Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
We had another good day at Fresh Start on Tuesday with nice weather for clients to arrive as well as several donors.  One donor, our regular angelic Judy was there with donations when I arrived for my shift at 9AM.  Another donor brought two big boxes containing 8(?) towels sets, brand new from the store - Kohl’s I think.  The details were lost in the excitement!
Our volunteers put together kitchen sets for our clients.  At present we really need measuring cups and measuring spoons, spatulas, and both slotted and non-slotted spoons.  Also pot holders, placemats and kitchen towels.  We are also low on baking pans, platters, serving bowls and both small and medium pans.
In our furniture department we need couches, couches, and couches!  Also dressers and kitchen tables & chairs.
Our linen department needs more comforters, blankets and throws.  It’s getting warmer outside but we need them for our clients.
Finally, to make a home cozy we need lamps and artwork for our clients to choose.
We are open to accept housewares on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9-noon and furniture on Saturday from 8:30-10:30.  We are located at 16 Brent Drive in Hudson, just past Sauta Farms condos on Lower Main St.  Check our website (above) for other information and thank you for helping us to help others!

Event for Chelmsford Historical Society

Please join us at the Chelmsford Historical Society’s Annual Meeting and Dinner on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 5:30-8:00pm.
The highlight of the evening will include the presentation of the Guardian Award, an award given each year by the Society to a person or organization best exemplifying Chelmsford’s motto “Let the Children Guard What the Sires Have Won.” This year the award will be presented to Ali Reza Zosherafatain for his restoration of Odd Fellows Hall in Chelmsford center.
To begin this special night, we will enjoy dinner catered by Mr. Jack’s Catering in the Ralph Parlee Agricultural Center at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, 40 Byam Road, Chelmsford. The menu will be salad, a selection of Italian entrees, and dessert. Non-alcoholic beverages are included. If you would like an alcoholic beverage, like a favorite bottle of wine, please bring it with you.
Seating is limited so please send your name, phone number, number of people attending, and check payable at $25/person to the Chelmsford Historical Society by Monday, April 28, 2025. (Reservation request and annual membership information on separate form.) Tickets can be picked up at the door of the event.
Mail to:
Chelmsford Historical Society
c/o Jerry Sullivan
14 McIntosh Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Email chelmhist@gmail.com for questions or to make a reservation to pay at the event. If no email, leave a voicemail at 978-256-2311

MCC’s Theatre Department to Put on Award-Winning Musical for Spring 2025 Production

Middlesex Community College’s theatre department is proud to present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s award-winning “Into the Woods” for the Spring 2025 production. The musical will run for five performances from Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, April 13 at the college’s Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell.
“I auditioned for ‘Into the Woods’ because I was interested in exploring musical theater, and because I hoped to make connections with and learn from the talented members of MCC’s theater program,” said Ellery Martin-Gleason, an MCC Liberal Arts and Sciences student from Concord. “Since I began acting at MCC, I have found more confidence in my abilities to communicate with others, and greater ease embracing my personality. It is important for students to have opportunities to follow our passions in order for us to grow as people, create our paths as individuals, and figure out the roles we want to play in our communities.”
“Into the Woods” includes characters from popular Brothers Grimm fairytales. Focusing on after the original plots come to an end, familiar stories include “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Rapunzel” and “Cinderella.” Opening in November of 1987, the original Broadway production was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning three.
“Opportunities like this serve as reminders as to why we either started working in or fell in love with theatre in the first place,” said Abby McIsaac, an MCC alumna from Tyngsborough. “Returning to MCC to perform there again feels like coming home after being away for so long. I couldn’t be prouder of the work that we’ve put into this, and I’m so very excited for people to see what we’ve created together.”
“When the ‘Into the Woods’ auditions came along, I knew that I wanted to participate,” said Connor Lee, an MCC Performing Arts student from Chelmsford. “Theatre is so important because it is a place where people can go to make friends and build their community. It allows students to feel like they belong to something important. On top of all that theatre is just so much fun and I’d recommend it to anyone who gets the chance.”
The MCC theatre department partnered with UMass Lowell’s theatre arts on the Spring 2025 production. Auditions for students and alumni of both schools were held in January with the goal of bringing together talents, perspectives and resources from both institutions, according to Karen Oster, MCC’s Chair of Performing Arts.
“By collaborating with partners in our community and drawing on the expertise of dedicated faculty and staff from both institutions, we create enriching experiences that allow our students to develop their skills – both on stage and behind the scenes – gaining invaluable experience that prepares them for future success,” Oster said. “Audiences can expect the high-quality, dynamic productions MCC is known for, brought to life by the incredible talent and dedication of our students.”
Curtain times for MCC’s productions are 7 p.m. on Thursday April 10 and Friday, April 11; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 12; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 13. Tickets are $5 for Middlesex students with ID, $15 for MCC faculty and staff, and $20 for general admission.
MCC’s Academic Arts Center is located at 240 Central Street in Lowell. With parking not available on site, the nearest public parking facility is the Early Garage on 135 Middlesex St. For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://www.middlesex.edu/events/theatre.html
Eggs

Free Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday April 12th at 1pm

A small, volunteer group of neighbors, in collaboration with the town of Chelmsford, Chelmsford Conservation Commission, native plant expert Giancarla Kalpas, and Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship, are busy working on a new pollinator garden at the Janet Rd entrance to Thanksgiving Forest. Our goal is to create a vibrant, native “Garden for a Purpose”, designed to attract two native bee species back to the area. We marked the plot and laid manure last fall, and Chelmsford DPW helped drop several invasive trees this spring. We are eagerly awaiting planting day! Come check out the plot, join our Facebook group for updates, and help restore native habitat with us. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1314447839571329
Mcc tyreke harris s25

MCC Hires New Coordinator of Athletics

Middlesex Community College is excited to announce Tyreke Harris as the new Coordinator of Athletics. Most recently the Athletic Coordinator at Manchester Community College, Harris understands the importance of maintaining students’ wellness through sports and recreation programming. In his role at Middlesex, he looks forward to continuing this work to serve students at the community college level.
“Colleges who offer sports and recreation programs greatly enhance the mental, emotional and physical health of their students,” Harris said. “These initiatives promote social connections, personal development, and a healthy lifestyle – all of which contribute to a more well-rounded and satisfying college experience. Promoting student involvement in these kinds of activities is crucial to creating well-rounded people who are not just successful academically but also emotionally stable, resilient and healthy.”
After graduating with a bachelor’s in Sport and Movement Science with a concentration in Sport Management from Salem State University, Harris continued his education at Northeastern University to earn a master’s in Sports Leadership. He is currently working toward a doctorate in Higher Education at Northeastern, focusing on providing mentorship and opportunities for students of all backgrounds.
During his time as a student, Harris enjoyed connecting with faculty and staff who had similar experiences to him. Their influences helped him feel more comfortable while at college. Based on his experiences, Harris emphasizes the importance of students being able to ask for help, being active members of the campus community, and advocating for their academic, professional and personal success.
“This connection generates a trusting environment in which students are more inclined to seek assistance, participate in academic and extracurricular activities, and achieve personal and academic success,” Harris said. “These interactions help students gain confidence, create a stronger sense of self, and handle the challenges of maturity and higher education.”
As a former student athlete, Harris believes involvement in sports and recreation builds cooperation, leadership, time management and resilience. At Manchester Community College, he built the athletic program from scratch, launching a men’s basketball team, women’s volleyball team, and an esports team within nine months. He also worked to establish a competitive club levels sports program for teams to compete with other colleges.
Harris chose to come to MCC to continue working in higher education and the community college environment. In addition to extracurricular activities, he appreciates the college offering strong student support services and creative instructional strategies for all students to help guide them to success.
“It is truly a rewarding experience to see students grow,” Harris said. “I sincerely value the chance to contribute to an atmosphere that fosters career growth and lifetime learning, as community colleges are essential in empowering individuals.”
In his new role, he plans to increase intramural and club sports, start esports and dance clubs, and enhance MCC’s on-campus offerings with a fitness center and walking trail in the next few semesters. To get to know the community, Harris will host a step challenge for students, as well as a meet and greet opportunity.
“Not only am I here to oversee the athletics program, but I am here to be a shoulder to lean on and a resource for whatever is needed throughout students’ college journey,” he said. “I want to establish long-lasting connections with the students and do everything in my power to support their success.”

Easter Concert

The Central Congregational Church of Chelmsford invites you to our Annual Easter Concert on April 13 at 3:00 PM.  Tudor Bota, the music director, has planned a wonderful concert with a variety of music from the classical music of Mozart and Mendelssohn to more contemporary pieces like “Throw Open the Gates.”  Choirs will be singing, bells will be ringing, SonLight will be playing, and we will be joined by soloists Katrina Holden-Buckley and Philip Lima. This is an inspirational way to begin Easter Week.
A free-will offering will be received, and a reception in Fellowship Hall will follow the concert.  Invite friends and relatives to this lovely event.  The church is fully handicapped accessible. The church is located at 1 Worthen St. (parking lot entrance from either North Road or Worthen Street.  We hope to see you on Palm Sunday, April 13 at 3PM.
Mcc celebrity

MCC’s Spring 2025 Celebrity Forum to Welcome Award-winning, Hall of Fame Rock Band

The Middlesex Community College Foundation is proud to announce the Spring 2025 Celebrity Forum, featuring the award-winning, Hall of Fame rock band The Beach Boys. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 10 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.
“Middlesex is excited to bring the legendary Beach Boys to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium stage this spring,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “Thank you to the MCC Foundation for their continued work in offering our community inspiring culture and entertainment, as well as our students with the support they need to be successful. We are also grateful to our generous sponsors for donating their time, effort and money to provide our students with experiences and opportunities to help them reach their goals and pursue their dreams. I look forward to another incredible evening of music and celebration while listening to the iconic Beach Boys!”
“Both MCC and the Foundation are honored to welcome The Beach Boys at this year’s Celebrity Forum,” said Judy Burke, MCC’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Workforce Development. “The Beach Boys music is interwoven into the culture of America. They are great role models for our students, for they consistently display surreal creativity, hard work, resilience and unification. For over 25 years, the event has recognized the work the college does for students, raised important funds to provide students with educational opportunities, and offered cultural enrichment to the community. Thank you to the Beach Boys for joining us and to Spectacle Live, our partners, and sponsors for helping make this event possible.”
As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history. The Beach Boys – who have become synonymous with the California lifestyle and an American icon to fans around the world – are bringing “The Sounds of Summer” tour to cities around the globe.
Since the band’s co-founder, lead-singer and chief lyricist Mike Love penned the lyrics to The Beach Boys’ first hit, “Surfin’” (1961), dozens of the bands chart toppers have become eternal anthems of American youth: “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Helps Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Rock and Roll Music” and “Kokomo.”
The Beach Boys have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have received more than 33 RIAA Platinum and Gold record awards. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers were also honored at the 2001 Grammy Awards with the Lifetime Achievement Award. With more than five decades of touring under their belts, The Beach Boys have performed more concerts than any major rock band in history.
The Beach Boys are led by legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy® winner, New York Times best-selling author, cofounder, lead singer, chief lyricist of The Beach Boys, and 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Mike Love, who, along with longtime member Bruce Johnston, musical director Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago and John Wedemeyer continue the legacy of the iconic band.
For over 25 years, MCC has brought well-known personalities to Greater Lowell for the educational and cultural enrichment of area residents, including the 2024 event with Dionne Warwick. The TJX Companies, Inc., proud Presenting Sponsor of MCC’s spring fundraisers since 1999, has returned to support this year’s Celebrity Forum. A donor reception for sponsors will start off the event followed by dinner the performance. Proceeds from the event provide support for MCC students.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/celebrityforum/spring_fundraiser.html for more information, including sponsorship opportunities or contact Sherri McCormack, MCC’s Dean of Advancement, at McCormackS@middlesex.edu or call 978-656-3034. To purchase tickets, contact the Lowell Memorial Auditorium Box Office at 800-657-8774.
Connie diamond singing

Connie Diamond Offers Repertoire of Familiar Classics for PCA Fundraiser April 12

WESTFORD, MA: Enjoy a journey through the Great American Songbook with Connie Diamond singing and explaining “Why the Music Matters!” at the Parish Center for the Arts (PCA), 10Lincoln Street on April 12 at 6:30pm (doors open 6pm). General admission tickets are $15. Click to reserve your seats!
Diamond has created a show where she talks and sings through history, using the Songbook as her tool; starting with the 1920s all the way into the 1950s. You will be transported into a “time machine” and experience American History through the composers and their music; see how they were influenced by the times and in turn, created tunes that reflected the strength of a nation and its people, during the best and worst of these times. Connie will be accompanied by pianist Frank Wilkins and guest saxophonist Jason Macres. Proceeds from this show will be donated to the PCA, in memory of Connie’s granddaughter, Anna Aslanian.
For more information, visit the PCA online at pcawestford.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/4-12-25-connie-diamond-s-journey-through-the-great-american-songbook-jazz-/147

Spring Pops! Program
Concord Band Performs Revolutionary Music

 
The Concord Band will present its spirited Spring Pops! concert on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 7:00pm, at 51 Walden Performing Arts Center. The program commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord as part of Concord250 festivities this year throughout the town of Concord. The concert features two compositions specially commissioned to honor the historic events of April 19, 1775.
North Bridge Portrait by noted composer and arranger Stephen Bulla was commissioned by the Concord Band. The composition builds on foreboding melodies leading to martial themes, culminating in the fateful “shot heard ’round the world” at Concord’s North Bridge. The program also features Seeds of Revolution, recently commissioned by the Lexington Bicentennial Band and composed by Daniel Lutz, Director of University Bands at UMass Lowell. Seeds of Revolution depicts unfolding events and growing sentiments in Massachusetts leading up to April 19, 1775. The performance continues with a march representing both historic towns, aptly titled Concord and Lexington, written by George Briggs, former band director at Harvard University.
The Concord250 program concludes with Concord, composed for the U.S. Marine Band by Clare Grundman, incorporating traditional tunes from colonial New England, “The White Cockade,” William Billings’ “America,” and “Yankee Doodle.” Grundman noted that “Yankee Doodle” was a very popular tune for jigs and country dances, but for his composition he used 7/8 time for an exuberant and clever ending.
Music Director James O’Dell has also selected twenty-first century music representing the digital revolution, drawn from video games and superhero movies. Epic Gaming Themes by Paul Murtha elevates classic video game soundtracks to the stature of film scores. Video Games Live, by Marty O’Donnell, includes excerpts from a Hollywood concert phenomenon celebrating music from video games that toured around the world from 2005 through 2015. This composition will be conducted by Concord Band clarinetist Jim Dorney, who studied conducting at SUNY Geneseo. The Concord Band will perform Soundtrack Highlights from Guardians of the Galaxy, arranged for band by Michael Brown. The powerful soundtrack is based on popular hits of the 1960s and 1970s, which the film’s protagonist plays to remind him of his childhood on Earth.
Tickets to the Spring Pops concert are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Admission includes open seating and complimentary refreshments. Tickets are available at ticketstage.com/concordband. Additional information about the Concord Band is available at www.concordband.org and on Facebook.

Experience Unique Sounds and Instruments
with Providence Mandolin Orchestra

WESTFORD, MA: Directed by Mark Davis, The Providence Mandolin Orchestra (PMO) is a group of amateur and professional musicians united by the love of performing a unique style of music. Experience their unique sounds and instruments at the Parish Center for the Arts, 10Lincoln Street on April 13 at 3pm (doors open at 2:30pm). Tickets range from $5-$20for this family-friendly event. Recital seating.
The PMO are committed to carrying on the rich tradition of the American mandolin orchestra while actively promoting original, new pieces. They take pride in introducing audiences to unique sounds and instruments, and strive to enrich the community with their cultural presence. Suffice it to say, they have become a major contributor in the international field of plucked string music.
This event is supported in part by the Westford Cultural Council.
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/4-13-25-providence-mandolin-orchestra/219
For more information, visit the PCA online at pcawestford.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Fnd 25 golf tourn action unlimited ad

Nashoba Valley Technical High School Foundation 2nd Annual Golf Tournament

On July 7, 2025 register by June 30.
Cost: $150/Golfer (individuals to foursomes) Includes registration and lunch
At: Northern Spy Country Club, Townsend, MA
Sponsorships Available Green: $50 / Tee: $100
Register at www.nashobatech.net/page/nshoba-valley-technical-high
Mcc wom

MCC’s “A World of Music” to Feature Revered Chinese Instrument

aMiddlesex Community College will put on Guqin and Viola in Musical Dialogue as part of the Spring 2025 “A World of Music” concert series. The performance will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 11 at MCC’s Concert Hall in Bedford.
“We are looking forward to hearing Simon Debierre and Ruixin Niu introduce us to a variety of repertoire played by the ancient Chinese Guqin, a plucked seven-string instrument, with the modern viola,” said Carmen Rodríguez-Peralta, MCC’s Chair of Music. “It should be a fascinating evening of music.”
Debierre, who plays the Guqin, and Niu, violist, will bring together a revered Chinese instrument with over two thousand years of history, and the viola, known for its warm, expressive tone and versatility. This program will feature traditional Chinese music, modern compositions, and French works influenced by Chinese pentatonic scales, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that bridge ancient traditions and contemporary creativity.
The concert will open with a demonstration of Niu’s 3-D printed hybrid violin/viola with LED lights, which helps to illustrate these special Chinese scales.
“Simon Debierre and I are excited to perform at Middlesex Community College, blending the voices of an ancient Chinese instrument and a Western European instrument to bridge the ancient and contemporary musical landscapes of China and France,” Niu said.
A final “A World of Music” performance in Bedford will be a Student Recital at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28. MCC will also host the Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) for a second time this semester at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
Previous concerts this season include the LCO on Saturday, February 1; an Online Saturday Arts Concert featuring MCC faculty, alumni and students on Saturday, March 8; Know Orchestra on Sunday, March 23; and a Piano Recital by Anastasia Seifetdinova on Friday, April 4.
All concerts are free and open to the public.
MCC’s Concert Hall is located in the North Academic Building at 591 Springs Road in Bedford. Parking is available on-campus.
Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/worldofmusic/ for more information.

The Brush Art Gallery & Studios

Come join us for an evening full of fun, food, and entertainment at “Dinner and a Show - Act 3” to benefit The Brush Art Gallery & Studios of Lowell, MA on Saturday, April 26.  The event will be held at Lenzi’s, 810 Merrimack Avenue, Dracut, MA, beginning at 6:00PM with cocktails, followed by dinner at 7:00PM, and a program of Broadway classics featuring Michael Lally, Matt Descoteaux at the piano, Erin Noonan-Descoteaux, Greg Descoteaux, Jerry Bisantz, Camille Bedard, Alison Burns, and Lura Smith.   There will also be a wine pull, silent auction, and raffles.
Tickets may be purchased online at:  https://thebrush.org/dinner.  For more information, please contact Jim Dyment at 978-459-7819.
The Brush Art Gallery & Studios was originally founded by the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission, U.S. Department of the Interior.  The Brush presents museum quality exhibitions, educational programs, and has collaborated with many other non-profit groups.  Artists occupy studio spaces to interact with and educate the public on a daily basis.  Studio Artists produce paintings, illustration, photograph, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, quilts, and handwoven items.  Associate artists also display work in the common areas.  The Brush Art Gallery & Studios is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
New england folk frestival

New England Folk Festival

The New England Folk Festival Association (NEFFA) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization promoting folk arts and traditions in New England and elsewhere. Every April, for 8 decades,  NEFFA runs the New England Folk Festival which blends dance, music, crafts, family activities, and food. The 2025 Festival is on April 25-27 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA 01752
The Festival is unique because of the participatory nature of the events. Not only are there concerts and performances, but there are also opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with music, dance, and folk arts culture. There is music everywhere!  You will find jam sessions, instrument workshops, group singing, and  traditional music throughout the Festival. The Festival is also known for its varied social dance program, which includes: Contra and Traditional Square Dance, International Folk Dance, Waltz, English Country, Scandinavian, and more. There are plenty of introductory workshops, as well as sessions geared towards intermediate and advanced dancers.  It attracts more than 2000 attendees from all over the world and features close to 1000 performers.
This year, NEFFA is offering special reduced rate  “Festival Sampler Tickets” to introduce the festival to a wider audience.
Please spread the word!  The NEFFA Sampler ticket ($10; kids under 8 are free) is a great way to explore some of what the New England Folk Festival has to offer. Shop at the Festival Marketplace, watch traditional dances from around the world, and experience folk music, storytelling and exhibits at the Ramblin’ Road Show and Homemade Hootenanny. Take the kids to the Family Activities Area, then enjoy a snack at the food trucks while watching traditional Morris dance performances outside. Sampler tickets admission will only be available on Saturday April 26th from 11AM-4PM  More information at  https://www.neffa.org/festival-sampler/

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

WWW.FRESHSTARTFURNITUREBANK.ORG
It was another great Saturday at Fresh Start in Hudson!  Clients showed up on time and with trucks.  Our translators arrived in time to help with a Portuguese-speaking client.  Several new volunteers began their shifts.
   Fifteen minutes after our furniture donation time had ended at 10:30, a couple arrived from Uxbridge with a car and trailer full of furniture, including two couches!  They are cleaning out a parent’s home.  At the time, we had three couches available for clients (we typically have more than 10).  After checking with the folks who were loading the trucks for clients we said we would take all the furniture.   There was no way that we were going to turn the donors and their two couches away, even if I had to muscle the couches through the front door by myself (unlikely!!)
     Please take a look at our website to see what we do and do not accept, where we send our truck for pick-ups and the requirements for that.  Keep us in mind when you’re doing spring cleaning or updating your home.   We need more couches and loveseats, chairs and recliners, dining tables & chairs and housewares and linens. And remember - if you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, please don’t give it to us!

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

April 10, 2025, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Please contact Amanda Spinale, Compass Memory Care Director, at 978-369-4728 or aspinale@concordpark.org for more information and the Zoom link. This group is free and open to the public.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.
Some of the 120 vendors

“The Power Of Angels!”
30Th Annual Craft And Vendor Fair

Treasures Antiques, Collectables & MORE! will be hosting the annual “Power of Angels” fundraiser to benefit Kitty Angels, Inc. on Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd and 4th. The event will take place on the grounds at Treasures from 9AM to 5PM, rain or shine, both days.
   The kitties and vendors are eager to have you get out of the house and visit with them for some tremendous finds, great musical entertainment and most important of all, to help Kitty Angels, Inc.! The weekend festivities are being held at Treasures Antiques, 106 Ponemah Road (Rt. 122) in Amherst. We’ll have the ‘603 Smok’n Que BBQ Company’ food truck on site with the best slow smoked BBQ in New Hampshire! Also, the crew from Mapledell Farm will be on hand again, showcasing a petting zoo as well as horse and pony rides. Look for all your favorite vendors, including Artist Lori-Ellen Budenas of Respect the Wood, Cam’s Shop, Monica Gesualdo of Trading Faces and Central Birch Art Studio, Seasonal Creations by Laurianne, The Glass Bottle, The Pearl Shop!, Ink 3-D, Damsel Safety Chick, Threaded Treasures, New Hampshire Board Games/Lime on the Loose, Hearts Design Jewelry, Gabe’s Creations, Wolfpac Studio, All About Honey, Luv Belly Rubs, Dubz Dyes, Nana’s Odds & Ends, Oak Hill Designs, Morel Woodworking, SoGo Metal Art, Happy Cat Creations, Vinyl Revival, Midnight Kitty Creations, Crafts By Sherry, To Bead Or Knot Two Bead, Willey’s Whirleys, Dollar Shy Farm, Color Street, Crystal X Clear Collection, LuLaRoe, Custom Care Designs, 2 Good 2 Be Baked, Tupperware, Krochet Voodoo, Fiber Art By Eve Huston, Eclectic Touches and Just A Bunch Of Knots. Be sure to check the Treasures website as the list continues to grow!   
     The bands and soloists for the event will consist of “9 Strings” with Dick Spencer and Dan Rodd, Roosta Gulla, Sunset Rhythm, Wildwood with Paul & Donna, Jeff Damon, Side Effects and Joey Peavey!
      As always, featured throughout the fundraising weekend and into the month of June, is a thrilling and interesting raffle of numerous and diverse prizes, all generously donated by local and national businesses, professional sports teams, private individuals and some of the awesome on-site vendors. All to benefit Kitty Angels, Inc. 
   Kitty Angels, Inc. is the sole beneficiary of this event. This is the 30th year that the owners of Treasures have been doing fundraisers for this non-profit, an all ‘unpaid’ volunteer organization. They are a no-kill cat shelter, dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and kittens, furnishing them with treatment for injuries or other health issues and then placing them into new forever homes with compatible owners. They are a 501(C) 3 charitable corporation where all donations are fully tax-deductible and every penny of every donation is used in the caring of cats.
    Interested in becoming a vendor for the event or having your business donate an item for their raffle? Contact Sherry or Rick, at (603) 672-2535 Visit their websites at www.TreasuresNH.com and www.kittyangels.org
   Please come, visit, and relax for a while. Consider adopting a new life-long forever-friend as well. Yes, your pets are always welcome, too!
Aldersgate umc

Holy Week Schedule at Aldersgate UMC

Aldersgate United Methodist Church invites you to join us for the following worship services and special events during Holy Week, April 13 through April 20.

Palm Sunday: April 13 – Worship services at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Classes for all ages and fellowship time at 9:30.

Maundy Thursday: April 17, 7:30 p.m. – Worship service of Tenebrae and Holy Communion.

Eggs-tra! Eggs-stra!: Saturday, April 19, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. – Fun activities for children including crafts, a movie about the first Easter, and an “egg-citing” Easter egg hunt (held indoors in case of inclement weather).

Easter: Sunday, April 20 – Worship services at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Full-course breakfast served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Vegan and gluten-free options available.

Aldersgate UMC is located at 242 Boston Road (Rt. 4), Chelmsford, MA. For more information, contact the church office at (978)256-9400 or aldersgatechelmsford@verizon.net, or visit us online at www.aldersgatechelmsford.com or www.facebook.com/aldersgateumc.chelms.

Chelmsford Food Pantry5

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

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

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

Chelmsford to Celebrate Transgender Day
of Visibility on March 30, 2025

Chelmsford,The First Parish Church of Chelmsford, in partnership with the Chelmsford Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, invites the community to come together for a celebration of the Transgender Day of Visibility on Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 2-4pm at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts. The Center is  located at 1A North Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824.
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), celebrated officially on March 31 though dates for observance vary, is a day dedicated to honoring the transgender community. As a follow-up to this important observance, this event will provide a platform for visibility, support, and education, affirming the dignity and humanity of all transgender individuals.
This event will include a panel of various community members who are thrilled to share their experience.
The Chelmsford community is encouraged to participate in this free event to show support for transgender individuals and their allies. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive society where everyone is celebrated for who they are.
For more information about the event, please contact Welcoming@uuchemsford.org

Critical Need For Blood And Platelets!
Please help!

Cornerstone Congregational Church is proud to sponsor our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, March 29th from 9AM to 2PM. Each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in your community and across the region.  An estimated 38 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood or platelets, but of those, less than 10 percent actually donate each year. If you are healthy and eligible, please come out to donate. Most donations take less than an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.
Thank you!!
Cornerstone Congregational Church
32 Graniteville Road
Westford, MA 01886
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org
Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Tom Denney Nature Camp Early Bird Discount Ends April 1!

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

Chelmsford Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale

Location:  Chelmsford Town Offices’ Gym, 50 Billerica Road, Chelmsford, MA
The book sale will be Friday, April 11,  9am-7:30pm and Saturday, April 12, 9am -2pm
We’ll have plenty of fiction, children’s books, biography, history, cookbooks, sciences, social sciences, DVDs and CDs.  All proceeds help support library programs and services.  We hope to see you there!

Skate4Charity 3rd Annual Tournament to Benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank

Skate4Charity founded by two friends James Pijewski and Steve Molloy is hosting its 3rd annual charity Ice Hockey tournament March 29th at 11am at the The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, 191 Hartwell Rd. Over two years the charity has raised over $74k and last year alone the charity raised over $50K to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank. This year they have decided to support the Greater Boston Food Bank again, who are the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. Last year, they distributed 117 million pounds of nutritious food to people who struggle to have enough to eat in the Eastern Massachusetts area and surrounding communities. Every $1 donated helps to provide 2 healthy meals to neighbors in need.
Event will be held 11am-3pm and there will be food, games, raffles and prizes. Beverages provided by Idle Hands Craft Ales. Watch 4 co-ed teams face off, and help support a great cause, all spectators welcome. Donations are accepted day of and at this link: https://my.gbfb.org/fundraiser/6068134
If you donate after seeing this article please put “action unlimited” in your donation comment.
Shout out to our sponsors for this year’s event: Torii Homes, Law Office of Susan E. Zak, Maynard Motors, and A&M Roofing.
If you would like more information follow us on instagram or Facebook @skate.4.charity

Senator Eldridge Announces 44th Annual Senior Conference on Thursday April 24th

The 44th Annual Senior Conference will include free breakfast and lunch, educational workshops, resources for seniors, with live music and art sessions
Middlesex and Worcester District – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) is excited to invite seniors from the Middlesex and Worcester District to the 44th Annual Senior Conference. The event will take place on Thursday, April 24th, from 8 AM to 2 PM at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough, where it has traditionally been held. The Senior Conference is designed to offer seniors a day filled with valuable information, entertainment, and educational workshops led by expert guest speakers on topics such as aging well, planning for the future, downsizing, and resources for caregivers and family members. Senator Eldridge also provides a free breakfast and a delicious lunch prepared by the culinary students of Assabet Valley.
“We will provide seniors with critical information, entertainment, food, and of course raffle prizes, including the Big Chair from Bouvier Pharmacy of Marlborough! I look forward to hearing the concerns of seniors, discussing state initiatives to better support older residents in Massachusetts, and highlighting the work of the Legislature so far this session,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. This event will be held at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Marlborough. The Senior Conference’s program features resources for seniors, yoga, zumba, numerous vendors, speakers from the Massachusetts Legislature, a drop-in art session hosted by Maynard ArtSpace, and raffle giveaways. Senator Eldridge is excited to kick off this year’s event with live music from the local Marlborough group, The Romeos Duo.
Any questions about the event can be emailed to James.Eldridge@masenate.gov with the subject line: “Senior Conference 2025.”
Elizabeth almeida fmf

“All Things Mushrooms”

Learn About “All Things Mushrooms” at the Cameron Senior Center, with Special Guest Elizabeth Almeida on April 8th.
Come learn about “All Things Mushrooms” at the Cameron Senior Center, with special guest Eizabeth Almeida, Founder and Owner of Fat Moon Farm on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Welcome Farmer Elizabeth Almeida as she shares an informative slide presentation on her world of mushrooms. Learn about their uniqueness, benefits and nutrition. Hear cooking tips and how you can grow your own fascinating fungi at home! Whether you are a foodie, a gardener, or just looking for a fun afternoon, you will enjoy getting up close with the beauty of mushrooms.
This is a FREE program sponsored by the Westford Women’s Club at the Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant Street in Westford. The afternoon will include refreshments and themed door prizes.
Please call the Cameron Senior Center at 978-692-5523 to register to attend “All Things Mushrooms”.
Westford Women’s Club is a 501c3 charitable organization, serving the community since 1976. The club is affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC.org ) and GFWC Massachusetts (GFWCMA.org). Members are women of all ages and backgrounds living in Westford and surrounding communities, including southern New Hampshire. For more info about the WWC: westfordwomensclub@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook.

Myles Above in Heaven

A support group in the loss of a child.....
Saturday April 19th
10:30am-12:30pm
Hudson Public Library - Tavares Room
3 Washington St, Hudson, MA
www.mylesabove.org
Duggan sculpture

April Artist of the Month Exhibition

WESTFORD, MA: Chasing this year’s Westford Regional Art Exhibit, running March 28-April 6 at the Parish Center for the Arts (10 Lincoln Street) will be Artist-of-the-Month Kevin Duggan.  Duggan is a multi-disciplinary artist with a passion for woodcarving, pastel painting and acoustic music.  His work is deeply inspired by nature, blending craftsmanship with creativity to bring intricate designs to life.  Duggan’s artwork will be on display at the PCA from April 7-May 2, 2024, with an Artist’s Reception April 13 from noon-3pm.  Gallery hours are Sundays from noon-2pm.   For more information visit www.pcawestford.org.
In his woodcarving studio, Kevin Duggan transforms blocks of wood into detailed mandalas and mythical figures, each piece reflecting themes of growth and renewal.  His pastel paintings share a similar attention to detail, capturing the essence of the natural world.  Whether through carving, painting or musi, Kevin’s art invites a connection to nature and a deeper appreciation for handmade craftsmanship.
James dorney bkg

Concord Band Performs Revolutionary Music

The Concord Band will present its spirited Spring Pops! concert on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 51 Walden Performing Arts Center. The program commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord as part of Concord250 festivities this year throughout the town of Concord. The concert features two compositions specially commissioned to honor the historic events of April 19, 1775.
North Bridge Portrait by noted composer and arranger Stephen Bulla was commissioned by the Concord Band. The composition builds on foreboding melodies leading to martial themes, culminating in the fateful “shot heard ’round the world” at Concord’s North Bridge. The program also features Seeds of Revolution, recently commissioned by the Lexington Bicentennial Band and composed by Daniel Lutz, Director of University Bands at UMass Lowell. Seeds of Revolution depicts unfolding events and growing sentiments in Massachusetts leading up to April 19, 1775. The performance continues with a march representing both historic towns, aptly titled Concord and Lexington, written by George Briggs, former band director at Harvard University.
The Concord250 program concludes with Concord, composed for the U.S. Marine Band by Clare Grundman, incorporating traditional tunes from colonial New England, “The White Cockade,” William Billings’ “America,” and “Yankee Doodle.” Grundman noted that “Yankee Doodle” was a very popular tune for jigs and country dances, but for his composition he used 7/8 time for an exuberant and clever ending.
Music Director James O’Dell has also selected twenty-first century music representing the digital revolution, drawn from video games and superhero movies. Epic Gaming Themes by Paul Murtha elevates classic video game soundtracks to the stature of film scores. Video Games Live, by Marty O’Donnell, includes excerpts from a Hollywood concert phenomenon celebrating music from video games that toured around the world from 2005 through 2015. This composition will be conducted by Concord Band clarinetist Jim Dorney, who studied conducting at SUNY Geneseo. The Concord Band will perform Soundtrack Highlights from Guardians of the Galaxy, arranged for band by Michael Brown. The powerful soundtrack is based on popular hits of the 1960s and 1970s, which the film’s protagonist plays to remind him of his childhood on Earth.
Tickets to the Spring Pops concert are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Admission includes open seating and complimentary refreshments. Tickets are available at ticketstage.com/concordband. Additional information about the Concord Band is available at www.concordband.org and on Facebook.
Learn More

Chelmsford Food Pantry

Serving everyone because financial difficulties and hunger have no boundary lines.
Please consider donating the following items to the Chelmsford Food Pantry.
Cooking Oil
Ramen Noodles
Soup
Spaghetti Sauce
Mac’n cheese
Canned fruit or vegetables
Boxed Cereal and Oatmeal
Shelf Stable Milk
Condiments
Donations can be dropped off at the pantry located at:
50 Rear Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA
(beige trailer behind town hall)
Thursdays: 10:30-1:00pm and 6:30-7:45pm
As well as donation boxes located inside Market Basket, Stop & Shop and the Chelmsford Public Library

For more ways to help the pantry and your community visit:
chelmsfordfoodpantry.org
Cousinlouis

Enjoy a Rootsy Stew of Originals & Covers with Cousin Louis

WESTFORD, MA: Ever since their first spontaneous performance at a weekend music retreat, they have been mixing up a rootsy stew of originals and deep cut covers into their distinctive sound at local music venues and festivals.  Now, Cousin Louis will be sharing their musical chemistry at the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street on April 11 at 7:30pm, part of the PCA’s Coffeehouse Series sponsored by Enterprise Bank/Westford. Cousin Louis formed five years ago when they bonded over their shared passion for the same jazz, blues, folk, and pop artists. The band includes Trish Reid (vocals), Gene Albert (bass) and Ken Karnofsky (guitar). Cabaret table seating. Dancing in the Gallery. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $15 EBT/Card-to-Culture; $18 for PCA Members and Seniors; $20 for non-members; $25 at the door (if available). Click HERE to reserve your seats!
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/4-11-25-cousin-louis/239
For more information, visit the PCA online at pcawestford.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Friends of the Chelmsford Senior Center
Music Through The Decades Fundraiser

Saturday, April 5th, from 1:00 – 4:30 PM in The Hall at the Chelmsford Senior Center. 75 Groton Rd, North   Chelmsford, MA
Dance and sing your way through a century of music with DJ Dan of DJ Event Specialists!  Dan, our DJ and emcee, will begin the event playing Boogie Woogie Blues music and traveling the decades with songs you grew up listening to, up to your grandkids modern-day music.  Tickets are $15 each and available for purchase starting Monday, March 3rd in the Chelmsford Senior Center Treasure Shop, open daily from 9am-2pm. Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door on the day of the fundraiser.
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, baked goodies and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. There will be eleven raffle gift baskets & a 50/50 raffle. Winners need not be present to claim their prize. This will be a fun-filled fundraising event and 100% of the proceeds will go toward the Chelmsford Senior Center to support and fund programs and activities that enrich the lives and benefit the health and enjoyment of seniors.  If you would like to volunteer to help with this fundraiser, please contact friendssrctr@aol.ocm or 978-251-1123

Chelmsford Town-wide Clean-up

Please join Chelmsford’s annual Town-wide Clean-up by helping to pick up litter along Chelmsford’s roads, neighborhoods, parks, and recreation areas.
Plan your clean up for the week of Saturday, April 19 to Sunday, April 27. Volunteers are urged to wear bright-colored clothing and avoid stepping into the street while working. Whenever possible, please bring your yellow bags to your home curbside. They will be picked up with your regular trash until Friday, May 2, or call for other arrangements.
Register online at www.chelmsfordrecycles.com/upcoming-events/town-wide-cleanup-2025 or sign up at the DPW at 9 Alpha Road and pick up yellow bags between April 14 - April 25 during regular hours (M, W, Th: 7:00am-4:00pm, Tu: 7:00am-6:00pm, Fr: 7:00am-noon).
Questions?  Please contact Chris Haley, Sustainability Manager, at 978-250-5203 or chaley@chelmsfordma.gov.
The nightflies logo

The Nightflies Tip a Hat to Steely Dan

April 5

WESTFORD, MA: Tipping a hat to Steely Dan, The Nightflies will be bringing forth the intricate arrangements of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker at the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street on April 5 at 7:30pm. The Nightflies, made up of Lori Zuroff, Marcia J. Macres and Tess Ferraiolo (Vocals), Chris Hurren (Keyboards/Vocals), Gary Jenkins (Bass/Vocals), Mickey Roache and Paul Greenspan (Guitar), Mark Seibel (Sax/Melodica), Bob Adams (Sax) and Jon Golden (Percussion), began as an informal get-together of 10 musicians, for the love and challenge of Steely Dan’s music. Their name references the 1982 standard-bearer Donald Fagen solo album “The Nightfly.” The group brings their ambitious medley of those recognizable, danceable, foot-tapping, 70s-80s radio hits, plus some Becker/Fagen’s deep cuts. Sing along and dance to some well-known favorite Steely Dan tunes! Cabaret table seating.  Dancing in the Gallery Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $15 EBT/Card-to-Culture; $18 for PCA Members and Seniors; $20 for non-members; $25 at the door (if available). Click HERE to reserve your seats!
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/4-5-25-the-nightflies/215
For more information, visit the PCA online at pcawestford.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Stony Brook Fish & Game
Saint Patrick’s Day Meal

Saint Patrick’s Day:  Saint Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday this year but Stony Brook Fish and Game will be cooking and serving corned beef meals and sandwiches on Sunday March 16th starting at noon.  Make a note of this early bird special and stop on by!  Stony Brook Fish and Game is located at: 128 Lowell Road, Westford MA

Local Shelter and Pet Store Team Up
to Help Shelter Dogs Find their Forever Homes Saturday, March 22, 10am – 12 pm

Save A Dog of Sudbury and Wag N’ Wash at 1173 Main Street, West Concord, are teaming up again to host another in-store “Meet & Greet” adoption event on Saturday, March 22, 10 am – 12 pm.
“This is always a fantastic opportunity to have several of our amazing, deserving pups meet their potential forever person or family in a fun and welcoming setting,” says Julie Bolio, Save A Dog’s Shelter Manager. “Adoptions all over the country have slowed, leading to longer stays in the shelter, so we especially appreciate the opportunity to give our pups extra exposure... and past in-store “Meet & Greets” have proven very successful!”
While Save A Dog adopters often hail from all over New England and Massachusetts, the “Meet & Greet” events are particularly popular with residents from surrounding communities including Acton, Marlborough, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Stow, Harvard, Westford and Littleton.
Vibe, pictured here, is one of the Save A Dog pups looking for his special family. A happy-go-lucky, 9-month-old Bully/Heeler mix, Vibe is a typical puppy who loves to run and play, rides well in the car, and enjoys outdoor adventures... but also settles down nicely inside the home. He’s already crate-trained, housetrained, knows several commands, and gently takes treats. As a people-focused pup, he’s smart and learns quickly.
More information about Save A Dog’s adoptable dogs (and cats!) can be found on the Save A Dog website: www.saveadog.org. Potential adopters are encouraged to fill out an online adoption application beforehand at www.saveadog.org/applytoadopt.asp
Now celebrating more than 25 years of rescuing abandoned dogs and cats through its Sudbury shelter and network of dedicated foster homes, Save A Dog has found loving families for more than 8,

Artwork From Over 20 Local Artists

On Saturday, March 22nd 10am to 4pm and Sunday, March 23rd 12 noon to 4pm the Spring Equinox Art Fair will be held at the First Parish Church, 353 Great Road, in Stow.  Sponsored by SAGA and the FPC Arts Committee, over 20 local artists have works for sale including paintings, pottery, fabric art, photography, greeting cards and much more.  Admission and Parking is Free and the show is accessible to people of all abilities including wheelchair users. More info can be found on the FPC website www.fpc-stow-acton.org

Concord: When We Were All British
Monday, March 24th from 2:00PM to 3:00PM

To honor Concord’s 250th celebration, this talk will dive into Concord’s past, when everyone living here was British until we became Americans. It wasn’t that sudden, of course. Let’s explore
together who the early settlers were, how they lived, and what they believed in. What did the town, their houses, and their farms look like? Barbara Forman, a Town and local museum guide in
Concord for 30 years, will take you on a trip through time. There is no charge. Please call the COA office to sign up at 978-318-3020.

Mark your calendars!  The must-visit Flea Market & Artisan Fair is BACK!

If you love discovering unique treasures, handcrafted goods, and supporting local artisans, this is the event for you! Join us at the West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Mass Ave., Acton, on May 10, 2025, from 12-3 PM for an afternoon of shopping, community, and fun. Hosted in partnership with the West Acton Village Merchants Association, this event is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and goodies.
Interested in selling your creations or household items? Vendor spaces are available for a small fee—limited tables, so don’t wait! Contact the church office at 978-263-5902 or wabcadmin@verizon.net.

Presentation by the Concord250 Committee
Tuesday, March 18th from 11:00 AM to Noon

Are you curious about what Concord is doing for the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Concord and Lexington? Do you want to know how you can participate? The Concord250 Committee
has been busy scheduling lots of events leading to the big parade in Concord Center on April 19th. We are fortunate to have the leaders of this initiative coming to the COA on March 18th at
11:00 AM to answer your questions and give you tips for the celebration, including information about road closures. The panel for the presentation includes Gary Clayton, Co-Chair Concord250 Executive Committee, Joe Palumbo, Concord250 Events Sub-Committee Chairperson, and Fred Ryan, Concord250 Public Safety Sub Committee Chairperson. Please come with your questions and remember to call the COA office to sign up at 978-318-3020.
Mcc wom know orchestra s25

MCC Faculty Member-led Quintet to Perform as Part of Spring 2025 “World of Music”

As part of the Spring 2025 “A World of Music” concert series, Middlesex Community College will welcome Know Orchestra, a versatile contemporary quintet that blurs the boundaries between classical, jazz and singer-songwriting. Featuring MCC faculty member Todd Brunel, the performance will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 23 at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell.
“I am delighted to bring Know Orchestra to the MCC ‘World of Music’ concert series,” Brunel said. “Imagine if you will, a violinist and cellist who also sing in harmony, a French horn player who is our lead singer  – who also doubles as a keyboardist – and an incredible percussionist who includes farm implements a zither, glockenspiel and rocks from Central Park with his set up. As the clarinetist and sax player for this fine group, I delight in all the places we go as musicians. You will hear jazz, classical and folk music, in ways that are truly moving and compelling.”
Brunel will be featured on clarinets and saxophone, along with his bandmates Gary Fieldman, percussion; Íma Jónsdóttir, violin and voice; Valerie Thompson, cello and voice; and Dan Shaud, French Horn, piano, and voice. This will be a fun afternoon of all original compositions and songs.
“We are looking forward to presenting the Know Orchestra, a contemporary quintet that blurs the boundaries between classical, jazz and singer-songwriting,” said Carmen Rodríguez-Peralta, MCC’s Chair of Music. “It should be a fun afternoon!”
The Lowell Chamber Orchestra will perform for a second time this season at the Academic Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Additional “A World of Music” performances include a Piano Recital by Anastasia Seifetdinova at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 4; Guqin and Viola in Musical Dialogue at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 11; and a Student Recital at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28 at MCC’s Concert Hall on the Bedford Campus.
Previous performances include a previous concert by the LCO on Saturday, February 1 and an Online Saturday Arts Concert featuring MCC faculty, alumni and students on Saturday, March 8.
All concerts are free and open to the public.
MCC’s Academic Arts Center is located at 240 Central Street in Lowell. With parking not available on site, the nearest public parking facility is the Early Garage on 135 Middlesex St.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/events/worldofmusic.html for more information.

Chelmsford Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale

Location:  Chelmsford Town Offices’ Gym, 50 Billerica Road, Chelmsford, MA
The book sale will be Friday, April 11,  9am-7:30pm and Saturday, April 12, 9am -2pm
We’ll have plenty of fiction, children’s books, biography, history, cookbooks, sciences, social sciences, DVDs and CDs.  All proceeds help support library programs and services.  We hope to see you there!
Mac kid summer camp fair 4

Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on March 23

Local parents looking for information on summer camps and kids’ activities will find over 30 programs at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on Sunday March 23. The Fair will take place at the Westford Regency Inn, 219 Littleton Rd, Westford MA from 11 am to 2 pm.
Coordinated by Macaroni Kid Lowell, the Summer Camp Fair is free to attend.  Families can gather information and talk with representatives from local and overnight camps, summer programs, and local schools offering year-round activities such as sports, STEM, coding, art and more.
Camps exhibiting at the Summer Camp Fair in Westford include local favorites such as Westford Parks & Recreation, Good Pickin’ Farm, Tyngsboro Sports Center and Camp Massapoag as well as specialty and overnight camps such as Code Wiz, Lantern Light Camps, Fleur de Lis Camp, Grotonwood, and The Story School.  Macaroni Kid Lowell also has an online Summer Camp Guide on its website (Lowell.MacaroniKid.com) as a resource for parents who cannot attend the Camp Fair.
For a list of camps attending the Fair, please visit Macaroni Kid Lowell at https://lowell.macaronikid.com.  Exhibitor requests and other requests for information can be directed to barbarae@macaronikid.com or (978) 239-3038.

Self- Harm and Suicidal Behaviors

March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, with March 1 recognized as Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD). It is a global event whose purpose is to remove the stigma attached to self-injury and to encourage parents, family members, educators, and healthcare professionals to recognize the signs of self-harm.
According to the book Healing Self-Injury: A Compassionate Guide for Parents and Other Loved Ones, by Janis Whitlock and Elizabeth E Lloyd-Richardson, it is not unusual for young people to engage in self-injury such as cutting, burning, or scratching themselves until they bleed. This is upsetting to parents, and many worry that self-injury is a sign their child is suicidal.
The relationship between self-injury and suicidal ideation can look similar, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Self-injury is almost always used to feel better rather than an attempt to end one’s life. This is why the technical term for self-injury is non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI.
Symptoms of self-injury may include scars, often in patterns; fresh cuts and bruises; excessive rubbing of an area to create a burn; wearing long sleeves or long pants to hide injuries; frequent reports of accidental injury; and talk of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. According to an excerpt from the book, young people who self-injure are at an increased risk for suicidal ideation. Sixty-five percent of youth who self-injure will also be suicidal at some point. While NSSI does not cause suicide, Whitlock and Lloyd-Richardson note that engaging in self-injury can lower inhibitions toward suicidal ideation.
Factors that may increase the risk of progressing from self-injury to suicide include family conflict, more than 20 NSSI incidents, emotional or sexual trauma, feelings of hopelessness, substance abuse, engaging in risky behaviors, and a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) or PTSD.
The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is a national leader in youth suicide prevention through educational and awareness programs. One of the many programs offered by JFI is a 1-Hour training module entitled Non-Suicide Self-Injury. This training discusses the issue of NSSI and how it relates to suicidal ideation. Examples of NSSI, contributing factors, and signs associated with the behavior are studied. Also, recommendations on how to respond to a young person who may be struggling with self-injury are provided. This training, along with many others, is available to stream at no cost on the JFI website www.jasonfoundation.com

Friends of the Chelmsford Senior Center
MUSIC THROUGH THE DECADES FUNDRAISER

Dance a jingle – Sing & mingle – A Century of Music
     1920s – 2020s
   Saturday, April 5th
         from 1:00 – 4:30 PM in The Hall
        at the Chelmsford Senior Center
                          75 Groton Rd, North Chelmsford, MA

Dance and sing your way through a century of music with DJ Dan of DJ Event Specialists!  Dan, our DJ and emcee, will begin the event playing Boogie Woogie Blues music and traveling the decades with songs you grew up listening to, up to your grandkids modern-day music.  Tickets are $15 each and available for purchase starting Monday, March 3rd in the Chelmsford Senior Center Treasure Shop, open daily from 9am-2pm. Tickets are limited and will not be sold at the door on the day of the fundraiser. All are welcome to enjoy this fun fundraiser which is sponsored by The Friends of the Senior Center.

Popular music from each decade will be played; Boogie Woogie, Foxtrot, the Charleston, the Twist and Disco to name a few. Costumes of any decade are highly encouraged! Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, baked goodies and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. There will be eleven raffle gift baskets & a 50/50 raffle. Winners need not be present to claim their prize. This will be a fun-filled fundraising event and 100% of the proceeds will go toward the Chelmsford Senior Center to support and fund programs and activities that enrich the lives and benefit the health and enjoyment of seniors.  If you would like to volunteer to help with this fundraiser, please contact friendssrctr@aol.ocm or 978-251-1123.

THE CANNON THEATRE Proudly Presents
“Enchanted April”

Devens, MA: The Cannon Theatre is proud to Enchanted April. This production, directed by Maren Caulfield, is the fourth in The Cannon Theatre’s 2024-25 season line-up, which also includes upcoming productions of: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and a 10-Minute Play Festival.
Enchanted April is a play about two unhappy London housewives who, feeling lost in their marriages, pool their savings to rent a villa in Italy for a women-only holiday, recruiting two other, more upper-class women to share the cost; as the four women spend time together under the Italian sun, they initially clash but eventually bond and rediscover themselves, with their newfound happiness sometimes threatened by the return of the men in their lives.
The show runs for 3 weekends. Show times are March 21, 22, 28, 29 and April 4, and 5 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are taking place on March 30 and April 2 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at www.thecannontheatre.org, and are $25 for adults, and $20 for students/seniors.
The cast hails from the following towns: Arlington, Tyngsboro, Lexington, Waltham, Sudbury, and Sterling.
The Production Team includes:
Directed by Maren Caulfield
Produced by Bob Amici
Stage Management by Meredith Brummer
Set Design by Shawn Cannon and Maren Caulfield
Chelmsford band

Chelmsford Community Band Concert

Join the Chelmsford Community Concert Band as they perform works from beloved composers such as Aaron Copland, Percy Grainger, Frank Tichelli, Sousa, and Ralph Vaughan Williams during their annual Winter Concert.  The program starts at 2pm on Sunday, March 16, at the Chelmsford High School Performing Arts Center.
Admission is always free, but the band greatly appreciates donations that cover their expenses and make it possible to rent rehearsal space and buy music.  Suggested donations are $10 for an individual or $20 for a family.
Having recently celebrated its golden anniversary, the Chelmsford Community Band has a 70-piece concert band and a 20-piece jazz ensemble made of dedicated volunteer musicians with a proud tradition of bringing live musical performances to this community since 1972.  They are supported by grants from the Chelmsford Cultural Council, other local towns, and your donations.  Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky, and find them online at www.chelmsfordcommunityband.com.

Is your child struggling with
Emotional challenges?e

A free course, offered by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), for parents of children and adolescents with mental health challenges is meeting weekly Tues March 11th - April 15th,, 6:15 – 8:45pm at the Tewksbury library. The teachers are trained by NAMI and are parents who have lived experience themselves and the course is evidenced-based. The participants will learn communication tips, how to problem-solve and skills to help cope with the emotional impact of caring for their child. Learning current treatments, overview of the public mental health care, school, and resources to navigate challenges they present. This small group (10-12) setting provides support and shared positive impact. Family education programs at NAMI are powerful! To enroll, or for answers to questions please email one of our teachers. Brian at brian.sarr19@gmail.com or Dee at deefebba@comcast.net.

Middlesex Conservation District
2025 Spring Plant Sale

The Middlesex Conservation District will be holding its annual Spring Plant Sale on Friday May 2 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and Saturday May 3 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Farrington Nature Linc. The address is 291 Cambridge Turnpike in Lincoln, MA.
All items can be pre-ordered through April 21st 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 here.  Offerings will include native shrub seedlings, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, fruits, seeds, and hardgoods such as composted cow manure, and root bags.  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/.

Princeton Arts Society’s
2025 Annual Spring Show

Surround yourself with art. The Princeton Arts Society’s Annual Spring Show & Sale is the perfect opportunity to view inspiring works of art and perhaps add a piece to your personal collection.
The Show and Opening Reception are free and open to the public:
Friday, May 2, 6 to 8 PM – Opening Reception
Saturday, May 3, 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday, May 4, 10 AM to 4 PM
Princeton Community Center, 206 Worcester Rd. (Post Office Place) Princeton MA.
All work is by the Society’s members, many of whom are award winning artists widely recognized in their fields. The show includes works in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, and more, including three-dimensional works, with subject matter as varied as our artists.
The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization encouraging and supporting area visual, musical, literary and performing artists.
www.princetonarts.org
Facebook: Princeton Arts Society