2025 MFSG Schedule of Events

June 10, 2025-Book Club Event at the Concord Free Public Library, Trustees Room,  Main Library , 129 Main St., Concord, MA. 10 AM. A book discussion about "The Things They Carried"  by Tim O'Brien is a collection of short stories about a platoon of American soldiers fighting on the ground in the Vietnam War.  Copies of the book are available at the Main Library.

July 20,2025- Worcester Woo Sox Game-1:05PM-"Indebt to a Vet " event.. Tickets are $25/pp Contact 978-618-8525 for ticket info.

November 7, 2025-Lincoln Council on Aging,  Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Rd. Lincoln, MA. 1:00PM.  "Trench Art and Trinkets: What Did They Bring Home>"  A presentation by Lincoln, MA               Veteran's Services Officer Peter Harvell.  Bring your trench art or militaria piece to be appraised at the event.

November 11, 2025-Vetaran's Day Flag Retirement Ceremony, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA.  8:00AM. The ceremony will include a prayer, a cannon salute, Taps being played ,  and the National Anthem followed by the flag retirement ceremony. Meet at 7:45 AM at Prichards's Gate at 34 Bedford Street, Concord, MA to join the MFSG march procession.

For more information about these events or becoming a MFSG member, please contact 978-618-8525. Look for additional military related events in the Boston/Metro West area on our Facebook page.

Celebrate All Day at the PCA on June 14 with Strawberry 'N Arts Events

 

WESTFORD, MA: On June 14, 2025 this year will be Westford's Strawberry 'N Arts Festival, organized by the Parish Center for the Arts' neighbor across the common, the First Parish Church United.  An annual event for over 40 years, the Festival is a lovely day on the common with a wealth of crafters and other talented folks, local businesses and organizations offering their wares, providing information, demonstrations and performances... oh, and yes – strawberry shortcake available all day (10am-3pm)!  The PCA will be there with information, tote bags and t-shirts available to those who visit our table/tent... but that's not all.
With enough time to head home for a rest or a change in between, you can do that or hang out at the PCA for a bit to grab your seat for the first concert celebrating the day, The Margetts Family at 4pm.  The Margetts are a local family of six - Adam, Ruth, Amelia, Henry, Thomas and Geneva - all of whom are sensationally talented musicians.  From 4-5pm, they will be presenting a violin concert, open to all ages (families encouraged).  Meet, greet and enjoy this short show with "Westford's Von Trapp Family!"  Tickets are $5; $15 family cap.  To reserve your tickets in advance, visit https://parisharts.square.site/product/6-14-25-the-margetts-family/252
After the Margetts' show, skip home or down to Boston Road (or any restaurant of your choice) for a bite to eat, but be back by 7pm to make sure you get a great table seat for a spectacular Jazz concert with local celebrity (and well-known doctor) Elliot Steger, who is bringing his Jazz Trio to the PCA for a relaxing evening of cool sounds and smooth rhythms. Elliot Steger started playing piano as soon as he could sit on the piano bench. He started formal classical lessons at age 4 and continued from that point forward. When it was time to decide whether to pursue a career in music or in the sciences, his thought was that he could always play music, so he chose a "day job as a physician. Fast forward to about 30, and Steger began 20 years of lessons from a Berklee College of Music professor. He started composing and performing more, and is now credited with multiple CDs, over 100 song compositions, and was even a finalist in a competition among over 100,000 songs for best jazz instrumental song of the year. Steger was featured artist on jazz radio WICN's Jazz New England program and has played at many venues in the Boston area. Grab your beverage of choice, any snacks you'd like to gnosh onTickets are $18 for Members/Seniors; $20 for Non-Members, and will be $25 at the door (if any remain).  Limited EBT/Card-to-Culture seats are available at $18. Cards will be requested at the door. Doors will open one half hour prior to the performance. For tickets and more information, visit https://parisharts.square.site/product/6-14-25-elliot-steger-jazz-trio/251.
For more information, visit the PCA online at pcawestford.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Food Is Medicine—And It Starts in the Cafeteria: Littleton Schools Host Regional Roundtable to Showcase School Meals as a Health and Climate Solution

 
LITTLETON, MA – June 5, 2025 – As rates of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, and early puberty continue to rise at alarming rates—driven by ultra-processed foods and environmental exposures—Littleton Public Schools is leading a bold, evidence-based shift in how school lunch is served.
On Wednesday, June 5, Littleton will host The School Nutrition Exchange: Northeast Regional Roundtable, in partnership with Action for Healthy Kids, welcoming over 20 school districts, state and federal legislators, pediatricians, chefs, nonprofits, and USDA leaders to explore how scratch-cooked, locally sourced, and waste-free school meals can reverse chronic disease trends, support local economies, and protect the environment.
  • Location: Littleton Middle School (55 Russell Street, Littleton, MA)
  • Time: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Farm tour to follow)
The Four Pillars: A Recipe for Change
Littleton's nationally recognized nutrition program is built on four foundational pillars: Scratch Cooking – Meals are made fresh daily using real ingredients. Staff are trained annually at the John Stalker Institute to introduce culturally inclusive recipes and prepare nutrient-dense meals kids love. Sourcing – A strong commitment to local purchasing: 57.87% of produce, 100% of seafood, and 2.58% of meat are sourced from local farms and food hubs, supporting regional agriculture. Sustainability – A complete transition to stainless steel trays and utensils has diverted 182,000 trays and 364,000 plastic utensils from the landfill and on average resulted in an 89% reduction in carbon emissions in just one year. All schools compost food scraps, closing the food waste loop. Nutrition Education – Through "Friday Try Days," students sample new fruits, vegetables, and plant-based alternatives. Informational "trading cards" from Massachusetts Farm to School help students and families learn about the foods they eat.
"When we embrace food as medicine and cafeterias as classrooms, we're no longer just serving lunch—we're shaping health," said Leah Botko, Director of Nutrition Services at Littleton Public Schools.
Where Pediatricians, Chefs & Policymakers Converge
The roundtable represents a united front from across sectors—pediatrics, culinary arts, environmental health, education, and government—working together to replace ultra-processed, heat-and-serve meals with whole foods, scratch cooking, and zero-waste practices.
Featured participants include:
  • Action for Healthy Kids Leadership – advancing equity and policy for better school meals
  • Chef John C. White – John Stalker Institute, leading a scratch-cooking demo
  • Dr. Manasa Mantravadi – Pediatrician and culinary medicine expert
  • Local farmers and vendors – providing insight on regional food sourcing
  • State and federal legislators – engaging with scalable models for reform
"When pediatricians, chefs, schools, nonprofits, and policymakers come together, we can rebuild a system that supports children's health," said Dr. Mantravadi. "This is how we reverse the epidemic of preventable disease in kids—starting with what's on their plate."
Real Impact, Real Stories
  • "The food in Littleton's cafeterias is the best I've experienced in 27+ years," said Lyn Snow, Director of Student Services. "Even students with food selectivity and medical diets are participating with enthusiasm and confidence."
  • "My son asked for school pizza for his birthday," a parent shared. "That's how much he loves it."
  • "It's like a restaurant—chefs even ask if you'd like more!" said one student.
Event Agenda – Wednesday, June 5, 2025
  • 7:45 AM – Registration & Breakfast
  • 8:05 AM – Welcome & Roundtable Overview (AFHK)
  • 8:10 AM – Remarks from Superintendent Dr. Kelly Clenchy
  • 8:15 AM – Guest Introductions & AFHK Mission
  • 8:30 AM – "Small Changes, Big Impacts" – Leah Botko, SN Director
  • 8:45 AM – Scratch-Cooking Demo – Chef John C. White
  • 9:30 AM – Group Discussion: School Nutrition Challenges & Solutions
  • 10:45 AM – Break
  • 11:00 AM – Workshop: Recognition Award Application Process
  • 11:30 AM – Vendor Showcase: Local Food Suppliers & Partners
  • 12:00 PM – School Lunch Experience: Build-Your-Own Chipotle Bowl with 8th Grade Class
  • 12:30 PM – Depart for Farm Tour
  • 12:45 PM – Local Farm Tour -Spring Brook Farm- 591 Great Rd, Littleton, MA 01460
  • 1:30 PM – Closing Remarks – Leah Botko & Rob Bisceglie (AFHK)
Media Invitation
Members of the media are encouraged to attend all or part of the day. Interviews and visuals available throughout.
To RSVP or schedule interviews, please contact:
Leah Botko at lbotko@littletonps.org or 978-751-4565.
About Littleton Public Schools
Littleton is leading a national model for sustainable, inclusive, and health-driven school food systems—where every tray tells a story of wellness, equity, and environmental care.
About Action for Healthy Kids
Action for Healthy Kids mobilizes school communities to improve child health through real food, physical activity, and family engagement, with a focus on the most underserved children.

Native Plant Trust welcomes Dr. Lea Johnson as Director of Conservation

Native Plant Trust is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Lea Johnson as Director of Conservation. Dr. Johnson brings extensive experience in community ecology, ecological restoration, and urban ecosystems, blending foundational scientific research with practical applications for sustainable land management and ecological design. Bringing Dr. Johnson on board marks an important step forward as the organization celebrates its 125th anniversary, prepares to accelerate the rate of rare plant monitoring, and expands native plant seed banking and plant production activities.

Friends of the Chelmsford Senior Center -Sizzling Summer Raffle Basket Just In Time For July, This Raffle Basket Is Worth More Than $400!

It will have gift certificates from many local businesses and lots of gifts to make your summer extra sunny, including a beach towel, sunglasses, birding book, ice cream scoop, a mini fan and many more items for summer fun! TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TREASURE SHOP beginning May 19th at 75 Groton Road, North Chelmsford through Tuesday, July 1, 2025. 1 ticket $5.00, 5 tickets $20.00. The drawing will be held Wednesday July 2, 2025.

MASTERCHEF ALL-STARS LIVE! ANNOUNCES TOUR WITH STOPS IN 30 U.S. MARKETS INCLUDING LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
ON SEPTEMBER 19 AT 7:30 PM

 
New High-Energy Stage Show Brings Fan Favorite TV Chefs for Live Cooking Competitions with Audience Participation
Tickets on Sale Friday, May 2
Press Photos & Broll Here
Photo Credit: TCG Entertainment
LOWELL, MA, May 15, 2025 – TCG Entertainment, the leader in live tour productions, and Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay Entertainment, today announce MasterChef All-Stars Live!, a new high-energy stage show featuring winners and fan favorites from the hit competition series, MASTERCHEF, premiering Wednesday, May 21 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, next day on Hulu. This family-friendly experience brings fans and foodies the excitement of the TV show to a LIVE stage with head-to-head cooking demonstrations and thrilling challenges.  Audience members will have the chance to participate, helping the famous chefs create and taste-test their culinary delights.  Tickets go on sale Friday, May 2, at 10:00 a.m. local time, and can be purchased at www.mastercheflivetour.com, Tickets for MasterChef All – Stars Live! at Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Friday, September 19, at 7:30 pm, are on sale at lowellauditorium.com or by calling 1-800-657-8774
The tour kicks off in Williamsport, PA on September 16, 2025, and will travel to 30 additional cities across the U.S., including a stop in Lowell, MA, at Lowell Memorial Auditorium on Friday, September 19. Featuring a cast of celebrated chefs from past seasons, audiences will enjoy candid conversations with favorite all-stars about the thrill of competing in America’s famous kitchen under the scrutiny of the toughest judges. Plus, fans will get insider tips and tricks to apply in their own home kitchens.
 “We’re beyond thrilled to bring the energy and passion of MasterChef All-Stars Live! to audiences across the country,”  said Stephen Cook, President of TCG Entertainment, Producer of MasterChef All-Stars Live! “The live show offers fans the opportunity to see their favorite chefs in action, experience the intensity of the competition and even join in on the fun. It is an unforgettable night for the whole family.”
Chris Lucero, Executive Director, Licensing & Merchandising at Banijay Rights said, “Building on the success of our previous live touring productions with TCG Entertainment, we are excited to expand the  MASTERCHEF experience with the new MasterChef All-Stars Live! We’re proud to partner once again with TCG Entertainment to bring this interactive culinary event to fans and food lovers across America.”
A limited number of VIP Packages will be available in all markets, offering premium seating, exclusive cast meet-and-greet, Q&A sessions, signed show posters, photos and more.  Exclusive MasterChef All-Stars Live! merchandise will also be available for purchase.
MasterChef All-Stars Live! Cast members will be announced at a later date.
 MASTERCHEF season 15 premieres Wednesday, May 21 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, next day on Hulu, with an all-new theme, MasterChef: Dynamic Duos. Award-winning chef and executive producer Gordon Ramsay will return as a host and judge alongside renowned restaurateur Joe Bastianich and new judge, James Beard Award-nominee Tiffany Derry (Top Chef, Bobby’s Triple Threat, Great American Recipe), who will bring her no-nonsense point of view to the table.
MasterChef is produced by Endemol Shine North America and One Potato Two Potato in the U.S. and is part of the global offering from Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of content powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, which encompasses brand licensing, merchandising, gaming and gambling and represents brands from the world’s largest content catalogue, comprising 200,000+ hours of original programming.
 Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records). Now commissioned across 70 markets, the life-changing show has aired over 700 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes to-date. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the superbrand is known and enjoyed across the globe.
For information about MasterChef All-Stars Live!, visit www.mastercheflivetour.com
The revolutonary war cannon

Revolutionary War Epitaphs: Tour the Old Burying Ground with Don Black, and View a British War Cannon

Rescued from the clutches of a wisteria vine, restored, preserved, and exhaustively researched, after a long career the oldest Revolutionary War relic in the country, a British-made cast-iron cannon, resides in a nondescript trailer in Groton.
How the cannon came to town (on a dung cart after being smuggled off the warship Diana following the Battle of Bunker Hill) where it rusticated on Asa Lawrence’s farm (across from the current Johnson’s) and elsewhere for more than two centuries, and how, through a lucky circumstance it ended up in the late Earl Carter’s extremely capable hands…  is a story worth hearing.
With a purist’s eye for authenticity and detail, Carter, a machinist, maverick collector of Groton historical ephemera, founder of the Myceum, and a former curator of the Groton History Center, replicated the original wooden carriage down to the last handmade nail. Years of research on his wife Bonnie Carter’s part secured the cannon’s irrefutable place in history.
Making the rounds to celebrated historical sites and reenactments, the cannon will be on display on Saturday, May 31st from 2 to 4 pm in front of the Legion Hall on Hollis Street, where Bonnie Carter and her grandson (and right-hand man) Devin Carter will share the cannon’s astonishing history. It’s all part of Revolutionary War Epitaphs, the first of several free public events celebrating the War for Independence hosted by the Groton History Center, and featuring Cemetery Commissioner Don Black’s fascinating tour of the Old Burying Ground. 
Bring a portable stool or lawn chair if sitting is preferred, and join the GHC for this enlightening free event. Parking available along Hollis Street. For more information, visit info@grotonhistory.org, grotonhistory@facebook.org, or call 978-448-0092. The Carters’ Myseum (encarter@aol.com) is open to visitors by appointment.
Soggy po boys alt 2 (michael winters)

Bourbon Street Meets Lincoln Street when Soggy Po Boys Hits the PCA Stage

WESTFORD, MA: On June 13, 2025, The Parish Center for the Arts is thrilled to be welcoming a group with a flair for Bourbon… the Street, that is.  Soggy Po Boys will play at 10 Lincoln Street on June 13 at 7:30pm as part of the PCA’s Coffeehouse Series (sponsored by Enterprise Bank). Though native to New England, Soggy Po Boys quickly have become become an institution with stylish flair and outstanding musicianship. They are spreading the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, playing at concert halls and street corners; music festivals and burlesque festivals; bars and libraries; wherever the party requires. Bring your own snacks and the beverages of your choice. Tickets are $20 for Members/Seniors; $22 for Non-Members, and will be $25 at the door (if any remain).  Limited EBT/Card-to-Culture seats are available at $18. Cards will be requested at the door. Doors will open one half hour prior to the performance. For ticket reservations and more information, visit pcawestford.org.
The Po Boys formed in 2012 to shake the walls of a local club on a Fat Tuesday but have honed their sound and become more than a Mardi Gras centerpiece. Exploring the vast musical traditions of New Orleans and expanding their repertoire to look beyond NOLA jazz, the band includes traditional Caribbean tunes (it’s been said that New Orleans is the northernmost city in the Caribbean), as well as Meters funk, soul, and brass band / street beat music. There are a myriad of traditions that flow into New Orleans culture just as there are tributaries that feed the Mississippi, and the Po Boys are eager to explore what makes the music of New Orleans so special. You’ll hear the heavy influence of the New Orleans sound across the band and in the stories told by their original tunes. In line with the scope of its sound, the outfit is eight people and thrives on the interplay and group dynamics that bring this music to life.
DirectTicket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/6-13-25-soggy-po-boys/240
For more information, visit the PCA online at pcawestford.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show

The Women’s Club at St. Irene’s Parish, Carlisle MA will be sponsoring an Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show on Sunday, June 8 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm in the St. Irene Church Hall, 181 East Street, Carlisle, MA.  There is NO COST for attending the event but a reservation is required as there is limited seating.  Please email womensclub@cc-catholic.org to reserve your spot or spots.
Mcc marisol nobrega s25

LPD Captain Named MCC’s 2025 Distinguished Alum

Middlesex Community College is proud to name Captain Marisol Nobrega, Commanding Officer of Training and Recruiting of the Lowell Police Department (LPD), the 2025 Distinguished Alum. She will speak to the graduating class during the commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 22.
“When I was notified about being this year’s Commencement speaker, I felt so humbled and immensely grateful to be considered for it,” Nobrega said. “I can’t believe that I have come full circle and will be this year’s Commencement speaker – something I would never have imagined when I was sitting in my graduation in 1994.”
A first-generation college student, Nobrega came to Middlesex because of the convenience of the Lowell campus. Having earned her GED, she did not believe continuing her education was possible until she started at MCC. Due to the college’s flexibility and welcoming environment, she was able to balance earning her degree with being a mom – and succeed at accomplishing both.
After graduating from MCC with an associate degree in liberal arts and a certificate in paralegal studies, Nobrega transferred to UMass Lowell. Working part-time for an immigration attorney while taking classes, she decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. She credits Middlesex for helping her find her path.
“My education and graduation from MCC helped me achieve my goals because it was my first milestone,” Nobrega said. “I became a first-generation college graduate after quitting high school my junior year. It took me a little longer, but I accomplished a major goal with the help and assistance I received at MCC.”
For 27 years, she has served as a law enforcement officer, holding key roles in different capacities, including assignments in the Criminal Investigation, Professional Standards, Family Services, and Personnel and Detail divisions. Throughout her career, Nobrega has reached the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and now captain – the first Hispanic and third woman ever in the LPD to hold that title.
“Middlesex gave me the foundation to break the barrier in my career becoming the first Latina woman to obtain these ranks within my police department and a predominately male field,” Nobrega said. “I believe it is important to be involved in the community that I live and serve as a police officer. It is important that I am present and that they see me as part of them and not just an authority figure.”
Recognized for her service, Nobrega has received prestigious awards, including the Massachusetts Women in Law Enforcement Mentoring Award, Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award, and the Girls Incorporated Today’s Woman Award.
Also serving as Union President and Vice President for the Lowell Police Superior Officers Association, she was a longtime staff instructor at the Lowell Police Academy where she mentored and helped shape the next generation of law enforcement officers. Now as an adjunct professor at MCC, Nobrega is enjoying teaching students. Happy to give back to her alma mater, she tells stories from her past experiences in her classes.
Similar to how she approaches her teaching style, Nobrega looks forward to speaking at commencement. Through sharing her own story, she hopes to show the graduates they can accomplish their goals and pursue their dreams.
“I hope I can inspire students to not give up,” she said. “There will be obstacles, there will be barriers, and the trajectory of your journey may change, it may be diverted, it may not be in your exact timeline, but you can persevere. So please don’t give up – no matter how long it takes.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Fewer rainy days, flowers starting to bloom, and warmer weather are all signs that May is here. It’s a time to stop and look at your surroundings, appreciate the beauty of nature. Take time this month to also check in on yourself and others. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. While progress has been made over the years in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, there is still more work to be done.
It is important to take care of your mental health as it can affect everything you do. If you’re constantly stressed with no outlet to release it, you may find yourself consistently on edge, where even minor issues have major impacts. If all you do is care for others and neglect yourself, you could burnout. You can’t pour your energy into others without also taking time to replenish your own. These are just a few examples of how neglecting our mental health can affect our well-being.
There are multiple things you can do to take care of your mental health. It can be small, like getting 10-15 minutes of sunlight daily to help boost your mood, decreasing your social media consumption, or giving yourself a few minutes to relax instead of going from one task to another whenever possible. Just how the mind affects the body, the body also impacts your mind. Drinking more water, getting the necessary vitamins and nutrients from your food, and moving your body — whether it’s a walk down the street or time at the gym — all help your brain function. There are also bigger things you can do, like planning a getaway, trying something new, or talking to a friend or a mental health professional when needed.
Mental health is often a silent battle; however, the signs that someone is struggling can be loud once you know what to look for. It’s important to look out for others who may be struggling but don’t know how to express what they’re experiencing. We can never know exactly what is going on inside someone else’s mind, so take the time to be prepared for any situation. For instance, someone experiencing suicidal ideation may not openly share the depth of their thoughts. However, there are warning signs for suicide. These may include sudden changes in appearance and eating habits, a loss of interest in things normally loved, increased anger and irritability, giving away prized possessions, and more. For a more extensive list of suicide warning signs, visit www.jasonfoundation.com. There you will find risk factors, additional warning signs, resources, and a list of their locations across the country to find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office to help you or someone you know. The Jason Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to the education and prevention of youth suicide. They offer free trainings and materials to educate the public on youth suicide.
This month, check in on those around you, and on yourself. Everyone can benefit from someone asking how they’re really doing. Give someone the opportunity to recognize the struggle they’re facing, so it can be overcome.

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Concord Park

June 12, 2025, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Please contact Amanda Spinale, Compass Memory Care Director, at 978-369-4728 or aspinale@concordpark.org for more information and the Zoom link. This group is free and open to the public.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Mass Save: Friend of Our Future

When: Wednesday, May 28, 7:00-8:15pm
Where: Zoom
ACTON: Was Mass Save the main driver behind last winter’s high utility bills? Energy efficiency expert Mark Dyen argues that, rather than being the culprit, Mass Save is actually our path away from high energy bills and fuels that endanger the biosphere. Join us as he explores the mission of Mass Save, its funding, and the actual dynamics behind the winter’s steep bills. Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org. Info and registration at https://community.massenergize.org/ActonMA/events/1971.

Air Source Heat Pump Webinar

When: Tuesday, May 20, 7:00-8:00pm
Where: Zoom
ACTON: Bob Zogg, co-founder of the HeatSmart Alliance, will give the audience a clear and comprehensive overview of recent advances in heat pump technology, with time for homeowner experiences and questions. How we use energy matters! Sponsored by MassEnergize, with support from EnergizeActon.org. Info/Sign-Up at https://community.massenergize.org/ActonMA/events/1825.

Apply for Financial Aid with MCC’s FAFSA Completion Events and Resources

Middlesex Community College makes getting an education possible with a combination of affordable and flexible options and free resources and support services. To prepare for the 2025/2026 academic year, Middlesex is offering students assistance in completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“Completing the FAFSA is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success at college and beyond,” said Kimberly Tibbetts, MCC’s Director of Financial Aid. “No need to do it alone – our team of financial aid experts work with you on an individual basis. Customizing each offer for you and your circumstances, we help you graduate from MCC with as little debt as possible, preparing you for your next steps to transfer to a four-year institution and/or enter the workforce.”
During the event, financial aid staff will be on hand to provide direct assistance to students as they complete their application. The college will offer information and support, as well as answer questions as students go through the process of filling out the form.
The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 in the campus Academic Resource Center Computer Labs, room 107, 108 and 109. Almost 70 students registered for a previous event held on Wednesday, April 23 in Lowell.
MCC also partners with organizations to help students apply for financial aid. uAspire offers personalized, one-on-one assistance with access to a 24/7 help desk. MCC students can attend uAspire’s live workshops at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13 and 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 5.
Through MCC’s partnership with the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC), students can receive virtual FAFSA assistance. Working one-on-one with an advisor, students go through the completion process, ask questions, learn how to avoid common mistakes, and see what financial aid they qualify for.
Financial aid awards are based on financial need, enrollment status in an eligible program, and availability of funding. Additional forms of financial aid, including student employment, federal work study programs or scholarship opportunities, may be available for those who qualify.
No matter your age or income, community college is now free in Massachusetts! The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow all eligible Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend MCC for free. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA.
“The FAFSA is free and easy to fill out,” Tibbetts said. “It’s worth completing because students often qualify for more than they think!”
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/financialaid/fafsaassistance.html for more information.

Friends of the Chelmsford Senior Center -SIZZLING SUMMER RAFFLE BASKET JUST IN TIME FOR JULY, THIS RAFFLE BASKET IS WORTH MORE THAN $400!

It will have gift certificates from many local businesses and lots of gifts to make your summer extra sunny, including a beach towel, sunglasses, birding book, ice cream scoop, a mini fan and many more items for summer fun! TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TREASURE SHOP beginning May 19th at 75 Groton Road, North Chelmsford through Tuesday, July 1, 2025. 1 ticket $5.00, 5 tickets $20.00. The drawing will be held Wednesday July 2, 2025.

Great Brook Farm Composted
Cow Manure for sale

Composted Cow Manure for sale at the farm. Self-serve all daylight hours. We also deliver- call the farm at 978-371-7083 for delivery! We appreciate your support of our family farm in our 38th year of business. This Black Gold is excellent for all your home gardening & lawn needs.

Military Family Support Group Seeking New Members

The Military Family Support Group (MFSG) is a volunteer organization whose mission is to provide support to anyone with an active duty service member serving in the military.  Our goal is to help educate members on military life, customs, and traditions as well as provide outreach, benefit awareness, and social networking opportunities.  In addition, MFSG offers support to family members with a active duty service member transitioning to veteran status.  MFSG hosts events throughout the year and is open to individuals, families,  and friends in the Concord/Carlisle and surrounding communities with an active duty member serving in all branches of the military.  Follow us on Facebook or at  milfamilysg@gmail.com

2025 MFSG Schedule of Events
June 10, 2025-Book Club Event at the Concord Free Public Library, Trustees Room,  Main Library , 129 Main St., Concord, MA. 10 AM. A book discussion about “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien is a collection of short stories about a platoon of American soldiers fighting on the ground in the Vietnam War.  Copies of the book are available at the Main Library.

July 20,2025- Worcester Woo Sox Game-1:05PM-”Indebt to a Vet “ event.. Tickets are $25/pp Contact 978-618-8525 for ticket info.
November 7, 2025-Lincoln Council on Aging,  Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Rd. Lincoln, MA. 1:00PM.  “Trench Art and Trinkets: What Did They Bring Home>”  A presentation by Lincoln, MA               Veteran’s Services Officer Peter Harvell.  Bring your trench art or militaria piece to be appraised at the event.

November 11, 2025-Vetaran’s Day Flag Retirement Ceremony, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Concord, MA.  8:00AM. The ceremony will include a prayer, a cannon salute, Taps being played ,          and the National Anthem followed by the flag retirement ceremony. Meet at 7:45 AM at Prichards’s Gate at 34 Bedford Street, Concord, MA to join the MFSG march procession.

For more information about these events or becoming a MFSG member, please contact 978-618-8525. Look for additional military related events in the Boston/Metro West area on our Facebook page.
2025 thursdays

Voices Soar at Aca-Pocalypse 2025: Chelmsford’s Premier A Cappella Festival

Prepare to be amazed! The Association of Chelmsford A Cappella (ACA) proudly presents Aca-Pocalypse 2025, a dazzling two-night festival celebrating the best in high school and middle school a cappella. With 14 outstanding groups from across the region, this is the vocal event of the year you won’t want to miss.

Mark Your Calendar:
When: Friday, May 30, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM & Saturday, May 31, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Carl J. Rondina Performing Arts Center, Chelmsford High School, Chelmsford, MA 01824
Tickets: Available at the door or online at https://bit.ly/ACATICKETS
A Lineup Like No Other, each night brings a fresh lineup of vocal talent, ensuring a unique experience with every performance. From powerhouse harmonies to intricate beatboxing, these young vocalists will leave you spellbound.
Meet Your Headliners, who’ll be guiding us through the evening’s performances, the sensational “Ball in the House,” an acclaimed Boston-based R&B/Soul/Pop a cappella group known for their high-energy performances. As headliner and emcees, they bring star power and showmanship to the festival. Enjoy some homegrown champions in the spotlight as Chelmsford’s own Crescendos, the 2024 Northeast Regional Champions of the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA), and The Thursdays, 2025 semi-finalists, will showcase the talent that has put them on the national stage. Also performing Friday evening will be Noteorious, the 2025 Northeast Regional Champions. Their performances promise to be a highlight of the event. Beyond Chelmsford, joining the Crescendos and The Thursdays are talented groups from Andover, Bedford, Brookline, Millis, North Reading, Springfield, Weston, and Wilmington—each bringing their own style and energy to the stage.
“Aca-Pocalypse is a true celebration of talent, passion, and community,” says Amanda Roeder, CHS music teacher and advisor for the host groups. “It’s an unforgettable way to close out the school year and a showcase of everything our singers have accomplished.” Whether you’re a seasoned a cappella enthusiast or simply love live music, Aca-Pocalypse is your ticket to an unforgettable musical experience. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the harmony!
For Tickets and More Information: Visit https://bit.ly/ACATICKETS
Media Inquiries: Amanda Roeder roedera@chelmsford.k12.ma.us
About The Association of Chelmsford A Cappella: The Association of Chelmsford A Cappella (ACA) is dedicated to promoting vocal music education and performance. Through events like Aca-Pocalypse, ACA provides a platform for young talent to shine and brings the community together in a celebration of the arts. Learn more at https://www.chelmsfordacappella.org
Experience the Harmony. Experience the Passion. Experience Aca-Pocalypse

T-Shirt Design Contest

Design a nature-themed T-shirt and send in your entry by Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 5:00pm. Entries will be voted on by the staff, and if yours is chosen then it will be printed on the T-shirts.
Rules/Notes:
Entries must be sent via regular mail to PO Box 14, Bolton, MA 01740 and be in the post office box by Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 5:00pm So please either mail it to get there in time or put a stamp on it/pay when you get there and give it to the people at the counter to put in the box. Do not put in the mailbox outside or the slot inside since all mail gets sent out to the distribution center before coming back to Bolton. The Post Office counter closes from 11:00am-12:00pm on weekdays, so don’t go during those times.
Entries must be on a regular 8.5″x11″ white piece of paper that has not been folded.
Entries must be drawn in black pen ink or Sharpie.
Entries must be signed by the artist (write clearly so we can read your name).
Do not write anything else on the design (the printer adds the name of the camp and the year).
Think about the printing and do not make any lines that are too close together and will turn into blobs (e.g. feathers on a bird need to be distinct).
Please review the below list of past designs so there is no recent duplication.
Feel free to scan and email us a sketch of your idea and we will give you feedback (technical only) before you draw your final submission.
DO NOT TRACE. ORIGINAL ARTWORK ONLY.
Ask us if you have any questions.
https://www.tomdenneynaturecamp.org/tee-shirt-design-contest

MCC Honors Students Present at Annual Research Conference

Middlesex Community College hosted the 14th annual Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP) Research Conference on Wednesday, April 30. During the event, Middlesex honors students presented and discussed their research projects with the community.
“My experience in the Honors Program at MCC has been incredibly rewarding and transformative,” said Nilsu Buyuk, an MCC psychology honors student, of Watertown. “The CHP conference is an excellent environment for students to develop a variety of skills, especially public speaking and presentation abilities. Additionally, the honors conference offers a chance to build a strong network with other MCC honors students and faculty members. It’s inspiring to see what kinds of projects others are working on, and it creates space to exchange ideas and learn from one another.”
Buyuk’s presentation compared teenage girls’ lives in Afghanistan with those in the United States. Crediting her professors for their guidance, she believes her experience working on the presentation was “enjoyable and slightly challenging.” Participating in the CHP has built her confidence, as well as helped her improve her leadership, communication and collaboration skills.
An MCC world languages honors student, of Dracut, Carina Rivera created a project entitled “Resistance in the Form of Art.” Focused on artists using their art to spread knowledge, Rivera worked with her professors to expand her research from one artist to include others. A visual learner, she was nervous about how to best create her presentation, but she felt supported by the college faculty and staff.
“I struggled in school as a kid and never thought of myself as an honors student,” Rivera said. “I wanted to try [the honors program] out and see if I could prove myself wrong. I have felt right at home among my professors and peers. This opportunity has taken me out of my comfort zone and given me a confidence boost as a speaker and student. It’s great to see everyone showcase their hard work.”
Setting up their projects in the Bedford campus cafeteria, students shared slides and spoke on their topics. At the end, the participating students received awards for their presentations. For CJ Muenks, an MCC history, politics and global studies honors student, of Lowell, the CHP was a way to expand his learning opportunities. His presentation focused on Native American religious practices and how European colonialism affected them.
“I had never had the opportunity to present to my peers as a confident adult,” Muenks said. “Just being able to practice public speaking is incredibly beneficial, but also our professors were incredible instigators of critical conversation. Middlesex has reignited my passion for learning, as I have had extremely supportive professors and made numerous friends.”
Jason North, an MCC biology honors student, of Groton, was recommended to join the CHP by his professors. Focusing his presentation on the emergence, evolution and culture causes of a stigma behind nuclear technology, he combined his interests in nuclear chemistry with history and politics. Through the program, North improved his research and time management skills, as well as honed his professionalism.
“I benefitted from having what I wrote critiqued and examined, because I got a taste for what the expectations are for prestigious research,” North said. “I feel closer to my professors now having connected with them, both on the mechanics of the research and their interest in my topic itself.”
MCC’s CHP offers students the opportunity to work with dedicated faculty and participate in seminar-style classes to improve their research techniques and present their work. Through this experience, students attend special events and activities, while sharing ideas with peers, faculty and staff.
Required for every honors course, students are expected to present their research projects at a conference before graduating. After selecting a topic, students develop a research question and use both primary and secondary sources to guide their project. The goal is to hone students’ research, analysis and organization skills, according to Binnur Ercem, MCC’s Professor of Sociology & Cultural Anthropology and Director of the CHP.
“Students refine their arguments, create visual or multimedia presentations, and practice their public speaking skills to confidently share their work with the campus community,” Ercem said. “CHP’s annual research conference is an opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate our students’ intellectual curiosity, academic achievements, determination, perseverance, hard work, and love of learning.”

Spring Concord

The two ensembles of the Chelmsford Community Band are joining together again for their annual joint Spring performance at 2pm on Sunday, June 1, at the Chelmsford High School Performing Arts Center.  The Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Art Bakopolus, will bring a program of lively jazz and swing standards, and the Concert Band, under the direction of Eric Linsner, will be celebrating the sounds of New Orleans with music inspired by Cajun folk songs, New Orleans jazz traditions, and a medley from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.
Admission to these community concerts is always free, but the band greatly appreciates donations that cover their expenses and make it possible to rent rehearsal space and buy music.  Suggested donations are $10 for an individual or $20 for a family.
Having recently celebrated its golden anniversary, the Chelmsford Community Band has a 70-piece concert band and a 20-piece jazz ensemble made of dedicated volunteer musicians with a proud tradition of bringing live musical performances to this community since 1972.  They are supported by grants from the Chelmsford Cultural Council, other local towns, and your donations.  Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky, and find them online at www.chelmsfordcommunityband.com.

WESTON, MA WALK

SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH– The Walk ‘n Mass Volkssport Club invites walkers to complete a 5km or 10km (3.1 or 6.2 mile) walk route in Weston, MA. This is a walk-at-your-own pace, just-for-fun event “in your own backyard.”
The start point is the Weston Public Library, 87 School Street, Weston,MA 02493. Register and begin walking between 10:30-12:30. Finish by 4 p.m. There is a $4 participation fee per person. Donations are accepted. The 5km and 10km routes are on mostly flat and paved surfaces.The trail would be doable for strollers but difficult for wheelchairs due to the trail through the woods, a short grassy path, and uneven pavement in some places.
The 10km route consists of the 5km route with 3 loops branching off the 5km route. Except for one stretch of the 10km route on a trail through some woods and another short, steep path joining the rail trail, both routes are on sidewalks and the rail trail passing some historic buildings, residential areas with large homes and tree-filled spaces, and the town center.
Walkers will pass the fieldstone First Parish Church and the Colonial Revival-style Weston
Town Hall, a fire station built in 1914 the town’s original library built in 1899 and now the home of Weston Art & Innovation Center as well as the Weston Media Center.
Volkssporting events sponsored by Walk ‘n Mass Volkssport Club promote fun, fitness and friendship through non-competitive walking and biking. There is also an achievement awards program through the American Volkssport Association (AVA). For further information contact Marianne at (339)-204-3700. You may also contact www.walknmass.org for this event and future events.

Community Craft and Yard Sale

You are invited to join The Chelmsford Women of Today for a Community Craft and Yard Sale. Find treasures and enjoy local crafts for sale.
Date – 5/31/2025
Central Congregational Church Parking Lot, North Road, Chelmsford, MA.
Time  - 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Crafters and vendors wishing to participate are encouraged to call 978-250-7267 for more information. Space for tables up to 6’ is $25, and $50 10x10 canopies that can accommodate up to 3 tables. Tables must be provided by the vendors. Must call no later than May 15 to reserve space.
The proceeds from this event will support Alternative House, Wish Project, and various other local organization

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 Saturday, May 24th 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 your community and across the region.  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 less than 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).

Friends of the Chelmsford Senior Center - SIZZLING SUMMER RAFFLE BASKET JUST IN TIME FOR Summer, THIS RAFFLE BASKET IS WORTH MORE THAN $400!

It will have gift certificates from many local businesses and lots of gifts to make your summer extra sunny, including a beach towel, sunglasses, birding book, ice cream scoop, a mini fan and many more items for summer fun! TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TREASURE SHOP, 75 Groton Road, North Chelmsford through Tuesday, July 1, 2025. 1 ticket $5.00, 5 tickets $20.00. The drawing will be held Wednesday July 2, 2025.
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MCC Hosts Third Annual Day of Love, Acceptance and Belonging

Middlesex Community College hosted the third annual Day of Love, Acceptance and Belonging (LAB) on Wednesday, April 16. During the day, the college community had opportunities to reflect and explore how Middlesex fosters connection, counters hate, and celebrates humanity through meaningful conversations, shared experiences and creative expression.
“The Day of Love, Acceptance and Belonging is a celebration where everyone can come together to have fun and connect with others,” said Dorothy Boateng, an MCC liberal studies student from Ghana and now living in Dracut. “For me, it’s a special opportunity to network and hear the diverse stories of people from all walks of life. I would like to express my gratitude to the college and student engagement for consistently organizing events that bring people together and brighten their days.”
“The Day of Love, Acceptance and Belonging is a reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued and included for who they truly are,” said Rakshika Chelly Muthuraman, an MCC Culinary Arts and Business Administration student from India and now living in Lowell. “It’s a day where we can all be friends and be happy for who we are. It’s about making an effort to build a community where love isn’t just a word, but a practice.”
Artist Anida Yoeu Ali visited MCC for two LAB Day events. During the teach-in: “What is the role of the artist in community activism?” Ali guided conversation about participants’ current challenges and joys, and how they connect to the current climate. Ali also held a talk and performance to end the day at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell.
“MCC holds special status as both a community college and an Asian Studies Development Program regional center, and we’re grateful to be able to host exciting events with scholars and world-renowned artists like Anida Yoeu Ali,” said Kerri Gamache, MCC Professor of English. “Inviting Anida to Lowell to host a teach-in and to have her perform at an evening artist talk with the community felt powerful and timely. The events also resonated on another level – being the 50th anniversary of the takeover of Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge regime, which led to the Cambodian genocide. Anida’s ancestral history plays a major role in some of her performance work.”
A highlight of the day included student conferences entitled “Voices United: Shaping an Inclusive Future.” Groups of students from this year’s Diversity Summit presented projects on topics including social solidarity, equity and equality, and biases and microaggressions.
“I had truly bonded with the people at the Diversity Summit and working with our group just brought everyone together,” said Glorai Carter, an MCC psychology student, of Tyngsboro. “The Day of Love, Acceptance and Belonging is an important day for me. I honor myself in allowing everyone to be together and loved – this day just helped me bond with others, more then I usually do on a daily basis.”
During a human library event, participants discussed their individual and community experiences of feeling like they belong. Students and employees also had the opportunity to engage in The Belonging Project Mural. Located on both the Bedford and Lowell campuses, individuals shared messages through writings and drawings of what it means to them to be part of a community.
“The third campus-wide Day of Love, Acceptance and Belonging was a powerful opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate who we are – both as individuals and as a collective – while nurturing a deep and lasting sense of belonging for all,” said Maria Isabel Gariepy, MCC’s Executive Director of Strategic Priorities and Professional Development. “From thought-provoking dialogues to events that showcase our shared creativity and passion, this day was a reflection of our shared commitment to cultivating a campus environment where every person feels sees, heard, valued and supported.”
17 animal rescues

17 Animal Rescues Join PAWS IN THE PARK
this Sunday, May 4, 10 am - 3 pm
Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Sudbury


Have you been thinking of adopting a pet?
Join Save A Dog this Sunday, May 4, from 10 am to 3 pm on the grounds of historic Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury as we celebrate the 25th Annual PAWS IN THE PARK – one of the largest gatherings of people and pups in New England!
Rain or shine, this is the place to be for canine and family fun!
This year, PAWS IN THE PARK also offers a great opportunity to visit with representatives of 17 animal rescues from Massachusetts and beyond, and meet some of their amazing, adoptable pets.
Joining in the day-long festivities are:
• Baypath Humane Society (Hopkinton)
• B.O.N.E.S. (Beagles of New England States - NH)
• Brown Dog Coalition and Rescue (Hopkinton)
• Buddy Dog (Sudbury)
• Collie Rescue League of New England (VT)
• Commonwealth Cats (Peabody)
• Crops and Flops Rescue (Westminster)
• Greyhound Friends (Hopkinton)
• Long Island Bulldog Rescue (NY)
• Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (Salisbury)
• National Great Pyrenees Rescue (NY)
• Northeast Coonhound Rescue (Lexington)
• Paw-Affection Dachshund Rescue (Taunton)
• PittieLove Rescue (Framingham)
• Save A Dog (Sudbury)
• Stray Pets in Need (Natick)
• Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue (Hudson)
Don’t miss this celebration filled with music, food vendors, kids games and face painting, dog games and contests, a dog agility course with try-outs, alumni and littermate reunions, raffles and a silent auction... plus 67 vendors and exhibitors.
Special highlights include a Group Dog Walk at 11 am led by Anna Meiler, WBZ News Anchor and host of WBZ’s Sunday morning “Pet Parade.”
The Adoptable Dogs Parade at noon will feature dogs from our participating rescue organizations.
And TRAX, the Worcester Railers Hockey Club mascot, will make a special appearance right after the parade from at 12:30 pm.
Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children 5-12.
Kids under 5 are free, and strollers are welcome.
(Admission is waived for those who set up a personal online pledge page and raise $15 or more. Go to www.saveadog.org/paws2025-pledges.asp)
And of course bring your dog—if they enjoy being around people and other dogs—on a 6 foot or shorter leash (no retractable leashes, please).
All proceeds from PAWS IN THE PARK benefit the life-saving rescue and adoption work of Save A Dog, a 501c3 tax exempt humane society.
Now entering its 27th year, Save a Dog has found loving forever homes for more than 8,500 pets through its Sudbury shelter and dedicated network of foster homes.
See you Sunday!

Grieving Mother’s Support Group”

Myles Above in Heaven
An intimate support group in the loss of child........
Saturday May 17th
10:30am-12:30pm
Hudson Public Library, Hudson, MA

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

“Shop for Free at Trinity:  The Free Sale”

- Trinity Church, 14 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., Bolton, will be hosting an  indoor yard sale on Saturday, June 7th, 9:00AM - Noon.  All items are free. Household goods, toys, books, movies, sporting goods, clothing, more. Enjoy free refreshments as well!  www.trinitybolton.org

Tom Denney Nature Camp Register Now!

The camp in Bolton is for students entering Kindergarten through High School.
Activities include swimming, games in the fields and woods, arts & crafts, songs, tracking, hiking, campfires to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, building shelters, Animal Adventures, Predator and Prey, The Amazing Race & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, laser tag in the woods, nighttime activities on Thursday and dinner and s’mores, water guns, an adventure hike, team building activities & more.
Counselors-in-Training must be entering 9th grade or above and attend Orientation June 24- and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 30 – August 8, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
Before/After Care is available!
Campers from all towns are welcome!
See the website for more details and to register: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: bcttdnc@gmail.com (best means of communication) or 978-429-3004 (voice mail)

Fresh Start Furniture Bank report

www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
I THINK we have seen the last of snow this season!  My wise Dad told us that spring snow is nature’s fertilizer; it pulls nitrogen out of the atmosphere for the lawns.
At Fresh Start we still need couches and loveseats, upholstered chairs, dressers and dining tables.  In the kitchen area we are short on saucepans, food storage containers, and bowls (cereal, mixing and serving). We are running out of microwaves and slow cookers and we can always use silverware.  Our supply of lamps goes up and down; right now it is down so bring them!   For bedrooms we need throws and comforters.  We just partnered with a woman who works for an organization that rescues and rehabs owls and she needs fleece for them.
Please look at our website if you don’t know our location or hours.  We take donations of housewares on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-noon and furniture AND housewares on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30.  The website also spells out what we DO and DO not take and there is a place to sign up for a pickup by our truck if you have several large items.
Thank you for helping us to help others!
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MCC to Hold Two Student Recitals as Part of Spring 2025 “A World of Music” Concert Series

In a celebration of their hard work throughout the semester, Middlesex Community College is excited to host two Student Recitals as part of the Spring 2025 “A World of Music” concert series. The performances will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 in MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell and 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28 in MCC’s Concert Hall in Bedford.
“Both performances are perfect for me to express how far I have come in pursuing my passion,” said Lucas Guerrero, an MCC Performing Arts Music student from Bedford. “During practice, I realized what eras of music I liked and loved. Preparation has pushed me into new boundaries. I slowly developed proper fingering techniques, vowel pronunciation modifications, and the consistency and feeling of 3/8 and 4/4 time. Without Professor Peralta, Dr. Fridley, and Professor Cela’s commitment to educate me, I would be unknowledgeable in reading, practicing and writing music.”
Guerrero will play a piano solo, as well as sing a few songs. The line-up will feature MCC student guitarists, singers, pianists, the MCC Guitar Ensemble and the MCC Music Club showcasing their talents on stage in front of a live audience. A few electronic works by Music Technology students will also be featured on April 22, while the MCC World Drumming Ensemble and student dancers will perform on April 28.
“We are excited to be presenting two student recitals this year,” said Carmen Rodríguez-Peralta, MCC’s Chair of Music. “It is so important for students in our music classes to be able to perform pieces they have been preparing during the semester. Some students are completing their first music class, while others have been performing for years, and these recitals are a way of celebrating their musical journeys.”
MCC will also host the Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) for a second time this semester at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
Previous concerts this season include the LCO on Saturday, February 1; an Online Saturday Arts Concert featuring MCC faculty, alumni and students on Saturday, March 8; Know Orchestra on Sunday, March 23; a Piano Recital by Anastasia Seifetdinova on Friday, April 4; Guqin and Viola in Musical Dialogue on Friday, April 11; and the LCO again on Saturday, April 26.
All concerts are free and open to the public.
MCC’s Academic Arts Center is located at 240 Central Street in Lowell. With parking not available on site, the nearest public parking facility is the Early Garage on 135 Middlesex St. MCC’s Concert Hall is located in the North Academic Building at 591 Springs Road in Bedford. Parking is available on-campus.
Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/worldofmusic/ for more information.
Learn More

THE CANNON THEATRE Proudly Presents “Enchanted April”

Devens, MA: The Cannon Theatre is proud to present A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. This production, directed by Shawn Cannon, is the fifth in The Cannon Theatre’s 2024-25 season line-up, which also includes upcoming productions of Cannon’s 10-Minute Play Festival and featuring performances of Shakespeare: the Eras Tour.
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a comic romp filled with unforgettable music and non-stop laughs about A distant heir to a family fortune sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm... and a dash of murder.
The show runs for 3 weekends. Show times are May 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are taking place on May 18 and 25th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at www.thecannontheatre.org, and are $25 for adults, and $20 for students/seniors.
The cast and crew hails from the following towns: Ayer, Arlington, Brookline, Chelmsford, Fitchburg, Lincoln, Londonderry, Pepperell, Waltham, and Worcester.
Newparents

In-Person New Parent Group in Concord

The next in-person First Year of Life New Parent Group will meet at Emerson Wellness Center, 310 Baker Ave Ext., Suite 165 on Thursday, May 1 from 9:30-11:00. Parking is free of charge. This group is free and open to all, facilitated by First Connections’ Director, Emily Fiorini, who is a mental health counselor specializing in infant-parent mental health. Parents in the postpartum year can join this free weekly group to get support for their own emotional wellbeing, recovery and transition into parenthood; baby’s development; feeding and sleep support, and community resources. This group meets every week, with one week per month meeting in person and the remaining weeks meeting via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, email Emily: efiorini@jri.org. To RSVP for the in-person group, email Linda: lmatthews@jri.org. We will have a guest speaker on “Introducing Solid Foods for Infants” presented by Emerson Speech & Language Pathologist Julia Hurd on June 12, 10-11:00. To receive the link for this free program email Linda: lmatthews@jri.org.
Rummage sale

Rummage Sale at Aldersgate UMC

Aldersgate United Methodist Church will host its popular rummage sale on Friday, May 2, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Clothes, books, toys, household goods, and more will be available for purchase. (Computers, TVs, and other electronics, large furniture, and exercise equipment will not be sold.) All proceeds from the sale go toward Aldersgate’s outreach ministries.
Aldersgate UMC is located at 242 Boston Road (Rt. 4) in Chelmsford. For more information, contact the church office at (978)256-9400 or aldersgatechelmsford@verizon.net, or visit us online at www.aldersgatechelmsford.com or www.facebook.com/aldersgateumc.chelms.
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Taking Climate Action, Together and Now!

All are invited to an interactive discussion at the First Religious Society (FRS) on the Carlisle Common at 7:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. The focus is on climate action that we can take now-–as individuals, as a community, and as engaged citizens who want to protect our democracy and support effective climate policy that benefits all. Dr.Juliette Rooney-Varga, Professor of Environmental Science, Director of the Climate Change Initiative and Co-director of the Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy at UMass Lowell will lead the discussion. Her research focuses on the nexus of climate change and sustainability science and decision support. She welcomes our questions and our voices. Please join us.
The event is hosted in person by the FRS Environmental Action Committee and will also be available live and recorded on YouTube at:  https://youtube.com/live/uATC2L0vI8c?feature=share  .  Virtual participants can participate via the chat box. Refreshments served.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

MCC to Welcome Lowell Chamber Orchestra for Second Concert of Spring 2025 “A World of Music”

 
For a second time during the Spring 2025 “A World of Music” concert series, Middlesex Community College will welcome the Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO). The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center, Theatre in Lowell.
“The final concert of the LCO season features works in which composers reach back to their traditions and make them sound new,” said Orlando Cela, MCC music professor and conductor of the LCO. “In the case of Pulcinella, Stravinsky reaches out to our musical past and refurbishes 21 pieces from the Baroque period into a modern style. Hailstork also contributes to the centuries-old genre of the romance – particularly as it applies in the solo orchestral repertoire – as exemplified perfectly by Bruch, hence why we perform both pieces together, one after the other. On the other hand, composer Simon Andrews looks into the New England tradition of communing with nature, and his work ‘Till Voices Wakes Us’ takes the sound of the American toad and makes a beautiful work. We open with Mendelssohn’s homage to the style of Baroque counterpoint, his Symphony for Strings No. 3.”
Entitled Voices Near and Far, this program features music from the past and present. Till Voices Wake Us by Simon Andrews, the winner of the 2024 LCO Call-for-Scores, will be performed, and violist Jeremy Kienbaum, winner of the 2024 LCO Young Artist Competition, will be the soloist in Two Romances by Adolphus Hailstork. The concert will also include works by Felix Mendelssohn, Max Bruch, and Igor Stravinsky.
“A World of Music” will end the season with a second Student Recital at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28 at MCC’s Concert Hall on the Bedford Campus.
Previous performances include a previous concert by the LCO on Saturday, February 1; an Online Saturday Arts Concert featuring MCC faculty, alumni and students on Saturday, March 8; Know Orchestra on Sunday, March 23; a Piano Recital by Anastasia Seifetdinova on Friday, April 4; and Guqin and Viola in Musical Dialogue on Friday, April 11.
All concerts are free and open to the public.
MCC’s Academic Arts Center is located at 240 Central Street in Lowell. With parking not available on site, the nearest public parking facility is the Early Garage on 135 Middlesex St.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/events/worldofmusic.html for more information.

The CCA is the Place to Play!

The Chelmsford Center for the Arts is located at 1A North Road, Chelmsford, MA.

Free Sahaja Yoga Meditation Workshop every Sunday at 10:00 am
in the seminar room (there will be no Meditation Workshop on 4/20).
Knitting with Marion: Tuesdays and every other Saturday!

UPCOMING EVENTS
April 25th Janelle’s Dirty Basement Comedy Show at 8:00 pm. Janelle Draper & Friends are back by popular demand after multiple sold out shows at the CCA! Join us for a one night stand of raunchy hilarity and nonstop laughs in the Cabaret Cafe Along Janelle Draper, you’ll enjoy the comedic stylings of nationally touring comedians who have been featured on NBC, SiriusXM, HBO & Comedy Central! Grab your ticket now so you don’t miss out on all the fun! Tickets $20 online and $20 at the door.

April 26th NPC: New Play Reading at 6:30 pm. Join us in the Cabaret Cafe for a reading of NPC, an original play by AJ, directed by Megan Lummus!

April 26th Sugar Kings: Afro-Cuban Experience Concert at 7:30 pm and Salsa/Clave Workshop at 5:30 pm.  Join us in the auditorium for a high-energy performance by the genre-bending Boston quartet, The Sugar Kings! Experience a unique mix of Afro-Cuban roots, R&B, rock, and reggae that you won’t want to miss. Before the show, at 5:30 PM, dive into an interactive workshop led by the band, exploring clave rhythms and their role in Latin music and dance. Learn essential rhythms, discover each instrument’s function, and get a taste of salsa, son, merengue, and Cumbia dance! Tickets: $25 for the concert, $35 for the workshop + concert. Students and Chelmsford Friends of Music members get in free!

April 28th Folk Music Open Mic at 7:00 pm. Join us in the Cabaret Cafe for an evening of acoustic fun! This monthly event, hosted by Doug Kwartler, is perfect for folk performers and listeners alike. FREE ENTRY! Full bar and snacks available. Donations accepted.

Chelmsford Food Pantry

Serving everyone because financial difficulties and hunger have no boundary lines.

Please consider donating the following items to the Chelmsford Food Pantry.
Cooking Oil
Ramen Noodles
Soup
Spaghetti Sauce
Mac’n cheese
Canned fruit or vegetables
Boxed Cereal and Oatmeal
Shelf Stable Milk
Condiments
Donations can be dropped off at the pantry located at:
50 Rear Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA
(beige trailer behind town hall)
Thursdays: 10:30-1:00pm and 6:30-7:45pm
As well as donation boxes located inside Market Basket, Stop & Shop and the Chelmsford Public Library

For more ways to help the pantry and your community visit: chelmsfordfoodpantry.org
Final gettinghere onepage

Conocrd250 info

Final mapandscheduleapril13

Concord Parade Map

World Amateur Radio Day

The Westford Police Amateur Radio Team (http://www.wb1gof.org/) will be conducting an open house in celebration of World Amateur Radio Day (https://www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day).
During this event, we will be communicating with other amateur radio operators from across North America and around the world. We will be showcasing multiple live amateur radio stations each using a different radio communication technique. Most of all, one of the stations will permit you to get on the air.
Come join us at the Great Brook Farm State Park (https://www.mass.gov/locations/great-brook-farm-state-park) at 165 North Road, Carlisle, MA on Saturday, April 26 (rain date May 3) from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
See you there!
Yad sale

HUGE Yard Sale

April 26, 8 am to 2 pm, King and Rogers streets at the Historical Society of Littleton. Come early for the best selection of everything but the kitchen sink. You will find gently used household and sporting goods, linens, small appliances and furniture, bikes, tools, toys, books , some baby equipment and vintage goodies, maybe a few CDs and DVDs. Come shopping and be surprised at the bargains to support education in Ghana and Honduras.
Donations from the community will be accepted Friday night, 4-6 pm. No car seats, clothing, shoes, TVs/computer equipment, or just plain junk. Clean out your closets and garage and promote education abroad for people who have many fewer resources than Americans.
For information, email c s j at f c u littleton dot org. Remove the spaces for the right email. Thanks in advance for your support.
Dog

25th Annual Paws in the Park!
Sunday, May 4, 10 am - 3 pm

Are you a dog lover looking for a day filled with canine and family fun?
Join Save A Dog on Sunday, May 4, rain or shine on the grounds of historic Wayside Inn in Sudbury as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Paws in the Park, one of the largest gatherings of pups and people in New England!
This year’s event features day-long food and music, dog games and contests, an agility course with try-outs, main ring demonstrations, raffles and a silent auction, and 67 vendors and exhibitors including many animal rescue groups. Special highlights include a group dog walk at 11 am led by Anna Meiler, WBZ News Anchor and host of the station’s Sunday morning “Pet Parade,” and Save A Dog’s “Adoptable Dogs Parade” at 12 pm. TRAX, the Worcester Railers mascot pup, will also make a special appearance right after the parade from 12:30-1:30 pm.
Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children 5-12. Kids under 5 are free, and strollers are welcome.
Bring your dog—if they enjoy being around people and other dogs—on a 6 foot or shorter leash (no retractable leashes, please).
All proceeds benefit the life-saving rescue and adoption work of Save A Dog, a 501c3 tax exempt humane society. Now entering its 27th year, Save a Dog has found loving forever homes for more than 8,500 pets through its Sudbury shelter and dedicated network of foster homes.
See you on May 4th!

Helping Parents Understand and Manage Challenging Behaviors in Young Children

A free live webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. Our speakers will be Lynn St. Germaine, an Infant-Toddler teacher for 37 years, and Patricia Collins, a Preschool teacher for 25 years, from Concord Children’s Center. Young children often act out for various reasons such as hunger, tiredness, frustration, confusion, or difficulty transitioning between activities. At times, they may not have the words to express what they need, leading to outbursts and meltdowns. These behaviors are not random-they signal underlying needs or developmental challenges, like unmet emotional needs, underdeveloped communication skills or lack of self-regulation. By understanding the root causes of challenging behaviors, parents can respond more effectively and support their children’s emotional and social development. By attending this program, you will gain an understanding of why children act out, and learn strategies that might include creating predictable routines, reinforcing positive behaviors, and using calm and consistent responses to guide the children through emotional ups and downs. To receive the Zoom link for this FREE program email First Connections: lmatthews@jri.org.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Top dog calendar

Top Dog Calendar Contest Event!

Saturday, April 19 & 26,
10 am - 1 pm
Could your dog be a picture perfect calendar star?
Here’s your chance to find out when Wag N’ Wash at 444 Great Road in Acton hosts the Top Dog Calendar Contest event Saturday, April 19 and 26, from 10am to 1pm.
Enter a photo of your dog to win a spot (or the cover!) in Acton Community Dog Park’s 2026 Top Dog Calendar, and enjoy the store festivities featuring a photo booth, raffle basket and free samples. Joining in the fun will be dog park mascot Parker, Acton police dog K9 Zane with Officer Stackhouse, and adoptable pups from Save a Dog. A $10 contest entrance fee benefits the Acton Community Dog Park.
More information can be found at https://www.gogophotocontest.com/actoncommunitydogpark
See you Saturday!

Quilt Show

The Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild is pleased to announce that it’s biennial quilt show will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 14th and 15th, 2026 at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical Show in Upton, Massachusetts. The Guild has selected “Creating Comfort’ as their show theme. This theme reflects not only the members’ love of quilting but also reflects the guild’s mission and fundraising efforts. Over 200 member quilts as well as guild challenges and round robins will be on display. Also included at the show will be a special raffle quilt, the quilters’ boutique, raffle baskets, and local area vendors. Any local area vendor wishing to participate in the Guild’s show should contact Deb Hudgins through the website at thimblepleasures.org  or  by contacting her by mail at TPQG, P.O. Box 447, Mendon, MA 01756.
The guild has chosen Home Base as the show’s special fundraiser. All funds raised through the sale of items at the special fundraiser table will be donated directly to Home Base. Home Base is a Red Sox Foundation dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of veterans, service members, and their families through clinical care, wellness, education and research. The 2026 show is being chaired by Gina Brooks, Donna Hopkins, and Val Ogilvie.