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

March 7th: Ranting Parents Comedy Tour at 7:30 pm If your kids drive you nuts, this show is for you. Share the pain with Boston comedians Paul Nardizzi, Dave Rattigan and Jim Ruberti! In a night of stand-up and more, three hilarious Boston comedians share their best, worst, and weirdest moments as parents. Online regular tickets $27, $25 for students and seniors, and $30 if purchased at the door.

March 13th: Sober Karaoke 7:00 – 10:00 pm. Presented by the Chelmsford Health Department. Snacks and soft drinks provided.

NEW! March 14th: Janelle's Dirty Basement Birthday Show Join Janelle Draper & friends in celebrating her birthday at this hilarious night of comedy! Featuring Gary Bolles, Kindra Lansburg, and Ron Draper! Tickets $25 after March 3rd.

March 20th - 22nd: From Heartbreak to Hilarity 2026: 7 Short Plays Celebrating our Humanity In the Cabaret Cafe. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm. Presented by the Playwrights Collaborative. Regular tickets $20, student and senior tickets $15. All proceeds go to support CCA programming.

March 27th: 2Slick Jazz Ensemble Concert at 7:30 pm In the Cabaret Cafe. Join us for a Friday evening Jazz concert, performed by 2slick – led by the talented Wayne Branco.

March 28th: Elvis: One Night With You at 7:00 pm. In the auditorium. Witness national award-winning tribute artist Dan Fontaine as he performs highlights of the King's musical legacy – including his greatest hits, movie tunes, gospel, deep-cuts, and even your requests! Tickets $25.

March 29th: Transgender Day of Visibility from 2:00 – 5:00 pm In the auditorium. Sponsored by the Chelmsford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

March 30th: 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.


Visit https://www.chelmsfordarts.org/ for tickets or more information.
 

Chelmsford, Massachusetts – The community is invited to join a special Transgender Day of Visibility celebration and panel discussion featuring LGBTQ+ speakers on Sunday, March 29th, from 2:00–4:00 PM at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts.
Organized by the Welcoming Committee of First Parish Chelmsford in partnership with the Town of Chelmsford Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, additional support for the program was generously provided through a grant from the Chelmsford Cultural Council.
The event will feature a dynamic panel of speakers from Greater Boston PFLAG, a leading organization advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility. The panel will share personal experiences, insights, and perspectives in recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility — a day dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of the challenges they face.
This community-centered event aims to foster understanding, promote inclusion, and affirm the dignity and visibility of transgender and nonbinary individuals. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful dialogue in a welcoming and supportive environment.
This event is free and open to the public.
 For additional information, please contact the event organizers via email at welcoming@uuchelmsford.org.

The Chelmsford Public Library is hosting a free public screening of the film, Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics on Sunday, March 22nd.
Register at:  https://chelmsfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/15898867
This ground-breaking feature documentary investigates our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics -- microscopic particles in the air, our soil and all bodies of water, becoming a permanent part of the environment.
Acclaimed author and science journalist Ziya Tong collaborates with award-winning director Ben Addelman in an urgent call to rethink our relationship with plastic.  They visit leading scientists around the world who have discovered microplastics in our organs, blood, brain tissue, and even the placentas of new mothers. What is the impact?  Can anything be done about it?

An Italian meal from Bianco’s catering AND a murder mystery performed by Delvena Theatre Company Saturday, April 11, 2026, Doors open at 11:30 Meal served noon to 1pm and the Show starts promptly at 1:30 Followed by Door Prize drawing ALL FOR THE UNBELIEVABLE PRICE OF $15!! Tickets available in the Chelmsford Senior Center Treasure Shop starting Monday, March 2. The Treasure Shop is open 9-2 daily.

The Middlesex Conservation District will be holding its annual Spring Plant Sale on Friday, May 1, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 AM – 1:00PM at the Minuteman High School. The address is 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421. All items can be pre-ordered through April 24th and picked up on the sale days – we encourage early ordering as all items are sold on a first come, first served basis.

To place an order, you can go to our website at https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/spring-sale-ordering/, go to the Spring Sale page, and order the plants you are interested in online, or email
admin@middlesexconservationdistrict.org to request a paper brochure. The order form is also available to view online. Offerings will include native shrub seedlings, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, and hardgoods such as garden labels. All plants are straight, native species that benefit our native pollinators, wildlife, and local ecosystem. We will also be selling excess first quality stock on the days listed above.

The Middlesex Conservation District is a not-for-profit environmental agency whose purpose is conservation of natural resources of Middlesex County. Proceeds from our biannual plant sales provide educational programs and other activities which aim to protect our soil and water resources. For more information about our sale or programs please visit https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/.

• Early detection isn’t just good for long-term health — it’s also a warning for people’s wallets. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to provide donors with health insights that can help bridge preventative care gaps, such as undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension.
• Visit RedCrossBlood.org now to book a time to give blood or platelets. In March, the Red Cross will provide free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations. Those who come to give March 1-31 will also get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March.

Westford Academy’s Asian Culture Club, in conjunction with Chelmsford Chinese Language School, will be bringing back a beloved tradition since 2017: the Lunar New Year Celebration. This year’s celebration, celebrating the Year of the Horse, will be held on February 28, 2026.

The event includes a dinner catered from Sichuan Palace, a local authentic Chinese restaurant. There will also be activities for adults and children of all ages, a traditional Asian show that includes Chinese music played by the Boston Silk and Bamboo Chamber Music ensemble, a traditional Sichuan Changing Face program by renowned artist Mr. Yang Shuwang, and an on-site raffle that includes many goodies.

The Lunar New Year Celebration first started in 2017 by a group of students with the then Mandarin Club and has since flourished. The club, which has since become the Asian Culture Club, continued the tradition every year, with only a brief 3-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned last year to great success.

Tickets start at $25 for adults, which is a combination ticket that includes dinner, show, and activities. There are special discounts for Westford Academy students, Youth K-8th grade, and seniors 65+. Preschoolers are free.

Please visit https://www.ticketsource.us/westford-academy-asian-culture-club to get
your tickets today!

 

BOSTON, Mass. - Known for his speed, determination, and playmaking ability on Sundays, New England Patriots Wide Receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas is taking his impact beyond the gridiron, partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) to help expand access to year-round, one-to-one youth mentoring programs across the region. Through this partnership, Douglas will serve as an ambassador for the organization, engaging with mentoring matches - referred to as Bigs and Littles - and supporting the nonprofit’s recruitment, fundraising, and community engagement efforts throughout the year.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is the state’s leading one-to-one youth mentoring organization, partnering with families to provide children with caring adult mentors who help them reach their fullest potential. Grounded in research and proven outcomes, BBBSEM creates matches based on shared interests, geography, and personality and provides ongoing professional support to Bigs, Littles, and their families. The organization welcomes youth and volunteers of all races, ethnicities, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and physical abilities, serving as a bridge between communities and helping close opportunity gaps in education and access to resources.
“Having someone in your corner who believes in you and pushes you to be better can change everything,” says Douglas. “Mentorship is about showing up every day, putting in the work, and staying consistent - on and off the field. It’s about letting young people know that their future matters. I’m proud to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts to help create those opportunities for kids who deserve the same support and guidance that helped shape me.”
Last month, Douglas debuted as a BBBSEM ambassador during a “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event at Gillette Stadium, where he joined youth, volunteers, and fellow Patriots players as a “Big for a Day.” The experience underscored the power of teamwork and leadership, reinforcing his commitment to using his platform to inspire young people and encourage others to step onto the field as mentors.
As a BBBSEM ambassador, Douglas will participate in agency events, connect with mentoring matches, and help raise awareness about the urgent need for more volunteer mentors across Eastern Massachusetts. His involvement will help build momentum for the organization’s mission to ensure every child has access to a positive, life-changing mentoring relationship.
“Pop embodies what it means to lead with heart, authenticity, and purpose,” says Mark O’Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “His passion for mentorship and willingness to invest his time and voice in our mission makes him an incredible role model for the young people we serve. We’re thrilled to welcome him into the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts community.”

BBBSEM supports thousands of youth annually through community, school and campus-based  mentoring programs, enrolling new Bigs and Littles and encouraging community members to get involved. In its 76th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 mentoring relationships. To learn more, enroll a child, or become a volunteer mentor, visit www.emassbigs.org. 

 

Below are concerts with tickets available at Groton Hill Music Center, 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton MA. Just 40 miles northwest of Boston, Groton Hill presents award-winning artists in a variety of genres in the center’s world-class 1000 seat and 300 seat performance halls. The center offers ample free parking, exclusive table-to-concert dining for patrons, and more in a stunning setting on 110 acres of protected farmland. Learn more and buy tickets at grotonhill.org/tickets.

JUST ADDED
ON SALE FRIDAY 2/20 AT 10AM - Steve Earle - 51 Years of Songs & Stories
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 8pm in The Concert Hall
Tickets: $55 - $65 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
A solo and acoustic show. American music icon Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. The protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark is a multi Grammy-winner, an actor, a composer for stage and screen, and a master storyteller whose songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. He's also the latest inductee to the Grand Ole Opry!

UPCOMING SHOWS
Solas
Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 7pm The Concert Hall
Tickets: $55 - $65 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Seamus Egan, tenor banjo, flute, whistle, Winifred Horan, fiddle, John Williams, accordion, Nuala Kennedy, flute, vocals, Alan Murray, guitar
Solas is lighting up stages across the globe as they celebrate three decades of pushing boundaries and honoring traditions in Irish music. Hailed by The Boston Globe as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced,” and by The Wall Street Journal as “an Irish traditional band bearing all the marks of greatness,” Solas continues to captivate audiences with their spellbinding musicianship and genre-defying creativity.

Vista Philharmonic Orchestra: Ravel Revealed
Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 7:30pm The Concert Hall
Tickets: $30 - $100 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Vista Philharmonic Orchestra, the resident professional orchestra of Groton Hill Music Center, celebrate the music of Maurice Ravel in his 150th birthday year. Acclaimed pianist Marika Bournaki joins as guest soloist.

Caitlin Canty
Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 8pm Meadow Hall
Tickets: $39 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Caitlin Canty, vocals, guitar, Jeremy Moses Curtis, bass, Jeff Berlin, drums, Will Seeders, guitars and banjo.
Acclaimed folk-roots singer-songwriter and regular on the roots festival circuit, Vermont’s Caitlin Canty celebrates the release of Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove –her fifth studio release - and marks a return to her roots, a grittier and more electric Americana sound with echoes of her critically-acclaimed 2015 album, Reckless Skyline.

Jacob Jolliff Band with special guest Stash Wyslouch
Friday, March 6, 2026 at 8pm Meadow Hall
Tickets: $39 including fees at grotonhill.org/tickets
Jacob Jolliff - mandolin, vocals, Ross Martin – guitar, Myles Sloniker -  bass, George Jackson - fiddle
An alumnus of celebrated progressive bluegrass bands Joy Kills Sorrow, the Yonder Mountain String Band, and Bela Fleck's My Bluegrass Heart project, Jacob Jolliff is one of the genre’s top mandolinists and a sought-after collaborator, sharing the stage with Bela Fleck, Darol Anger, Tony Trischka, Sam Bush, David Grisman, Ronnie McCoury, Michael Daves, and many others. Special guest Stash Wyslouch is an avant-garde Bluegrass guitarist, singer and songwriter who has toured and recorded with Jolliff, The Deadly Gentlemen, Bruce Molsky's Mountain Drifters, The Jacob Jolliff Band, and Tony Trischka's Early Roman Kings, among others.

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

February 23rd: 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.

February 27th: Chrome Horse: A Bob Dylan Tribute at 7:00 pm In the auditorium.  Immerse yourself in the timeless music of Bob Dylan as Drew Gabbert, a Texas-based veteran musician, brings his Bob Dylan tribute act to life with stunning accuracy, spanning his entire discography. Whether you're a die-hard Dylan fan or new to his music, this performance is not to be missed. Regular tickets $20, $15 for students and seniors.

February 28th: Jazz Brunch 2026 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Join us for a live jazz band performance accompanied by a delicious brunch to celebrate Black History Month. Sponsored by the Chelmsford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee! February 28th from 11:00 am - 1 pm in the CCA auditorium. $40 per person, brunch included. 

March 7th: Ranting Parents Comedy Tour at 7:30 pm If your kids drive you nuts, this show is for you. Share the pain with Boston comedians Paul Nardizzi, Dave Rattigan and Jim Ruberti! In a night of stand-up and more, three hilarious Boston comedians share their best, worst, and weirdest moments as parents. Online regular tickets $27, $25 for students and seniors, and $30 if purchased at the door.

March 20th - 22nd: From Heartbreak to Hilarity 2026: 7 Short Plays Celebrating our Humanity In the Cabaret Cafe. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm. Presented by the Playwrights Collaborative. Regular tickets $20, student and senior tickets $15. All proceeds go to support CCA programming.

NEW! March 27th: 2Slick Jazz Ensemble Concert at 7:30 pm In the Cabaret Cafe. Join us for a Friday evening Jazz concert, performed by 2slick – led by the talented Wayne Branco.

NEW! March 28th: Elvis: One Night With You at 7:00 pm. In the auditorium. Witness national award-winning tribute artist Dan Fontaine as he performs highlights of the King's musical legacy – including his greatest hits, movie tunes, gospel, deep-cuts, and even your requests! Tickets $25.

Visit https://www.chelmsfordarts.org/ for tickets or more information.

 

Fellowship Hall
242 Boston Rd.
Chelmsford, MA 01824

Saturday, February 21, 2026
9:00 a.m. To 2:00 p.m.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Aldersgate to schedule an appointment.

 

The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) is hosting the fifteenth Annual Comedy Night Benefit, featuring the area’s most popular and talented comedians on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Hudson Portuguese Club, 13 Port Street in Hudson. The event, being held in support of the ARC of Marlborough, will include lots of laughs, food, and raffle prizes. The ARC has been serving the local community for over fifty years, since 1972, and relies on fundraising and donations to provide its services.

Entertainers at the Comedy Night Benefit include popular comedians Mark Riley, Sam Pelletier, and Ethan Cannon. Hosting the evening is Dave Rattigan. 

Regular host Dave Rattigan performed last year in Dublin, Ireland, and he’s also performed in Japan, at Fenway Park, The Cape Cod Melody Tent, South Shore Music Circus, a lumberyard, the lobby of an ad agency, a library, and several parking lots. “There’s nothing funny about the way he looks, until he gives that deadpan look of his,” popular blogger Ralph Fatello (RalphsPic.com) wrote. “His outward appearance is something out of a mature GQ magazine.  He looks like a cross between a semi hip banker, and your mild-mannered father-in-law …. Dave is the master of completely dismantling himself in front of a crowd of strangers.  I’m always torn as to whether I should console him, or just laugh my ass off like everyone else ….” His stand-up has been played on SiriusXM Radio, he’s performed on the syndicated Steve Katsos Show, and he’s been featured on television commercials on NESN. He’s a regular at the Hampton Beach (NH) and Cotuit comedy festivals and is part of the Ranting Parents Comedy Tour.

Mark Riley is an energetic Boston headliner with a unique perspective on everyday situations. Riley was once a professional ice hockey referee (he spent a very short time in the NHL) who also ran a Gymboree. The former runner-up in the Boston Comedy Festival headlines in Boston as well as playing top rooms in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Atlantic City. Among those he’s performed with are Steven Wright, Joe Rogan and Lenny Clarke. He headlines colleges and corporate shows as well and has worked as an actor in commercials, industrial films, and a hockey-themed comedic web series. He also hosts the podcast Chirping Zebras.

Sam Pelletier has been bringing his unique blend of observation and relatability to audiences for over a decade. Originally from the (somewhat) great state of Maine, Sam won the Cellar on Treadwell Competition in 2023, and was a finalist in the New England’s Funniest Comedian Competition of 2021. He opened for national headliners including Shane Torres, Joe Bartnick, and Alex Edleman. Sam has been featured in the Boston Comedy Festival, Maine Comedy Festival, and Mutiny Radio Comedy Festival in San Francisco. His hobbies include hiking and being a good listener.

Ethan Cannon performs stand-up nightly around Boston and New England, at venues ranging from Off Cabot Comedy Club, the Comedy Studio, Don't Tell Comedy, and Improv Asylum. He recently performed in the Boston Comedy Festival as well as Last Comix Standing at Mohegan Sun's Comix Roadhouse.

Doors open for the event at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Food is available for purchase. Coffee and desserts are complimentary. For further information on sponsorships, program ads, tickets or table reservations, call the ARC office at 508-485-4357. Tables of 10 ($350) and individual tickets ($35) should be purchased in advance at the ARC. Chairing the planning for the event are Tracey Gustafson, and Christine Sacco.

The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) ranks as one of the most respected and active recovery service resources in Middlesex County.  As a nonprofit organization, the ARC provides individualized referral services, Recovery Coach appointments and daily peer-support meetings at no cost to those seeking recovery from substance use disorder. To donate to the ARC or sponsor the 15th Annual Comedy Night Benefit please call the ARC (508-485-4357) or go to the website at www.theaddictionreferralcenter.org/2026-comedy

Intrigued by the sport of curling? Now’s your chance to watch a national curling event in Massachusetts. Curling, an Olympic sport, continues to draw interest and new fans across the Commonwealth. It’s a sport where women can participate on equal footing with men.
Broomstones Curling Club, located in Wayland, MA at 1 Curling Lane, is hosting the National Women's Bonspiel on February 19-22. Sponsored by the United States Women’s Curling Association, women from across the country representing 28 different curling clubs will challenge each other during a four-day bonspiel starting on Thursday, February 19th, with games also scheduled on Friday and Saturday, culminating with finals on Sunday, February 22nd.
Invited guests to the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. include Wayland Select Board Chair Carol Martin, State Rep. Carmine Gentile, USWCA President Ann Kirkpatrick, and Rich Collier, President of Broomstones Curling Club.
Though members of the public are welcome to come down to Broomstones to view the action in person, the games can also be streamed from home. Find more information, including teams, schedule, and the live game streams at the bonspiel's event page here: https://sites.google.com/broomstones.org/2026-uswca-nationals/home.
And for those interested in trying the sport, Broomstones will be hosting an Olympic Open House later this season. The club also offers limited ice rental opportunities for private groups throughout the season, subject to availability. Check the website for further details: https://broomstones.com.

BOSTON (Feb. 4) — The first professional football game Eric Jellison attends in person will be Super Bowl LX, thanks to a blood donation he made earlier this month.

Eric has been a blood donor most of his life, but it was his donation on January 2 near his home in Wakefield that became a game-changer. Eric was randomly selected from a nationwide pool of donors to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX, along with tickets to the game and pre-game activities, the Super Bowl Experience and a $1000 gift card. The package was part of a partnership between the Red Cross and the NFL to thank football fans for giving the gift of life.

Eric, though, has an even bigger motivation for giving blood. He experienced a traumatic injury at a young age and needed blood transfusions. As soon as he was old enough to become a blood donor, he made a promise to continue giving blood with the Red Cross, an organization he credits for saving his life.

“If the simple act of donating blood did what it did for me,” Eric said, “how could I not pay it forward?”

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood. Donors of all blood types, especially those with types O, A negative and B negative blood and those giving platelets, are urged to give now to help people who rely on transfusions for medical care. 

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

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled.  ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on March 9.  The class will meet on five consecutive Monday mornings, 9-12.  The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

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

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they “meet” with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection.

For more information or to enroll in the tutor-training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.

The West Concord Cultural District Committee is launching a new project.  After sponsoring murals, sidewalk decals, the Poetry Phone, the painting of signal boxes and Porchfest, we are issuing a Call for Art for our first sculpture project.  The winning piece will be on display for one year (with the option to be renewed) at Junction Park, which is near the corner of Main Street and Commonwealth Avenue.  Junction Park is steps away from the West Concord MBTA rail stop and beside the path of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.  With gardens tended by the local Green Thumbs gardeners and benches that invite walkers and riders to stop and rest, we hope that the sculpture will reflect the love of nature and the peace it brings while also inviting people to enter the park and our cultural district.
The Call for Art is open to all Massachusetts artists aged 18 and over, working individually or in teams.  The deadline for applications is April 3, with the intention that installation will be completed by late summer.  The artist will receive a $4000 stipend.  For project guidelines and application, please go to https://tinyurl.com/West-Concord-Sculpture.

 

 Last Saturday was another bitterly cold day in Hudson; four hearty donors showed up and brought donations for our furniture bank - thank you!!  Most of our scheduled clients showed up to pick out and pick up furniture and furnishings for their new homes.
     At present we have only two rugs to give to clients so if you have extra rugs in good condition, please bring them to us.   We accept furniture and household items on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30 and non-furniture items also on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00-Noon. Check the link above for our location and lists of what we do and do not accept.  Donations do not need to be new but they do need to be in good condition (if you would not give it to a good friend, don’t give it to us!)
     Besides rugs, we are very low on bath towels and hand towels, bath mats, shower curtains, queen size sheets and COMFORTERS!!  Baby, it’s COLD outside!
     Also, we need roasting pans, baking pans, pie plates, serving bowls and platters and drinking glasses.
     Our website has more information on how to help; the green DONATE button will take you to a drop-down list showing Donate Items, Donate Funds, Shop Wishlists, Run a Drive and Donation receipts.
     Thank you for your help; Keep warm and safe!

 

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

February 9th: The Heart of Winter: Readings from the CCA Writers Group at 6:00 pm. In the Cabaret Cafe. A free staged reading, featuring original seasonal material from the Chelmsford Center for the Arts Writers Group.

February 13th: Sober Karaoke 7:00 – 10:00 pm. Presented by the Chelmsford Health Department. Snacks and soft drinks provided.

February 14th: Soul Train Dance Party from 7:00 – 10:00 pm. Grab your valentine and your pals and dance the night away at this Soul-Train themed dance party! Presented by the Chelmsford D.E.I. Committee. Tickets $10 online, $15 at the door. 

February 14th: StickMan Blue: A Candlelight Concert at 7:30 pm StickMan Blue presents a Valentine’s Day candlelight concert celebrating love in all its forms – romantic, communal, and creative. Featuring expressive vocals and the rare Chapman Stick, this intimate performance offers a peaceful, heartfelt musical experience. All are welcome to share in an evening of connection, beauty, and live artistry. Tickets $25.00. 

February 20th: Janelle's Dirty Basement Comedy Show 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. Regular tickets $25.

February 23rd: 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.

February 27th: Chrome Horse: A Bob Dylan Tribute at 7:00 pm In the auditorium.  Immerse yourself in the timeless music of Bob Dylan as Drew Gabbert, a Texas-based veteran musician, brings his Bob Dylan tribute act to life with stunning accuracy, spanning his entire discography. Whether you're a die-hard Dylan fan or new to his music, this performance is not to be missed. Regular tickets $20, $15 for students and seniors.

February 28th: Jazz Brunch 2026 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Join us for a live jazz band performance accompanied by a delicious brunch to celebrate Black History Month. Sponsored by the Chelmsford Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee! February 28th from 11:00 am - 1 pm in the CCA auditorium. $40 per person, brunch included. 

NEW! March 7th: Ranting Parents Comedy Tour at 7:30 pm If your kids drive you nuts, this show is for you. Share the pain with Boston comedians Paul Nardizzi, Dave Rattigan and Jim Ruberti! In a night of stand-up and more, three hilarious Boston comedians share their best, worst, and weirdest moments as parents. Online regular tickets $27, $25 for students and seniors, and $30 if purchased at the door.

Visit https://www.chelmsfordarts.org/ for tickets or more information.

 

This March, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will be offering a very special education program "NAMI BASICS” designed for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental health issues and behavioral challenges. The class will help families cope with the impact these disorders have on the child and the entire family. The program is free to all and peer led, meaning that the trained teachers are themselves parents/family caregivers of children living with these difficulties. This structure creates an intimacy that few programs possess and consequently, a program now whose capacities are unparalleled.  

The course consists of six (6) classes, each lasting 2 ½ hours. The class will be held at the Tewksbury Library starting Wed March 4,2026 from 6:15 - 8:45 pm. and run for 6 weeks. The program helps parents and other care givers to understand the illnesses that are causing behavioral difficulties and the critical role families play. NAMI Basics bridges the gap. It provides help that can’t be found in a doctor’s office.

Join us and obtain the tools needed that will greatly assist you in making the best decisions possible for the care of your child. For registration and details call: Dee - 978.697.3441 cell, Brian 617-257-1767, or Lisa - 978-869-1242.

Call early as the class is limited and fills quickly.

 

 

Severe blood shortage intensifies as snow, ice and extreme temperatures impact blood drives

BOSTON, Feb. 3, 2026 — The American Red Cross urges people to take action now to help offset the severe impact of recent winter storms on efforts to rebuild the blood supply during an ongoing blood shortage. Donors of all blood types are asked to make a blood or platelet donation appointment as soon as possible.

Over 500 blood drives have been canceled since the beginning of the year, causing more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. In addition to the disruption of blood drives, dangerous weather conditions have also made it tougher to transport vital blood products, which could potentially affect deliveries to hospitals in some locations. 

Patient care is at risk — donors in unaffected areas are asked to book an appointment to give blood or platelets now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those in areas facing extreme winter weather are asked to give when it’s safe to do so. All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.

Hospital impact
Shortfalls in blood and platelet donations caused by recent winter storms are putting further strain on the national blood supply, forcing some hospitals to cancel elective procedures due to blood product shortages. When supplies are critically low, trauma surgeons and other doctors face the real possibility that blood could run out when it’s needed most. Now is the time to give blood or platelets before doctors have to face difficult decisions about which patients can safely move forward with treatment, and who will need to wait.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 7-28:

Chelmsford

2/21/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Aldersgate United Methodist, 242 Boston Rd.
2/23/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Chelmsford Public Library, 25 Boston Rd

North Chelmsford

2/17/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Chelmsford American Legion, 90 Groton Road
 

CHROME HORSE: THE BOB DYLAN TRIBUTE is coming BACK to the Chelmsford Center for the Arts this February! GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Immerse yourself in the timeless music of Bob Dylan as Drew Gabbert, a Texas-based veteran musician, brings his Bob Dylan tribute act to life with stunning accuracy, spanning his entire discography. Whether you're a die-hard Dylan fan or new to his music, this performance is not to be missed.  Friday, February 27th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium.  Regular tickets $20, $15 for students and seniors. GET TICKETS AT: www.chelmsfordarts.org  Facebook: Chelmsford Center for the Arts  Instagram: @chelmsfordarts  

Chelmsford Center for the Arts | 1A North Road | Chelmsford

 

 

19 Carter Street, Berlin
Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!

FEBRUARY 8-14, 2026

Sunday, February 8, 2pm | Armchair Traveler: Riding the Rails from Worcester to San Francisco
Join Lee Tabor as he recounts a 4-day, 3-night trip on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and the legendary California Zephyr from Worcester to San Francisco! Cost: Free!

Monday, February 9, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Tuesday, February 10, 1:30pm | Chat with Public Health Nurses Susie + Sandi!
Stop by to chat with Public Health Nurses Susie Thompson and Sandi Richard over tea or coffee. All are welcome.
Friday, February 13, 7pm | Open Mic
Join our supportive and inclusive open mic! Hosts Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli will support with professional sound, a welcoming vibe, and a piano. Performers must sign up in advance by emailing LoriDiamondMusic@gmail.com. Sign up window opens 6pm the Wednesday before the event. Suggested donation: $5 

Saturday, February 14, 10am | Parody Playhouse
A dynamic music and movement program for ages 0-6 that supports early childhood development with parodies of iconic artists like The Beatles, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, and more! Suggested donation: $5

Saturday, February 14, 7:30pm | Rioflow Trio
Join us for a special Valentine's day concert celebrating the love of friendship, the earth and community featuring the Rioflow Trio! Enjoy Latin American grooves with styles such as bossa nova, Afro-Peruvian festejo, rumba flamenca, and Afro-Caribbean vibes. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door at 19Carter.org
 

Join us the 2nd annual Valentine's Family Karaoke Party Join us for a night of making music and making friends! There will be pizza and baked goods (including vegan and gluten-free options), non-alcoholic beverages, candy and prizes in several categories (Best Solo, Best Duo, Best Group, Best Love Song, Best "You Done Me Wrong" Song) Bring your voice and come join the fun from 5 to 8pm, Friday, February 13, 2026, First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster Street, Littleton. We had so much fun last year, we had to do it again! $5 per person/$20 per family, Cash and Venmo accepted. Parking available on street, behind the fire department, and at the Castle in the Trees Playground parking lot on King St.

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

     Are you enjoying the arctic blasts?  It is certainly making things challenging for everyone!  At Fresh Start, we closed a couple weeks ago due to the extreme cold. But last Saturday, with the temperature still below 10°, we were open and donors came to us with their furniture and household goods.  The donor intake crew took turns unloading donor items and ducking inside to get warm.

We need:
-Rugs
-Pristine or new Mattresses
-Table Lamps
-Kitchen Starter Sets (cutting boards, can openers, slotted spoons, colanders, etc)
-Shower curtains and rings
-Towels

     We also can use more volunteers, especially those who are bilingual. We are having volunteer Open house dates on March 14 and 19th at 11 AM to see our facility and to fill out paperwork.
      Thank you for helping us to help others!

 

Free, open to the public, & on view at the Davis Museum on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
WELLESLEY, MASS. (February 2026) - In spacious, newly-reinstalled galleries on the fifth floor of the Davis Museum at Wellesley College, the public is invited to see modern and contemporary works of art by well-known artists Willem de Kooning, Lee Krasner, Daniela Rivera, Horace Pippin, and Judith Rothschild, among others, beginning Feb. 6. The galleries have been closed for several years, but now the 2,606-square-foot space will house some notable works as well as some never-before-seen works that are coming out of storage to hang in the larger galleries longterm.
“To select works for the top floor installation, I reviewed over 900 works – mainly paintings and sculptures – in the permanent collection, created over the last century, emphasizing some classics and favorites, but also trying to bring forth things that had never been placed on view, like a fantastic and critical vision of the modern department store by Irving Norman, or a glazed ceramic vessel by studio potter (and former Dadaist) Beatrice Wood,” said James Oles, Adjunct Curator of Latin American Art and Associate Teaching Professor in Art, who curated the new gallery spaces known as Harold and Estelle Newman Tanner Gallery and Lawrence and Ina Lee Brown Ramer Gallery.
Among the paintings and works of art that Dr. Amanda Gilvin, the Davis’s Interim Co-Director, Sonja Novak Koerner ‘51 Senior Curator of Collections and Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, most looks forward to seeing are: Irving Norman’s Labyrinth (1955); Sonia Delaunay-Terk’s Electric Prisms, (1913) and Judith Rothschild’s Curious Personage (ca. 1947-49). Notable works by artists Olga Albizu, Theo van Doesburg, Roland Dorcely, Yvette Mayorga, László Moholy-Nagy, Magdalene Odundo, and Adrian Piper will also be on view.
The newly reinstalled galleries, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, reflect how faculty teach art across the disciplines at Wellesley College. Instead of a chronological organization, the sections address themes that emerge from the college’s curriculum and the collection’s strengths: Modern Fragments, The Label, An Eye for Materials, Plane and Grid, Dream and Gesture, and Contemporary Art.
In Modern Fragments, select paintings and sculptures suggest just a few of the ways that artists reacted to the radical upheavals that characterized the modern age. A Label reminds visitors to read texts that they encounter in museums critically. Artworks in An Eye for Materials share nothing beyond an experimental embrace of materials.
“From the start of this project I wanted to involve students,” Oles said, adding the project’s four student employees wrote wall labels for the galleries and learned about the curatorial process. “They wrote (and signed!) many of the object labels, including those for our 1966 painting by Willem de Kooning, where they came up with three very different interpretations.”
The Davis Museum’s collection is especially strong in post-World War II abstraction from the Americas. Plane and Grid features artists whose primary focus was on precision and calculation, and on grids and systems as governing structures. Meanwhile, Dream and Gesture unlocks personal, emotional, and even unconscious forces. The artists featured in Contemporary Art all remain active in the art world, and the selected works all entered the collection in the past 15 years. They reveal the Museum’s expanding aspiration to represent voices from the entire globe, as well as from diasporic communities in the United States. These contemporary works challenge standard narratives while also forging connections with objects elsewhere in the collection, from all periods.
The gallery restoration was made possible with funds from the Mellon Endowment for Academic Programs, Helyn MacLean Program Fund for Contemporary and South Asian Art, Amos W. Stetson Fund, Mary Tebbets Wolfe ’54 Davis Museum Program Fund, and Wellesley College’s Friends of Art. A label writing workshop with Juening Mao ‘26, Elle Scheffel ‘26, Ruofan Wang ‘27, and Alesia Zhou ‘26, received the generous support of the Art Department.
The Davis Museum is free and open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 781-283-2051 or visit https://www1.wellesley.edu/davismuseum/visit/directions.

Chelmsford Center for the Arts CCA Champions Membership Drive Sunday, February 1st from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. The CCA Champions – a nonprofit organization with a mission to support the CCA through advocacy, promotion, and fundraising – invites all who love the Chelmsford Center for the Arts to come to its premiere event! Attendees will enjoy delicious cookies, cupcakes and cocoa while meeting the brand new CCA Champions and discovering the benefits of becoming members. Join us to celebrate our love of the CCA and all that it has to offer! Sunday, February 1st from 3:00 – 5:00 pm in the Cabaret Cafe.

Can't make the membership drive? No problem! You can join the Champions, or make a one-time donation, online at  www.chelmsfordarts.org/champions.

ABOUT THE CCA CHAMPIONS:  The Chelmsford Center for the Arts Champions (CCAC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to fundraise on behalf of and foster community interest in the Chelmsford Center for the Arts (CCA) programs and to support and cooperate with the CCA in sustaining such programs and resources