The Boxborough Recreation Commission (Rec Com) is seeking Community Preservation Act funding to replace playground equipment at Flerra Meadows next year.
  The Rec Com recently submitted a preliminary application to the Community Preservation Committee seeking an estimated $310,000 of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to replace the large main playground structure and swing set, as well as add surfacing required for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the application, the $310,000 estimate reflects the total cost of the project. 
  “Over the years, the current large structure has seen a lot of wear and tear,” said Rec Com Chair Hilary Greven, “so we are looking to install a new large structure to complete the improvements to the playground, providing a safe and exciting playground for residents and the hundreds of children who attend Flerra Summer Playground.”
   On October 2, the Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously that the project was eligible for CPA funding and could move on to the final application stage. The Committee expects to hold public hearings on this and all other FY2027 CPA funding requests on December 4.
   This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

As the pickleball season winds down, players at the Liberty Fields courts are already looking ahead to the spring season, and they have one simple message for Boxborough: come play!
  Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of racket sports like tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is typically played on a smaller court, about a third of the size of a tennis court, with either two or four players using lightweight paddles and a perforated plastic ball. The goal of the sport is simple: rally the ball back and forth over a low net without letting it bounce twice or outside of the court.
  In Boxborough, players in their thirties through their seventies, with occasional teens joining too, gather at the Liberty Fields courts (1100 Liberty Square Road in Boxborough) throughout the week for "open play," where anyone can drop in and join a game.
  Boxborough resident and pickleball organizer Mark Marlow has also facilitated beginner-only sessions, making it easier for newcomers to learn and play comfortably.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

At their meeting on October 16, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) authorized consultant Context Architecture to study a new potential site for the town’s new fire station.
  The location of the site was not disclosed to the public. Town Administrator Michael Johns reported to the FSBC that a landowner had approached him the day before the meeting with an offer to sell the town a certain piece of land for the fire station. Johns noted that the land is centrally located in town and that the price of the land may be “attractive.” The Committee agreed that the consultant should investigate the site, at a cost not to exceed $20,000.
  Committee members also discussed whether the FSBC should ask the Select Board to move the Special Town Meeting (STM), currently scheduled for December 15, 2025, to January 2026 so that the committee has more time to prepare its warrant articles.
  Over the past several weeks, the FSBC has repeatedly discussed - but not decided - what type of funding or other approvals (e.g., land purchase approvals) they may seek from voters at the STM. The warrant articles for a December STM must be finalized next week.
  Committee members noted that they may not have enough information by next week to decide which site(s) to bring to Town Meeting voters. Several members seemed to be in favor of pushing the STM to January 2026; however, the committee did not formally ask the Select Board to move the STM and will revisit the issue at their meeting next week on October 23.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

The 2025 Boxborough Fall Town Meeting was called to order by Town Moderator Dennis Reip at 7:14 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14 in the Parade Room of the Boxboro Regency Hotel with 412 voters and about 30 nonvoters in attendance.
  Article 1 of the Fall Town Meeting proposed amending the Town’s zoning bylaw to allow a new ‘Public Safety’ use in all areas of the town. An amendment was immediately proposed not to allow this in the Agricultural/Residential (AR) and Residential 1 (R1) zoning districts. After 30 minutes of debate, this amendment was defeated by a counted standing vote of 128 to 264. Discussion then commenced on the original Article 1 motion. After a brief debate, this article, which required a two-thirds vote, was passed by a counted standing vote of 284 to 115, or 71%.
   Article 2 was a zoning article to allow the maximum size of a public safety building in the Town Center district to increase from 15,000 square feet maximum to 25,000 square feet maximum by Special Permit. This passed quickly by the required two-thirds margin with a hand vote called by the moderator.
  Article 3 was a “sense of the meeting” (non-binding) article asking whether voters would be open to paying up to $6 million dollars more than the 72 Stow Road site base cost to build a fire house elsewhere in town. Fire Station Building Committee Chair Mary Brolin outlined the four sites currently under consideration and the cost differentials for each. After the longest debate of the evening, this article was defeated 109 to 115.
   Article 4 was also a “sense of the meeting” article that asked voters if they would be open to exploring the design and construction of a new fire house using high-level Green Construction methods, realizing that this might add $1 million to the cost. This passed by an overwhelming majority with a hand vote called by the moderator.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• 2025 Boxborough Fall Town Meeting, Night One: Municipal Zoning Changes Pass
• 2025 Boxborough Fall Town Meeting, Night Two: MBTA Zoning Passes
• BHB Discusses Estate Planning Options Available to Affordable Unit Owners
• Boxborough Open for Business at “Village for a Day”
• Recreation Commission Working Towards 2026 Flerra Playground Improvements
• FSBC Authorizes Study of New Undisclosed Site, Considers Pushing Special Town Meeting into 2026
• “Come Play!” Boxborough Pickleballers Invite Beginners to Join
• ABRSD School Committee Discusses “AB Forward” and Upcoming Tri-Board Meeting

  At its meeting on October 9, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) continued to discuss what type of funding or other approvals they may seek from voters at the Special Town Meeting (STM) scheduled for December 15, 2025. Warrant articles for the December STM must be finalized by mid-October.
  The FSBC is considering four different sites for the fire station: 502 Mass Ave. (the current fire station site), 72 Stow Road, 1300 Mass Ave., and 700-832 Mass Ave. The three sites not currently being used for a fire station would need to be purchased by the Town; a land purchase would need to be approved by Town Meeting. The FSBC is also expected to seek funding to design the fire station building.
  The committee spent much of their meeting walking through the “phase one matrix” site comparison tool that they used earlier this year to compare several potential sites, including two still on the table – 502 Mass Ave and 72 Stow Road. The committee added 700-832 Mass Ave and 1300 Mass Ave to the matrix and inserted ratings for those sites. When the matrix was complete, 1300 Mass Ave scored the highest (396 points), followed by 72 Stow Road (392 points), 502 Mass Ave (371 points), and 700-832 Mass Ave (327 points).
  At their next meeting on October 16, the FSBC will continue the site selection conversation using the “phase two matrix” and information from Fall Town Meeting on October 14 and 15 – including the outcomes of the two “sense of the meeting” articles and the outcome of the public safety zoning vote. The FSBC is then expected to decide what warrant article(s) they will bring to voters at the December Special Town Meeting.
   This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  On Tuesday, October 7, ABRSD’s consulting firm District Management Group (DMGroup) presented nine district reorganization options to the AB Forward Steering Committee. The much-anticipated reorganization options were released to the public four days earlier and are available on the AB Forward website: https://www.abschools.org/read-the-plan.
  “AB Forward” is a strategic planning and reorganization initiative to “create an updated strategic plan as well as a set of 3-5 actionable options for district reorganization that could guide district operations for the next 5-10 years.”
  At least some of the reorganization options would, as currently presented, involve changes to Blanchard Memorial School, the district’s only elementary school located in Boxborough.
  In one variation of reorganization, option #5, the “full grade-band” model, Blanchard would house all Pre-K and kindergarten for the entire district. Students would then move to other buildings for grades 1-3 and grades 4-6. In options #7 and #8, Blanchard would become a K-5 school, and sixth grade would move to the Junior High School.
  According to the regional agreement between Acton and Boxborough, there must be one school located in Boxborough, but the agreement is silent as to the configuration of the school.
  There will be an in-person community meeting at Blanchard Memorial School on Monday, October 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There will also be a community meeting in Acton on October 21 and a virtual meeting on October 30.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  On Sunday, October 26, the Boxborough Fire and Police Departments will host their fifth annual “Truck or Treat” at the fire station, 502 Massachusetts Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon.
  As in past years, kids are encouraged to wear their costumes (no toy weapons please) and trick-or-treat at the vehicles parked in the fire station parking lot.
  Vehicles will include police cruisers as well as a fire engine, tanker/tenders, and an ambulance. New this year will be the fire department’s recently delivered “utility terrain vehicle.”  
  Public safety personnel will give out candy, and kids will have the opportunity to sit in each of the vehicles, take pictures, and learn more about various public safety initiatives. Boxborough Police K9 Koda and handler Officer Bressi are also expected to attend and give a short K9 demonstration. The event typically averages about 400 participants each year.
  “The Boxborough Fire and Police Trunk or Treat event provides a safe and festive atmosphere where children and families can positively interact with police officers,” said Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk. “We are excited to see all the terrific costumes and share Halloween treats with all those in attendance.” 
  Last year, visitors were treated to an appearance by Boston Medflight. Fire Captain Jason Malinowski noted that any outside agencies participating will confirm availability closer to the event date - and all are subject to emergency calls.
  “Come and have fun,” said Captain Malinowski. Parking will be available across the street at Blanchard Memorial School.
 

  Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• ABRSD Releases District Reorganization Options, Seeks Feedback Throughout October
• Fire Station Zoning Debate Expected at Fall Town Meeting on Tuesday
• Boxborough Fire and Police to Host “Truck or Treat” on Sunday October 26
• Finance Committee Discusses Free Cash and FY2027 Budget
• Community Preservation Committee Reviews Six Preliminary CPA Fund Requests
• Planning Board Preps for Fall Town Meeting
• Fire Station Building Committee Revisits Site Selection Matrix, Discusses Budget Approach

At its meeting on Tuesday, September 30, the Boxborough Leadership Forum (BLF), comprised of representatives from the Select Board, the Finance Committee (FinCom), the Planning Board, the School Committee, and the Library Trustees, discussed the logistics for Fall Town Meeting (FTM), scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday October 14 and 15 at the Boxboro Regency, the FTM warrant, a preliminary overview of the December Special Town Meeting (STM), and the outlook for the fiscal 2027 budget year.
  Town Moderator Dennis Reip reviewed FTM logistics. Registered voters will have an opportunity to voice their opinions for and against each warrant article at one of two microphones labeled either “yes” or “no”. 
  Reip also said that there may be a motion for a written ballot, rather than a voice or standing vote. BLF participant Maria Neyland stated that she heard that some residents want a written ballot because of pressure from neighbors to vote a certain way. Reip said that any registered voter can make a motion for a written ballot on Town Meeting floor. The motion requires a simple majority to pass.
  With respect to the warrant, there was some discussion about whether Article 1, which proposes to change Boxborough’s zoning bylaw to allow public safety buildings “by right” in any zoning district, would be amended on Town Meeting floor. Reip said that any amendment would have to be within the “four corners” of the warrant.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

Diwalifest 2025 will be held at the Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough on Sunday, October 12 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with a rain date of Sunday, October 19). The event is open to all and free to attend.
  Boxborough News reached out to festival organizer Deepika Prakash to answer questions about the upcoming celebration.
  Q: What is planned for this year's festival? Anything new?
  A: Diwalifest focuses on food and culture, and every year we invite local businesses, dance schools, and community members to perform. Guests can expect dances representing many regions of India, performed by both youth and adults. In addition, there will be family yoga, children’s activities, Diya lighting, and story time. We like to keep some of the performances a surprise — you’ll just have to come to the festival to see what’s in store! New this year, we’re especially excited to welcome the first 100 children with a special gift: each will receive a traditional clay diya, symbolizing light. They’ll then be able to decorate it at our kids’ activity tent and take part in the community diya lighting ceremony. We’re also introducing a lively Indian karaoke band, Bindis and Bangles, making their debut at Diwalifest. And of course, crowd favorites like NEMM’s Dhol (Drums) will be back with their high-energy beats that always get the crowd moving.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 

On September 29, almost 30 Boxborough residents turned out to hear Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan speak about fraud prevention at an event sponsored by the Boxborough Council on Aging.
   Over the years, Ryan’s office has handled a wide variety of scams perpetrated in Middlesex County – everything from government impersonators, “grandparent” scams and home repair scams.
  In one case, an economics professor was told she won the lottery and would have to pay taxes upfront. She turned over $1 million to the scammers and never saw a penny from the lottery. In another case, an accomplished physician received a call that she was being investigated by the Department of Treasury for possible drug money laundering. They told her they could help “clean the money”, if she sent funds to the Secret Service. After sending $600,000 she started to get suspicious and put an end to the scam. In almost every case, the scammers are never found and the money is never recovered. 
  Ryan said “scammers are very good at what they do. There is always a piece of truth in what they say.” They may know something about their victim that makes the scam more believable. 
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
 

Plans are underway for “Village for a Day,” an event sponsored by the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) intended to promote local businesses and organizations and help experience and envision a walkable town center in Boxborough.
  The event will run on Saturday, October 18 (rain date October 25) from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will take place in multiple locations, including Middlesex Bank Plaza, the UCC Church lawn, and on Stow Road. The EDC has invited local businesses and organizations to either set up a “pop-up” location with a canopy or conduct an open house at their own location during the event. The public will be encouraged to walk along the route to visit various businesses and vendors. Food will be available for purchase, and there will be live music and kids’ activities.
  Town Planner Alec Wade and Associate Town Planner Ian Gilson are working with the Boxborough Department of Public Works Director Ed Kukkula and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to lay out temporary crosswalks at the intersection of Middle and Stow Roads and Route 111. Additionally, they’ll be making room for a temporary sidewalk on the west side of Stow Road from Route 111.
      This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Town of Boxborough Opens ‘Swap Shed’ at Transfer Station
• BXB-TV Launches “BXB Community Buzz” Podcast
• Zoning Board Approves Special Permit for Thinking Flower Bakery
• Town Sees New Faces at Fall Town Meeting Info Night
• Diwalifest Returns to Boxborough on October 12 – Q&A with Festival Organizer Deepika Prakash
• Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan Offers Guidance on Fraud Prevention
• Boxborough Leadership Forum Discusses Upcoming Town Meetings and FY2027 Override
• Meditations with Ann: Why Movement Matters
• “Village for a Day” Event Set for Saturday, October 18

 At their meeting on September 25, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) discussed what type of funding or other approvals they may seek from voters at the Special Town Meeting scheduled for December 15, 2025.
  The FSBC plans to use their next two meetings to select a site (or sites) using the “matrix” site comparison tool that they used earlier this year, and also decide what warrant article(s) they will bring to voters at December Town Meeting. 
  The Committee is considering four different sites for the fire station: 502 Mass Ave. (the current fire station site), 72 Stow Road, 1300 Mass Ave., and 750-832 Mass Ave. The three sites not currently being used for a fire station would need to be purchased by the Town; a land purchase would need to be approved by Town Meeting. The FSBC is also expected to seek funding to design the fire station building.
  The Committee discussed whether to bring a single recommended site to Town Meeting or present options for multiple different land purchases and allow Town Meeting voters to choose which site to pursue. FSBC members expressed differing views on how many sites should be presented to voters, and the Committee did not make a decision.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

At its meeting on September 22, the Boxborough Select Board discussed a potential change to Town Hall’s hours of operation. Boxborough Town Hall is currently open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed on Fridays. Full-time Town Hall employees work from home on Fridays.
  Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg began the discussion by explaining that she has heard complaints from multiple residents about Town Hall being closed on Fridays.
  She explained that these complaints stem both from the inability to conduct business at Town Hall on Fridays and from the perception that full-time employees may be getting paid for a day they are not actually working. The Board discussed the importance of providing good customer service to the town and also the advantages of offering employees a “remote work” day on Fridays – such as attracting talent, improving employee morale, and improving productivity.
  Town Administrator Mike Johns responded that he is open to exploring other options for Town Hall hours but noted that it will be important to “define the problem” before finding a solution. For example, if the problem is one of customer service, a solution may be to add evening hours one day per week. Johns agreed to research surrounding towns’ hours of operation and bring back a proposal to the Board to potentially adjust Town Hall’s hours. 
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 
 

FreeBee Market Saturdays have been buzzing with energy all season long, and the final community market on Saturday, October 18 promises to be a true celebration of the 2025 season. As always, FreeBee Market takes place on the side lawn of the United Church of Christ Boxborough (UCCB) at 30 Middle Road from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
 Like last year’s October market, the Boxborough Community Center will transform into a free Halloween costume shop, where families can pick out festive outfits and decorations.
  Interested in contributing gently-used costumes to the FreeBee Halloween shop? Donation bins are set up at Sargent Library, Blanchard School, and the UCCB side porch.
  At UCCB, Pastor Fran Graveson will lead a Blessing of the Animals—all furry, feathered, and scaly friends are welcome. There will also be free cookies to sweeten the day.
  Of course, no FreeBee finale would be complete without the crowd favorites: the bouncy house, fun crafts, and local community groups.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

The Boxborough Swap Shed, made possible by a collaboration between the Boxborough Sustainability Committee, Planning Department, and Department of Public Works, will open its doors for the first time on Saturday, September 27.
  The Swap Shed, located at the Boxborough Transfer Station at 550 Codman Hill Road, will be staffed by volunteers and is expected to be open when the Transfer Station is open, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  However, the Swap Shed hours are volunteer- and weather-dependent. The Sustainability Committee’s “Energize Boxborough” website includes expected hours of operation, as well as volunteer information and donation guidelines: https://www.energizeboxborough.org/actions/3872.
  Boxborough News reached out to Sustainability Committee Chair Kate Davies to learn what the Swap Shed is all about, and what residents can expect when they visit the Swap Shed.
  Q: What is a swap shed?
  A: A 'swap shed' is a community resource that encourages folks to share gently used, functional items in order to reduce waste, promote reuse, and save money on waste disposal. Based on the adage that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure,” swap sheds are typically located at a community’s transfer station or recycling drop-off center. Our swap shed is located at the Boxborough Transfer Station at 550 Codman Hill Road. 
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 
 

  Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Boxborough Opens a ‘Swap Shed’: Q&A with Sustainability Committee Chair Kate Davies
• FSBC Plans to Select Fire Station Site(s) for December Special Town Meeting by Mid-October
• Police Dispatch Informed of Potential ICE Operations
• Water Resource Committee Discusses Potential Follow-on Water Studies
• FreeBee Market October 18 Finale Will Include Halloween Costume Exchange and a Blessing of the Animals
• Boxborough Recreation Commission - September Brief 
• Select Board Discusses Town Hall Hours of Operation
• Boxborough Democrats Attend State Convention
• Boxborough Fire Department Responds to Brush Fire on Meadow Lane
• Personnel Board Discusses Salary Survey and Classification Plan

 At its meeting on September 11, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) continued to weigh pros and cons of possible fire station sites with an eye towards making another site decision and then seeking design funding at a potential Town Meeting in December.
  This would be the Town’s second attempt to get design funding for a fire station, after residents voted against design funding for a fire station located at 72 Stow Road at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
  The 72 Stow Road location is one of the four sites currently being considered, along with 502 Mass Ave (current fire station), 1300 Mass Ave, and 700-832 Mass Ave.
  Noting that “in the coming weeks we’re going to have to make a site decision,” FSBC Chair Mary Brolin asked the committee to start re-discussing the pros and cons of 72 Stow Road and 502 Mass Ave.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

 Curious about Boxborough’s Fall Town Meeting but don’t have time to read the warrant?
  Boxborough’s Land Use and Permitting Office is hosting a Fall Town Meeting “Info Night” on Monday, September 29, from 5 - 8 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library.
    Boxborough Town Planner Alec Wade explained that he wanted to create a “source of information in a more digestible format” for residents who may not be aware of the issues presented in the warrant.
  For the Info Night, a series of tables will be set up around the library meeting room, each focused on a different topic or issue related to the Fall Town Meeting. Most tables will be about the two warrant articles that are expected to generate the most interest and discussion at Town Meeting: Article 1, the municipal public safety zoning bylaw, and Article 5, the MBTA Communities zoning bylaw.
  There will not be one single presentation, and participants do not have to arrive at the 5 p.m. start time. Instead, people can move throughout the space and visit the tables of interest to them any time during the three-hour event. Town staff, volunteers, and consultants will be present to speak with participants at the various tables. 
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 
 

  Artisan bakery “Thinking Flower,” owned by Boxborough resident Divya Suryaprasad, will soon open its doors at 629 Massachusetts Avenue in the Middlesex Bank plaza.
  Boxborough News reached out to Suryaprasad with questions about her business, her background, and what “Thinking Flower” means.
  “Thinking Flower” is expected to open for a “soft launch” on Thursday, October 16, with hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  Regular operations are expected to begin November 1, with hours of operation Wednesday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  1. What type of business is "Thinking Flower"? What food/drink/other will you offer?
  “Thinking Flower is a forward thinking small-batch artisan bakery specializing in handcrafted viennoiserie (croissants) and cakes baked fresh daily, paired with specialty coffees sourced from a local roastery. I believe in using simple, real ingredients to create bold and memorable flavors.”
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• A Bakery Comes to Boxborough: Q&A with Owner of “Thinking Flower”
• Boxborough Housing Board Votes to Support MBTA Communities Warrant Article
• Town to Host “Digestible and Accessible” Fall Town Meeting Info Night on September 29
• Town Seeks Additional Volunteers for Fall Town Meeting Childcare
• Fire Station Building Committee Continues to Grapple with Site Selection
• Boxborough Police Department Rejoins Communities for Restorative Justice
• SPCP Council Focuses on School Resource Officer Program, Develops Survey
• Sustainability Committee Celebrates Swap Shed Installation and Debates Green Construction for Fire Station
• Pam’s Gardening Tips: Letting Go and Movin’ On
• Planning Board Continues Public Hearings for The Park at Beaver Brook, 975 Mass Ave,  Opens Hearing for Public Safety Dimensional Regulations Zoning Bylaw Amendment

On Tuesday, August 26, the Boxborough Housing Board voted unanimously to recommend the proposed MBTA Communities zoning change that will be voted at Fall Town Meeting in October.
  Town Planner Alec Wade presented to the Board about Article 5 in the Fall Town Meeting Warrant, the Planning Board’s proposal to change zoning regulations in a district near Hill Road to comply with the MBTA Communities Act requirements.
  The MBTA Communities Act requires towns with access to MBTA amenities to change zoning regulations to allow multifamily housing by-right in a designated district. Although there are no current plans for housing development in the proposed Hill Road zoning district, the Town can comply with the MBTA Communities Act by simply making the required zoning changes.
  While the Housing Board agreed that it would prefer a district that enabled more new homes, the Board supports the proposed Hill Road zoning district because the Board believes it would simplify the construction of new housing units pursuant to any potential rebuild of the Meenmore Condominiums that presently occupy the proposed space and will keep the town eligible for state grants.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 
 

 At the AB Forward Steering Committee meeting on September 9, consulting firm District Management Group (DM Group) presented only its “considerations” for potential district reorganization, explaining that they would present concrete options for reorganization at the Steering Committee’s next meeting on October 7.
  The “considerations” centered around four “dimensions of district reorganization”: (1) facilities, (2) school and program design, (3) staffing and resourcing, and (4) enrollment policy. The consultant also presented a set of criteria that the Steering Committee can use to evaluate the options once they are shared.  
  The actual reorganization options are expected to be identified and presented to the Steering Committee on October 7. DM Group indicated that they will identify roughly ten different options. After the options are identified and reviewed by the Steering Committee, the consultants are expected to solicit feedback from the public, including through surveys and live feedback sessions.
  Two feedback sessions have been scheduled specifically for Boxborough residents. The first will be in person at Blanchard Memorial School on Wednesday, October 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The second will be a virtual meeting on Monday, October 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

Visitors to the Boxborough Transfer Station may have noticed that a shed was delivered to the Transfer Station last month. In partnership with the Boxborough DPW and Planning Office, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee is preparing to open a Swap Shed for public use. When reached for comment, Sustainability Committee Chair Kate Davies wrote that the Committee is “hoping to have the shed open for business by the end of the month (9/27), but it depends on volunteer availability. Hours will be posted on the Energize Boxborough website, energizeboxborough.org.”
  The Sustainability Committee will hold a volunteer work party at the Transfer Station on Sunday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Once the Swap Shed is installed and ready, the committee is organizing a fall team of pioneering volunteers to staff it. Those interested in volunteering at the swap shed should complete the Volunteer Information Form. The Sustainability Committee has issued a Volunteer Onboarding Checklist that covers requirements and responsibilities.
  A detailed management plan that includes access requirements and a list of accepted items can be found in the Swap Shed Donation Guidelines.
  To access the Swap Shed, all users must show proof of Boxborough residency status. A transfer station sticker is not required, but a library card, utility bill, or other proof of residence must be available upon request, along with a photo ID. 
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

At their meeting on September 9, the Boxborough Select Board discussed and/or voted on each of the eight articles on the Fall Town Meeting warrant.
    Fall Town Meeting will be held at the Boxboro Regency Parade Room, 242 Adams Place, beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, and continuing at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15.
  The Board issued a split vote, 4 to 1, regarding Article 1, a municipal zoning bylaw amendment that would allow municipal public safety buildings to be constructed “by right, everywhere” in the town of Boxborough.
  The Board also discussed the town’s efforts to provide free childcare for caregivers attending Fall Town Meeting. Select Board member Priya Sundaram has secured several student babysitters and is looking for more volunteers. Board members discussed the importance of encouraging parents of young children to attend Town Meetings – and providing the services to make that possible. The Town is expected to release more information and a registration link in the coming weeks.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 At its September 4 meeting, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) discussed plans for “Village for a Day,” a community “business fair” scheduled for Saturday, October 18.
  The “Village for a Day” event is intended to promote Boxborough businesses and help the community imagine what a walkable town center in Boxborough could look like.
  The event is expected to take place primarily along Massachusetts Avenue from its intersection with Middle and Stow roads to the Middlesex Bank Plaza. The EDC will invite local businesses, including local artisans, to either set up a “pop-up” location with a canopy or conduct an open house at their own location during the event. The public will be encouraged to walk along the route to visit various businesses and vendors.
  The EDC is also working to secure food and drink vendors and intends to develop an illustrated map with a directory of participating local businesses.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

 Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Sustainability Committee Prepares to Open Swap Shed, Seeks Volunteers for Installation and Ongoing Operation
• Select Board Votes Recommendations on Fall Town Meeting Warrant Articles, Discusses Town Meeting Childcare
• FinCom Engages in Preliminary Proposition 2 ½ Override Discussion, Votes Warrant Article Recommendations for Fall Town Meeting
• Economic Development Committee Plans “Village for a Day” Event on October 18
• Planning Board Hears Comprehensive Traffic Study Report and Recommendations
• Consultant Presents Reorganization “Considerations” to AB Forward Steering Committee, District Schedules Feedback Sessions for Boxborough Residents
• FreeBee Harvest Fair Brings Community Fun on Saturday, September 13
• Staying Safe on the Road
• Boxborough Public Safety Officials Remember 9/11
• Boxborough Resident Publishes Memoir: Unraveling My Father’s Suicide, 10th Anniversary Edition

 

At their meeting on August 25, the Boxborough Select Board agreed to reorder the articles in the Fall Town Meeting warrant for the purpose of taking up articles related to the fire station on the first night of Fall Town Meeting, and the remaining articles on the second night.
  Fall Town Meeting will be held at the Boxboro Regency Parade Room, 242 Adams Place, beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, and continuing at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15.
  The articles related to the fire station include a municipal zoning bylaw amendment that would allow municipal public safety buildings to be constructed “by right, everywhere” in the town of Boxborough, as well as two “sense of the meeting” motions intended to gauge the town’s preferences with respect to fire station cost and location. The other article expected to generate debate, an article to bring the town into compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, is expected to be taken up on the second night of Town Meeting.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.  

At its meeting on September 4, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee heard a presentation from consultant District Management Group (DM Group) about the “AB Forward” project.
  AB Forward is the strategic planning and reorganization initiative to “create an updated strategic plan as well as a set of 3-5 actionable options for district reorganization that could guide district operations for the next 5-10 years.”
  A DM Group representative presented the findings from a “diagnostic assessment” evaluating the district’s strengths and challenges. This assessment took place over the course of the summer and incorporated the results of a community survey that had more than 1000 participants.
  The findings identified three “key areas.” The first was “evolving student need and enrollment across schools,” with the consultant noting a significant variation in the composition of need at each of the elementary schools and recognizing both the benefits and challenges of the open enrollment model.
  The second was “student outcomes and wellbeing, and staff wellbeing,” with the consultant identifying strong academic outcomes and excellent educators but also gaps across student need groups.
  The third was “district finances, operations, and long-term sustainability,” with the consultant flagging the revenue limitations and increasing student needs and costs.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.  

At its meeting on August 28, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (“FSBC”) finalized the language for two “sense of the meeting” (non-binding) warrant articles, related to the cost and location of a new fire station, for the town to take up at Fall Town Meeting on October 14-15.
 The first article asks whether the town is willing to pay a premium to build a new fire station on Massachusetts Avenue as opposed to the 72 Stow Road site, which is currently believed to be the least expensive site. FSBC members discussed how to characterize the “premium” when there are no definite cost estimates yet, and eventually settled on “up to $6 million more.” FSBC Chair Mary Brolin stated that this article “would give a lot of guidance to the committee about whether we should be willing to pay that premium to move [the fire station] out onto Mass Ave.”
  The second sense of the meeting article asks whether the town is in favor of exploring building a fire station with “Green Infrastructure” components above and beyond basic code requirements. The Board decided to ask Boxborough Sustainability Committee Chair Kate Davies to help revise the language of the article. The Board will review and vote on the revised language at their next meeting.
  In other preparation for Fall Town Meeting, the FSBC voted unanimously to recommend the Planning Board’s proposed municipal zoning bylaw amendment that would allow municipal public safety buildings (including a fire station) to be constructed “by right, everywhere” in the town of Boxborough.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.  

On a warm August afternoon, Boxborough News sat down with Pastor Fran Graveson, the newly installed minister of the UCC Boxborough. This is Pastor Fran’s first time leading a ministry after interning at other churches for two years. She began leading UCC Boxborough in March 2025.
  Pastor Fran’s path to the ministry was a long and winding road. A Blackstone Valley native, Fran graduated from Bryant University with a degree in finance and worked for 30 plus years in corporate accounting for TJX, Hanover Insurance, and several smaller companies. 
  Raised as a Catholic, Fran says that she’s always been “church connected,” but “ebbed out of church” in her twenties. Then, when pregnant with her son, she wanted to be “back in the game,” so that her son would have a religious education opportunity. But her politics didn’t agree with the Catholic church, so she started “church shopping.” Through a favorite English teacher, she connected with a UCC church in the Blackstone Valley.
  Fran’s life took various turns (a divorce, leaving the church again, coming out LGBTQ), which led her to seek to understand herself and her relationship with God.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.  

At its meeting on August 19, the Boxborough Water Resources Committee (WRC) received the final draft of the "Comprehensive Water Resources Report" from consultant Weston & Sampson (W&S), who has been working with the WRC over the past year. WRC Chair Fox said, “this final draft is an excellent document with many maps and tables. It will provide a solid foundation for future water-resource protection and planning.”
  The report states that “Boxborough's water supply originates from six groundwater basins, relying primarily on private groundwater wells and small community water systems serving residential, municipal, and commercial users.”
  The report concludes that the quantity of water available to Boxborough residents is presently sufficient and that it will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. The table from the report shows that the water in Boxborough’s groundwater basins is replenished at a rate much higher than the withdrawal rate of Boxborough’s wells.
  Members of the WRC were pleased with this result, but they cautioned that the quality of the water is also very important. A general assessment of water quality was beyond the scope of the W&S study and may be considered for a future study.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.  

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Boxborough’s Available Water Quantity Deemed Sufficient for Foreseeable Future
• Select Board Reorders Warrant Articles for Fall Town Meeting, Discusses Whether to Issue Recommendation on Zoning Articles
• FSBC Prepares Two “Sense of the Meeting” Articles for Fall Town Meeting
• Meditations with Ann: September Breathing
• “Hope Grows Here”-- Getting to Know the UCC Boxborough’s New Pastor, Fran Graveson
• RecCom Explores ‘Best Use’ for Erikson Landry Field
• Pam’s Gardening Tips: A Great Time in Our Gardens
• Boxborough Goes Back to School with New Playground at Blanchard
• ABRSD School Committee Hears Presentation on “AB Forward” Strategic Findings

 

Written By Deb Paul
“We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.” Jeff Parness, founder of New York Says Thank You, captured the essence of American resilience in just thirteen words.

This year marks the 24th anniversary of a day that changed our nation forever. September 11, 2001, is etched into our collective memory—not just for the horror we witnessed, but for the unity that followed. Most Americans remember exactly where they were when the news broke. The images of the Twin Towers collapsing, the chaos, the courage—they remain vivid, unshakable.

We lost thousands of innocent lives—on planes, in offices, on the streets. First responders ran toward danger, not away from it. Families were shattered. The American spirit was tested. And yet, as Rudy Giuliani said, “The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead, we have emerged stronger and more unified.”

In the days that followed, something extraordinary happened. Strangers became neighbors. Political differences faded. Compassion surged. We remembered what it meant to be one nation, indivisible—not just in theory, but in practice. Flags flew from every porch. Blood banks overflowed with volunteers. People prayed together, cried together, and stood together.

We saw firefighters and police officers risk everything without hesitation. They didn’t ask who someone voted for or what religion they practiced. They saw fellow human beings in need—and they responded with courage and compassion. That spirit of selflessness defined the days after 9/11. It reminded us of who we are at our best.

But today, that unity feels distant. We are a nation divided—by politics, by ideology, by mistrust. The spirit of 9/12, once so palpable, now flickers faintly. The sense of shared purpose that once bound us has been replaced by suspicion and polarization.

Let this anniversary be more than a moment of mourning. Let it be a call to remember—not only the lives lost, but the values we rediscovered. Patriotism is not a relic. Unity is not naïve. These are the foundations of a resilient democracy.

We must reflect not only on what we lost, but on what we found: courage, compassion, and a renewed sense of community. These qualities are still within us. They are not confined to history—they are waiting to be revived.

So this September 11, pause. Reflect. Recommit. Not just to memory, but to meaning. To kindness. To courage. To each other.

Because the legacy of 9/11 isn’t just about what happened. It’s about who we became—and who we still have the power to be.

   The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday September 14.  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.

It’s time again for First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) to sell its homemade apple pies on Saturdays and Sundays, from Saturday, Sept. 20, to Sunday, Oct. 12. Sales will begin at 10 a.m. and will close when the day’s pies are sold, or at 1 p.m., whichever comes first. FPC’s 3 lb. pies are $20 each and 1 lb. tarts are $10, cash or check preferred. The apple pie stand is located at the front of the church grounds, at 353 Great Road, Stow. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org. Apples for the pies have been generously donated by Shelburne Farm of Stow.

On Saturday, September 20, all gardeners are welcome to join the New England Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS) for their fall kick-off meeting. The topic of the day is seed saving, processing, and growing. The event will take place at the Goodnow Library in Sudbury from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Attendees are asked to bring their own bag lunch, with beverages and snacks provided. At 11 am, Jan Sacks and Marty Schafer of Carlisle lead the panel discussion on Seeds - Collecting and Cleaning Techniques. These expert growers will share tips they’ve found valuable. After the lunch break, our Annual Seedling Sale begins at 1 pm. Members bring their extra seedlings of clearly labelled rock garden plants, including some natives, to share. The first-round price is $2 per pot until buying slows down, after which the price is $1 per pot. Very special, higher-value plants may be raffled off.
Come to buy, even if you can’t bring seedlings of your own!

 

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

At their meeting on August 11, the Boxborough Select Board heard a presentation from Finance Committee Chair Tony Newton recommending that Boxborough establish a Board of Assessors to oversee the assessor’s office.
  The town has been operating with Interim Town Assessor James Doherty since August 4. He is expected to be with the town for at least seven weeks, but not permanently. A search for a permanent Town Assessor is underway. The former Town Assessor was terminated on July 21.
  The Finance Committee is recommending that the town establish a Board of Assessors after identifying two issues of concern relating to the Town Assessor function in the wake of the Annual Town Meeting in May 2025.
  The first issue is that the town has built up a surplus of funds for property revaluation after approving annual revaluation warrant articles for $30,000. The second issue is a surplus of funds in the town’s overlay reserve, which is set aside for tax abatements.
  Finance Committee Chair Newton noted that there is currently no indication that any funds were misused.
  Newton told the Select Board that the Finance Committee is looking into both of these surplus issues, but that identification of the issues prompted the Committee to suggest the Select Board create a Board of Assessors to oversee the Town Assessor. Newton noted that most communities in Massachusetts have both a Board of Assessors and a Town Assessor. The Board of Assessors could be appointed or elected.
  The Select Board responded positively to the Finance Committee’s recommendation and voted to add a warrant article establishing a Board of Assessors to the Fall Town Meeting warrant.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 At Two Friends Chocolates, chocolate is not just a treat. It’s an art form, carefully crafted by owner and chocolatier, Lavanya (“Lala”) Selvaraj.
  Selvaraj opened Two Friends Chocolates at 629 Massachusetts Ave in Boxborough in 2020 after starting the business in her Boxborough home in 2016. The business has been the recipient of two Boxborough local business grants and has evolved from making chocolates and hot cocoa to serving up hot and cold “drinking chocolate” as well as “sparkler” cold fruit drinks.
  Boxborough News reached out to Selvaraj to learn more about her chocolate-making process from idea to shelf.
  Boxborough News: How do you come up with ideas for new chocolates?
  Selvaraj: “As makers, we thrive on bringing unique products to market—never replicating what already exists. We always listen to our customers’ needs, using their ideas as sparks of inspiration that guide us back to the drawing board, where we creating something entirely our own. For instance, when many asked us for a caramel-based treat, we didn’t just release another caramel - we developed our Caramel Barrels, a fresh concept built from the ground up. Similarly, while the viral Dubai bar has been widely replicated, we made a conscious decision not to follow that trend. Instead, we challenged ourselves to go above and beyond, creating a truly original offering: the Pistachio Kunafa Mendiant, with a never-before-seen flavor and design profile. Ideas ignite the process—but our craft lies in transforming those ideas into distinctive, original creations.”
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.