Action Unlimited

Chelmsford

Just click below on the paper you want to read. You can read life-size by clicking on the four corner box bottom right, then turn pages with mouse at corners just like you would if paper!

Current Edition - 9/18/26
Chelmsford
Just click below on the paper you want to read. You can read life-size by clicking on the four corner box bottom right, then turn pages with mouse at corners just like you would if paper!

Previous Edition -8/21/26

HEADLINES

Country fair 2

Country Fair

Spend a day not a fortune at the annual Littleton Country Fair, Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 am to 2 pm at 19 Foster St. in Littleton. Bring the kids for free face painting and games for kids. There’s free parking and admission for all. Join the celebration of ultimate recycling at the giant yard sale, and booths with pre-owned books and jewelry. Everything in the Café is fresh, and bring your own water bottle. BBQ, vegan and gluten free entrees are offered, and stop by the bake table to top off your meal.

In line with the Fair’s goals to recycle-reduce-reuse, bring your gently used sneakers of all sizes to donate for reuse by Got Sneakers? Donations of yard sale items, books and jewelry from the community will be accepted Friday, Oct. 2 from 2-6 pm, and 7-9 am the morning of the sale on Oct. 3. PLEASE NOTE: TVs, car seats, computer monitors, and artificial Christmas trees will NOT be accepted.

Join the queue at 10 am for fresh homemade scones and a cup of coffee. They are worth waiting for.  Then, head to the Country Store for a huge assortment of homemade jams, pickles and crafts. Browse through tables of pre-read books and hit the jewelry table for gems earrings, necklaces and rings. The huge yard sale has items from every room of the house and garage ready to pass on to a new owner.

Cash accepted at all booths, and VENMO and credit cards accepted at most. Donations from the community of yard sale items, jewelry and books will be accepted Friday, Oct. 2 from 2-6 pm, and 7-9 am on Oct. 3. PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT accept TVs, car seats, computer monitors, or artificial Christmas trees.

All contributions are tax-deductible, to benefit First Church Unitarian of Littleton, which awards 10 percent of income to a Littleton non-profit. Email questions to fair@fculittle.org. Hope to see you there for huge community Lallapaloosa.

Upcoming Events at the CCA
The Chelmsford Center for the Arts is located at 1A North Road, Chelmsford, MA

PLEASE NOTE: there will be no October Karaoke. Karaoke will resume as normal in November.

September 19th at 2:00 pm and 6:30 pm: Story Songs of the 70's: Presented by Tom DiMenna In the auditorium. TWO SHOWS! Featuring the music of Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot and Harry Chapin! Regular tickets $35, $30 for students and seniors.

September 21st from 7:00 – 8:00 pm: Community Drum Circle in the Cabaret Cafe. All experience levels welcome!

September 22nd at 8:00 pm: The Gentlemen Songsters: Barbershop Chorus Open Rehearsal Love to sing? Come spend an evening with The Gentlemen Songsters — singing, learning, and discovering the joy of four-part barbershop harmony. No experience necessary. All are welcome. To register: https://gentlemensongsters.org/index.php

September 25th at 8:00 pm: Live Scapes: A Multi-Sensory Concert Live music soundscapes and immersive projections – creating joy and wonder through sound and light.

NEW! September 26th at 7:00 pm: Trivia Night: Presented by the CCA Champions $25 ticket includes entry, light bites and one free drink!

September 28th at 7:00 pm: Folk Music Open Mic

September 27th from 12:00-4:00 pm, September 28th from 6:00-8:00 pm: Auditions for Santi and Perch: Countdown to Christmas! An original holiday musical, presented by the Playground Theatre Co. For more information: https://www.chelmsfordarts.org/santi-and-perch

October 2nd at 7:00 pm: Tod Pronto & Shanna in a Dress: Live in Concert! Tickets $20.

October 3rd at 6:00 pm: The Sinatra Experience: Tribute to Frank Sinatra. Featuring Patrick Tobin

October 3rd at 7:00 pm: Lyle Hutchins Concert: Featuring Zach Morgan and Emily Butler. Tickets $20.

October 16th and 17th at 7:30 pm, October 18th at 2:00 pm: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – Presented by the Playground Theatre Co. In the auditorium.

NEW! October 23rd at 7:00 pm: Ellsworth & Hicks Concert Musical partners for more than four decades, Ellsworth & Hicks will bring their distinctive blend of original songs, vocal harmonies, guitar, clarinet, and harmonica to the CCA.

Westford Sportsmen’s Club Community Open House

Saturday, September 26 | 12–5 p.m.
80 West Street, Westford, MA
The Westford Sportsmen’s Club invites the community to its Open House on Saturday, September 26, from 12 to 5 p.m. at 80 West Street, Westford. The event is free and open to the public and is designed for all ages, making it a great afternoon outing for families. Visitors can discover the many activities and opportunities available at the club, including fishing, archery, cornhole and activities at the club’s ranges. Come meet club members, explore the facilities and learn more about the outdoor activities available right here in the community. The event will also feature local guests from law enforcement and conservation, along with animal demonstrations, historical education and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or simply curious about the club, everyone is welcome!

Chelmsford Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

Location:  Chelmsford Town Offices' Gym, 50 Billerica Road, Chelmsford

The book sale will be held:
  • Friday, Oct. 2:  9am-8pm
  • Saturday, Oct. 3:  9am-2pm
  • Sunday, Oct. 4:  9am-2pm


We'll have plenty of fiction, children's books, biography, history, cookbooks, sciences, social sciences, DVDs and CDs.  All proceeds help support library programs and services.

Cambodian Artists, Lowell Community Organizations and North ShoreOrchestra Join for Free “Cambodian Spirit” Performance in Lowell

 
LOWELL, MA — Sept. 10, 2026 - Cambodian artists and cultural organizations with deep roots in Lowell and Cambodia will join musicians from Ipswich-based The Orchestra on the Hill for The Cambodian Spirit, a free public performance at Lowell High School on Sunday, October 11.
The multidisciplinary collaboration brings together Angkor Dance Troupe (ADT) and
Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell (CMAA) with Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) of Phnom Penh and The Orchestra on the Hill. Through Khmer classical dance and music, storytelling, and original orchestral compositions, the program explores Cambodia’s traditional Creation Story and celebrates the vitality, resilience and continuing evolution of Cambodian arts and culture.
Internationally recognized humanitarian and musician Arn Chorn-Pond, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide and founder of Cambodian Living Arts, will provide poetic accompaniment. His work has helped preserve and revitalize Cambodian performing arts while advancing their transmission to new generations.
The Lowell performance comes during an especially active year for the city and its Cambodian cultural community. Angkor Dance Troupe is celebrating its 40th anniversary season in 2026, four decades after Cambodian refugees founded the Lowell organization to preserve and pass on Khmer dance, music and cultural traditions. The performance also takes place during Lowell’s Bicentennial year, as organizations and residents throughout the city reflect on the communities and histories that have shaped Lowell.
The Cambodian Spirit is an independent collaborative project and is not presented as an
official program of either anniversary observance.

WHEN:  Sunday, October 11, 2026  2:30 PM — Preconcert Talk   3:00 PM — Performance
WHERE:  Lowell High School Auditorium, 50 Father Morissette Boulevard, Lowell, Massachusetts
ADMISSION: FREE and open to the public. Advance registration is required through Eventbrite. Unregistered walk-ins will be welcomed based on seating availability.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-american-tapestry-the-cambodian-spirit-
tickets-2000030584317

WHY: Lowell is home to one of the largest Cambodian communities in the United States and to
cultural organizations that have played nationally significant roles in preserving, teaching and advancing Cambodian arts and culture. The Cambodian Spirit brings those traditions into a new collaborative setting, pairing Cambodian artists and cultural leaders with a North Shore orchestra to create an experience centered on cultural pride, memory, healing, artistic exchange, connection and
joy.

The project also serves as the inaugural collaboration in An American Tapestry, a new initiative of The Orchestra on the Hill exploring the artistic traditions, stories and contributions of the many cultural communities that shape American life.
Chelmpex

CHELMPEX 2024 -- Chelmsford Stamp Club Event

Chelmsford Stamp Club will be holding their annual postage stamp show, CHELMPEX 2026, on Saturday September 26 from 9AM - 3PM at Trinity Lutheran Church 170 Old Westford Rd. Chelmsford, There will be multiple dealers, Fish Bowl, door prizes & more. For collectors of US & World Wide postage stamps, Postal History, Postal Stationery & First Day Covers, supplies & ephemera. Free admission & free parking. For additional information, contact Linda Gilmore 978-256-2256,  978-995-2915 (cell) or linda.gilmore47@gmail.com

35 Seasons, One Timeless Tradition: Tickets Now on Sale for
Commonwealth Ballet's The Nutcracker

Kick off the holiday season with the magic of The Nutcracker and celebrate Commonwealth Ballet's 35th Anniversary Season: Tradition & Transformation.
This beloved holiday tradition features beautiful dancing, stunning costumes, enchanting sets, and memorable performances for audiences of all ages. From playful mice and cheerful Polichinelles to sparkling Snowflakes and the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers, The Nutcracker offers holiday wonder for families and arts lovers alike.
As Commonwealth Ballet marks 35 seasons of inspiring audiences through tradition, innovation, and artistic excellence, this year's performances are not to be missed. Learn more about the anniversary season here.
Performances: November 27-29 and December 18-20
Venue: Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, Weston, MA

Free Parking

Tickets are on sale now! Purchase tickets https://www.commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker and use promo code EB26 by October 1 for 20% Early Bird savings (excluding shortened sensory and family-friendly matinee on November 27th at 1pm). 

Worcester Chamber Music Society Present
November Concerts in Harvard and Worcester

September 3, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society begins its 21st Season with a concert titled “Autumn Winds” at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard on September 25 and at Assumption University in Worcester on September 26. The chamber music ensemble opens the season with three pieces written in three centuries. Mozart and Brahms each composed works in their masterful styles that display the virtuosity of the hornist and clarinetist for whom they were written. Dohnányi’s Sextet showcases both instruments in a work that nods to Brahms while delighting in its own eccentricity and sass.
Friday, September 25 @7:30PM Saturday, September 26 @7:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church* Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
9 Ayer Road, Harvard 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM
Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K.407/386c
Johannes Brahms | Clarinet Trio, Op. 114
Ernő Dohnányi | Sextet, Op. 37
*9/25 performance is funded in part by the Shirley Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/autumn-winds/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

Massachusetts Patients, Survivors & Caregivers Will Travel to Nation’s Capital to Urge Congress to Make Cancer a National Priority

Over a Dozen Local Advocates to Call on Congress to Increase Cancer Research and Prevention Funding and Improve Access to Clinical Trials
BOSTON – September 11, 2026 – Next week, more than 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from all across the nation will travel to Washington, D.C., as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)’s annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Among these will be over a dozen cancer advocates from every corner of Massachusetts.
Every person attending will bring a unique story: one will share her journey of being widowed shortly after her marriage when her husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Another will speak of being a young professional, beginning a career in cancer research. Others will tell lawmakers about their ongoing cancer battles or proud stories of survivorship.
These stories will be shared with members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and urge lawmakers to pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (CTMA).
 In the last 30 years, substantial and steady increases in federal cancer research funding have fueled discovery and innovation that has led to a 34% decline in cancer mortality rates. Advocates will remind lawmakers that this incredible momentum in the fight against cancer is fueled by sufficient funding at key agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 The advocates will also call on Massachusetts lawmakers to support the bipartisan Clinical Trial Modernization Act, or CTMA. This legislation would make it easier for all people with cancer to participate in clinical trials, including those in underrepresented populations, like rural residents, older adults, certain racial and ethnic groups, and those with limited incomes. The passage of CTMA is crucial to ensure more patients—regardless of their economic means or their geographic location—have a chance to enroll in clinical trials, ultimately giving more people a better chance in the face of a cancer diagnosis.
Aquarium

Aquarium Offering Discounted Tickets for Homeschooling Families
Special ticket Prices Available Every Tuesday through Dec. 22

BOSTON, MASS. (September 2026) – The New England Aquarium is offering discounted admission this fall for homeschooling families to experience its educational programs and exhibits.

Every Tuesday through December 22, 2026, homeschool families have access to special ticket prices: $12 for children and $21 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Aquarium’s Reservations Department at 617-973-5206 daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. More information is available on neaq.org.

Included in admission, the Aquarium offers a variety of programs, presentations, and feedings each day:
 
  • Guests can stop by an interactive educational space on the third floor called the Exploration Station, which offers both guided and self-led themed activities. Families can engage with sensory activities, pretend to be an Aquarium veterinarian, and spend some down time reading books.
  • Join an educator along the exhibit path for an up-close experience with one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. Learn more about jellies, local turtle species, or axolotls during animal encounters happening daily at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
  • Aquarium guests can enjoy daily presentations with the penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and residents of the Giant Ocean Tank, including Myrtle the green sea turtle. Full schedule available here.

The Aquarium also has a host of fun and educational activities on its website that can engage young learners before or after a trip to the Aquarium. The activities help visitors explore the Aquarium more deeply, encourage content learning, and improve science skills as well as support math and literacy development.

ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.

Become a Tutor of English
Sign Up for the Fall Class!

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English? Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools or the medical system. But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor. Tutors often speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the challenges facing those who are adapting to ours.

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the desire to share your knowledge of English. The training is free, although it is necessary to purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they meet with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection. For more information or to enroll in the tutor training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Latest Release of Unclaimed Property Listings
Over 50,000 Names Added to Unclaimed Property List 

BOSTON - Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg has announced the latest grouping of names added to the state’s list of unclaimed property owners. Over 50,000 new properties worth millions of dollars are owed to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. This newly released list includes only individuals and businesses with unclaimed property over $100.

“Did you know there is $3.4 billion in unclaimed property here in Massachusetts?” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “Check the list, go online, or call our office to begin the process, because some of it could belong to you.”

Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. Last year, Treasury processed over 118,000 claims and returned $237 million in property to its rightful owners.

Treasurer Goldberg urges all citizens to check www.findmassmoney.gov for a complete list of over 10 million properties or call our live call center at 1-888-344-MASS (6277).

The full list of the new individuals, businesses, and nonprofits added to the unclaimed property list will be published in the Boston Globe on September 13th and in the Boston Herald on September 20th. In addition, the list of names will be published in regional and local papers in following weeks.

The Treasury releases an updated list of unclaimed property assets every six months as the new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit for a person to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

Native Plant Trust Announces “Plants: Solos for Native Species” on September 26
Registration for Fall and Winter Programs Open Now

WAYLAND, MA — Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants, announced its lineup of Fall and Winter
Programs, and a special fall collaboration with Boston Dance Theatre.
Saturday, September 26 Boston Dance Theatre will present “Plants: Solos for Native Species.” Throughout the day, visitors will experience immersive dance performances at different locations within Garden in the Woods, Native Plant Trust’s renowned botanic garden, featuring solo works inspired by individual native plant species. Four solo performances will loop throughout the day in differentlocations in the Garden. The event is free with Garden admission.
“Boston Dance Theatre’s Plants: Solos for Native Species transforms the Garden into both stage and subject, allowing us to encounter our native landscape through a completely new lens, inviting us to see our surroundings differently,” said Sara O’Brien, Director of Public Programs at Native Plant
Trust. “Boston Dance Theatre is known for bringing contemporary dance into conversation with the
world around us, and these intimate solo performances give individual native species a remarkable new presence. Connecting people more deeply to native plants is central to our mission, and art has a unique ability to inspire the curiosity, wonder, and sense of connection that spurs us to champion the well-being of our native landscapes.”
Plants: Solos for Native Species is just one of the fall and winter classes and events focused on native plants now open for registration. Tim Johnson, CEO of Native Plant Trust, notes: “The way we think about our gardens and landscapes is changing. Increasingly, people want to understand not simply
what to plant, but how their choices affect biodiversity, water, wildlife, climate resilience, and the
larger ecosystems around them. Our education programs meet that curiosity with the depth of science
and horticultural expertise that has defined Native Plant Trust for generations. By making that knowledge accessible—from advanced botany and conservation to practical ecological gardening—we
can help people turn their own landscapes into part of a much larger conservation effort.”

For more information and registration for programs, please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

ABOUT NATIVE PLANT TRUST
For over a century, Native Plant Trust has been leading the movement to conserve native plants in the
wild and use them in designed spaces. We do this to increase the beauty and resilience of New England
and the planet. From our base in Massachusetts, staff and trained volunteers work throughout New
England each year to monitor and protect rare and endangered plants, collect and preserve seeds to
ensure biological diversity, detect and control invasive species, conduct research, and offer a range of
educational programs. We welcome visitors from all over the world to Garden in the Woods, our
renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham, MA. We also operate a nursery at Nasami Farm
in western Massachusetts and manage six sanctuaries in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that are
open to the public. Please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

Bid and Browse: Carlisle’s Gleason Public Library to Host Autumn Treasure Auction

October in Carlisle brings crisp air, beautiful foliage, and an exciting opportunity to support one of Carlisle’s most cherished institutions. The Gleason Public Library Treasure Auction is just around the corner, offering residents a chance to take home unique items while contributing to a great cause. The excitement begins online on October 11, when bidding officially opens. The highlight of the event takes place on October 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with an in-person silent auction and viewing. To attend, visitors can park in the Clark Farm CSA parking lot by the big white silo at 185 Concord Street, Carlisle. Signage will direct guests through the entrance of the beautiful herb garden and into the white building. Once inside, attendees can view the auction items first hand while sipping wine and enjoying refreshments. Library volunteers have been busy gathering an impressive array of treasures. Current donations include a stunning handmade quilt, original paintings, unique prints, professional photographs, and so much more. New items are arriving weekly, and a preview list is available on the library’s website at gleasonlibrary.org. The auction is to support the library's upcoming renovation project.

Bid early and often: Mark your calendar for October 11 to check out the online items, and come ready to browse in person on October 18. Please spread the word: Share the details with friends, family, and neighbors. The library plays a vital role in Carlisle, and community support ensures it continues to thrive. Organizers hope to see a wonderful turnout on October 18. Check the Library’s website (gleasonlibrary.org) to stay tuned for further updates as the auction approaches.

Thank you,
Gleason Public Library Endowment Trustees and Volunteers
Freedoms way 2

Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Launches 2027 Partnership Grant Program; Allocates $100k in Support of Creative Programs & Projects


DEVENS, MA, September 8, 2026 – Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area is pleased to announce the launch of its Annual Partnership Grant Program on October 1, 2026. Designed to provide strategic investments in the natural, cultural, and historical resources that enhance the region’s sense of place, $100,000 has been set aside for this funding cycle.

Reimbursable matching grants of up to $5,000 are available to eligible non-profits, municipalities, state agencies, and public academic institutions. Applications are accepted, reviewed, and awarded on a rolling basis from October 1st, 2026 through April 15, 2027, or until the allocated funds have been committed.

The Freedom’s Way Partnership Grant Program supports a variety of creative programs and projects, diverse in scale and scope, that align with the following funding opportunities: 
 
  • Storytelling  
  • Education, Interpretation & Curation 
  • Community Planning & Resource Conservation  
  • Historic Preservation 
  • Regional Cultural Events  
  • Freedom’s Way 250 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to arrange a time to discuss their program or project prior to the submission of an online application by sending an email to grants@freedomsway.org.

Since its inception, the Freedom’s Way Partnership Grant Program has awarded 270 grants totaling over $391,000 within the Heritage Area’s 45 communities. More than $4.9 million in cash and in-kind match has been generated, leveraging Heritage Partnership funds received through the National Park Service by 13:1.

For more information, including program guidelines, application materials, and past project descriptions, visit freedomsway.org/grants.   
Nature program

Free Nature Program September 27, Westborough

Sunday, September 27, 2026, 1:30-3:00 pm
Gilmore Pond Sensory Trail Grand Opening
Join the Westborough Community Land Trust on Sunday, September 27 at 1:30 to celebrate the completion of the All-Persons Sensory Nature Trail at the Gilmore Pond Woodland Park. We have undertaken a multiyear project to make the trail around Gilmore Pond accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Come see the result of that effort: A trail that can be enjoyed by the visually impaired as well as those with limited mobility, which now includes multiple stations with audio content dedicated to the history and nature of the surroundings. Local and State officials are expected for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by guided tours of the trail showcasing its features and discussing the local flora and fauna. Meet at the Gilmore Pond Trail Entrance, GPS address approximately 19 Quick Farm Rd. Westborough. Please park on only one side of the road, and respect the neighbors. Free and open to the public.
Trail map: https://westboroughlandtrust.org/maps/UJ
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

New Class at Fivesparks! Photographing and Capturing the Beauty of Flowers and Gardens

When: October 17, 24, 31, and November 10
Where: Fivesparks, 7 Fairbank St, Harvard, MA, 01451

Would you like to elevate your flower photos from nice snapshots to gorgeous images that you'll treasure forever? Come learn a set of simple techniques for taking stunning flower and garden photos. ALL cameras, phones, and experience levels welcome! We'll photograph real flowers and experiment with backgrounds, lights, reflectors, diffusers, Lensball, special effect attachments for your phone, and more. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful images you can create! Four Saturday mornings starting October 17.  Learn more and register at
https://www.fivesparks.org/event/photographing-and-capturing-the-beauty-of-flowers-and-gardens/2026-10-17/

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.

CCHS Class of 1986 Reunion!

Let’s Get Together Again!
On Saturday September 19, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 pm the CCHS Class of 1986 will host a reunion. It will be at Nosh at 97 Lowell Road Concord, MA.
For questions and RSVP please contact Mardi Bartkus Hutchinson at mardihut19@gmail.com

Sudbury Valley Trustees to Host 3rd Annual Beer in the Barn Fundraiser

Friday, September 25, 2026
6:30-9:00 pm
The Barn at Wolbach Farm

Purchase Tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/beer-in-the-barn

Join SVT for our third annual Beer in the Barn fundraiser! We'll serve craft beer from Amory’s Tomb Brewing Company, assorted non-alcoholic drinks, and classic hot dogs from Ye’ Olde Farm Stand with picnic side salads. The Red Horse Old Time Duo will play live fiddle and mandolin music for some good old toe-tapping fun!

A Beer in the Barn Ticket includes: One beer or one flight trio. Not a beer fan? There will be plenty of other non-alcoholic beverage options offered;
Two hotdogs with all the fixin's. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available; Generous appetizers and snacks; and
Live music by the Red Horse Old-time Duo.
Additional drink tickets and hot dogs are available for purchase at the door.

And, for the second year in a row SVT will once again host the exciting Masskrugstemmen, or Steinholding Competition, popular in Bavaria, Germany. This activity was a huge hit last year! The U.S. Steinholding Association has designated SVT’s Beer in the Barn event as an official qualifying competition location for the Massachusetts Steinholding State Championships to be held in Boston later this fall. Feeling strong? Grab a partner for some friendly competition and hold your beer stein high for a good cause! Each attempt is $10/try. Proceeds benefit SVT. The top two winners receive prizes and will be entered into the State Championships. Who will win this endurance challenge?

Purchase your tickets today at https://events.humanitix.com/beer-in-the-barn! A portion of every Beer in the Barn ticket sold helps support SVT's mission to protect natural areas and farmland in the 36 communities that surround the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.
 

Become a Tutor of English
Sign Up for the Fall Class!

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English? Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools or the medical system. But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor. Tutors often speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the challenges facing those who are adapting to ours.

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the desire to share your knowledge of English. The training is free, although it is necessary to purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they meet with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection. For more information or to enroll in the tutor training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.
Rally day

Rally Day at Aldersgate UMC September 13

Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Chelmsford invites you to join us for Rally Day as we return to our regular schedule on Sunday, September 13, with worship services at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. The 10:45 service is livestreamed and also recorded for later viewing.

Church School classes for children and youth run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with registration beginning at 9:15 (go to www.aldersgatechelmsford.com/sunday-school/ to pre-register). At the same time, we will also offer a coffee and fellowship hour, and at noon we will have a potluck lunch.

Aldersgate UMC is an intergenerational church family with diverse programs and opportunities. We strive to live our faith as we worship, learn, and serve together. All are welcome to this congregation that affirms and supports everyone.

The church is located at 242 Boston Road (Rt. 4) in Chelmsford. For more information, contact the office at (978)256-9400 or aldersgatechelmsford@verizon.net, or visit us online at www.aldersgatechelmsford.com or www.facebook.com/aldersgateumc.chelms. We hope you to see you
Grief share

GriefShare Support Group Begins September 9 at Aldersgate UMC 

Are you having difficulty dealing with grief? If so, please consider joining us for a 13-week GriefShare support group at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Chelmsford.

Sessions begin Wednesday, September 9, and continue through Wednesday, December 16. (No sessions held on November 4 and November 25.) Each session will run from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost of the program is $20.

For more information about GriefShare in general and the group at Aldersgate specifically, visit https://tinyurl.com/2mrxka79.

Chelmsford Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

Location:  Chelmsford Town Offices' Gym, 50 Billerica Road, Chelmsford

The book sale will be held:
  • Friday, Oct. 2:  9am-8pm
  • Saturday, Oct. 3:  9am-2pm
  • Sunday, Oct. 4:  9am-2pm

We'll have plenty of fiction, children's books, biography, history, cookbooks, sciences, social sciences, DVDs and CDs.  All proceeds help support library programs and services.

CCHS Class of 1986 Reunion!

Let’s Get Together Again!
On Saturday September 19, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 pm the CCHS Class of 1986 will host a reunion. It will be at Nosh at 97 Lowell Road Concord, MA.
For questions and RSVP please contact Mardi Bartkus Hutchinson at mardihut19@gmail.com

Wayside Quilters Guild Biennial Quilt Show:
The Art of the Quilt

‘The Art of the Quilt’, Wayside Quilters Guild biennial quilt show, will be held on Saturday September 26th (10am-5pm) and Sunday September 27th (10am-4pm) at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, 390 Lincoln Rd, Sudbury, MA. Enjoy a feast of visual delight with about 100 quilts on display, and learn the stories of each quilt. Shop the boutique of handmade quilts and crafts, attend quilting demonstrations, buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a beautiful queen size quilt ‘Sea Breeze’ and several small quilts. Winners will be drawn on Sunday September 27th. There will also be a quilt scavenger hunt for children. Admission is $10, and free for children under 12 years old. The quilt show supports the guild’s local community outreach quilt donations, speakers and workshops. The Wayside Quilters Guild website is www.waysidequilters.org and email address is info@waysidequilters.org.
Kristens ride 3

Kristen’s Ride Returns September 13: A Community Tradition of Riding, Remembering and Giving Back

LITTLETON, MA – The Hoenshell family invites the community to join the 16th Annual Kristen’s Ride on Sunday, September 13, 2026, a day of motorcycles, family, friendship and giving back. Whether you ride, attend the cookout, sponsor the event or simply want to support a great cause, everyone is welcome.
The day begins at O’Neil Cinemas, 1208 Constitution Ave., Littleton, with registration at 9:00 a.m. and kickstands up at 10:00 a.m. Riders will take part in a 75-mile police-escorted ride through Littleton and surrounding communities, with a midway bathroom stop in Westminster, before finishing in Ayer.  The ride concludes at the Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club, 255 Snake Hill Road in Ayer where riders, families and community members will gather from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a cookout featuring food, music, raffles, a cash bar, face painting and a bounce house for children.
The cost is $25 per rider, including a T-shirt while supplies last and admission to the cookout. Non-riders can attend the cookout for a $25 donation, and children under 12 are free.

From a Family’s Fight Against Cancer
Kristen’s Ride began in 2008, shortly after the Hoenshell family learned that their nine-month-old daughter, Kristen, had been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that develops in muscle tissue. In Kristen’s case, the cancer was located in her eye. She underwent surgery followed by 43 weeks of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation. Kristen completed treatment in March 2009 and has remained in remission since March 2010.
The first ride was organized to help the family manage the financial challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis. As Kristen recovered, however, the event evolved from helping one family to helping others. The Hoenshell family chose to “pay it forward,” turning the support they received into an ongoing commitment to families and communities affected by cancer.
Although the ride has not been held every year, including several years when COVID and other circumstances forced the family to pause, the mission has continued. In 2026, the community will come together for the 16th Kristen’s Ride.

Remembering Frank
Kristen’s Ride took on an even deeper meaning in 2016 when the family lost Francis “Frank” Hoenshell, Kristen’s father and a co-founder of the ride. Frank died of cancer on March 26, 2016, at just 47 years old.
Frank was a lifelong Massachusetts resident, a carpenter and successful small-business owner, and an avid motorcyclist. But to those who knew him, his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was known as a hardworking, humble and generous man who believed in perseverance, helping others and putting family first. As his family often says, Frank was “a Husband first and a Daddy always.”
After his passing, the family chose to continue Kristen’s Ride in his honor and carry his values forward through helping others. That decision led to the creation of the Frank Hoenshell Memorial Scholarship.

Continuing Frank’s Legacy
The scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors in Littleton and surrounding communities who demonstrate personal growth, resilience, hard work and a commitment to helping others. Over the past 10 years, Kristen’s Ride supporters have helped award $1,000 scholarships to 47 graduating high school seniors.
For the Hoenshell family, the scholarship is a meaningful way to keep Frank’s memory alive while helping young people pursue their goals and make a difference in their community.
Today, the scholarship is one part of Kristen’s Ride’s broader nonprofit mission, which includes supporting cancer research, helping local families affected by cancer and providing scholarships to graduating seniors.

A Tradition That Continues
Nearly two decades after that first ride, Kristen’s Ride has become a community tradition built on gratitude, remembrance and giving back. Each year, riders, sponsors, volunteers, families and friends come together not only to raise money, but to honor loved ones who have been lost, celebrate those who have overcome cancer and support families still facing the disease.
What began with one family’s difficult journey has grown into an opportunity to help others.
The Hoenshell family hopes the community will join them on September 13 to ride, remember, celebrate and give back. Motorcycle riders, families, friends and community members are all invited.
For registration, donations, the complete ride route and additional information, visit KristensRide.com.

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.

Join us for the Fabulous 48th Season of the Sounds of Stow!

Selections focus on “Connections”, both musical and thematic, promoting visions of hope and shared humanity.
Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals, Monday evenings August 31, September 7, and September 14 at the First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9:15. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers.
Sunday, November 22, 2026, our season opens with Maurice Durufle's much beloved "Requiem".  Stylistic traditions and techniques spanning centuries are evident in this piece, composed in 1947, which is mainly contemplative, but breaks into memorable dramatic renderings of appropriate texts. Barbara Jones directs the chorus, accompanied by organ, strings, trumpets, harp and timpani, in the beautiful Salem Covenant Church just east of Worcester.
Building on the great success of Christopher Tin’s “To Shiver The Sky” (April, 2026), we eagerly anticipate performing his “The Drop that Contained the Sea” on April 11, 2027.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus is a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly encourage Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! We hope to see you this month!

For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email
soundsofstow@gmail.com

As Fall Term Begins, Treasurer Goldberg and ABCC Launch "Operation Safe Campus"
An Effort to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms Among College Students

 
BOSTON — The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC), under the direction of State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, has launched Operation Safe Campus. The annual program is designed to target underage drinking on college campuses and in surrounding communities to keep alcoholic beverages out of the hands of underage students and prevent tragedies. This initiative begins each year when students return to colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts.
"As we begin the new school year, Operation Safe Campus reminds college students, servers and sellers alike of the real risks of underage drinking," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the ABCC. "We want to increase awareness and promote responsible choices, to protect kids and their families from experiencing serious consequences."
The enforcement efforts focus primarily on liquor stores in college communities where underage individuals often attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages with false identification, have adults buy alcoholic beverages for them, or have it delivered by way of delivery apps. Additionally, efforts focus on bars that have been known to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.
The program focuses on front-line prevention, with investigators often calling the underage person’s parents when violations occur. ABCC officials say that most parents are unaware that their children are involved in the use of alcohol, and that intervention is a powerful tool toward family involvement in addressing the problem of underage drinking.
In 2025, the ABCC Safe Campus program found approximately 104 minors in possession, transporting, or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages, 10 adults procuring alcohol for minors, and 250 individuals in possession of false identification. Approximately 38 cases of beer and 40 bottles of alcohol were confiscated by Investigators, preventing delivery to approximately 550 underage individuals. In 2025, bars and liquor stores were charged with approximately 200 counts of sale to underage persons.
Since 2005, these programs have resulted in the following cumulative results: 14,500 minors in possession or transporting alcoholic beverages; 3,700 adults procuring alcohol for minors; 2,500 individuals in possession of false identification; and approximately 6,600 cases of beer and 5,600 of alcohol were confiscated, preventing delivery to an estimated 86,200 underage individuals.
Annually, approximately 1,519 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking, and 14 percent of college students meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. In Massachusetts alone, the overall annual cost of alcohol abuse by youth is estimated at $1.4 billion.
Massachusetts IMPACT impaired driving data shows that 10% of all traffic fatalities involve drivers under the age of 21.
Massachusetts is among the top ten states for binge drinking, with more than 1 in 4 (27.75%) adults age 18 or older reporting they binged on alcohol in 2020. Among young people ages 12 to 20, 20.77% reported alcohol use in the past month and 11.81% reported binge alcohol use in the past month in Massachusetts. The national averages were 17.32% and 10.14%, respectively.
One in three (33.86%) substance abuse treatment admissions among persons aged 12 and older in 2019 in Massachusetts were alcohol related.
Plight of loyalists

The Plight of Loyalists Program at Fort Devens Museum September 19

Join us at the Fort Devens Museum at 1:00 PM on September 19th to learn about a different aspect of Revolutionary America with “I Have Scarcely a Mouthful of Bread for Myself or My Children”: The Plight of Loyalists on the Eve of Independence. This lecture, presented by historian Alexander Cain, examines the often-overlooked experiences of American Loyalists from New England and New York during the Revolutionary War. It examines how unwavering loyalty to the Crown led to the loss of homes, freedom, and security for numerous families. Drawing on original petitions and firsthand accounts, the presentation traces the harrowing flight of Loyalists from so-called "patriot" mobs and Committees of Safety. The discussion further explores the severe hardships endured by Loyalist families, including those from Massachusetts, who sought refuge with the British army in Canada, facing starvation, violations of civil liberties, and exile. The lecture also highlights the resilience that enabled these individuals to persevere in the face of such adversity.
Alexander Cain, JD, has authored numerous research articles and presentations on the American Revolution, including the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and the experiences of New England and New York loyalist refugees during the Burgoyne Campaign. In addition, he has published two books: We Stood Our Ground: Lexington in the First Year of the American Revolution and I See Nothing but the Horrors of a Civil War: The Loyalists of McAlpin’s Corps of American Volunteers. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast Historical Nerdery (historicalnerdery.com). Currently, he is in the process of writing his upcoming book, “For God’s Sake, Fire!” - The Massachusetts Militia System on the Eve of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which is anticipated to be released in 2027. Alex is also the Executive Director of Apprenticeship Pathways at North Shore Community College in Danvers, Massachusetts. He leads an educational initiative that introduces high school students and incumbent workers to apprenticeship opportunities in Allied Health.
The Fort Devens Museum is open from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday September 19th with the program at 1:00 PM. The museum is located on the 3rd floor of 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA and is wheelchair accessible. This program is free and open to the public with donations appreciated. Thank you to the Ayer Cultural Council, part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more information email info@grotonhistory.org

Eastern Mass Hawk Watch 2026 Annual Meeting

When: Friday September 11th at 7pm
Where: Middlesex Community College, Bedford MA Campus.  591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730.

The 2026 Eastern Mass Hawk Watch annual meeting will be Friday, September 11th at 7pm. We will gather at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA. The meeting will take place in the Cafe East section of the Campus Center. Please find a detailed campus map and driving directions on our website here: https://massbird.org/emhw/annual-meeting/
2026 marks 50 years of Eastern Mass Hawk Watch. We'd like to extend the invitation to our meeting to the public and welcome all who are interested in learning more about hawkwatching and our organization. The annual meeting is the traditional kick-off to the Fall hawkwatching season in Massachusetts - it won't be long before the first kettles of Broad-wings gather over the skies of New England!
Our keynote speaker this year is Mark Wilson, Wildlife Photojournalist and Teacher Naturalist, presenting his Ten Wild Photos, Ten Wild Stories talk: a unique slide program that explores some of Mark’s best wildlife photos taken over 30 years in some surprising places. Mark will present ten select images. Each image will be discussed in-depth as to how and why it was made. Supporting photos will help explain. Topics of discussion will include photo techniques, equipment, ethics and natural history, and staying comfortable and healthy in harsh environments. Aspiring beginner photographers and traveled veterans alike will find inspiration to assess and improve their own work. Non-photographers get to peek under the lens cap and see how a pro comes up with knock-out photos.
Mark Wilson was a staff photographer for the Boston Globe for 23 years. During those years he also wrote regular columns on photography and birds for the Globe. His wildlife photos have appeared in a wide variety of publications including National Geographic (Oct. 1992 cover, bullfrog). Mark and Marcia Wilson work as a team in the field, exploring remote areas that few people get to visit. In 2001 they completed a 19-day canoe trip down a North Slope River in Alaska’s Arctic Refuge. That trip is the basis for a chapter Mark wrote for the book Arctic Wings.
The meeting is free and open to the public (donations appreciated). A social hour with beverages, appetizers and snacks starts at 6pm, followed at 7pm by a brief business meeting and the keynote presentation. The business meeting will review EMHW Watch Sites and how you can visit or participate this upcoming migration season! We’ll also have the return of our famous raffle, including many raptor-related and birding items and some fantastic photography. Join us for a great evening!

If you are interested in contributing raffle items, refreshments, or helping EMHW with the meeting, please let us know at e.masshawkwatch@comcast.net and we'll be in contact!
For complete information, including directions to the location in Bedford (plenty of free parking), visit the Eastern Mass Hawk Watch web site at massbird.org/EMHW.

The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends Join Forces to Help Save Lives

BOSTON, Aug. 24, 2026 — The American Red Cross urges people to celebrate the power of kindness by making an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets. Every donation is critical to helping prevent the next blood shortage.
The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends are partnering in September to remind donors that comfort and care are always better when shared. Just one blood or platelet donation can help more than one patient enjoy a happier future. As a thank-you, those who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will get an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.
Thanks to the generosity of thousands of people who rolled up a sleeve this summer, the blood supply continues to recover from critically low levels. As we enter September, the blood supply remains vulnerable — especially as we approach new seasonal challenges such as back-to-school activities that can cause donors to be less available to give, and the ongoing potential for tropical systems in the Atlantic, which can further threaten the blood supply by disrupting blood drives. By making and keeping appointments now, donors can help the Red Cross ensure lifesaving blood products are on hand wherever they are needed, including communities where donations may not be possible due to severe summer weather and natural disasters.
One small act of kindness can travel far. Spark joy and book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities N. Chelmsford Sept.1-20:

9/15/2026: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Chelmsford American Legion, 90 Groton Road
Hab hum 2026 gala2

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell Hosts 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala to Raise $150,000 for Affordable Housing

Concord, MA — September 18th, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell will host its 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala on Friday, September 18, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA. This signature fundraising event aims to raise over $150,000 in support of affordable housing initiatives across 16 towns in Greater Lowell.

Guests will enjoy a formal evening featuring a seated dinner, music, and silent and live auctions. Beyond a memorable night out, it’s also an opportunity to connect with community leaders, business professionals, and neighbors who share a passion for making a difference. Funds raised will directly support Habitat’s mission to build, rehabilitate, and repair safe, affordable homes for low-income families in the region.

“Our community is facing a real housing crisis,” said Sheilagh Carlisle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. “This Gala isn’t just a night out—it’s a way to come together and do something meaningful. Every ticket, every donation helps a local family build a stable home and a better future. When we invest in our neighbors, we strengthen the entire community.”

This year’s Gala comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell has expanded its building efforts from one home per year to four, with projects underway in Westford, and Concord. In Concord, HFHGL has been progressing on a new development called Assabet River Homes in partnership with the Concord Housing Development Corporation and with $1 million committed from the Concord Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. The project will create three new homeownership opportunities, with foundations currently being installed. The total project cost is
estimated at $2.1 million, and the organization is actively seeking $1 million in additional funding to support these early stages, making the Gala critical to advancing the project.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.lowellhabitat.org/gala.

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOSTS MIDDLESEX DISTRICT ATTORNEY CANDIDATE FORUM

 
With the September 1st state primary fast approaching, Middlesex County voters can hear directly from the two Democratic candidates vying to lead the county’s District Attorney office. Incumbent District Attorney Marian Ryan and challenger David Solet, a former longtime prosecutor in the office, appeared recently at a candidate forum taped at NewTV’s studios in Newton. The tape of the forum is online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA.

The forum was organized by a coalition of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and local League of Women Voters chapters – including the Westford League – in coordination with NewTV, Newton’s local media outlet. Following League practice, the forum was structured around a series of moderated questions submitted by community members in advance, with both candidates having equal time to respond and lay out their vision for the office.

Since there is no candidate for District Attorney on the Republican primary ballot, the winner of the Democratic primary will be the presumptive next District Attorney.

As chief prosecutor for Middlesex County, the DA decides whether to bring charges, prosecutes criminal cases, and works with police during investigations, with a duty to pursue fair outcomes, not just convictions.

The taped forum is now online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA, giving voters time to watch it before heading to the polls in the state primary election on Tuesday, September 1. Registered Democrats, as well as unenrolled voters (aka “independent” voters) and those enrolled in political “designations” who choose the Democratic ballot, can vote in this race.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information, go to https://lwv.westford.org/.
Womens business

The Women's Business Network (WBN) Hosts Best Practices for Use of AI in Your Business

The Women's Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 pm at Holy Trinity Parish (St. Theresa Church) church hall, 15 Still River Road in Harvard MA. We will have a presentation by Leia Owen, Marketing and Business Consultant, who will break down some of the most common AI tools and features available to businesses, as to what they’re actually good for, and where you still need a human in the driver’s seat. WBN is a local, volunteer-run networking group of women in small businesses, professional practices, non-profits and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education & networking. Guests welcome.

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.

Middlesex County 4-H Fair from August 28-30

The Middlesex County 4-H Fair is from August 28-30, 8am-6pm, except for Sunday, when it closes at 4pm. The fairground is located at 55 South Chelmsford Road, Westford. There is parking at the fairgrounds, as well as additional parking with a free shuttle that drops off at the gate.
The fair is family-friendly and geared towards kids, but is enjoyable for all ages. There is livestock which includes horses, goats, dogs, cows, chickens, rabbits, and sheep.  The animals are shown by 4-H youth, who compete for ribbons and also to entertain the public.
The showing class is where animals are displayed and are judged on how well they handle and how they look. Some of the highlights in livestock are the horse shows, rabbit races, the chicken poop bingo and dog agility.
In addition to livestock, 4-H members are also judged on various projects, which are displayed in the Static Barn. Examples of projects include: arts and crafts, home-grown produce, photography, bee and maple products, and a wide variety of posters - just to name a few.
One of the most popular activities is the hay ride, which allows people to see the whole fair while riding a tractor. There are also various shows and performances, corn husking and a watermelon eating contest, bouncy house, and lots of fair food.
4-H youth help run parts of the fair, and it is not uncommon to see them as you walk around. The fair happens once a year, but 4-H members spend all year working on their projects, taking care of, and training their animals. These 3 days of the fair allow the pubic to see all their hard work.
There is enough at the fair that you will not get bored, but it isn’t large like the Topsfield or BigE fair. The fair has been relatively unchanged since its founding in 1956. We like to stick to the roots of what a county fair really is.
4-H is a youth organization founded in 1902, with 6 million youth nationwide and 5,148 in Massachusetts. Although the roots of 4-H are in agriculture, it has expanded to a wide range of interests including STEM education. 4-H focuses on developing skills like public speaking, record keeping, leadership, and working on year long projects with animals or plants which teaches patience and hard work.
Aquarium turtles

New England Aquarium Returns Four Rehabilitated Sea Turtles to the Ocean in Fifth Beach Release of the Season

Kemp's ridley sea turtles “Lucky” and “Dumpling” to be tagged for post-release monitoring

BOSTON, MASS. (Aug. 20, 2026) – Four Kemp's ridley sea turtles are back in the ocean off Cape Cod, Mass., after the New England Aquarium released them Wednesday evening following months of specialized treatment. The Aquarium has now released 38 rehabilitated turtles this summer.
Staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., treated the hypothermic turtles for a variety of life-threatening medical conditions, including pneumonia, dehydration, and trauma, after they washed onto the shores of Cape Cod in November and December 2025. Aquarium veterinarians cleared the turtles–named “Dumpling,” “Jumble,” “Lucky,” and “Old English”–to return to Nantucket Sound from West Dennis Beach following eight months of care. Dumpling received treatment for severe pneumonia and flipper swelling, while Jumble, Lucky, and Old English underwent surgery for bacterial infections in their joints.
“As the season winds down, these later releases mark a special milestone in our rescue and rehabilitation program,” said Adam Kennedy, Director of Rescue and Rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium. “The turtles heading home have undergone some of the most rigorous treatments, with each patient representing months of recovery. It's a moment worth marking in the broader effort to conserve sea turtles for generations to come.”
Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are endangered, facing threats including climate change, ocean pollution, and degradation of their habitats. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts help to conserve the species.
Scientists from the Aquarium’s research arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, will be using tagging technology to monitor two of the turtles, “Lucky” and “Dumpling.” The tags applied to the turtles’ shells collect information about the animals’ behavior, habitat use, and survivorship, which helps inform sea turtle conservation and protection efforts, especially in New England where little is known about these species. This season, the team is using a combination of satellite tags for real-time data and acoustic tags for longer-term tracking; some of the turtles will be added to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Tracker for the public to follow their journey. This sea turtle work is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Permit Number ES69328.
During the 2025 cold-stunning season, which ran from early November to late December, the Aquarium treated nearly 500 live sea turtles, most of them Kemp’s ridleys, that were rescued from Cape Cod beaches by staff and volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Getting these turtles back to full health requires a collaborative effort among biologists, veterinarians, and researchers. A few turtles remain at the Aquarium's Quincy facility, continuing treatment until they are medically cleared to return to the ocean.
Aquarium staff, volunteers, and interns have a tradition of naming the turtles receiving long-term care, with this year’s theme being font-inspired names.
Steampunk4

Steampunk Stroll & Soiree with FelixOddiTEA at the Maynard Sidewalk Sale on August 22nd

Felixology Bookshop in downtown Maynard has an epic day of events planned on Saturday August 22nd. The quiet streets of Maynard will transform into something extraordinary. From 10am to 4pm, Felixology at 2 Walnut St. will become the heart of a full day of oddities, tea, music, creativity, bargains, and adventure.

Details at a Glance: In a world that often feels too ordinary, FelixOddiTEA offers a rare invitation; spend a day among curiosities, music, tea, and good company. Come curious, leave enchanted.

Saturday, August 22, 10am-4pm
Felixology, 2 Walnut St, Maynard, MA
FelixOddiTEA, Cabinet Workshop and Tea Buffet: $25 (12-4pm)
Tea Only: $15 (11:30am-4:30pm)

Steampunk attire is encouraged but not required. Come as you are, or come as the eccentric inventor, explorer, or time traveler you've always wanted to be. Look for our Curious Crier for announcements and directions. But beware, he's very curious!

For More Information: felixology.com        felixology.square.site

AVCC Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest on October 3

ACTON, MA — The Apple Valley Catholic Community (AVCC) will host its Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 89 Arlington Street, Acton, MA. This is open to all and a family-friendly charity event that aims to bring the community together for an afternoon of food, ice cream, craft beer, live music, dancing and games. Admission is a suggested donation of $10, and children under 12 are free.
For more information, or to skip the line and get tickets ahead of time, visit avcatholic.org or view the official event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/927818830348780/

Blessing of the Backpacks & Technology

Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m
330 King Street, Littleton, MA

The Congregational Church of Littleton invites students, teachers, administrators, and school staff to a special Blessing of the Backpacks & Technology during worship on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

As a new school year begins, all are welcome to bring their backpack, laptop, tablet, or other school tools to receive a blessing and prayer for the year ahead. Participants of all ages, from preschool through graduate school, are invited.

The service will be held at The Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King Street, Littleton, MA. No previous connection to the church is required. All are welcome.
For more information, visit www.ccol.org or contact office@ccol.org.

Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club, Celebrating 60 Years
Welcomes you to join us at Kimball Farm in Westford for dinner, mini golf and ice cream.

Looking for friendship and good conversation?  The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club would like to invite you to connect with our members on Thursday August 27, 2026 at our Mini Golf event in Westford.  We will meet at Kimball Farm, 400 Littleton Road, Westford from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM to enjoy friends, mini golf, food, and ice cream.  We will meet under the tent with our Nashoba Valley neighbors sign at the table.  If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org.

Our ongoing public events are Lunch Bunch, Movie Nights, Book Club, Dinner Group, Brunch, Trivia Nights, Summer Picnic, Wine Tastings, as well as Men’s and Ladies Night out events.

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard.  Originally called the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton, and then the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club, in 2014, we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club to reflect our current members and their interests.  Our club welcomes any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more information, as well as information on how to become a member of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club.  We look forward to seeing you!
Blessing of animals

Blessing of the Animals

Neighbors, friends, families, and animal lovers are warmly invited to the West Chelmsford United Methodist Church Annual outdoor Blessing of the Animals on Sunday August 23, 2026 at 9:30 AM. This special gathering is a time to give thanks for the pets and animals who bring companionship, comfort, and joy into our lives.

All pets are welcome. For everyone’s safety, please bring animals on a leash, in a carrier, or safely contained. You may also bring a photo of a pet who cannot attend or a beloved pet you would like to remember.

During the event, pets will receive an individual blessing as we celebrate the bond between people, animals, and God’s creation. This is a family-friendly community event, and all are welcome whether or not you are a member of the church.

We are sponsoring a donation drive to support the Lowell Humane Society’s Pet Food Pantry and their important work caring for animals in our community.  If you are able, you are invited to bring pet food for cats, dogs, and/or small animals. In addition, we will be collecting used towels, sheets, blankets, and newspapers (clean and dry) to help the Humane Society in their daily operations.

Bring your pet, invite a friend, and share in this joyful celebration at the West Chelmsford United Methodist Church, 242 Main Street, North Chelmsford, MA www.wcumc.com

Chelmsford Historical Society Annual Farm Fair

The Chelmsford Historical Society will hold one of our most popular events, the Annual Farm Fair, on Saturday, September 19th from 12-4pm at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, 40 Byam Road, Chelmsford, MA.

Bring your family, enjoy the festivities, and meet friends old and new. Join us for this free event, which will have farm animals, hay rides, live music, local farms and vendors, tours of the homestead, food and drinks for sale, and more!

http://www.chelmhist.org/