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Boxborough DTC to Sponsor Household Goods Donation Drive

BOXBOROUGH: Have you started your spring cleaning? The Boxborough Democratic Town Committee is organizing a donation drive for Household Goods in recognition of Earth Day (April 22). Household Goods provides a full range of furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home. By donating, not only will you be helping a family in need, you will also ensure that your unwanted item doesn’t end up in the trash.

Pots and pans, towels, lamps, sheets, blankets, small rugs, etc. are always needed. For a list of items accepted and donation guidelines, please visit www.householdgoods.org or https://tinyurl.com/4cazmftn.  Donations are accepted at Household Goods on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am-noon. Can’t get to Household Goods during these hours? The Boxborough DTC will be collecting small item donations (no large furniture) and delivering to Household Goods on Earth Day. For more information, send an email to boxborough.dtc@gmail.com, visit www.boxboroughdems.org or facebook.com/BoxboroughDTC.
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Boxborough Minutemen Patriots’ Day Activities 

BOXBOROUGH: On April 17, the Boxborough Minutemen Company will convene at 5:30am outside the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road, to commemorate the events of the original Patriots’ Day. The Museum is located at the edge of Boxborough’s Old Town Center Historic District where some of the original Minutemen from Boxborough mustered on April 19, 1775.

The list of company officers is confirmed by a drumhead election. This is an old tradition whereby minutemen company members indicate their approval by tapping on the company bass drum. The company cannon is fired to announce that the company is ready to meet the enemy. There is a short march to Boxborough North Cemetery for a commemorative musket volley after which the names of men from Boxborough who joined in the battle on April 19, 1775 are read out.

At 6:20am, the Boxborough Company joins its comrades, the Acton Minutemen, at Acton town center for a three volley musket salute, after which both companies embark on the seven mile march on the Isaac Davis Trail to the North Bridge in Concord (arriving about 8:45am) for a skirmish against the British redcoats.

The Minutemen finish the day’s events with a parade through the center of Concord.  For information, please contact Captain Tony Newton at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org, or (617) 448-5931.
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Open Space & Recreation Public Forum  April 12

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Town Planner and the chairs of the Conservation Commission and Recreation Commission will be hosting a public forum on open space and recreation on April 12 from 7-8:30pm at Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road. Boxborough residents and members of the greater community of all ages are invited to discuss updates to the Town's Open Space and Recreation Plan. Parks and open space provide opportunities for fun and relaxation. From bike racks to signage, and even new spaces, this forum will give you a voice to help guide decision-making for the next several years.

Interpreters in Mandarin Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, and Hindi will be available during the forum.

If you would like to participate or provide feedback, but cannot attend the forum, submit ideas and suggestions to the Town Planner, Alec Wade via email at awade@boxborough-ma.gov, or visit during office hours from 5-6:30pm at Boxborough Town Hall on April 6, 10 or 13.

To review a draft of the plan, visit boxborough-ma.gov, and type OSRP into the Search bar.  If you have any questions, please contact the Town Planner at (978) 264-1723.
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Discovery Museum presents,
“A Family Revealed: From Slavery to Hope”

Live, in-person event will feature Wallis Wickham Raemer and Reggie Harris,
cousins and descendants of a Confederate enslaver

ACTON/CONCORD: As a live, in-person 2023 Discovery Museum Speaker Series event, “A Family Revealed: From Slavery to Hope” will be an evening of engaging music and conversation with the audience, two descendants of a Confederate enslaver, one Black and one white, share their story and discuss what it was like to discover each other’s deeply held feelings, pain, and hope. 

Featured will be Wallis Wickham Raemer, educator, and Reggie Harris, folk singer and social activist. Raemer, who grew up in Richmond, Virginia, thought it was cool to have a statue of her great-great-great-grandfather, Willams Carter Wickham, in the center of town. But as she grew older she changed her mind–especially after meeting Reggie Harris, who also is a descendant of the same Confederate general but by way of Bibanna Hewlett, one of the 275 people that he enslaved. For Mr. Harris, a wonderfully gifted folksinger and educator, the statue was a painful reminder of the abuse his family suffered and the refusal of America to fully acknowledge its past. After the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville in 2017 Wallis and some members of her family wrote a letter to the city requesting that the statue be removed. But it remained until protesters dragged it down with a rope. This is real history and it’s complicated. But Reggie and Wallis are facing it by talking it out and through music. They’ve shared their journey on CNN, in a recent film, in schools, and in an article in The New York Times.

This event will be held May 9 from 7-8:30pm at no charge in the Nashoba Brooks School, 200 Strawberry Hill Road in Concord. Required advance registration is available at http://bit.ly/DMSpeakerSeries.
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Acton Town Election Important Dates

ACTON: Mark your calendars for these important Town of Acton election dates:
 
 
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Communication in Ages 0-2

ACTON: Learn about ways to connect, support and understand your baby age 0-24 months with presenter Mary Beilman, a Baby Sign Language Educator certified thru the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting, based on Dr. Joseph Garcia's Sign with Your Baby program. Discuss communication milestones including crying, understanding and first words. In addition, learn about the benefits of using sign language to help build communication skills, reduce frustration, and enhance communications. Participants will learn basic signs to incorporate into your daily routines. Bring your baby, a blanket, and enjoy a story and song that includes the new signs we learn. This event will be held at First Connections on April 19, 10-11am. Masks required for adults. To register, email lmatthews@jri.org.

Emerson Health 5k Run~Walk for Cancer Care – Registration Now Open
High-Performance Shirts for All Registrants!

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CONCORD/ACTON: Registration is open for Emerson Health’s 24th annual 5k Run~Walk for Cancer Care at www.emersonhospital.org/5k. All proceeds support healing programs for patients who receive cancer care at Emerson.  In addition to the 5k, there will be a one-mile Kids’ Run and medals for the top finishers.

There are two ways to participate: Join the in-person event on May 6 at 8am at Nara Park in Acton, which includes free breakfast from Blackbird Cafe, ice cream from Kimball Farm, lawn games from All in Events MA, and community tables.

Or, sign up to do the virtual event to complete the 5k anytime between May 1 – May 6. Visit the website for details, to register, and make a donation. All registrants receive a high-performance race shirt. 

The Run~Walk event is a great opportunity to meet up with friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Encourage everyone you know to come out and exercise while raising money to support people in the community with cancer. For more information, email runwalk@emersonhosp.org, call Emerson’s Development Office at (978) 287-3084, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @EmersonHealth5K.
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Patriots’ Day Spirit at the Faulkner Homestead

ACTON: On April 16, the Iron Work Farm will explore the full meaning of Patriots’ Day, which was established to commemorate the start of not one, but two wars in our country’s history. In both wars, the people of Acton and the Faulkner Homestead played an important part. Beginning at 1pm, three groups of re-enactors will be on hand to mark the April 19, 1861 start of the Civil War. Soldiers of the 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and the 12th Georgia Infantry will stage an encampment and hold skirmishes in the Faulkner woods, while members of “Be What Remains”, the re-enactors of the US Sanitary Commission, will demonstrate the help they gave to the enlisted soldiers during the war. A musical ensemble, the “Shades of Gray” will be on hand to perform mid-19th century tunes.

On April 19, 1775, on the first day of the Revolutionary War, local families gathered in the Faulkner dooryard to cook food to take to the Acton militiamen in the field. Visitors will experience 18th -century home life with outdoor cooking, children’s games, etc., while in the Faulkner House, members of the Nashoba Valley Weavers Guild will demonstrate colonial weaving, and show off the old “barn frame” loom. At the end of the afternoon (about 5:30pm), the Acton Minutemen will stage their annual “Robbins’ Ride” reenactment—the arrival of the horse and rider who brought the news to Col. Francis Faulkner earlier that day that the British were marching on Concord.

Patriots’ Day Spirit is open to the public for a modest donation—“Give What You Will”. Parking is available in the nearby public lots.
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Candidate Forum

ACTON: The League of Women Voters Acton-Area will host a Candidates Forum ahead of the April 25 Election Day. All candidates whose names will appear on the town ballot have been asked to participate. If a candidate is in a contested race, they will appear on a panel for the race and answer a series of pre-selected questions from the League and from voters who have submitted questions ahead of time. If a candidate is in an uncontested race they will be given the opportunity to make a statement. 
 
The forum will be held in the Faulkner Meeting Room at Acton Town Hall on April 10 at 7pm. It will also be available live on Acton TV's cable channel and Acton TV's YouTube channel. The forum will be recorded and made available to watch on Acton TV, Acton TV's YouTube channel as well as the League's website: lwv-acton-area.org. 
 
The League of Women Voters is eager to help voters learn more about the candidates running in the Acton Town Election and provide a non-partisan forum for all candidates to be heard. The event is part of the LWV's mission to encourage the active and informed participation of all citizens in government and the electoral process. It will be free and open to the public.  
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SVT Announces Spring Programs

Area residents are invited to attend one of the many nature-themed programs hosted by Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT). The nonprofit conservation group recently posted its Spring 2023 Program Calendar on its website, along with complete details and registration information.  Highlights include a Senior Walks in Acton, Wayland, and Sudbury (various dates in April and May); Unlock Your Inner Food Gardener (May 6); Spring Wildflower Walks in Berlin and Sudbury (May 13); a Plant Identification and Natural History Walk in Harvard (May 14); and a Full Moon Walk in Wayland (June 2). Space is limited and registration is required.

In honor of Earth Day, SVT will lead a History Hike Up Tippling Rock in Sudbury on April 22, at 9am. Plus, a special webinar on April 20 will explore how backyard gardens can contribute to climate change resilience.

SVT also offers volunteer opportunities for those interested in caring for local conservation lands. Upcoming projects include building a boardwalk across wetlands in Sudbury, creating a new hiking trail in Berlin, and pulling non-native invasive plants from conservation areas in several towns. New volunteers are also invited to attend the Spring Volunteer Orientation Session over Zoom on April 26 at 7pm.

Complete information about SVT programs and volunteer projects is available at www.svtweb.org/calendar.
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Fall Youth Dance Classes at Acton Woman's Club

ACTON: Registration for the Acton Woman’s Club fall Youth Dance Classes is now open online at https://theactonwomansclub.org/dance/Registrations. Registrations are on a “first come, first served” basis. There are usually more registrants than space in the classes.

The Club is excited to introduce their new instructor, Carole Ann Baer. Baer has been in the dance field for well over 30 years, bringing an array of experience to her profession. She danced with the world champion BYU Ballroom Dance Team while in college, and continued teaching ballroom at both the Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray dance studios in Salt Lake City, Boston and Worcester, and has been a dance instructor at Brandeis University for over 25 years. She has also been a theater choreographer for the Ephraim Curtis Middle School in Sudbury and The Temple Shir Tikva Players in Wayland. Baer's love of dance and love of people translates in her classes, with a warmth and ease of instruction. Everyone is welcome and made to feel comfortable.

The nine sessions of Friday evening dance classes run from September 8 through November 17.  For more information or to register, visit https://theactonwomansclub.org/dance/  or email awcactondanceclass@gmail.com.

As a non-profit, charitable social club in the Historic Center of Acton, the Acton Woman’s Club has sponsored Dance Classes for over 70 years as a community enrichment program for thousands of local youth, providing an exciting Friday evening of fun and dancing, learning a variety of dance styles, as well as dance floor etiquette. The Dance Classes generate funds that promote the AWC’s building maintenance and philanthropic activities, including ABRHS senior scholarships and donations to local charities.  Membership in the Club is open to any woman who lives or works in Acton.  For more information, visit https://theactonwomansclub.org.
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ACC Hosts Holy Week Services

ACTON: The Ministry of ACC invites you to join us for Holy Week and Easter Services.
Members, Non-Members, Friends and Family. All are Welcome.

Palm Sunday - April 2 9:30am
Fresh Eco Friendly Palms

Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service -
April 6 at 8pm
Join for this Holy Day and share Communion

Good Friday - April 7 Worship Service at 7pm

Easter Sunday Worship & Flowering of the Cross - April 9
9:30am Easter Egg Hunt following worship
10:30am Abundant Fellowship
11:15am Second Easter Service

Come early or stay late for light refreshments and an abundance of Fellowship.
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Acton Water District Spring 2023 Water Main Flushing

ACTON: The Acton Water District will begin its spring water main flushing program on April 10, 2023. They will primarily be flushing water mains in Acton Center, which is roughly the area north of Route 2 to the Route 2A/119 corridor and east towards the Concord town line (East Acton).

Customers directly impacted by flushing will be notified via automated phone call prior to the commencement of flushing. Road signs will be placed in the vicinity of the areas being flushed prior to initiating flushing. We will not be flushing on April 17 due to the Patriots’ Day holiday. Discolored water and periods of low pressure may be experienced on, or in the general vicinity of, any of the streets being flushed. Areas outside of the flushing zone may also experience some of these conditions, although the program is designed to minimize widespread impacts.

Flushing will occur between the hours of 8am and 8pm, Monday-Thursday. Since at any time during this period customers may experience discolored water, it is advisable to draw and store some drinking water prior to flushing in your area. Any customers experiencing discolored water should not launder light-colored clothing, or run their dishwashers, as the minerals in the water may cause staining.

This process is necessary for improving water quality in the distribution system, exercising valves and hydrants, and to clean mineral deposits from the pipes to minimize future incidents of discolored water.

For updates on areas being flushed, please refer to the Water District website at www.actonwater.com, or call (978) 263-9107. You may also follow Acton Water District on Twitter @Actonwater. Your patience and understanding are appreciated as they conduct this necessary maintenance activity.
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“Viewpoint” Art Exhibit Opens at 6 Bridges Gallery on April 5, 2023

MAYNARD: 6 Bridges Gallery presents “Viewpoint,” an exhibit of recent works by associate member artists Micah Bridges, Bryan Clocker, Jeanne D’Amico, Julie L’Heureux, Natalie MacKnight, and Melissa Vance Goodman. The exhibit will be on view at 6 Bridges Gallery, 77 Main Street, from April 5-May 13. It will also be hosted online at 6 Bridges Gallery. A reception will be held on April 15 from 5–7pm.
 
In this exhibit, Bridges, Clocker, D’Amico, L’Heureux, MacKnight and Vance Goodman showcase new bodies of work around the collective theme of “Viewpoint.” These works take on different perspectives of the environment and nature, look at the unconventional, and highlight different angles from up close to a far. Works in the exhibit include ceramics, photography, printmaking and paintings. 
 
Photographer Micah Bridges writes, “I find the concept of “Viewpoint” fascinating as it is a way to describe how one views the world. Or even as the expression of seeing things in an unconventional manner. This is an inspiration to me as many times as humans we focus solely on a single viewpoint missing out on all that is around us.”
 
For more information, please visit https://6bridges.gallery, https://www.facebook.com/6BridgesGallery and https://www.instagram.com/6bridgesgallery/?hl=en.

PHOTO: “Boston Walkway,” Photograph, by Julie L’Heureux
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Join Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church for Holy Week and Easter Services

ACTON: You are invited to Holy Week and Easter services with Mt. Calvary. Celebrate the most unforgettable, life-giving time in the Christian calendar. Begin the journey to Easter with a series called, Radical Love. You’ll hear what Jesus shared during His last week, during His dying moments, and experience how Jesus radically changed everything on Easter with his great love.  Mt. Calvary offers a number of opportunities to gather together for Easter worship.

Palm Sunday, April 2
“Love Went Up” at 9am & 10:30am — On Palm Sunday Jesus went up to Jerusalem. The people around Jerusalem expressed their need shouting, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13). Join a beautiful Palm Sunday with special music and a message of love for you. Mt. Calvary Kids and Youth at 9am.

Maundy Thursday, April 6
“Love Knelt Down” at 7pm — During Passover, Jesus does something remarkable by pausing evening festivities to humble Himself and kneel at His friends’ feet. Jesus sets a concrete example of what loving others looks like. Join us for a contemporary service to reflect upon Jesus’ words and celebrate Holy Communion.

Good Friday, April 7
“God’s Friday – Love Grows” for families at 10am – All are welcome to a craft morning. Walk at your own pace through the interactive stations followed by a kids' Easter message at 11am. It will be a fun morning for adults and kids to share, so bring another family and enjoy a truly good, Good Friday.

“Love Ran Red” at 7pm. How does Christ see himself upon the cross? Join an evening worship with traditional music. You will hear the Seven Last Words of Jesus from select texts, pray and reflect upon Psalm 22 – Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Easter Sunday, April 9
“Radical Love” for everyone at 9am and 11am – Jesus radically changes everything. What happened on Easter morning radically changes how we think, act and live today. Join two uplifting morning worship services with Kids Connection. Coffee and refreshments served at 10am, followed by an egg hunt for children at 10:30am.

For more information, visit www.mtcalvaryacton.org or call the church at (978) 263-5156. The Church is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue. Parking (including handicap) is available behind the church, off Prospect Street, and at the Acton Funeral Home on Massachusetts Avenue.
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Discovery Museum Continues 2023 Speaker Series with Dr. Susan Linn

ACTON: Next up in the Discovery Museum 2023 Speaker Series is Who's Raising the Kids? Big Tech, Big Business, and the Lives of Children with Dr. Susan Linn, author and psychologist on March 29, 7-8pm, presented via Zoom Webinar. This event is free with pre-registration; $5 suggested donation appreciated.  For more information visit https://26033.blackbaudhosting.com/26033/Discovery-Museum-2023-Speaker-Series-Whos-Raising-the-Kids.

Dr. Linn’s unparalleled research on the impact of Big Tech and big business on children argues that our digitized-commercialized culture, and the ways it infiltrates our homes and classrooms, is damaging for kids and families as well as society at large. In this talk, based on her September 2022 book, Who's Raising the Kids? Big Tech, Big Business, and the Lives of Children, Susan will explore and expose the roots of this modern condition, explain the commercial incentives that drive it, and map out what we can do for our families, our students, and our communities, to create change.

Dr. Linn will be interviewed by her sister, Nancy Pearl, retired Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book at the Seattle Public Library and author of the “Book Lust” series, four titles filled with recommendations of good books to read.
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Open Door Presents The SpongeBob Musical

ACTON: Soak in the effervescent SpongeBob Musical with Open Door Theater at The Dragonfly Theater, R.J. Grey Jr. High School. Open Door’s multicultural/ multigenerational cast will present seven performances between March 24-April 2, all of which are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation and open captioning. There will be audio-described performances on the second weekend. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit www.opendoortheater.org.

Performances: 
- 3/24 at 7pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- 3/25 at 1pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- 3/26 at 1pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
- 3/31 at 7pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
- 4/1 at 1pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
- 4/1 at 7pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly 
- 4/2 at 1pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg and features a book by Kyle Jarrow, with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I., and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton, with additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landau. The SpongeBob Musical is an action-packed underwater adventure highlighting diversity, courage, and friendship.

Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Over its 43-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved and marginalized audiences and participants to enjoy live high-quality theater. Sponsored in part by the AB United Way, Astra Foundation, and the Massachusetts, Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury and Westford Cultural Councils.
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Tour of Acton Public Works Facility Scheduled for April 1

ACTON: On May 1, 2023, Acton Town Meeting will be considering the approval of $1,225,000 requested for the design of a new Public Works Facility (Article 6). This sum is recommended by the Town Manager in response to the Final Report of the Department of Public Works Facility Study Committee (DPWFSC), accepted by the Select Board in November, 2022. The Study found that the existing facility, built over 50 years ago, was seriously undersized, was in poor condition, and was inappropriate for present needs.

The DPWFSC has set up a public tour of the facility on April 1, 10am-1pm, assisted by DPW Staff, to provide an opportunity for residents to see the conditions and make an informed decision on May 1, 2023 at Town Meeting. Access the facility from 14 Forest Road (behind the Transfer Station). For more information check out the Department of Public Works Facility Study Committee page via the Boards and committees tab in the Actonma.gov website.
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Long Live the Queen!: A Bus Tour of Acton, Concord, and Littleton Queen Anne Homes

ACTON/CONCORD/LITTLETON: Many Queen Anne buildings have stood the test of time and still grace the streets of these three towns over a hundred years later. On April 30 at 1pm, join Histoury as they explore the picturesque and playful style that reigned in the last decades of Queen Victoria’s era, glimpsing into the lives of many locals along the way. The Long Live the Queen! Bus tour is a one-time cultural experience in the Massachusetts area. Spots are very limited!

Histoury is an organization that brings to life architectural tours that are both entertaining and educational. Made up of experts in tourism and history preservation, our team creates one-time tours in the New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts areas that both inform and inspire!  For more information, visit https://histoury.org.
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Call for Art: Tzfat in Maynard Exhibition

MAYNARD: The Tzfat in Maynard Exhibition is seeking submissions of art for an exhibit at the Maynard Public Library from May 1–31, with an artist reception on the evening of May 18. The actual work can be delivered until April 15. but an intent to participate is required by March 31.

The Maynard Cultural Council is helping to fund this exhibit, coordinated by Lisa B. Corfman. Tzfat is an artist colony in Israel; Maynard has its own significant art district, so Tzfat is very much a sister community. Artwork that embodies the themes of loving your neighbor as yourself, hope, unity, positivity, diversity, creation, spirituality in Maynard, Tzfat and/or Jewish knowledge is appropriate. More about artwork being submitted:

- It does not have to be newly created.
- Artwork that can be hung is fine. It does not have to have a Jewish focus or be created by a Maynard artist.

To register your intent to particpate, send a note to Lisa (LBCorfman@gmail.com) or call (617) 308-2573. Artists retain 75% of any sales. More specifics about what to include in submission requests are available at https://jewishhope.org/tzfat-everywhere/.

“This event will allow individuals to discard unwanted firearms in a simple, non-judgmental way. It is a tremendous public safety initiative that could prevent unwanted guns from ending up in the hands of someone that may wish to do harm to themselves or others,” said Acton Police Sergeant Scott Krug, member of AB Cares.
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AB Cares to host Safer Homes, Safer Community: A Community Gun Buyback Program

ACTON: AB Cares is once again partnering with the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office to host a gun buyback initiative on May 6, 9am-12pm at the St. Matthew’s Methodist Church located at 435 Central Street. Individuals turning in unwanted firearms are asked to transport them to the site unloaded and in the trunk of their car. Ammunition will be accepted as well. No ID required, no questions asked - and each person turning in a firearm will have the option of receiving a gift card to a local grocery store. All firearms and ammunition will be handled by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and will be destroyed by the Massachusetts State Police.

This event was first held in 2021. While it was our community’s first gun buyback, the results exceeded expectations. A total of 34 firearms and an assortment of ammunition were collected, and last year, 20 firearms and additional ammunition.  Many of those who turned in firearms have expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to do so in a safe manner. In addition, most participants opted to “pay it forward” and donate their grocery gift cards to low-income residents of Acton and Boxborough, allowing AB Cares to not only take a step towards improving the safety of our community but help needy residents at the same time.

Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the U.S., causing more than 38,000 deaths and nearly 85,000 injuries each year. Gun violence is an epidemic, and public health measures such as gun buyback programs are necessary steps to help address this crisis. “This event is incredibly timely; we know that mental health across the lifespan has suffered as a result of the pandemic; in fact, some now refer to the “dual pandemic” of suicide and COVID-19. AB Cares is committed to suicide prevention, and helping reduce the risk of suicide by firearms is a good place to start,” said Deborah Garfield, LICSW Director of The Eliot Center and member of the AB Cares coalition.

“We know that nearly 6 out of every 10 gun deaths in Massachusetts are suicides, and firearm is the most lethal mean of suicide, with 22% of all suicides by firearm. This event will provide residents the opportunity to safely, securely dispose of unwanted and unused firearms to make our homes and our communities safer by reducing the chance of accidental discharge, self-harm, and theft,” said Katie Neville, Acton-Boxborough United Way’s Executive Director and member of the AB Cares coalition.

“This event will allow individuals to discard unwanted firearms in a simple, non-judgmental way. It is a tremendous public safety initiative that could prevent unwanted guns from ending up in the hands of someone that may wish to do harm to themselves or others,” said Acton Police Sergeant Scott Krug, member of AB Cares.

“We are proud to once again be working with AB Cares, the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments and all those involved to help facilitate this year’s event,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “These buybacks continue to enhance community and home safety by providing local residents with the opportunity to safely and securely dispose of unwanted firearms.”The initiative is funded through the generosity of numerous organizations including Acton-Boxborough United Way, Danny’s Place Youth Services, Minuteman Senior Services, West Acton Baptist Church, Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and the towns of Acton and
Boxborough. Many local organizations have also stepped up to support this event as partners, including the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments, the League of Women Voters – Acton Area, the Acton Council on Aging, NAMI Central Middlesex, the Boxborough Well-Being Committee, and St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. For more information, visit bit.ly/ABcares, or contact the AB Cares coalition at abcarescoalition@gmail.com or (978) 263-1777.
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How Jews Confront Modernity: A Conversation with Barry Shrage

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ACTON: Congregation Beth Elohim (133 Prospect Street) presents "How Jews Confront Modernity: A Conversation with Barry Shrage," with an introduction by Rabbi Emeritus Lewis Mintz.  The event will take place April 2 from 3-5pm in person and on Zoom.  This program is partially funded by the Rabbi Lewis Mintz fund at Congregation Beth Elohim. If you would like to contribute to this fund, visit www.bethelohim.org/donate, click on Donate and choose the Rabbi Lewis Mintz Fund.

Barry Shrage is the Inaugural speaker in the Rabbi Lewis Mintz series and is Professor of the Practice at the Hornstein Jewish Professional Leadership Program at Brandeis University. One of America's foremost Jewish leaders, Shrage served for the past 30 years as president of Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) of Greater Boston and as a powerful voice on the American Jewish communal scene. He is known in Boston and throughout the world for his support of Jewish education; his promotion of engagement by religious and nonreligious Jews; his commitment to working for social justice at home and abroad alongside others; his support of Israel; his bridge-building, outreach, and engagement with the non-Jewish community in creative partnerships; and for his boundless energy and creativity.
After retiring from CJP in 2018, Barry Shrage joined the Hornstein Program, where he trains and mentors students in their future roles as Jewish professional leaders. He is also working closely with the How Jews Confront Modernity: A Conversation with Barry Shrage, with an introduction by Rabbi Emeritus Lewis Mintz where he is developing and leading a new initiative on Jewish identity.
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SAVE THE DATE: "The Power of Angels" 2023 Kitty Angels Fundraiser May 6 & 7

AMHERST, NH: Plans are coming together for another fabulous fundraiser for Kitty Angels, Inc., so mark your calendars! This year’s event will take place on May 6 & 7, from 9am-5pm at Treasures Antiques and Collectables, 106 Ponemah Road (Route 122). Yes, pets are always welcome! The kitties and vendors have taken the necessary precautions and are excited to have you get out of the house and come visit with them for some fabulous finds, great “free” entertainment and most important of all, to help Kitty Angels!

Look for all your favorite vendors, including artist Eric Nickola, dba WolfpacStudios, Artist Lori-Ellen Budenas of Respect the Wood, Monica Gesualdo of Trading Faces, Food Vendor B’s Grumman Grub, Heart’s Design Jewelry. Forever Clean Soaps, Gabe’s Creations, LAB House, Shire Enduring Creations, Dubz Dyes, Morel Woodworking, Baby Snuggz, SoGo Metal Art, Happy Cat Creations, Vinyl Revival, Dusty Finds, Blueberry Cove Creations, Damsel In Defense, Willey’s Whirleys, Baboosic Lake Gourds, Anthony Acres, Color Street, Paws & Spas, Lynda’s Felted Critters, Custom Care Designs, Fiber Art by Eve Huston, Cam’s Shop, Amherst Animal Hospital and so many more. The bands and soloists for the event, consist of keyboardist/band member Joey Peavey, Side Effects, Jensing, North Sound Duo, Jeff Damon, Sunset Rhythm and Wildwood.

Featured throughout the fundraising weekend and into the month of June, is an electrifying raffle of numerous and diverse prizes, all generously donated by local and national businesses, professional sports teams, private individuals and some of the awesome on-site vendors.

Kitty Angels, Inc. is the sole beneficiary of this event. They are a no-kill cat shelter and are made up of all unpaid volunteers, dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and kittens, furnishing them with treatment for injuries or other health issues and then placing them into new forever homes with compatible owners. They are a non-profit, 501(C)3 charitable corporation where all donations are fully tax-deductible and every penny of every donation is used in the caring of cats. Consider adopting a new life-long forever-friend!

Interested in becoming a vendor at the event? Contact Sherry or Rick Tobin, at (603) 672-2535.  
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Acton Police Department Shares Ongoing Success of Clinical Responder Program

ACTON: Interim Chief Jim Cogan wishes to share the ongoing success of the Acton Police Department’s clinician outreach program:

Bethany Van Emburgh joined the Department as its first full-time clinician in January 2022. She uses a trauma-informed and person-first model to de-escalate crises, and offers ongoing support and advocacy for all she comes into contact with. Van Emburgh, an Acton native, is a full-time non-uniformed Department member. The position is funded through a multi-year grant from the state Department of Mental Health. In the first year of the clinician program:
 
  • Referrals to a Jail/Arrest Diversion Program totaled 508, with 155 in the final three months of 2022.
  • Van Emburgh followed up on 427 cases. Follow-ups can include visits to the home, phone calls, meetings with the individual and other collaterals, or a mixture of these. Out of the 508 cases that were referred to the clinician, 427 follow up activities were completed, with the others either being referred to other agencies or just declined follow-up services.
  • The number of individuals referred by the Department to a general or psychiatric hospital for evaluation decreased from 110 in 2020 and 95 in 2021 to 81 in 2022.

Van Emburgh assists with a wide variety of community-based services. She connects residents with mental-health and substance misuse programs, coordinates with local and state service organizations, and ensures services are accessible and equitable.  She trains officers to provide new skills when responding to mental-health calls, and serves as a co-first responder when needed. She also works to proactively intervene in situations that may not require a public safety response.

Chief Cogan and Van Emburgh cited the case of a resident who became disconnected from their usual support network, and began calling the Department regularly for assistance. While the resident was in no immediate danger the responding officer could spend 45 to 90 minutes at their home, diverting that officer from other duties.

Van Emburgh worked with the resident over several months to reconnect them to their support systems and allow the resident to access the more appropriate services and supports to meet their needs.

Acton had been part of a consortium with a single co-responding clinician shared among several police departments. Then-Chief Richard Burrows decided Acton needed its own dedicated clinician.

“I’ve been a big supporter of this since it started in 2015, and felt we were getting so much out of it,” Chief Cogan said. “Today, with expanded services, we’re seeing a major difference.”

Chief Cogan is exploring ways to expand the clinician program and increase its impact in the community. Community members interested in the clinician program, or who would like to connect with Van Emburgh, are asked to contact her at 978-929-7515 or bvanemburgh@actonma.gov.
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Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean's List

CONCORD/CARLISLE/ACTON: Congratulations to the following local students who were named to the 2022 fall semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston:
 
  • Francesca Servello, Acton (01720)
  • Emma Ely, Carlisle (01741)
  • Annie Kinzlmaier, Concord (01742)
  • Olivia Palmer, Concord (01742)
  • Emma Wilcoxson, Concord (01742)

To qualify for dean's list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.
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Three Acton Firefighters Graduate from Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's Career Recruit Program

ACTON: Chief Robert Hart and the Acton Fire Department are pleased to announce that three Acton firefighters graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Career Recruit Program. Firefighter/ Paramedic's Cote Kilbride and Justin Mercuio, and Susan Lombard were among 23 firefighters who graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy's Career Recruit Program Class 309. Firefighter/Paramedic Lombard joined Acton Fire in April 2022, Firefighter/ Paramedic Kilbride joined in May 2022, and Firefighter/Paramedic Mercuio joined in August 2021.

The 10-week program prepares firefighters for basic firefighting, including search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, fire attack and life safety lessons, as well as non-fire responses and hazardous material response.

“I would like to congratulate our members for their completion of the Career Recruit Program,” said Chief Hart. “Our members are dedicated individuals, and I would like to wish Firefighter/Paramedic Lombard, Firefighter Kilbride and Firefighter Mercuio the best of luck in this next chapter of their careers.”

At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, firefighter recruits learn a wide range of skills in an intensive 10-week program. Certified and more experienced firefighters lead classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and firefighting practice. Students are given training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, confined space rescue techniques and rappelling. Upon successful completion of the Recruit Program, all students have met national standards of National Fire Protection Association 1001.

PHOTO: (From left) Firefighter/Paramedics Susan Lombard, Cote Kilbride and Justin Mercuio.

The Boxborough Finance Committee Completes Work on the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget

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BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Finance Committee has completed its work on the Fiscal Year 2024 operating budget to be presented at Annual Town Meeting which starts at 7pm on May 8 at Blanchard School. Boxborough registered voters who attend Annual Town Meeting vote on the budget.

This year’s budget represents an increase of 4.8%.  Education, including the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District assessment and vocational technical education, accounts for 55% of the annual budget.  The remaining 45% of the budget funds Town Government, including Police, Fire, Town Hall, the Department of Public Works and the Library.  The non-education portion of the budget also funds employee and pension benefits, debt service, insurance and the reserve fund.  

Maria Neyland, Chair of the Finance Committee said, “This year’s budget ensures fairness to taxpayers and meets the needs of the town without sacrificing essential services.”

At the recommendation of Michael Johns, Town Administrator, the Finance Committee agreed to reorganize and streamline several smaller budgets.  Utilities, maintenance, landscaping, and Steele Farm were moved into a single budget.  The only exception was Hager Well, which serves Blanchard School, a part of the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District.   

Neyland said, “The budget process was efficient and seamless, thanks in large part to a strong working relationship with the Town Administrator.”     

The Finance Committee meets every Tuesday during the budgeting season leading up to the Annual Town Meeting.  All members of the public are encouraged to attend FinCom meetings.  Agendas are posted on the Town’s website. Agenda Center • Boxborough, MA • CivicEngage (boxborough-ma.gov).

Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley Awards Scholarships to Local Students for Upcoming (RYLA) Conference in June

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The Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley announced that it has awarded scholarships to this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Conference to be held in June. The lucky scholarship winners are Nevaeh Duplessis, Vincenzo Porfino, Riley Dinjian and Madison Oxnard.

Robert Johnson, local Committee Chairperson, said that the chosen students will be among the more than 150 Massachusetts high school sophomores who will attend the RYLA Conference. Aimed at developing the leadership potential of young men and women, the conference will feature many thought-provoking events including interactive Leadership Labs, exciting guest speakers, and challenging mental and physical activities that will provide the participants with a chance to excel amongst and with their peers. Topics will include decision-making, critical thinking, communicating effectively, ethics, and public service. To be chosen, the candidates needed to qualify by showing leadership potential and good citizenship characteristics and showing a strong desire to attend and benefit from the conference. Additionally, in their individual interviews, they needed to stand out from the other applicants.

Congratulations from the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley to this year’s scholarship winners and their families! Anyone interested in obtaining further information should visit www.ryla7910.org or contact
Robert Johnson at johnson@itesafety.com, (978) 875-3143 or any other member of the Nashoba Valley Rotary Club.
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Open Table Benefits from Local Rotarians' Grant Funding & Donation Drive

Open Table is benefitting from local Rotarians’ grant funding and donation drive. The Maynard-based charity is dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities in 21 local communities, including Acton, Boxborough, Concord, and Maynard. Open Table’s mission is to end hunger by providing healthy food in ways that respect the dignity and diversity of the people it serves.

"We are so grateful for this partnership with the Rotary Club of Concord and the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough," states Alexandra DePalo, executive director of Open Table. "Many of the individuals and families we serve need the personal-care items that these clubs will collect. This initiative will have a major positive impact on so many members of our community."

The Concord and Acton-Boxborough clubs have partnered to provide a total of $5,000 in Rotary grant funding to Open Table. The two clubs are also conducting a donation drive to provide Open Table with personal-care items are not covered by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP.  They are seeking donations from the general public of the following five sets of personal-care items:

- Diapers: Sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6. Each month, Open Table needs 260 each of these sizes. The largest box of any brand in those sizes will be great because Open Table needs two (2) boxes of each size per month.
- Baby Wipes – Standard Size: 24 to 36 packets per month.
- Laundry Detergent and Dish Soap: 400 units per month.
- Toothpaste and Shampoo: 400 units per month.

Here, alphabetically, are Concord’s and Maynard’s nine donation-bin locations:

- Action Unlimited, 100 Domino Dr., Concord
- Coldwell Banker, 11 Main Street, Concord
- Concord Teacakes, 59 Commonwealth Ave., Concord
- Frame-ables, 111 Thoreau St., Concord
- Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest, 200 Baker Ave. Suite 205, Concord
- Middlesex Bank, 64 Main St., Concord
- Minute Man Arc Early Intervention, 1269 Main St., Concord
- Spirits Liquor Store, Maynard Crossing, 4 Digital Way, Suite 3,  Maynard (next to
Market Basket)
- The Thoreau Club, 275 Forest Ridge Rd., Concord

And here, alphabetically, are Acton’s and Boxborough’s seven donation-bin locations:

- Boxborough Liquors & Convenience, 1233 Massachusetts Ave., Boxborough
- Citizens Bank, Gould’s Plaza, 270 Great Rd., Acton
- Donelan's Supermarket, Gould’s Plaza, 248 Great Rd., Acton
- Extra Steps Pediatric Therapies, 222 Main St., Acton
- Gould’s Clothing, Gould's Plaza, 260 Great Rd., Acton
- Roche Brothers Supermarket, 387 Massachusetts Ave., Acton
- Stop & Shop Supermarket, Powder Mill Plaza, 100 Powder Mill Rd., Acton

Members of both the Rotary Club of Concord and the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough are "People of Action" in "Service above Self" - both locally and worldwide. To learn more, visit RotaryClubOfConcord.org and ActonBoxboroughRotary.org. For additional information, contact Acton-Boxborough President Steve Jones-D'Agostino at either abrotaryclub@gmail.com or email the Concord at info@rotaryclubofconcord.org.
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Boxborough Elections

BOXBOROUGH: Have you ever thought about running for a Town elected office? If so, check out the Boxborough Town Clerk and the League of Women Voters – Acton Area websites. Everything you need to participate in local elections as a voter or as a candidate is there. The League website features videos with advice from former candidates and candidate checklists. Explore the links below to learn about open positions in Boxborough and key dates for voter registration, elections and Town Meeting. Boxborough has vacancies for skilled and engaged citizens like you!

IMPORTANT DATES:
Deadline for pulling nomination papers: March 24, 2023
Last day to submit nomination papers: March 28, 2023
Open Positions (Position, # pos, Term)

Select Board, 2, 3-year term
Select Board, 1, 1-year term
School Committee, 2, 3-year term
Planning Board, 2, 3-year term
Library Trustees, 2, 3-year term
Board of Health, 1, 3-year term
Constable, 0, 3-year term
Town Moderator, 1, 1-year term
Town Clerk, 0, 3-year term

League of Women Voters Election Resources: https://bit.ly/LWV-ActonArea

Boxborough Website: https://bit.ly/boxboroughelections
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“Boxborough Bill” Celebration Held

BOXBOROUGH: About 80 people gathered recently at Boxborough’s Sargent Memorial Library, to celebrate passage of the “Boxborough Bill,” legislation allowing the town to qualify as a Green Community. Boxborough Sustainability Committee Chair Francie Nolde welcomed everyone to the event and thanked State Sen. Jamie Eldridge and State Rep. Dan Sena for initiating and supporting the bill, which Governor Charlie Baker signed last October.

Nolde explained that the bill, which Sen. Eldridge dubbed the “Boxborough Bill,” now allows the town to vote at annual town meeting, May 8-11, to qualify to apply for grants to improve energy conservation in town buildings and vehicles. Voters will be asked if they will accept an annual electric surcharge of an average of $5.04 per household to add to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center which joins other state funds to pay for the program. Residents may ask questions about the article and the next steps the town must take to becoming a Green Community at an open, virtual forum on April 11 at 7pm. The Sustainability Committee will provide a Zoom link and details soon.

Nolde added, “We have already met three of five criteria needed to join 290 of the state’s 351 municipalities as Green Communities. Upon meeting those criteria, we will receive an estimated $130,000 to improve energy efficiency.” She also asked citizens to go to EnergizeBoxborough.org to “find many opportunities to improve your carbon footprint.”

Sen. Eldridge thanked the Sustainability Committee, and all Boxborough people working to improve energy efficiency, for “coming together” to encourage Rep. Sena and Sen. Eldridge to create a bill making it possible for towns like Boxborough, to become Green. He explained that because Boxborough is served exclusively by a municipal (consumer financed) light company, with not even one home connected to a public (investor owned) electric company, the town could not apply for state grants. The “Boxborough Bill” removed that restriction, and Sen. Eldridge emphasized that the bipartisan support for the bill on Beacon Hill proved “we can accomplish much by working together.”

Rep. Sena thanked the Sustainability Committee and everyone present for contributing to the effort. He said, “Boxborough is leading in many ways to fight climate change.” 

Attending the event to talk with residents were Peishan Bartley, Sargent Library Director; Bryon Clemence, Water Resources Committee; Kate Davies, Sustainability Committee; Heather Fleming, FreeBee Market co-founder; Rita Grossman, Boxborough Conservation Trust President; Marjorie Kamp, 2040 Book Club founder; Liz Markiewicz, Conservation Commission Chair; and Rebecca Verner, Planning Board. Francie Nolde expressed gratitude to Energy New England’s chief strategy officer, Vin Ragucci, and Littleton Electric Light Company general manager Nick Lawler and his team for their work on the Boxborough Bill. 

Because he could not attend the celebration, Ragucci wrote, “Thanks to the effort of Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Sena, the bill made its way from three separate bills … to a final bill … signed by Gov. Baker. This is a huge accomplishment and shows that with teamwork, we can make just about anything happen!”

Nolde also thanked library director Bartley “for opening Sargent Library for us on a night when it is usually closed.”  Boxborough Fire Police Chief Paul Fillebrown estimated the attendance at 80 and expressed enthusiasm for the size and the “glow” of the gathering.
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Help Maynard Tree Corps Purchase & Plant Trees Downtown

MAYNARD: On March 18 at 3pm in Maynard Fine Arts Theatre, 19 Summer Street, have fun and help beautify Maynard's downtown. Join Steve and Lizza Smith of Keller Williams Realty in support of Maynard Tree Corps to view the inspirational movie Kiss the Ground. Admission to the movie is free and donations are gratefully accepted (but not required) for the Maynard Tree Corps to purchase and plant native trees in Maynard's beautiful downtown. The more donations we collect, the more trees we will plant. Register for your free tickets on Eventbrite.
 
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Maynard Community Information Fair

MAYNARD: The Maynard Library and the Friends of the Library will be hosting a Community Information Fair on March 18 from 10:30 to noon at the library. Representatives from more than 35 organizations and town committees will be on hand to talk about their work, services and special events. Newcomers to town, newly retired people, empty-nesters with more time on their hands or anyone wanting to get more involved post-pandemic can learn about membership and volunteer opportunities. People can also learn about how to stay informed about community events and activities. The participating groups’ missions cover a range of issues including children and education, seniors, environment and gardening, community, food and food insecurity, health, local history, culture and arts, sustainability, civics, tax and legal issues, housing, scouting and pets. The list of participating groups can be found at www.maynardpubliclibrary.org/community-info. The Maynard Library is located at 77 Nason Street. Additional parking is at the town lot on Summer Street.
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BCTrust Annual Meeting: Conservation & Stewardship at Mount Auburn Cemetery

BOXBOROUGH: You may have seen marathoner Dave Barnett out running the streets of Boxborough, but now you can find out what else he’s been up to for nearly three decades before recently retiring. Boxborough Conservation Trust is excited to announce that new Board Member, and long-time Boxborough resident, Dave Barnett will be the speaker at BCT’s Annual Meeting on March 21 at 7pm at the Sargent Memorial Library. All are welcome to join this free event, the first of several that will celebrate BCTrust’s 25th Anniversary this year!

As President & CEO Emeritus, Dave Barnett spent 28 years at Mount Auburn leading a transition to more ecologically friendly landscape design and maintenance practices on this 175-acre site in Cambridge/Watertown. A primary focus of Dave’s presentation will be the restoration of a four-acre portion of the cemetery to the New England woodland that was eloquently described at the founding of Mount Auburn in 1831. Phased over 25 years, this project included the removal of Norway maples and other invasive species and the planting of several thousand plants native to New England, comprising 120 species of trees, shrubs and woodland groundcovers. With a vernal pool in the center of this woodland, preserving the habitat for the significant population of Spotted salamanders was a key focus. The project also included the successful re-introduction of American toads, Gray tree frogs and Spring peepers – which had all disappeared from Mount Auburn due to past “cemetery maintenance” practices.

Dave will also share examples of other smaller-scale projects, ranging from a butterfly/pollinator garden to the replacement of turf with native species of groundcovers to the planting of bird-attracting trees and shrubs. Images from Dave’s own property in Boxborough will attempt to reiterate what last year’s annual meeting speaker, Doug Tallamy, told us about how all of us individually can “bring nature home” and make a difference in making the earth more resilient and wildlife friendly.
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Egg Your House - Relay for Life Fundraiser

MAYNARD: Maynard Relay for Life team, the Lady Bugs, will be having their annual fundraiser, Egg your House!  Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  They will be brought to your house the night before Easter - April 8 - and scattered in your front yard (not hidden).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  You must order them by March 18.  Please send your orders to kim.lalli@comcast.net, or give to any other Lady Bug teammate. Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays!

The Relay for Life event will be taking place from June 2 at 6pm until 11pm at Alumni Field in Maynard.  They're looking for new teams for this fun event for a great cause!  Find more information at relayforlife.org/maynardma.

Acton Womens Club to Host OpenTable's New Director Alexandra DePalo

Open table volunteers
ACTON: On March 8, the speaker at the Acton Woman's Club will be Alexandra DePalo, new director of Open Table.  She will describe Open Table's role in serving the population of many cities and towns, including Acton. Its mission is to end hunger in our local communities by providing healthy food in ways that respect the dignity and diversity of those served.  Their pantry operates as an open-air drive-thru service in Maynard's municipal parking lot. Volunteers bring pre-packed bags of groceries to cars. See Open Table's website for the many other services they provide: www.opentable.org/guest-programs .  For information about the Acton Woman's Club, visit theactonwomansclub.org.
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Town of Acton to Launch Acton Emergency Assistance Program

ACTON: Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti and Community Services Coordinator Laura Ducharme are pleased to announce the launch of the Acton Emergency Assistance Program. With this program, Acton households with short-term financial assistance for emergency needs are able to use grant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The program is also developed to provide emergency assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, and childcare. Grants will total up to $1,000 in a 12-month period.

To be eligible, an applicant's gross household income must fall below ARPA income eligibility guidelines for low- and moderate-income households.

“We are pleased to offer this program to Acton residents in need or who face an unexpected emergency, and encourage residents to apply," Town Manager Mangiaratti said.

Seeing that this program has a rolling timeframe, assistance will be provided on a first-come. first-served basis. The Town reserves the right to alter that basis for exigent circumstances. When approved, the funds will be paid directly to the vendor -- for example, a landlord, utility company, etc. -- and not the applicant.

The application form may be found here.

For more information, or assistance in applying for a grant, please contact the Community Services Office at 978-929-6651 or lducharme@acton-ma.gov.

Concord Conservatory Presents Grammy-Award Winners The Okee Dokee Brothers

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CONCORD/ACTON: Connect your kids to nature through music on April 1 at 2pm when Concord Conservatory presents the Grammy Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers for one show only, bringing their new album "Brambletown" and all their fan-favorite songs for singing and dancing. The inspirational, infectious musical duo will perform at the Acton-Boxborough High School.

The Okee Dokee Brothers draw creativity from their incredible extensive outdoor experiences. With humor and heartfelt connections to nature, their songs teach and entertain audiences of all ages. The Minnesota Parent Magazine says, "The Okee Dokee Brothers are an absolute national treasure. These songs are just what the world needs right now." If you want to introduce your kids to great music with lyrics that embrace adventure and finding happiness, look no further than The Okee Dokee Brothers.

As childhood friends growing up in Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing were always exploring the outdoors. Whether it was rafting down their neighborhood creek or discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, Joe and Justin were born adventurers, bringing their passion for the outdoors at the heart of their down-home and lively Americana Folk music. They have created their own unique sound with a touch of bluegrass, old-time, and folk.

Purchase $25 General Admission tickets in advance from ConcordConservatory.org or at the door (if not sold out). Email info@concordconservatory.org or call (978) 369-0010 to learn more about CCM.
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Imago Dei 5-week Lenten Spiritual Practice in the style of Lectio Divina

ACTON: The Imago Dei is a five-week small group spiritual practice in the style of Lectio Divina. The group, being held March 1-29 from 7-8:30pm, will be led by Pastor Jinwoo at St. Matthew's UMC, 435 Central Street, in the Library. This form of spiritual practice is built upon prayerful listening to the Holy Spirit and to each other. In this spiritual practice, share with one another the image of God, celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion. During the practice, look for the same image of God displayed in the Bible passages with the hope that the use of this model might facilitate the ability to live in the image of God and to perceive that same sacred image in others. Reach out to pastor@saint-matthews.org with any questions.
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AB Skate Hosts FUNdraiser

BOXBOROUGH: AB Skate's Community Skate FUNdraiser is back on the ICE for 2023! Join in the fun on March 5 from 2pm-4pm at Nashoba Valley Olympia Rink (rink #3) Route 111. Suggested donation: $20/family, $5/pp.  All are welcome - skaters and non-skating supporters. NEW this year, teen volunteers from the Colonial Figure Skating Club will be on hand to help guide new skaters! Skate rentals are available.

This event supports local area food pantries, local STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) activities, community wellness and eco causes. This year a special donation will be made toward the building & furnishing of a house in Acton for a local disabled veteran project ComeHometoActon.org

Wear YELLOW to Celebrate the Kindness of Carrol Spinney (Acton High Class of 1951) aka ‘Big Bird’. Please bring non-perishable items for the Acton food pantry and small size personal or household items for local families.

ALL proceeds donated thanks to generous donation of ice time by Nashoba Valley Olympia and support from many local community & businesses supporters. For more information, visit www.actonpip.org, or email karen@marketdynamics.info or patty@colonialfsc.com.
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Acton Garden Club’s March Meeting

ACTON: The Acton Garden Club’s next meeting will take place on March 7 in Room 204 of the Acton Town Hall with a program at 10:15 titled ”Vernal Pools” presented by Scott Smyers. During his presentation, Smyers will teach us about vernal pools, their inhabitants and their
importance in the landscape.

Scott Smyers is Vice President and Senior Scientist of Oxbow Associates, a wetlands and wildlife consulting company specializing in rare amphibian and reptile study and mitigation. He has studied the behavior and ecology of amphibian and reptile species native to the Eastern United States for more than twenty years. His research interests are broad, but include life history plasticity and population biology of amphibians, ecology of freshwater turtles, ecology of snakes and the functional ecology of larval caddisflies in ephemeral ponds.

Since this is a hybrid meeting if anyone would prefer to join via ZOOM, please visit the club’s website at www.actongardenclub.org and leave a message for the webmaster. You will be
contacted with the information needed to log into the meeting.
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Town Election Season is Here!

ACTON: Acton’s Town website and the League of Women Voters - Acton Area have everything you need to participate in local elections as a voter or as a candidate. The League of Women Voters - Acton Area has resources to help you get started as a candidate including videos with advice from former candidates and candidate checklists for member towns. What to consider when you decide to run?  Explore the links below to learn about open positions in Acton and key dates for voter registration, elections, and Town Meeting. Acton has vacancies to fill this spring with skilled and engaged citizens like you!

IMPORTANT DATES:
Deadline for pulling nomination papers March 3, 2023
Last day to submit nomination papers March 7, 2023
Open Positions (Position, # pos, Term)

Town Moderator, 1, 1-year term
Select Board, 2, 3-year term
School Committee, 3, 3-year term
Library Trustee, 1, 1-year term
Library Trustee, 1, 3-year term
Water District Commissioner, 1, 3-year term
Water District Clerk, 1, 3-year term

League of Women Voters Election Resources: https://bit.ly/LWV-ActonArea

Acton Website: Town Clerk | Acton, MA - Official Website: acton-ma.gov
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Maynard CoA Hosts “Common MassHealth and Asset Protection Planning Mistakes”

MAYNARD: Maynard Council on Aging Elder Law Series, provided by Generations Law Group, presents “Common MassHealth and Asset Protection Planning Mistakes,” February 28, 7pm at Maynard Public Library, 77 Nason Street. The most common mistakes made prior to applying for MassHealth are usually in areas such as bank account management, transferring ownership of assets of value, and estate planning (or lack thereof). In this informative webinar, discuss what not to do if you or a loved one may need to apply for MassHealth in the future. Please contact the Maynard Council on Aging at (978) 897-1009 if you have any questions.
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ACT Presents "Eyes on Owls" at Annual Meeting

ACTON: Acton Conservation Trust presents "Eyes on Owls" at their Annual Meeting on March 12 at Acton Town Hall, Room 204, or you may attend virtually. 
 
Agenda: 
1pm - Business Meeting
1:20pm - Presentation of Carol Holley Conservation Award to Tom Tidman, retired Natural Resources Director
1:30-2:45pm - Guest Speakers Marcia & Mark Wilson of Eyes on Owls
 
"Eyes on Owls" introduces you to the owls of New England and beyond. Mark and Marcia Wilson share the field marks, signs and naturalist's skills that you can use to find wild owls without disturbing them. You will meet live owls up close. Everyone participates in a hooting lesson and learns tips on how to attract and protect owls near you. This program is appropriate for families with children aged 5 and older.
 
Tom Tidman's contributions to conservation in Acton are well known (think Arboretum and NARA Park).  Less known are his key contributions to the rebirth of both land preservation in Acton and Acton Conservation Trust.
 
More information and registration is online at ActonConservationTrust.org. 
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Free English Language Courses Offered by Great Road Church

ACTON: Starting the first week in March, Great Road Church is offering three free English Language courses to the community. These include an in-person beginners English course on Wednesday evenings, an online upper beginner English course on Tuesday evenings, and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a conversation partner to practice and develop English speaking skills. The courses will run for 8 weeks through March and April. For a full description of courses and to register, visit greatroadchurch.org/ell or email Erica at ell@greatroadchurch.org. The church is located at 255 Great Road.
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Local Residents Earn Dean's List Honors from MassBay Community College

ACTON/CONCORD: The following local students have been named to the MassBay Community College Dean's List, achieving this outstanding academic honor for the fall 2022 semester.

* Hailey Martinez of Acton (01720), who studies Liberal Arts - Early Childhood Education.
* Elizabeth Alonzo of Acton (01720), who studies Cyber Security.
* Holly Lascko of Acton (01720), who studies General Studies.
* Frank Abbott of Acton (01720), who studies Biotechnology.
* Nell Larkin of Concord (01742), who studies International Business.
* Mildred Denisse Woodman of Concord (01742), who studies General Studies.

To be eligible for the MassBay Dean's List, students must complete at least six credits of college-level courses, be in good standing with the College, and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
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Local Chefs Take Center Kitchen for Open Table’s Chopped for Charity Gala

CONCORD/MAYNARD: Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, announced that acclaimed local chefs Ben Elliot of Concord’s Salt Box Kitchen, Matt Kenah of Acton-based WECO Hospitality, and Kelcy Scolnick of Winchester’s Wright-Locke Farm will compete at this year’s Chopped for Charity gala with television and radio personality Chef Joe Gatto as the Master of Ceremonies. Celebrity judges include Tiziana Dearing of WBUR Radio, Andy Husbands of The Smoke Shop BBQ, and Peter Malloy of Nashawtuc Country Club.

“The highlight of the evening is the fast-paced competition between the three chefs before an expert panel of judges,” said Norma Frye, Open Table BOD member and Chopped for Charity  Co-Chair. “The event will benefit Open Table’s mission to address hunger in our local community by offering a wide variety of healthy and culturally appropriate food choices in our pantry and meal programs.”

Chefs competing in the Chopped for Charity challenge:
 
  • Chef Ben Elliot – As chef, farmer, and owner of Concord’s Saltbox Farm, Saltbox Kitchen and Saltbox Catering, Ben oversees all elements of the farm-to-table journey – playing an active daily role in planting, harvesting, preparing and serving his cuisine. Prior to Saltbox Kitchen, Ben's 20-year career includes time spent at La Folie and the Fifth Floor under Chef Laurant Gras in San Francisco and Locke-Ober in Boston. More recently, he worked with chef Barbara Lynch in Boston as Chef de Cuisine at No.9 Park, opening Lynch’s demonstration kitchen Stir, and launching Lynch’s catering company 9 at Home as Chef de Cuisine.
  • Chef Matt Kenah – Matt Kenah is the Director of Culinary at Acton-based food delivery service WECO Hospitality. He leads the culinary teams in multiple kitchens and heads the test kitchen team in trying new dishes for WECO’s weekly menus. Starting as a dishwasher and moving up in the kitchen from line cook to head chef, Kenah worked in restaurants all over New England, becoming a key player at WECO when the meal delivery service began in 2020.     
  • Chef Kelcy Scolnick – Chef Kelcy is a Lowell-based chef and educator focusing on eating with the seasons and supporting her local community through private cooking classes and dinner parties. She is also the Farm Chef at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, MA, where she runs a variety of educational programming for people of all ages and creates delicious farm-to-table food experiences.

Experts seated at the Chopped for Charity judges’ table include:
 
  • Tiziana Dearing, host of Radio Boston on WBUR, has been a commentator and contributor to WBUR for more than a decade. Prior to joining the Radio Boston team, Tiziana was a professor at Boston College in the School of Social Work, where she taught social innovation and leadership. A longtime anti-poverty advocate, Tiziana also ran Boston Rising, a startup antipoverty fund working to end generational poverty in Boston and was the first woman president of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Boston.
  • Andy Husbands is the award-winning chef, author and pitmaster behind The Smoke Shop BBQ, Boston’s acclaimed barbecue restaurants, and four-time winner of Boston Magazine’s “Best Barbecue” as well as The Improper Bostonian’s “Boston’s Best” Award for “Best Barbecue.”  Husbands drives awareness for No Kid Hungry, the nation’s leading childhood hunger relief organization, serving as honorary chair of its annual Taste of the Nation fundraiser. He is also a Vice President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, for which he was honored as MRA’s Chef of the Year in 2014, works closely with the Rodman Celebration for Kids, and is an avid volunteer at local women’s shelter, Rosie’s Place.
  • Peter Malloy is executive chef at Nashawtuc Country Club, where he has been a part of the culinary team for over 10 years. With a passion for food and an unwavering commitment to high-quality ingredients, he creates vibrant, memorable, and nourishing dishes for club events and private functions. Throughout his career, Peter has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the area, having honed his mastery of classical French cooking techniques at the renowned Cambridge School of Culinary Arts.
  • Joe Gatto, master of ceremonies for the evening, is a private chef, culinary Instructor, author, and host of the cutting-edge cooking show From Scratch. His private-chef client list has included a star Boston Red Sox player and the CEO and founder of iRobot among others.

This year’s Chopped for Charity will be held at Concord's Nashawtuc Country Club on Friday, April 28. VIP tickets are $200 and include preferred seating, a private reception, meet the chefs, and a high-end spirit tasting. General Admission is $150 per person. Tickets are available at Opentable.org/chopped.

In addition to the chefs’ challenge, the gala will also feature raffle baskets, silent and live auctions, and a cash bar. A light meal will be provided, including delicious desserts from the Open Table kitchen. A VIP reception takes place from 5:30-6:30pm. Doors open for general admission at 6:30pm. 

The evening’s honorees will be Jill Block and Wade Rubenstein and, in memorium, community leader Debra Stark of Debra’s Natural Gourmet.

Open Table is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989. Its mission is to address hunger in the local community by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity and diversity of those served. For more information, visit: www.opentable.org

2023 Discovery Museum Scholarship Program

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Open to high school juniors and seniors in MA, funds can be used for any educational or developmental experience

ACTON: Discovery Museum has announced their 2023 Scholarship program, which began last year in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Museum. In an increase from last year, the 2023 program will award four one-time $1,500 scholarships to high school juniors or seniors in MA who embody the mission and values of the Museum, to support them on the next leg of their educational journeys.

“More than 5 million kids and their families have come through our doors over the past 41 years to learn about themselves, their abilities, and the world around them, guided by their own creativity and natural curiosity,” said CEO Neil Gordon. “The Discovery Museum Scholarship looks to celebrate young learners who embody the mission and values of the Museum by supporting them on next leg of their educational journeys—whatever that might be.”

Gordon continued, “The scholarship program kicked off last year with a plan to award $1,000 scholarships to two recipients. The Scholarship Committee was so impressed with the caliber and thoughtfulness of the candidates that it selected four award recipients rather than two. This year, the committee will again award four scholarships, and has increased the award amount from $1,000 to $1,500 in recognition of the tremendous impact today’s teens can have on their communities.”

All high school juniors and seniors residing in MA are eligible to apply. For one of the four awards, preference will be given to Discovery Museum past or current employees or volunteers. Award money can be used for any educational or developmental experience, such as college or trade school tuition, travel expenses to support an exciting volunteer opportunity, or costs to provide a learning experience for young children. Video or written applications are being accepted now via Google form at https://bit.ly/DMScholarship2023 (applicants must log in to Google in their browser to apply) and must be received by March 31, 2023. Prior awardees are not eligible for consideration. Recipients will be notified in mid-May.