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New england folk festival

New England Folk Festival April 24-26, 2026

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 2026 Festival is on April 24-26 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA 01752 

The Festival is unique because not only are there concerts and performances, but there are also opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage directly with music, dance, and folk arts culture. There is music everywhere!  You will find jam sessions, instrument workshops, group singing (sea shanties!), 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, and sessions geared towards intermediate and advanced dancers.

NEFFA is offering special reduced rate  “Festival Sampler Tickets” to introduce the festival to a wider audience. 
Please spread the word!  The NEFFA Sampler tickets ($10; kids under 8 are free) are 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, relax with your kids in the Family Activities Area, then enjoy a snack from the food vendors while watching traditional Morris dance performances. Sampler tickets admission will be available on Saturday April 26th from 11AM-4PM  and all day Sunday April 26th. More information at  https://www.neffa.org/festival-sampler/

BOSTON 2026 WORLD EXPO STAMP SHOW

 
When: May 23-30, 2026
Show Floor Hours: 10AM to 6PM (Sat-Fri) & 10AM to 3PM (Sat 5/30)
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer
Street, Boston, MA 02210 in the Seaport District
Price: Free

Explore global and US history, one tiny painting at a time! Boston 2026 World Expo brings the global stamp community to Boston for eight days from May 23-30th, 2026. Held once every ten years, the event showcases world-class exhibits, dealers, presentations, and first day of issue ceremonies, all part of America’s 250th anniversary in the heart of one of America's most historic cities.

Spanning 352,000 contiguous square feet and sponsored by the US Postal Service, the exhibition will feature a comprehensive international experience, including a large dealer marketplace, an extensive array of foreign post offices, and a chance to talk with philatelic societies from around the world. At the heart of the expo will be a prestigious competitive exhibition with approximately 4,000 frames of exhibits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), complemented by a special Court of Honor exhibition and a major literature competition.

Beyond exhibits, Boston 2026 will host hundreds of meetings, roundtable discussions, and presentations across 40 meeting rooms supporting education, collaboration, and international exchange. Signature events, including a large opening ceremony and a closing awards dinner, will create a unique and memorable experience for exhibitors, delegates, and visitors. History buffs, art lovers, ephemera and mail artists, scout troops, and youth groups are all welcome free of charge.

See Boston2026.org website for information on attending dealers and post offices, exhibit and event listings, volunteer opportunities, scout merit badge workshops, and much more.
World of turtles

The World of Turtles with Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson

Join award-winning author Sy Montgomery and illustrator Matt Patterson for an engaging, family-friendly exploration of the fascinating world of turtles. This free public program on Saturday, April 18, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, at the Arlington Street Community Center, 36 Arlington Street, in Nashua, NH, is presented by the Nashua River Watershed Association.

Drawing from the research behind their highly acclaimed books, Sy and Matt will share what they’ve learned about turtle behavior, habitats, and conservation, as well as the creative process of transforming field research into compelling stories and illustrations. Their 35 minute presentation will feature illustrations and insight into their research, followed by a Q&A session. Signed copies of their books will be available for purchase, with time for personalization and photos after the program. Guests can also explore turtle-themed information tables designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required; additional information, including parking details, will be provided upon registration. Register at www.nashuariverwatershed.org under Upcoming Programs, where you can also read more about Sy and Matt. For questions, please email chrisf@nashuariverwatershed.org.

WCMS Performs 4/10 in Fitchburg and 4/12 in Worcester

 
Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “La Fête Française”

Program
Maurice Ravel | Introduction and Allegro
Camille Saint-Saëns | Fantaisie for Violin and Harp, Op. 124
Ernest Chausson | Piano Quartet in A major, Op. 30

With guests Tracy Kraus, flute; Amy Advocat, clarinet; Franziska Huhn, harp

When & Where: Friday, April 10 at 7:30 PM
Fitchburg Art Museum
185 Elm Street, Fitchburg

Sunday, April 12 at 4:00 PM
Shapiro Hall - Joy of Music
1 Gorham Street, Worcester

Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to each performance
Post-concert reception for all on Sunday


How: Adults $35-42, Seniors $30-38, College Students $10 w/ID
EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free

Information and tickets for these concerts are available on the ensemble’s website, www.worcesterchambermusic.org, or by calling the office at (508) 926-8624.
Chelmsford clean up

Chelmsford Annual Town-Wide Cleanup

 Let’s team up for our Annual Town-Wide Cleanup! Whether it’s your favorite local park, your own neighborhood, or a nearby recreation area, a little effort goes a long way in keeping our town pristine.
  • When: Saturday, April 18 – Sunday, April 26
  • Where: Any spot in Chelmsford that needs a little TLC!
  • Safety First: Please wear bright colors and stay safe off the roadways.

How to join: Grab your signature yellow bags at the DPW (9 Alpha Road) between April 13–24 during regular hours. Once you’re done, simply leave the bags at your curbside for pickup with your regular trash through May 1.

Ready to make a difference? Register online at https://tinyurl.com/bdfk6my8 or stop by the DPW. Questions? Reach out to our Sustainability Manager, Chris Haley, at 978-250-5203 or chaley@chelmsfordma.gov.

From Sheep to Shop: A Hands-On History Adventure

Join the Chelmsford Historical Society and the Tsongas Industrial History Center for a special April vacation event that brings the past to life! “From Sheep to Shop: A Hands-On History Adventure” is a family-friendly program that explores the fascinating journey of fiber, tracing the path from raw wool to finished fabric.

This event will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, 40 Byam Road, Chelmsford. Drop in anytime between 12-3pm. It is free and open to families and children ages 6 and up, but please RSVP to info@chelmhist.org in advance so we have an approximate count of attendees.

Step back in time as you rotate through interactive stations led by museum teachers:
  • The Prep Work: Get hands-on with wool carding and see how raw fleece becomes soft, workable fiber.
  • The Spin & Weave: Watch live demonstrations of traditional drop spinning and weaving techniques.
  • Be the Maker: Children can "try their hand" at the craft by practicing on table looms.
  • Shop: Imagine what the past was like as you visit the Chelmsford Historical Society’s spinning and weaving artifacts and General Store exhibit.

Every young historian will also receive a take-home cardboard loom and materials to continue their weaving journey at home. It’s a perfect blend of local heritage, industrial ingenuity, and creative fun!

https://chelmhist.org/

Chelmsford Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale

Location:  Chelmsford Town Offices' Gym, 50 Billerica Road, Chelmsford
The book sale will be Friday, May 1 from 9:00 AM -8:00 PM and Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 AM -2:00 PM

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.

Skate4Charity 4th Annual Tournament to Benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank

Skate4Charity founded by two friends James Pijewski and Steve Molloy is hosting its 4th annual charity Ice Hockey tournament April 11th at 11am at the The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, 191 Hartwell Rd. Over three years the charity has raised over $137k and last year alone the charity raised over $60k 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/Skate4Charity2026
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, A&M Roofing, Dynamik Sports and Idle Hands Brewery. If you would like more information follow us on instagram or Facebook @skate.4.charity
Jazz vocalist amandacarr2

Concord Band Presents Jazz Vocalist Amanda Carr and a New Composition at Spring Pops

Jazz singer Amanda Carr, an audience favorite, returns for the Concord Band’s annual Spring Pops concert on Saturday, April 11, 7:00 PM at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord. The program features Ms. Carr and her fresh interpretations from the Great American Songbook and New York themed songs. Another special highlight is Lilly’s Story, the premiere of a unique composition inspired by a 12-year-old from Brockton, named Lilly, and her family.
Ms. Carr will perform Cheek to Cheek by Irving Berlin, as well as Cole Porter’s Night and Day and Anything Goes.  Amanda also performs vocals on Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind, and a song that Amanda wrote called Maybe.  With five jazz vocal recordings, Ms. Carr continues to perform as a solo artist and guest host. A true collaborator, Amanda Carr is a coach for vocal students while still writing and composing music.
The Concord Band collaborated with Sing Me A Story, an organization that commissioned Boston Conservatory student composer, Luciano Lopez-Parnetti, to present Lilly’s Story, a new composition that celebrates Lilly’s love of family, food and music.  In her story, Lilly imagines a world where differences are not questioned, but embraced.  Lilly’s personal narrative is reflected in Lopez-Parnetti’s intriguing composition through a harmonically rich wall of sound, punctuated rhythms and overlapping patterns.  A remarkable photo montage, created by Lilly herself, will be on display at the concert. The montage explores what it feels like when others make assumptions about her mixed identity, and the challenges of not always feeling fully seen or understood. Both Lilly’s family and composer Lopez-Parnetti will attend the premiere performance.
Continuing with the New York theme, the Concord Band will evoke the vibrant and frenetic energy of New York City with Warren Barker’s New York: 1927, together with selections from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.  The Band also will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with composer Clare Grundman’s classic work, Spirit of ’76.
The Concord Band’s Spring Pops concert, conducted by Music Director James O’Dell, will be open seating at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord, 7:00 PM, Saturday, April 11th.  The audience is invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments in the lobby at intermission and after the concert.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under, and can be reserved at www.ticketstage.com/concordband 

Assabet Valley Chambersingers 2026 Sing into Spring Concert!

Assabet Valley Chambersingers Present: “Sing Into Spring: Songs for all Creation”
Marlborough, MA — The Assabet Valley Chambersingers proudly presents Sing Into Spring: Songs of all Creation, a captivating choral concert to be held on Sunday, April 12th, 2026, at 3:30 PM at First Church in Marlborough Congregational, 37 High St., Marlborough, MA. This uplifting and diverse program is offered as a “Pay What You Wish” event, made possible in part by a generous grant from the Marlborough Cultural Council, supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Under the artistic direction of Dr. Robert Eaton, the program will feature an eclectic selection of choral works designed to entertain, inspire, and provoke reflection. The program will include 17th century madrigals, Frank Tichelli’s Earth Songs, as well as Bob Chilcott’s We Are and Harry Belafonte’s Turn the World Around!

The Assabet Valley Chambersingers is a 20-voice ensemble drawn from the Assabet Valley Mastersingers that specializes in performing a diverse repertoire such as unaccompanied and accompanied madrigals, motets, Broadway show tunes, and vocal Jazz standards from various eras. Founded in 1989 as a civic outreach initiative, the Chambersingers have frequently performed at notable venues like Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, Notre Dame Du Lac, Friends of the Marlborough Library, and First Night Worcester. Additionally, they have participated in charitable events in Shrewsbury, Northborough, Westborough, Marlborough, and have brought their music to Assisted Living Communities throughout the region.

For more information, visit https://www.avmsingers.org/chambersingers or email manager@avmsingers.org. Join us as we “Sing Into Spring”—a concert to uplift the spirit and celebrate the season!

Concord Women’s Chorus Presents
‘A Light Exists in Spring’

 
Usher in springtime with celebrated choral music

CONCORD, MA Issued March 26, 2026... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents its spring concert “A Light Exists in Spring,” on Saturday, May 9, 4 pm, Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm St., Concord. The performance is conducted by CWC Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank, accompanied by Simon Andrews, piano, together with guest instrumentalists Jennifer Slowik, oboe, Sandi-Jo Malmon, cello, and Beth Welty, violin.

CWC celebrates the return of the light with Beth Denisch’s “The Tree House,” commissioned in 2017 and set for chorus, oboe, cello, and piano. A work of nuance and utter beauty, Denisch has set three of poet Kathleen Jamie’s works – where landscape meets musical language. This wholehearted program is sure to delight, and honors works by women, including Melissa Dunphy’s “Grown Wild,” Emma Lou Diemer’s “Hope is the Thing,” Tara Traxler’s “Birds of Passage” and more.


Concord Women’s Chorus is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power of women’s voices through song, hailing from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices.
CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us. CWC’s Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank is the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner presented by Choral Arts New England.
Concord Women’s Chorus participates in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a barrier.  CWC offers two discounted $10 tickets per EBT Cardholder.
Tickets to “A Light Exists in Spring” are $30 adults, free for children age 12 and under, available at simpletix.com/e/a-light-exists-in-spring-tickets-256987. Seating is limited; early purchase is recommended. This concert is supported in part by grants from the Concord and Carlisle Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

For more information, or to join Concord Women’s Chorus, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.
 

Sale for Education

The fifth annual HUGE spring yard sale for education is Saturday, April 11, 8 am to 2 pm. Donations are welcome. Drop off your good stuff 4-6 pm on Friday, April 10, at the Littleton Historical Society at Rogers and King Streets in Littleton.

Come early on Saturday for the best selection of household goods, small appliances, vintage items, collectibles, tools, small furniture, toys, sporting equipment, games, kitchen equipment, dishes, silverware, artwork, linens, bikes, kid stuff and anything in good shape that can be reused. NO clothing, artificial Christmas trees, car seats, TVs or electronics. All donations are tax deductible. Clearance starts at 1 pm with $2/bag. Everything must go!
Proceeds from the sale will benefit a remote school in Ghana to give children access to education they would not other wise have. Visit www.learningupnow.wordpress.com for more information. Email memberreach@fculittle.org for more information. The sale is supported in part by the Littleton Historical Society and First Church Unitarian of Littleton.
Life is good ® blood donor tee

Please come donate BLOOD or PLATELETS 
(And a receive a Life is Good ® Blood Donor tee shirt!)

Cornerstone Congregational Church is sponsoring our spring blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, April 4th. There is a critical need for blood as winter donations did not meet demand. Most donations take about an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross. Give Hope this spring!
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).

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

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.

April 2nd: Floral Design Class at 6:00 pm. Back by popular demand, Judy Carven is teaching another floral design class in the Cabaret Cafe! Bring home your very own hand-made floral arrangement. Full bar available. $50.00 per student. Contact Judy, jkcarven@comcast.net, to reserve a spot. Payments can be sent to the instructor via Venmo.

April 3rd: Karaoke Night In the Cabaret Cafe. $5 entry. Doors open at 6:30, full bar available!

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

April 12th & 13th: Auditions for the fourth annual Ten-Minute Play Festival from 6:30 - 9:30 pm. Presented by the Playground Theatre Co. Performances to take place June 5th - 7th. Stay tuned for audition signups!

April 27th: 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.

May 8th & 9th: An Evening of Nonsense The Playground Theatre Co. presents An Evening of Nonsense – A Side-Splitting Showcase of Original Comedies! May 8th at 7:30 pm, and May 9th at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm in the auditorium. Regular tickets $20, $15 for students and seniors.


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

Chelmsford Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale

Location:  Chelmsford Town Offices' Gym, 50 Billerica Road, Chelmsford
The book sale will be Friday, May 1 from 9:00 AM -8:00 PM and Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 AM -2:00 PM
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.

Skate4Charity 4th Annual Tournament to Benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank

Skate4Charity founded by two friends James Pijewski and Steve Molloy is hosting its 4th annual charity Ice Hockey tournament April 11th at 11am at the The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, 191 Hartwell Rd. Over three years the charity has raised over $137k and last year alone the charity raised over $60k 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/Skate4Charity2026
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, A&M Roofing, Dynamik Sports and Idle Hands Brewery.
If you would like more information follow us on instagram or Facebook @skate.4.charity
First church marlboro

FIRST CHURCH IN MARLBOROUGH 2026 SPRING RUMMAGE SALE

Women’s Fellowship of First Church in Marlborough, Congregational, UCC will hold its annual Spring Rummage Sale Friday night, April 17, from 5:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. and Saturday morning, April 18, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon.
Saturday will be a $5.00 Bag Sale. Fill a paper grocery bag (provided by Women’s Fellowship) and pay just $5.00 for everything in it. There will be clothing for adults and children, shoes, purses, tote bags, kitchenware, bedroom and bathroom linens, home décor, knickknacks, toys, games, puzzles, and miscellaneous items. Stop by and look around. You may find something you sorely need or desperately want.
Have fun shopping for some amazing bargains!!
First Church, 37 High St. (at the corner of Bolton St./Rte. 85 and High St.) above Union Common in downtown Marlborough. Parking is free. There is a small lot on the church property and a municipal lot next to the church.
Experience honk

Three Final Chances to Experience HONK! March 27-29 in Acton

Open Door Theater proudly presents HONK!, a musical telling of “The Ugly Duckling” story. HONK! is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his siblings, and others are quick to notice and point this out. Ugly is kind-hearted, awkward and innocent, and his journey of self-discovery is the heart of the show. This messaging supports the mission of Open Door Theater and will resonate with audiences now more than ever. Like Open Door Theater, HONK! has the audacity to assert that the default state of community should be inclusion and that “fowl” behavior will no longer be tolerated.
Open Door’s cast will present 3 final performances March 27-29, 2026 at the Dragonfly Theater at RJ Grey Jr. H.S, 16 Charter Rd, Acton. All performances are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation, open captioning, and audio-description. Tickets are $20 at www.OpenDoorTheater.org. Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Over its 45-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved audiences and participants to enjoy live theater.
Performances: 
  • Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Saturday March 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described


Sponsored in part by the Community Foundation for Metrowest, Astra Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Middlesex Savings Bank, Main Street Bank, Acton Lions, AB Community Compass and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Ayer, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, Stow, Sudbury and Westford.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. We have been continuing weekly on Thursdays by remote videoconference. Our meeting day is currently subject to change. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Stories of the old burial ground 2

Revolutionary War Epitaphs: Stories of the Old Burying Ground


In an area full of memorable places, the Old Burying Ground offers a uniquely evocative experience. Add to that a touch of melancholy, with the sense of time passing and fallen heroes honored…  One-hundred-and-five Revolutionary War Minutemen from Groton are interred within its intimate grounds, where generations of family names are etched into the lichened, moss-covered stones.

Cemetery Commissioner Don Black, will lead a tour of Groton’s Old Burying Ground on Saturday April 18 (rain date, Sunday; in the event of inclement weather then too, the event moves into the Legion Hall), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the first of several free public events celebrating the War for Independence, hosted by the Groton History Center.

Refreshments and amenities at the Legion Hall. Look for the Revolutionary War cannon, pride of the Groton Myseum, on display out front. Bonnie Carter and her grandson Devin will be on hand to share the cannon’s story – its capture from the British Warship Diana and centuries-long sojourn here.

Groton stands on the threshold of history. Few know this as well as Don Black, who has long served on the Park Commission, and is Chairman of the Commemoration and Celebration Committee for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. A font of knowledge, with a charming low-key delivery, Mr. Black has many stories to tell. When pressed for details about the cemetery tour, though, he smiled and said he likes to keep some things a surprise.

For information about the GHC, visit www.grotonhistory.org. Regular office hours at the Boutwell House, 172 Main Street, are Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with extended hours for drop-in visits and house tours (no appointment necessary) until 4 pm on Fridays. (For questions, email info@grotonhistory.com, or call 978-448-0092.)

The GFWC Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is Now Accepting Crafters’ Applications for the 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair.

Event: Northboro Junior Woman’s Club 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair

Date: Saturday, November 7,2026

Time: 9:00AM-3:00PM

Place: Robert E. Mexican Middle School,  145 Lincoln Street, Northboro, MA

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

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

Project Bread’s 58th Annual Walk for Hunger Opens Registration

Community Fundraiser Returns to the Boston Common Sunday, May 3

BOSTON – Registration is now open for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, the organization’s signature community fundraiser and one of Massachusetts’ most enduring anti-hunger events, turning compassion into action. Set for Sunday, May 3 on the Boston Common, the one-day celebration will bring together thousands of walkers for a family-friendly 3-mile loop featuring food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Now in its 58th year, the Walk for Hunger remains a beacon of hope for local families, raising $1 million to support Project Bread’s proven, statewide approach to advancing food security and ensuring access to nutritious food for children and families across Massachusetts.
Like-minded anti-hunger organizations are also invited to participate through Project Bread’s co-fundraising program, The Commonwealth. Participating nonprofits can form teams to raise funds for their own missions while contributing to Project Bread’s broader statewide impact.
Ready to get involved? Register to walk in-person or virtually,  start a personal or team fundraising page, or make a donation at projectbread.org/walk. For more information, email walk@projectbread.org.

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

 
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.

NEW! April 2nd: Floral Design Class at 6:00 pm. Back by popular demand, Judy Carven is teaching another floral design class in the Cabaret Cafe! Bring home your very own hand-made floral arrangement. Full bar available. $50.00 per student. Contact Judy, jkcarven@comcast.net, to reserve a spot. Payments can be sent to the instructor via Venmo.

April 3rd: Karaoke Night In the Cabaret Cafe. $5 entry. Doors open at 6:30, full bar available!

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

NEW! April 12th & 13th: Auditions for the fourth annual Ten-Minute Play Festival from 6:30 - 9:30 pm. Presented by the Playground Theatre Co. Performances to take place June 5th - 7th. Stay tuned for audition signups!

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







 
Easter egg stravaganza

Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Easter Egg Hunt & Family Fun

The Lutheran Church of the Savior is hosting a morning of fun, crafts, and an exciting Easter egg hunt!  All families are warmly invited to attend, and there is absolutely no charge.  Rain or Shine

When:  Saturday, March 28th at 10:30 am


Where:  The Lutheran Church of the Savior
426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA

Bring the kids, invite your friends, and come enjoy a joyful morning celebrating Easter together.  We hope to see you there!
Chelmsford town debate

Chelmsford Town Debate and Meet the Candidates Night

Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 7 pm, location Chelmsford Police Station Training Room - “Debates and Meet the Candidates.”
     Candidates running for contested and uncontested town offices have been invited to attend this meeting to introduce themselves and explain their reasons for running. You will have the chance to submit questions to each candidate. Following the debate, we will have a short business meeting

Groton Grange Contra Dance

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM, at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold,  who  will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes.

Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes. Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St

Easter Festivities

 
Maynard – Fire Safety Easter Egg Hunt taking place at the Maynard Fire Department on Saturday, 3/28 from 11:30AM - 1PM. FREE – Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.

Acton/Boxborough – ABFN Spring Fling and Egg Hunt at Boardwalk Campus Playground, 73 Spruce Street, Acton on Saturday, 3/28 from 10 – 11:30AM. Register at www.abfamily.org.

Concord – Annual Concord Rec Egg Hunt at Emerson Park Track, Concord on Friday, 3/27 from 5 – 6PM.

Bedford – Bedford Family Connection Spring Egg Hunt at Davis Elementary School Gymnasium on Saturday 3/28 from 10 – 11AM. Register at bfctoday.org. Free for members, small fee for nonmembers.
-Easter Egg-Stravaganza at The Lutheran Church of the Savior, 426 Davis Road, Bedford on Saturday 3/28 at 10:30AM.

Stow – Stow Lions Easter Bunny Breakfast at Center School in Stow on Sunday, 3/29 from 8AM – to 12:30PM.

Sudbury – Easter Egg Olympics at United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury on Saturday, 3/28 from 2 – 3PM.

Chelmsford – Easter Egg Hunt at Aldersgate UMC, 242 Boston Road (Rt. 4), Chelmsford on Saturday 4/4 from 10 – 11:30AM.



Egg Your House, Relay For Life Fundraiser - Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 4th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  We will go to Maynard, Acton, Concord, and Stow.  You must order them by March 25th.  Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form.  Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.

CONCERT FEATURES THREEPENNY MUSIC

The Nashoba Symphonic Band Chamber Players and Clarinet Choir will present their Spring Concert on Saturday, April 4th at 2 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (Green Road GPS) in Bolton. Admission is FREE.
The program includes music by Gordon Jacob and a setting of Grieg's Holberg Suite, played by the NSB Clarinet Choir. A Clarinet Choir (by the way) includes a full complement of clarinet varieties: Eb Soprano, the well-known Bb, Eb Alto, Bb Bass, and great-big Bb Contra-bass clarinets
The featured work is Kurt Weill's own setting of music from his Threepenny Opera in a chamber music setting. Performed by the NSB Chamber Players, the suite of 'songs' captures the mood of pre-war Berlin. And, yes folks, it includes what you will recognize as “Mack the Knife.”
Nashoba Symphonic Band will continue its season on May 1 with another small ensemble program and on May 3rd with the full Symphonic Band Concert featuring the classic band work, La Fiesta Mexicana.
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of The Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music and is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.

NASHOBA VALLEY CHORALE CONCERT

Program Highlights:
Nashoba Valley Chorale, in collaboration with the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra, proudly presents Masterwork: Bruckner's Te Deum on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 3:00, conducted by Anne Watson Born, Nashoba Valley Chorale's Music Director, and Jonathan Colby, Artistic Director of the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Te Deum brings 180 musicians together joined by four guest soloists.
The concert will take place in the beautiful Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Other works will include Brahms' Academic Festival Overture with Sir Malcom Sargent choral finale; Wagner's Elsa's Procession To The Cathedral; Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture; and Bruckner's Os Justi and Locus Iste.

Event Details:
Date:     Sunday, March 29, 2026
Time:     3:00 PM
Place:    Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA
Tickets:  $25 Adults/Seniors if purchased online ($30 if purchased at the door)
               $5 Children under age 18

The Nashoba Valley Chorale is well known through Central Massachusetts and draws singers from towns in the heart of Nashoba Valley as well as from all over the metro-west Boston area and southern New Hampshire. For more information about Nashoba Valley Chorale, visit https://nvcsings.org/

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents
“La Fête Française” April 10 & 12, 2026

 
March 13, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th season with performances of a concert titled “La Fête Française” in Fitchburg on April 10 and in Worcester on April 12.
Grab your beret and a warm croissant and get in the spirit of this French-themed program that puts the harp front and center. Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro was commissioned to showcase the innovations by a French harp-making company. Typically a deliberate and decidedly slow composer, Ravel wrote this piece in a mere 3 days.
Delicate, light, and charming, Saint-Saën’s Fantaisie is virtuosic for both harp and violin. The famous composer created this sparkling musical pas-de-deux for 2 sisters, succeeding in crafting a single-movement piece that feels light and improvised.
Chausson’s Piano Quartet is unmistakable in its French Romanticism, lyrical, bouyant, and lush. Remarkably, he never intended to be a composer; he studied and became a lawyer, though with no real interest in it he dabbled in several other occupations and art forms before landing at the Paris Conservatory where he studied music.
Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians: Krista Buckland Reisner: violin, Rohan Gregory: violin, Peter Sulski: viola, David Russell: cello, Randall Hodgkinson: piano
Friday, April 10 @7:30PM Sunday, April 12 @4PM
Fitchburg Art Museum Shapiro Hall, Joy of Music
185 Elm Street, Fitchburg 1 Gorham Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @3:30 PM

Reception to follow immediately
The April 10 concert is  funded in part by the Gardner  and Lunenburg Cultural Councils, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Venue is handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/la-fete-francaise/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.
Weston ma walk2

WESTON, MA WALK

SATURDAY, April 25th– The Walk 'n Mass Volkssport Club invites walkers to complete a 5km or 10km (3.1 or 6.2 mile) walk route in Weston, MA. This is a walk-at-your-own pace, just-for-fun event “in your own backyard.”

The start point is the Weston Public Library, 87 School Street, Weston,MA 02493. Register and begin walking between 10:30-12:30. Finish by 4 p.m. There is a $4 participation fee per person. Donations are accepted. The 5km and 10km routes are on mostly flat and paved surfaces.The trail would be doable for strollers but difficult for wheelchairs due to the trail through the woods, a short grassy path, and uneven pavement in some places.

The 10km route consists of the 5km route with 2 loops branching off the 5km route. Except for one stretch of the 10km route following a trail through some woods and another short, steep path joining the rail trail, both routes are on sidewalks and the rail trail passing some historic buildings, residential areas with large homes and tree-filled spaces. Both the 10km and 5km routes continue and exit onto Concord Rd to complete the route through the center of Weston.

Walkers will pass the fieldstone First Parish Church and the Colonial Revival-style Weston Town Hall, a fire station built in 1914 the town’s original library built in 1899 and now the home of Weston Art & Innovation Center as well as the Weston Media Center.

Volkssporting events sponsored by Walk 'n Mass Volkssport Club promote fun, fitness and friendship through non-competitive walking and biking. There is also an achievement awards program through the American Volkssport Association (AVA). For further information contact Marianne at (339)-204-3700. You may also contact www.walknmass.org for this event and future events.
Pianos on the town

Concord Conservatory of Music Issues Call to Artists for 20th Anniversary Public Art Project, Pianos on the Town

CONCORD, MA — In celebration of its 20th anniversary and two decades of bringing music to the heart of the community, the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) announces Pianos on the Town, a vibrant public art initiative arriving this spring. CCM is now inviting local and regional artists to submit original design proposals to transform upright pianos into unique, playable works of art.

The artist-designed pianos will be installed in high-traffic outdoor locations throughout Concord and West Concord, where community members of all ages are encouraged to stop, play, and enjoy the experience. The public exhibition will run from May 30 through June 27, 2026. A full map of piano locations and a schedule of pop-up CCM performances will be released in May 2026.

Produced in partnership with the internationally recognized arts organization Sing for Hope, Pianos on the Town brings together visual art and live music to foster creativity, accessibility, and community connection. The project will launch with a communitywide unveiling on May 30, 2026, marking the official debut of the painted pianos across town.

“For twenty years, CCM has been dedicated to the belief that music should be accessible to everyone,” said Kate Yoder, Executive Director and Founder of CCM. “Pianos on the Town is a joyful expression of that mission—an open invitation for people to pause, listen, and play, while celebrating the extraordinary talent of our local artistic community.”

Artist Submission Details
CCM seeks bold, imaginative, and durable designs that reflect the character, history, and spirit of Concord. Selected artists will receive a stipend and the opportunity to showcase their work in one of the town’s most visible and engaging public settings. Eight to ten designs will be selected.

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
  • Launch Day Celebration: May 30, 2026
  • Exhibition Dates: May 30 – June 27, 2026
  • Guidelines and How to Apply: Artists may submit proposals through the Sing for Hope digital application portal now open to the public.
Adjudication Process
Submitted designs will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of local artists, business leaders, and community stakeholders. Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic merit, durability for outdoor display, and alignment with the project’s goal of encouraging public engagement and community connection.  If you would like to apply and have questions, please contact Sara Seng at Sseng@ConcordConservatory.org.
Fresh start furniture 2

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org


All of us Fresh Start volunteers were wearing our green on Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day! We are hoping to see some donations come in today. At present, we are in need of pristine mattresses, and new or gently used towel sets, queen size sheets sets, and shower curtains. We are also low on couches now. We would love to hand out gift cards to our clients for them to pick up things they need for their homes. If you can donate gift cards from Target, Amazon, or Job Lot, that would be great. Last week I entered 51,000 items into our inventory!!  This number system was set up shortly after the pandemic.  We inventory all of our furniture, artwork, lamps, appliances, dishes, and rugs.
     Look at our website for more details. You can bring donations to us at 16 Brent Dr. in Hudson on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from nine to noon, Household items only ( no furniture).  Saturdays, you can bring furniture between 8:30 and 10:30, and other household goods from 8:30 to noon.
     Thank you for your help!

Upcoming Events at the CCA

Keep the Blood Supply Stable: Give Blood or Platelets with Red Cross
Free A1C testing on successful donations, $15 Amazon Gift Card by email for coming to give in March
BOSTON, March 9, 2026 — This March, the American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply steady headed into spring.

Some parts of the nation are still clearing snow, but the threat of severe spring weather is already growing. Now is the time to book a blood or platelet donation appointment to help prevent any future disruption to patient care.

Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made March 1-31, 2026 (one result in 2026). Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2026, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Details on both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/March.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 14-31:

Chelmsford
3/17/2026: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Elks Lodge, 300 Littleton Road

North Chelmsford
3/25/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Chelmsford American Legion, 90 Groton Road

Upcoming Events at the CCA

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

NEW! March 14th: "Collecting One's Thoughts" – Britton Boughner Gallery Opening Reception from 12:00 - 3:00 pm. Installation running now through April 30th.

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.

April 3rd: Karaoke Night In the Cabaret Cafe. $5 entry. Doors open at 6:30, full bar available!

NEW! April 4th: 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.

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

NEW! April 12th & 13th: Auditions for the fourth annual Ten-Minute Play Festival from 6:30 - 9:30 pm. Presented by the Playground Theatre Co. Performances to take place June 5th - 7th. Stay tuned for audition signups!

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

The Chelmsford Community Concert Band Winter Concert

The Chelmsford Community Concert Band invites you to their Winter Concert on Sunday, March 15, at 2pm, at the Chelmsford High School Performing Arts Center.  This year’s concert is a celebration of music that originated with the written word.  The program includes homages to Hugo’s Les Miserables, Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens, and both the original Wizard of Oz and Wicked.  The performance will also feature a piece based on Kerouac’s writings, penned by a local composer, UMass Lowell professor Daniel Lutz.
Admission to the concert is free, but donations are always very gratefully accepted so that the band can continue to operate.  Suggested donations are $10 for adults and $20 for families.
The Chelmsford Community Band has a 75-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 local businesses, arts organizations such as the Chelmsford Cultural Council, and your donations.  Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky, and find them online at www.chelmsfordcommunityband.com.
Holy week at aldersgate

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, March 29 through April 5.

Palm Sunday: March 29 – Worship services at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Classes for all ages and fellowship time at 9:30.

Maundy Thursday: April 2, 7:30 p.m. – Worship service of Tenebrae and Holy Communion.

Eggs-tra! Eggs-stra!: Saturday, April 4, 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 5 – 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.
Order compost bins

Order Now to Save on Compost Bins and Rain Barrels

The Town of Chelmsford is offering residents a fantastic opportunity to save on compost bins and rain barrels through a special pre-order sale! Compost bins are available for just $25 (regularly $100), and rain barrels are offered at $70 (regularly $120).

By purchasing these items, you'll be able to reduce waste, conserve resources, and enhance the health of your garden. Composting not only helps create nutrient-rich soil but also eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, promoting healthier plants while reducing landfill waste. Rain barrels allow you to capture rainwater, which can lower your water bill, reduce runoff, and improve your soil’s pH balance for better plant growth.

Pick up your orders on Saturday, March 28, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chelmsford DPW, 9 Alpha Road (side entrance on Tracy Road). The order deadline is March 22. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to make a positive environmental impact!  Order at https://enviroworld.com/chelmsford. 

Women's Money Matters Seeks Volunteers to Meet Growing Need for Financial Wellness Programs

 
BOSTON, MA — Women's Money Matters, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that empowers women and girls living on low incomes to improve their financial health, is seeking volunteer coaches and presenters across Eastern Massachusetts to support a surge in demand for its free financial wellness programs. The nonprofit is recruiting volunteers in Middlesex, Suffolk, Essex, and Norfolk Counties as recent federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid have left thousands of Massachusetts families without critical safety net support. In Massachusetts, nearly 1 in 9 women live in poverty, and for women of color, that number climbs to 1 in 5. Recent federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid have compounded that stress.
Women's Money Matters offers free, group-based financial wellness programs that combine financial health workshops, peer support, and personalized one-to-one coaching. WMM's programs don't just provide financial concepts. They build the confidence and habits that lead to lasting change. It's not just about knowing how to manage money, but ultimately gaining confidence and feeling in control of your financial life.
Central to that model is the one-to-one coaching relationship. Each participant is paired with a dedicated volunteer coach for the duration of the three-month program: someone who shows up every week, learns their specific goals and challenges, and provides consistent, personalized support that a classroom setting alone cannot offer. Coaches are not required to have a financial background. Their role is to listen, encourage, and help participants stay accountable to the goals they set for themselves.
Alongside coaches, volunteer presenters bring subject matter expertise into the workshops themselves. Presenters share their knowledge in a single, 90-minute workshop—perfect for busy professionals who want to give back but can't commit to an ongoing volunteer role. Topics range from building credit to protecting against fraud to retirement planning.

The Impact: Real Results, Real Change
WMM's financial wellness programs produce measurable, life-changing outcomes. Among Financial Futures graduates:
  • 254% average increase in savings—from $264 at program start to $934 at completion
  • 26% average increase in monthly income—from $2,072 to $2,601
  • 40+ point average credit score increase
  • 96% of graduates feel confident managing their finances at program completion
  • 100% report using a budget to manage their expenses—up from just 20% at program start
Join 417 volunteers who contributed more than 14,000 hours to WMM last year and help grow that impact!

Upcoming Information Sessions
Register now to learn more about volunteer opportunities:
For a full list of upcoming information sessions, visit: womensmoneymatters.org/upcoming-programs/upcoming-info-sessions/
To express interest in volunteering, contact Ariana Contreras at acontreras@womensmoneymatters.org or visit womensmoneymatters.org/volunteer-opportunities/.
Fifth domain of warfare

THE FIFTH DOMAIN OF WARFARE

Saturday March 21, 1:00 PM
Fort Devens Museum, 3rd Floor, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA

Join us at the Fort Devens Museum as we welcome back Gabriel Landowski to share an update of current cybersecurity concerns and initiatives-including increased use of AI.
In 2026 Cyber will continue to impact our lives in a number of ways. From Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing to the daily operation of nations at home and abroad. Please join us and ask the questions you’d like to learn more about!
Gabriel Landowski is a current Army Reserve Major and Cyber Operations Officer as well as Google | Mandiant Managed Defense Consultant with more than a decade of experience. His views and opinions are his own and do not represent the US government/military, Mandiant, or Google.
The Fort Devens Museum is located on the 3rd floor of 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA with universal accessibility. The museum is open 10 to 3 on March 21st with the program at 1:00 PM. Admission to the museum and the program is free with donations appreciated. Visit fortdevensmuseum.org for more information.

Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding Event
Help Save Our Planet and Protect Your Identity

On Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9 – 1, Memorial Congregational Church is hosting its Spring electronics recycling and document shredding event.

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

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

You may pay by cash, check, or VENMO.

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

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

Happy (almost) Spring!  My outdoor thermometer is showing 68 degrees now!
     Please check our website (above) for information about our furniture bank.  There are links to donate $$ through PayPal and Venmo.  You can find our hours of operation, what we take and do not take, information about what we do, and lots more.
     This week we still need:
Queen sheet sets, queen and full-size blankets & comforters, bath mats & shower liners and bath towels.  In the kitchen department we need large skillets and large pots, food storage containers, mixing & serving bowls, pot holders, measuring spoons & cups, non-slotted & slotted spoons, can openers, cutting boards, strainers, baking sheets, and silverware.  We are low on artwork to dress up our clients’ new homes.  We always need box springs and mattresses, and rugs and dining tables.  You can bring non-furniture items to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson from 9-noon Tuesday and Thursday and from 8:30-noon on Saturdays with furniture donations from 8:30-10:30 Saturday.
     We help a lot of families, thanks to donations from people like you.  Donations do not have to be new (but that’s great if they are!) but they need to be in good shape for us to give to our clients.
   Thank you

59th Annual Ham & Turkey Raffle
At Stony Brook Fish & Game

(128 Lowell Road – Westford) Sunday March 29th – 1PM
20 Easter Hams and 20 Turkeys raffled on a spin wheel
*Sirloin Strips, Prime Ribs and others are also being raffled off. Raffle tickets on sale at the event! $1500 Cash drawing as well! (Drawing tickets on sale now – see any Stony Brook member) Open to the public.
Food and beverages will also be available.
Habitat for humanity 2

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts Celebrates Home Dedication in Ayer


Ayer, MA – March 10, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is proud to announce the dedication of its newest homes at 12 Newton Street in Ayer, a beautiful duplex that will soon welcome two local families.
The Home Dedication Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 10th at 10:00 AM at the property site. Community members, volunteers, sponsors, and local officials are invited to attend and celebrate this special milestone.
The newly constructed duplex features two 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes built with energy-efficient materials and systems designed to provide long-term affordability and sustainability for the partner families. These thoughtfully designed homes will not only reduce utility costs but also create a safe, stable environment where families can thrive.
“This dedication represents more than just the completion of a building,” said Diana Sinkus of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. “It represents partnership, perseverance, and the power of community coming together to create strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.”
Each Habitat homeowner completes hundreds of hours of “sweat equity,” working alongside volunteers and investing in their future. Through affordable mortgage payments and financial education, families gain the opportunity to build equity and achieve long-term housing stability.
This project was made possible thanks to the generous support of volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners who believe that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to call home.
Event Details:
📍 12 Newton Street, Ayer, MA
📅 Tuesday, March 10, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM

Upcoming Events at the CCA

 
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.
 

Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility with Panel Discussion in Chelmsford

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.

Chelmsford Library Shows the Documentary Plastic People

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?

Don’t Miss Our APRIL EVENT Sponsored by the Friends of the Chelmsford Senior Center
  Mangia! Meatballs! Murder!

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.
Open door theater

Open Door Theater Takes Flight with HONK! March 20-29 in Acton

Open Door Theater proudly presents HONK!, a musical telling of “The Ugly Duckling” story. HONK! is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his siblings, and others are quick to notice and point this out. Ugly is kind-hearted, awkward and innocent, and his journey of self-discovery is the heart of the show. This messaging supports the mission of Open Door Theater and will resonate with audiences now more than ever. Like Open Door Theater, HONK! has the audacity to assert that the default state of community should be inclusion and that “fowl” behavior will no longer be tolerated.
Open Door’s cast will present 6 performances March 20-29, 2026 at the Dragonfly Theater at RJ Grey Jr. H.S, 16 Charter Rd, Acton. All performances are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation and open captioning. There will be audio-described performances on the second weekend. Tickets are $20 at www.OpenDoorTheater.org. Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Over its 45-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved audiences and participants to enjoy live theater.
Performances: 
  • Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
  • Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
  • Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
  • Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Saturday March 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described


Sponsored in part by the Community Foundation for Metrowest, Astra Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Middlesex Savings Bank, Main Street Bank, Acton Lions, AB Community Compass and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Ayer, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, Stow, Sudbury and Westford.
Emass senior softball

EMASS Senior Softball League Opens Player Registration for 2026 Season
Be Part of a Team, Form Lasting Friendships and Enjoy Balanced Competition

WAYLAND, Mass. – February 26, 2026 – Eastern Massachusetts Senior Softball (EMASS) is opening its annual registration campaign for men and women softball players age 50 and older. With approximately 500 members, the league attracts players from towns across Eastern Massachusetts, with games played primarily in Wayland, Medfield, Ashland, and Framingham. The EMASS season runs from late April through early October, including playoffs. Interested players can register for the EMASS 2026 season at https://e-mass.org/current-programs.

EMASS has six divisions that accommodate a range of skill levels. Two play doubleheaders on Saturday mornings, and four play on weekday mornings. EMASS has many seniors in their fifties and sixties who can still hit a ball over a 300-foot fence, run down a deep drive in the outfield, or turn a double play in the infield. Other divisions allow players whose talents may have diminished over time to enjoy playing with similarly skilled friends.

A Community of Like-Minded Players Who Become Friends: “We are a group of folks who recognize how lucky we are to be able to play a game we love at our current age and at a level that matches our abilities,” said Steve Bober, Commissioner of EMASS.
“I joined EMASS when I retired and didn’t know a single person,” said Al Handel, an EMASS Division Coordinator. “Six years later, the best thing about being part of this community has been the number of friends I’ve made. This is truly the essence of the experience.”

A Physical Activity Outlet with Balanced Competition: EMASS adds about 60 new players each year. “We shuffle team rosters in all divisions every year to enhance connections within our large softball-loving community,” said Board member Rich Goldberg. “Our members enjoy competing with and against their friends.”
A Sense of Accomplishment:  In retirement, without a job to perform consistently, some retirees worry about how they will enjoyably fill their days.
“A lot of my self-worth came from my job, so when I retired, I worried whether I would still matter,” said Andy Wrobel. “EMASS softball has helped answer that question with a resounding ‘yes.’ Now, in addition to other pursuits, I measure my accomplishments in hits, runs scored, smiles, and high-fives.” 

For more information about EMASS Senior Softball League, visit www.e-mass.org.
About EMASS Senior Softball League :EMASS was founded in 1995 and offers active seniors of all skill levels a safe, well-organized opportunity to play competitive slow-pitch softball. Players can sign up for a division with players of similar abilities. With two Saturday divisions and four weekday divisions, players can play at a level most comfortable for them. Many members play on different teams in multiple divisions.