#realtalkwithrayla! - FPC Summer Service

Rayla Baldwin-Mattson, Director of Religious Education for First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), tries to live as openly and honestly as possible. Rayla does this through storytelling and humor, often tagging things with #realtalkwithrayla! Come join Rayla on a fun journey through Rayla’s learning of some of life’s lessons! The service will take place both in person and virtually on Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for all in-person summer services. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

Peach Social

The Littleton Historical Society will be holding its annual Peach Social on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 6:30-8:00 pm at the Houghton Memorial Building on 4 Rogers Street. Come enjoy a summer dessert with peaches from Theo’s Market Gardens, visit our museum, and chat with friends. See you there!
Why me

14th Annual Ride for Why Me-Sherry's House-Helping Families with Cancer - September 8th Hudson Eagles

"People Helping People"-the motto of the Fraternal Order of Eagles! With that, the Hudson Eagles are pleased to invite you to join us in support of our 14th Annual Ride for Why Me-Sherry's House on Sunday Sept 8th at the Hudson MA Eagles-271 Cox Street. Registrations begin at 9:00am with Kick Stands up at 11:00am.  Donation of $20 for rider and the passenger $10.  Don't ride? Join us at 1:00 for the BBQ for a donation of $10.00.
Enjoy the great ride up to Princeton and arrive back at the Eagles around 1:15 for cookout and chances for some great donations.
Why Me is a Worcester Based non-profit organization created to help  families  who are being treated at Boston Children's Hospital and UMass Oncology cope with childhood cancer. Why Me is not affiliated with any national organization. These children come from all over the world to be treated at our great hospitals.
Why Me was started in 1985 by 13-year-old Sherry Shepherd during her four year battle with cancer. In the last months of her life, Sherry became determined to do something that would have a lasting value in the community to help children with cancer. With the help of her dad, she founded the non-profit organization WHY ME, which stands for Worcester Help for Youth, Memories Everlasting.
Today, over 36 years later, Why Me offers a comprehensive approach to supporting the entire family through a pediatric cancer diagnosis. We are here from the moment a family hears the words “your child has cancer” and continues throughout every step of their journey. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the effect on the entire family is profound and pervasive. The initial diagnosis is devastating, followed by fear and anxiety for all that lies ahead. Pediatric cancer protocols can last years and life is disrupted not just emotionally but financially as well. Through our all-encompassing support services and programs, families find the tools and assistance needed to manage these changes. The organization continues to be managed in part by individuals who have had a child with cancer and wish to help others who now face the same challenge. This deeply felt personal perspective serves as a guiding light in delivering services that are essential, compassionate and life affirming.
What “support” means:
While a childhood cancer diagnosis may be the most difficult challenge a family can face, with tangible support, guidance and friendship, together we can make this difficult time a little easier. Through family fun events, dinners, group outings, summer camp and other programs, families forge enduring bonds of friendship through the power of a shared common experience. From support groups, to logistical and financial support, as well as staff visits – whether at home, hospital or clinic – families receive support to address the specific ways their families’ lives have been disrupted. At Why Me we are always striving to meet the unique and increased needs of every family with ever-expanding programming that benefits each child and each family here in our community now, when they need it most. All support and services Why Me provides are free of charge.

Supporting Someone with a Mental Health Condition?

The Family to Family course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful to you. This is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course for family members and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The class is taught by NAMI trained family members. The NAMI Central Middlesex local affiliate will host two sessions of the course this fall. The first will meet in person in Winchester on Saturdays from 9:00-11:30 am, starting September 14th. The second course will be available via Zoom, meeting on Tuesdays from 6:30-9:00 pm, starting September 24th. Learn more and register at: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses.

Town of Acton to Share in $187,450 State Grant to Implement Bike Sharing Program

Town Manager John S. Mangiaratti announces that the Town of Acton will share in a $187,450 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to implement a bike share program.
The grant will be divided among Acton, Concord, Maynard, and Lincoln.
The Town of Acton will use the funding to implement a three-year regional bike share program. The program will consist of seven stations and 42 bikes,
including seven adaptive bikes across the four communities. These bikes can be used for recreational purposes or to commute to and from one of the four commuter rail stations along the bike share's route. The program stations will be located at Brook Street, Concord Road/East Acton Village Green, and the South Acton Commuter Lot Station.
Making bikes accessible to residents increases bike connections across the region while improving the Town's health, equity, and environmental preservation. The program also aims to improve access to existing public transportation.
MassDOT awarded $6.5 million in funding to 28 municipalities and two Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Shared Streets and Spaces Program. The program provides project funding to help municipalities design and implement changes to curbs, streets, and parking areas in support of public health, safe mobility, and community growth and revitalization. 
The four towns applied for the grant after the success of the 2023 Minuteman Bike Share pilot program, in the hopes of closing last mile connections to public transportation and lowering emissions in the transportation sector by decreasing community-wide dependency on vehicles.
"This funding is essential in expanding our efforts to provide accessible recreation and transportation options to our community," said Town Manager Mangiaratti. "Residents received the pilot program positively, and we are happy to be able to continue and expand this program."
Improving the odds

The challenges facing today’s kids: Free sessions offer solutions

Research shows that American kids today are more likely to be anxious or depressed than American kids from a couple of decades ago. It also shows an alarmingly widening gender gap in academic achievement: the boys are getting left in the dust. This is not because girls are doing better (although they are), but primarily because boys are doing worse. Yet girls have their own challenges. While alcohol and drug use among boys has remained stable or even dropped over the last 40 years, use among girls has soared. As if these challenges weren’t enough, any parent today knows that guiding kids safely through the obstacles of social media and video games is an exhausting and uphill climb.
Dr. Leonard Sax will share evidence-based insights and research-backed solutions related to these topics and more in a series of informational sessions titled Improving the Odds for Our Kids and hosted by Mt. Calvary Church in Acton, MA, in September. A physician, psychologist, and author of the New York Times bestseller The Collapse of Parenting, Dr. Sax has spoken about topics relevant to raising and working with today’s youth at more than 500 schools, juvenile correctional facilities, communities of faith, and other venues around the world.
“I’m really excited to be bringing Dr. Sax and his message to the greater Acton community,” says Kerry Evans, one of the event organizers and a Harvard resident. “I first read his book Boys Adrift when my teenage sons were little, and it left a huge impression on me. It changed the way I raised my kids.”
“As a grandmother raising two grandchildren with ADHD, I’m excited to hear Dr. Sax’s evidence-based advice for guiding our kids to become capable, confident adults,” adds co-organizer Dawn Phelan, who is planning to attend all sessions.
But the sessions aren’t just for parents and grandparents. Educators, medical professionals, and anyone interested in supporting kids will find them relevant.
“I first heard Dr. Sax interviewed as a guest on a podcast, and I was really interested in what he had to say about the importance of ‘rites of passage’ for girls and boys on their journey to becoming healthy women and men,” says Acton resident Naomi Veeder. “Even though I don't have children of my own, I have nieces, nephews and friends' children that are in my life and that I care deeply about, and so I'm looking forward to hearing more from him on how I can support them on their journey to adulthood.”
The sessions take place Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28 and are free and open to the public. However, because space is limited, the organizers suggest that people register ahead of time to reserve their spot. For more information and to register, visit www.mtcalvaryacton.org/improvingtheodds. If you have questions, email workshops@mtcalvaryacton.org or call (978) 263-5156. Mt. Calvary is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA. Parking (including handicap) is available behind the church, off Prospect Street. Parking attendants will direct attendees to overflow parking options.

Community Blood Drive.
Save a life on August 13th!

CRITICAL NEED FOR BLOOD AND PLATELETS!
Please help!
Cornerstone Congregational Church is proud to sponsor our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Tuesday August 13th from 9AM to 2PM. Each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in our community and across the country. An estimated 38 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood or platelets, but of those, less than 10 percent actually donate each year. If you are healthy and eligible, please come out to donate. Most donations take about an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.
Thank you!!
Cornerstone Congregational Church
32 Graniteville Road
Westford, MA 01886
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org
Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Open House @ AHS

Sunday, August 11th from 2-5PM , the Acton Historical Society will hold an open house.
This event will include our 1760's duplex and 1822 barn.
Come and see how family life was 260 years ago.
Also visit our exhibit about Acton schools and see how education has evolved.
We are located at 300 Main Street, Acton.
There is no admission fee but your free will offering is appreciated.
Visit us at  jenkslibrary@verizon.net

Crafters Wanted

Do you have a small business where you build, bake, create beautiful items from scratch?
Here's a place to be seen and sell your creations!  St. Nicholas' Annual Craft Fair (formerly St. Anthony's) will take place at Derosier Hall at 33 Chapel Street in Shirley, across from St. Anthony Church on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 9am-4pm.
This is the 19th year of this well-loved craft fair and we'd love to have you participate.
Deadline for applications is October 6.  A registration form to apply for one or more spots and other information can be found at www.nashobacatholic.org/annual-craft-fair .  For more information, email Marianne Cooper at faithformation@nashobacatholic.org or call 978-772-0727.

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is looking for interested community members to participate in their FREE September 2024 Volunteer Advocate Training program at the Lexington Police Department.
The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize the volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at the Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.
The September 2024 training will be held over three weeks from September 9th to September 27th on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:15 PM and Friday days 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who wish to activate as Advocates, an additional 10 to 12 hours of individual field training will take place after successful completion of the classroom segment.
The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.
Those interested in more information about the training or who want to request an application should call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Monday, August 26, 2024.

Westford Women’s Club Fall Kickoff Meeting: “Salads and Sweets”

Monday, September, 23 @6:30 p.m. at Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant St, Westford.
Enjoy an array of salads and sweet treats while getting to know women of different ages and backgrounds who are active in Westford and the surrounding communities. Learn about upcoming social activities, service projects, and community outreach events. Find out how you can become involved. Free. Please R.S.V.P. and receive more info, contact: westfordwomensclub@gmail.com.  Visit us on Facebook or stop by our table at the Annual Townwide Yard Sale on September 28 at Abbot School. WWC is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) www.GFWC.org and GFWC Massachusetts (GFWC MA) www.GFWCMA.org.
Acton police

Acton Police Deploy Body-Worn Cameras and Cruiser Mounted Cameras


Chief James Cogan is pleased to report that the Acton Police Department has completed a pilot program and is now deploying body-worn cameras department wide.
The pilot program, which involved four patrol officers and two supervisors, began last August and lasted until this month, when police issued body-worn cameras to all full-time, sworn police officers and installed cruiser mounted cameras in all marked patrol vehicles.
Purchase of this equipment was made possible thanks to a more than $135,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research, as well as a $100,000 appropriation from Acton Town Meeting.
"We are excited to be taking this major step to increase the transparency of the Acton Police Department," said Chief Cogan. "We have been working on our pilot program and fully deploying body-worn and cruiser mounted cameras for almost a year now, and we have finally achieved our goal of deploying the cameras with all of our officers."
Prior to the launch of the program, the department completed research into policy and best practices, vetted vendors, negotiated with the police union, worked with the selected vendor to tailor the system for the department’s needs, and developed formal policies for camera use and data storage.
Officers are now required by department policy to wear a body camera at all times during their shift. Policy dictates that they activate the camera during all interactions with the public that are a result of a call for service, or any investigative or enforcement activity. Officers will take privacy concerns into consideration when activating the body-worn camera in certain areas, such as private residences or medical facilities.
Wearing body cameras demonstrates a departments' commitment to transparency and accountability and helps improve policing practices so that officers may better serve their communities.
Research done by the Bureau of Justice Assistance suggests that implementing a body-worn camera program has led to reductions in crime, police-generated incidents, assaults against police officers, and complaints against police officers in certain communities.

Myles Above in Heaven

 
(An intimate support group for Mothers in the loss of a child)
Saturday August 17th
10:30am-12:30pm
Community Room at the Avidia Financial Center
17 Pope Street, Hudson, MA

Saturday August 24th
10:30am-12:30pm
Duffy Properties
135 Beaver Street, Waltham, MA

Celebrate Farmers Market Week August 4-10

August 4 – 10 has been designated 2024 National and Massachusetts Farmers Market Week. This celebration of Farmers' Markets recognizes how they increase access to fresh food, support local farmers and food producers and build community.
Summer produce is reaching its peak with corn, tomatoes, eggplant and peaches all available. During the week, there are many opportunities for area residents to visit one or more farmers markets. On Sunday, the Acton-Boxborough Farmers’ Market is held at 19 Elm Street in Acton from 10am – 1pm, www.abfarmersmarket.org/. On Tuesday, visit the Hudson Farmers Market from 3:30-6:30 pm at 76 Main St in front of Town Hall. www.facebook.com/hudsonsfarmersmarket Saturday, there are two local options: visit , the Maynard Farmers’ Market from 9am-1pm in the Mill Pond parking lot on Main St,  www.MaynardFarmersMarket.com or or the Marlborough Farmers Market at 19 Weed st behind city hall from 9am--1pm, www.facebook.com/Marlborough-Farmers-Market-306000149747102 . The Hudson, Marlborough and Maynard markets can all be easily accessed from the Assabet River Rail Trail https://www.facebook.com/AssabetRiverRailTrail/.
In addition to offerings such as local fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods, meats, dairy, eggs, coffee, pasta, cider, wine and other specialty items, most farmers' markets are gathering places that often feature artisans, musical performances, community information, kids’ activities and special events such as and cooking demonstrations. Many MA Farmers' Markets also accept Senior / WIC Farmers' Market coupons and SNAP benefits. Check the individual market websites for details.  Let's make this the week everyone visits a farmers' market to find out what all the excitement is about!

Renew Thrift Shop Summer Sale

Renew Thrift Shop of Littleton is having an early 50% off Summer sale that will last 2 weeks, starting on Thursday August 1st.
Renew is located in the First Baptist Church on 461 King St, although supported by Friends of the Littleton Council on Aging, which is a nonprofit 501c. All proceeds, after expenses are paid, benefit the seniors of Littleton. In-season donations of mens and women’s clothing can be made during shop hours. Monetary donations can also be made and are tax deductible, and help defray the cost of rent. What we don’t sell, we donate to others in need. Our hours are Thursday and Friday from 11-4, and Saturday 10-1. We hope you stop by.

Upcoming Events at the Acton COA

 
The Council on Aging at the Human Services & Senior Center is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.
Telephone: 978-929-6652, Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov     
Website: www.actoncoa.com/  Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa​
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8:00am-5:00pm, Tues 8:00am-7:30pm, and Fri 8:00am-12 noon

Monday Movie Matinee
Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It
August 5th, 1:00-2:30 pm
(2021, PG-13) Documentary about the life and work of Rita Moreno, from her humble beginnings in Puerto Rico to her success on Broadway and Hollywood and the prejudice and sexism she overcame.
Japanese Tea Ceremony & Wagashi Cooking Class with Asako Judson    

Tuesday, August 6th, 2:00-3:00 pm                                                           
Acton seniors only                                                                      
The Japanese tea ceremony, or “chanoyu,” is a traditional practice where people enjoy matcha, a powdered green tea. The host prepares and serves the tea with graceful and mindful steps. It is all about appreciating the moment, the tea, and the company you are with, resulting in a peaceful and reflective experience. Participants will also learn to make a traditional wagashi sweet and how to prepare and serve matcha tea for a ceremony. Asako Judson, who lives in Acton, has worked at several restaurants and as a private chef and caterer.
Technology Help Appointments with Acton Memorial Library
Thursday, August 8th, 10:00-11:00 am                   
Acton seniors only   
Need help with common smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet, or laptop functions? Join Rebecca Schmidt, Acton Memorial Library’s Community Engagement Librarian, at the Senior Center for one-on-one help with your device! Bring your fully charged device and your questions, and Rebecca will troubleshoot technology problems alongside you. If Rebecca can’t help with a specific problem you are having, she will do her best to find the right resources that can help you. Call the COA to reserve a 15-minute appointment.
The Funniest Moments in Film
Thursday, August 8th, 1:00-2:00pm                                                          
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5
This interactive presentation by award-winning author and pop culture historian Marty Gitlin highlights the best of the best funniest moments in film from the silent era to the modern era. Marty will show videos of the best laugh-out-loud scenes from the 1920s to today, including snippets of such stars as Harold Lloyd, Groucho Marx, Woody Allen, Peter Sellers, Gene Wilder, Leslie Nielsen, John Candy, and Robin Williams. You will be entertained by the funniest moments in such comedies as It Happened One Night, A Night at the Opera, The Producers, The Pink Panther Strikes Again, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Naked Gun, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Birdcage and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. He will discuss why they are considered the funniest ever and the impact they made on pop culture. The presentation will include plenty of fun trivia questions and a question-and-answer period. This one is a blast so make sure to join in!
Chess Lessons with Ken LeBow                                                       
Thursdays, ongoing, 1:00-3:30 pm
Open to all seniors/free                                  
Acton resident Ken Lebow teaches this class that is best for people with some chess experience who know how the pieces move and the concepts of check and checkmate. You will play games and get feedback. Chess sets supplied by the COA. If you are a true beginner, Ken is happy to meet with you at the Senior Center to teach you the basics. Just let us know if that’s the case and Ken will get in touch with you to arrange some times to meet. Ken LeBow has been playing chess for over 50 years. He started a chess club and lessons for seniors in Pennsylvania and has been teaching and leading chess club in Acton, in person and virtually, since 2013.
Chess Club                                                                                                              
Thursdays, 1:00-4:00 pm
Open to all seniors/free                                                                                                                   
Players with some chess experience get together for games at the Senior Center. You only need to know the basics to play.
Come and play pool! Table available during regular opening times. We have cues and chalk or bring your own. Available for all seniors.
Beerfest photo new

Family-Friendly Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival

The third annual Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival will include local craft beer brewers, food trucks, music from Becky & the Swingin’ Bards, and a separate, dedicated children’s area with games and crafts.
General admission is $5-10 donation per person, with those 12 and under admitted free. Drink tickets are $5, and soft drinks and bottled water will be available at food trucks. The event will proceed rain or shine.
The festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 12 to 4 p.m., at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow, MA. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact craftbeerfest@fpc-stow-acton.org or visit facebook.com/AssabetCraftBeer.

Multigenerational Game Night at FPC Stow

All are welcome to a multigenerational game night that takes place on the third Friday of the month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun!
The next Game Night will take place on Friday, Aug 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. FPC is a nut-free location. It’s located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible

Guest Table Community Dinner

 
Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on Aug. 9. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome! There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted. FPC is a nut-free location.
FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you!
This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, Nashoba Valley Rotary, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.

Joint Unitarian Universalist Sunday Service

First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will join several Unitarian Universalist (UU) churches at the 21st annual Joint UU Summer Service.
First Church Unitarian of Littleton will host the service on Aug. 4 at 10 a.m., led by Rev. Lara Hoke. There will be a pick-up choir, with all singers welcome and rehearsal beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The annual service includes the UU churches serving Bolton, Fitchburg, Harvard, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Marlborough/Hudson, and Stow/Acton.
First Church Unitarian of Littleton is located at 19 Foster St, Littleton. A link will be posted at fculittle.org for those who wish to attend virtually.

Mt. Calvary Community Supper “All are Welcome”

 
Join us at our Sit-Down Supper! We are welcoming all our guests inside to join neighbors and friends at the tables in our Air-Conditioned Fellowship Hall. Welcome Summer! We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.
Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton MA 01720
Time: Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:45pm Doors will open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter prior so our volunteers can prepare your Supper.
Parking: Park your car in the back parking lot and enter from the walkway to the church door.
August 2024 Menu:
8/7 Beef Macaroni Bolognese: “Bring a Friend Night”
Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia
8/14 Cajun Pork Chop
Sponsored by Thrivent Financial
8/21 Pepper Steak Subs with Cheese: “Birthday Night”
Sponsored by Boston Metro West Bible Church
8/28 Huli Huli Hawaiian Chicken
Sponsored by Friends of Mt. Calvary Community Supper
** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
No more worries about the heat. We have Air Conditioning!! We are so grateful for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

Free Infant Massage Workshop

First Connections is offering a free infant massage class for pre-crawling babies which will take place on Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 2-3:00 at our office in Acton. Mary Beilman is a Certified Educator of Infant Massage through Infant Massage USA. New strokes will be taught each week that combine Swedish and Indian Massage in addition to reflexology. Massage can help babies with sleep, gas, and fussiness. It also enhances the connection between caregiver and baby. Each class will include discussion, demonstration of strokes, and time for questions and answers. To register for this class, please email Linda at lmatthews@jri.org. First Connections is the local CFCE grant program through the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care providing free playgroups, parenting topics, resources and new parent support to families in 11 towns.

First Connections Offers a Free Live Webinar

First Connections invites parents and caregivers to a free live webinar about talking to young children about race and racism in age-appropriate ways. We teach children to recognize colors and to categorize objects by similarities and differences, but when a child remarks on someone's skin color, eye shape, or other physical characteristics, many caregivers feel embarrassed and don't know what to say, because we were taught not to talk about race. We now know that talking explicitly with children about skin color, race, ethnicity and discrimination is the best way to prevent them from absorbing the racist ideas prevalent in our culture and media. But it's hard to know where to start and what to say. If you're wondering how to have these conversations with your children, join Ellie Springer, M.Ed., for a discussion with tips about how to talk about race and racism with young children, receive information on quality children's books on this topic, and recommended websites for further adult learning. This program is appropriate for parents of babies through elementary school. Please join us on Thursday, August 22, 7-8:30 p.m., and bring your questions. First Connections is the local CFCE through the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care, providing free playgroups, new parent support, parenting topics and resources to families with children age 0-6. To receive the link for this program, email lmatthews@jri.org.

Climate Café: Travel with Climate Awareness

 
When: Tuesday, August 6, 6-7pm
Where: Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA
Acton: Many of us need or want to travel, but we are increasingly aware that some forms of travel have a significant climate impact. This Climate Café looks at three elements of the travel dilemma. 1) What are the climate costs of travel? 2) Can we reimagine or re-prioritize how we travel? And 3) when we do need to travel long distances, are there sustainability tips to help lessen the CO2 consequences of transportation? We will explore how people, near and far, are addressing these issues with some innovative approaches. Please come and share your thoughts and ideas! More info at EnergizeActon.org or at the Acton Memorial Library.

Come see Boxborough’s Treasures

The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday August 11.  Come see Boxborough’s historic treasures including the 1850’s scale which is sensitive enough to weigh a penny and strong enough to calibrate a 50 pound weight, the “new” hearse built in 1881, and the “old” hearse (come and see how old is old).  Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information or if anyone wishes to arrange a private tour for a small group at a different time please call John Fallon at 978-264-0069.

Chelmsford Historical Society Holding Classic Car Show

The Chelmsford Historical Society, in collaboration with Goonz Car Club Massachusetts, will be holding a classic car show on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 1-4pm.
All pre-1970 cars and trucks are welcome at the event. The show will feature the 1959 Raven, a custom car designed and built by Arthur Bentas in Chelmsford from 1950-1959. It has won numerous awards and was bought by Joe Germann in 2007 and restored in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary of winning the 1959 NHRA National Championship Custom Car Show Trophy.
The car show will be held rain or shine at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, located at 40 Byam Road, Chelmsford, MA. There will be food for purchase, music, games, a 50/50 raffle, and tours of the house.

Blessing of the Animals - FPC Summer Service

Stow, Mass., July 28 – The annual Blessing of the Animals will be held on the grounds of First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) on July 28 at 10 a.m. Join FPC member Susan Avery with your animal(s) or representations of them (photos, drawings, etc.) as this service explores the power they have to lift our spirits. We’ll celebrate by collectively blessing each of them.
Because this service will be held outdoors, it will not be streamed. Child care is available for all in-person summer services.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org

Family-Friendly Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival

The third annual Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival will include local craft beer brewers, food trucks, music from Becky & the Swingin’ Bards, and a separate, dedicated children’s area with games and crafts.
General admission is $5-10 donation per person, with those 12 and under admitted free. Drink tickets are $5, and soft drinks and bottled water will be available at food trucks. The event will proceed rain or shine.
The festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 12 to 4 p.m., at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow, MA. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact craftbeerfest@fpc-stow-acton.org or visit facebook.com/AssabetCraftBeer.
Svt amara ifeji

“Outdoor Voices” Series to Feature Environmental Justice Leader Amara Ifeji

Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) is launching a new Outdoor Voices speakers’ series that features environmentalists who will share stories about their experiences in nature. These programs are open to the public, free of charge.
“The conservation movement often acts as if we all enjoy nature in the same way, and have the same access, but this is simply not true, ” said Sally Purrington Hild, Engagement and Events Manager for the organization.
The Outdoor Voices series kicks off on August 24 at Wolbach Farm in Sudbury. The program will feature Amarachukwu Ifeji, Director of Policy at the Maine Environmental Education Association.
Ms. Ifeji, who is of Igbo descent, will explore the history of the conservation movement in the United States, which has traditionally excluded people of color from outdoor spaces. She will share her personal experiences of environmental exclusion, discuss how she combats these injustices through environmental education, and highlight the critical importance of centering historically marginalized voices in environmental, climate, and conservation movements.
The August 24 program is co-sponsored by Professionals of Color in the Environment (POCIE), a statewide community that strives to dismantle barriers and advance racial equity within the environmental discipline.
Nia Keith, cofounder of POCIE and vice president for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice at Mass Audubon, will moderate a question-and-answer session at the conclusion of Ms. Ifeji’s presentation.
“Amara is a brilliant and poetic speaker who wowed a crowd of 185 guests at an SVT event this past spring,” said Cecil Hynds-Riddle, Director of Development at SVT. “Prepare to challenge your assumptions and think deeply about how conservation and social justice interact in our local community.”
Ms. Ifeji’s presentation will be held on Saturday, August 24, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Barn at Wolbach Farm, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury. The public is invited to attend this free event, but registration is required at www.svtweb.org/voices.
SVT is a nonprofit land trust that conserves natural areas and farmland in 36 communities around the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. The organization has protected more than 70 miles of trails and also hosts public programs on nature topics.
ABOUT SVT: SVT is a member-supported non-profit organization that works to protect natural areas and farmland in the 36 communities that surround the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. SVT, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury, MA 01776

SFCOA Creators Club

Thursdays at Pompo Community Center from 10 until noon.  The Creators Club is a group of people who like to create things, share ideas, and have fun! Doesn’t matter if you’re a knitter, sewer, or just love making crafty things. There are soooo many craft supplies donated to us, and we want to make things to sell in the Gift Shop. Everyone is welcome . . . seniors, non-seniors, men, women . . . only requirement is that you enjoy working as a team! Proceeds benefit the COA and Stow’s senior residents. Visit https://stowfriendsofthecoa.org/ to view our video.

Summer Crafts Fair in Concord

The Summer Crafts Fair 2024 will take place on Saturday, August 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Road, Concord, MA. In case of rain, the fair will be brought indoors on the same date.  This juried fair will offer a wide variety of handmade works by fine artists, photographers, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, florists, specialty food providers and other artisans. Great browsing and shopping for people of all ages. Food will be served all day on site. A few vendor spaces are available to rent. Call 978-369-9602 to rent a space.

Upcoming events at the Acton COA

The Council on Aging at the Human Services & Senior Center is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear. Telephone: 978-929-6652, Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov     
Website: www.actoncoa.com/  Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa​
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8:00am-5:00pm, Tues 8:00am-7:30pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee
The Lavender Hill Mob
Monday, July 29th, 1:00-2:20 pm
(1951) A meek British bank clerk who oversees the shipment of bullion and his eccentric neighbor decide to steal the gold bars and smuggle them out of the country as miniature Eiffel Towers. Alec Guinness stars in an Oscar-nominated role. The film won an Oscar for Best Story and Screenplay. Marks Audrey Hepburn’s first appearance in a major movie. This film is shown in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library.
Learn to Play the Ukulele!
Tuesday, July 30th, 1:00-2:00pm                                 
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5 starting July 11th
Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing. No experience necessary. Ukuleles provided. Registering in advance with the COA is required.
Art Exhibit
From August 1st through September 12th, we welcome the work of Jen Mabardy and Lara Maira who will host a collaborative exhibit titled "Connections".
Jen has been a longtime Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. She loves colors and cardstock, and working with a variety of stamps and inks to make handmade greeting cards. Lara combs beaches all over the world for sea glass to then create framed art pieces.
For this exhibit, look for unique pieces “connecting” their creations!
All are welcome to attend their Reception with refreshments on Tuesday, August 13th from 4:30-6:30 pm.
Nara Park Senior Stroll Part 2                                         
Friday, August 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd,
10:00 -11:00 am.
Acton, Boxboro, Littleton Seniors
Come join other seniors from Acton, Boxboro, and Littleton Council’s on Aging for conversation, coffee, and a stroll around Acton’s Nara Park, 25 Ledgerock Way, Acton.  Please meet us at the Sports Pavilion off the upper parking lots located off Quarry Road.  For additional information please call Nursing at 978-929-6650. Registration is required.
Chess Lessons with Ken LeBow                                                          
Thursdays, ongoing, 1:00-3:30pm 
Open to all seniors/free                          
No class on 8/1, can still play games                                       
Acton resident Ken Lebow teaches this class that is best for people with some chess experience who know how the pieces move and the concepts of check and checkmate. You will play games and get feedback. Chess sets supplied by the COA. If you are a true beginner, Ken is happy to meet with you at the Senior Center to teach you the basics. Just let us know if that’s the case and Ken will get in touch with you to arrange some times to meet. Ken LeBow has been playing chess for over 50 years. He started a chess club and lessons for seniors in Pennsylvania and has been teaching and leading chess club in Acton, in person and virtually, since 2013.
Chess Club                                                                                                              
Thursdays, 1:00-4:00 pm
No Chess Club July 4th 
Open to all seniors/free                                                                                                                                                                                      
Players with some chess experience get together for games at the Senior Center. You only need to know the basics to play.
Come and play pool! Table available during regular opening times. We have cues and chalk or bring your own. Available for all seniors.

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group

Offered by Concord Park August 8, 2024, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia isn't easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you're going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family members. Please contact Maryellen King at 978-369-4728 or mking@concordpark.org for the details and a Zoom invite.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Memory Lane Café at the Acton Senior Center

August 27, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm at the Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road, Rear, Acton. A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with memory impairment and their care partners /caregivers. Cafés are a place to talk with others, enjoy lunch and an activity or entertainment together. We do ask attendees to bring their care partners. Sponsored by the Acton Council on Aging, Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community and Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. An RSVP is not required but appreciated. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please call Sharon Mercurio, Acton Council on Aging director, at 978-929-6652. Groups will be held on the last Tuesday of each month.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

1st Annual Robert H. Hawkins Memorial Golf Tournament

Hawkins is the first African American to build, own, and operate a golf course in Massachusetts. Originally named Mapledale Country Club in 1926 when Robert H. Hawkins purchased the Randall Estate, Mapledale hosted the first three UGA “Negro National” Open Championship golf tournaments in 1926, 1927, and 1928 before closing in 1929 under the weight of the Great Depression.
Join us for the 1st Annual Robert H. Hawkins Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, August 26th 2024 at the Stow Acres in Stow, MA. Following a fun round of golf, we’ll host a luncheon for both golfers and non-golfers to finish off the day. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the United Golfers Association (UGA).
Register online at this eventbrite link. Please visit our website www.rediscovermapledale.org to sign up and play in this great event or partner with us as a sponsor. If you’re unable to attend and would still like to support our cause, you can donate directly on our website.
Dsndp cleanliness drive july 14 2024 8

Global Nonprofit DSNDP Volunteers From Massachusetts participate in Cleanliness Drive!

On July 14th ,2024, Massachusetts State residents joined hands as dedicated volunteers of the global non-profit organization Dr. Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP), undertaking Adopt-A-Highway & Adopt-A-Visibility-Site clean-up drive in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) at (Adopt-A-Highway) 135 Eastbound side from Pond Rd. to Weston Rd, Wellesley, MA 02481 & (Adopt-A-Visibility-Site) at Gonzalez Lower Lot: Town of Dedham, 506 High St, Dedham, MA 02026.
In alignment with the motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family), DSNDP aims to foster a brighter future by advocating for cleanliness drives in collaboration with the US government by undertaking nationwide cleanliness drives since July 2022. These activities are executed under the guidance of the founders of the organisation Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and Dr. Shri Sachindada Dharmadhikari.
Earlier in Massachusetts, the organization also carried out other cleanliness activities such as Adopt-a-Visibility-Site, Adopt- a-Highway, across 3 cities involving a total of 67 volunteers who worked for around 85 volunteer hours and collected 28 bags of waste resulting in approx. 420 pounds of trash.
Within the North America continent, DSNDP continues to collaborate with 18 states and 73 cities across the United States for nationwide cleanliness drive including 23 different programs such as Adopt-Highway/Park/Beach/ Street/ River etc. During these cleanliness drives, DSNDP has successfully engaged 2109 volunteers, actively collecting more than 34000 pounds of trash, resulting in significant cost savings for the government. The organisation has received accolades from various state and county governments in the form of 53 certificates and 51 signboards within the nation.
The organisation is also involved in tree plantation across 15 states and 33 cities within the US. DSNDP is also involved in health initiatives such as the Women’s Cancer Awareness Conference successfully hosted in February 2023 and blood/ plasma donation drives in Canada and the United States in recent years. DSNDP also recently organised a Mega Cleanliness Drive and Tree Conservation Event across 21 locations simultaneously to celebrate Earth Day 2024.
For more information, please visit http://www.dsndp.com

The Council on Aging at the
Human Services & Senior Center is located
at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.

Telephone: 978-929-6652          
Email: seniorcenter@actonma.gov     
Website: www.actoncoa.com/
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/actoncoa​
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8:00am-5:00pm, Tues 8:00am-7:30pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee

The Lavender Hill Mob

Monday, July 29th, 1:00-2:20 pm
(1951) A meek British bank clerk who oversees the shipment of bullion and his eccentric neighbor decide to steal the gold bars and smuggle them out of the country as miniature Eiffel Towers. Alec Guinness stars in an Oscar-nominated role. The film won an Oscar for Best Story and Screenplay. Marks Audrey Hepburn’s first appearance in a major movie. This film is shown in collaboration with the Acton Memorial Library.
Learn to Play the Ukulele!
Tuesday, July 30th, 1:00-2:00pm                                 
Open to out-of-town seniors for $5 starting July 11th
Want to try an instrument that is fun and easy to play? Join Julie Stepanek as she shows the fundamentals of ukulele playing. No experience necessary. Ukuleles provided. Registering in advance with the COA is required.
Art Exhibit
From August 1st through September 12th, we welcome the work of Jen Mabardy and Lara Maira who will host a collaborative exhibit titled “Connections”.
Jen has been a longtime Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. She loves colors and cardstock, and working with a variety of stamps and inks to make handmade greeting cards. Lara combs beaches all over the world for sea glass to then create framed art pieces.
For this exhibit, look for unique pieces “connecting” their creations!
All are welcome to attend their Reception with refreshments on Tuesday, August 13th from 4:30-6:30 pm.
Nara Park Senior Stroll Part 2                                         
Friday, August 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd,
10:00 -11:00 am.
Acton, Boxboro, Littleton Seniors
Come join other seniors from Acton, Boxboro, and Littleton Council’s on Aging for conversation, coffee, and a stroll around Acton’s Nara Park, 25 Ledgerock Way, Acton.  Please meet us at the Sports Pavilion off the upper parking lots located off Quarry Road.  For additional information please call Nursing at 978-929-6650. Registration is required.
Chess Lessons with Ken LeBow                                                              
Thursdays, ongoing, 1:00-3:30pm 
Open to all seniors/free                          
No class on 8/1, can still play games                                       
Acton resident Ken Lebow teaches this class that is best for people with some chess experience who know how the pieces move and the concepts of check and checkmate. You will play games and get feedback. Chess sets supplied by the COA. If you are a true beginner, Ken is happy to meet with you at the Senior Center to teach you the basics. Just let us know if that’s the case and Ken will get in touch with you to arrange some times to meet. Ken LeBow has been playing chess for over 50 years. He started a chess club and lessons for seniors in Pennsylvania and has been teaching and leading chess club in Acton, in person and virtually, since 2013.
Chess Club                                                                                                                  
Thursdays, 1:00-4:00 pm
No Chess Club July 4th 
Open to all seniors/free                                                                                                                                                                                          
Players with some chess experience get together for games at the Senior Center. You only need to know the basics to play.
Come and play pool! Table available during regular opening times. We have cues and chalk or bring your own. Available for all seniors.
Nyara

The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children Is Seeking The Public’s Assistance In Locating Missing 14-Year-Old, Nyara Mitchell.

Nyara has been missing since June 22, 2024, from her home in Canton, Massachusetts. Nyara is described as 5’5”, weighs 170 lbs., and has brown eyes with black hair. Authorities believe that Nyara may be in Boston, Massachusetts area.
In an effort to bring more attention to Nyara’s case, her poster is being featured on the Ring’s Neighbors app as a part of a partnership between NCMEC and Ring. This feature reaches millions of users, providing real-time assistance in locating missing children.
If you have any information about Nyara or her disappearance, please contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Canton Police Department (Massachusetts) at 1-781-821-5090

Multigenerational Game Night at FPC

Stow, Mass., July 19 – All are welcome to a multigenerational game night that takes place on the third Friday of the month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun!

There will be a focus on card games in July, including Mille Bornes, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Munchkin, and a unique deck of cards called “One Deck: multi game cards” that can also be used to play dominoes, chess, checkers, and backgammon.

The next Game Night will take place on Friday, July 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. FPC is a nut-free location. It’s located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Bruce Springsteen’s Ministry of Community and Redemption - FPC Sunday Service

Stow, Mass., July 21 – From his early years to the present, Springsteen’s songs and concerts have been a collaboration with fans to form a community in search of everyday salvation. At First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), FPC member Dave Sansone will connect those ideas with what is done at FPC to engage folks who are in search of a home.

The service will take place both in person and virtually on July 21 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for all in-person summer services. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

FreeBee Market Updates: Abundant Produce and a Community Market on July 27

   FreeBee Market, Boxborough’s volunteer-driven free food network and market, organizes two types of events, “community market” days and “food rescue” days, on Saturdays throughout the summer and fall.
    “Food rescue” days, held every Saturday, are focused only on sharing extra food collected from local supermarkets and farms. The “community markets” have rescued food plus community booths and kids’ activities.
  FreeBee’s Saturday July 13 “food rescue” day was the largest one yet this year. The hard-working volunteer teams rescued a record 76 banana boxes of produce, frozen meat, eggs, breads, prepared foods, and so much more. Local farm fields are brimming with produce, and extras are coming to FreeBee.
  The next FreeBee “community market” will be held on July 27. In addition to the rescued food, there will be free cut flowers and free books, a free bouncy house, and local community organizations sharing information and free items at their own tables. The Boxborough Minutemen will be there with t-shirts to give away, and the UCCB church has Legos to build with and give away, too.
  Both types of FreeBee events (food rescue days and community market days) are held from 10:30 until noon on the side lawn of the UCC Boxborough church at 30 Middle Road. The remaining community markets are July 27, August 17, September 7, and October 19.
  FreeBee is looking for volunteers to help with Friday pickups and Saturday banana box returns to Acton. To sign up as a volunteer of any sort, contact freebeecommunity@gmail.com.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

“Repair & Renew” Workshop Collaborates with Adult Craft Time at Sargent Memorial Library

  In 2022, Sargent Memorial Library created a strategic plan and identified a set of goals for FY23 through FY27. One of the goals is to provide programs that foster human connection and enrich people’s lives. Another is to strengthen community partnerships.
  A direct outcome of these goals is the Repair & Renew Workshop, a collaboration between Sargent Memorial Library, Acton Memorial Library, and local seamstress and founder of PatternReview.com, Deepika Prakash.
  The workshop marks the first partnership between the Acton and Boxborough libraries, sharing promotional and planning responsibilities, and taking turns hosting Deepika as she teaches participants how to mend, renew, or repurpose textile materials every month.
  In June, the library’s Information Services Librarian, Meghan Bouffard, took the collaboration with Deepika one step further, combining the workshop with June’s Adult Craft. The next adult craft is another collaboration where Meghan and Deepika will lead participants to create block prints on flour sack dish cloths using beautifully engraved wooden blocks from India. The craft is on Tuesday, July 30 at 4 p.m. and registration is required through the library’s event calendar at boxlib.org.
  July’s Repair & Renew workshop is a T-shirt refashion class that will be held at Acton Memorial Library on Monday, July 22 at 4 p.m. Registration is required at https://www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

Work Starts on Steele Farm Ice House Restoration; RFP for Phase III of Farmhouse Preservation Prepared

  At the July 11 meeting of the Steele Farm Committee, Chair Christopher Hydak reported that the restoration of the exterior of the Steele Farm Ice House has begun. The contractor discovered that some of the underlying sheathing had rotted, and the committee agreed to have the contractor replace the rotted sheathing while keeping as much of the original wood as possible.
  The committee discussed Phase III of the preservation of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse, which includes new windows, new siding, and exterior painting. They reviewed the language in the request for proposals (RFP) for work on the farmhouse and will finalize and issue the RFP in August 2024.
The town purchased the Steele Farm property in the fall of 1994, making this year the 30th anniversary of town ownership and the preservation of the buildings and property. The committee is still planning to have an 30th anniversary celebration in mid October; details will be arranged over the next few months.
  The committee’s next meeting will be on Thursday, August 8 at 7 p.m. at the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road.

Planning Board Elects Two Working Group Members to Address MBTA Communities Zoning Compliance

  At its meeting on July 8, the Planning Board discussed the MBTA Communities zoning requirements and their plan to address compliance. Town Planner Alec Wade presented a background on the MBTA Communities Act and advocated for a “working group” approach to help Boxborough comply with the law.
  Wade stressed that public engagement is key to the success of the community and proposed the formation of a working group that would include two planning board members, a resident with traffic or engineering experience, and two additional members at large, preferably from different geographic areas of town. The group will gather input through public forums and meetings with other town boards and committees. They will analyze the data and make recommendations to the Planning Board, who will then hold public hearings and bring the proposed zoning district for a vote at a future Town Meeting. Planning Board Clerk Rebecca Verner and member Rich Guzzardi were elected as the Planning Board representatives to the working group. The board did not discuss the process or timeline for selecting the additional working group members. Wade indicated that the working group would likely begin meeting in early fall 2024.
  The MBTA Communities Act was passed by the State Legislature in 2020 as part of an Economic Development Bond Bill. It requires that the 177 communities served by the MBTA create a zoning district where multifamily housing is allowed as of right, which means there is a more streamlined permitting process compared to the special permit process. The deadline for adopting legislation is December 2025.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at BoxboroughNews.org.

Boxborough Zoning Board Denies New England Tree Masters’ Appeal of Building Commissioner’s Decision

   At its meeting on Tuesday, July 9, the Boxborough Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) conducted a public hearing to consider the application for an appeal of the building commissioner’s enforcement order issued to New England Tree Masters, a business operating at 984 Mass Ave and 38 Sara’s Way. As an abutter to the applicant, ZBA Chair Mark White recused himself, and Clerk Mark Barbadoro was appointed as acting chair for the hearing.
  On March 25, 2024, New England Tree Masters was issued an enforcement order by Boxborough Building Commissioner Ed Cataldo. The order specified that New England Tree Masters must file a special permit due to the “increased…size of the cleared area, truck traffic,” and the “storage of materials beyond the previous business” at the property. The order also required that the applicant file for a site plan review due to changes made to the topography, parking, traffic flow, and natural features when the property transferred ownership.
  The appeal, which requested that the ZBA withdraw the enforcement order requirements, was filed by Attorney Paul Robertson on behalf of New England Tree Masters on April 29, 2024.
  After the official notice of public hearing was read into the record, Acting Chair Barbadoro requested the input of Town Counsel Jonathan Eichman regarding a question of jurisdiction due to the timeliness of the appeal. Attorney Eichman indicated that Mass General Law Chapter 40A, Section 15 requires that appeals must be filed within 30 days from the date of the order, and the applicant’s appeal was filed after the 30-day deadline.
  The remainder of the hearing focused on whether or not the board would allow the appeal to be heard, given that it was filed later than the 30-day requirement. After almost two hours, in a split vote (3 – 2), the Board voted to deny the appeal on the grounds that it was not filed within the 30 day window. Attorney Robertson expressed disappointment at the result and indicated that the next step would be to resolve the case with legal action. Acting Chair Barbadoro reminded Mr. Robertson that his client still has the option to resolve the case by filing an application for a special permit rather than go to court.

Select Board Appoints Fire Station Building Committee

At its meeting on July 15, the Select Board appointed all seven members of the new Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC). The five at-large members are Joan Blaustein, Mary Brolin, Sara Lavado, Eric Michnovez, and Mac Reid. The Select Board representative will be Priya Sundaram, and the Finance Committee representative will be Maria Neyland. The Board also appointed Fire Chief John Kivlan and Town Administrator Michael Johns as ex officio members.
  The Board chose the five at-large members from a group of 18 applicants. TA Michael Johns explained that there were originally 24 interested residents, but that six withdrew their names from consideration. The remaining 18 applicants were evaluated using a matrix of six competencies: technical experience, community understanding, proven leadership, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and public engagement skills. Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg said the Board was “honored” by the number of people who volunteered to be considered for the FSBC.
  According to the FSBC charter approved by the Select Board at their last meeting, the FSBC is expected to “report to the Select Board and shall oversee the performance of the OPM [Owner’s Project Manager]. Based on input from the OPM, the FSBC shall recommend to the Select Board and the Town, the best path for the delivery of a new Fire Station.”
  The Board also discussed potential next steps regarding recent vandalism at Liberty Field and other town-owned land. Recreation Commission Chair Matt Spurling reported to the Board that a motorized vehicle drove on the new grass at Liberty Field and that there have also been similar and more damaging incidents at Fifer’s Field, another town-owned property.
  Spurling suggested that the Board consider security cameras at these properties to “protect our investment.” After hearing from Police Chief John Szewczyk and Conservation Commission Chair Sam Anderson, the Board decided to start with signage and look into the costs involved in setting up security cameras.
  Chief Szewczyk also reported to the Board the results of Operation Safe Streets, a Boxborough Police Department initiative to increase traffic enforcement in May and June 2024. The top three offenses across the two-month period were speeding (146 vehicle stops), failure to stop at stop signs (51 vehicle stops), and texting while driving (43 vehicle stops).

BBB Scam Alert: Fake events & phone tickets

Many people are looking forward to fun festivals this summer. As usual, scammers are taking advantage of the building excitement. This time, they are cashing in with phony tickets—and even fake events.
How the scam works:
You see a fantastic deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat meals, craft beer or wine, or other fun activities.
When you click the social media link, it takes you to a professional website with fantastic pictures. You enter your credit card information to buy tickets and think you are all set. But before you buy, do a little research. Whether the event is non-existent, merely disappointing, or you just bought phony tickets, the result is the same: someone pockets your hard-earned money!
BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports from people who purchased fake tickets to actual events or events that have yet to materialize.
A customer in Memphis reported buying tickets for $220 for a concert: "I saw an offer for presale tickets for the group Khruangbin for a concert in May. I clicked on the links and it lead me to what looked like a legit site until I realized that they are a resellers site and had marked up the ticket prices tremendously. The prices were also in USD and the service charge was astounding. I contacted the company right away but they just dismiss and ignore. They are SCAMMERS and need to be off the market. They have scammed lots of people and it is very humiliating and stressful."
One consumer who purchased tickets to a fake beer crawl reported: “Reviews across multiple platforms make it clear that these events are at best extremely misleading or at worst canceled. No refunds are given, even when their inconsistent and mostly-unreachable customer service email address responds to confirm a refund will be provided.”
How to spot a fake festival:
*Research before you buy. Search online for the festival's name and ensure the name advertised matches the website. Scammers often use names that sound similar to those of real festivals.
*Check for (working) contact information. The festival website should have a real phone number and email address.
*Watch out for prices that sound too good to be true. There is no way a festival can offer tickets at extremely low prices without losing money. If the prices are much lower than elsewhere, it's likely a scam.
What can you do?
*Pay with a credit card. You can dispute the charges if the business doesn't come through. Be wary of online sellers that don’t accept credit cards.
*Look for secure sites. The website should begin with HTTPS (the extra “s” is for security) and have a lock symbol on the address bar.
*Avoid tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other free online listings.  Scammers are skilled at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts. Check out third-party ticket sites at BBB.org before making purchases.
For more information:
Read BBB's tips for buying tickets to an event. For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams

Stow Garden Club Holds Annual Meeting

Fourteen members of the Stow Garden Club enjoyed lunch al fresco at the home of Ruth Delmonico recently. Gifts were given to Diane Pellietier ( Past President), Jennifer Mandlebaum (Treasurer), and Eva Barstow (Secretary) for serving as officers of the club. Newly elected officers for the ensuing year include: Mary Staley and Gladys Beaudette, Co-Presidents; Ruth Delmonico, Vice President; Nancy Buck, Secretary. Committee Chairs are Susan Choyce and Ruth Delmonico, Civic Projects & Fundraising, which includes the Daffodil Sale in October. Publicity is handled by Susan Pauley, the Yearbook is created by Kirsten Berg-Sonne, the Garden Tour is arranged by Jai Gluckman-Thomas, Hospitality & the Annual Luncheon, Marge Alessio. Louise Peacock is the Scholarship Chair, which is given to a graduating senior in Stow, who is interested in furthering their education in horticulture, agriculture, or related subjects. Members discussed program plans and will finalize the calendar during the summer months. Meetings can consist of garden educational speakers, floral arrangements to take home, or trips to nearby gardens and arboretums. A local garden tour may be planned. The club recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion and is open to anyone in Stow or nearby towns. For membership details see the website www.stowgardenclub.org or contact Louise Peacock, Membership Chair.

The Merry Wives of Windsor coming to Concord July 20-27

 
Once again, The World’s A Stage Players, Concord Players’ Shakespeare Troupe, will stage a free production on the lawn of the Concord Free Public Library. The Merry Wives of Windsor will be presented on consecutive Saturdays and Sundays, July 20-27 at 5 PM.
One of Shakespeare’s funniest and most accessible comedies, The Merry Wives of Windsor is, in many ways, a thoroughly modern production. “I think of Merry Wives as a contemporary soap opera,” says Director Jim Porter. “Everything is just pitched a little higher, everything is a bit more over the top, it’s all very dramatic … which, of course, makes for great comedy.”
The two Merry Wives, played by Hannah Clifford (Mistress Ford) and Jacey Lynn Rutledge (Mistress Page) are simultaneously wooed by the arrogant yet oblivious Falstaff (played by Mike Haddad). Once they discover his brazen pursuit, they decide to have a little fun at his expense and go to extensive lengths to make him look like a fool.
“Hannah and I have several scenes where we team up to undermine Falstaff’s egotism and self-importance,” says Jacey. “Our characters know what’s going on. The audience knows what’s going on. But Falstaff has no idea, which is a lot of fun.”
Mike Haddad, a frequent performer and director with The World’s A Stage Players, turns Falstaff’s foibles into comic gold. “His cluelessness is what makes him fun,” says Mike. “He thinks he’s God’s gift to humanity, and assumes everyone else thinks so too. It’s a great role to play and a funny one to watch.”
The show features some of Shakespeare’s best wordplay. Shakespeare creates several hilarious characters with non-traditional and/or non-English accents – the French Doctor Caius (played by Andrew Harrington) struggles mightily with his English, while the Welsh parson Sir Hugh Evans’ (played by John Small, making his World’s A Stage Players’ debut) malapropisms add to the humor. Andrew’s real-life wife, Jasmine Yong Hall, plays the inn-keeper Mistress Quickly with a full-on cockney accent.
Merry Wives also features strong women characters, which creates a sense of female empowerment that feels distinctly feminist.
“One of the best things about the show is that the women are firmly in charge,” notes Director Jim Porter. “The men range from jovial to profoundly jealous to utterly moronic, but the women are smart, clever and very funny.”
As always, The World’s A Stage Players draws on a cast of both regulars, occasional returnees and newcomers. Returnees from last summer include Ava Enoch, Michael Jay, Darin Kimball and AJ Gaudreau, along with newcomer Cherry Lynn Zinger and Rutledge. Other familiar faces include Katie Speed, Mike Lague, Julian Willard, Kathleen O’Connor (who is also producing the show) and Ed Bernard. Ed and Andrew Harrington are the only two performers who have
appeared in every World’s A Stage Players’ production. “This is the first time in several years where my character is both alive and married at the end of the show,” says Ed, a Concord resident. “Usually, I’m either dead or alone or both.”
Performances are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 5 PM on the lawn of the Concord Free Public Library, with a rain venue at 51 Walden Street. There is also an indoor air-conditioned performance on Friday, July 26 at 7 PM.
Patrons are invited to bring blankets or chairs and sit on the lawn; a limited number of chairs will be provided. For more information, visit www.concordplayers.org.
William ansley and thomas rivier

Youth Led ‘Sunrise Classic’ Running Race Kicks Off at Concord’s Emerson Field

All race proceeds to benefit Open Table in its mission to fight food insecurity in Metrowest area
Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, is thrilled to partner with local youth for the first Sunrise Classic, a dual 5K and one-mile track event to take place at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, at Emerson Field, 90 Stow Street in Concord. All proceeds from the race will support Open Table’s mission to address food insecurity in the Metrowest area.
The Sunrise Classic is co-organized by two recent Concord Carlisle High School graduates, Thomas Rivier of Carlisle and William Anstey of Concord. Both ran a full season of track, cross country and indoor track as students and wanted to create a fun summer event for local runners that would also give back to the community.
“We already knew about Open Table because of the food drives conducted by the CCHS cross country team. We needed an official 501(c)(3) organization to partner with in order to get sponsors and insurance for The Sunrise Classic. Open Table was the perfect fit,” said William Anstey.
“Both the 5K and mile races will be run on Emerson Field Track so that all runners record official times that will help them set their goals and training programs for the fall track season,” said Thomas Rivier. William and Thomas chose the early morning start time to steer clear of the summer heat and are unphased by questions about the “Sunrise” aspect of the event.  Thomas remarked, “The local running community is always up for something unique and crazy. You’d be surprised how many people will wake up in the dark to take part in a race that starts at dawn.”
Thanks to race sponsors Middlesex Bank, ASICS, Carlisle Cutters, and Run House, the Sunrise Classic will offer medals across multiple age groups for each event. In addition, all participants will receive a free Sunrise Classic T-shirt.
Registration is $35 for each event and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 2. To register, go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Concord/TheSunriseClassic2024