A Friend in Need on their behalf. We do not discriminate and will strive to assist anyone with a genuine need. We can also be reached at afriendinneedacton@gmail.com.
All donations can make a real difference to someone in need, no matter how small. If you want to donate, please send your check to A Friend in Need, P.O. Box 2258, Acton, MA 01720

Date: May 31
Time: 10am-12pm
Acton Boxborough Girl Scout Troop 70502 invites you to a Spring Carnival Join us for games, crafts, prizes, community fun — and a LIVE magic show! Join us on May 31 from 10am-12pm at St. Matthew’s in Acton (435 Central Street). $10 per child or $20 per family. RSVP by May 28 to reserve your spot: https://forms.gle/52PyZsY6e5sGNxFj9
Please note, this is not a drop-off event. Questions? Email gstroop.70502@gmail.com.

Shavuot is the holiday that commemorates the single most important event in Jewish history: the giving of the Torah (the first five books in the Hebrew Bible) to Moses at Mount Sinai. Please join us for our annual fun and educational community gathering. At CBE, we learn from each other, and share food, especially cheesecake (for this holiday) . When you join us, you’ll learn why we eat dairy on Shavuot! We will share teachings from Rabbi David and Cantor Sarra, and from our congregants. Teachings could be Torah study, Jewish topics, games, music, movement, creativity and more. If you have something you would like to teach, please contact adulted@bethelohim.org.
According to legend, the Israelites overslept the morning of the giving of the Torah. To “repair” our behavior on the night of the original Shavuot, the kabbalists created a gathering, called “Repairing the Night of Shavuot”, in which we stay up all night learning. (We try to stay up to midnight, but you don’t have to!) We start at 8 PM with a short service/minyan in the sanctuary and then move over to the swing space for the Tikkun at about 8:15 PM. We will be partially indoors and partially outdoors (depending on the weather) and hybrid via Zoom. Please use this link to register. https://www.bethelohim.org/event/shavuot-5785
Congregation Beth Elohim is committed to fostering an open, diverse community that acts as a place for spiritual development, as well as the celebration of Jewish culture and values. As an independent congregation, we forge a unique balance between preserving Jewish traditions and embracing progressive ideals, creating an environment that is inclusive to all. 133 Prospect St Acton, MA

 

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

Midway
Monday, May 19th, 1:00-3:20
(2019, PG-13 for wartime violence) The story of the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Japanese Navy, which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Stars Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson, and Dennis Quaid.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group
Tuesday, May 20th, 11:00-12noon                                            
Open to all/free                                                 
Participants will learn from other grandparents and experts about legal strategies and practices, ways to relieve the stress, and resources available. For additional information, contact group leader Joe O’Leary of the Commission on the Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren at 978-760-0360.
Shakespeare’s Queens Live Performance with Poornima Kirby
Tuesday, May 20th, 1:00-2:00pm                               
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
Shakespeare grew up under the reign of Elizabeth I, a mercurial, intelligent, powerful queen. And her influence is written across many of Shakespeare’s finest female characters. Whether in his dangerous siren-queens Lady Macbeth and Margaret, or in playful, wayward leaders like Titania and Olivia, or in redemptive characters like Hermione, Juliet and Miranda, Shakespeare seems fascinated by how each of these women wielded power and made choices. Should they stay single or get married? Should they speak their minds, or find other ways to get what they want? And where does their power lie: in magic, wordplay or swordplay? Created and performed by Shakespearean actress, Poornima Kirby, this jewel of a play dances between Elizabeth’s story, and Shakespeare’s own life as a writer and father to two strong-minded daughters. With humor, history and sparkling poetry, Shakespeare’s Queens is a delight for the senses and a refreshing exploration of some of the bard’s liveliest verse.
Medicare Savings Program Workshop
Tuesday, May 20th, 2:00-3:00pm                                             
Open to all/free
Come learn about the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) with Kathy Myers and Leslie Madge, state certified SHINE counselors. This workshop offered by Minuteman Senior Services SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone) is designed for people with maximum monthly incomes of $2935 for single people and $3966 for married couples. Learn how you can save $185 monthly in Medicare Part B costs and in some cases, have Medicare pay for annual Part B deductibles, medical co-payments, Part D deductibles, premiums and late enrollment penalties.  Space is limited—call the COA at 978-929-6652 to sign up. For other information regarding any Medicare related insurance matter please schedules a SHINE appointment today!
Mosquito Awareness Presentation
Wednesday, May 21st, 11:00 am to 12:00pm                                   
Open to all/free
A staff member from Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will speak about the biology and habitat of mosquitoes and offer suggestions on ways to reduce the mosquito populations in and around your home. CMMCP offers community presentations with the goal of reducing citizens’ exposure to mosquito-borne diseases. There will be time for Q&A.
Novelty Songs of the 50s & 60s with John Clark
Thursday, May 22nd, 1:00-2:00pm                                                
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
Comedy albums achieved their greatest national popularity in 1960-1961 (Jonathan Winters, Bob Newhart, Shelley Berman, etc.). But in the decade preceding and for a few years after, some of the most original and hilarious novelty records were national hits. We begin with Andy Griffith’s What It Was, Was Football from 1953. Then in no particular order you will be treated to British skiffle king Lonnie Donegan’s Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavor, Allen Sherman’s Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh, Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s Monster Mash, and Charlie Drake’s My Boomerang Won’t Come Back. Among the other featured songs are Ahab the Arab, Yakety Yak, Alley Oop, Baby Sittin’ Boogie and two of John’s personal favorites—Transfusion and The Old Philosopher. Meet John at the corner of Crazy Ave & Silly Street, and just try to keep a straight face!
Coffee and Conversation with Tracy Woods
Friday, May 9th through 30th, 10:00-11:00am                                                              
Open to all/free
Join Tracy Woods for a weekly coffee and conversation group where you can talk about what’s on your mind with your peers. Tracy Woods is a certified Older Adult Peer Specialist. All are welcome to this joint venture between the Acton Council on Aging and the Northeast Independent Living Program.
Visit Bodacious the Therapy Dog
Wednesdays, 10:00am to 12noon                                             
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!

Fewer rainy days, flowers starting to bloom, and warmer weather are all signs that May is here. It’s a time to stop and look at your surroundings, appreciate the beauty of nature. Take time this month to also check in on yourself and others. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While progress has been made over the years in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, there is still more work to be done.
It is important to take care of your mental health as it can affect everything you do. If you’re constantly stressed with no outlet to release it, you may find yourself consistently on edge, where even minor issues have major impacts. If all you do is care for others and neglect yourself, you could burnout. You can’t pour your energy into others without also taking time to replenish your own. These are just a few examples of how neglecting our mental health can affect our well-being.
There are multiple things you can do to take care of your mental health. It can be small, like getting 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily to help boost your mood, decreasing your social media consumption, or giving yourself a few minutes to relax instead of going from one task to another whenever possible. Just how the mind affects the body, the body also impacts your mind. Drinking more water, getting the necessary vitamins and nutrients from your food, and moving your body — whether it’s a walk down the street or time at the gym — all help your brain function. There are also bigger things you can do, like planning a getaway, trying something new, or talking to a friend or a mental health professional when needed.
Mental health is often a silent battle; however, the signs that someone is struggling can be loud once you know what to look for. It’s important to look out for others who may be struggling but don’t know how to express what they’re experiencing. We can never know exactly what is going on inside someone else’s mind, so take the time to be prepared for any situation. For instance, someone experiencing suicidal ideation may not openly share the depth of their thoughts. However, there are warning signs for suicide. These may include sudden changes in appearance and eating habits, a loss of interest in things normally loved, increased anger and irritability, giving away prized possessions, and more. For a more extensive list of suicide warning signs, visit www.jasonfoundation.com. There you will find risk factors, additional warning signs, resources, and a list of their locations across the country to find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office to help you or someone you know. The Jason Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to the education and prevention of youth suicide. They offer free trainings and materials to educate the public on youth suicide.
This month, check in on those around you, and on yourself. Everyone can benefit from someone asking how they’re really doing. Give someone the opportunity to recognize the struggle they’re facing, so it can be overcome.

Invasive plants can devastate ecosystems, threatening food supplies and driving species to extinction. Experts estimate that the costs of invasive species (plants and animals) total at least $423 billion every year.
Anya Brunker, a high schooler from Boxborough, is taking action to combat the spread of invasive plants in her community through education and awareness. Her efforts earned her the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting.
Anya was concerned about her community’s lack of awareness regarding invasive plant species inhabiting several of the town’s wetlands, forest areas, and trail systems. Anya focused on creating concept-in-context educational placards for a small selection of the town’s expansive trail system. The trail signs identified native and invasive plants and were designed with different learning styles, ages, and abilities in mind. Each sign combined easy-to-read text, visual examples, and QR codes with information for both English and Spanish speakers. The success of her signs and resources was tested when she took a group on a guided, educational hike. Anya’s project will be sustained beyond her involvement by the Boxborough Conservation Commission and the Boxborough Conservation Trust, who will keep her signs in good repair.
“I already had many technical skills I needed to lead the hike and make the online materials, but I knew nothing about woodworking. I was able to grow my knowledge base and create a functional, lasting product. That’s the most important part of success for me—learning a new skill and making a durable difference at the same time.”