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.
Knitting with Marion: Tuesdays and every other Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

July 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.

August 1st Karaoke Night at 7:00 pm Join us in the Cabaret Cafe and belt your heart out! Hosted by Dani Koutsoufis. $5.00 entry, full bar available!

August 8th Sober Karaoke at 7:00pm.

August 9th The Rocky Horror Picture Show: 50th Anniversary Screening & Celebration at 8:30 pm in the auditorium. This won't be just your average film screening! Beginning at 8:30 pm, we will open up the auditorium and bar for a pre-movie party. Have a drink, get a snack and enjoy your favorite songs from Rocky Horror and beyond, curated by a live DJ. Then at 9:30, grab a seat and get ready to do the time warp again as you enjoy the movie screening. Tickets just $15!

August 15th Open Mic Night at 7 pm Come on down to the Cabaret Cafe for our monthly open mic night! Seeking performers of ALL KINDS looking to share their talents. Whether you're a comedian, instrumentalist, poet, or singer, this is the event for you! The third Friday of each month. $5 entry.

August 24th Arthur Bakopolus Jazz Quartet Concert at 6:00 pm in the Cabaret Cafe. Join us for a monthly genre-blending evening of of music, performed by an incredible jazz ensemble, led by Arthur Bakopolus. Doors open at 5:30 pm.
Tickets $20.

August 24th and 25th Auditions for Family Album. Audition for the first installment in the Playground Theatre Co.'s 2025-2026 season! Family Album is a one-act comedy set at a New Hampshire cottage, where seven families spend their hilariously chaotic summers over the span of several decades. With antics ranging from mice invasions to movie-making and game nights gone wrong, this original play promises plenty of laughs. Don’t miss out on the fun — or the answer to the question, “is a mattress a piece of furniture?” Stay tuned for more details. Seeking actors of all genders and age ranges!

August 25th 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.

August 29th Janelle's Dirty Basement: Comedy Show & Open Mic at 8:00 pm in the Cabaret Cafe. Join us for yet another evening of raunchy hilarity in the Cabaret Cafe. Along with Janelle, enjoy the comedic stylings of nationally recognized comedians featured on TV, film and more! (Lineup to be announced) Before the show, at 6:30, join us for a standup comedy open mic. Stay tuned for open mic signups. Tickets $20 online, $25 at the door.
 

 

Fundraiser sponsored by the Friends to benefit the Senior Center
Thursday, September 18th from 1:00 – 4:30 PM in The Hall
at the Chelmsford Senior Center 75 Groton Rd, North Chelmsford, MA
Kevin Richman, our game show emcee, will be hosting Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and the lucky contestants who guess correctly will win a prize. Tickets are $10 each and will be available for purchase starting Friday, August 1st in the Chelmsford Senior Center Treasure Shop, open daily from 9 am-2 pm. Tickets are limited so do not wait until the last minute to purchase your tickets.
The Hall doors will open to the public at 1:00 pm. At 1:30, the exciting games begin! Complimentary baked goodies and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. There will be raffle gift baskets & a 50/50 raffle. Raffle drawings will begin at 4:15 pm and winners must be present to claim their prize.  This will be a fun-filled fundraising event and 100% of the proceeds will go toward the Chelmsford Senior Center to continue providing a great, positive environment and activities for seniors!

 

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
Paper Bags
Donations can be dropped off at the pantry located at:
50 Rear Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA
(white 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
Monetary donations also welcome
For more ways to help the pantry and your community visit:
chelmsfordfoodpantry.org

 

 

August 10, 2025
9:30AM
West Chelmsford United Methodist Church
242 Main Street
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
www.wcumc.us

For everyone's safety, please have your pets on leashes, in carriers, or otherwise controlled.
We are partnering with the Lowell Humane Society to help families in need feed their pets. Please, if you are able, bring a donation of cat and/or dog food that will go to the Lowell Humane Society Pet Food Pantry.
See website for additional event details -
https://www.wcumc.us/events/blessing-of-the-animals-worship-service
To see pets that are currently available at the Lowell Humane Society, log on to https://www.lowellhumanesociety.org//adoption/available-pets/

 

• Liza Ketchum is the author of seventeen books for young people, including The Life Fantastic and The Last Garden. Her books have appeared on the ALA’s Best Book lists and the New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing. She and her husband divide their time between Vermont and Massachusetts. Www.lizketchum.org
• Jacqueline Briggs Martin is the author of over twenty picture books for children, including award-winners Snowflake Bentley, a Caldecott medal winner, and Creekfinding: A True Story, recipient of the Green Earth Award for Environmental Writing for Children and a Riverby Award. Jacqueline lives in Iowa with her husband. www.jacquelinebriggsmartin.com
• Phyllis Root is the author of fifty books for children, including Big Belching Bog; Plant a Pocket of Prairie; One North Star; Big Momma Makes the World, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner; and The Lost Forest, a National Outdoor Book Award winner. Phyllis resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. www.phyllisiroot.com

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

“Moments in Time and Place” a collection of oil paintings by Judith-Grace Miller will be on display for the month of August at the Munroe Gallery, located on the 2nd floor of the Concord Free Public Library. Opening reception will be Thursday, August 7 from 5-8pm. These colorful paintings will take you back to magical summers at the beach, fresh lobster rolls, and basking in the sun with family and friends. The paintings will range from seascapes, figurative works, and architecture to local scenes painted en plein air. The event is free and open to the public. The Concord Free Public Library is located at 129 Main St, Concord, MA. Learn more at www.judymillerartist.com

Here’s your chance to help us prepare for the 2025 Annual Chelmsford Holiday Prelude & Tree Lighting Celebration being held on December 7, 2025.

Calendar Raffle Cards are $10.00 each, and are available for pickup at the Treasurer/Collector’s Office at Chelmsford Town Offices, 50 Billerica Rd., Chelmsford. This year we have a wide variety of prizes, including gift cards and themed baskets. Our donors include Arrow Auto Glass, Stop & Shop, Market Basket, Princess House, Riman, Brickhouse Blooms, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, a propane tank & fill from County Energy, a propane fire pit assembly, and many other things!

Can’t make it to the Town Offices but still want a raffle card? Contact Vivian Merrill at squekers601@yahoo.com to make arrangements.

Our second series of events are the two remaining Flea Markets being held at the Chelmsford Garrison House at 105 Garrison Rd., Chelmsford. The market dates are July 26, and August 23, 2025. We need vendors & people who want to buy & sell their goods! Vendor spaces are $25.00/day, or you can reserve a space for both days for $40.00. Rain dates will be the next day (Sunday) for all three events. Vendor set-up is from 8-9AM, and the markets will open to the public from 9AM-1PM. General Admission to the public is free. Vendors supply their own tables, canopies and cash. Please contact Vivian Merrill at squekers601@yahoo.com with questions, and to get your vendor application.

All proceeds from the raffle ticket sales and vendor space reservations will benefit the Annual Chelmsford Holiday Prelude & Tree Lighting Celebration. Thank you!

 

 

August 10, 2025

9:30AM
West Chelmsford United Methodist Church
242 Main Street
North Chelmsford, MA 01863
www.wcumc.us

For everyone's safety, please have your pets on leashes, in carriers, or otherwise controlled.
We are partnering with the Lowell Humane Society to help families in need feed their pets. Please, if you are able, bring a donation of cat and/or dog food that will go to the Lowell Humane Society Pet Food Pantry.
See website for additional event details -
https://www.wcumc.us/events/blessing-of-the-animals-worship-service
To see pets that are currently available at the Lowell Humane Society, log on to https://www.lowellhumanesociety.org//adoption/available-pets/

 

Whether you're looking for a hilarious evening of musical theater, or the rock and roll experience of a lifetime, the CCA has something for you!

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.
Knitting with Marion: Tuesdays and every other Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

UPCOMING FREE EVENTS
July 28th & August 25th 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.
August 24th and 25th Auditions for Family Album. Audition for the first installment in the Playground Theatre Co.'s 2025-2026 season! Family Album is a one-act comedy set at a New Hampshire cottage, where seven families spend their hilariously chaotic summers over the span of several decades. With antics ranging from mice invasions to movie-making and game nights gone wrong, this original play promises plenty of laughs. Don’t miss out on the fun — or the answer to the question, “is a mattress a piece of furniture?” Stay tuned for more details. Seeking actors of all genders and age ranges!

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
Paper Bags
Donations can be dropped off at the pantry located at:
50 Rear Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA
(white 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
Monetary donations also welcome
For more ways to help the pantry and your community visit:
chelmsfordfoodpantry.org

(Chelmsford, MA) – The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Task Force is sponsoring a free cookout in appreciation of active, reserve, National Guard, veterans and their families on Tuesday, August 12th.  The event will take place from 5 to 7pm at the Pavilion behind the Chelmsford Elks Lodge at 300 Littleton Road.  The public is invited to attend to meet and support our local military members.

We will serve cheeseburgers, hotdogs, watermelon, chips, and soft drinks. A cash bar will be available.

The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Task Force was established by the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen (now Select Board) in 2009 in partnership with Hanscom Air Force Base as a formal effort to support military families living in Chelmsford. The primary purpose of the program is to make Chelmsford feel more welcoming for military families and veterans by drawing upon a support network of volunteers and contributions from the local business community. For more information or to volunteer with the Task Force, please visit https://www.townofchelmsford.us/292/Military-Community-Covenant-Task-Force.

DAVID KAUFFMAN WILL BE SHARING HIS GIFT OF MUSIC WITH AREA MUSIC LOVERS AND THE CATHOLIC COLLABORATIVES.
THE EVENT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025, AT THE CHELMSFORD SENIOR CENTER, 70 GROTON RD, NORTH CHELMSFORD MA
THE EVENING WILL RUN FROM 6:00 TO 10:00. FOR TICKET INFORMATION. PLEASE CONTACT DAVE SOUSA AT 978-852-7067 OR DAVESOUSA@VERIZON.NET

Saints  Vartanantz Armenian Church of Chelmsford will hold their annual picnic on Sunday, August 3, 12 Noon to 5 p.m. at 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford. There will be live Armenian and Greek dance music provided by the Jason Naroian ensemble.  The picnic menu includes lamb and chicken shish-kebab dinners with rice pilaf, Armenian hamburger dinners, a vegetarian platter, and a variety of Armenian specialties and deserts.  Free admission.  For further information, please call the church office at 978-256- 7234, or email office@stsvartanantz.com.

Have you been looking for a great volunteer opportunity? If you would like to make a difference in the life of an adult with limited English or basic literacy skills, we’d love to hear from you.

Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area. 

You do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind, a desire to help an adult improve their skills, and the ability to meet with your student for 2 hours per week for 9-12 months! In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available. Before being matched with a student you also must attend a Volunteer Information Session and successfully complete an 18-hour Tutor Training. 


To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions: 

Tuesday: July 29 or August 5
6:30-8 pm

Wednesday:  July 30 or August 6
 4-5:30 pm

Thursday: July 31 or August 7
12-1:30 pm




To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.  

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
Paper Bags
Donations can be dropped off at the pantry located at:
50 Rear Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA
(white 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
Monetary donations also welcome
For more ways to help the pantry and your community visit:
chelmsfordfoodpantry.org

The Chelmsford Community Band invites you to join them for Chelmsford’s beloved tradition of live Summer evening performances on the Common. Every Tuesday evening at 7pm in the center of Chelmsford, there will be free live music for anyone who wants to spread a blanket or set up chairs on the grass.  Eric Linsner will be directing the Concert Band on July 8, July 29, and August 12, and Art Bakopolus will be leading the Jazz Ensemble on July 15, July 22, and August 5. Come watch the stars come out and celebrate how music brings a community together.

The Chelmsford Community Band is a 501(c)3 nonprofit consisting of a 70-piece concert band and a 20-piece jazz ensemble made of dedicated local volunteer musicians with a proud tradition of  bringing live musical performances to the greater Chelmsford region since 1972.  They provide indoor concerts throughout the year, perform in Westford during the Strawberry Festival, are proud participants in the Chelmsford July 4 parade, and love performing on the Common throughout the summer.  They are grateful for the support of sponsors and a grant from the Chelmsford Cultural Council.  Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky, and find them on the web at www.chelmsfordcommunityband.com.

(Chelmsford, MA) – The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Task Force is sponsoring a free cookout in appreciation of active, reserve, National Guard, veterans and their families on Tuesday, August 12th.  The event will take place from 5 to 7pm at the Pavilion behind the Chelmsford Elks Lodge at 300 Littleton Road.  The public is invited to attend to meet and support our local military members.

We will serve cheeseburgers, hotdogs, watermelon, chips, and soft drinks. A cash bar will be available.

The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Task Force was established by the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen (now Select Board) in 2009 in partnership with Hanscom Air Force Base as a formal effort to support military families living in Chelmsford. The primary purpose of the program is to make Chelmsford feel more welcoming for military families and veterans by drawing upon a support network of volunteers and contributions from the local business community. For more information or to volunteer with the Task Force, please visit https://www.townofchelmsford.us/292/Military-Community-Covenant-Task-Force.

DAVID KAUFFMAN WILL BE SHARING HIS GIFT OF MUSIC WITH AREA MUSIC LOVERS AND THE CATHOLIC COLLABORATIVES.
THE EVENT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025, AT THE CHELMSFORD SENIOR CENTER, 70 GROTON RD, NORTH CHELMSFORD MA
THE EVENING WILL RUN FROM 6:00 TO 10:00. FOR TICKET INFORMATION. PLEASE CONTACT DAVE SOUSA AT 978-852-7067 OR DAVESOUSA@VERIZON.NET

Saints  Vartanantz Armenian Church of Chelmsford will hold their annual picnic on Sunday, August 3, 12 Noon to 5 p.m. at 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford. There will be live Armenian and Greek dance music provided by the Jason Naroian ensemble.  The picnic menu includes lamb and chicken shish-kebab dinners with rice pilaf, Armenian hamburger dinners, a vegetarian platter, and a variety of Armenian specialties and deserts.  Free admission.  For further information, please call the church office at 978-256- 7234, or email office@stsvartanantz.com

Looking to add a canine member to your family?

Join Save A Dog on Saturday, July 19, from 10 am to 12 pm at our “Meet and Greet” adoption event at Wag N’ Wash, 1173 Main Street in West Concord. Meet the adorable dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes and speak directly with staff who can introduce you and tell you more!

Information about Save A Dog’s adoptable dogs (and cats!) can be found on the website: www.saveadog.org. Potential adopters are encouraged to fill out an online adoption application beforehand which helps streamline the adoption process and find the best match for you and your household.

Now in its 27th year of rescue, Save A Dog has found loving, forever homes for nearly 9,000 homeless pets through its Sudbury shelter and network of dedicated foster homes,

See you Saturday!

 

Looking for friendship and good conversation?  The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club would like to invite you to connect with our members on Sunday July 13th at our Summer Open House at Nara Park in Acton.  We will meet at the Nara Park Bathhouse Pavilion from 3 PM to 7 PM to enjoy friends, games, food, and beverages.  Everyone is bringing a favorite appetizer, meal, or dessert to share.  If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org.
Our ongoing public events are Lunch Bunch, Movie Night, Book Club, Dinner Group, Trivia Nights, Game Nights, and Wine Tastings, as well as Mens and Ladies Night out.
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!

The Chelmsford Community Band invites you to join them for Chelmsford’s beloved tradition of live Summer evening performances on the Common. Every Tuesday evening at 7pm in the center of Chelmsford, there will be free live music for anyone who wants to spread a blanket or set up chairs on the grass.  Eric Linsner will be directing the Concert Band on July 8, July 29, and August 12, and Art Bakopolus will be leading the Jazz Ensemble on July 15, July 22, and August 5. Come watch the stars come out and celebrate how music brings a community together.

The Chelmsford Community Band is a 501(c)3 nonprofit consisting of a 70-piece concert band and a 20-piece jazz ensemble made of dedicated local volunteer musicians with a proud tradition of  bringing live musical performances to the greater Chelmsford region since 1972.  They provide indoor concerts throughout the year, perform in Westford during the Strawberry Festival, are proud participants in the Chelmsford July 4 parade, and love performing on the Common throughout the summer.  They are grateful for the support of sponsors and a grant from the Chelmsford Cultural Council.  Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky, and find them on the web at www.chelmsfordcommunityband.com.

(Chelmsford, MA) – The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Task Force is sponsoring a free cookout in appreciation of active, reserve, National Guard, veterans and their families on Tuesday, August 12th.  The event will take place from 5 to 7pm at the Pavilion behind the Chelmsford Elks Lodge at 300 Littleton Road.  The public is invited to attend to meet and support our local military members.

We will serve cheeseburgers, hotdogs, watermelon, chips, and soft drinks. A cash bar will be available.

The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Task Force was established by the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen (now Select Board) in 2009 in partnership with Hanscom Air Force Base as a formal effort to support military families living in Chelmsford. The primary purpose of the program is to make Chelmsford feel more welcoming for military families and veterans by drawing upon a support network of volunteers and contributions from the local business community. For more information or to volunteer with the Task Force, please visit https://www.townofchelmsford.us/292/Military-Community-Covenant-Task-Force.

DAVID KAUFFMAN WILL BE SHARING HIS GIFT OF MUSIC WITH AREA MUSIC LOVERS AND THE CATHOLIC COLLABORATIVES.
THE EVENT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025, AT THE CHELMSFORD SENIOR CENTER, 70 GROTON RD, NORTH CHELMSFORD MA
THE EVENING WILL RUN FROM 6:00 TO 10:00. FOR TICKET INFORMATION. PLEASE CONTACT DAVE SOUSA AT 978-852-7067 OR DAVESOUSA@VERIZON.NET

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
(white 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
Monetary donations also welcome
For more ways to help the pantry and your community visit:
chelmsfordfoodpantry.org

Thursday, July 3rd
3-9 PM Art Festival: Chelmsford Art Society   Center for the Arts
5-9 PM Country Fair: Chelmsford Lions Club   Center Common
5-8 PM Kiddie Train Rides: Chelmsford Rotary Club   Rear of Public Gardens
5-6:30 PM Jilly Martin Concert   Center Common
7-8:30 PM Band Concert: Chelmsford Community Band   Center Common

Friday, July 4th
8:00 AM Country Fair: Chelmsford Lions Club   Center Common
8:30 AM Flag Raising: Police & Fire   Center Common Flagpole
8:30-1:00 PM Art Festival: Chelmsford Art Society   Center for the Arts
9:30 AM Annual John Carson 2-Mile Road Race
10:00 AM Annual Independence Day Parade

Have you been looking for a great volunteer opportunity? If you would like to make a difference in the life of an adult with limited English or basic literacy skills, we’d love to hear from you.

Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area. 

You do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind, a desire to help an adult improve their skills, and the ability to meet with your student for 2 hours per week for 9-12 months! In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available. Before being matched with a student you also must attend a Volunteer Information Session and successfully complete an 18-hour Tutor Training. 


To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions: 

Tuesday: July 29 or August 5
6:30-8 pm

Wednesday:  July 30 or August 6
 4-5:30 pm

Thursday: July 31 or August 7
12-1:30 pm



To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.  

Looking for friendship and good conversation?  The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club would like to invite you to connect with our members on Sunday July 13th at our Summer Open House at Nara Park in Acton.  We will meet at the Nara Park Bathhouse Pavilion from 3 PM to 7 PM to enjoy friends, games, food, and beverages.  Everyone is bringing a favorite appetizer, meal, or dessert to share.  If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org.
Our ongoing public events are Lunch Bunch, Movie Night, Book Club, Dinner Group, Trivia Nights, Game Nights, and Wine Tastings, as well as Mens and Ladies Night out.
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!

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
(white 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

 

BOSTON – Summer Eats – the Massachusetts Summer Food Service Program – is kicking off across the Commonwealth, providing free meals to all kids and teens, ages 18 and under. In 2024, more than 2.8 million meals were served across over 1,450 sites statewide through the Summer Eats program. During Summer Eats Awareness Week, Project Bread is encouraging community members to help spread the news about this free program statewide, with free promotional materials available online.

Throughout the school year, children in Massachusetts rely on free school meals to meet most of their daily nutrition needs. Summer Eats closes the gap when the school year ends, helping to ensure children and teens continue to grow, learn and thrive over school vacation. On an average day in July 2024, 70,000 kids ate at least one Summer Eats meal.

Participating meal providers operate and staff meal sites, often in conjunction with activities and educational programming at schools, libraries, local park and recreation areas, and more. Kids and teens are required to eat onsite at most Summer Eats sites. Grab & Go meals are available in select rural communities. All are welcome. No registration or ID is required. In 2024, more than 2.8 million meals were served across over 1,450 sites statewide through the Summer Eats program. Another summer food resource is SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), which is a federal food benefit providing additional funding for groceries for low-income families with school-aged children.

For more than 20 years, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and statewide food security nonprofit Project Bread have partnered to support communities in offering Summer Eats meals to children in Massachusetts. Throughout the school year, the nonprofit and DESE also partner to expand access to and participation in school meal programs. This year, Project Bread has granted a total of $236,482 to Summer Eats sponsors statewide for their program development and capacity-building, such as equipment to transport meals or increase kitchen efficiency and meal quality, as well as staffing support and items to enhance site engagement, outreach and promotion efforts​.

“We hear from families all the time who are finding ways to stretch their budgets during the summer months, who are unsure about what resources are available to them, and who are just trying to put food on their tables each day,” says Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread, the leading food security organization in Massachusetts. “Food is not a luxury. The Summer Eats program is a vital resource that makes sure that every child can have their basic need of hunger met and can simply focus on learning, growing, and enjoying summer fun.”

Summer is better with full bellies and big smiles. For more information about Summer Eats, including meal site locations, visit www.projectbread.org/summer-eats, text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304, or call 1-800-645-8333 for help in any language. A personal contribution to support Summer Eats can be made at www.projectbread.org/donate.

About Project Bread
Project Bread connects people and communities in Massachusetts to reliable sources of food while advocating for policies that make food more accessible—so that no one goes hungry. Summer Eats is one of the many nutrition programs they support. Any resident of Massachusetts struggling to afford food or worrying they might run out before they have money to buy more can call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline for help in 180+ languages (1-800-645-8333) or send a confidential chat on www.gettingsnap.com for compassionate, personalized assistance. Counselors are available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is also a dedicated line available to those who are hearing impaired. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org. 

The Salvation Army’s summer camp is accepting campers from across Massachusetts
SHARON, Mass. (June 2025) – As the school year winds down, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is accepting campers for fun and engaging summer activities. Each summer, nearly 1,200 youth attend Camp Wonderland, located on picturesque Lake Massapoag in Sharon, and there are still open slots for the seven weeks of overnight camp, beginning June 23 and costing as little as $50 a week on average.
For over a century, The Salvation Army’s Camp Wonderland has provided families who may not otherwise be able to afford overnight camp a safe place for their children at little or no cost. On 110 acres, the camp offers young people access to nature, recreation, swimming, arts, crafts, music, STEM activities and sports. Summer camp activities include archery, arts and crafts, boating, swimming, and more. Over the summer, campers will meet new friends, try new things, and sing silly songs around the campfire, all while taking a break from screens and experiencing a strong sense of community.
Right now, there are open enrollment slots for youth ages 6 to 12 from the Merrimack Valley, Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts (Hyannis, Fall River, and New Bedford), the North Shore (Newburyport, Salem, and Lynn), MetroWest, Mass Bay/Boston, the Route 2 area (Athol, Greenfield, and Fitchburg), as well as Western (Springfield and Pittsfield) and Central Massachusetts (Milford and Worcester).
This year marks Camp Director Jen Forster’s 30th year working at Camp Wonderland. Having attended the camp herself from the age of 6, she has made it a lifelong commitment to give children a summer to remember.
Camp Wonderland sessions run through August 12. To learn more and register for a se

 

Exclusive sunglasses for those who come to give July 1-14
Type O blood donors especially urged to give now

BOSTON, June 23, 2025 — As the busy Fourth of July holiday week gets closer, the American Red Cross asks donors to celebrate by making a blood or platelet donation appointment to help power the blood supply through mid-summer. While all blood types are needed, donors with type O blood are most urgently needed.
 
Making and keeping donation appointments now is critical to ensuring blood products are available for all patients – including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions – in the weeks to come. Type O negative blood is often reached for in emergencies when there isn’t time to match a patient’s blood type. Type O positive is the most common blood type, so it’s important to keep type O blood and all blood types on hand at hospitals for people facing both chronic illness and sudden, life-threatening conditions.

Don’t wait – add a blood or platelet donation appointment to your summer calendar today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. 

The Red Cross and goodr are joining forces in July to remind donors they’re just the type patients can count on. All who come to give July 1-14, 2025, will get an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.

Or, those who make it in to give by June 30, 2025, will get a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 24-July 14
Chelmsford
7/2/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Elks Lodge, 300 Littleton Road
7/12/2025: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Aldersgate United Methodist, 242 Boston Rd.
North Chelmsford
7/11/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Chelmsford American Legion, 90 Groton Road
Sudbury
6/26/2025: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd
7/1/2025: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd
Westford
7/2/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., First Parish Church, 48 Main Street

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

The ACE Center for New Americans’ Afghan Women Program is currently seeking volunteer mentors for a meaningful six-month mentorship program designed to support Afghan girls who are new to the United States. This is a rewarding opportunity to help these young women achieve their personal, educational, and professional goals, while also fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Program Overview:

• Duration: July to December (6 months)

• Meeting Frequency: At least once every two weeks (in person or online)

• Kickoff: An introductory session will be held for all mentors and mentees prior to the program start

• Scheduling: Flexible meetings based on mutual availability

• Participants: Mentees include high school graduates, college students, and recent university graduates

Primary Goals:

• Support mentees in improving their English communication skills

• Provide guidance on academic, career, and personal development

This program is not only about guidance. It's about building connections, trust, and cultural exchange. We welcome mentors from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference.
If you're interested in volunteering or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Bahara Hussaini, Afghan Community Outreach Coordinator. Send your resume and a brief paragraph about yourself to know more about you and your interest in this program to the below email address latest by June 20th, 2025.
bahara.hussaini@mbmm.org

Registration is now open for Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 242 Boston Road (Rt. 4), Chelmsford. VBS will run Monday through Friday, August 11 through 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. This year’s program is “God’s Big Backyard,” an outdoor adventure curriculum that starts in our own backyard. During the week, students will meet real-life stewards of God’s creation, listen to Bible stories, participate in craft and music activities, and play games and enjoy snacks.

VBS is open to all children ages 4 through 12. The cost of the program is $20 per child or a family maximum of $60. To register by July 31, visit www.aldersgatechelmsford.com/education or stop by the church to obtain a form. For more information, contact the church office at (978)256-9400 or send email to aumc-education@verizon.net.

 

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
(white 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

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 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.

 

Fuel Up for Summer Program Provides Weekly Lunch/Snack for Children
Concord and Maynard, MA (June 11, 2025) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, is bringing back its Fuel Up for Summer program, which provides daily nutritious lunch and snacks for children over the summer months. Families can sign up for the program now and begin receiving kids’ meals along with their weekly food pantry distribution beginning the week of June 23.
Parents can sign up online or by phone to participate in the summer program, then pick up as many as three lunch packs a week for each child along with the rest of their groceries. Summer lunch packs are healthy and convenient and include both a sandwich or wrap in both meat and vegetarian options, as well as vegetable sticks or side salad. The lunches can be supplemented with the traditional Open Table Kids’ Bags, which include salty and sweet snacks, easy to prepare light meals, and drink boxes. All options are peanut-free.
Kids’ packs are available starting June 23 for pick up at:
Open Table: 33 Main Street, Maynard
Tuesdays: 3:00 to 6:30 pm
Thursdays: 1:00 to 4:30 pm
To guarantee availability, kids’ lunch packs must be reserved in advance by Monday at noon for the week of pick up. No photo ID or proof of financial need is required.
Sign up at: https://www.opentable.org/kids/
Call: (978) 369-2275
Email: orders@opentable.org
“Every week, hundreds of local families rely on Open Table for the food they need. The summer months can be especially difficult for families who depend on school lunches, and we are happy to help relieve some of that stress,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “This year brings new challenges and great uncertainty for Open Table, but we remain committed to serving our neighbors in need.”

Caption: The Open Table Fuel Up for Summer program provides free, healthy lunches for kids.
Find out more: Open Table Kids’ Program
About Open Table
Open Table is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989. Its mission is to address hunger in the local community by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity and diversity of those served. For more information, visit: www.opentable.org

Maria Had a Little Llama is a gorgeous children's bilingual picture book by Angela Dominguez. Through a twist on the familiar Mary Had a Little Lamb nursery rhyme, the book takes you on a journey through the colorful visual landscape of Peru. Each page contains both English and Spanish text, and there are details depicting life in Peru throughout, without being visually overwhelming. It is the perfect book to introduce children to Spanish language because of the familiar nursery rhyme format. The book was a recipient of the 2014 The Pura Belpre Award given to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work celebrates Latino culture through an outstanding work of literature for children.

Celebrate the culture of Peru with Felixology at the Inti Raymi festival on Sunday, June 29th. Inti Raymi is the Peruvian Festival of the Sun on what is the shortest day of the year there. The festival appeals to the Sun God, Inti, to bring back the sun. Though it is our longest day of the year, our Summer Solstice, we could definitely use some more sun this year!

The highlight of the Inti Raymi Festival will be a lively performance by New Inca Son playing music of the Andes from 11am-1pm.

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

June is Men’s Health Month. One aspect of men’s health that isn’t commonly discussed is mental health. While mental health in general is not talked about enough, men’s mental health is given even less attention. To be truly healthy, one needs to focus on both their physical and mental health.
In youth suicide (ages 12-24), males are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than their female peers. That number does not decrease with age either. It is a prevalent issue within our communities that should be given the attention it deserves. A lot of good can be done by normalizing conversations around mental health, rather than trying to keep it silent.
We can help by simply talking more openly about mental health with friends, family, and coworkers. Sometimes, all someone needs is the opportunity to share what they’re going through. Be the person to give them that opportunity. Familiarizing yourself with resources available for mental health can also be helpful. That way when those conversations do unfold, you’re informed of ways others can receive help they need.
The biggest difference we can make is by creating everyday environments that feel safe and supportive, spaces people feel comfortable opening up when they’re ready. Don’t be afraid to speak up so that others who need to might as well. Many mental health struggles are faced in silence, and the easiest way to break the silence is by speaking up. It takes a lot of mental strength for someone to talk about what they may be dealing with. Recognizing that will help others gain the courage and strength to speak up as well.
Mental health is often a battle we can’t see. That’s why learning how to offer support, have intentional conversations, and truly listen when others open up to you can make a huge difference in the lives of those around you. You never truly know what is going on in someone’s mind, but speaking up opens the possibility for others to do so as well.
For more information on resources, order materials, access training, or to find a Jason Foundation Affiliate Office near you, visit www.jasonfoundation.com. The Jason Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through education and awareness. Together, we can fight the Silent Epidemic that is youth suicide. Don’t be afraid to have hard conversations. Stay informed so that when those hard conversations happen, you’ll be prepared to help in any way you can.