The League of Women Voters-Acton Area invites community members to a webinar on Wednesday, February 19 at 7 p.m. Four panelists will speak about what works with Open Town Meeting and what we can learn from other types of local governance (Representative Town Meeting, Town Council). Attendees can learn about what’s on the horizon for Open Town Meeting, how the legislative function of the town works in each form of government, ways we might overcome barriers to participation, and how the community can participate in their town government under various types of governance. Registration information is below.
Since the late 1600s, most Massachusetts towns have adopted Open Town Meeting (OTM) as their legislative body. Voters who reside in a town with Open Town Meeting have an opportunity at least once a year to gather, deliberate, and decide on budgets, borrowing, zoning, by-law changes and other important matters. Yet both town officials and residents have long questioned the viability of an Open Town Meeting legislature as population grows and other demands limit voters’ ability to attend. Attendance rates are low and those who cannot participate in person feel excluded.
The League of Women Voters-Acton Area spent a year studying OTM to better understand the alternatives and the benefits and challenges of each form of town governance.
OUR PANELISTS:
Mark DiSalvo, President, Massachusetts Moderators Association and Town Moderator for North Andover which uses an Open Town Meeting legislature.
Gerri Slater, Town Moderator for Norwood which uses a Representative Town Meeting legislature.
Bill Rosenblum, Selectboard Member for the Town of Ludlow and member of Ludlow’s 2024 Charter Commission which recently attempted to transition from a Representative Town Meeting legislature to a Town Council-Town Manager form of governance.
Patricia Lloyd, Associate, Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management, a state agency based at UMass Boston working with municipalities, school districts and other public entities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of state and local governments.
Click here to read LWV Acton Area report, or visit our website at lwv-actonarea.org.
For questions, please contact: Diane Baum: dianebaum5@gmail.com
YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND.
Sign up here (or use QR Code).
We’ll see you Feb. 19!
The League of Women Voters-Acton Area is a non-partisan, grassroots organization serving the towns of Acton, Boxborough, Hudson, Littleton, Maynard and Stow

 

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
The Six Triple Eight Monday, February 10th, 1:00-3:05pm
(2024, PG-13) Based on the real story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a WWII unit comprised entirely of women of color whose mission it was to sort and deliver a backlog of millions of pieces of mail to and from soldiers in Europe. Stars Kerry Washington and Ebony Obsidian, with Sam Waterston, Susan Sarandon, and Oprah Winfrey in small roles.
Book Discussion Group                                                    
Tuesday February 11th, 10:00-11:00am
Open to all seniors/free
The discussion for February’s meeting will be around the book Any Bitter Thing by Monica Wood. If you would like to read ahead for March 11th meeting, The Woman by Kristin Hannah. 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.
Acton Songsters Live Performance of Love Songs
Tuesday, February 11th, 1:00-1:30pm          
Open to all/free
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Acton Songsters, led by Dr. Ed Knights, will be performing classic love songs that are sure to stir up some memories. New members are always welcome to join the Songsters group! Stay after the performance for a Valentine’s Day gathering with refreshments.
Valentine’s Day Party                                                                           
Tuesday, February 11th, 1:30pm                                                         
Open to all seniors/free
Roses are red, Violets are blue, Sugar is sweet and so are you! Come share some Valentine goodies with friends at the Senior Center.
Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
Tuesday, February 11th, 3:00-4:30pm                  
Open to all caregivers of older adults/free
Caregivers of older adults, please join Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, for this group that meets via Zoom and offers practical and emotional support. New participants always welcome! The challenging work of caregiving may leave you feeling stretched thin, which may cause feelings of exhaustion and isolation. Julie ensures safe, non-judgmental settings where members can share and learn from one another and witnesses the strong bonds that develop between members. If you are new to the group, please sign up with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov. Funded by an Executive Office of Elder Affairs grant
Stories from the Heart
Tuesday, February 11th, 5:30-7:00pm                                              
Open to out-of-town seniors/free
We all love stories. Through stories we can traverse time and space and connect with lives unlike anything else. Stories engage us with each other and help us building empathy and connection towards each other. As we grow older, we have more stories to share from our life experiences. Homewatch Caregivers of Marlborough, in association with Krossroads Performing Arts (a non-profit organization) is excited to bring a story telling program for the participants in Acton Senior Center. Let us all dive into our lives and share some personal stories in an evening focusing on self-expression and emotional wellbeing.
Stay Active During the Winter Months
Wednesday, February 12th, 11:00-12:00noon                                
Open to out-of-town seniors/free
Join Jillian Gibbons PT, DPT Director of Rehabilitation at Life Care Centers of Acton on ways to stay active in the winter months. A snack will be provided.
Poet of the Month: Elizabeth Barrett Browning via Zoom
Thursday, February 13th, 10:30-11:30am via Zoom                                      
Open to all seniors/free
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s masterful love poems make her a perfect choice for February’s Poet of the Month! Her independence and courage as a prominent English poet in the 1840s drew admiration and critical acclaim. Browning’s humane and compassionate point of view addressed social injustice topics such as the slave trade, child labor in mines and mills, and restrictions on women. Emily Dickinson was hugely influenced and inspired by her poems. Contact the COA at seniorcenter@actonma.gov to register and receive the Zoom link.
Il Bel Paese: A Journey Through Italy Part 2 with Paolo Di Gregorio
Thursday, February 13th, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
There are few places that are as rich in beauty, culture, and history as Italy. For centuries, travelers, poets, and artists have been drawn to the country, and many have been seduced by life on the peninsula. This second of a three-part series examines the history and culture of Italy by looking at some of the great cities, artists, and events that have captivated and inspired many. The final lecture in this series will be March 11th.

The Acton department of Equity and inclusion and the Acton Commission on Disabilities will be hosting a showing of the award winning documentary “Crip Camp” on February 18, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:30 at the Acton  senior center, 30 Sudbury Rd in Acton.  The event is free, but   you must call 978 929 6611 to register so we know how much popcorn to bring.
Crip camp is a movie that explores the roots of the Disability Rights revolution through a unique summer camp experience for children with disabilities that many of the leaders of our disability rights movement attended
Acton’s free and accessible transportation program makes scheduled door to door rides to the senior center call 978 844 6809 to book a ride
The commission on disabilities will be holding its monthly meeting in person at the senior center at 10:00 that morning and on zoom for anyone interested in joining us
For further information  email cod@actonma.gov or call the DEI department at 978 929 6611

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

Yoga 626 is a new, cool location for studio yoga in Boston’s metro-west. Located in Bolton, MA it is onroute 117, very near exit 70 on route 495.
On February 16th at 4 PM the Yoga 626 studio will have a free class, the 2nd Annual Karin Orrdonation class. [626 Main St, Bolton, MA 01740, (978) 634-1783] This free class is open to all - firsttime visitors are welcome! The class will be the 90 minute original hot yoga (OHY) format. The roomwill be heated and detailed instruction provided by experienced teachers. Donations are welcome andproceeds go directly the “Tomten Farm and Sanctuary” in Haverhill, New Hampshire. Tomten Sanctuarystrives for animals happily-ever-after, through rescue, sanctuary, education, and occasionally adoption.
The OHY class is a proven, therapeutic, healing yoga class and also a very effective workout. The OHY format even supports those with injuries, body pain, creaky joints and so on. Try OHY! You will feel better, more mobile, and lighter, with less pain, better sleep, and especially less stress. Plus, your donation will help animals in need.
Yoga 626 is a small woman owned business, established October 2024. (Initial opening was June 2023 under different ownership.) Yoga 626 offers several types of group fitness classes, from the original hot yoga that gained popularity back in the 1970’s, to power or flow Vinyasa, yin, and even high-intensity interval training Pilates and the latest, greatest Yoga-Sculpt. The latter combines the best of heated yoga and Pilates and adds weights and cardio, all to a motivating soundtrack. Hence “sculpt”, great fitness workout for burning calories and getting into shape. Check the website for class schedules.
Come to the free class February 16th at 4 pm! Learn more about the studio at yoga626studio.com. Learn more about the Tomten Farm and Sanctuary at tomtenfarmandsanctuary.org. We hope to see you at the studio soon!

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday February 16 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Chad Childers at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org.
The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.
Our members may participate in any number of the Company’s activities including marching in parades and town celebrations, organizing the annual Fifer’s Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to the FreeBee Market, community supper, and other service organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
All are welcome to come and make new connections with others.
  For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.

Christmas Motors is teaming up with the Pan Mass Challenge to accept vehicle donations to benefit The Dana Farber Cancer research program.
This unique program is unlike all others, as 100 percent of the proceeds of your tax deductible vehicle donation will go to cancer research. (No administrative cost).
We will accept any car or truck regardless of age.
For more information or to arrange your donation call 978-897-9627 and ask for David Christmas.
Working together, we can find a cure for cancer.

Stow’s New Revival Coffeehouse will present the adventurous sounds of High Tea on Feb. 1. High Tea is a Massachusetts-based “y’alternative” folk-punk duo with a unique blend of soulful harmonies and powerful guitar riffs.
Lyricist, guitarist and vocalist Isabella DeHerdt and percussionist and vocalist Isaac Eliot craft songs that are ripe with Americana heartbreak, telling tales of growing up, going wild, and always coming back to the ones you love.
The concert takes place at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Rd., Stow. Doors open at 7pm. and the concert begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 in advance at https://tinyurl.com/HighTeaAtFPC and $25 at the door. For questions, call 978-274-2593 or email coffeehouse@fpc-stow-acton.org. FPC is a nut-free location. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

On Feb. 2 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service led by guest speaker and member Shana Dumont Garr entitled, “Cultivating Presence and Receptivity Through Posthumanism.” Posthumanism asks how humans might shift our priorities to recognize ourselves not at the center of the universe, but as part of a complex web among countless other beings.
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.

“All are Welcome.”

How have you been with all this cold weather?  Please join us each week to keep warm.  We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you every Wednesday.

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

Time: Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:45pm 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.


February 2025 Menu

2/5    Spaghetti and Meatballs
Sponsored by West Acton Baptist Church

2/12 Chicken and Biscuits
          Sponsored by Mt Calavary Pre-School

2/19   Amish Casserole
Sponsored by Boston Metrowest Bible Church

2/26   Chicken and Rice Casserole
Sponsored by The Boxborough Minutemen
   

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

As 2025 begins with such cold weather, please, take care to safely keep warm. Check on your neighbor, too, as he or she may need help. Looking forward to seeing you all for laughter and friendship. Remember, if the schools are closed due to snow this month, there will be no Supper.

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
The Boys in the Boat
Monday, February 3rd, 1:00-3:05pm
(2023, PG-13) Directed by George Clooney, this film tells the story of the underdog 1936 University of Washington rowing team that competed for gold at the Berlin Summer Olympics. Based on the book by Daniel James Brown. Stars Callum Turner, Joel Edgerton, Peter Guinness.
Chinese New Year Performance
Tuesday, February 4th, 1:00-2:00pm                                                             
Open to all seniors/free
A group of local Chinese musicians will join us celebrating 2025 Chinese New Year! They will present a very pleasant program with a combination of Chinese and western music, covering Chinese folk instrument, Erhu solo, Chinese folk dance, vocal ensemble, duet, and solo, and perhaps a piano concerto! The program will be followed by refreshments. Please sign up if you did not do so last month.
Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
Tuesdays, February 4th & 11th, 3:00-4:30pm                   
Open to all caregivers of older adults/free
Caregivers of older adults, please join Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, for this group that meets via Zoom and offers practical and emotional support. New participants always welcome! The challenging work of caregiving may leave you feeling stretched thin, which may cause feelings of exhaustion and isolation. Julie ensures safe, non-judgmental settings where members can share and learn from one another and witnesses the strong bonds that develop between members. If you are new to the group, please sign up with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov. Funded by an Executive Office of Elder Affairs grant
It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again Book Study Group
Fridays, February 7th through April 25th, 10:00-11:00am                                          
Open to all/free
Join Tracy Woods for a 12-week group studying the book It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again: Discovering Creativity and Meaning in Midlife and Beyond by Julia Cameron who also wrote The Artist’s Way. Tracy has limited copies of the book to loan people at the first meeting or you may obtain a copy on your own. If you have a copy, please read the first chapter prior to February 7th. 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.
Acton Rainbow Planning Team to Explore the Programming Needs of the LGBTQ+ Older Adults
The Acton Council on Aging is forming a team of community members to explore how the Council on Aging/Senior Center can meet the programming needs of Acton LGBTQ+ residents age 60 and up. Members may be from the LGBTQ+ community, allies or municipal employees. The Council on Aging’s goals are for Acton’s LGBTQ+ older adults to have their voices heard about programming and feel that the Senior Center is a welcoming place. If you are interested in participating or have programming suggestions, please contact Chris Chirokas (she/her), Acton Council on Aging Program Manager, at cchirokas@actonma.gov or
978-929-6652.
Words Galore via Zoom                                         
Open to all seniors/free
Thursdays through February 27th, 9:00-9:55am
Join Val Walker via Zoom for fun and lively word play and brain twisters—a logophile’s paradise! Learn new words, explore the history of old words and delve into the origins of words. Enjoy limericks, riddles, famous quotes, puns, and fascinating trivia about trendy words. Play guessing games with the dictionary and words-within-word games. Contact the COA at seniorcenter@actonma.gov to receive the Zoom link.
Laugh for Your Health with Susan Phillips                   
Thursdays, 11:00am-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 Elder Affairs grant.

The Town of Acton’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) is recruiting members. Share your voice and experiences to help make a difference. Members of the Commission must reside in Acton, support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and be able to lend relevant professional, community, or life experience. The DEIC meets monthly, on the second Thursday of each month, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you would like more information, please contact David Martin at davidmartin@actonma.gov or visit Acton’s DEIC Website.

Step inside historic homes and see and learn about many more as we tour West Acton! Once known simply as the “west part of town,” in 1845 the railroad arrived in this section of Acton, transforming the sleepy hamlet into a vibrant village of new commerce and homes. Today, it retains much of its 19th-century charm, including charming storefronts, workers’ cottages, and storybook Victorians.
Join us for this unique experience to see historic homes, inside and out, and immerse yourself in culture and history. Offered one time only! Space is limited.
This is a guided walking “happy hour” tour, no libations but a lot of fun packed into 60 minutes! We will meet in West Acton; location details coming soon.
Hello! We would really appreciate if you could cover/ post about this tour. Please let me know if you need more information.
https://histoury.org/historical-tour-calendar-and-tickets/

On February 18, 2025 at 10 :00AM, the Acton Commission on disabilities will be holding their monthly meeting at the Acton senior enter /Human services building at 30 Sudbury road.  The Public is invited to join us in person, or by zoom.
Our mission is to educate the community around issues pertaining to people with disabilities,     to  advise Acton town departments on state and federal access  regulations, and  to  make Acton a more inclusive community.  In 2025 we will be working to build a more united and empowered community of people with disabilities and their allies.
The commission meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10 to 12 by zoom. All are welcome to join us.  For further information, contact us at cod@atonma.gov, or leave a message at town hall (978 )929 6611
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://actonma.zoom.us/j/94313570425
Or One tap mobile : US: +16468769923,94313570425# or +13017158592,,94313570425#
Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 646 876 9923 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 943 1357 0425

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of singing, dancing, food, (including gluten-free and vegan pizza, delicious homemade baked goods,  candy, soda and seltzer) and prizes! The fun starts at 5PM on Friday, February 14 at First Church Unitarian located at 19 Foster Street, in Littleton, MA. $20 per family or $5 per person at the door, cash or Venmo accepted. Parking available at the Masonic Lodge, 310 King St., Littleton, Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St., Littleton, or Castle in the Trees Playground, 300 King St., Littleton. To pre-register your dietary preferences and number of people attending so we’ll have plenty of food on hand, please email: Rochellecham@gmail.com.

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

February 25, 2025, 12:00-1:30 pm at the Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road, Rear, Acton. A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with memory impairment and their care partners/caregivers. Cafés are a place to talk with others, enjoy lunch and an activity or entertainment together. We do ask attendees to bring their care partners. Sponsored by the Acton Council on Aging, Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community and Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. An RSVP is not required but appreciated. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please call Sharon Mercurio, Acton Council on Aging Director, at 978-929-6652. Groups will be held on the last Tuesday of each month. This group is free and open to the public.

Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

February 13, 2025, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Please contact Amanda Spinale, Compass Memory Care Director, at 978-369-4728 or aspinale@concordpark.org for more information and the Zoom link. This group is free and open to the public.

Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Date February 4, 2025
Time 10:30am
Location Acton Town Hall  Room 206

Speaker Bonnie Power, Master Gardener, member MMGA Speakers Bureau

Topic What’s Wrong with My House Plant?

Summary
As with our outdoor gardens, many things can go wrong when you grow plants indoors. Learn the factors that make for happy houseplants, including light, water, and soil...and how to provide them. Common houseplant pests and diseases are also on the agenda, as well as how to treat them.
Bonnie Power has been a Massachusetts Master Gardener since 2016 (now a Lifetime MG) and member of the MMGA Speakers Bureau since 2018 and a serious outdoor/indoor gardener most of her life. Curious and research-oriented by nature, she has many horticultural interests and areas of expertise. Bonnie holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Zoology, which informs her perspective on the management of garden insects. She is a member of the MGA Soil pH Testing team and also volunteer guide at Garden in the Woods, a Native Plant Trust botanical garden in Framingham. She learned to grow vegetables as a child from her father, and flowers and houseplants from her mother. Early in her marriage her father-in-law provided her first lessons in organic gardening.  At home in Marlborough, Bonnie grows a variety of vegetables and ornamentals (with a bias for natives).

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (January 13, 2025) - The following local residents have been named to the MassBay Community College President’s List, achieving this outstanding academic honor for the fall 2024 semester.

* Gwyneth Rose-Smith of Acton, who studies Mechanical Engineering

* Nathan Dougherty of Sudbury, who studies Computer Science

* Clifford Evans of Sudbury, who studies Computer Science

* Miranda Guzman of Sudbury, who studies Engineering

* Orion Melanson of Sudbury, who studies Mechanical Engineering

* Nathaniel Smit Sibinga of Wayland

* Catherine Taxiarchis of Wayland, who studies Liberal Arts

To be eligible for the MassBay President’s List, students must be enrolled in 12 or more college-level credits, achieve a 3.7 grade point average or higher, and be in good standing with the College.

The Martha’s Vineyard Winter Classic is just one month away, and registration is officially open! Lace up your running shoes and join us for this exciting event on Saturday, February 15th, 2025, featuring breathtaking island views, great competition, and a cozy finish line celebration.

What’s at the Finish Line?
After you cross the finish, you’ll be greeted with island favorites to warm you up, including:

• Mocha Motts coffee
• Beach Road chowder
• Morning Glory Farm soup

First Responders Challenge
The Oak Bluffs Police Department is back to defend their First Responders Challenge title, which they’ve held for the past two years! Will another island department rise to the challenge? We can’t wait to see the competition unfold!

Race Details:
The race kicks off at 11:00 AM. The flat, scenic course makes this a favorite for runners of all levels. Whether you’re racing for a PR, training for a spring marathon, or running for fun, this event is for you!

Sign Up Today!
Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to register. Visit our website at mv20miler.com for full race details and to reserve your spot.
We can’t wait to see you on race day!

Register Now
• Sign Up for the Winter Classic

Warm up your winter with this unforgettable island tradition!

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, Jan 10, 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.

Day & Time: Sunday, January 12, 6:45pm – 8:45pm
FPC has partnered with the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson to bring the drUUm-&-dance circle to Stow. Bring your joy and your open heart and join us for an evening of hand drumming and dancing around the “fire” circle. Facilitated by experienced drummers/dancers Jim Flavin and Nan Rogers, we’ll circle up in FPC’s Fellowship Hall to experiment with various types of instruments and sustained rhythm sessions and see what we create together. Let’s gather in sacred and healing community to lower our stress levels, plug into the energy, and raise some good vibes!
The drum circle will take place on the second Sunday of each month. Drummers and dancers of all abilities are welcome; please bring your own drums, and we will have a few drums and other percussion instruments available to borrow. Questions? Contact Nan at nandancing@comcast.net.

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 Jan. 10. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome! There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted. FPC is a nut-free location.
This month’s menu is Frittata and roasted potatoes. There will be salad and dessert as well. Options made with vegetarian and gluten-free ingredients will be available. All meals are nut-free.
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.

On Jan. 12 at 10 a.m., First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service led by guest minister Rev. Laura Randall from the UU Service Committee entitled, “Communities of Resistance and Resilience.” Authoritarian regimes depend on making people feel alone and powerless. The truth is that we have incredible collective power through communities of resistance, resilience, and mutual aid. Rev. Randall shares stories about such coalitions.
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.

When: Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-7:45pm
Where: Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room, 486 Main St, Acton
ACTON: Join local author Rich Marcello for a sit-down interview on his 6th novel, The Means of Keeping. Set in a near-future America, The Means of Keeping is a narrative of loss, renewal, and environmental activism set against the backdrop of climate change. Copies of the novel are available at the library circulation desk. Sponsored by the Acton Memorial Library, EnergizeActon.org, & the Acton Sustainability Office. More info HERE.

When: Thursday, January 16, 3:00-4:30pm
Where: Veterans Field, Acton, MA (Corner of Rt. 27 & Rt. 2A/Great Rd, kitty corner from Kitchen Outfitters)
ACTON: Come celebrate the new clean energy technology in town--two EV fast chargers! Join Sustainability Office staff and Energize Acton volunteers by the EV fast charger location at Veterans Field for hot chocolate/tea/coffee, cookies, and sustainability resources. This is meant to be quick, informative, and fun!  More info HERE.

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
     Were your holidays good?  Did you receive the gifts you hoped for?  Maybe a new toaster or microwave oven or coffee maker; are the old ones still working?  Perhaps you received new sheets and a comforter—-and the old ones are still good.  Furniture upgrades?  New kitchenware? Bring your “old” items to Fresh Start Furniture Bank to furnish someone else’s home.
    At present we are in need of all furniture, especially couches, dressers, bookcases, rugs, dining tables, upholstered chairs, recliners, queen and full headboards, end tables, bedside tables and storage cabinets.  We also need artwork, kitchen knives, dishes, cutting boards and colanders.
    We expect donations to be in good condition; if you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to us!  Read our website to see what we DO and DO NOT take for donations, and our address and hours of operation.
     Imagine finally finding a home after being in a shelter—-and having nothing or very little IN the home!  That is what Fresh Start’s clients deal with.  We have helped convert over 4000 empty apartments into homes for more than 12,000 people in the last 10 years.  And, by taking in almost 170,000 pieces of donated furniture and home goods, we have kept all of those items out of landfills.
     Last Saturday 40 donors arrived; they had “cleaned out” for the new year or were just waiting for us to reopen after the holidays.  It was a good start to the new year but the clients keep coming and we need to help them all!

Museum also ends advance ticket reservation system
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced today a $13 admission price from 1:00pm to 4:30pm on weekday afternoons, now through March 28. The discounted price will not be offered on holidays or during school vacation weeks.
Under the Winter Weekday Afternoon Discount program, admission for adults and children will be $13 per person; seniors 60+ will be $12. Children under 1 and teachers are always free. All other Museum-offered discounts such as EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare Card to Culture, Wonderfund, library passes, museum reciprocal programs, AAA, and active duty miliary discounts will still apply.
Regular admission prices are $19.00 for adults and children ages 1 and over, $18.00 for seniors 60+, free for under 1 and teachers.
Discovery Museum also announced the closure of its reservation system. Advance reservations to visit are no longer required nor accepted.

Winter can stretch budgets to the breaking point. With increased costs for food, heating, housing, and transportation, many Massachusetts families are facing tough choices. If you or your family need help accessing food, don’t wait—call Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.
The FoodSource Hotline connects residents to the resources they need right now. Trained counselors are available to help you apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), find free meals for children, and locate emergency food programs like community meals and food pantries. The hotline can also refer callers to other federal food programs, like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).
Whether you’re a college student, a senior, or a family facing hardship, the FoodSource Hotline is a confidential, free, trusted resource recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for anyone seeking food assistance.
Call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for support, available in over 180 languages.
Get Help Now: If you are struggling with food insecurity, call 1-800-645-8333. For more information and access to resources, visit Project Bread’s website, where you can find information in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole. Don’t wait—help is just a phone call away.

The letters have reached our desk as more people than ever before seek help from the Beacon Santa.
Many of these letters come from single mothers, struggling to get their lives back on track and give their children a little something on Christmas morning.
One mother writes that she and her three boys lived in a shelter for 15 months and recently moved into an apartment. She is hoping for a little help from the Beacon Santa because, she writes, “finances are tight and I’d like my children to have a good Christmas this year.”
Another mother of twins writes that she is recently divorced and living on one income with no child support. All of her income goes to pay rent and other necessities, leaving nothing for the extras, such as a gift for Christmas.
She is asking for help from the Beacon Santa.
“This help from the Beacon Santa program would take a huge burden off my shoulders knowing my children will have a better Christmas with the help and support from this charity. This help this Christmas would help my children have a normal Christmas morning with presents under the tree,” she writes.
This year, Beacon Santa has been asked to help more than 600 children. But Beacon Santa would not exist without help from people just like you. Would you please consider donating today?

About the Beacon Santa
Since 1965, the Beacon Santa has raised funds to provide gift cards for families seeking a little help during the holidays.

The Fund provides help for families living in the 12 communities of Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
The fund is managed by three women from Maynard, determined to provide families in need with a little joy during the holidays. Because they volunteer their time, you can rest assured that the money you donate goes to those that need it most.

How to donate
By Mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Online: Through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809. A PayPal account is not needed to donate.

Richard Smith has lectured on and written about antebellum United States history and 19th-Century American literature since 1995. He has worked in Concord as a public historian and Living History Interpreter for 25 years and has portrayed Henry Thoreau at Walden Pond, around the country and in Canada. The former Scholar In Residence for Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Richard has written or edited 11 books for Applewood books and is a regular contributor to Discover Concord Magazine.

The Town of Acton’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC) is recruiting members to join its commission. Add your voice and experiences to help make a difference. Members of the Commission must reside in Acton, support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and be able to lend relevant professional, community, or life experience. The DEIC meets monthly, on the second Thursday of each month, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. If you would like more information, please contact David Martin at davidmartin@actonma.gov or visit Acton’s DEIC Website

 

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<mailto:seniorcenter@actonma.gov>
Website: www.actoncoa.com/<http://www.actoncoa.com/>
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa<http://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; Thelma
Monday, January 13th, 1:00-2:40pm
(2024, PG-13) When a 93-year-old woman gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, she sets out on a quest to reclaim what was taken from her. Jane Squibb stars in this comedy based on the experience of the writer/director’s grandmother. Blu-ray disc is available to borrow after the 13th.

Miso Soup & Onigiri Cooking Class with Asako Judson
Tuesday, January 14th, 2:00-3:00pm
Acton seniors only
Soup’s on at the Senior Center for National Soup Month! Join Asako Judson to learn to make two Japanese dishes: miso soup with a vegetable stock base as well as Onigiri, a stuffed rice ball. Soup making will be a demonstration; participants will make their own rice balls, using both a traditional recipe and a new version. These triangular rice balls are delicious and making them is a hands-on, fun activity! Asako Judson, who lives in Acton, has worked at several restaurants and as a private chef and caterer.

A Caregiver’s Journey - Ups, Downs, Obstacles and Resources
Tuesday, January 14th, 6:00-7:00pm
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.

Real Estate Changes: Understanding Agent Compensation
Wednesday, January 15th, 11:00am to 12noon
Open to all seniors/free
Join us for an insightful seminar where we discuss the dynamic world of real estate, a sector that has captured widespread media attention in recent years due to unprecedented demand, multiple offers, and soaring sold prices. However, the landscape is evolving, and significant changes have emerged, particularly concerning agent compensation. Heather Murphy from Keller Williams Realty Boston North West will provide insights into the changes affecting agent compensation and what these changes could mean to buyers and sellers.

Acton Songsters with Ed Knights
Wednesdays, January 15th and 29th, 1:00-1:45pm
Open to all seniors/free
Join Ed Knights for this group that sings along familiar popular songs and learns the mechanics of singing. Don’t worry about your level of singing—the group is open to anyone interested in singing. Lyrics provided. Sign up with the COA if you are new to the group

Stand Tall, Age Well: A Guide to Posture and Health with Physical Therapist Mary Evans

Wednesday, January 15th 2:00-3:00pm
Open to all seniors/free
Our posture plays a significant role in how easily we move around as we age. A stooped posture and scoliosis develop for many as we age, and can cause considerable discomfort and affect balance. The good news is that we can all become posturally aware, strengthen our muscles around the spine, and make changes for long-term spinal health. Sitting and standing tall aren’t just about good posture, they give us confidence, improve our ability to see our surroundings, ease digestion, build bone and muscle strength, improve our breathing patterns, and help stabilize our balance. Join Dr. Mary Evans PT, DPT, MS, C2 BSPTS to hear the simple steps you can take to start improving your posture today. Mary Evans is a doctor of physical therapy who specializes in spinal health with a focus on kyphosis and scoliosis. She can be found at Rehabhealth360.com.

Forgiveness & Healing with Dr. Miriam Diamond via Zoom from Home or Senior Center
Thursday, January 16th, 1:00-2:00pm
Open to all seniors/free
Forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation…these are important ideals, often easier said than done. In this workshop we’ll consider their deeper meaning and how they connect to our personal experiences. Join Miriam Rosalyn Diamond, PhD, to explore steps toward healing emotional wounds and shifting from being victims to heroes. This is a two-part workshop. In part 1, we’ll focus on definitions, types of forgiveness, and working through emotions. Watch the February newsletter for Part 2 that is happening on Thursday, February 20th, where we’ll explore navigating discussions with the other party/ies, seeking forgiveness, and self-forgiveness. You are welcome to attend either or both sessions. You can participate via Zoom from home or the Senior Center with a group watching on a large screen TV. Register for Part 1: seniorcenter@actonma.gov or 987-929-6652.

Java with John
Friday, January 17th, 9:45am
Open to Acton residents
Town Manager, John Mangiaratti will be here to give updates from the Town, answer your questions and listen to your suggestions and concerns Acton TV will be filming it live.

Rosie Murphy
Health and Human Services Administrative Assistant
Town of Acton Human Services and Senior Center
30 Sudbury Road Rear
Acton, MA 01720
978-929-6652
www.actoncoa.com<http://www.actoncoa.com/>
www.facebook.com/actoncoa

January is a time to recharge and recover from the holidays. It is also National Mental Wellness Month to recognize the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. According to the National Institutes of Health, 57.8 million adults lived with some form of mental illness in 2023. The severity varies from person to person. Understanding mental health statistics in the U.S. can raise awareness and garner support for those in need. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness and women are more likely than men to experience depression. 17% of adolescents ages 12-17 experienced a major depressive episode. 33.5% of adults with a mental illness also have a substance use disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collects data on substance use and mental health. Their 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that multiracial people had the highest rate of mental illness at 36.7%, followed by Whites (24%), American Indian/Alaskan natives (23.5%), Hispanics (20.6%), Blacks (19.4%), and Asians (18.1%).
Mental illness affects people differently. Children ages 6-17 are three times more likely to repeat a grade if they have mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems. Those with severe mental illness have a life span of 10 to 25 years shorter than the general population. 64% of jail inmates have a mental illness compared to 21.6% of the general adult population.
National Mental Wellness Month involves individuals being able to cope with life’s difficulties, having healthy relationships, and taking care of their mental well-being before issues arise. Wellbeingtrust.org tells us that having a purpose in life offers many benefits, including being happier, living longer, sleeping better, and improved heart health. To find that purpose explore your interests, volunteer, consider what you love to do, talk to friends and family, and try new experiences.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental illness. The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource if you feel that a friend or loved one is struggling with a mental illness. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist those who may be struggling mentally. Visit www.jasonfoundation.com to learn how to make a difference and find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office.

 

Happy New Year to Everyone! Please join us welcome in 2025.  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 – 5:45pm 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 2025 Menu

1/15   Chili and Cornbread
Sponsored by Friends of Community Supper

1/22 Roast Pork Loin
Sponsored by Faith Evangelical Free Church of Acton

1/29        Meatloaf Dinner    
                      Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia      

** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
As 2025 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