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Current Edition - 8/28/26

Concord/Bedford/Carlisle

Just click below on the paper you want to read. You can read life-size by clicking on the four corner box bottom right, then turn pages with mouse at corners just like you would if paper!

Previous Edition - 8/21/26

HEADLINES

Middlesex County 4-H Fair from August 28-30

The Middlesex County 4-H Fair is from August 28-30, 8am-6pm, except for Sunday, when it closes at 4pm. The fairground is located at 55 South Chelmsford Road, Westford. There is parking at the fairgrounds, as well as additional parking with a free shuttle that drops off at the gate.
The fair is family-friendly and geared towards kids, but is enjoyable for all ages. There is livestock which includes horses, goats, dogs, cows, chickens, rabbits, and sheep.  The animals are shown by 4-H youth, who compete for ribbons and also to entertain the public.
The showing class is where animals are displayed and are judged on how well they handle and how they look. Some of the highlights in livestock are the horse shows, rabbit races, the chicken poop bingo and dog agility.
In addition to livestock, 4-H members are also judged on various projects, which are displayed in the Static Barn. Examples of projects include: arts and crafts, home-grown produce, photography, bee and maple products, and a wide variety of posters - just to name a few.
One of the most popular activities is the hay ride, which allows people to see the whole fair while riding a tractor. There are also various shows and performances, corn husking and a watermelon eating contest, bouncy house, and lots of fair food.
4-H youth help run parts of the fair, and it is not uncommon to see them as you walk around. The fair happens once a year, but 4-H members spend all year working on their projects, taking care of, and training their animals. These 3 days of the fair allow the pubic to see all their hard work.
There is enough at the fair that you will not get bored, but it isn’t large like the Topsfield or BigE fair. The fair has been relatively unchanged since its founding in 1956. We like to stick to the roots of what a county fair really is.
4-H is a youth organization founded in 1902, with 6 million youth nationwide and 5,148 in Massachusetts. Although the roots of 4-H are in agriculture, it has expanded to a wide range of interests including STEM education. 4-H focuses on developing skills like public speaking, record keeping, leadership, and working on year long projects with animals or plants which teaches patience and hard work.

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. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.
Womens business

The Women's Business Network (WBN) Hosts Best Practices for Use of AI in Your Business

The Women's Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 pm at Holy Trinity Parish (St. Theresa Church) church hall, 15 Still River Road in Harvard MA. We will have a presentation by Leia Owen, Marketing and Business Consultant, who will break down some of the most common AI tools and features available to businesses, as to what they’re actually good for, and where you still need a human in the driver’s seat. WBN is a local, volunteer-run networking group of women in small businesses, professional practices, non-profits and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education & networking. Guests welcome. 

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOSTS MIDDLESEX DISTRICT ATTORNEY CANDIDATE FORUM

With the September 1st state primary fast approaching, Middlesex County voters can hear directly from the two Democratic candidates vying to lead the county’s District Attorney office. Incumbent District Attorney Marian Ryan and challenger David Solet, a former longtime prosecutor in the office, appeared recently at a candidate forum taped at NewTV’s studios in Newton. The tape of the forum is online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA.

The forum was organized by a coalition of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and local League of Women Voters chapters – including the Westford League – in coordination with NewTV, Newton’s local media outlet. Following League practice, the forum was structured around a series of moderated questions submitted by community members in advance, with both candidates having equal time to respond and lay out their vision for the office.

Since there is no candidate for District Attorney on the Republican primary ballot, the winner of the Democratic primary will be the presumptive next District Attorney.

As chief prosecutor for Middlesex County, the DA decides whether to bring charges, prosecutes criminal cases, and works with police during investigations, with a duty to pursue fair outcomes, not just convictions.

The taped forum is now online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA, giving voters time to watch it before heading to the polls in the state primary election on Tuesday, September 1. Registered Democrats, as well as unenrolled voters (aka “independent” voters) and those enrolled in political “designations” who choose the Democratic ballot, can vote in this race.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information, go to https://lwv.westford.org/.
Hab hum 2026 gala2

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell Hosts 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala to Raise $150,000 for Affordable Housing

Concord, MA — September 18th, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell will host its 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala on Friday, September 18, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA. This signature fundraising event aims to raise over $150,000 in support of affordable housing initiatives across 16 towns in Greater Lowell.

Guests will enjoy a formal evening featuring a seated dinner, music, and silent and live auctions. Beyond a memorable night out, it’s also an opportunity to connect with community leaders, business professionals, and neighbors who share a passion for making a difference. Funds raised will directly support Habitat’s mission to build, rehabilitate, and repair safe, affordable homes for low-income families in the region.

“Our community is facing a real housing crisis,” said Sheilagh Carlisle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. “This Gala isn’t just a night out—it’s a way to come together and do something meaningful. Every ticket, every donation helps a local family build a stable home and a better future. When we invest in our neighbors, we strengthen the entire community.”

This year’s Gala comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell has expanded its building efforts from one home per year to four, with projects underway in Westford, and Concord. In Concord, HFHGL has been progressing on a new development called Assabet River Homes in partnership with the Concord Housing Development Corporation and with $1 million committed from the Concord Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. The project will create three new homeownership opportunities, with foundations currently being installed. The total project cost is
estimated at $2.1 million, and the organization is actively seeking $1 million in additional funding to support these early stages, making the Gala critical to advancing the project.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.lowellhabitat.org/gala.
Aquarium turtles

New England Aquarium Returns Four Rehabilitated Sea Turtles to the Ocean in Fifth Beach Release of the Season


Kemp's ridley sea turtles “Lucky” and “Dumpling” to be tagged for post-release monitoring

BOSTON, MASS. (Aug. 20, 2026) – Four Kemp's ridley sea turtles are back in the ocean off Cape Cod, Mass., after the New England Aquarium released them Wednesday evening following months of specialized treatment. The Aquarium has now released 38 rehabilitated turtles this summer.
Staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., treated the hypothermic turtles for a variety of life-threatening medical conditions, including pneumonia, dehydration, and trauma, after they washed onto the shores of Cape Cod in November and December 2025. Aquarium veterinarians cleared the turtles–named “Dumpling,” “Jumble,” “Lucky,” and “Old English”–to return to Nantucket Sound from West Dennis Beach following eight months of care. Dumpling received treatment for severe pneumonia and flipper swelling, while Jumble, Lucky, and Old English underwent surgery for bacterial infections in their joints.
“As the season winds down, these later releases mark a special milestone in our rescue and rehabilitation program,” said Adam Kennedy, Director of Rescue and Rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium. “The turtles heading home have undergone some of the most rigorous treatments, with each patient representing months of recovery. It's a moment worth marking in the broader effort to conserve sea turtles for generations to come.”
Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are endangered, facing threats including climate change, ocean pollution, and degradation of their habitats. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts help to conserve the species.
Scientists from the Aquarium’s research arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, will be using tagging technology to monitor two of the turtles, “Lucky” and “Dumpling.” The tags applied to the turtles’ shells collect information about the animals’ behavior, habitat use, and survivorship, which helps inform sea turtle conservation and protection efforts, especially in New England where little is known about these species. This season, the team is using a combination of satellite tags for real-time data and acoustic tags for longer-term tracking; some of the turtles will be added to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Tracker for the public to follow their journey. This sea turtle work is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Permit Number ES69328.
During the 2025 cold-stunning season, which ran from early November to late December, the Aquarium treated nearly 500 live sea turtles, most of them Kemp’s ridleys, that were rescued from Cape Cod beaches by staff and volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Getting these turtles back to full health requires a collaborative effort among biologists, veterinarians, and researchers. A few turtles remain at the Aquarium's Quincy facility, continuing treatment until they are medically cleared to return to the ocean.
Aquarium staff, volunteers, and interns have a tradition of naming the turtles receiving long-term care, with this year’s theme being font-inspired names.

Minuteman Senior Services is Seeking Volunteer Meals on Wheels Drivers

For 50 years, Minuteman Senior Services has provided older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers with the information and assistance they need to make informed decisions about their care and support. The need for volunteer meal drivers is growing as more older adults depend on home-delivered meals to remain safely and independently at home. Just a few hours of your time each month can help ensure that local seniors receive nutritious meals and the social connection that comes with a friendly visit.
We are seeking caring volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound older adults from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekdays. Volunteers can choose to serve once a week or twice a month. Mileage reimbursement is available. This simple commitment can have a lasting impact on the life of an older adult in your community. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 781-221-7093 or email volunteer@MinutemanSenior.org.

Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean's List

 
BOSTON, Mass. (Grassroots Newswire) August 13, 2026 - The following local residents were named to the 2026 spring semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston.
  • * Vivi Larew, Concord

    * Maliha Malek, Concord

    * Maya McCabe, Concord

    * Blythe Pomeroy, Concord

    * Fay Tubbs, Concord
To qualify for dean's list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.

About Simmons University
Located in the heart of Boston, Simmons is a respected private university offering nearly 50 majors and programs for undergraduate women and graduate programs open to all on campus, in blended formats or entirely online, in nursing and health sciences, business, communications, social work, public health, library and information science, and more. Founded in 1899, Simmons inspires a culture of education, connection, and action through high-impact learning with engaged faculty, an immersive community that forges lifelong networks, and career-centered programs that accelerate professional success. The result is a Simmons experience that prepares graduates to thrive as they launch and advance in their careers. For more information, please visit www.simmons.edu.
Steampunk4

Steampunk Stroll & Soiree with FelixOddiTEA at the Maynard Sidewalk Sale on August 22nd

Felixology Bookshop in downtown Maynard has an epic day of events planned on Saturday August 22nd. The quiet streets of Maynard will transform into something extraordinary. From 10am to 4pm, Felixology at 2 Walnut St. will become the heart of a full day of oddities, tea, music, creativity, bargains, and adventure. The day's events include:

FelixOddiTEA: Felixology will host Professor Krumpp's Cabinet of Curiosities, a pop-up museum of curiosities, oddities, and ephemera. Behind our secret bookshelf door we will have a crafting speakeasy where you can Make Your own Mini Cabinet of Curiosities for $25, including access to the all-day tea buffet. The tea will consist of a buffet of various teas, both caffeinated and non-caffeinated, hot and iced, as well as sweet and savory treats. Seating will be outside in our pop-up tea garden. There is a tea-only ticket price of $15 and participants will receive a 20% discount on Felixology's packaged teas.

Steampunk Stroll and Photo Scavenger Hunt: Guests are invited to take a self-guided stroll through historic Maynard and the first annual Downtown Sidewalk Sale (10am to 3pm). Felixology will have a variety of maps available highlighting historic sites, businesses, and restaurants.Guests will be able to participate in a Selfie Scavenger Hunt by taking photos at various locations around Maynard. Show us your photos at Felixology and post the pics on your socials for some swag and discounts. Felixology will host our own Steampunk Photo Station.

Diabolis In Musica: The Medieval Steampunk band Diabolis In Musica will perform periodically throughout the day at Felixology.

Hudson Mudworth Thinks of Something Author Event: Chris Beatrice, author and illustrator of the Steampunk kids' book Hudson Mudworth Thinks of Something, will be signing copies of his book and riding his penny farthing.

Downtown Maynard Sidewalk Sale and Farmer's Market: Downtown Maynard will become the site of the first annual Sidewalk Sale! There will be bargains, events, and excitement. Be sure to check out the anniversary party for Secondhand News and the Witch Bells Making Workshop at The Sea Cauldron. Felixology will have tons of discounts, specials, and discounts all day. And don't forget the Maynard Farmer's Market at Mill & Main from 9am-1pm.

S.T.E.A.M. City Fundraiser: FelixOddiTEA is more than just a pleasant Saturday, it's a fundraiser for S.T.E.A.M. City Corporation, an educational non-profit teaching science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Additional support for the event is provided by the Maynard Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council.

Details at a Glance: In a world that often feels too ordinary, FelixOddiTEA offers a rare invitation; spend a day among curiosities, music, tea, and good company. Come curious, leave enchanted.

Saturday, August 22, 10am-4pm
Felixology, 2 Walnut St, Maynard, MA
FelixOddiTEA, Cabinet Workshop and Tea Buffet: $25 (12-4pm)
Tea Only: $15 (11:30am-4:30pm)
Steampunk attire is encouraged but not required. Come as you are, or come as the eccentric inventor, explorer, or time traveler you've always wanted to be. Look for our Curious Crier for announcements and directions. But beware, he's very curious!

For More Information: felixology.com        felixology.square.site

Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition

The Concord Orchestra is announcing the opening of applications for auditions for their Young Artists Competition.  Auditions will be held on Thursday and Friday, November 5-6, 2026.  Auditions will be held at the Moloney Performing Arts Center (formerly Durgin Hall), 35 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA  01854, on the campus of the University of Massachusetts in Lowell.   The winner will be the featured soloist on the Concord Orchestra's winter concerts, on Saturday, January 30, and Sunday, January 31, 2027.  The winner will also receive the Ehlers Memorial Scholarship cash award of $500.  Up to two runners up may be invited to perform a recital prior to these concerts.  The competition is open to high school and younger instrumental students, including pianists.  Applications are due October 19, 2026.  For complete requirements regarding eligible repertoire, maximum concerto length, specific memorization requirements for each instrument, and to apply online, please visit our Young Artist website page at:  https://www.concordorchestra.com/young-artist-concerto-competition.  Please email any further questions regarding the competition to:  jan.kinmonth@gmail.com with subject line “Concord Orchestra YA    Competition.” 

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents “Autumn Winds”
September 25 in Harvard and September 26 in Worcester

August 18, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society begins its 21st Season with a concert titled “Autumn Winds” at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard on September 25 and at Assumption University in Worcester on September 26.  A reception will follow each concert.
The chamber music ensemble opens the season with three pieces written in three centuries. Mozart and Brahms each composed works in their masterful styles that display the virtuosity of the hornist and clarinetist for whom they were written. In 1782 shortly after his marriage, Mozart composed his Horn Quintet for friend Joseph Leutgeb; Leutgeb played a natural horn which, unlike modern French horns, lacked valves, relying instead on a variety of crooks and hand-stopping techniques to play the instrument’s full range. In 1891, Brahms wrote his Clarinet Trio for Richard Mühlfeld, whose fine musicianship inspired Brahms to begin composing again after an intentional retirement. Dohnányi’s Sextet showcases both instruments in a work that nods to Brahms while delighting in its own eccentricity and sass. In 1935, Dohnányi wrote this piece during a long illness.

Friday, September 25 @7:30PM Saturday, September 26 @7:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
9 Ayer Road, Harvard 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM

Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K.407/386c
Johannes Brahms | Clarinet Trio, Op. 114
Ernő Dohnányi | Sextet, Op. 37

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

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

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.

Native Plant Trust Launches Restoration Accelerator™ to Address Growing Shortage of Locally Adapted Native Seed



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

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

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

Senate Candidates Seth Moulton, Joe Tache and John Deaton Join Project Bread Forum on Hunger and Federal SNAP Cuts

The U.S. Postal Service will release a new commemorative stamp celebrating the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. This special issue continues the long-standing postal tradition of honoring the nation's premier military service institutions.

The first-day-of-issue unveiling ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Forever stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #USCoastGuardStamp.

Saturday September 12, 2026 at 10AM at the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival, Custom House Pier at Waterfront Park,1 Waterfront Park St., New London, CT 06320. Attendees are encouraged to register at: https://www.usps.com/uscoastguardstamp/

The stamp art features photographs of the USCGC Eagle, the Coast Guard Academy’s primary training vessel since 1946, and USCGC Bertholf, a Legend-class national security cutter whose missions include maritime drug interdiction and securing the maritime border. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed this stamp with photographs courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Project bread 3

Senate Candidates Seth Moulton, Joe Tache and John Deaton Join Project Bread Forum on Hunger and Federal SNAP Cuts

Nonpartisan Event Puts Positions on the Record Ahead of Sept. 1 Primary and November Election

EAST BOSTON, Mass. – On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Project Bread and the Make Hunger History Coalition hosted a nonpartisan forum at the nonprofit's East Boston office, inviting all announced candidates for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts to answer questions on food insecurity, federal nutrition programs and their policy plans for addressing hunger.

Participating candidates Seth Moulton (D), Joe Tache (PSL) and John Deaton (R) responded to a series of questions in a rotating order, with no direct debate format between them. The forum was intended to elevate food security as an electoral issue and put candidates' positions on record for voters.

“Federal cuts to SNAP this past year have made it harder for eligible residents to access the program,” says Erin McAleer, CEO of Project Bread. “Project Bread and the Make Hunger History Coalition bring together partners from all walks of life across this state with one goal: permanently ending hunger in Massachusetts. To get there, we need the political will, and we need our leaders actively talking about and addressing hunger.”

Food insecurity in Massachusetts has reached 40% of households, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank, with roughly 1 in 2 Black and Latino/a households struggling to get enough to eat. Nearly 62,000 Massachusetts children have lost SNAP benefits since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's passage last July, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

SNAP is a proven economic driver: every dollar in benefits generates up to $1.80 in local economic activity, and more than 1 million Massachusetts residents rely on it, most of them children, seniors or people with disabilities.

Project Bread's Make Hunger History Coalition unites more than 700 partners around one goal: making Massachusetts the first state to permanently end hunger. The forum aimed to build political accountability on that goal ahead of the Sept. 1 primary and November general election.

People experiencing food insecurity should call or text Project Bread's toll-free FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential assistance connecting callers to food resources, including SNAP benefits, in more than 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org/get-help.

Join us for the Fabulous 48th Season of the Sounds of Stow!

Selections focus on “Connections”, both musical and thematic, promoting visions of hope and shared humanity.
Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals, Monday evenings August 31, September 7, and September 14 at the First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9:15. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers.
Sunday, November 22, 2026, our season opens with Maurice Durufle's much beloved "Requiem".  Stylistic traditions and techniques spanning centuries are evident in this piece, composed in 1947, which is mainly contemplative, but breaks into memorable dramatic renderings of appropriate texts. Barbara Jones directs the chorus, accompanied by organ, strings, trumpets, harp and timpani, in the beautiful Salem Covenant Church just east of Worcester.
Building on the great success of Christopher Tin’s “To Shiver The Sky” (April, 2026), we eagerly anticipate performing his “The Drop that Contained the Sea” on April 11, 2027.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus is a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly encourage Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! We hope to see you this month!

For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email
soundsofstow@gmail.com

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. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank Needs Your Donations
www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

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

An Evening with Julie Carrick Dalton, Author of “The Forest Becomes Her,” at
Discovery Museum September 23

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

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

Heritage Chorale Open Rehearsals and Auditions

Sing with Us!
Announcing Open Rehearsals for the Chorale's 90th season on two Tuesdays, September 8 and 15. Open Rehearsals give potential new members a chance to sing with us and audition after the rehearsal if they are interested in chorale membership. You can experience the energy, talent and dedication of Heritage Chorale singers, our inspired music director Steven Lipsitt, and expert accompanist Leona Cheung. We are proud to uphold the tradition of choral excellence established so many years ago in Framingham, MA.

We rehearse at Scott Hall, 24 Vernon Street, Framingham on Tuesday evenings from 7:15-9:45pm. Performing three concerts a season (September through May), we often include a professional orchestra and soloists. Our November concert will feature Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass.

For more information about rehearsals, auditions, membership, and Covid precautions, please see www.heritagechorale.org and click on "Sing With Us."

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AVCC Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest on October 3

ACTON, MA — The Apple Valley Catholic Community (AVCC) will host its Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 89 Arlington Street, Acton, MA. This is open to all and a family-friendly charity event that aims to bring the community together for an afternoon of food, ice cream, craft beer, live music, dancing and games. Admission is a suggested donation of $10, and children under 12 are free.
For more information, or to skip the line and get tickets ahead of time, visit avcatholic.org or view the official event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/927818830348780/

Calling All Art & Craft Vendors: Register for Bedford’s Holiday Artisans Market!

Secure your space at Bedford’s 5th annual holiday Artisans Market! Co-sponsored by the Bedford (MA) Cultural District, the Gallery@First Parish, and Suzanne & Company, this festive event runs alongside the town's cherished holiday tree lighting and other seasonal celebrations.

Event Details
  • Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
  • Time: 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
  • Location: First Parish on Bedford Common (75 The Great Road, Bedford, MA)
  • Application Deadline: September 15, 2026


Eligibility: We welcome makers offering original and non-commercially made artwork and crafts. Eligible items include paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, decorative items, greeting cards, printed works, CDs, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: Food vendors are allowed in the outside heated tents, not in First Parish. Food vendors need to submit a Temporary Food Event Permit Application to the Town of Bedford Health Department.

Table Spaces & Fees
  • First Floor (Common Room): $40 per table (72x30 inches)
  • Second Floor (Gallery Rooms): $30 per table (72x30 inches)
  • Outdoor Heated Tent: $30 per table (72x30 inches)
  • Limits: Maximum of 2 tables per vendor
  • Included: Tables and chairs
  • Electricity: Only available inside First Parish upon request (first-requested, first-served).
  • Rules: All items must fit on or behind your table. Aisles must remain clear.


Logistics & Parking
  • Setup: 12:30 PM–1:45 PM
  • Unloading: Elm Street zone (active from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM only)
  • Teardown: 6:00 PM
  • Reloading: Elm Street
  • Vendor Parking: Convenient lots are located on Mudge Way and School Way.


Payment Process
  • Spaces are reserved only when both the online form and the payment are received. Registrations are first-come, first-served, until capacity is reached.
  • To ensure that your spot is reserved, please complete the registration form and pay by credit card for your table selection: https://forms.gle/ZXUZgfKNW7Ac2gjy5


Further Information
For questions or additional details, please contact one of our event coordinators:

Concord Youth Theatre Announcing Auditions for Shrek the Musical!
Mainstage Company is for students in grades 5-12

“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you’ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there’s one on hand… and his name is Shrek.
Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities, including costumes, sets, puppets (there is a fire-breathing dragon after all) and more! Irreverently fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre.
Auditions: Wednesday, September 9 OR Thursday, September 10 from 3:45-6:00. You only need to attend one rehearsal date but plan to stay the full time. Please be prompt, we do not accept late auditioners.

Rehearsals: Mainstage rehearses Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 3:45-6:00
First Rehearsal: Monday, September 14
Tech Rehearsals: November 1-5
Performances: November 6 & 13 @ 7:00; November 7 & 14 @ 4:00; November 8 & 15 @ 2:00
For more information, visit https://concordyouththeatre.org/
Metallica

MCC Invited to Return to Nationally Recognized Metallica Scholars Initiative as the Workforce Education Program Expands to over 90 Schools

Middlesex Community College is proud to announce it has once again been asked to participate in the eighth year of the prestigious Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI). Supported by a generous $15,000 grant aimed at enhancing training in soldering and electronics, MCC’s program provides students with the skills needed to enter Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician and Engineering Technician jobs. As a five-time MSI participant, MCC has received $15,000 in support of career and technical education programs throughout the initiative's existence.
“Thank you to Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), for their continued generosity and partnership,” said Judy Burke, MCC’s Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Workforce Development. “For five years now, AWMH has had a strong and meaningful impact on our students, offering them funds and resources for hands-on technical training in in-demand fields. With AWMH’s support, MCC has prepared students to work at employer partners throughout the region, guiding them to reach their goals and improve their lives. We are forever grateful for all that AWMH has provided to our MCC students.”
AWMH, the nonprofit, philanthropic organization created by the members and management of Metallica, proudly announces the eighth year of its Metallica Scholars Initiative (MSI) with its largest grant to date: over $3.3M. 18 new US schools will join the returning 75 colleges in the fall for a total of 93 in the program. In addition, later this year, the Metallica Scholars Initiative will also expand to the United Kingdom in partnership with Capital City College Group in London.
Metallica’s James Hetfield said, “This thing started as a dream. Now our program is changing lives. To expand our impact on a global scale and support even more students is so rewarding. We’re so proud of all the Metallica Scholars who have come through it and all the ones who will participate in it. It’s humbling to know we’ve been part of the journey of thousands of trade professionals doing good, hard work in the world.” 
AWMH continues to work closely with its long-time partner, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Launched in 2019 by All Within My Hands, MSI’s core focus is supporting conventional trades, including welders, plumbers, and electricians, while also adding fields that will generate the jobs of tomorrow. The workforce initiative continues to evolve, supporting diverse fields for students interested in gaining the skills and training necessary to establish meaningful careers that provide family-sustaining wages. Year 8 includes a wide range of fields, including nursing and healthcare, optical systems technology, automotive repair, maritime manufacturing, firefighting and EMT, pipefitting, and agricultural pathways.
Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard, President and CEO, AACC, said, “The continued growth of the Metallica Scholars Initiative is a powerful testament to what’s possible when visionary philanthropy and community colleges come together around a shared mission.  Through this partnership, 13,000 community college students have already been supported across the country, earning the skills needed for in- demand careers with family-sustaining wages. This latest, generous investment by Metallica’s foundation will reach more learners, while strengthening the workforce pipelines that power local economies. We are proud to partner with All Within My Hands to scale this impact, ensuring even more students have access to life-changing opportunities in the skilled trades and beyond.”
The initiative’s eighth iteration also marks the renewal of AWMH’s partnerships with Carhartt, Wolverine, CNH Construction, and Upstaging, Inc., as well as the addition of the Foundation’s newest partner, ServiceTitan. These corporate partners complement the Foundation’s Executive and Advisory Board Members and the broader Metallica Family, all of whom have played a role in advancing AWMH’s mission and driving its success.
Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director, AWMH, said, “Metallica Scholars Year 8 will see our largest-scale growth yet, as we anticipate supporting close to 4,000 new students in the United States and more than 1,000 learners in the UK. This represents an approximate 40% increase in our student body, something we are incredibly excited about. Supporting people of all ages entering and ascending through trades is the right thing to do, not just domestically, but also abroad. Our Metallica Scholars have demonstrated resilience and a strong determination to succeed, which in turn motivates us to match their ambition.”

For a complete list of all 93 colleges currently supported by AWMH, visit allwithinmyhands.org/metallica-scholars.

Amid Nationwide Cyberattacks, Treasurer Goldberg Highlights Grant Program to Protect Massachusetts Water Infrastructure

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

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

Nature, Childhood & the Future: A Conversation with Author Julie Carrick Dalton

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

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

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

New England Aquarium Sea Lions Stay Cool with Ice Enrichment Amid Summer Heat

BOSTON, MASS. (Aug. 10, 2026) – As temperatures in Boston hit 90 degrees, the New England Aquarium is helping its resident sea lions stay cool and have fun with special enrichment activities.
 The Aquarium’s five California sea lions live in the open-air New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center. On hot summer days, the animals have the opportunity to engage in enrichment using ice. Trainers freeze fish and gelatin inside ice blocks, which encourages the animals to investigate and play with the ice to cool off.
“Providing the New England Aquarium’s sea lions and seals with a variety of training and enrichment opportunities throughout the day is positive and stimulating, encouraging them to display naturalistic foraging and playful behaviors,” said Kristen McMahon, the New England Aquarium’s Curator of Pinnipeds and Penguins.
Staff at the Aquarium monitor the sea lions’ exhibit around the clock and make adjustments as necessary. The systems in place include heat exchangers, which keep the animals’ water temperature between the target range of 58-63 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The Marine Mammal Center also has air conditioned behind-the-scenes space for the animals to access.
The New England Aquarium provides care to about 9,000 animals with a dedicated team of more than 70 Animal Care staffers, including a full-time veterinary team, who ensure the essential health and well-being of those who call the Aquarium home.
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.
From page to stage

FROM PAGE TO STAGE
A Day of Songwriting, Storytelling & Musical Theatre with Brian Feinstein

Princeton: Princeton Arts’ 35th anniversary celebration continues as Broadway comes to Princeton.

Princeton Arts invites you to join award winning musical theater composer and educator Brian Feinstein for From Page to Stage, a celebration of the creative process behind musical theater, at the First Congregational Church of Princeton, 14 Mountain Road, on Saturday, September 26.

The day begins with an interactive afternoon workshop for young people in grades 4-8. The group will work alongside Brian to build an original song from scratch. Advance registration required for interested young people. Email contact@princetonarts.org and ask for the From Page to Stage grades 4-8 workshop registration information that includes the participation fee.

Everyone, young and old, parents and children, friends and families are invited to continue our Broadway journey in the evening at 7 p.m. at the Church. The dynamic concert, Songs and Stories: The Mess and Magic of Making Musicals, will feature selections from Feinstein’s musical theater work, classics from the American Musical Songbook, and selections from the developing musical adaptation of The Bad News Bears. Among the evening highlights will be performances by special guest artist Ava Briglia, and the premiere performance by our own homegrown stars, the young people singing their original song! A $10 donation is suggested – thank you.

This program is made possible by grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Barre Savings Charitable Foundation.

Questions: contact@princetonarts.org or go to princetonarts.org.

August 2026 Events at 19 Carter
19 Carter St, Berlin

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

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

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

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. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.

Join us for the Fabulous 48th Season of the Sounds of Stow!

Selections focus on “Connections”, both musical and thematic, promoting visions of hope and shared humanity.
Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals, Monday evenings August 31, September 7, and September 14 at the First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9:15. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers.
Sunday, November 22, 2026, our season opens with Maurice Durufle's much beloved "Requiem".  Stylistic traditions and techniques spanning centuries are evident in this piece, composed in 1947, which is mainly contemplative, but breaks into memorable dramatic renderings of appropriate texts. Barbara Jones directs the chorus, accompanied by organ, strings, trumpets, harp and timpani, in the beautiful Salem Covenant Church just east of Worcester.
Building on the great success of Christopher Tin’s “To Shiver The Sky” (April, 2026), we eagerly anticipate performing his “The Drop that Contained the Sea” on April 11, 2027.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus is a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly encourage Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! We hope to see you this month!

For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email
soundsofstow@gmail.com

Assabet Valley Mastersingers Invites the Community to Their Annual “Summer Sing”

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

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND OPENS ELEVENTH SEASON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 18 Free Infant Feeding Support Group in Acton

There are many ways to feed your baby; breast feeding, chest-feeding, pumping, bottles, formula or a combination of these.  Do you have questions about feeding or want to check in with Advanced Lactation Counselor Mary Beilman about your current feeding routine?  Mary has been supporting families with babies for over 20 years, and is now collaborating with First Connections to offer monthly Feeding Groups which are free and open to all. She has experience assisting parents of infants thru toddlers with feeding support, challenges, transitioning back to work, weaning and more in a safe, judgement-free space.  Sign up for our next Feeding Group on August 18, 10:30-11:30 by emailing lmatthews@jri.org, where you can meet to get support, connect, share and learn. Groups are held at First Connections, 179 Great Road, Acton. This free program is supported by grants provided by Concord Carlisle Foundation, Emerson Community Benefits Dept, Nordblom Family Foundation, Commonwealth Children's Fund, and Community Foundation for Metrowest
Freedoms way

Freedom’s Way Nation Heritage Area Announces New Leadership
Lauren McCormack takes over as Executive Director after retirement of Patrice Todisco

The Board of Directors of Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, which encompasses 45 communities in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, is pleased to announce that Lauren McCormack has assumed the role of Executive Director after the retirement of long-time Director, Patrice Todisco, in early July.
Lauren McCormack comes to Freedom’s Way after a career in history museums, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Marblehead Museum on the North Shore of Massachusetts for over 8 years. While there, she oversaw an award-winning project to identify, research, and disseminate stories of free and enslaved people of African descent and the purchase, rehabilitation, and interpretation of the 1768 Jeremiah Lee Slave Quarters, one of only three detached slave quarters owned by an historic site in New England.  Prior to her time in Marblehead, McCormack worked at the USS Constitution Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, and the Howard County Historical Society in Maryland.
McCormack brings an understanding of the promises and challenges of small heritage institutions, as well as a track record of success in institution-building, as well as fostering community relationships and partnerships. Her immediate focus will be to expand Freedom’s Way’s reach to more residents and institutional partners in the 45 communities in the Heritage Area, encompassing portions of Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.
About Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area:  The 994-square-mile Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area (FWNHA) includes 45 towns and cities in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire and is home to over 750,000 people. FWNHA connects people, places and communities through educational and interpretive initiatives that protect and promote shared resources and encourage residents and visitors to explore its landscape, history and culture. 

Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area works in partnership with the National Park Service to protect and promote the regional identity of 45 communities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including: Acton, MA; Amherst, NH; Arlington, MA; Ashburnham, MA; Ashby, MA; Ayer, MA; Bedford, MA; Bolton, MA; Boxborough, MA; Brookline, NH; Carlisle, MA; Clinton, MA; Concord, MA; Devens, MA; Dunstable, MA; Fitchburg, MA; Gardner, MA; Greenville, NH; Groton, MA; Harvard, MA; Hollis, NH; Hudson, MA; Lancaster, MA; Leominster, MA; Lexington, MA; Lincoln, MA; Littleton, MA; Lunenburg, MA; Malden, MA; Mason, NH; Maynard, MA; Medford, MA; Milford, NH; Nashua, NH; New Ipswich, NH; Pepperell, MA; Princeton, MA; Shirley, MA; Sterling, MA; Stow, MA; Sudbury, MA; Townsend, MA; Westford, MA; Westminster, MA; Winchendon, MA; Woburn, MA 

Maynard Community Band Returns for Its 79th Season of Free Summer Concerts

 
The Maynard Community Band (MCB), directed by Michael Karpeichik, is proud to present its
79th year of free outdoor summer concerts at Memorial Park, across from the Fine Arts Theater in downtown Maynard. Concerts are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm, running from June 24th through August 26th. This year's program features international musical highlights along with tributes to Hollywood, Broadway, rock favorites, and the Armed Forces with brand-new arrangements added to beloved marches and patriotic tunes.
All concerts are free and open to the public. In the event of rain, concerts will be canceled. Please check the Maynard Community Band's Facebook page or website at www.maynardcommunityband.com for updates.
The MCB welcomes new members! If you are an instrumentalist interested in joining, visit www.maynardcommunityband.com and click the "Join the Band" tab. See you at the show!
Great new art show4

GREAT New Art Show Coming to Stow

The Stow Area Guild of Artists (SAGA) invites the public to its newest exhibition, "Field and Farm," on view August 3 through September 28, 2026, at the Pompositticut Community Center, 509 Great Road, Stow.
The exhibition features original paintings and photographs by 13 of SAGA's 34 local artists, celebrating the beauty of New England's fields, farms, and rural landscapes. Visitors will enjoy a diverse collection of artwork in a variety of styles and media, with all pieces available for purchase.
Featured artists are Sondra Albano, Shirley Beltz, Pui-Ying Ching, Mary Coombs, Richard Fishman, Cortni Frecha, Helen Rolfe Ham, Lisa Murray, Karen Roop, Elizabeth Roy, Kathy Sferra, Charlie Streff, and Mitch Sprung.
The public is invited to an Artist Reception and Community Open House on Wednesday, September 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about their creative work. Admission is free.
SAGA is dedicated to supporting local artists and enriching the cultural life of the community through exhibitions, educational opportunities, and public events. New members are always welcome.
For more information, visit www.stow-artists.org.

Sparking Young Minds Through Song: Concord Conservatory of Music Hosts Free Kids & Family Open House on August 29

 
CONCORD, MA — To help local families explore the transformative social and cognitive benefits of early music education, the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) invites children, parents, and caregivers to a Free Kids & Teens Open House on Saturday, August 29.

Taking place across CCM’s campus—including its main location at 1317 Main Street and the new CCM 2 Media Lab at 15 Junction Square Drive—the drop-in event offers interactive musical activities, instrument discovery, technology demonstrations, and free demo session registration for fall group classes.

Early Childhood Music: Building Brains, Confidence, and Social Bonds
Early exposure to music does far more than introduce children to rhythm and melody—it lays crucial groundwork for lifelong cognitive and social-emotional development.
  • Brain & Language Development: Studies in early childhood education show that active participation in group music classes accelerates language acquisition, auditory processing, and spatial reasoning in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
  • Social Regulation & Teamwork: Group rhythm circles, singing games, and shared play help young children learn turn-taking, emotional regulation, and cooperative skills in a gentle, supportive environment before stepping into traditional pre-K or elementary classrooms.
  • Hands-On Technology at CCM 2: For older children and teens, the new CCM 2 Media Lab (15 Junction Square Drive) introduces young creators to modern digital music production, beat-making, and audio recording using software like GarageBand, fostering digital literacy alongside artistic expression.


Event Details & Free Demo Registration
The Kids & Early Childhood Open House is 100% free and open to the public. No prior music experience is required.
  • DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 1-3 PM
  • LOCATIONS:
    • CCM Main Building: 1317 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742
    • CCM 2 Media Lab: 15 Junction Square Drive, Concord, MA 01742
  • Admission: Free
  • ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
    • Early childhood music and movement exploration for infants through age 5
    • Hands-on instrument try-outs (piano, strings, woodwinds, and percussion)
    • Interactive digital music and beat-making demos at the CCM 2 Media Lab
    • Meets-and-greets with CCM faculty members
    • Sign-ups for free class demo sessions
More Information & Sign-Ups: Visit concordconservatory.org or call (978) 369-0010.
About the Concord Conservatory of Music: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Concord Conservatory of Music is the region’s premier nonprofit community music center. CCM offers high‑quality music instruction and performance opportunities for students of all ages and abilities, fostering a lifelong love of music and enriching the cultural life of the Concord community. Learn more at ConcordConservatory.org.
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Blessing of animals

Blessing of the Animals

Neighbors, friends, families, and animal lovers are warmly invited to the West Chelmsford United Methodist Church Annual outdoor Blessing of the Animals on Sunday August 23, 2026 at 9:30 AM. This special gathering is a time to give thanks for the pets and animals who bring companionship, comfort, and joy into our lives.

All pets are welcome. For everyone’s safety, please bring animals on a leash, in a carrier, or safely contained. You may also bring a photo of a pet who cannot attend or a beloved pet you would like to remember.

During the event, pets will receive an individual blessing as we celebrate the bond between people, animals, and God’s creation. This is a family-friendly community event, and all are welcome whether or not you are a member of the church.

We are sponsoring a donation drive to support the Lowell Humane Society’s Pet Food Pantry and their important work caring for animals in our community.  If you are able, you are invited to bring pet food for cats, dogs, and/or small animals. In addition, we will be collecting used towels, sheets, blankets, and newspapers (clean and dry) to help the Humane Society in their daily operations.

Bring your pet, invite a friend, and share in this joyful celebration at the West Chelmsford United Methodist Church, 242 Main Street, North Chelmsford, MA www.wcumc.com

F.B.C.O.A. PRESENTS: I NEED THAT @ Newport Playhouse! Newport, Rhode Island

 
Ready for a day of laughs, great food, and a little adventure? Join us for a full day trip to Newport Playhouse for the comedy "I Need That"! Buffet lunch, cabaret show, dessert, and a luxury bus ride — it’s all included. Seats are limited, so grab yours now!

A FUN DAY TRIP: F.B.C.O.A. PRESENTS: I NEED THAT @ Newport Playhouse!
DEPARTURE: 9:00 AM — Bedford COA, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA

Get ready for a full day of entertainment, great food, and laughter at the Newport Playhouse!
We’ll see the comedy I Need That — a funny, heartfelt story about the things we hold on to and the surprises life brings. Warm, relatable, and perfect for all ages.

YOUR EXPERIENCE:
• Delicious buffet meal served before the performance • Lively cabaret show with music, comedy & audience fun • Coffee, tea & dessert during the cabaret • Main stage performance of I Need That •Travel aboard a Luxury Wilson Bus Motor Coach •A full day of smiles, stories, and shared moments
Return to Bedford COA at approx. 6:15 PM

TOUR COST: $160.00
Payment or cancellation (with meal choice) required by August 26, 2026
TOUR DATE: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
RESERVATIONS: Bedford C.O.A. — (781) 275-6825
Checks payable to: FBCOA

Bring a friend, bring a smile — let’s make a memory-filled day in Newport!
Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging
 

Concord Youth Theatre Announcing Auditions for Between the Lines!

 
CYT’s Teen Company performs works that allow students to stretch in different roles, use teamwork to accomplish big goals, and set incremental goals for themselves as individual performers. This performance company is open to young people in grades 9 through 12. We invite you to audition for Between the Lines. This new musical is based on the novel by international bestselling author Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer, featuring a book by Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach, The Big One-Oh!) and score by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson (Apple TV+’s “Central Park”).
Between the Lines is an empowering and enchanting story for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver. But as the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur in extraordinary ways, Delilah realizes her dreams in the real world are worth fighting for.

Learn more: concordyouththeatre.org. 
Auditions: Tuesday, September 1 from 6:00-8:00. You must be there the full time to be considered - please arrive promptly. If called back, callback auditions are Wednesday, September 2 from 6:00-8:00.
Performances: October 16 @ 7:00; October 17 @ 4:00; October 18 @ 2:00

Fall Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding

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

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

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

You may pay by cash, check, or VENMO.

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

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. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.
Energy bill

Energy Bill Check-Up Webinar


When: Wednesday, August 19th, 7:00–8:00pm
Where: Zoom

Acton and Metrowest: Whether you’re looking to better understand your own bill or to help others in your community navigate their energy costs, this webinar will provide useful information and practical resources. The speaker is Sierra Moll, Energy Consumer Liaison for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. While helpful for all residents, her presentation is designed for community leaders who desire a better grasp of the details of utility billing and of the special programs that can help ratepayers get savvy with their bills. Topics to be covered include supply costs vs delivery costs, supply options, energy rate decisions, and how ratepayers can access special programs based on equipment, income, or season. Sponsored by MassEnergize.org with support from Energize Acton. To register, go to https://energizeacton.org/event/energy-bill-check-up-webinar/