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/.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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!

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/

A “FUN-Raising” event sponsored by the Friends of the Chelmsford Senior Center, Thursday, September 17th, from 1:00 - 4:30pm in Brigham Hall at the Chelmsford Senior Center
    75 Groton Rd, North Chelmsford, MA
Come join us for an afternoon of fun and games! Kevin Richman, our game show emcee, will once again be hosting a game day at the center. This year, Kevin will be hosting Music Bingo and Trivia for Seniors. Prizes will be awarded for the winning teams. Tickets are $10 each and will be available for purchase starting on Thursday, August 20th, in the Chelmsford Senior Center Treasure Shop, open daily from 9am - 2pm. Tickets are limited, so do not wait until the last minute to purchase your tickets. The Hall doors will open to the public at 1:00pm and the games will begin at 1:30pm. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. There will be 3 - $100 raffle money trees and a 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets will be offered on the day of the event. Drawings will begin at 4:15 pm.  Winners must be present to claim their prize.
This promises to be a fun-filled event to offer our seniors another day to interact with one another in a positive and engaging way! Hope to see you there!

August 18, 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.  A reception will follow each concert.
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. In 1782 shortly after his marriage, Mozart composed his Horn Quintet for friend Joseph Leutgeb; Leutgeb played a natural horn which, unlike modern French horns, lacked valves, relying instead on a variety of crooks and hand-stopping techniques to play the instrument’s full range. In 1891, Brahms wrote his Clarinet Trio for Richard Mühlfeld, whose fine musicianship inspired Brahms to begin composing again after an intentional retirement. Dohnányi’s Sextet showcases both instruments in a work that nods to Brahms while delighting in its own eccentricity and sass. In 1935, Dohnányi wrote this piece during a long illness.

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

Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians:
Krista Buckland Reisner and Rohan Gregory, violin
Mark Berger, viola
Peter Sulski, viola
David Russell, cello
Joshua Gordon, cello
Randall Hodgkinson, piano
With guests Gary Gorczyca, clarinet; Clark Matthews, French horn
All venues are handicapped accessible.

Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/autumn-winds/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624

Event: Northboro Junior Woman’s Club 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair
Date: Saturday, November 7,2026
Time: 9:00AM-3:00PM
Place: Robert E. Mexican Middle School,  145 Lincoln Street, Northboro, MA

Jurying Information: This is a juried show requiring that all items are handmade. Please visit NJWC’S website for applications and more show details. www.northborojuniors.org/craft-fair.html

The Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization that has been active in Northboro for over 40 years. They support community projects in Northboro as well as internationally. The Harvest Fair is the club’s major fundraiser.

Regional initiative expands capacity to produce, process, and store locally adapted seed needed for ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

WAYLAND, MA — As climate change fuels increasingly severe storms, flooding, drought, wildfire, and habitat loss across the United States, demand for native plants and seed for ecological restoration has reached unprecedented levels. To help address a critical shortage of locally adapted, locally grown native seed throughout the Northeast, Native Plant Trust has launched the Restoration Accelerator™, a regional initiative designed to expand the production, processing, and storage of native seed for habitat
restoration, conservation, and horticultural use.
“Restoring ecosystems at scale begins with seed,” Native Plant Trust CEO Tim Johnson said. “By investing in the infrastructure, partnerships, and scientific expertise needed to expand native seed
production, we are helping ensure that future generations inherit landscapes that are healthier, more
diverse, and more resilient than those we see today.”
Native plant communities form the foundation of healthy ecosystems, supporting pollinators and wildlife, protecting water quality, storing carbon, stabilizing soils, and helping landscapes withstand environmental change. Yet even as demand for native plants grows, the supply of locally adapted seed has struggled to keep pace.
“As the pace of ecological change increases, preserving local adaptation is increasingly important for building resilience in ecosystems. We will not win this battle by simply introducing more plants from the south. The flora of the Northeast will adapt, and we can support this process by ensuring all the pieces remain in place. Gardens, designed spaces, and restoration projects all help shepherd the ecosystems in which we live into the future by valuing the use of locally adapted native plant material,” says Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture at Native Plant Trust.
The need is urgent. A 2023 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that ecological restoration in the 21st century will be required at a scale never before seen, as native plant communities face mounting threats from climate change and environmental degradation. At the same time, restoration practitioners, conservation organizations, government agencies, and commercial growers across the country face a well-documented shortage of native seed, often using seed mixes with non-native species designed for different regions and lacking transparency about seed origins.
The Restoration Accelerator™ builds upon more than three decades of the Native Plant Trust's
nationally recognized expertise in seed banking, conservation, and native plant propagation. Based at
Nasami Farm, the organization's nursery in western Massachusetts, the program coordinates with seed
users and native plant and seed producers in Massachusetts to better understand needs and match
production to demand, offering seed and plant production services to restoration practitioners (i.e.,
seed users) on a contract basis. Those services include wild seed collection, nursery production, and
seed increase, and providing services to both new and experienced growers, including training and
consultation, wild-sourced starter seed, plugs for increase plots, seed processing services, and climate-
controlled seed storage. The facilities include a dedicated seed-processing building and a storage facility equipped with a cold-dry room and a long-term storage freezer, enabling growers to clean, process, and safely store large quantities of seed while maintaining viability and quality.

For more information about the Restoration Accelerator™, please contact ra@nativeplanttrust.org.

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

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.

   With some hot summer days behind us and some still to come you might not be thinking of blankets and comforters.  However, Fresh Start has a massive need for all sizes of blankets and comforters right now.  We also always need shower curtains and liners and hooks.  A lot of our clients move into a new home and find there is no curtain in the shower.
     For kitchenware we need measuring cups, both for dry and liquid, and measuring spoons.  Also cutting boards and drinking glasses.
     Finally, we are currently low on tables & chairs and end tables.
      Please check our website (above) for more information, for our location in Hudson and for our hours.  We accept donations in good (not necessarily new)condition on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-noon for household items and on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30 for furniture and until noon for household items.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.

Acton, MA – Discovery Museum will host local author Julie Carrick Dalton to discuss her acclaimed new novel, The Forest Becomes Her, on Wednesday, September 23, 7:30pm. The novel is set in Concord, MA. The event is free with pre-registration.
In a fireside chat with Discovery Museum CEO Marie Beam, Julie will discuss the novel's themes of environmental loss, grief, resilience, and our enduring connection to forests. Together, they'll explore a question that feels more urgent than ever: If today's children never develop a meaningful relationship with nature in the first place, what do we risk losing—not only environmentally, but culturally and emotionally?
This event is for adults only. Space is limited. Museum exhibit galleries will be closed. Light refreshments will be served.

What: An Evening with Julie Carrick Dalton, author of The Forest Becomes Her
When: Wednesday, September 23, 7:30pm
Where: Discovery Museum, 177 Main Street, Acton, MA
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required in advance at https://bit.ly/DaltonSept2026; space is limited
Who: Adults only

Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members. DVSN advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 partner communities.

The 40-hour, 3-week training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic
violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The September/October 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on
September 28 through October 16.

Week 1: Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
Week 2: Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
Week 3: Tuesday* and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
*Due to the Monday, Oct. 12, holiday.

For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.
DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

Westborough, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) invites singers and music lovers from throughout Central Massachusetts to its annual Summer Sing on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation B'nai Shalom, 117 East Main Street, Westborough, MA.
Whether you're an experienced choral singer, someone who simply enjoys singing for fun, or a listener who appreciates beautiful music, everyone is welcome. This unique event brings community members together with Assabet Valley Mastersingers in the audience to sing side by side in an informal, welcoming setting. Those who prefer not to sing are invited to simply relax and enjoy the music.
This year's “Summer Sing” features two inspiring choral masterworks: Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg and Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. Scores will be available for those who do not have their own music, so there is no need to bring anything but your enthusiasm.
Illuminare is an uplifting contemporary work in which light gradually returns, hope is restored, and our future is illuminated and guided in peace. Paired with Fauré's timeless Requiem, known for its comforting message of eternal rest and serenity, the evening offers an unforgettable musical experience for both singers and listeners.
Under the direction of Dr. Robert P. Eaton, who founded the Assabet Valley Mastersingers in 1978, the Summer Sing is designed to be enjoyable and accessible for all. No audition or previous choral experience is required—just a love of music and a willingness to participate.
Event Information
Summer Sing
Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Congregation B'nai Shalom
117 East Main Street
Westborough, MA
Admission: $10.00 at the door or online at www.avmsingers.org.
About Assabet Valley Mastersingers
Founded in 1978 by Artistic Director Dr. Robert P. Eaton, the Assabet Valley Mastersingers is a regional chorus dedicated to artistic excellence and innovative programming. AVM presents performances throughout the MetroWest communities, including Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, Marlborough, and surrounding towns. The chorus brings together talented volunteer singers and professional musicians to perform celebrated choral masterworks, lesser-known gems, and newly commissioned works.
For additional information, please visit www.avmsingers.org or contact Tricia Campero at tcampero@avmsingers.org.

 

BOSTON – Following recent targeted cyberattacks on water systems spanning several U.S. states, the Office of Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, through the work of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust (the Trust) and in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), are highlighting the need for investments in cybersecurity at local drinking water facilities to protect public health and safety. The state is supporting this vital need through the Public Water Suppliers Cybersecurity Improvements Grant Program, created to combat the growing threat of these malicious attacks. The program is currently accepting applications and communities can apply as soon as possible.
“As cyber threats become more frequent and sophisticated, we must ensure our local water suppliers have the resources they need to protect their systems,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. “This grant program allows our state's smaller and most at need communities to continue improving critical security infrastructure to safeguard public health for their residents.”
While the nature of the recent attacks is still under review, it is understood that hackers are remotely accessing PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), changing administrator passwords and causing disruption to operations not limited to but including pressure loss and flooding. Outdated software, weak network security, vulnerable access controls and a lack of employee cybersecurity training are all threats to critical US water infrastructure.
“Massachusetts has some of the oldest infrastructure in the nation, and it was built long before cybersecurity was a consideration,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Water systems, particularly those in small, rural, and underserved communities, face heightened risks due to aging infrastructure and limited funding. As cyber risks continue to evolve, MassDEP is committed to ensuring water systems have the financial and technical resources they need to safeguard the water residents rely on every day.”
Massachusetts is working closely with its public water suppliers to assess risk and mitigate attacks with the help of $2 million in grant funding made available by the Trust and MassDEP.
Since 2024, the Trust and MassDEP have been offering grants for up to $50,000 to eligible Public Water Suppliers (PWSs) with a cybersecurity risk assessment and at-risk operational technology equipment. To be eligible to apply, a PWS must meet criteria as a small system or a disadvantaged community.
The program’s goal is to support PWSs in improving their cybersecurity defense, mitigate risks of cyberattacks, and enhance overall resiliency and compliance. The grant supports projects that address cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified through PWS cybersecurity assessments that could impact the quality or quantity of our drinking water.
As of July 2026, the program has provided $1.3 million in grants to 38 water systems. Public Water systems are eligible to receive up to $50,000 through the State Revolving Fund to mitigate cyber risks.
MassDEP anticipates an increase in grant applications as cybersecurity needs continue to grow and the statewide sanitary survey, which includes cybersecurity requirements, prompts more PWSs to apply for funding. In addition to grant funding, MassDEP created a Cybersecurity Resource Hub to provide resources for Public Water Systems across the state. The hub includes assessments, training, and emergency planning tools for public water systems.

For More Information 
To see if your water system is eligible for a cybersecurity improvement grant, visit the Trust’s Public Water Suppliers Cybersecurity Improvements Grant Program page for more details.

 

Join us September 23 at 7:30pm Nature, Childhood & The Future: An evening with author Julie Carrick Dalton Wednesday, September 23 7:30 pm at Discovery Museum, Acton
Join us for an evening with local author Julie Carrick Dalton, whose acclaimed new novel, The Forest Becomes Her, is set in neighboring Concord and explores the profound relationship between people and the natural world. 
In a fireside conversation with Discovery Museum CEO Marie Beam, Julie will discuss the novel's themes of environmental loss, grief, resilience, and our enduring connection to forests. Together, they'll explore a question that feels more urgent than ever: 

What happens if today's children never develop a relationship with nature?  

Through conversation and audience reflection, we'll consider why experiences in nature matter and what role each of us can play in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
Whether you're a reader, a parent, an educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of nature to shape our lives, we invite you to join us for an evening of thoughtful conversation, community, and inspiration. 
The free event is for adults only. Registration is required as seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served. Register Now at https://26033.blackbaudhosting.com/26033/An-Evening-with-Julie-Carrick-Dalton

 

19 Carter St, Berlin

Saturday, August 15 at 7pm | Summer Concert Series: Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli w/ Special Guest Anelise (Folk/Gospel/Soul)
“Storytellers at heart, [Diamond and Abatelli] combine a beautiful classical piano and a warm-toned guitar to make music that seeps into the soul and permeates the senses.” – Pulse Magazine
"Soulful singer/songwriters with substance and style wrapped in heavenly harmony"
Onsite vendor: IEMMALLO Wine
Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink, and are also invited to purchase beverages from our onsite vendor.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, $5 for students, FREE for kids!
Purchase tickets at 19Carter.org/summer-concert-series

Monday, August 17 at 2pm | Chat with Public Health Nurse Sandi!
Stop by to chat with Public Health Nurse Sandi Richard over tea or coffee. A wonderful opportunity to share your thoughts and concerns on all things health! All are welcome.

Saturday, August 22 at 10am | Parody Playhouse
A dynamic music and movement program led by experienced music teacher, award-winning songwriter, and toddler mom Erica Leigh! Bring your kiddoes (ages 0-6) and enjoy parodies of iconic artists with built-in time for caregivers to hang out! Please register in advance at 19Carter.org. Cost: $5 per family, or pay what you can! 

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.

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

 

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey, is pleased to announce its 2026-2027 Season. All performances will take place in the auditorium of The Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (12 Green Road GPS) in Bolton MA, about a mile west of the center of town. Admission to all concerts is free, open to the public, and wheelchair accessible The season provides a wide variety of musical offerings:

Sunday, November 1, 2026, 3 pm. “Hallowe'en Revisited” includes The Masquerade Suite by Aram Khachaturian, Barbara York's Encountering Baba Yaga (featuring Andy Kern, alto saxophone), and Mussorgsky's A Night On Bald Mountain, as well as other spooky works!

Sunday, February 7, 2027, 2 pm. “Tales of Day's Past” showcases W. Francis McBeth's suite, Beowulf, with Cesar Franck's Psyche and Eros, and the iconic Sketches on a Tudor Hymn by Fisher Tull, with additional music by Leo Delibes and Karl King.

Sunday, May 2, 2027, 3 pm. “SOUSA!”with the entire Symphony on Themes by John Philip Sousa by Ira Hearshen. This incredible four-movement work is based on music from some of the “March King's” most beloved melodies: The Washington Post, The Thunderer, Fairest of the Fair, and Hands Across the Sea.

Thursday, June 10, 2027, 7:30 pm. “Hail and Farewell!”  As we move to new high school building. NSB will play the final concert in the Nashoba Regional High School Auditorium, saluting graduating Seniors and Alumni with performances of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, The NSB-commissioned Wolves of Nashoba, and solos by graduating Seniors.

In addition, The Nashoba Symphonic Band produces a series of Chamber Concerts performed by mixed groups of band members. Those concerts will be on Saturday afternoons, December 5, April 10 and May 1. Those programs will be announced in the fall.
The Nashoba Symphonic Band welcomes NEW PLAYERS at the beginning of each season and at rehearsals immediately following each concert. There are no auditions, but adult membership is limited to a certain number within each section. Students (grade 8 and above) are required to present a recommendation from their school instrumental director or private instructor. OPENINGS include: Oboe 1; two Clarinet 3; one Alto sax 2; two section Trumpet 2; two French horn; two or more Tuba.
Rehearsals of the Nashoba Symphonic Band are held 7-9 pm on Thursdays in the band room of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117, about a mile west of Bolton town center (GPS address in 12 Green Road, Bolton MA).

FIRST REHEARSAL  for the 2026-2027 Season will be  Thursday, September 3rd at 7 pm. in the band room of Nashoba Regional High School.
REGISTRATION for ALL new and returning members will begin at 6 pm. in the auditorium lobby.

Those wishing to become members should contact the director, David Bailey,  baileydavidwayne@gmail.com in advance. Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Friends of Music and supported in part by grants from the Cultural Councils in Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. All performances of the Nashoba Symphonic Band are free and open to the public.

 

The Chelmsford Historical Society, in collaboration with Goonz Car Club Massachusetts, will be holding our 3rd annual classic car show on Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 11am-3pm.

The show was very popular the last two years, and we are hoping for a large turnout again this year! All pre-1980 cars and trucks are welcome at the event.

The car show will be held at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, located at 40 Byam Road, Chelmsford, MA. There will be food for purchase, music, games, and a 50/50 raffle. The Watt-Stevens room and the General Store will be available for viewing.

http://www.chelmhist.org/

The Silver Club of the Uxbridge Senior Center will be taking a trip to Virginia Beach from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3. For $819, it includes the bus, the hotel, 5 breakfasts, 6 dinners, a guided tour of Williamsburg, a narrated Norfolk Naval Base Harbor Cruise, admission to the Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin, the boardwalk, Virginia Beach Aquarium, and the Mariner's Museum and Park. Everyone is invited to join the group on this tour. The bus will depart from the park and ride in Millbury on Rt 20.
Please call Sue at 508-341-0797 for more information.

 

Community invited to share stories of Club impact as organization prepares for its next chapter 

After 30 years of dedicated service to the children, families, and communities of MetroWest, Chris Duane, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest, will retire following an extraordinary career devoted to creating opportunities and changing lives.
To celebrate her remarkable legacy, Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest will dedicate its signature annual fundraising Gala & Auction on Friday, October 23, 2026, to honoring Chris’ decades of leadership while raising critical funds to ensure the organization’s mission continues to thrive for generations to come.
The Gala, to be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Framingham, will bring together community leaders, alumni, supporters, corporate partners, volunteers, families, and friends for an evening celebrating both Chris’ impact and the thousands of young people whose lives have been forever changed through the work of Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest. Proceeds will directly support Club programs and the young members who depend on them.
The evening will bring together Club members, alumni, staff, corporate partners, and community supporters — a gathering that reflects exactly the kind of community Chris spent her career building.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at www.bgcmetrowest.org/gala.
"Chris has given everything to this mission," said Robert Borek, Chair of the Board of Directors. "What she built here isn't just a stronger organization — it's a community of people whose lives were genuinely changed. We are honoring her legacy by doing what she always did: keeping the focus on the young people who walk through our doors every day."
Throughout her tenure, Chris has helped guide Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest through tremendous growth and transformation. Under her leadership, the Club has grown from a small, one-Clubhouse organization to a three Clubhouse and $4M operation serving 3,200 young people annually across MetroWest — shaping futures, building confidence, and lighting a path forward for generations of members.

We Want to Hear from You 
In conjunction with the Gala announcement, Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest is inviting the community to participate in a special storytelling campaign celebrating Chris’ legacy.
Help us build the celebration of a lifetime. If the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest — or Chris Duane — played a meaningful role in your life, we want to hear your story.
Were you a Club member who found your voice here? An alumnus whose career took shape because of this place? A family who felt the difference? We are collecting stories from across our community to be shared at the gala and beyond — a living testament to what happens when young people are given the chance to thrive.
“This celebration is about much more than one remarkable leader,” said Laura Terzigni, Vice President. “It’s about recognizing the ripple effect of decades of service and ensuring that Chris’ legacy continues through the children we will serve tomorrow.”
To share your story, visit www.bgcmetrowest.org/gala or contact Laura Terzigni at laura.terzigni@bgcmetrowest.org Submissions will be accepted through October 1, 2026.
 

 

July 29, 2026   Worcester, MA – Tickets are on sale now for Worcester Chamber Music Society’s 21st Season Subscription Series concerts, which premiere on September 25th and will run through April 2027. Individual tickets are available for each of the performances, and full or “choose your own” subscriptions may be purchased at 10-20% savings.

Concert Dates:
Autumn Winds - September 25, 26

Exuberant Voices - November 8

Northern Lights - December 3, 4

American Spirit - January 28

Refractions - April 2, 4


This year, we will be featuring timeless works from well-known figures like Bach and Mozart, alongside magnificent pieces from 20th and 21st century composers such as Florence Price and Sarah Gibson. Unique aspects of their compositional styles set them apart from each other, yet they all share the ability to create passionate feeling and imaginative imagery through their music. Just as it did in the past, music continues to touch the lives of people everywhere and transcends the time period in which it was written.

Additional performances such as the Annual Free Family Concert, Very Open Rehearsals, Café Concerts, and an appearance at the Icon Museum in Clinton will be part of WCMS’s 21st Season as well.

Check the website for tickets and more information about each of the concerts and season updates:
https://worcesterchambermusic.org/2026-27-concert-schedule/ 

On Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 9 – 1, Memorial Congregational Church is hosting its Fall electronics recycling and document shredding event.

The event is open to all communities and will be held rain or shine.  At the electronics recycling truck, prices vary from $25-50 for a TV, $15 for a laptop computer, $15-25 for a computer monitor, $5-$40 for appliances, and $5 for a box of electric cords.  Workers will remove the items from your vehicle and place them in the recycling truck which is operated by a state-licensed electronic recycling company who will properly dispose of all items. They will accept ANYTHING WITH A CORD OR BATTERY (including washing machines, air conditioners, space heaters, treadmills, etc.) as well as propane tanks, any type of battery, printer ink cartridges, and toner cartridges.

The fee for shredding is just $9 per copy paper box or brown grocery bag.  A volunteer will remove your boxes or bags of documents from your car and your documents will be shredded on-site.  The truck is equipped with closed-circuit TV so you can actually watch the shredding if you wish. Personal and business documents of any type may be shredded.

You may pay by cash, check, or VENMO.

MCC is located at 26 Concord Road, just across from Goodnow Library in Sudbury. For more information, please email recycling@MCCSudbury.org  or call 978-443-3885.

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

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.

     Saturday (7/25) was a sunny and warm day at Fresh Start.  Eight clients were scheduled to arrive to “shop” for items to make their new housing a welcoming home.  We were wondering if we would have a lot of donors bringing items or if everyone would choose to go to the beach instead!  We didn’t count the cars but we had a fairly steady stream of donors, enough to keep us busy but not to be overwhelming.  Our last donor arrived with a car full of good donations.  As we unloaded her car she mentioned that her next stop of the day was at Savers and that she would take items there for us.  She knew that we take donations that we cannot use to Savers.  We had two carts full that we loaded into her car and she kindly delivered them for us.  Full circle of kindness!
     At present Fresh Start needs queen size bed frames, small appliances, lamps, drinking glasses, and shower curtains, hooks and liners.  Check our website above for our location and hours and ways to help us to help others.
     Thank you!

 

Swing Night Returns in August
Join us on August 4 for a high-energy dance concert of timeless big band swing featuring the 18-piece local talent, the Beantown Swing Orchestra. Step back in time as the band brings the golden age of swing to life with a vibrant mix of instrumental and vocal classics. Learn basic swing moves to dance the night away or sit back and enjoy the music with a picnic and a pint on the Lawn. Whether you are a seasoned dancer, a curious beginner, or simply want to take in the sights and sounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Art Abounds at the Garden
This summer, local artist Suzan Osborn is back with a captivating new collection of oil paintings inspired by decades of visits to the Garden. Her luminous floral landscapes celebrate color, movement, and quiet beauty, offering fresh perspectives on familiar spaces and blooms. Explore Timeless inside the Visitors Center, then venture into the gardens to experience the shimmering stained-glass and steel sculptures of Glass in Flight. You don't want to miss this dynamic duo of art!

NEW for Families! Free Storytime with Authors
Join us for our new Storytime with Authors series! These free drop-in programs encourage curiosity, observation, and love of the natural world, with opportunities to meet the authors after each storytime. Don't miss this upcoming reading:The Traveling Taco on August 8.

Join Us for Extended Summer Hours!
On Wednesdays, enjoy a peaceful mid-week escape, complete with sunset, dinner and drinks, and a rotating showcase of local breweries and distilleries. Then, don’t miss the fun with live music, a craft beer garden, exciting programs, and plenty of festive summer vibes on Thursdays. Continue the fun with our Crafts & Cocktails series and Lotería Nights on select Wednesday evenings and Botanical Mixology on select Thursdays.

New England Botanic Garden | 11 French Drive | Boylston, MA
WWW.NEBG.ORG / 508.869.6111

19 Carter St, Berlin
Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5
Monday A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Tuesday Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Friday Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday Social 10am - 1pm

Saturday, August 1 at 11:30am | Veg Group: Fermentation
This month's topic is Small Batch Fermentation with Mary Sullivan! Learn the health benefits of eating fermented foods while learning tips for making small batches. Enjoy some wild and cultivated fermented products! Suggested donation: $5 Questions? Email ricardam@charter.net.

Saturday, August 1 at 7pm | Summer Concert Series: Mark Russell + Friends (Rock/Pop/Blues/Jazz)
Be energized with music by the talented violinist and singer Mark Russell along with bandmates Marc Freeman, Scott Kistenburg, and Moira Applebaum as they perform covers of Sting, Stevie Wonder, and other rock, jazz, and pop favorites. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, $5 for students, FREE for kids!
Purchase tickets at 19Carter.org/summer-concert-series

Saturday, August 8 at 7pm | Summer Concert Series: Rioflow Trio (Latin-infused Jazz + Salsa)
An instrumental trio that blends Latin American grooves with improvisational flair, delivering a bold take on global musical traditions. Peruvian-born guitarist Carlos Odria has been described as "a breathtakingly talented musician with immense technical skill." - Worcester Telegram
Featuring Carlos Odria on guitar, Thomas Spears on drums and Julian Wagner on bass.
Onsite vendor: Dirigible Brewing Company
Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink, and are also invited to purchase beverages from our onsite vendor.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, $5 for students, FREE for kids!
Purchase tickets at 19Carter.org/summer-concert-series

 

Red Cross issues rare crisis call for donors as summer blood shortage intensifies
Patient care threatened as critical blood type levels continue to fall

BOSTON, July 27, 2026 — For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis — and patients may already be feeling the impact. Donors are asked to act immediately to help save lives.
Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this season’s emergency blood shortage. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood as the Red Cross is now limiting distributions of these blood products to hospitals. The supply of type O positive blood has now dropped below a one-day supply.
Help end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give by July 31 will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). See RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Additionally, those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/August.
Patients can’t wait
Despite thousands of people who have stepped up to help end the emergency blood shortage since it was declared earlier this month, donations are still not keeping pace with hospital demand, and the situation has escalated. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses continue to contribute to lower donor turnout this summer.
“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. “If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season.”
Upcoming blood donation opportunities  August 1-Aug. 15:  

Chelmsford
8/8/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Aldersgate United Methodist, 242 Boston Rd.
North Chelmsford
8/3/2026: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Chelmsford American Legion, 90 Groton Road

DIAMOND BLUES: THE JERRY GARCIA TRIBUTE Saturday, (7/25) at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts Saturday, July 25th at 7:30 pm in the CCA Cabaret Cafe. Experience the music of Jerry Garcia performed LIVE by an eclectic group of talented musicians. Tickets $20.  

Facebook: Chelmsford Center for the Arts Instagram: @chelmsfordarts www.chelmsfordarts.org   Chelmsford Center for the Arts | 1A North Road | Chelmsford, MA

Cost: Free
Dates: August 15 and 16,  1 PM to 5 PM
Place: Nevins Hall: 150 Concord St. Framingham MA 01702

EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY • ALL FREE • Ice Cream • Tacos • Music from Around the World • Crafts • Games • Community Conversations & More
This is your Plaza / Esta es tu Plaza / Esta é a sua praça / यह आपका चौक है transforms Historic Nevins Hall into a welcoming civic and cultural gathering space inspired by public squares around the world.
In partnership with the City of Framingham and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), this festive multicultural weekend celebration invites residents to share stories, memories, and traditions while enjoying music, interactive art installations, family craft tables, and games like Dominoes and Lotería. Visitors can enjoy complimentary food truck bites from local vendors like The Taco Dude and Eastleigh Farm while supplies last.
Every story, memory, and idea shared during the weekend will help shape the broader Framingham Arts and Culture Vision Plan, guiding the city on how Nevins Hall can better support artists, families, and community life.
This free community event takes place at Historic Nevins Hall on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM each day.

How the Treasurer’s Office is finding new ways to connect unclaimed funds with its rightful owners

BOSTON — Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg’s Unclaimed Property Division (UCP) has been making its mark on returns this year. Since January, the division has held over 20 outreach visits at senior centers across the state to reunite forgotten property with its rightful owners.

“Too many people do not realize they have money waiting for them,” said Treasurer Goldberg. “By visiting these centers, we are making it easier for seniors to search for and claim what is theirs.”
Over $385,000 in property has been returned to seniors during these visits, including $72,359.16 in Quincy, $57,357.88 in Hingham, and $55,758.16 in Wellesley. Upcoming visits are scheduled for Sharon and North Attleboro on Monday, July 20th, with additional stops planned for later this summer and fall:

* Weymouth (7/21/26)
* Quincy (8/4/26)
* Fitchburg (8/21/26)
* Framingham (10/16/26)

UCP holds forgotten checking and savings accounts, uncashed checks, stocks and dividends, and more. Accounts are generally considered abandoned and turned over to the state after three years of inactivity.

Massachusetts residents do not need to wait for a senior center visit to check if they are owed money. Treasurer Goldberg urges everyone to search for unclaimed property for free at www.findmassmoney.gov or call the Unclaimed Property Division’s live call center at 1-888-344-MASS (6277).