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

 

The Town of Boxborough cordially invites town veterans and residents to attend the 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11th at the Veterans’ Tribute Memorial at Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue.  The ceremony begins promptly at 11 a.m., rain or shine. Light refreshments will follow the ceremony.
   Parking is available at the library parking lot and at Blanchard Memorial School.  If parking at the school, use the bridge walkway to get to the ceremony site.
   The Veterans’ Day ceremony recognizes the commitment and dedication of Boxborough's veterans and their families. The Town looks forward to honoring all of those who have served in our Armed Forces.
   Information about Boxborough’s veterans’ services can be found at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/281/Veterans-Services.  Boxborough Veterans’ Services Officer James MacRae (978-929-6614) has regular office hours at Boxborough Town Hall Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., appointments preferred.

 

You’ve probably heard about investors who got in on the “ground floor” of a company that grew to be a huge success.

But successful investing isn’t about luck or genius. Instead, it's about building durability.

Here are some suggestions:

First, think long-term. Most investors make their money over time, not overnight. You'll want a well-diversified portfolio of quality investments and plan to own them for the long term.

Next, invest in quality. For stocks, quality is often measured by the steadiness of earnings and dividend growth over time. For bonds, one measure is an investment-grade credit rating with a relatively low risk of default.

And finally, build a long-term strategy to provide a roadmap for your investment choices. You may want to make changes periodically, but do it for the right reasons, like changing goals or tolerance for risk.

But overall, follow a durable strategy personalized for your life.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at (978) 841-5800.

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

CONCORD, MA Issued October 27, 2025... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents the holiday season concert “Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season,” on Saturday, December 6, 4 pm, at a new venue, Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord.  The performance is conducted by CWC Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank, accompanied by Simon Andrews, piano.

“Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season,” features a glorious program of music, including Dan Forrest’s luminous “Lux: The Dawn from on High,” a multi-movement work scored for women’s chorus, piano, violin, and cello. Other favorites include Ruth Morris Gray’s jazzy, percussion-driven “What Child Is This” and “Siyahamba,” Forrest’s warm and inclusive “Shalom,” and Elaine Hagenberg’s heartfelt “O Come, Emmanuel.” At the conclusion of the concert, the audience will be invited to join a festive, traditional (and really fun!) carol singalong. The program features some of Boston's finest professional instrumentalists, including Anne-Marie Chubet, violin (Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra, Director, Boston College Baroque Ensemble); Andrew Koutroubas, cello (Boston Early Music Festival, Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra); Gary Fieldman, djembe (Portland Symphony, ME, and Springfield Symphony, MA).

Concord Women’s Chorus is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power of women’s voices through song, hailing from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices.  Acclaimed conductor Jane Ring Frank was recently awarded Choral Arts New England’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for her expertise at a ceremony where CWC performs under her direction, and in her honor.

CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us.

Tickets to “Radiant Light” are $30 adults, free for children under 12, available at simpletix.com/e/radiant-light-a-celebration-of-the-season-tickets-240537. Seating is limited; early purchase is recommended.  For more information, or to join Concord Women’s Chorus, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.









About Concord Women’s Chorus
Concord Women's Chorus (CWC), based in Concord, Massachusetts, is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power in women’s voices through song. Singers hail from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices. The ensemble has commissioned three new choral works to date.
CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us.
The chorus began in 1960 as the Concord Madrigals, a small group of women who expressed, through song, the strength of female community. Over the years the group has increased in size and capacity and greatly expanded its repertoire. In 2005, the Concord Madrigals became Concord Women’s Chorus, a name that reflects not only the evolution of the chorus but the abiding power of women’s voices.
In addition to concerts, CWC often engages in other performances and projects. The ensemble has engaged in several concert tours in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. For more information or to join CWC, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.










































 

 

 

Each year, as Thanksgiving approaches, Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks proudly continues its long-standing tradition of giving back through its Annual Turkey Drive supporting the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. What started years ago as a small company initiative has grown into a community effort that helps ensure local families can enjoy a warm and plentiful holiday meal.

The Turkey Drive is a true team effort, with Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks employees, customers, and local partners all pitching in to donate turkeys, canned goods, and other Thanksgiving essentials. The company collects and delivers the donations directly to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, where they're distributed to families across the region in time for the holiday.

"For us, this tradition is about more than just providing food, it's about sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving," said Derek Vacca -General Manager of Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks. "We're incredibly thankful for our customers and our community, and we want to do our part to help ensure everyone can celebrate the season surrounded by good food and good company."

Over the years, the annual Turkey Drive has become one of Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks' most meaningful community initiatives. The team takes pride in knowing their efforts bring comfort to local families-extending the same warmth they provide through their heating and cooling services to those in need.

The Merrimack Valley Food Bank plays a vital role in fighting hunger across the region, and contributions from community partners like Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks help make their mission possible. Each turkey and each donation adds up to hundreds of meals shared, stories told, and memories made.

As this year's holiday season approaches, Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks encourages others to join in - by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Together, these small acts of generosity make a lasting impact, helping ensure that no table is left empty on Thanksgiving Day.

For Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks, it's more than just a turkey drive - it's a celebration of community, compassion, and the true spirit of giving.

 

 

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-4:00pm, Tues 8:00am-6:00pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee
Sunset Boulevard
October 27th, 1:00-2:50pm
(1950) This is the 75th anniversary of this acclaimed psychological drama directed by Billy Wilder. A screenwriter (William Holden) develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return. (Gloria Swanson). Nominated for 11 Oscars with wins for best screenplay, music, and art direction. This film is shown in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library

Hearing Screening Appointments with Audiologist Megan Ford
Tuesday, October 28th, 9:30 to 11:45am                                                    
Acton 60+ only
Megan Ford Au.D., a licensed audiologist in practice since 1998, will provide hearing screenings, ear wax checks, and basic hearing aid checks. Please allow 15 minutes for your appointment. Dr. Ford has worked at several major medical centers in Boston, Cleveland, and Worcester. In 2013, she opened her private practice, HearSmart Audiology, in Littleton. There has been such a high demand for Dr. Ford’s appointments, she will now be coming to the Center monthly!

Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust with Author Janet Singer Applefield                                                     
Tuesday, October 28th, 1:00-2:00pm              
Open to all aged 60+/free                                               
The Friends of the Acton Council on Aging proudly announces the Honoring Excellence program will host Holocaust Survivor, Author, and Public Speaker Janet Singer Applefield. Janet wrote a memoir about her experience as a Jewish child in Poland, surviving by taking on the identity of a deceased Catholic girl and hiding in plain sight with the aid of strangers. Her father, weighing just 110 pounds, survived the Theresienstadt camp-ghetto and reunited with his daughter. He transcribed Janet’s recollections of her years of survival, which served as the basis for her memoir. Refreshments will be served following the program. At 89 years old, Janet continues to write, research, and speak about her experience as a child survivor, teaching students about human rights, the ever-present specter of genocide, and the importance of standing up to bigotry and hate.

LitLovers Study Group/Masterpieces of Short Fiction: My First Goose
Tuesday, October 28th, 2:30-4:00pm                                                                
Open to all aged 60+/free
The group views a 30-minute lecture from The Great Courses: Masterpieces of Short Fiction, followed by a discussion on the lecture, the featured story, and the author. This month’s story is My First Goose by Isaac Babel. Short stories have the unique ability to deliver a powerful emotional impact within a concise format, and we are studying some of the best! Upcoming authors include Ernest Hemingway, D.H. Lawrence, Flannery O’Connor, Franz Kafka, James Baldwin, and Margaret Atwood. Copies of the stories are provided at the previous month’s meeting; you can also pick up a hard copy at reception or contact facilitator Chris Chirokas at cchirokas@actonma.gov or 978-929-6652 if you’d like a digital copy emailed.

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Seminar with SHINE Counselor
Wednesday, October 29th, 10:00-11:00am                                                                     
Open to all/free
Medicare Annual Open enrollment is October 15th through December 7th and it is the time to review your Medicare coverage to make sure it is still the right fit for you. This seminar will help you compare benefits and premiums and make changes based on your current health, medications and finances. In addition to this seminar, Minuteman Senior Services state certified SHINE counselors offer individual appointments at the Senior Center to review your coverage; see page 16 for more information. SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone) is a free service administered by Minuteman Senior Services and funded, in part, by the Executive Office of Aging and Independence.

Halloween Party                                                                             
Wednesday, October 29th, 1:00pm                                              
Open to all aged 60+/free
Join us for a Boo-tiful Halloween get-together. Costumes are encouraged with a prize for the best dressed! Come to the Senior Center to eat, drink, and be scary.
NO TRICKS, ALL TREATS!          

LGBTQ+ and Friends Halloween Party
Thursday, October 30th, 1:00-2:30pm                                    
Open to all aged 60+/free 
In recognition of LGBTQ History Month and Halloween, we’re throwing a party! Wear a costume (prizes for Most Fierce, Most Fabulous, Most Frightful, and Most Festive) or, as always, you are welcome to come exactly as you are! People in the LGBTQ+ community and allies are warmly welcome. Pizza and other refreshments served. Offered in partnership with Julie Nowak (she/any), LGBTQIA+ Initiative Coordinator, Springwell Elder Services. Please RSVP by calling the COA at 978-929-6652, or contact Chris Chirokas directly cchirokas@actonma.gov.

Optimize 3 Keys to a More Fulfilled Life: Gratitude, Humor & Kindness via Zoom
Thursday, October 30th, 1:00-2:00pm                                                              
Open to all aged 60+/free
Are you seeking greater meaning in life? Would you like to enhance your relationships? Do you want to experience more joy? Join Dr. Miriam Rosalyn Diamond to explore easy steps toward enriching each day through gratitude, humor, and kindness. You can participate via Zoom from home or at the Senior Center with a group watching on a large screen TV. Register: seniorcenter@actonma.gov or 978-929-6652.
 

 

Register here: 
https://www.abfamily.org/content.aspxpage_id=4091&club_id=802795&item_id=2697246

Join us for our annual Halloween Spooktacular event including a juggling magician! (11am) and other fun activities provided by local preschools and businesses. Entertainment will be from 11:00-11:45.
Come dressed in your best family costume for a chance to win prizes donated by local businesses!

Some of the prizes include:

• Origins Taekwondo Studio: 1-month trial or birthday party package
• Bright Horizons: Toys and books
• CBE: Music set
• Jam Time: 2 passes
• The Little Gym: Bag, shirt, water bottle, and passes
• The Discovery Museum: 4 Passes 

How to enter:
When you arrive, have your picture taken by the registration table and pick up your voting ticket. All contestant photos will be displayed on a special table in the gym, each with a corresponding letter for voting. Don’t forget to cast your vote for Best Family Costume!
Attendance is free for ABFN families. Non-Member Families: $10 per family.

Pre-registration REQUIRED for Non-Member Families. Pre-registration for Non-Member Families closes in the morning on 10/25.

Registration is greatly appreciated and recommended for Member families. Only members may walk-in without registering. This is to ensure a safe event. We appreciate your understanding.

The first 30 minutes of the party (10-10:30am) will be geared for families that desire a more sensory-friendly experience.

We will be collecting items for the Acton Boxborough Food Pantry. Please consider bringing a donation with you! Most needed items are: cereal, healthy snack items, baby food, and larger sized diapers (5, 6, or 4T-5T pullups). We will have a bin/donation area for drop off.

 

The Harvard Lions are selling fresh oranges and grapefruit. Treat your family to great fruit while at the same time benefiting Lions charities and families in need! We offer Florida Royal Ruby Red grapefruit and California Navel oranges. Grapefruit, oranges and ‘mixed’ are available in 20 lb. boxes for $42 each.  Order online through November 14 and have the fruit delivered to your home in Ayer, Bolton, Boxborough, Devens, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Littleton, Maynard, Shirley or Stow by a Harvard Lion on December 13. No need to be home for delivery. If outside our delivery area we can arrange for you to pick up your order on December 13 in Harvard.

The direct link to purchase for the Harvard Lions local delivery is here .
More details on the citrus sale can be found at www.harvardlions.com or email harvardlionsfruitsale@gmail.com.
 

 

The Maynard Food Pantry will once again be providing Thanksgiving dinner baskets to families in need within our community this holiday season.

In the past, families, organizations, groups and companies have generously donated dinner baskets consisting of a frozen turkey or canned ham together with a combination of bagged potatoes, fresh squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, canned or fresh vegetables, apples, oranges, fruit juice, packaged rolls and packaged desserts. Thinking about a family of 6 when putting together the basket is a good guide.

We would greatly appreciate similar donations this year so that the Maynard Food Pantry can provide these wonderful gifts to our client families.  In previous years, we have been able to provide approximately 85-90 dinner baskets to local families in need.

If you would like to donate a Thanksgiving dinner basket or a quantity of one of the above-referenced items, please contact Mary Brannelly by email at mjtbrannelly@comcast.net  no later than Friday, November 14, 2025 for drop off instructions.  Also feel free to send along a note if you need additional information.

The Maynard Food Pantry is always appreciative of cash donations that are used to purchase food to keep the Food Pantry stocked, especially at this time of the year when we consistently see an increase in the number of families in need of our services.  Checks can be made payable to the "Maynard Food Pantry" and may be sent c/o PO Box 55, Maynard, MA 01754.  Thank you and enjoy your Holiday!
 

Looking for unique, handmade treasures? Don't miss the 4th annual Conant Artisan and Craft Fair! This popular event will take place on Sunday, October 26th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Luther Conant Elementary School grounds at 80 Taylor Road in Acton.
Discover a wide variety of handcrafted items from talented local artisans and crafters. From jewelry and pottery to paintings and textiles, there's something for everyone. Enjoy delicious homemade baked goods while you shop and support a great cause.
Proceeds from the fair will benefit the Acton Conant Elementary PTO, helping to fund important programs and school support initiatives.
Mark your calendars and join us for this wonderful community event!

 

Many Americans strive for financial fulfillment, which involves confidence, control and purpose in their financial lives.

To achieve this, people are willing to adjust discretionary spending, pay off debt and improve their financial habits, according to research by Edward Jones and Cerulli Associates.

But it takes discipline to help turn intention into reality.

Here are a few ways to help strengthen your own financial discipline:

• Start by breaking big financial goals into smaller milestones. Instead of a goal to pay off all debt immediately, plan to pay a certain amount toward your credit cards each month.

 

• Be sure to track your monthly spending. You can use budgeting apps, spreadsheets or even a notebook.

 

• And reward yourself for meeting milestones. Positive reinforcement helps build long-term habits.

A financial advisor can help you maintain the discipline to set goals and stay focused.

When it comes to financial fulfillment, motivation may spark the journey, but discipline is what helps carry it forward.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant your local Edward Jones financial advisor at (978) 841-5800.
Edward Jones|Member SIPC.       

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

Join us for the Annual Scandinavian Fair 2025 on Saturday, November 8th from 10 AM to 3 PM at Concord Middle School, 923 Old Marlboro Road, Concord, MA.
This community tradition is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
Shop & Explore
Find hand-crafted Scandinavian gifts, jewelry, books, linens, ornaments, and stocking stuffers — perfect for early holiday shopping.
Taste the North
Visit the Nordic Café for open-faced sandwiches, waffles, lefse, and our famous cream cake. Plus, browse gourmet cheeses, baked goods, chocolates, and seafood at great prices.
Enjoy Live Scandinavian Music
Immerse yourself in the sounds and spirit of the Nordic countries while you shop and sample delicious treats.
Bring your family, meet a Viking, and experience the warmth and charm of Nordic holiday traditions!
Admission:
Adults – $5 | Children under 16 – Free
Sponsored by Norumbega Lodge, Sons of Norway.
All proceeds support the Lodge’s fraternal and charitable activities.

 

• Dressers, tables, chairs, couches and bookcases
• Like-new mattresses, box springs and bed frames
• Dishes, flatware, pots and pans, bakeware, sheets, towels, blankets, lamps, microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, and vacuum cleaners

 

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-4:00pm, Tues 8:00am-6:00pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee
The Thursday Murder Club
October 20th, 1:00-3:00pm
(2025, PG-13) Four British retirees spend their time solving cold case murders for fun, but their sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when they have a real whodunit on their hands. Stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie, and David Tennant. Based on the book by Richard Osman.

Relaxing Reiki Appointments with Monica     
Monday, October 20th, 8:30-11:30am                                                                              
Acton 60+ only
Reservations for appointments open at 8:30 am on Tuesday, Oct. 7th: 978-929-6652 (no voicemails please)
Reiki is an ancient Japanese holistic therapy used to nurture and heal the body, mind, heart, and spirit. It is a gentle, non-invasive treatment where the practitioner uses a light, gentle touch to balance energy in the receiver. When the body is in balance, it is better able to heal and support itself. Reiki is a great form of self-care! Appointments are 30 minutes in length. Make sure to call the COA if you need to cancel an appointment so we can call someone from the waitlist. Monica Forrest is a certified Usui Reiki Master practitioner with a private practice in Acton, blackirisreiki.com.

Exploring Improvisation Workshop with Poornima Kirby
Mondays, October 20th through November 24th, 10:00-11:00am
Open to out-of-towners age 60+ for $20 starting October 14th
Come unlock your sense of humor, play and discovery with this class on the art and fun of improvisation!  Building on the recent introductory class, we’ll continue to play improv games, explore short-form and long-form scenarios, and gain tools for building characters on the fly. We’ll also sharpen our listening skills, use our imaginations, and learn how to say “yes, and . . .!” to our fellow improvisors. We’ll even learn how to apply improvisation skills in everyday life to solve problems, increase confidence, and gain insights into human relationships. While this class is building on a previous one, new students are also welcome and the class will be tailored to the experience level of the group.

Acton Songsters Concert: Best Loved Songs from Movies & TV Shows
Tuesday, October 21st, 1:00-1:30pm                            
Open to all/free
The Acton Songsters, the Senior Center’s singing group of folks age 60+, led by Dr. Ed Knights, will perform some of the best-loved songs from movies and television shows. New members are always welcome to join the Songsters group! If you’re attending the luncheon beforehand, make sure to sign up for that with the Council on Aging.

Energy Bingo with Acton’s Sustainability Office
Tuesday, October 21st, 2:00-3:00pm                                                
Open to all age 60+/free
Come join us at the Senior Center for Energy Bingo! It’s just like regular bingo—only a bit more electric (get it?). Learn how to save money with state and local energy efficiency programs, while enjoying a fun afternoon of bingo hosted by the Acton Sustainability Office. Topics will include the Acton Clean Energy Coaching Program, Home Energy Assessments, heat pumps, renewable energy, weatherization, subsidized appliances, electric vehicles, and more! No prior knowledge is needed—just come ready to learn and have fun. Members of the Sustainability Office will be available for questions after the game until 3:30, and take-home resources will also be provided.
And of course, there will be prizes!

Friends Jewelry Sale
Wednesday, October 22nd and Thursday, October 23rd, 9:00am-2:00pm                 
All are welcome
The Friends of the COA have been collecting vintage costume and designer jewelry all summer long. Your opportunity to purchase some gifts, a fashion accessory, or a special occasion memento at remarkable prices. Don’t miss it!! Bistro 30 will be cooking on both Wednesday and Thursday for this.

Words Galore via Zoom                                                           
Thursdays, October 23rd through November 13th, 9:00-9:55am 
Open to all age 60+/free

Val Walker’s fall session of Words Galore will meet for four weeks via Zoom for an hour of 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.

The Music of Leonard Cohen with John Clark
Thursday, October 23rd, 1:00-2:00pm                                     
Open to out-of-towners age 60+ for $5
Even more than his contemporaries Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen’s Jewish heritage informs his music. Both of Cohen’s grandfathers were prominent figures in Jewish leadership and scholarship in Europe and America. Bible references abound in his work—a strongly biblically prophetic strain runs through his album The Future. In Who By Fire (his variation on Unetaneh Tokef ), If It Be Your Will and the title track of his final album, You Want It Darker, he addresses deity through language and form familiar to Jewish worshippers (“hineni, hineni”). Dance Me to the End of Love lends itself beautifully to klezmer band performance. These are just a few of the highlights of this hour of the exploration of the Jewish roots of Leonard Cohen’s art, which includes a brief discussion of the meaning of Leonard’s most famous song, the much-celebrated Hallelujah.

The Maynard Food Pantry will once again be providing Thanksgiving dinner baskets to families in need within our community this holiday season.

In the past, families, organizations, groups and companies have generously donated dinner baskets consisting of a frozen turkey or canned ham together with a combination of bagged potatoes, fresh squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, canned or fresh vegetables, apples, oranges, fruit juice, packaged rolls and packaged desserts. Thinking about a family of 6 when putting together the basket is a good guide.

We would greatly appreciate similar donations this year so that the Maynard Food Pantry can provide these wonderful gifts to our client families.  In previous years, we have been able to provide approximately 85-90 dinner baskets to local families in need.

If you would like to donate a Thanksgiving dinner basket or a quantity of one of the above-referenced items, please contact Mary Brannelly by email at mjtbrannelly@comcast.net  no later than Friday, November 14, 2025 for drop off instructions.  Also feel free to send along a note if you need additional information.

The Maynard Food Pantry is always appreciative of cash donations that are used to purchase food to keep the Food Pantry stocked, especially at this time of the year when we consistently see an increase in the number of families in need of our services.  Checks can be made payable to the "Maynard Food Pantry" and may be sent c/o PO Box 55, Maynard, MA 01754.  Thank you and enjoy your Holiday!

 

The Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame (MHSAHOF) Board is excited to announce its 10th Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025, 6 PM to 11 PM at the Maynard~Clinton Lodge of Elks, 34 Powder Mill Road, Maynard.  The past nine events have been huge successes and have sold out!

We are proud to announce the 10th set of inductees to the Maynard High School Hall of Fame: Amanda Allen (1997), Wihlo Frigard (1930), Kelsee Howes Giorgio (2012), Robert Hastry (2003), Joseph Loynd Jr. (2001), Michael Marshall (2012), Edward Mullin (1959), Sean Peterson (2014) and Nana Yankson (1998)

The team that will also be inducted is the 2009~2010 Boys Basketball Team.

It is always a great evening of celebration and a great opportunity to see friends and classmates of Maynard High School.  The festivities will include a cocktail hour (with cash bar), followed by a buffet dinner from 6:30 PM to 8 PM, followed by the Induction Ceremony and ending with a social.

This Banquet is open to all!  Tickets are available for $50/ea until Friday, November 7th (or until sold out) by calling (978) 764-5279 or by emailing mjtbrannelly@comcast.net, jenerbadams@gmail.com or charlotte.murray4116@gmail.com. Board members of MHSAHOF also have tickets for sale.  Feel free to contact Jennifer Adams, Mary Brannelly, Steve Curry, Ted Donnelly, Tim Lawton, Gail Lucas, Charlotte Murray or Barry McNulty.  Tables of 10 may also be reserved.  Whether you are young or older, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to celebrate the great achievements of Maynard’s past student athletes! View our website at http://mhsahof.wixsite.com/athletes to see the list of past years’ inductees.

If you know an athlete who you feel deserves to be inducted into the MHS Athletic Hall of Fame at a future Induction Ceremony, please go to the website and complete a nomination form.  Additionally, donations are always greatly appreciated and may be forwarded to the MHSAHOF, PO Box 56, Maynard, MA 01754. 

Miss your favorite quilting shop and JoAnn’s fabric store? Find bargains galore on Sat., October 18 from 9am-2pm at the Concord Piecemakers guild sale. Location: St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 435 Central St., Acton.
Featuring high quality quilting fabrics ($5/yard) and bins full of yarn ($2/skein) for your knitting projects. Huge selection of sewing notions – zippers, scissors, rotary cutters, full packets of pins, excellent thread, hemming tape, etc. Pick up bundles of 5” nickel squares all cut and ready to become your next quilt top. Useful quilting books and patterns at rock bottom prices. Everything’s priced to sell and sell fast.
Learn more about our guild: https://concordpiecemakers.org/

Looking for friendship and good conversation?  The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club would like to invite you to connect with our members on Saturday October 25th at our Halloween Potluck Fall Game Night in Acton.  We will meet at the Village of Nagog Woods Clubhouse, 102 Nonset Path, Acton from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM to enjoy friends, games, food, and beverages.  Everyone is bringing a favorite appetizer, meal, or dessert to share. Costumes are encouraged.  If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org.
Our ongoing public events are Lunch Bunch, Movie Night, Book Club, Dinner Group, Trivia Nights, Summer Picnic, Wine Tastings, as well as Men's and Ladies Night events.
The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard.  Originally called the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton, and then the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club, in 2014, we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club to reflect our current members and their interests.  Our club welcomes 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, as well as information on how to become a member of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club.  We look forward to seeing you!

The Friends of the Boxborough Library Fall used book sale will start with a Preview Sale for members on Friday, November 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door).
The main public sale will take place on Saturday, November 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Everything Must Go sale will be held on Sunday November 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Standard size bags will be provided; pay $5 to fill each bag however you like.
The sale will take place in the meeting room of the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue. Proceeds from the sale will go toward additional library programs and museum passes. Cash and checks only.
 
Please support this sale by attending and by donating your gently used hard covers, paperbacks, music, and audiovisual items, and also puzzles and board games in complete and as new condition. Donations will be accepted from Monday November 3 through Thursday November 6 at the library during regular library hours. Please no VCR tapes or magazines or any material in really poor condition.

ACTON — Theatre III, 250 Central St., West Acton, will kick off its 2025-2026 season with the presentation of “Women in Jeopardy!”, by Wendy MacLeod, from Oct. 18th through Oct. 26th.

Performances at the theatre will be at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 18th and Oct. 24th-25th, and at 2pm on Oct.19th and Oct. 26th.  Tickets are $25 for general admission and $22 for seniors and students, when purchased in advance.

Thelma and Louise meets The First Wives Club in this fun and flirtatious comedy.   Divorcées Mary and Jo are suspicious of their friend Liz's new dentist boyfriend.  Trading their wine glasses for spy glasses, imaginations run wild as the ladies try to discover the truth and save their friend in a hilarious off-road adventure.

The play is directed by S Columbus, produced by Linda Minkoff, and stage managed by Emily Lambert.  It stars Kristin Gillett, Karla Lang, Nancy Lynne Albertson, Colleen Eccles, Rosemary Oullet, and Glenn Arthur Pierce. 
For information, email publicity@theatre3.org, and to buy tickets, visit https://www.theatre3.org.

 

For the past year, Green Maynard has been working on a lighting bylaw that we hope to present at the Spring or Fall 2026 Town Meeting. We have been working with experts from DarkSky Massachusetts—part of DarkSky International, an organization that works to restore the nighttime environment and protect communities from the harmful effects of light pollution. Towns such as Acton, Concord, and Boxborough already have some form of lighting bylaw, and we will propose a bylaw recommended by DarkSky Mass that has been fully implemented in communities such as Becket, Gloucester, Nantucket, Northampton, and Pelham. Other towns, like Chelmsford, are preparing similar proposals for upcoming town meetings. Additionally, two statewide bills on this issue are currently in committee.

Because of the active involvement of Green Maynard in developing Maynard’s lighting bylaw, DarkSky Mass has decided to hold their annual in-person meeting here as a way of offering support and increasing visibility.

Residents are invited to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom. Here are the details:

Place: Maynard Fire House, 30 Sudbury St.
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 1:30PM – 4:30PM (check-in starts at 1PM)
Light refreshments provided
Stargazing (weather permitting) optional after the meeting

Speakers:

• Debbie Moran is an advocate with DarkSky International who specializes in police education around glare and safety.
• Vick Mohanka is executive director of Sierra Club Mass and an expert on policy and advocacy.

To register for the event or for more information, visit DarkSkyMass.org. Recordings of the speakers will be available at a later date.
 

 

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 fall reading by the fire!

The Friends of the Acton Libraries will hold a live and in person used book sale on Saturday October 25 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, October 24 from 7 pm until 9 pm. Sunday October 26 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.

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
 

Looking for unique, handmade treasures? Don't miss the 4th annual Conant Artisan and Craft Fair! This popular event will take place on Sunday, October 26th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Luther Conant Elementary School grounds at 80 Taylor Road in Acton.
Discover a wide variety of handcrafted items from talented local artisans and crafters. From jewelry and pottery to paintings and textiles, there's something for everyone. Enjoy delicious homemade baked goods while you shop and support a great cause.
Proceeds from the fair will benefit the Acton Conant Elementary PTO, helping to fund important programs and school support initiatives.
Mark your calendars and join us for this wonderful community event!

 

Sending your child to college is an exciting milestone. It may also be the first time your student will manage their own money.

Don’t worry. With a few simple strategies, you can help them avoid pitfalls:

Start with a budget. Many people use the “50/30/20” rule, which calls for 50% of income toward needs, 30% for wants and 20% toward savings and financial goals.

Guide them toward smart credit habits. That first credit card in college can be scary. The key is helping them understand how to use it wisely, ideally not overspending, so your child is paying off the card balance on time, every month.

Pay attention to everyday expenses. College life doesn’t have to break the bank. For example, remind your child to take advantage of student discounts available at restaurants, clothing and grocery stores and entertainment venues.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at (978) 841-5800.

Join us at the Massachusetts National Guard Museum Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5PM for a fascinating evening with EVP specialist and New England Paranormal lead investigator Joe Rainone. In 2024, Joe led a two-team ghost hunt at the Museum, uncovering intriguing evidence and stories from the Armory. During this one-hour presentation, he will share his findings, personal experiences exploring unexplained phenomena, and some of the evidence captured right here in the historic building.
Following the talk, the Armory will remain open for visitors to explore. This special event is part of a fundraiser to support the Museum’s programs and preservation efforts. The Museum is located at 91 Everett St, Concord, MA 01742. Go to https://friendsmangmuseum.org/events/ to register for the event.

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) has joined No Kings 2 as a national partner this Saturday, October 18. For more than a century, the League has stood firm in defending democracy and confronting threats to freedom and equality.
No Kings 2 offers an opportunity for people across the nation – and in Massachusetts – to come together in solidarity with allies and take a united stand against hate and authoritarianism.
There are several local rallies planned for this Saturday:
Acton, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., 472 Main Street
Chelmsford, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., Town Common, corner between North Road and Westford Street
Groton, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Groton Town Hall, 173 Main Street
Littleton, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Littleton Common, Stevens Street
Lowell, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Click on this link for location: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/846848/
Tyngsboro, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Tyngsboro Bridge, Middlesex Road and Kendall Road
Those unable to attend a local event can still take part. This map lists hundreds of rallies taking place across the country: https://www.nokings.org/#map
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information about the organization, go to lwv.westford.org.