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Concord/Bedford/Carlisle
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Current Edition -3/13/26

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 - 3/06/26

HEADLINES

Open table 2026

Open Table Announces Lineup for
2026 Chopped for Charity Competition and Gala
Annual fundraiser to honor long-time Board Member Patty Chambers

Concord and Maynard, MA (March 10, 2026) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, today announced the lineup for Chopped for Charity 2026 with television and radio personality Chef Joe Gatto returning as the Master of Ceremonies and chefs Joubert Amazan, Erin Harleman, and Audley Mills competing for highest honors. This year’s honoree is Open Table Board Chair emerita Patty Chambers. Open Table will also recognize Middlesex Savings Bank as a valued partner in its mission.
Open Table’s annual gala and cooking competition returns to Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord on Friday, May 1, for an evening of food, fun, and philanthropy. Guests will enjoy an exciting culinary showdown, live auction, as well as hors d’oeuvres and a light dinner in a beautiful setting.
VIP tickets are $250 and include preferred seating, a private cocktail reception and an opportunity to meet the chefs. General Admission is $175 per person. Tickets are available at opentable.org/chopped.
“Open Table is excited to welcome our supporters back to the Chopped for Charity gala,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “We look forward to a fun-filled evening that will include a live cooking competition, a variety of chef experiences and a terrific silent auction. This is a great night for a great cause.”
A special focus of this year’s event will be a celebration of Patty Chambers, Open Table Board Chair Emerita. Patty has served 12 years on the Open Table Board of Directors, including three years as chair. She continues to be an active volunteer in the organization’s planning and fundraising. “Patty is an Open Table champion,” said DePalo, “we are thrilled to honor and thank her.”
The competition line up: 
Joe Gatto, master of ceremonies for the evening, is a private chef, culinary instructor, author, and host of the cutting-edge cooking show From Scratch. His private-chef client list has included a star Boston Red Sox player and the CEO and founder of iRobot, among others.
he 2025 Chopped for Charity chef contestants will be donating private in-home dinners to be offered as live auction items at the event.
Three acclaimed local chefs will take center stage as competitors in a fast-paced cooking challenge before an expert panel of judges.
Chef Joubert Amazan --  Born and raised in the city of Boston, Chef Amazan began his culinary journey like many before him; at home with his mother, an immigrant from Haiti. He has a vast amount of catering and restaurant experience, including a stint with Disney, and has recently formed a catering firm, Kitchen Harmony LLC.
Chef Erin Harleman – Chef Erin is the owner of The Saucy Plate a personal chef service in Metrowest Boston. Erin works with clients one-on-one to create custom menus to suit every family’s unique dietary needs and preferences. Her focus is on wholesome, unfussy recipes with an emphasis on in-season produce and quality ingredients. Erin believes that what we consume is integral to our overall health and that the most important investment we make should be in our family's health and well-being. Chef Erin holds a master's degree in Gastronomy from Boston University as well as Culinary, Cheese, and Levels 1 and 2 Wine Certificates from BU.
Chef Audley Mills -- A Montego Bay, Jamaica native, Chef Mills is a culinary maestro celebrated for his ability to weave his Caribbean heritage with diverse global influences. He's renowned for transforming traditional Jamaican recipes with a "new school flare," crafting award-winning dishes that have earned him widespread acclaim. He's a seven-time winner of the Boston JerkFest Jerk Cook-off and a four-time champion of the Boston JerkFest Seafood Throwdown. His numerous accolades also include the People’s Choice Jerk Chicken (2012), Haley House Bakery Iron Chef (First Champion 2012), and Best Vegan Chili (Dorchester Chili Cook Off 2015), among others. He was also honored with the Boston City Council's Exemplary Citizenship Award and Commitment to the Community in 2015.
About Open Table
Open Table is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989. The organization works to address hunger in the local community by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity and diversity of those served. For more information, visit: https://www.opentable.org/

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:

Bedford

3/14/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
3/17/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
3/18/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
3/20/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
3/21/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
3/24/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
3/25/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
3/27/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
3/28/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
3/31/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., V.A. Hospital Building 80, 200 Springs Road
3/31/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
Learn More
Irish folk music

Concord Council on Aging Events


1276 Main Street | Concord, MA 01742

Tax Preparation Assistance
Appointments Available through Thursday, April 2nd

Volunteers certified through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will be at the COA through April 2nd on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to help you prepare Federal and Massachusetts personal income tax returns. This free service can address most tax issues faced by low-to-middle income taxpayers over 60. Please call Emily Nash, 978-318-3019, to get a one-hour appointment.


Irish Folk Songs and Snacks with Lindsay Straw
Tuesday, March 17th at 1:00 PM

Join us as we welcome Montana-born guitarist, singer, and bouzouki player Lindsay Straw. Lindsay found her musical home in Boston’s vibrant local Celtic music scene while studying at Berklee
College of Music, where she added the influence of the Irish musical world to her folk inspirations. She delivers an engaging, interactive Celtic show for St. Patrick's Day, hearkening back to folk
singers of the past. Sweet and savory snacks will be served. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020.

Silk Scarf Painting Class
Monday, March 23rd from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Karen Halloran, from the home-care company, HouseWorks, presents a one-hour instructional session on how to transform a plain piece of white silk into a beautiful, colorful scarf for yourself or for a gift. Let your creative side shine through - it’s just in time for spring wearing! The class is limited to 15 people, and it includes all supplies. There is no charge. Please call the COA office to reserve your spot at 978-318-3020.

A Discussion About Hearing Health with Dr. Rich Selleck Thursday, March 19th at 11:00 AM

Dr. Rich Selleck, an Audiologist from HearSmart Audiology in Littleton, will be joining us for a conversation about hearing health, advancements in hearing aid technology, and current research in the field of hearing. This session can be useful for anyone, from those who are just learning about hearing healthcare, to experienced hearing aid users. Call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.

March is International Women’s History Month A Presentation about Louisa Hawthorne by Kate Blair – Tuesday, March 24th at 1:00 PM
Hawthorne cousin Kate Dike Blair explores the life and death of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s younger sister Louisa, a frequent visitor to her brother at the Old Manse in Concord. Louisa drowned in the Henry Clay Steamboat disaster of 1852. Kate’s great-great-great-granduncle, John Dike, was traveling with Louisa, but his wife, Priscilla, was not with them. What was their relationship, and why did she die and he survive? Kate dives into Louisa’s place in her family and society, and her mysterious death, detailed in her historical novel, The Hawthorne Inheritance.  Please call the COA at 978-318-3020 to reserve your spot.

Meet Your Local Candidates 2026 - Harvey Wheeler Community Center Thursday, March 19th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The COA will again host an informational Town Hall-style meeting for candidates running for local office in Concord’s March 31st Town Election. There are two candidates running for Select Board, one for School Committee, one for Housing Committee, and one for Town Moderator. All the candidates intend to be present at the event. Nancy Brumback of the League of Women’s Voters of Sudbury will be the moderator. There will be a chance to hear from each candidate and ask questions. You may submit questions to the COA in advance of the meeting or ask questions during the meeting. This is an opportunity to learn more about the upcoming election. Please call the COA office at 978-318-3020 to reserve your spot.


Monthly LGBTQ+ Social Group Thursday, March 26th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
The Concord COA offers a LGBTQ+ Social Group at the COA on the last Thursday of each month. Join us on Thursday, March 26th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM for our monthly gathering of the LGBTQ+ Social Group. This welcoming space offers food, entertainment, and engaging activities, all made possible through a special grant. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020 or plan to drop by.


Building a Life in Retirement that Brings Meaning, Purpose and Happiness - by Henry Quinlan Thursday, March 26th from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Whether you are contemplating retirement, just starting out, or have been retired for a few years, this talk is for you! Henry Quinlan has over 40 years’ experience in publishing, and in retirement he has given over 300 talks to senior citizen groups. In this class he discusses finding your purpose and overcoming obstacles, to live life in retirement to the fullest. This talk is sponsored by Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop so there’s no charge. Please call the COA at 978-318-3020 to sign up.
**Image: Building a Life in Retirement


 

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!

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.
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.

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/.

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.
Beyond the notes

Beyond the Notes with Trio Oko:
Exploring the Sound of the Harp Quartet


Prepare for an evening of rare chamber music gems as Trio Oko appears in the Beyond the Notes concert series. Joined by founder and violinist Sarah Whitney, the ensemble presents a colorful program spanning both geography and time, from the refined sound world of Saint-Saëns and Ravel to original compositions and the ethereal soundtracks of Studio Ghibli.

So what is Trio Oko? The guest ensemble is the first harp trio to appear on Beyond the Notes. Featuring violinist Emma Powell, cellist Mina Kim, and harpist Charles Overton, Trio Oko has won over Boston audiences and critics alike. The three musicians met at Tanglewood Music Center in 2016 and united with a mutual belief in the power of music to create meaningful human connections to form Trio Oko. The ensemble aims to expand the harp trio repertoire by commissioning new works and
arrangements. They intend to showcase the diverse capabilities inherent to this distinctive instrumentation.

“I love that you share commentary before and after each piece. It is special to hear the music, but also what you make of it, how you think and feel about it,” shared one audience member. This spirit of connection is the core of the Beyond the Notes
concert series. Audiences are invited into a journey of discovery as musicians step beyond their bios to share personal stories, creative insights, and the human side of performance. During the concert, listeners can submit questions to the musicians,
sparking a live, onstage conversation that dissolves the traditional divide between stage and seats. The conversation continues even after the final note, with unanswered questions and behind-the-scenes moments shared weekly on Beyond the Notes’ Facebook and Instagram pages. Setting the tone for this immersive experience, prelude music will showcase students from the Concord Conservatory of Music.

Does this sound like your perfect evening? Join us on Saturday, March 21st at 7:30 pm for an unforgettable evening of music, innovation, and connection at Beyond the Notes. This is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Tickets are $30 per person and $15 for students when purchased in advance at btnspring2026.eventbrite.com. Tickets will also be available at the door for $35 per person and $15 for students (payable by cash, Venmo, credit card, or check).The concert will be held at The Parish Hall at First Parish Church, 20 Lexington Rd Concord, MA.

For more information, visit www.gobeyondthenotes.com.

Bedford Garden Club March Meeting

The Bedford Garden Club March meeting is March 10 at the First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 The Great Rd. Bedford, 9:30 am: Social period. 10 am: Meeting.   The guest speaker Deborah Trickett  will present Tips, Tricks, and Trade Secrets.

You have  heard putting a penny in the water will keep our tulips more upright, cutting flowers on an angle helps them draw up more water, and even that cayenne pepper can keep the deer and bunnies away.  Did  you know putting dahlia stems in boiling water can help them last longer? What  guarantee the biggest blooms on your peonies?

Deborah has many more tips, tricks, and trade secrets.  She is the  owner of The Captured Garden.

For more information, check our website at: https://www.bedfordgardenclub.org/event/
The public is invited.
Mcc college for kids

Register Now for MCC’s College for Kids Summer Programs

Middlesex Community College keeps kids active and learning during the summer with College for Kids courses. The summer programs provide children and teens ages 8 to 17 with exciting opportunities to have fun, discover new interests, and learn new skills. Registration is now open.
“This summer, our programs are bursting with creativity and fun,” said Ellen Wright, MCC’s Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning. “Campers can code their own big ideas, explore the basics of aviation, dive into hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) projects, edit films, and decorate delicious cakes and cupcakes. Every day brings something new to explore, new friends to meet, and confidence to build – all in the safe, supportive, and welcoming environment of our Bedford campus.”
MCC’s College for Kids courses are taught by public school teachers and expert professionals. Programs cover a wide variety of topics, including art and theater, game design, public service, writing, STEM, baking, aviation and more.
Gloria Smay, of Tewksbury, enjoyed exploring her artistic skills in MCC’s College for Kids Cake Decorating program. In the course, students learn cake and cupcake icing decoration tips and techniques. 
"I really loved how I learned to decorate a cake and bring my decorated cake home for the family,” Smay said. “My favorite cake to make was the hamburger-themed cake."
AJ Tupaj, of Billerica, learned about planes and flying from a professional pilot in the ACE: Aviation and Simulation course. The program teaches students about flight by having them design, build and test their own model aircrafts.
“I liked getting to play on the flight simulator,” Tupaj said. “I learned about runway signals and that the [plane] wings are designed to create suction and lift.”
New College for Kids classes this year include Creative Crafts, Play Production: The Story of the Revolutionary War, Fun with Fitness, and Science Discovery Lab. In Creative Crafts, students will make pompom rugs, self-portraits, under the sea pictures, bejeweled masks, and more. Play Production: The Story of the Revolutionary will allow students to create and perform a play about the events leading up to the Revolutionary War.
The Fun with Fitness program combines indoor and outdoor conditioning with mindfulness exercises to help students stay healthy. Science Discovery Lab will go over how to make hypotheses and theories by having students conduct science experiments.
Programs are offered in Bedford featuring five weeks of full- and half-day programs from July 13 to August 13, Monday through Thursday. Full-day programs run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and half-day programs run 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Students who take two half-day programs to make a full day can stay on campus for lunch between the two sessions.

Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/community/summeryouth.html to learn more and register for MCC’s College for Kids.
New song music series

New Song Music Series Presents Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry on March 21

BEDFORD, MA - The Bedford Cultural District’s New Song Music Series will present Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry on March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Bedford Town Hall. This duo is renowned for their seamless harmonies, masterful musicianship, and warm onstage chemistry.

Called “one of the finest singers and musicians anywhere in folkdom” by The Boston Globe, Tracy Grammer is known for her clear vocals and skilled guitar and violin work. She received the Independent Music Award for Flower of Avalon and has ranked among folk radio’s 50 most-played artists for 12 consecutive years.  She plays theaters, coffeehouses, and festivals across the United States and Canada as well as in Europe and Japan. She also holds the record for the most consecutive appearances at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and counts among her biggest fans Joan Baez and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Jim Henry is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. He recently completed a three-year tour with Grammy winner Mary Chapin Carpenter and has recorded with      Shawn Colvin, Alison Krauss, Los Lobos, Gillian Welch, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, among others.

Listen to the duo perform “Gentle Arms of Eden” at https://bit.ly/4rBEjqv. Tickets for this and future concerts are available at https://newsongbedford.org.

The concert will be held in the Reed Room at Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments; the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

New Song is a volunteer-led initiative of the Bedford Cultural District. The series is supported by local sponsors, including Red Heat American Tavern, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers-Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, and the Mass Cultural Council.

Freedom’s Way Invites Local Organizations to Join 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival
Partner sign-up deadline: April 1, 2026

CONCORD, MA, Jan. 26, 2026 – Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area (FWNHA) is inviting museums, cultural organizations, historical societies, libraries, land trusts, arts groups, and other organizations across its 45-community region to become partners in the 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, taking place throughout the month of May.

Hidden Treasures is an annual, month-long, region-wide celebration that highlights the people, places, stories, landscapes, and creative traditions that define this nationally designated Heritage Area. Participating organizations host free, public events or activities—such as guided walks, open houses, performances, exhibits, talks, or self-guided experiences—that showcase a “hidden treasure” in their community.

Participation is free, and partner organizations receive broad regional visibility through Freedom’s Way’s website, interactive event map, newsletters, print promotions, and mobile app. Mini-grants of up to $350 are available to help offset eligible program expenses.

Organizations within the Heritage Area’s 45 communities are encouraged to learn more and sign up at https://freedomsway.org/HTPartner or share questions/ideas to hiddentreasures@freedomsway.org .

Boost the Blood Supply: Red Cross Offers Free A1C Testing as 1 in 5 Donors Have Levels in Prediabetic or Diabetic Range

Successful donations will receive free testing in March, $15 Amazon Gift Card by email for coming to give March 1-31

New American Red Cross data reveals that 1 in 5 blood donors have elevated A1C levels — a sign that prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health.
  • Early detection isn’t just good for long-term health — it’s also a warning for people’s wallets. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to provide donors with health insights that can help bridge preventative care gaps, such as undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension.
  • Visit RedCrossBlood.org now to book a time to give blood or platelets. In March, the Red Cross will provide free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations. Those who come to give March 1-31 will also get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March.
Saga spring equinox 3

SAGA Spring Equinox Art Fair Celebrates Local Creativity and Community

Stow, MA – The Stow Area Guild of Artists (SAGA), in partnership with the First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, invites the community to welcome the new season at the Spring Equinox Art Fair, taking place March 21 and 22 at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow, MA.
Event Hours:
  • Saturday, March 21: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday, March 22: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This celebration of local art will feature works for sale from more than 25 talented local artists. Visitors can explore a diverse array of original, handcrafted artwork including pottery, photography, paintings, textiles, and much more. The fair offers a unique opportunity to find one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting artists from the surrounding community.
Guests are encouraged to meet the artists and learn about their creative processes.
In addition, each participating artist has donated a piece of artwork for a special raffle. Attendees can enter for a chance to win an original work.
Live music by singer, guitarist, Alex Rosewicz will create a welcoming and festive atmosphere throughout the event.
Admission is free and open to the public. There is plenty for free parking
Join SAGA and the First Parish Church Arts Committee in celebrating creativity, community, and the arrival of spring at this inspiring seasonal art fair. For more information go to www.stow-artists.org/.

MIDDLESEX CONSERVATION DISTRICT 2026 SPRING PLANT SALE

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

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

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

Women's Business Network (WBN) hosts Returning to Yourself: Reducing Stress and Anxiety through Somatic Mindfulness

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, March 12th at 6:30 pm at the church hall at St. Theresa's Church (Holy Trinity Parish), 17 Still River Road in Harvard MA. Guests are welcome. After a brief meeting and introductions, Pamela Dussault, Personal Crisis Coach and Caregiver Advocate, will speak on dealing with stress, sharing that stress is a signal that we have become disconnected from ourselves. Her talk will gently guide women back to their bodies and their inner safety, offering not just a technique but a true return to themselves. 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. Contact dboliva@charter.net for more information.

Local Residents Named to
Simmons University Dean's List

 
BOSTON, Mass. (Grassroots Newswire) February 19, 2026 - The following local residents have been named to the 2025 fall semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston.

Acton (01720): * Jamilah Kasozi, * Bella Mojica, * Grace Poisson

Concord (01742): * Vivi Larew, * Maliha Malek, * Maya McCabe, * Blythe Pomeroy, * Fay Tubbs,
* Sonia Vader

Maynard (01754): * Emma Cryan, * Carly Rieter
Sudbury (01776): * Olivia Shienbrood

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.

Bedford Family Connection to
Host Annual New Moms Brunch

The Bedford Family Connection will host its Annual New Moms Brunch on Sunday, May 2, 2026, from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM at Bedford Old Town Hall, 16 South Road.
This special gathering honors parents who welcomed a baby between May 2025 and May 2026.  Whether a first-time parent or growing family, attendees are invited to enjoy a relaxed morning of brunch, connection, and community support.
Babies are welcome, and the event is inclusive of birth and adoptive parents. The goal of the brunch is simple: to ensure that every new parent in Bedford feels welcomed and supported during this meaningful season of life.
Registration is required by April 24th. Event details are available at:  https://bfctoday.org/event-6503574

Additionally, local businesses interested in supporting Bedford families are invited to participate as Spring Event Sponsors. Sponsorship opportunities are now open and help offset event costs while increasing visibility within the community. Interested businesses may learn more at https://bfctoday.org/SPONSOR or contact bfcdirectors@gmail.com.

Bedford Family Connection to Host Annual Spring Egg Hunt

The Bedford Family Connection will host its Annual Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 AM at the Davis Elementary School gymnasium.
This beloved community tradition is open to children ages 0–7 and their families in Bedford and surrounding communities. Due to unpredictable early spring weather, this year’s event will be held indoors to ensure a warm, welcoming experience for all.
Families can enjoy age-grouped egg hunts, festive decorations, and plenty of springtime fun. Weather permitting, families are invited to gather at the playground afterward for additional outdoor play and connection.
Advance registration is required. Event details are available at:  https://bfctoday.org/event-6497213

Egg Your House - Relay for Life Fundraiser

 
Maynard Relay for Life team, the Lady Bugs, will be having our annual fundraiser, Egg your House!  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.

New England Patriots Wide Receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas Partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts to Champion Youth Mentorship

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

BBBSEM supports thousands of youth annually through community, school and campus-based  mentoring programs, enrolling new Bigs and Littles and encouraging community members to get involved. In its 76th year, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 mentoring relationships. To learn more, enroll a child, or become a volunteer mentor, visit www.emassbigs.org. 
Annual free family concert 2

Worcester Chamber Music Society
Presents Annual Free Family Concert March 8


February 23, 2026   Worcester, MA – Worcester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) is thrilled to present its Annual Free Family Concert on March 8, 2026, with a performance at 3:00pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Neighborhood Strings students will perform at the beginning of the concert. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
Sunday, March 8 @3PM
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
Generously sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank, Cornerstone Bank, UniBank, Fidelity Bank, and Country Bank. This concert is also funded in part by the Shrewsbury Cultural Council and Worcester Arts Council, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Program
Maurice Ravel | Mother Goose Suite
Lior Navok | Beauty and the Beast – world premiere performance

With guests:
Lilit Hartunian, violin / Pascale Delache-Feldman, double bass / Leslie Amper, keyboard
Venue is handicapped accessible.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Reserve early, since this event typically sells out quickly.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/fairy-tales-and-fables/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

Greetings from Groton Hill!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Concord Band Presents “Movie Night”


The Concord Band presents its Winter Concert, titled "Movie Night," on Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7:00 pm, at the Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street, Concord MA. Music Director James O'Dell has selected iconic themes from film scores.

The title theme from John Williams’ jazz-oriented and Oscar-nominated score for Catch Me If You Can was arranged for band by Jay Bocook and features Concord Band alto saxophone soloist David Southard and the Band’s vibraphone and xylophone players.

The program includes a medley of movie music by fellow Academy Award winning composer Ennio Morricone, from popular spaghetti Westerns Once Upon a Time in the West, as well as The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. More Western themes are featured from Elmer Bernstein’s Oscar-nominated score for The Magnificent Seven.
Hollywood has long relied on Broadway adaptations to fill movie theaters. The program will present selections from Leonard Bernstein’s music for the Tony award winning show and 1961 Oscar for Best Score in a Musical, West Side Story, arranged for band by W.J. Duthoit.
Walt Disney’s animated classic Fantasia is now widely regarded as one of the most significant animated films of all time, in part due to innovative symphonic performances of classical music in an animated feature. For this concert, the Concord Band will play Night on Bare Mountain by Modeste Mussorgsky, which featured prominently in the film.
Although Johan de Meij’s band Symphony No. 1 The Lord of the Rings was written some twelve years before the movie trilogy and their scores by Howard Shore, the characters and action from the popular books and movies will spring to life when the Concord Band plays the first and fifth movements, “Gandalf” and “Hobbits.”
The Concord Band is a 65-piece symphonic band that plays at least five indoor and six outdoor concerts each year. The March 14th concert is free with open seating; a donation of $20 is requested. A complimentary reception will follow the concert.
Additional information about the Concord Band and the concert can be found at the website www.concordband.org, the blog at concordband.blogspot.com, on Facebook and YouTube.
Fresh start furniture

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

On Tuesday, Donna from the Congregational church in Westborough arrived with a car FULL of donations for us.  Here she is with Wendy from Fresh Start, unloading the housewares.  And not a moment too soon!  We need a LOT of household items right now.  We are totally out of measuring cups and spoons, cutting boards, colanders, mixing bowls, table knives & forks and non-slotted spoons.
     We only have one single serving sized baking pan on the shelf. So we would be thrilled to receive loaf pans, baking/cookie sheets and 9 x 13 and 8 x 8 bakeware in metal, glass or ceramic or even a casserole dish (can you tell that we’re LOW??)
     We are also very low in our stock of twin, full and queen sized sheet sets, blankets, comforters & quilts.  Also bath towels and wash cloths.  And shower curtains and rings or hooks.
     We have very few area rugs to cover our clients’ floors in this cold weather.
     Finally, we are in need of box springs, all sizes.
     Help us, if you can, by bringing your good-condition (or new!) donations to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (9-noon)(no furniture) and on Saturday mornings (furniture 8:30-10:30 and household items until noon).
     Thank you for helping us to give others a fresh start!

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.net

All Invited to Attend Public Forum : “Restoring the Promise, Immigration Policy and the Path Forward”

The League of Women Voters - Acton Area invites you to attend the inaugural event sponsored by the ‘Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative Fund’ to raise awareness and stimulate dialogue on Immigration Policy at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
This discussion will be led by immigration attorney Antonio Massa Viana, whose passion for service and civil rights motivated him to create this opportunity to reflect on the impact of current immigration policies.  He will explain the complexities of immigration law, share stories of current immigration enforcement practices, and identify possible reforms leading to a new system based on our shared values of freedom and justice for all!  The information presented by Atty Viana will help us to better understand the current national conflict on immigration.
Please come, listen, inquire, learn, participate in this discussion and together let’s wrestle with the question of what immigration policy should look like!
The event will take place on Saturday, Feb, 28, 2026 from 2 to 3:30 PM EST at the Acton Town Hall, Rm 204.  The event is free and open to the public.  It will be televised on Acton TV or you can participate interactively via Zoom.  In case of a snow emergency, the forum will take place entirely on Zoom.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state and national government. The League develops positions on issues, but does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.
 Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information about the League.

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

CONCORD, MA – 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 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 March 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on March 2 through
March 20: Monday and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised fieldtraining 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, February 18, 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.
Resilience and care grants1

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards $700,000 in Resilience and Care Grants to 47 Nonprofit Organizations

Anonymous donor's Resilience and Care Fund provides critical support for urgent basic human needs across 21 Greater Lowell communities
LOWELL, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) today announced $700,000 in grants to 47 nonprofit organizations through its new Resilience and Care Grants program. Made possible by an anonymous donor, this rapid-response initiative provides immediate support for organizations serving vulnerable populations during a time of significant federal and state funding cuts.
“We are deeply grateful to the extraordinary generosity that makes this program possible,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “Their investment demonstrates a profound commitment to our community during one of its most challenging moments. This is philanthropy at its best – responding quickly and strategically to help our neighbors when they need it most.”
Per the donor, the grant funding addresses basic human needs, including food insecurity, housing and shelter, fuel and rental assistance, immigrant support (including legal costs), clothing, childcare, and mental and/or physical health and well-being. This GLCF grants program uses a direct award notification model – no application required – allowing funds to reach communities as quickly as possible. All grants will be distributed by month’s end, with award amounts ranging from $1,500 to $40,000.
The funder chose community foundations for this initiative specifically because of their proven ability to deploy funding quickly through trusted, long-standing community relationships—exactly the capacity GLCF has built over its 29-year history.
“GLCF recognizes the critical work of Greater Lowell nonprofits that address urgent basic human needs in our community,” said Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF's VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy. “For our nonprofit partners affected by funding cuts, these grants arrive at a crucial moment. This generous grant allows us to channel resources quickly to proven organizations on the front lines serving our neighbors in need.”
Funding by Sector
The $700,000 investment is distributed across key sectors: Community Connection and Equity ($175,000, 25%), Food Security and Nutrition ($161,000, 23%), Multi-Service and Basic Needs ($109,000, 15.6%), Youth Development, Mental Health and Educational Access ($80,000, 11.4%), Health and Mental Health ($65,000, 9.3%), Immigrant Support and Legal Advocacy ($60,000, 8.6%), and Housing and Shelter ($50,000, 7.1%).
The program includes a significant investment in youth and children’s services, with $150,000 (21.4% of the total portfolio) supporting 12 organizations across clinical mental health, prevention programs, after-school enrichment, arts development, educational access, and basic needs.
Communities Served
The Resilience and Care Grants support organizations serving all 21 communities of the Greater Lowell region: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington.
How You Can Help
“While these funds have been quickly distributed to address immediate needs, there is more to do,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “I encourage you to help grow our community’s resilience by adding your own contribution. Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens the safety net that catches our neighbors when they fall.”
To contribute to GLCF’s Resilience and Care Fund, visit: https://glcfoundation.info/resilience
Call for art

Call for Art

Artists of all ages are invited to share their creative voices in a celebration of diversity, democracy, and the American spirit. Through art, we can evoke emotion, spark imagination, and inspire meaningful connection across communities.
Contest entry is free. Deadline for submissions for the juried exhibition and contest is April 10. At a time when our country feels deeply divided, this contest aims to highlight our shared values, encourage civic engagement, and create opportunities for thoughtful and productive dialogue. Selected works will be featured in exhibitions that showcase and support local artists.
Please spread the word with makers—especially young and aspiring artists.
Visit FCULittle.org for full contest details
Questions? Email artfordemocracy@fculittle.org.
Thank you for helping support creativity, community, and democratic expression. This contest is proudly co-sponsored by community organizations including: the Reclaiming our Democracy group of First Church Unitarian in Littleton, Mass.; the League of Women Voters of Westford; the Littleton and Westford cultural councils and the Community Gallery of the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Beantown Rocks!

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

ARC Comedy Night Benefit is March 13th at Hudson Portuguese Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need Help Affording Food? Call Project Bread’s Toll-Free FoodSource Hotline

EAST BOSTON, Mass. – When food costs compete with heating bills and rent, many Massachusetts families are facing impossible choices.The uncertainty around nutrition policy changes makes the situation even more challenging. If you or your family need help accessing food, call Project Bread's toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.
The FoodSource Hotline connects residents to resources right now. Trained counselors help with applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), share resources on the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), connect families to free meals for children, and locate emergency food programs like community meals and food pantries. The hotline also provides referrals to other federal nutrition programs, like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Whether you're a college student, a senior, or a family facing hardship, the FoodSource Hotline provides confidential, free support. The hotline is recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for support, available in more than 180 languages.
Get Help Now: If you are struggling with food insecurity, call 1-800-645-8333. Visit projectbread.org for more information and resources in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole. 

Concord Conservatory of Music Announces Free Rhythm Mastery Workshop for Young Musicians

 
CONCORD, MA – The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is pleased to invite student musicians ages 9–13 to a unique, movement-based workshop, "Troubleshooting Your Rhythm," on Tuesday, March 24, from 7:00 – 7:45 pm. This 45-minute session is free and open to the public.
Mastering rhythm is often one of the biggest hurdles for developing musicians. This workshop encourages students to step away from their instruments and "feel" the music through the Dalcroze Eurythmics approach—a method that uses whole-body movement to physically embody rhythm and musicality.
Led by CCM Musicianship and Flute Instructor Weronika Balewski, a certified Dalcroze Eurythmics educator, the workshop will use engaging group activities and games to help students unlock solutions to their most challenging musical passages.
Workshop Details:
  • What: Troubleshooting Your Rhythm: Master Rhythmic Challenges Through Movement
  • When: Tuesday, March 24, 7:00 – 7:45 pm 
  • Where: Concord Conservatory of Music, 1317 Main St, Concord, MA 
  • Who: Young musicians ages 9–13 (all instruments welcome) 
  • Cost: Free 
  • What to Bring: Students should bring their instrument and a piece of sheet music featuring a rhythmic section they find difficult. Pieces do not need to be performance-ready.
These free workshops are available to all community members, and registration details can be found on the Concord Conservatory of Music website. Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Concord Women’s Chorus Presents
‘Winning the Vote’ One-Woman Concert

 
CONCORD, MA Issued February 6, 2026... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents a special Women’s History Month event, “Winning the Vote,” a one-woman concert by performing artist and chorus member Diane Taraz, on Sunday, March 15, 3 pm, at First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Road.

“Winning the Vote” traces the long, determined, and often overlooked struggle to secure women’s suffrage in the United States, culminating in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Through historically rooted storytelling and lively, compelling music, Taraz brings to life the winding path that began as the nation itself was forming, continued through the 1800s, and became deeply intertwined with the movement to abolish enslavement. Though first proposed in 1878, the amendment took 41 years to become law — a journey rich with resilience, conflict, and courage.

A devoted member of Concord Women’s Chorus, Diane Taraz is known for her engaging performance style and deep connection to American musical traditions. In this intimate, educational, and entertaining program, she invites audiences to experience history not only as a narrative, but as a living, breathing expression through song.

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.  The ensemble’s spring concert will be performed on Saturday, May 9, 4 pm, at Trinity Church, Concord.

Refreshments will be served following the “Winning the Vote” performance. A suggested donation of $20 supports Concord Women’s Chorus and its mission-driven programming.

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.
Concord council on aging1

Concord Council on Aging


A Healthier Cardiovascular You! - William Howe, MD, FACC
Tuesday, February 24th at 1:00 PM

Dr. William Howe, Medical Director of Cardiology at Emerson Health, returns for a presentation in honor of American Heart Month. With decades of experience in the medical field and a passion for preventative cardiology, Dr. Howe will deliver an instructive and inspiring presentation about lifestyle modifications that promote heart health. Call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.

Lantern-Making Workshop for Concord’s Lantern Parade Thursday, February 19th at 2:00 PM at the COA.   Concord kicks off its inaugural Lantern Parade soon!. Brighter Together is providing free lantern-making workshops around Concord to make lanterns for the parade that will culminate in a celebration with art and music at the Concord Scout House on the evening of March 7th. We invite you to participate in making lanterns at the COA on February 19th at 2:00 PM. You will have a choice of making a 2D paper mache star or a round glued tissue globe. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020.

Native American Style Flute Demonstration Monday, February 23rd from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Find your breath, your community, and discover the music within you through Native American Style Flute. Guest instructor John Gass will present and demonstrate his flutes and teach participants some flute playing basics. Gass has played for over 20 years. He is passionate about these instruments and finding a connection to nature. No musical background necessary. Free of charge. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020.

Tax Preparation Assistance
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Volunteers certified through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will be at the Council on Aging from February 10th through April 2nd on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays to help you prepare Federal and Massachusetts personal income tax returns or answer your tax questions. This free service can address most tax issues faced by low-to-middle-income taxpayers over age
60. Please call Emily Nash at 978-318-3019 to get a one-hour appointment with a tax counselor.

Monthly LGBTQ+ Social Group Thursday, February 26th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
The Concord Council  on Aging offers a LGBTQ+ Social Group at the COA on the last Thursday of each month. Join us on Thursday, February 26th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM for our monthly gathering of the LGBTQ+ Social Group. This welcoming space offers food, entertainment, and engaging activities, all made possible through a special grant. This month, Brian Kane is back performing love songs and playing the saxophone. Open to Concord older adults, friends, and allies. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020 – walk-ins are welcome.

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.net

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

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

Sculpt This Space – a Call for Art to Massachusetts sculptors

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

Littleton's Susan Harvey to Speak on New England’s Economic Ties to theTransatlantic Slave Trade

Susan Harvey is a direct descendant of the Morse family, first settlers of Newbury in1635. Her interest in learning about the effects of the transatlantic slave trade on Newburyport and Massachusetts stems from her teaching United States History at Littleton High School in Littleton, MA, where she also resides. The research she conducted at the Newburyport Public Library Archival Center represents the core material used for her master's thesis in history from Fitchburg State University: Slavery in Massachusetts: A descendant of early settlers investigates the connections in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Mrs. Harvey believes we have been asking the wrong questions about slavery in New England because we had no slave plantations here as existed in the southern states. It is our economic ties to the transatlantic slave trade that implicates New England in the monumental tragedy that took the lives of millions of human beings and, in doing so, formed the basis of America's economy. She will discuss the ways in which New England facilitated and benefitted from the slave trade and how the trade led to the racism in America today.

As she approached the topic of northern slavery, her initial questions were: was my family involved in the slave trade, and if so, how? These are questions that people all over New England are beginning to ask themselves as new information comes to light and new scholarship on the topic of northern slavery is published.

Talk to be held Saturday, February 14, 11AM, in the Vestry at First Church Unitarian,19 Foster Street, Littleton, MA. To be followed by a  Bring Your Own Lunch. Sponsored by the Women's Alliance of First Church Unitarian, Littleton

Become a Tutor of English

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

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

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

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

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