Action Unlimited
Concord/Bedford/Carlisle
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Current Edition -3/27/26

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 - 3/20/26

HEADLINES

Holy week services at ucc

Holy Week Services at UCC in Boxborough

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter at United Church of Christ in Boxborough,
723 Massachusetts Ave.
Maundy Thursday, 7PM- simple soup & bread, Table talk; an imagined dialogue between Jesus and his disciples followed by Tenebrae Service.

Good Friday Lamentations-April 3, 7PM
This will be a prayer service in the sanctuary that will provide individuals the opportunity to voice their concerns; fears; and anger.  To lament to God in the tradition of the Psalms.  A quiet night of sitting in the pain of this time before the Alleluias of Easter morning.  The liturgy will be appropriate for a multi-faith audience.

Easter morning, April 5th -join us for Sunrise Service at 6:30AM at the intersection of Middle and Hill Rd. in Boxborough. Follow with a wonderful Easter breakfast in the Gathering Room, 2nd floor of the UCC. Easter service with beautiful music and the flowering of the cross will be held at 9:30AM.

The Women’s Business Network  Meets on April 9th

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, April 9th 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. Participants will gather in small groups to discuss business issues, seek input, and get advice from each other. 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.
Concord conservatory

Concord Conservatory of Music Presents Biribá Union: A Global Fusion of Hip-Hop, Brazilian Forró, and Jazz

CONCORD, MA — The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is delighted to welcome the dynamic ensemble Biribá Union for a one-of-a-kind performance on Friday, April 10, at 7:30 pm. This concert promises an intoxicating blend of global sounds, bringing together three world-class musicians for an evening of improvisational spontaneity and cultural celebration.
Biribá Union, named after a Brazilian wild sugar-apple, was born out of Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop. The trio features:
  • Mike Block: A Grammy Award-winning cellist and singer, hailed by Yo-Yo Ma as "the ideal musician for the 21st century."
  • Christylez Bacon: A Grammy-nominated beatboxer and songwriter who was the first hip-hop artist featured at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
  • Patricia Ligia: An acclaimed electric bass player and composer from Uruguay who has toured with global superstars like Karol G.
Their unique sound bridges the freestyle energy of Hip-Hop and Go-go with the effortless beauty of Brazilian Forró and Choro, all grounded in the earthiness of American Roots music.
Tickets are $35 for General Admission and are free for students 18 and under.
Event Details:
  • What: Biribá Union in Concert
  • When: Friday, April 10, 7:30 pm
  • Where: Concord Conservatory of Music, 1317 Main Street, Concord, MA
  • Tickets: Available online and in-person


About Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM): CCM is a non-profit community music school dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of music. By providing a home for excellence in music education and performance, CCM serves as a vital creative resource for the Concord area. We are grateful to our sponsors and donors who make our Concert & Lecture Series possible.

Collection Drive for Household Goods in Bedford: March 16-31, 2026

Ready to tackle your spring cleaning and looking for a place to donate your extra household items? FYZICAL Bedford (200 Great Road, Suite 11—plaza across from CVS) is hosting a Household Goods Collection Drive from March 16-31, M–F, 8–5 pm. We’re collecting pots, pans, dishes, sheets, towels and blankets/comforters — new or gently used only (please, no stains or tears).

Donations support Household Goods, a nonprofit that provides free furniture and household items to help people in need make a home. Each year, the organization furnishes over 3,000 homes with 60,000 essential items, and local collection drives are an important source of donations-- thank you for supporting Household Goods!
Project bread

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

Community Fundraiser Returns to the Boston Common Sunday, May 3

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

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.
Stories of the old burial ground 2

Revolutionary War Epitaphs: Stories of the Old Burying Ground

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

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

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

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

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

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

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

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


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

FIRST CHURCH IN MARLBOROUGH 2026 SPRING RUMMAGE SALE

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

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

Skate4Charity founded by two friends James Pijewski and Steve Molloy is hosting its 4th annual charity Ice Hockey tournament April 11th at 11am at the The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, 191 Hartwell Rd. Over three years the charity has raised over $137k and last year alone the charity raised over $60k to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank. This year they have decided to support the Greater Boston Food Bank again, who are the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. Last year, they distributed 117 million pounds of nutritious food to people who struggle to have enough to eat in the Eastern Massachusetts area and surrounding communities. Every $1 donated helps to provide 2 healthy meals to neighbors in need.

Event will be held 11am-3pm and there will be food, games, raffles and prizes. Beverages provided by Idle Hands Craft Ales. Watch 4 co-ed teams face off, and help support a great cause, all spectators welcome. Donations are accepted day of and at this link: https://my.gbfb.org/Skate4Charity2026
If you donate after seeing this article please put “action unlimited” in your donation comment.

Shout out to our sponsors for this year's event: Torii Homes, Law Office of Susan E. Zak, Maynard Motors, A&M Roofing, Dynamik Sports and Idle Hands Brewery.
If you would like more information follow us on instagram or Facebook @skate.4.charity

Recognizing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence

On Wednesday, April 15th from 7-8:15 PM, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable is hosting Recognizing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence.  While it seems like spotting abuse in a dating relationship should be easy, controlling and manipulative behavior often appears to be kind, loving and even surprisingly vulnerable at first glance.

Designed for parents/guardians, and people in youth facing roles,  this workshop will focus on identifying signs of abuse, and building skills on supporting teens who are experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships.

This program will be facilitated by Roundtable board member Sydney Carter, Manager of Prevention and Education Programs at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. Registration for this event is required, and can be completed here.

For more information, please visit www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org or email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Good Friday Concert and Service, Featuring ACC’s Senior Choir Presenting Margaret Bond’s Masterwork Credo

April 3rd at 7:30pm at the Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Rd, Acton, MA

The Senior Choir of Acton Congregational Church along with guest singers from area choruses will present Margaret Bonds’s masterwork, Credo, as part of its special Good Friday service on April 3rd.

Bonds composed Credo in 1965, setting to music the powerful and inspirational words written by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1904. Modern performers and audience can find elements of Credo uncomfortable, in part because the work forces us to confront the injustice of American slavery and its legacy head on, as both Du Bois and Bonds intended. Credo proved to be difficult for Bonds as well when she sought publication. Her publisher demanded that she change the words of the second movement (“Especially Do I Believe in the Negro Race”) from “Negro race” to “human race,” and when she adamantly refused to do so, he refused to publish it. After Bonds’s unexpected death in 1972, many of her papers were mislaid, including much of the source material for Credo.  Thus, the first full edition of Credo was not published until 2021, over 50 years after Bonds wrote it. Since its publication in 2021, the work has finally taken its place among the standard repertoire of choral masterpieces.

The music of Bonds and text of Du Bois will be interwoven with scripture and moments of reflection, drawing connections between the passion of Christ and the suffering of people of color throughout our country’s history. Soprano Amy Onyonyi and Tenor Christon Carney will be featured soloists with Elizabeth Carley, Acton Congregational's talented organist and pianist. Senior Choir Director, Elinor A. Armsby leads the performance.
Easter egg stravaganza

Easter Egg-Stravaganza
 Easter Egg Hunt & Family Fun!


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

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

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

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

Rotary Club of Concord Celebrating 95 Years of Community Service

 
The Rotary Club of Concord will be accepting donations of personal care items for Open Table food pantry on Saturday, March 28th from 10:30 am to 2 pm at Crosby’s Market, 211 Sudbury Road, Concord.
Items needed: Diaper Sizes: 4, 5, 6, Baby Wipes, Toothpaste and Shampoo

This year there is a high priority need for diapers and baby wipes. Crosby’s Market will have prepackaged donation bags available for purchase on Saturday.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Show the Love donation drive which began in February and will end with this final donation day on March 28th at Crosby’s Market.

The Rotary Club of Concord has a long-standing partnership with Open Table Food Pantry in Maynard. Families who may be your neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. Open Table serves people from 21 cities and towns. Guests include 30% who are children under the age of 18 and 15% are senior citizens.

Open Table budgets $12,000 a year to purchase personal care items and diapers which are not covered under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

You can help by donating Diaper Sizes: 4, 5, 6, Baby Wipes, Toothpaste and Shampoo

Concord Art Presents: Homages
Curated by Crystalle Lacouture
April 2, 2026 - May 10, 2026

Concord, MA - Beginning Thursday, April 2, Concord Art presentsHomages, curated by Crystalle Lacouture. The exhibition will be on view through May 10. Homages brings together artists whose work honors the “masterworks” and historical movements that preceded them, or uses the act of tribute
to elevate the humble and everyday into something worthy of praise. There are memorials and remembrances, references to the Dutch masters and Joseph Cornell, to rock music and masterpieces, to feminist artists at the vanguard, to the stories we all share and the writers, thinkers, and movements that still move us today. There are also works that honor, elevate, and transform familiar and often humble, quotidian materials into the realm of art. In offering these tributes, the artists create a generously inclusive vision — one in which the work becomes a collaboration not only with the beholder, but with the very sources that inspired it. Together, maker, viewer, and muse become allies in deepening an intangible experience, adding a new contribution to the long, layered timeline of history.

Artists featured in this exhibition include Brett Angell, Willie Binnie, Jenny Brillhart, Hillary Doyle, Tory Fair, Emily Hass, Lu Heintz, Crystalle Lacouture, Limited Time Engagement (Caira Art Editions), Cathy Della Lucia, S. Billie Mandle, Dogwood Messer, Allison Reimus, Jill Slosburg-Ackerman, Zainab Sumu (Caira Art Editions), and Joe Wardwell.

A catalog of the exhibition will be available at Concord Art. For more information, contact Executive Director Kate James at katejames@concordart.org or Assistant Director Natalie Reiser at
nataliereiser@concordart.org. You may also call Concord Art at 978-369-2578.

About Concord Art:
Concord Center for the Visual Arts was founded a century ago by Elizabeth Wentworth Roberts, an American Impressionist and philanthropist whose mission—to promote and advance the visual arts and artists, and to sustain our cultural community—still stands today. Concord Art provides a place for contemporary art exhibitions and art education. Concord Art is located at 37 Lexington Road, Concord, MA 01742. Tuesday through Saturday 10am – 4:30pm, Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Mcc’s “world of music”

Award-winning Pianist to Perform as Part of MCC’s “World of Music”

As part of the Spring 2026 “A World of Music” concert series, Middlesex Community College will welcome award-winning pianist Liana Paniyeva. The performance will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 27 in MCC’s Concert Hall in Bedford.

“I’m very much looking forward to performing at MCC and presenting a Romantic program that features Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, and the remarkable women composers Clara Schumann and the American composer Amy Beach,” Paniyeva said. “I’m thrilled to share all of these voices on stage, and performing Amy Beach’s music here, with her special New England connection, is especially meaningful to me.”

Paniyeva will perform a solo recital. Numbers include Seven Fantasies, Op. 116 by Johannes Brahms, Sketches by Amy Beach, Scherzo by Clara Schumann, and Sonata No. 2 in G minor by Robert Schumann.

Additional “A World of Music” performances in Bedford this season include Women Composers Across Cultures and Centuries at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12; Featuring MCC Alumnus Nathaniel Abreu, Cellist at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 10; and a Student Recital at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4.
The Lowell Chamber Orchestra kicked off the Spring season with a performance at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center, Theatre in Lowell on Saturday, February 7. They will perform a second time at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 26.

All concerts are free and open to the public.
MCC’s Concert Hall is located in the North Academic Building at 591 Springs Road in Bedford. Parking is available on-campus.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/events/worldofmusic.html for more information.

Easter Festivities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Egg Your House, Relay For Life Fundraiser - Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 4th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  We will go to Maynard, Acton, Concord, and Stow.  You must order them by March 25th.  Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form.  Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.
Fresh start furniture 2

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

All of us Fresh Start volunteers were wearing our green on Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day! We are hoping to see some donations come in today. At present, we are in need of pristine mattresses, and new or gently used towel sets, queen size sheets sets, and shower curtains. We are also low on couches now. We would love to hand out gift cards to our clients for them to pick up things they need for their homes. If you can donate gift cards from Target, Amazon, or Job Lot, that would be great. Last week I entered 51,000 items into our inventory!!  This number system was set up shortly after the pandemic.  We inventory all of our furniture, artwork, lamps, appliances, dishes, and rugs.
     Look at our website for more details. You can bring donations to us at 16 Brent Dr. in Hudson on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from nine to noon, Household items only ( no furniture).  Saturdays, you can bring furniture between 8:30 and 10:30, and other household goods from 8:30 to noon.
     Thank you for your help!
Weston ma walk2

WESTON, MA WALK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NASHOBA VALLEY CHORALE CONCERT

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

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

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

CONCERT FEATURES THREEPENNY MUSIC

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