Happy New Year!
     Fresh Start Furniture Bank in Hudson served 596 families in 2025!  That’s almost 600 families who had been homeless and not only found housing through agencies but were given everything they needed to make those homes warm and welcoming.  Everything from bed and bath linens to silverware, dish sets, and small appliances to rugs, couches, dressers, dining tables and chairs - all at no cost to them and through the generosity of donors like you!  A lot of donors showed up today and a Girl Scout troop assembled and donated dozens of kitchen starter sets for our clients.
     We are always looking for more volunteers; Fresh Start Furniture Bank is a warm and welcoming and rewarding place to work.  Take a look at our website (above)and join the family!  You’ll be happy that you did!
     Donations of household items (linens, small appliances, kitchenware, lamps, etc.)can be brought to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-noon.  Furniture can be accepted on Thursday mornings from 8:30-10:30 and household items until noon.  Donated items do not need to be new but they need to be in good shape.  If you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to our clients!
     You will find lists of most needed items on our website, and links to Amazon and Target Wishlists under Other Ways to Donate.
     Let’s make it a happy new year for more families!  Thank you!

Feb 6, 2026 6-8 pm: Acton Book Release Launch! Author Reading & Signing
Join us for the local release of a collection of writings by community activists about resiliency when faced with extreme systemic and institutionalized social ills including incarceration, physical and mental abuse, and stigmatization.  The book is a collection of an inspiring writings by 7 community activists. The authors, with the help of mentors, are survivors and now authors who have emerged from unconscionable circumstances to become community leaders and are sharing stories of their journeys.

Please join us for an evening of discussion and readings. Daniel (Danny) Mckenzie, one of the 7 authors will be available onsite to sign books. Books will be available for purchase at the event.

Book Synopsis from the Publisher:
This book is a testament to the human spirit's determined will to persevere. Whether you're facing your own uphill battles or simply seeking inspiration, The Elephant in The Room; A Prison with No Bars
offers a beacon of hope, proving that transformation is within everyone's reach. Embark on this empowering adventure today and start redefining what’s possible for you! There is a story in this book for every reader!

Sponsored by the Windsor Insitute's "(R)Evolutionaries Among Us" program dedicated to educating about how small as well as large acts can help us evolve as a society... The Windsor Institute is a non-profit dedicated to helping us all learn and share... More info: 24w.org

Date and Time: Jan 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Rd, Acton, MA 01720

Join the Social Justice Task Force for an engaging and thought-provoking evening with economist and author Jeffrey Fuhrer, who will explore how powerful but false narratives have shaped—and harmed—the U.S. economy. Drawing from his award-winning book The Myth That Made Us, Jeff will examine enduring myths such as the “self-made man,” the singular corporate focus on profits, and the belief that the United States is a “post-racist” nation. He argues that these narratives have denied opportunity to millions, limiting human potential and holding back our shared economic future.

Jeff will discuss how equal access to opportunity—universal pathways that build human and financial capital—can dramatically improve lives and strengthen the economy for everyone. He will also outline concrete changes needed to help the nation reach its full economic potential. The evening will conclude with a lively and inclusive discussion, welcoming questions and reflections from the audience.

About the Speaker:
Jeff works as a Nonresident Fellow for the Brookings Institution and a Foundation Fellow for the Eastern Bank Foundation. He has recently published The Myth That Made Us (MIT Press 2023), which received the Axiom Business Books Award silver medal in economics. The book explores the link between widely held but false narratives about poverty and race and poor outcomes for many in the U.S. economy.

Jeff previously served as director of research, executive vice president and senior policy advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He has been an associate economist of the Federal Open Market Committee, and has been active in economic research for more than three decades. He served as an associate editor for the American Economic Review. Married for 44 years Jeff and Mary have three grown children. Fuhrer earned an AB in economics with highest honors from Princeton University. He received his MA and PhD in economics from Harvard University.

All are welcome for this timely conversation at the intersection of faith, justice, and economic opportunity.

For more information, visit https://www.actonc.org/post/2026-mythbookevent

The Maynard Food Pantry would like to thank the many people (both near and far), organizations, businesses and churches who have been incredibly generous this past Fall and throughout the December holidays!  As a result of your generosity, we were able to provide Thanksgiving dinner baskets and Holiday dinner baskets to over 100 Maynard families each of the holidays.  Thanks to sponsors, 120 Maynard children also received wonderful gifts during the holidays.

Since 1992, the Maynard Food Pantry has helped local families in the Maynard, Acton, Stow, Sudbury and Concord communities.  Since the Fall, we have seen an increase to 65-75 families/week.  We have a good number of seniors on fixed incomes as well as families with children who shop with us regularly.

We are able to buy groceries to keep the shelves stocked with food and health care products for our clients largely thanks to the Greater Boston Food Bank, who provide these items at a discount.  We also purchase at Stop & Shop and Market Basket to supplement the items that are not available through the Greater Boston Food Bank.  All of this would not be possible without the generosity of so many in the community!  The Maynard Food Pantry is run exclusively by volunteers, so the donated funds are utilized to keep it open.

I’d like to take this opportunity to especially thank the amazing volunteers who continue to give their time to help the Maynard Food Pantry in different capacities.  I am most grateful for the volunteers who continue to help every Monday, regardless of the weather ~ rain, sleet, snow, cold, etc.

Once again, thank you for your generosity in many different ways.  The Maynard Food Pantry would not be able to continue without your ongoing support.  It definitely takes a village!! 

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

 

 

oin us for the annual Sweetie Valentine's Day Party on Saturday, February 7th at 9:30 AM! All ABFN members and local families are invited to join us at the Blanchard Elementary School gymnasium for a morning of fun and festivities.
Kids will enjoy live entertainment plus plenty of crafts and hands-on activities led by local preschools. For those who prefer a quieter experience, we invite you to our Sensory Friendly Party from 9:30 to 10 am. Afterwards, the general party will be from 10am-11:30am.

Free for ABFN members! Non-member families can join for $10. (Not a member? [Signup and enjoy member perks!])
Pre-registration is REQUIRED for non-member families and greatly appreciated for members to help us keep everyone safe. Only member families can walk-in.
Pre-registration closes at 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 7th.
Give Back with Us! This year, we’re supporting First Connections by collecting diapers (sizes 4-7) for their diaper pantry. Bring your diaper donations to the party.
Let's celebrate Valentine's Day with fun, friendship, and community spirit – we can’t wait to see you there!

Register here: https://www.abfamily.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=802795&item_id=2766316

ACTON — Theatre III, 250 Central St., West Acton, continues its 2025-2026 season with the presentation of “Miss Holmes", by Christoper M. Walsh, from January 24th through February 1st.
When an anonymous note sends a newlywed wife looking for help, Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson work together to uncover the secrets surrounding a corrupt police inspector whose wives keep turning up dead. But this Holmes and Watson face far greater challenges than bringing the cunning criminal to justice. 
In an era where gender roles are rigidly defined, these women dare to challenge societal norms. Inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this theatrical fan fiction explores what added obstacles would be faced by these two iconic characters if they were women.
Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors, and $10 as part of the MCC Card to Culture Program.

For information, email publicity@theatre3.org, and to buy tickets, visit https://www.theatre3.org

 

HUDSON, MA –  January 8, 2026 – The Armory on the Assabet is pleased to announce the launch of the The Armory Online Art Auction, a benefit event organized by Hudson Art & Framing to support The Armory’s mission of preserving and growing its programming, events, and restoration efforts.
The auction is now live and will run through January 31, 2026, offering the community an opportunity to bid on an impressive collection of artwork donated by local and regional artists. Featured pieces include paintings, photographs, prints, and mixed media, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to The Armory on the Assabet.
In-Person Viewing and Special Reception
Art enthusiasts are invited to view the auction pieces in person throughout the month of January at Hudson Art & Framing, located at 18 Main Street, Hudson, MA. To celebrate the success of the auction and the artists’ contributions, a special reception will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 4–6 PM at Hudson Art & Framing.
How to Participate
Participants can view the artwork and register to bid online by visiting https://givebutter.com/c/UaVHkm/auction.
“This auction is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together to support something they care about,” said Tom Desmond, President and Founder of The Armory on the Assabet. “Hudson Art & Framing has gone above and beyond to make this happen, and the generosity of the artists donating their work is truly inspiring. Every bid helps us continue to grow and serve the community.”
Karen Nunley, a local artist and member of The Armory’s leadership team, added, “This auction is a chance to showcase the incredible talent in our region while supporting a space that means so much to so many. As an artist, it’s rewarding to know that my work—and the work of my peers—can contribute to something bigger. I hope people will come out, bid, and celebrate the arts with us.”
The Armory on the Assabet will serve as a vibrant hub for creativity, connection, and cultural enrichment. Proceeds from this auction will directly support restoration efforts, bringing us one step closer to transforming the vision of the Armory on the Assabet into a thriving community reality.
About The Armory on the Assabet
The Armory on the Assabet is a leading arts and cultural organization dedicated to enriching the Hudson, and Metrowest communities through diverse artistic expressions and cultural experiences. Serving as a hub for creativity and collaboration, the Armory hosts a wide range of events, performances, and educational programs aimed at fostering community engagement and cultural appreciation. Committed to inspiring and uniting people through the power of the arts, the Armory on the Assabet is steadfast in its mission to be a cornerstone of cultural life in the Hudson area. For more information, please visit ArmoryOnTheAssabet.org.

Millions of Americans set money-related resolutions each January, such as saving more or reducing debt.

But too many resolutions fade quickly.

A 2023 Forbes Health poll found that over half of people give up on their resolutions by April.

The issue isn’t necessarily motivation. It could be execution.

Here are some things to consider.

Vague goals like “save more” often fail. Instead, set specific, measurable targets like, “Save $100 a month.”

You might also focus on just one or two priorities: building an emergency fund, increasing retirement plan contributions or paying down debt.

Then, track your progress regularly and break big goals into small steps. Each win builds momentum to reach the next goal.

Finally, find an accountability partner or work with a financial advisor to stay on track.

The new year offers a fresh start. With clear goals, a realistic plan and the support you need, 2026 could be the year your financial resolutions finally stick.

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

CONCORD, MA – Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members. DVSN advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 partner communities.

The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The March 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on March 2 through
March 20: Monday and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.

DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow,Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

Looking for a fun evening?

Join the Nashoba Valley Neighbors for a wine tasting and warm winter meal, with lots of fun people interested in an evening out and a nice dinner at a local restaurant.  The NVN are joining a wine tasting at The Westford Wine & Spirits in Westford at 5 pm Saturday, January 24, and dinner at the nearby Evviva Trattoria at 6:30.  Please feel free to join us for either or both, but we ask that you respond by Thursday, January 22 at noon.

If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from such town as Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard, but we welcome any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more
Information.  We hope to see you!

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Dudley Laufman,  who  will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St.

The Friends have been collecting and sorting a lot of books since the last sale! Now is your chance to come to stock up on good books in good condition to prepare for cozy winter reading by the fire!

The Friends of the Acton Libraries will hold a live and in person used book sale on Saturday January 24 at the Acton Memorial Library from 9 am until 4 pm. Members of the Friends are invited to a preview of the sale on Friday, January 23 from 7 pm until 9 pm. Sunday January 25 will be half price day for all, from 1 pm to 4 pm. While not required, face coverings while inside at the sale are encouraged.

NOTE: If the library is closed due to snow, the sale will occur the following weekend.

Both cash and credit cards are accepted!

Be sure your membership is up to date before the big Friends Used Book Sale so you can have first crack at the great selection of used books at the sale preview. If you aren’t yet a member, you can join on Friday night.

But why wait? Go to the Friends of the Acton Libraries website and pay online! https://friends-of-the-acton-libraries.square.site/

The Friends of the Acton Libraries is a 100% volunteer organization that has a unique remit; we donate funds to Acton's 8 elementary middle-school and high-school libraries, as well as the 2 town libraries. Our book sales and other activities raise money which we then distribute to these 10 entities. The funds we give to the elementary school libraries represent almost 50% of their book buying budget.

For more information, contact The Friends at friendsofactonlibraries@gmail.com
Join us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/friendsactonlib. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/friendsactonlib or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/friendsactonlib

   The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday January 11.  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.

 

Sunday Services: Sundays at 10 am: For more information about these services, or to
download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.

January 11: “The War on Empathy” - Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum - Rev. Cindy’s been planning this service since before the death of Charlie Kirk, who said, “I can't stand the word empathy, actually. I think empathy is a made-up New Age term that – it does a lot of damage."  Since then, the war on empathy has gotten stronger. What is empathy, and what is our faith’s relationship to this concept?

January 18: "Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday" - Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef - On this MLK Jr. Sunday, we'll explore the prophetic voices of the civil rights movement and what they can teach us about how to center love as we create an ever-widening circle of concern for our neighbors and our world.

January 25: “What’s in a Name?” - Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum and Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef - In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare writes, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” As our congregation considers a name change, and in a culture that is persecuting people who choose name change, we’ll look at the power of naming and being able to choose a name.

Friday, 1/9: Guest Table Community Dinner
Please join us Friday, January 9 for our next dinner. We offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.
Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Friday 1/9: Game Night, 7-9PM
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

Saturday 1/31: New Revival Coffee House
Fiddler, Singer and Songwriter Kathleen Parks
Doors open at 7 PM. Concert starts at 7:30.
Tickets are $20 in advance at Eventbrite.com and $25 on the day of the concert.  Doors open at 7:00 and the show begins at 7:30.

Join the students of Acton Boxborough's theatre program for an acting
clinic for Grades 3 to 6! Play games, learn to perform, and see behind
the scenes of AB Drama.

Friday January 16th, 6 - 8:30 pm
$30 per participant.
Register at bit.ly/3Moef2w

This event is a fundraiser for AB Friends of Drama, a nonprofit,
all-volunteer organization of parents and community members who
support Proscenium Circus (PC) through fundraising and general
volunteer assistance. AB Friends of Drama is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
organization.

Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive. In fact, it can be empowering. A budget simply helps you understand your money flow and align it with what matters most.

You might need a budget if you're starting out in life, spending more than you earn or working toward a big goal like buying a home or retiring. Major life changes — marriage, a new baby, job or retirement — are also great times to reassess.

Start small: track your income and expenses for 30 minutes a week. Pair it with something enjoyable to make it easier. Use apps or spreadsheets to simplify the process.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you prefer detailed categories or broad ones, find what works for you.

Review regularly and adjust as life changes. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. A good budget frees you to spend wisely on what matters the most and save with confidence.

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


Member SIPC

The Acton Community Chorus presents our winter concert,  I Hear The Stars Still Singing, a constellation of contemporary choral music contemplating the stars and the ways they guide our lives, featuring a multi movement work by Kenneth Riggs called "Starlight Songs", plus written works by other living composers such as J. Michael Saunders, Jacob Narverud, Susan LaBarr, and Victor C. Johnson. The concert will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 4pm at the Acton Congregational Church with an inclement weather date of Sunday, January 11th at 4pm. Tickets are available through the link on our website or at the door. There will be a reception following the concert.  Every year we seek out a community partner to support, and this season we are partnering with NAMI of Central Middlesex County. They will have volunteers in attendance to share the resources they have for individuals and families living with mental health conditions. The Acton Community Chorus is a nonprofit organization supported in part by grants from the Acton Boxborough, Concord, Littleton and Stow cultural councils which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a State agency.

The Acton Community Chorus invites all area singers to attend our Open Sing for our Spring 2026 Concert Movie Night. We will be featuring iconic songs from iconic movies including My Heart Will Go On, Both Sides Now, Danger Zone, Bohemian Rhapsody, (I've Had) The Time of My Life, and so many more! We will meet on January 26, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Faith Free Evangelical Church 54 Hosmer Street in Acton, MA. Please see our website www.actoncommunitychorus.org for more information about our vibrant choral group that has been bringing choral music and friendship to the Assabet Valley area since 1984!

"Psychosis Unveiled" is an in-person presentation for people living with symptoms of psychosis and those who love them. Join the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and speakers from the MA Psychosis Access & Triage Hub (M-PATH). Join us on Monday, January 26th, at the Edinburg Center, 205 Burlington Road, Bedford MA, rear entrance. The event kicks off at 6:30 PM with dessert & social time. At 7:00 PM the presentations begin. Learn more about the program and please RSVP here: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/psychosis. 

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote video conference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

 

Tickets are now on sale for Miss Holmes
by Christopher M. Walsh
Saturday, January 24; Friday, January 30; & Saturday, January 31 (7:30pm)
Sunday, January 25 & Sunday, February 1 (2pm)

When an anonymous note sends a newlywed wife looking for help, Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson work together to uncover the secrets surrounding a corrupt police inspector whose wives have a habit of turning up dead. In a time and place where gender roles are rigidly defined, these unconventional women dare to challenge societal norms by providing an unusual, but necessary, service.

Inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this theatrical fan fiction shines a new light on favorite characters from the canon, re-examining the Victorian world of Holmes and Watson by exploring the added obstacles faced by these two iconic characters if they were women.


Theatre III is excited to announce our call for Directors for the 2026-2027 season. We are currently accepting applications for The Secret Garden and Midnight and Moll Flanders.

The Secret Garden
Music and lyrics by Marsha Norman. Music by Lucy Simon.
October 17 - November 1, 2026

Midnight and Moll Flanders
By Marie Kohler. Adapted from the novel Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe.
April 10 - April 18, 2027

The deadline for Director applications is Tuesday, December 30th, and interviews will be on Saturday, January 3rd. We are also accepting applications for Music Directors, Choreographers, and Stage Managers!
Thanks to the extreme generosity of our wonderful Theatre III community of donors, we reached all of our stretch goals to purchase Assisted Listening Devices!  These listening devices will help amplify dialogue, music, and effects directly through our sound system and deliver a better experience to hard-of-hearing patrons who check out a listening device or who have hearing aids with inductive loop support. We of course appreciate any additional donations as you decide on your end-of-year giving, whether targeted to our accessibility efforts or to our general operating funds. A few big examples of projects we are looking to fund next: improving/replacing the backstage stairs, adding a backstage lift, and updating our HVAC (including installing an air conditioning system!)
For more information please visit https://www.theatre3.org/home. Theatre III
is located at 250 Central Street Acton, MA 01720.

 

“ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER WEDNESDAY”
“All are Welcome.”

Happy New Year to Everyone! Please join us to welcome in 2026.  We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you every Wednesday.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton     472 Massachusetts Ave. Acton MA 01720

Time: Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:30pm Doors will open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter prior so our volunteers can prepare your Supper.

Parking: Park your car in the back parking lot and enter from the walkway to the church door.


January 2026 Menu

1/7 Chicken Chili with Cornbread
Sponsored by Society St. Vincent DePaul         

1/14   Turkey Tetrazzini
Sponsored by Thrivent Financial
1/21    Pork Chop Cacciatore
  Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia

1/28     Spaghetti and Meatballs
    Sponsored by West Acton Baptist Church

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

As 2026 begins, we wish to express how grateful we are for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.
    
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper               http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

Looking to make your portfolio more tax-efficient? Tax-loss harvesting might be worth a look.

It’s a strategy where you sell investments that have dropped in value to offset gains elsewhere – potentially lowering your tax bill and boosting long-term returns.

2025 could be a good year to consider it. Market volatility has created more chances to realize losses, and upcoming tax law changes may make timing especially important.

But this strategy isn’t for everyone. It works best if you have taxable accounts, capital gains and a long-term outlook.

And you’ll need to follow IRS rules, like the wash-sale rule, which limits when you can buy back the same, or substantially identical, investment.

Sometimes, holding onto an investment and letting it grow over time may outweigh the benefit of lowering your capital gains tax this year.

Before making moves, talk to your financial advisor and tax professional to decide if tax-loss harvesting is right for you.

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


Edward Jones|Member SIPC   

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

 

BOSTON, FOXBORO, Mass. - On December 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) and Gillette partnered for a unique “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event that brought together youth, volunteers, and New England Patriot Quarterback and Gillette athlete Drake Maye, New England Patriots Wide Receiver and BBBSEM ambassador DeMario Pop Douglas and Patriots Hall of Famer Rob Ninkovich for a day of sports and community engagement. Held on the field at Gillette Stadium, the event highlighted the importance of mentorship, offering a fun opportunity for prospective volunteer mentors to get involved while making a lasting impact on local youth.
The event kicked off with a lively pep talk from BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O'Donnell and Pat the Patriot, the official mascot of the New England Patriots. This spirited opening set the tone for a day full of energy and connection. Ninkovich, Maye, and Douglas also joined the action, each participating as a "Big for a Day" to underscore the power of mentorship and encourage others to volunteer. The event marked Douglas’ official debut as a BBBSEM ambassador.
Over 25 current BBBSEM matches, along with youth on the organization’s waiting list to be matched with their mentors, took to the field for drills, skills clinics, and friendly flag football games. The day was designed to foster new connections and inspire potential Bigs to begin their own mentoring journeys.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Gillette and bring attention to the critical need for mentorship in our community,” said Mark O'Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “This event not only gave us the chance to showcase the power of mentorship but also provided an opportunity for new volunteers to experience firsthand how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.”
The event featured several key moments, including a speaking program, a skills clinic, and a series of flag football games, which gave participants the chance to demonstrate teamwork and leadership. The day concluded with a heartfelt recognition ceremony, thanking volunteers and mentors for their dedication to youth empowerment.
The BBBSEM event was one of ten flag football experiences happening across the country as part of a larger national partnership between men’s grooming brand Gillette and Big Brothers Big Sisters.Through this partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Gillette are coming together to bring more mentors into the lives of young men through the unifying power of sports.
BBBSEM continues to grow its impact, matching over 4,000 youth annually with caring adult mentors. The event underscored the organization’s mission to defend the potential of children and to create a community where every young person has access to the guidance and support they need to succeed. Mentorship is a necessity and through sports, connections across cultures and generations are made, helping to build a more unified, inclusive society.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child has the support of a caring adult mentor who can help them reach their full potential,” said O'Donnell. “Today, we’ve seen the impact that such mentorship can have, and we hope this event inspires even more people to step forward and become Bigs.”
For more information on how to volunteer, or to learn more about BBBSEM’s programs, visit www.emassbigs.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 76 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org..

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is thrilled to announce that Night Lights was named the winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. Thank you to our wonderful community for taking the time to help the Garden earn this national recognition. We look forward to the rest of this year's dazzling displays (tickets are still available) and hope you’ll join us in experiencing this award-winning event!
Visit https://nebg.org/ for more information.

 

We know it’s a big ask.
With the economy in flux, unemployment on the rise, grocery prices still too high, every dollar is being stretched as tight as possible.
But if you can spare a few dollars for the Beacon Santa, we will make sure the money goes to put a smile on a young child’s face.
Every dollar that you donate will help a family in need.
“Working overnight is great when you have small children who need you to be home during the day. But also impossible, with small children, when the other parent is gone on random military assignments and not home to watch them,” writes one mother of five young children.
All she wants is some money to take her children shopping for clothes.
“Although things are getting better and we are solely focused on improving our finances, for our children’s sake, the holidays fast approach and we cannot celebrate without help, so please choose our home, Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, January 3 ,2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold, who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St. 

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

     The Fresh Start family would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.  Our shelves and stockroom and display areas are pretty well stocked now, thanks to donations from so many people in the area who responded to our specific requests for linens and kitchen items and furniture.
     At present what we need most is MONEY to pay our bills and to buy mattresses and to keep our truck fueled and maintained.  If you can help, please click on the link above and look for the big green DONATE button.  You can donate online with PAYPAL or with Venmo and you can always bring or send a check payable to Fresh Start Furniture Bank at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749.  Your donation is tax deductible.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.  We supply furniture and furnishings at no charge to prequalified clients coming out of homelessness.  Please help us to keep doing what we do so well.

 

• January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2

• Autism-Friendly Evening – January 10
• Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – January 31
• Inclusive Evening – February 28, March 21, May 16, June 27
• Mask On, Play On! – April 11
• Morning for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA visitors – date tba