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Concord/Bedford/Carlisle
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Current Edition - 9/25/26

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 - 9/18/26

HEADLINES

The Friends of Pine Hawk 2026 Fall Program Series in October

For more than 24 years the Friends of Pine Hawk have offered a variety of programs designed to foster an appreciation of Indigenous cultural traditions, history, and archaeology. These free programs are made possible with support from the Acton Memorial Library and in partnership with Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area and celebrate  Massachusetts Archaeology Month (October) and Native American Heritage Month (November).

Events are free but require registration at https://tinyurl.com/2026-Pinehawk

Stone Prayers: An Update to the Inventory
Thursday, October 15, 7 PM – Acton Memorial Library
Prof. Curtiss Hoffman has investigated the thousands of enigmatic stone monuments scattered
throughout the woodlands and fields of the eastern United States and Canada. Regional
descendant Indigenous communities identify these structures as "stone prayers"—sacred sites
that deserve protection. Hoffman documents archaeological and environmental evidence
supporting the Indigenous origin of many of these monuments.

Exploring Ceremonial Stone Landscapes
Saturday, October 24, 10 AM – Noon, Upton, Massachusetts walk, in person only
Peppercorn Hill was once marked as an "Indian Establishment" on a map from the 1800s.
There are many stone groupings and other features to explore in the landscape. The walk
will be led by Cathy Taylor who for over 25 years has been studying ceremonial earth and
stone sites identified by Tribal Historic Preservation Officers. This will be a 2-hour, level
walking hike and pre-registration is required. Limited to 15, all ages welcome with adult
supervision.

The Big World of New England's Native Americans
Tuesday, October 27, 7 PM, Acton Memorial Library, in person only
From almost 13,000 years ago, to today, New England’s Native Americans have participated in many
social networks throughout the continent. Robert Goodby, an archaeologist and Professor of
Anthropology at Franklin Pierce University, will present evidence for long-distance connections among
Native communities over time - technological traditions, religious practices, raw materials, and
economic strategies, some of which spanned the continent or extended all the way down the Atlantic
Seaboard from Maine to Georgia.
October concert

“Songs of Schumann and Britten” in Concert at UUCAV

Stow, Mass., Oct 4 – UUCAV Music Director Christopher Hossfeld and accompanist Trevor Berens present an afternoon of art song featuring two remarkable song cycles: Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe (A Poet’s Love) and Benjamin Britten’s Who Are These Children?

Schumann’s Dichterliebe, composed in 1840 to poems by Heinrich Heine, traces an intimate emotional journey through love, longing, bitterness, memory, and loss. One of the defining works of the Romantic song repertoire, the cycle will be performed in its original German.

Britten’s Who Are These Children? sets poems by Scottish poet William Soutar. Written in English and Scots, the cycle moves between playful glimpses of childhood and darker reflections on violence, suffering, and the cost of war.

Together, the two works offer contrasting musical worlds while sharing an extraordinary sensitivity to poetry and to the complexity of human experience.

The concert will be held on Sunday, October 4 at 4:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV), located at 353 Great Road in Stow, Massachusetts. The building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking. Suggested donation: $25. Donations collected at the door or in advance at Eventbrite.com.

For more information or to find a link to purchase advance tickets, visit www.uucav.org.

Music at UUCAV
Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley
353 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775

Housing Insecurity in Our Backyard
and What You Can Do

Free and open to the public, we invite anyone concerned with the current housing crisis to attend a panel discussion about Housing Insecurity on October 28th at 7:00 p.m. at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden St. Concord.

Featuring four speakers:
Danielle Ferrier, CEO, Heading Home, Boston, MA
Sharon Martens, Exec. Director, Household Goods, Acton, MA
Sheilagh Carlisle, Exec. Director, Habitat For Humanity of Greater Lowell
Liz Rust, Director of Regional Housing Services Offices, Concord, MA

If you are looking to understand the depths of the housing crisis and to learn ways to get involved in solutions, please come to hear this panel.  You will be able to network with others in the community and leave with information about the local organizations at work getting people into homes.

Light refreshments will be served.
Mini mester

MCC’s Accelerated Mini-mester II Offers a Second Chance to Start Fall Classes

Middlesex Community College will offer a second opportunity to take classes during the Fall 2026. Starting Monday, November 2, MCC’s Mini-mester II is an accelerated, eight-week semester. Students can start their education on their terms, fit more classes into their schedules, and finish their program faster.

“Our Mini-mesters are a flexible and popular option for students looking to fit education into their lives,” said Jennifer Migliozzi, MCC’s Assistant Dean of Admissions. “The quick and efficient format allows students to reach their goals faster – whether they’re looking to complete a degree or certificate or upgrade their skills. Students earn transferable credits that prepare them for transfer to four-year schools or moving directly into the workforce. By starting mid-semester, they also do not need to wait until the spring to begin their studies.

MCC’s Mini-mesters provide the same content, academic standards, and number of instructional hours as courses scheduled in the traditional 15-week semester.
Offering a combination of on-campus, online, hybrid and hyflex classes, MCC allows students to complete general education requirements and explore a variety of subjects. This includes over 80 degree, certificate and industry credential programs in business, education, health, legal studies and public service, social science, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and the liberal arts.

All Middlesex students gain access to award-winning student support services and resources to help them succeed from day one. Offerings include tutoring, wellness and essential needs resources, and academic, professional and financial advising.

Students enrolled in Mini-mester II may also qualify for financial aid, including MassEducate and MassReconnect. The programs allow all eligible Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend MCC for free with no tuition or fees and an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.

“While starting at a community college already saves students money on tuition costs, students can also earn more credits per semester by enrolling in the eight-week sessions,” Migliozzi said. “This can lead to them finishing their education and reaching their goals in less time.”
MCC’s Fall 2026 semester started on Tuesday, September 8. While Mini-mester I began the same day, MCC’s Mini-mester II starts on Monday, November 2. Learn more and register for MCC's Mini-mester II.

22nd Annual “Minute Man March” Raises Over $107,000 and Awareness for Minute Man Arc

 
Inclusive Walk and Celebration Supports Critical Programming for
Individuals with Disabilities in Middlesex County

CONCORD, Mass. (Sept. 22, 2026) – Minute Man Arc, a social services organization for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Middlesex County, raised over $107,000 at its annual “Minute Man March” on September 19 to support comprehensive services for individuals with IDD.
Supporters joined individuals of all ages and abilities served by Minute Man Arc, and their families, for an accessible, one-mile lap around Concord center.  Clad in the event’s signature tie-dye shirts, over 400 participants raised funds and awareness to help sustain the agency’s residential, employment, and day habilitation services.  After the walk’s conclusion, attendees gathered at the Alcott School in Concord for refreshments, music, lawn games, and prizes.
“I am so grateful for all the amazing work that Minute Man Arc does, whether it’s early intervention, daycare, group homes, or helping parents in transition,” said Massachusetts state Senator and Minute Man Arc board member Jamie Eldridge to kick off the event.  “It serves such an important purpose to make sure that all people live a life with dignity.”
“For more than two decades, the Minute Man March has been a powerful reminder of community, and today demonstrates how far the disability community and the agency have come since our founding,” said Peter Kilbridge, board president of Minute Man Arc.  “Each step and every pledge directly fuels the supports necessary for our neighbors with disabilities to live full, empowered lives.  We are beyond grateful to everyone who makes the March so special.”
In its 22nd year, the awareness walk and fundraiser continues to support over 1,400 individuals in more than 45 Massachusetts communities, including Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Sudbury, and Stow.
Minute Man Arc applauds the generous support from its many event sponsors.

About Minute Man Arc
Established in 1958, Minute Man Arc changes the lives of children and adults with disabilities in Middlesex County by increasing independence, personal choice and self-advocacy.  The organization, since its inception, has grown to offer a wide range of programs and services including Early Intervention, Recreation & Family Services, Employment Services, Day Habilitation and Residential Services.  For more information, please visit www.minutemanarc.org or call (978) 287-7900.
Monsterbash

Join us for spooky fun at Monsterbash!

Acton, MA: Get ready for a hauntingly good time at Monsterbash, the exciting Halloween celebration geared for elementary aged children promises thrills, chills, and unforgettable memories! This spooktacular event will transform the amphitheater stage into a whimsical wonderland filled with Halloween-themed games, lively entertainment by Crystal Entertainment (DJ Blacklight Dance Party!), and plenty of opportunities for festive fun. Whether you or your child is wearing the most creative costume, indulging in tasty treats, or participating in exciting activities like the mummy wrap or flashlight candy hunt, Monsterbash has something for everyone. Join us for a night of eerie excitement and create lasting memories as we celebrate all things Halloween!
Mark your calendars for this not-so-scary frightfully fun evening on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park.  “This event has been going strong since it started 20 years ago” said Maura Haberman, the event and program coordinator at Acton Parks and Recreation.
Grab your broomsticks and prepare for a variety of spine-tingling entertainment! Enjoy the fun music and Halloween themed games like our signature activity: the mummy wrap. We promise there won’t be any “boos” in the audience (unless they're from the ghouls on stage)!
Wear your best Halloween gear for our epic costume contest! Categories include “Best Classic Monster,” “Funniest Getup,” and “Most Creative Costume.” Winners will snag a prize and a certificate and the ever-coveted title of Monsterbash Costume Champion! Our panel of esteemed (and slightly spooky) judges will be looking for originality, creativity, and how well your costume fits the theme. Bonus points if you can make the judges chuckle—or scream in delight!
Indulge in complimentary light refreshments and cauldron punch while it lasts. Boston Event Specialist will have a variety of treats available for purchase. Trust us, there’s no trick when it comes to these treats!
Calling all ghouls, kids and families!  Monsterbash loves a good crowd so we have tickets that can be purchased in advance on EventBrite.  The admission to this good time is $10 per person for all in attendance over age 2 not including any credit card fees. The more attendees, the merrier—and that includes all the little monsters who love to trick or treat! Don’t forget to bring your flashlight and loot bag for our flashlight candy hunt!
If you have any questions or need to clarify something, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact our friendly Monsterbash team via email at recreation@actonma.gov or call us at (978) 929-6640. We’re here to help, and we promise to respond faster than a ghost at a haunted house! We can’t wait to see you at Monsterbash for a night filled with frightful fun and festive cheer! Whether you come for the costumes, the entertainment, or simply to enjoy the spooky atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to grab your tickets early and invite your friends and family to join in on the celebration. Let’s make this Monsterbash one to remember!
The Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park is located at 71 Quarry Road.  Parking is free.  Admission is $10 per person for all ages over 2 and can be purchased in advance via EventBrite or you may purchase at the gate (credit card only). Gates will open at 5:30 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. event start time. This event is hosted by the Acton Parks and Recreation Department. Visit us at: actonma.gov/events

Still River Music Launches Inaugural Season

HARVARD, Mass. — Still River Music, a new non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community connection through music, is proud to announce its inaugural programs for Fall 2026.

Founded on the belief that shared artistic experiences deepen our sense of belonging, Still River Music fosters meaningful encounters with music within the communities of MetroWest Boston. Programming is designed to foster an intimate, welcoming space for neighbors to gather, reflect, and connect.

“Our mission is to craft meaningful musical experiences that truly enrich daily life,” said Kevin Moll, Founder and Executive Director. “We want music to be a living, breathing part of our local community—a source of inspiration, comfort, and shared human connection right in our backyard.”

The Fall 2026 season features three concerts encompassing music from medieval chant to folk song, a lecture on music and citizenship, and a launch party in early October. The season launches on September 26 with an afternoon concert at the architecturally stunning St. Elizabeth’s Chapel in Sudbury, and continues with presentations at three venues in Harvard: Fivesparks, the Harvard Historical Society, and the Harvard Public Library. All events are free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended.

To learn more about upcoming events or to support the initiative, visit still-river-music.org.

Is Your Child Struggling with Behavioral Challenges?

This fall, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and NAMI MASS will be offering a very special education program ~ NAMI “BASICS” designed for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental health issues and behavioral challenges. The class will help families cope with the impact these disorders have on the child and the entire family. The program is free to all and led by trained NAMI volunteer teachers who are themselves parents of children living with these difficulties.

The course consists of six (6) classes, each lasting 2 ½ hours. The class will be held in Bedford MA starting Tues Oct. 6th at 6:15 pm - 8:45 pm. and ends on Nov 17th. The program helps parents understand the illnesses that are causing behavioral difficulties, and the critical role families play. NAMI Basics bridges the gap. It provides help that can’t be found in a doctor’s office. Join us and obtain the tools needed that will greatly assist you in making the best decisions possible for the care of your child.

For registration and details call: Dee - 978.697.3441 cell, Brian 617-257-1767, or Lisa – 978.869.1242.
Call soon as the class is limited.

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.

All Are Invited to a Free Informational Webinar:
9 Massachusetts Ballot Questions – Vote Yes or No?

The League of Women Voters – Acton Area will host a webinar featuring the 9 questions on the Massachusetts State Election ballot on Wednesday October 7, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT on Zoom. The event is free and open to the public.

Plain language explanations. Pros and Cons. Supporters and Opposition. Financial Impact. Learn what it means to vote “yes” or to vote “no” on each of the ballot questions:

Question 1: Expanding the Public Records Law
Question 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
Question 3: State Primary Elections
Question 4: Election Day Registration
Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate
Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund
Question 7: Single Family Homes
Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
Question 9: Firearms Regulation

Don't miss this opportunity to get the information you’ll need to make informed choices when you vote on the 9 ballot questions. Register today for the webinar link, https://tinyurl.com/LWVAA-BallotQuestions,  and be prepared for when you go to the polls on November 3rd.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state, and national government. It has a long tradition of providing important voter information services, such as this webinar. Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces $1 Billion Saved by BabySteps Families
Thousands of Families Taking the Next Step Toward Saving for their Children’s Future

BOSTON – September marks College Savings Month, an annual opportunity for families to take a closer look at how they are preparing for the rising costs of post-secondary education. For many families, a 529 account can be an important part of the strategy. That is certainly the case for families enrolled in BabySteps, who have just reached a huge milestone: $1 billion invested in their BabySteps funded accounts.

BabySteps, a program started by State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, jumpstarts families on the pathway to saving for future educational expenses by providing them with a $50 seed deposit when they open a MEFA U.Fund 529 account within one year of their child’s birth or adoption.

“BabySteps provides children with a strong start by jumpstarting investment in their futures, while also wrapping financial education around them and their families,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “It is so exciting to see this ongoing level of commitment, ensuring these kids get a real chance at college, vocational/technical training, or other post-secondary opportunities, which result in a better future.”

BabySteps funded 529 accounts allow families to save for a wide range of educational expenses, including for traditional four-year colleges, community colleges, or vocational or technical programs. Money in 529 accounts can also be used towards expenses such as books, computers, and apprenticeship supplies.  And, account holders may be able to transfer unused 529 funds to an eligible family member or roll them over to an ABLE or Roth IRA account.

“One of the greatest gifts BabySteps can give families is time,” said Alayna Van Tassel, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Empowerment. “By helping families invest early in their children’s futures, they have more flexibility when students are getting ready for college, vocational school, or another path.”

Research shows that children’s savings accounts provide multiple positive impacts on account holders and their families.  Starting to save early through programs such as BabySteps can result in improved financial and educational outcomes, including higher math scores, higher graduation rates and reduced student loan debt for college graduates
Davis museum 3

Davis Museum at Wellesley College Reunites Century-Old Antioch Mosaics and Artifacts from Four U.S. Museums


New exhibition brings together roughly 140 rarely seen objects and archival film with three years of research into the colonial-era excavation that dispersed them: Opening Sept. 25, 2026

WELLESLEY, MASS. (September 2026) — A new exhibition at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College brings into focus the ancient Greco-Roman city of Antioch. Opening on September 25, 2026, this free exhibition invites everyone to view objects reunited from American museums while examining how a 1930s archaeological excavation shaped what museum curators and historians know — and do not know — about the past.
Excavating Antioch: The Archaeology of an Ancient City explores Antioch-on-the-Orontes, now Antakya, Türkiye, across two periods: the ancient city from its founding in 300 B.C.E. through the 12th century, and the 1930s excavation that shaped the formation of museum collections in the United States and Europe.
The exhibition brings together more than 140 artifacts — including mosaics, sculpture, architectural fragments, ceramics, lamps, and other objects of daily life — drawn from six U.S. museums: Baltimore Museum of Art, Davis Museum at Wellesley College, Dumbarton Oaks, Harvard Art Museums, Princeton University Art Museum, and Worcester Art Museum. Together, these works illuminate the architecture, artistic production, and everyday experiences of one of the ancient Mediterranean’s most significant cities. 
Excavating Antioch: The Archaeology of an Ancient City will be on view at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts from Sept. 25, 2026 through May 30, 2027. The exhibition is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ABOUT THE DAVIS MUSEUM
A vital resource for communities on the Wellesley College campus and beyond, the Davis Museum is one of the oldest and most acclaimed academic fine art museums in the United States. Its signature Rafael Moneo building houses collections that span the history of art worldwide, from antiquity to the present. Guided by commitments to diversity and inclusion, excellence and innovation, and access for all, the Davis is at the core of Wellesley’s liberal arts mission of educating women to make a difference in the world. With exceptional encyclopedic holdings, rotating special exhibitions, and enriching public programs, the Davis warmly welcomes all visitors, including scholars and students of all ages.  For visitor information: https://www.wellesley.edu/davismuseum/visit/directions.  

Princeton, MA:  “Small Works & Holiday Marketplace”

Come make your holiday shopping more meaningful by supporting local artists! Members of Princeton Arts invite you to come browse, shop, and enjoy hundreds of their handmade items. Peruse creative, unique, yet affordable small wall art in many media, as well as tables overflowing with jewelry, cards, prints, ornaments, fabric items, original books, bags, ceramics, wooden items and so much more! Don’t miss out on this amazing annual holiday marketplace!

Fridays, November 13 & 20,  6-8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays, November 14 & 15 and 21 & 22,  10 AM-4 PM

Location:  206 Worcester Road, Princeton Senior & Community Center, Princeton MA

The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows. 
Sea turtles 2

In Last Release of the Season, New England Aquarium Returns Final Two Rehabilitated Sea Turtles to the Ocean

BOSTON, MASS. (Sept. 16, 2026) – In its final release of the season, the New England Aquarium returned two endangered sea turtles to Massachusetts waters following nine months of intensive rehabilitative care.
A small crowd gathered along West Dennis Beach on Tuesday to bid farewell to the animals as they entered Nantucket Sound. “Young Frankenstein” and “Shelley Volante,” Kemp’s ridley sea turtles who received font-inspired names, stranded on the shores of Cape Cod in December 2025, suffering from life-threatening medical conditions related to hypothermia. They were the last two turtles remaining at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., from the 2025 cold-stunning season.
The Aquarium created individualized care plans for the turtles during their rehabilitation process. “Young Frankenstein” was diagnosed with hypoxic brain injury, which is a neurologic disease that occurs when the brain does not get enough oxygen to function properly. In July after seven months of dedicated care that included hundreds of hours of rehabilitative treatment and a regimen of steroids, antibiotics, and gastrointestinal medications, Aquarium veterinarians decided to pursue hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Advanced Veterinary Specialty Center of New England. The twice-weekly medical treatments involved placing the turtle in an oxygen chamber where the air pressure is two to three times higher than normal. The high level of oxygen helps heal injured brain tissue. After two weeks of treatments, “Young Frankenstein” made remarkable progress and was medically cleared to return to the wild.
“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used in sea turtles for other ailments, but this is the first documented use for treating hypoxic brain injury in them,” said Dr. Melissa Joblon, Director of Animal Health at the New England Aquarium. “It was remarkable to see the drastic improvement in Young Frank’s ability to navigate and forage for food, even after just two treatments.”
“We’re thrilled to see this turtle respond so well to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Watching a patient recover and return home is exactly why we do what we do,” said Dr. Stephanie Kube, a board-certified veterinary neurologist and owner of Advanced Veterinary Specialty Center in Walpole, Mass.
The second sea turtle released, “Shelley Volante,” had severe sepsis, bone infection, and inflammation of the muscle and fat, which required advanced imaging for diagnosis and surgical joint debridement. After aggressive treatment, the turtle was deemed healthy and ready to be released.
During the 2025 cold-stunning season, which occurred from early November to late December, the Aquarium treated nearly 500 live sea turtles, most of them Kemp’s ridleys, that were rescued from Cape Cod beaches by staff and volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Biologists and veterinary staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital collaborate to provide medical and rehabilitative care to the turtles for a variety of health conditions from pneumonia and dehydration to trauma.
Aquarium staff are now preparing for the next cold-stunning season, which will arrive this fall once the water temperature in Cape Cod Bay reaches 55 degrees. 

MetWinds to Debut New Music Director Gabe Southard at 56th Season Opening Concert
Fall concert “There’s a First Time for Everything”set for Nov. 1 in Lexington

LEXINGTON, MA Metropolitan Wind Symphony (MetWinds), the Greater Boston area’s premier community wind ensemble, opens its 56th season this fall with the debut performance of its new Music Director Dr. Robert “Gabe” Southard. Southard leads the 60+ member ensemble in concert on Sunday, November 1, 3 pm, in a performance fittingly titled “There’s a First Time for Everything,” at the Scottish Rite Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. A free pre-concert lecture begins at 2:30 pm.
Southard was selected as MetWinds’ new music director after a season-long search in which six finalists each guest conducted the ensemble in concert. He joined the faculty of Gordon College in 2022 as Associate Teaching Professor of Music, where he conducts the Gordon Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band. He previously served as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Hope College in Michigan, leading the Winds and Brass area and the Instrumental Music Education area, and earlier held posts as Wind Symphony conductor and flute instructor at the University of Michigan-Flint.
Regarding his appointment, Gabe said he is “looking forward to starting work with the MetWinds, continuing the group’s reputation for excellence, and bringing some new and exciting program ideas!”
Southard’s first program with MetWinds universally embraces the theme of beginnings. “There’s a First Time for Everything” celebrates the debut works of some of the concert band repertoire’s most significant voices, including John Mackey, Frank Ticheli, and Dana Wilson, each represented by the very first piece they wrote or arranged for band. Another work reaches back to Gustav Holst’s “First Suite in E flat,” the piece widely credited with establishing the wind band as a serious concert ensemble alongside the orchestra.
The full program includes Adam Gorb’s “Awayday”; Holst’s “First Suite in E flat for Military Band” (edited by Colin Matthews); John Mackey’s “Strange Humors”; Dana Wilson’s “Piece of Mind”; John Stevens’ “Benediction”; and Frank Ticheli’s “Postcard.”
Single tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $5 for students, and free for children under age 5, available on Eventbrite.
MetWinds participates in the Card to Culture Program. EBT, WIC and Health Connector cardholders who show their EBT, WIC or Health Connector card at the door pay only $2 per adult or $1 per child (age 5+). Children under age 5 are free. There is no admission limit per cardholder.Free parking is available on site, and the Scottish Rite Museum is barrier-free for easy access.

For tickets and more information, visit metwinds.org, and follow MetWinds on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

Love to Sing? Come Join Us!

Shir Joy Chorus is holding open rehearsals from 6:30-8:30 on Sunday, Oct 4 and Monday, Oct 12th, at Congregation B'nai Shalom at 117 East Main St, Westborough. Anyone aged 14+ interested in potentially joining the chorus is welcome to experience a rehearsal firsthand. 
More information at https://www.shirjoychorus.com/

LAUGH FOR A CAUSE!

Come join us for a night of laughter, fun, desserts, and community—all while helping local Bedford seniors!
We’re bringing comedian Jimmy Colliton to Bedford for an evening of stand-up comedy, and 100% of the proceeds will help provide vital transportation for local seniors, so they never have to miss an important medical appointment simply because they can’t get there.
❤️Your $40 ticket does more than give you a great night out—it helps a senior get where they need to go.
Enjoy comedy, desserts, coffee & tea, a cash bar, a 50/50 drawing, and some fabulous gift baskets!
Thursday, October 22, 2026
American Legion Hall, 375 Great Rd, Bedford
Doors open at 6:00 PM | Comedy begins at 7:30 PM
$40 per person
Seats are limited, so reservations are strongly recommended!
Come laugh with us, bring your friends, and help keep our local seniors moving.
Award winning author

MCC to Host Award-Winning Author

Middlesex Community College will host award-winning author Michael Lowenthal as part of the Visiting Writers Series. The event will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30 in the Bedford Campus Café East.

"I love talking with students about writing, because writing is storytelling, and stories are how we make sense of the world: how we come to understand ourselves, and how we learn to empathize with the lives of others,” Lowenthal said. “These days – with empathy and understanding seemingly in such short supply – the craft of writing feels all the more urgent.”

Lowenthal has taught creative writing at Boston College, Hampshire College, and for 20 years in the MFA program at Lesley University. With fellowships from Massachusetts Cultural Council and MacDowell Colony, his awards include the James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelists’ Prize.
An author of four novels, “Charity Girl” (Houghton Mifflin, 2007) was a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice and a Washington Post Top Fiction of 2007 pick. Lowenthal also wrote “The Paternity Test” (Terrace Books/U. of Wisconsin Press, 2012), a Lambda Literary Award finalist; “Avoidance” (Graywolf Press, 2002), a short story collection; “Sex With Strangers” (U. of Wisconsin Press, 2021), and a new memoir-in-essays “Place Envy: Essays in Search of Orientation” (Mad Creek Books/Ohio State U. Press, 2026).

Widely anthologized in such volumes as Lost Tribe: Jewish Fiction from the Edge and Best New American Voices 2005, his short stories and essays have been published in Ploughshares, Guernica, the Kenyon Review. Lowenthal has also written for the New York Times Magazine, Boston Magazine, Out, and many other publications.

The MCC Visiting Writers Series is co-sponsored by the Creative Writing Program and the Office of Student Engagement.
MCC’s Café East is located in the Campus Center Building at 591 Springs Road in Bedford. Parking is available on-campus.
Learn more about MCC's Visiting Writers Series: https://www.middlesex.edu/events/visitingwriter.html

Fall Fellowship Fair, First Baptist Church of Lexington. October 24, 2026

The First Baptist Church of Lexington will be hosting the 68th annual Fall Fellowship Fair on October 24, 2026 from 9am to 3pm.  Breakfast will be served from 9am to 11am. Fresh baked muffins made on site will be served.  Lunch served at 1130am.  Many items to choose from. 

The fair features the Cookie Walk room, Holiday Corner with homemade Christmas items and silent auction on gift baskets.  Bake Shop with homemade pies and other baked goods.  Jewelry table, Knit Shop, Patchwork and Quilts, Yard Sale rooms, book room. Fun vendors as well.

The First Baptist Church is located at 1580 Massachusetts Ave in Lexington Center.
For more information telephone number is 781-862-9050  fbclexington.org
Baby sign 1

Free Baby Sign Class

Join Mary Beilman, a certified baby sign language educator, to learn about the benefits of using sign language with your baby or toddler. Mary will demonstrate common American Sign Language signs to use with your baby to build communication skills before your baby develops language. This class will be held at Fowler Library in West Concord on Wednesday, October 7, 11-11:45. Adults and their preverbal babies age 2 months to 24 months are welcome to attend together. To register, click on the registration link on the library calendar: https://concordlibrary.org/events/calendar .  This is a First Connections program graciously hosted by the Fowler Library! It is free and open to anyone to attend. 

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TEAM BUILD DAY
with MASSACHUSETTS ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR
Labor is a gift – Use your hands to Build a Better World!

On Saturday, August 29th, nearly 50 members of the Massachusetts Order of the Eastern Star (OES) partnered with Habitat for Humanity for a multi-site “Team Build Day”. OES Members from across the state volunteered at 4 Habitat project sites: Concord – Greater Lowell Habitat, Abington – South Shore Habitat, Ashland – Metro West/Worcester Habitat and Pelham – Pioneer Valley Habitat as part of a yearlong effort to support Habitat for Humanity. Helping out in the effort was the International Order of Rainbow for Girls (IORG).
The Order of the Eastern Star (OES), associated with Freemasonry, is the world’s largest fraternal organization for both women and men. Each year, Massachusetts OES elects a Worthy Grand Matron (state president) and Worthy Grand Patron (co-president), who lead the organization statewide. One of their responsibilities is to choose a charity to support through fundraising and other efforts. This year, Mrs. Ruth Q. Jones, Worthy Grand Matron, and Mr. R. Todd McDuffie, Worthy Grand Patron, chose Habitat for Humanity, a cause close to both of them.
Supporting Habitat for Humanity offers OES not only the opportunity to raise funds throughout the year, but also to roll up their sleeves, go on building sites and contribute with “hands-on volunteering”. Across the state, the OES members gathered early in the morning and with the Habitat site managers performed a variety of duties from framing a house, mixing concrete and pouring pylons for a porch, framing an outside deck, painting inside and outside the homes and organizing the jobsites for the Habitat team. When lunchtime came the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG), also associated with Freemasonry, were onsite with a great lunch for the OES and Habitat teams. At the
end of the day, the team’s accomplishments were visible for all to see. In a single day the organizations contributed over 250 hours of service and TRULY made a difference!
A special moment occurred at one site when the future homeowners stopped by to meet the OES and IORG team. It turns out the family has ties to IORG and actually knew several of the volunteers, making the effort especially meaningful. For the volunteers, seeing firsthand how their work will impact lives across the state was the greatest reward. At the end of the day, the volunteers were tired, but re-energized, happy and excited about the day. Some comments were: “It was such a rewarding day”, “It was so much fun”, It’s humbling and rewarding to perform volunteer hours to help others”, “It was great to spend the day with our friends truly making a difference”. When asked if they would do it again … without hesitation a resounding “YES.”

To learn more about The Order of the Eastern Star: www.massoesnews.com
and the International Order of Rainbow for Girls: www.massiorg.org


About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, strengthen communities, and create opportunities. Habitat builds and rehabilitates safe, affordable housing and provides critical home repairs to help low-income families, seniors, and veterans remain safe in their homes.

Concord Conservatory of Music Expands Popular Group Keyboard Program for Young Beginners
New Thursday and Saturday Sections Added for Fall 2026

CONCORD, MA — The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) has announced the addition of two new weekly sections for its popular Group Keyboard program for young children this fall. To accommodate growing community demand, CCM will offer new class times on Thursdays starting September 24 and Saturdays starting September 26.

Designed for young beginners, Group Keyboard introduces foundational piano skills, basic music theory, sight-reading, and ear training in an engaging, social environment. Through interactive ensemble play and movement-based learning, students build musical confidence while sharing the joy of making music alongside their peers.

Registration Details:
  • What: Group Keyboard for Kids (ages 5-7 years old)
  • Class Start Dates: Thursday 4:00-4:50 pm and 5:30-6:30 pm start September 24 & Saturday 9:00-9:50 am start September 26
  • Where: Concord Conservatory of Music, 1310 Main Street, Concord, MA
  • Registration: Space is limited, and advance reservation is required.
To learn more, view the full class schedule, visit ConcordConservatory.org/programs/group-keyboard/ or call (978) 369-0010.

About the Concord Conservatory of Music: The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the region’s premier nonprofit community music center. CCM offers high‑quality music instruction and performance opportunities for students of all ages and abilities, fostering a lifelong love of music and enriching the cultural life of the Concord community. Learn more at ConcordConservatory.org.

Native Plant Trust Announces “Plants: Solos for Native Species” on September 26
Registration for Fall and Winter Programs Open Now

WAYLAND, MA — Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants, announced its lineup of Fall and Winter
Programs, and a special fall collaboration with Boston Dance Theatre.
Saturday, September 26 Boston Dance Theatre will present “Plants: Solos for Native Species.” Throughout the day, visitors will experience immersive dance performances at different locations within Garden in the Woods, Native Plant Trust’s renowned botanic garden, featuring solo works inspired by individual native plant species. Four solo performances will loop throughout the day in differentlocations in the Garden. The event is free with Garden admission.
“Boston Dance Theatre’s Plants: Solos for Native Species transforms the Garden into both stage and subject, allowing us to encounter our native landscape through a completely new lens, inviting us to see our surroundings differently,” said Sara O’Brien, Director of Public Programs at Native Plant
Trust. “Boston Dance Theatre is known for bringing contemporary dance into conversation with the
world around us, and these intimate solo performances give individual native species a remarkable new presence. Connecting people more deeply to native plants is central to our mission, and art has a unique ability to inspire the curiosity, wonder, and sense of connection that spurs us to champion the well-being of our native landscapes.”
Plants: Solos for Native Species is just one of the fall and winter classes and events focused on native plants now open for registration. Tim Johnson, CEO of Native Plant Trust, notes: “The way we think about our gardens and landscapes is changing. Increasingly, people want to understand not simply
what to plant, but how their choices affect biodiversity, water, wildlife, climate resilience, and the
larger ecosystems around them. Our education programs meet that curiosity with the depth of science
and horticultural expertise that has defined Native Plant Trust for generations. By making that knowledge accessible—from advanced botany and conservation to practical ecological gardening—we
can help people turn their own landscapes into part of a much larger conservation effort.”

For more information and registration for programs, please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

ABOUT NATIVE PLANT TRUST
For over a century, Native Plant Trust has been leading the movement to conserve native plants in the
wild and use them in designed spaces. We do this to increase the beauty and resilience of New England
and the planet. From our base in Massachusetts, staff and trained volunteers work throughout New
England each year to monitor and protect rare and endangered plants, collect and preserve seeds to
ensure biological diversity, detect and control invasive species, conduct research, and offer a range of
educational programs. We welcome visitors from all over the world to Garden in the Woods, our
renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham, MA. We also operate a nursery at Nasami Farm
in western Massachusetts and manage six sanctuaries in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that are
open to the public. Please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Latest Release of Unclaimed Property Listings
Over 50,000 Names Added to Unclaimed Property List

BOSTON - Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg has announced the latest grouping of names added to the state’s list of unclaimed property owners. Over 50,000 new properties worth millions of dollars are owed to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. This newly released list includes only individuals and businesses with unclaimed property over $100.

“Did you know there is $3.4 billion in unclaimed property here in Massachusetts?” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “Check the list, go online, or call our office to begin the process, because some of it could belong to you.”

Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. Last year, Treasury processed over 118,000 claims and returned $237 million in property to its rightful owners.

Treasurer Goldberg urges all citizens to check www.findmassmoney.gov for a complete list of over 10 million properties or call our live call center at 1-888-344-MASS (6277).

The full list of the new individuals, businesses, and nonprofits added to the unclaimed property list will be published in the Boston Globe on September 13th and in the Boston Herald on September 20th. In addition, the list of names will be published in regional and local papers in following weeks.

The Treasury releases an updated list of unclaimed property assets every six months as the new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit for a person to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

Become a Tutor of English
Sign Up for the Fall Class!

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 system. 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 October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. 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 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.
Aquarium

Aquarium Offering Discounted Tickets for Homeschooling Families
Special ticket Prices Available Every Tuesday through Dec. 22

BOSTON, MASS. (September 2026) – The New England Aquarium is offering discounted admission this fall for homeschooling families to experience its educational programs and exhibits.

Every Tuesday through December 22, 2026, homeschool families have access to special ticket prices: $12 for children and $21 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Aquarium’s Reservations Department at 617-973-5206 daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. More information is available on neaq.org.

Included in admission, the Aquarium offers a variety of programs, presentations, and feedings each day:
 
  • Guests can stop by an interactive educational space on the third floor called the Exploration Station, which offers both guided and self-led themed activities. Families can engage with sensory activities, pretend to be an Aquarium veterinarian, and spend some down time reading books.
  • Join an educator along the exhibit path for an up-close experience with one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. Learn more about jellies, local turtle species, or axolotls during animal encounters happening daily at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
  • Aquarium guests can enjoy daily presentations with the penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and residents of the Giant Ocean Tank, including Myrtle the green sea turtle. Full schedule available here.

The Aquarium also has a host of fun and educational activities on its website that can engage young learners before or after a trip to the Aquarium. The activities help visitors explore the Aquarium more deeply, encourage content learning, and improve science skills as well as support math and literacy development.

ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.

Massachusetts Patients, Survivors & Caregivers Will Travel to Nation’s Capital to Urge Congress to Make Cancer a National Priority

Over a Dozen Local Advocates to Call on Congress to Increase Cancer Research and Prevention Funding and Improve Access to Clinical Trials
BOSTON – September 11, 2026 – Next week, more than 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from all across the nation will travel to Washington, D.C., as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)’s annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Among these will be over a dozen cancer advocates from every corner of Massachusetts.
Every person attending will bring a unique story: one will share her journey of being widowed shortly after her marriage when her husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Another will speak of being a young professional, beginning a career in cancer research. Others will tell lawmakers about their ongoing cancer battles or proud stories of survivorship.
These stories will be shared with members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and urge lawmakers to pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (CTMA).
 In the last 30 years, substantial and steady increases in federal cancer research funding have fueled discovery and innovation that has led to a 34% decline in cancer mortality rates. Advocates will remind lawmakers that this incredible momentum in the fight against cancer is fueled by sufficient funding at key agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 The advocates will also call on Massachusetts lawmakers to support the bipartisan Clinical Trial Modernization Act, or CTMA. This legislation would make it easier for all people with cancer to participate in clinical trials, including those in underrepresented populations, like rural residents, older adults, certain racial and ethnic groups, and those with limited incomes. The passage of CTMA is crucial to ensure more patients—regardless of their economic means or their geographic location—have a chance to enroll in clinical trials, ultimately giving more people a better chance in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

Worcester Chamber Music Society Present
November Concerts in Harvard and Worcester

September 3, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society begins its 21st Season with a concert titled “Autumn Winds” at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard on September 25 and at Assumption University in Worcester on September 26. The chamber music ensemble opens the season with three pieces written in three centuries. Mozart and Brahms each composed works in their masterful styles that display the virtuosity of the hornist and clarinetist for whom they were written. Dohnányi’s Sextet showcases both instruments in a work that nods to Brahms while delighting in its own eccentricity and sass.
Friday, September 25 @7:30PM Saturday, September 26 @7:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church* Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
9 Ayer Road, Harvard 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM
Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K.407/386c
Johannes Brahms | Clarinet Trio, Op. 114
Ernő Dohnányi | Sextet, Op. 37
*9/25 performance is funded in part by the Shirley Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/autumn-winds/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

35 Seasons, One Timeless Tradition: Tickets Now on Sale for
Commonwealth Ballet's The Nutcracker

Kick off the holiday season with the magic of The Nutcracker and celebrate Commonwealth Ballet's 35th Anniversary Season: Tradition & Transformation.
This beloved holiday tradition features beautiful dancing, stunning costumes, enchanting sets, and memorable performances for audiences of all ages. From playful mice and cheerful Polichinelles to sparkling Snowflakes and the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers, The Nutcracker offers holiday wonder for families and arts lovers alike.
As Commonwealth Ballet marks 35 seasons of inspiring audiences through tradition, innovation, and artistic excellence, this year's performances are not to be missed. Learn more about the anniversary season here.
Performances: November 27-29 and December 18-20
Venue: Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, Weston, MA

Free Parking

Tickets are on sale now! Purchase tickets https://www.commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker and use promo code EB26 by October 1 for 20% Early Bird savings (excluding shortened sensory and family-friendly matinee on November 27th at 1pm). 
Postpartum 1

Free Postpartum Documentary Screening

On Wednesday, September 23, 6:30-8:30, there will be a free screening of the first major documentary on postpartum depression which will be held at Goodnow Library in Sudbury. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring two participants in the documentary, group facilitator Heather O'Brien, LICSW, and group participant Veronica Greene. Kaitlyn Richer, CNM and Emily Fiorini, LMHC, will also be on the panel and questions/comments from the audience will be welcomed. "More Than Blue" was produced by Dr. Lee Cohen from Mass. General Hospital's Center for Women's Mental Health, featuring voices from First Connections' Emotional Wellbeing After Baby Support Group in Acton and other participants who have navigated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We invite the public to join us as the film works to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and emphasize the vital importance of comprehensive mental health care during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Registration is recommended but not required on the Goodnow Library calendar: https://goodnowlibrary.org/events. 

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.
Minuteman march

“Minute Man March” Walk in Concord to Support Critical Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities in 45 Middlesex Communities
Event to Include Mile Walk and Outdoor Celebration

WHAT: The Minute Man Arc is hosting its 22nd annual “Minute Man March” to support its many programs throughout Middlesex County for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The inclusive and accessible one-mile lap through Concord center will raise money for early intervention, day habilitation, employment services, and other opportunities for the more than 1,400 individuals served by Minute Man Arc. The walk will conclude with an outdoor celebration, where participants can enjoy music, food, games, and enter to win a variety of prizes.
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026  9:45 to 11:00 a.m. (celebration immediately following)
WHO: State Senator and Minute Man Arc Board Member Jamie Eldridge (confirmed)
State Representative Danillo Sena (invited)
Al Frugoli, interim CEO, Minute Man Arc
Minute Man Arc Board Members
Children, adults, and families served by provider organizations

WHERE: Alcott School, 93 Laurel Street, Concord, MA 01742

Garden Club of Concord Seeks Grant Proposals

The Garden Club of Concord is soliciting proposals from local organizations seeking funding for gardening-related community projects.  Our club is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and development of gardens and the natural environment in the Concord community. Over the years, we have made a significant impact on the community through our grants program. These grants are totally funded with profits from the club’s annual plant sale in May. The club’s grant program has not only helped organizations in Concord but has also helped to promote horticulture and environmental conservation, making the town a better place for all.
Past grants have funded planting projects at The Old Manse, The Umbrella Arts Center, Gaining Ground, Concord Council on Aging, Minuteman Arc, Northeastern Correctional Center, CCHS Sustainable Club, and the Concord Land Trust.
To request a grant application or for more information contact Sarah MacEachern at smaceachern@comcast.net or visit our website: www.gardenclubofconcord.org. The deadline for submission is October 16, 2026.
Mary fahl new song

Mary Fahl to Open New Song’s Third Season on September 26 at John Glenn Middle School

Mary Fahl, former lead singer and co-founder of October Project, will open the New Song Music Series’ third season on Saturday, September 26, at 7:30 p.m. Because of planned construction in Bedford Town Hall’s Reed Room, the concert will be held in the John Glenn Middle School auditorium, 99 McMahon Road, a comfortable, air-conditioned venue with theater-style seating.

Praised by The Boston Globe for “a voice for the gods that can transport listeners to other realms,” singer-songwriter Fahl is known for her rich, powerful contralto. Her latest album, Can’t Get It Out of My Head, features interpretations of classics by the Rolling Stones, the Moody Blues, Nick Drake, the Mamas & the Papas, Judy Collins, and others.

Her recordings have earned an Indie Acoustic Award for Best Live Album, a 2020 Independent Music Award, and recognition as the 2021 “Immersive Album of the Year” by Life in Surround. After recording two albums with October Project for Epic Records, she began an eclectic solo career, writing and recording music for films—including the theme for the Civil War epic Gods and Generals—performing arias and medieval Spanish songs for Sony Classical, and creating an album-length reimagining of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.

Preview Fahl’s hauntingly elegant sound in the official video for “Going Home,” her stirring contribution to Gods and Generals.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 during the week of the concert; ticketing fees may apply. Tickets and additional information are available at newsongbedford.org.

New Song is a volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District, made possible with the generous support of Red Heat American Tavern, Suzanne & Company Real Estate, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL® Therapy and Balance Centers Bedford, the Mass Cultural Council, and the Bedford Cultural District.

Bid and Browse: Carlisle’s Gleason Public Library to Host Autumn Treasure Auction

October in Carlisle brings crisp air, beautiful foliage, and an exciting opportunity to support one of Carlisle’s most cherished institutions. The Gleason Public Library Treasure Auction is just around the corner, offering residents a chance to take home unique items while contributing to a great cause. The excitement begins online on October 11, when bidding officially opens. The highlight of the event takes place on October 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with an in-person silent auction and viewing. To attend, visitors can park in the Clark Farm CSA parking lot by the big white silo at 185 Concord Street, Carlisle. Signage will direct guests through the entrance of the beautiful herb garden and into the white building. Once inside, attendees can view the auction items first hand while sipping wine and enjoying refreshments. Library volunteers have been busy gathering an impressive array of treasures. Current donations include a stunning handmade quilt, original paintings, unique prints, professional photographs, and so much more. New items are arriving weekly, and a preview list is available on the library’s website at gleasonlibrary.org. The auction is to support the library's upcoming renovation project.

Bid early and often: Mark your calendar for October 11 to check out the online items, and come ready to browse in person on October 18. Please spread the word: Share the details with friends, family, and neighbors. The library plays a vital role in Carlisle, and community support ensures it continues to thrive. Organizers hope to see a wonderful turnout on October 18. Check the Library’s website (gleasonlibrary.org) to stay tuned for further updates as the auction approaches.

Thank you,
Gleason Public Library Endowment Trustees and Volunteers

LAUGH FOR A CAUSE!

Come join us for a night of laughter, fun, desserts, and community—all while helping local Bedford seniors!
We’re bringing comedian Jimmy Colliton to Bedford for an evening of stand-up comedy, and 100% of the proceeds will help provide vital transportation for local seniors, so they never have to miss an important medical appointment simply because they can’t get there.
❤️Your $40 ticket does more than give you a great night out—it helps a senior get where they need to go.
Enjoy comedy, desserts, coffee & tea, a cash bar, a 50/50 drawing, and some fabulous gift baskets!
Thursday, October 22, 2026
American Legion Hall, 375 Great Rd, Bedford
Doors open at 6:00 PM | Comedy begins at 7:30 PM
$40 per person
Seats are limited, so reservations are strongly recommended!
Come laugh with us, bring your friends, and help keep our local seniors moving. ❤️

Become a Tutor of English
Sign Up for the Fall Class!



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 system. 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 October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. 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 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.

Sudbury Valley Trustees to Host 3rd Annual Beer in the Barn Fundraiser

 
Friday, September 25, 2026
6:30-9:00 pm
The Barn at Wolbach Farm

Purchase Tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/beer-in-the-barn

Join SVT for our third annual Beer in the Barn fundraiser! We'll serve craft beer from Amory’s Tomb Brewing Company, assorted non-alcoholic drinks, and classic hot dogs from Ye’ Olde Farm Stand with picnic side salads. The Red Horse Old Time Duo will play live fiddle and mandolin music for some good old toe-tapping fun!

A Beer in the Barn Ticket includes: One beer or one flight trio. Not a beer fan? There will be plenty of other non-alcoholic beverage options offered;
Two hotdogs with all the fixin's. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available; Generous appetizers and snacks; and
Live music by the Red Horse Old-time Duo.
Additional drink tickets and hot dogs are available for purchase at the door.

And, for the second year in a row SVT will once again host the exciting Masskrugstemmen, or Steinholding Competition, popular in Bavaria, Germany. This activity was a huge hit last year! The U.S. Steinholding Association has designated SVT’s Beer in the Barn event as an official qualifying competition location for the Massachusetts Steinholding State Championships to be held in Boston later this fall. Feeling strong? Grab a partner for some friendly competition and hold your beer stein high for a good cause! Each attempt is $10/try. Proceeds benefit SVT. The top two winners receive prizes and will be entered into the State Championships. Who will win this endurance challenge?

Purchase your tickets today at https://events.humanitix.com/beer-in-the-barn! A portion of every Beer in the Barn ticket sold helps support SVT's mission to protect natural areas and farmland in the 36 communities that surround the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.
 
 

CCHS Class of 1986 Reunion!

Let’s Get Together Again!
On Saturday September 19, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 pm the CCHS Class of 1986 will host a reunion. It will be at Nosh at 97 Lowell Road Concord, MA.
For questions and RSVP please contact Mardi Bartkus Hutchinson at mardihut19@gmail.com
 

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

New Class at Fivesparks! Photographing and Capturing the Beauty of Flowers and Gardens

 
When: October 17, 24, 31, and November 10
Where: Fivesparks, 7 Fairbank St, Harvard, MA, 01451

Would you like to elevate your flower photos from nice snapshots to gorgeous images that you'll treasure forever? Come learn a set of simple techniques for taking stunning flower and garden photos. ALL cameras, phones, and experience levels welcome! We'll photograph real flowers and experiment with backgrounds, lights, reflectors, diffusers, Lensball, special effect attachments for your phone, and more. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful images you can create! Four Saturday mornings starting October 17.  Learn more and register at
https://www.fivesparks.org/event/photographing-and-capturing-the-beauty-of-flowers-and-gardens/2026-10-17/
Nature program

Free Nature Program September 27, Westborough

Sunday, September 27, 2026, 1:30-3:00 pm
Gilmore Pond Sensory Trail Grand Opening
Join the Westborough Community Land Trust on Sunday, September 27 at 1:30 to celebrate the completion of the All-Persons Sensory Nature Trail at the Gilmore Pond Woodland Park. We have undertaken a multiyear project to make the trail around Gilmore Pond accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Come see the result of that effort: A trail that can be enjoyed by the visually impaired as well as those with limited mobility, which now includes multiple stations with audio content dedicated to the history and nature of the surroundings. Local and State officials are expected for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by guided tours of the trail showcasing its features and discussing the local flora and fauna. Meet at the Gilmore Pond Trail Entrance, GPS address approximately 19 Quick Farm Rd. Westborough. Please park on only one side of the road, and respect the neighbors. Free and open to the public.
Trail map: https://westboroughlandtrust.org/maps/UJ
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org
Freedoms way 2

Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Launches 2027 Partnership Grant Program; Allocates $100k in Support of Creative Programs & Projects

DEVENS, MA, September 8, 2026 – Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area is pleased to announce the launch of its Annual Partnership Grant Program on October 1, 2026. Designed to provide strategic investments in the natural, cultural, and historical resources that enhance the region’s sense of place, $100,000 has been set aside for this funding cycle.

Reimbursable matching grants of up to $5,000 are available to eligible non-profits, municipalities, state agencies, and public academic institutions. Applications are accepted, reviewed, and awarded on a rolling basis from October 1st, 2026 through April 15, 2027, or until the allocated funds have been committed.

The Freedom’s Way Partnership Grant Program supports a variety of creative programs and projects, diverse in scale and scope, that align with the following funding opportunities: 
 
  • Storytelling  
  • Education, Interpretation & Curation 
  • Community Planning & Resource Conservation  
  • Historic Preservation 
  • Regional Cultural Events  
  • Freedom’s Way 250 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to arrange a time to discuss their program or project prior to the submission of an online application by sending an email to grants@freedomsway.org.

Since its inception, the Freedom’s Way Partnership Grant Program has awarded 270 grants totaling over $391,000 within the Heritage Area’s 45 communities. More than $4.9 million in cash and in-kind match has been generated, leveraging Heritage Partnership funds received through the National Park Service by 13:1.

For more information, including program guidelines, application materials, and past project descriptions, visit freedomsway.org/grants.  

Concord Free Public Library Paperback Book Sale

Main Library | Saturday, September 12 from 9:30 AM to 3 PM | All Ages

Help us make Library magic year-round by joining us for the Paperback Book Sale! The Book Sale is full of nearly-new or gently used paperback books for adults and children. Build you autumn reading list, treasure hunting, and for the fun. The proceeds from the Friends book sales fund a wide variety of programs at the Library, museum passes, eBooks, large print and audiovisual materials, and staff professional development. Learn More About the Friends Paperback Book Sale at:
https://concordlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/friends-of-the-library-paperback-book-sale/

Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition

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