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Concord/Bedford/Carlisle
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Current Edition -1/16/26

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 - 1/9/26

HEADLINES

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

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

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

The March 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on March 2 through
March 20: Monday and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.

DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow,Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Habitat for Humanity NCM Celebrates Home Dedication in Leominster


Leominster, MA – Thursday, January 8, 2026 — Due to inclement weather, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts rescheduled the Home Dedication Ceremony at 75 Tenth Street in Leominster for Thursday, January 8. During the ceremony, Habitat for Humanity NCM proudly presented the keys to Gwen and her family, officially welcoming them into their new home.
This home is the result of strong community partnerships and generous support. Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts expresses sincere appreciation to the many supporters who helped make this home a reality, including:
City of Leominster; North Central Massachusetts Housing Authorities; Amica; Law Office of Attorney David Rocheford; McCarty Companies; Brideau Energy; EXIT Assurance Realty; Architect Luke McKneally; Wells Fargo; City of Leominster Housing Department; City of Fitchburg Housing and Development; Adobe; Charlesbank Homes; MMBA; Whirlpool; North Central Massachusetts Community Foundation; IC Credit Union; and Granite City Electric.
A special thank you is extended to the students and instructors at Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation for their hard work and dedication, as well as Hannaford and AllTown Fresh for generously providing delicious treats for the celebration.
“Today is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” said Carolyn Read, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. “This home represents stability, hope, and opportunity for Gwen and her family, and we are deeply grateful to our partners, volunteers, and supporters who made this moment possible.”
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts offers a hand up, not a hand out to hard-working, low-income families seeking affordable homeownership. Affordable homes are built in partnership with families, donors, and volunteers who share our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
We wish Gwen and her family a lifetime of happiness and cherished memories in their new home.
Looking ahead, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts will begin construction on a multifamily home in Acton very soon. For more information or to learn how to get involved, please contact our office.

Nashoba Valley Neighbors Event on January 24

Looking for a fun evening?

Join the Nashoba Valley Neighbors for a wine tasting and warm winter meal, with lots of fun people interested in an evening out and a nice dinner at a local restaurant.  The NVN are joining a wine tasting at The Westford Wine & Spirits in Westford at 5 pm Saturday, January 24, and dinner at the nearby Evviva Trattoria at 6:30.  Please feel free to join us for either or both, but we ask that you respond by Thursday, January 22 at noon.

If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from such town as Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard, but we welcome any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more
Information.  We hope to see you!

Groton Grange Contra Dance February 7, 2026

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Dudley Laufman,  who  will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St. 
Tom denney nature camp4

Tom Denney Nature Camp Register Now!

The camp in Bolton is for students entering Kindergarten through High School.
Activities include swimming, games in the fields and woods, arts & crafts, songs, tracking, hiking, campfires to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, building shelters, Animal Adventures, Predator and Prey, Amazon Adventure & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, nighttime activities on Thursday and dinner and s'mores, water guns, an adventure hike, team building activities & more.
Counselors-in-Training must be entering 9th grade or above and attend Orientation June 23-25 and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 29 – August 7, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
After Care is available until 4:30pm.
Campers from all towns are welcome!
See the website for more details and to register: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: bcttdnc@gmail.com (best means of communication) or 978-245-6929 (voice mail)
Andrew campanella

What Families in Massachusetts Should Know About Their School Options

By Andrew Campanella

All parents in Massachusetts and across America want their children to thrive in learning environments that reflect their diverse interests, talents, and individual challenges.

That’s why one in five parents last year enrolled at least one of their children in a new K–12 school. In fact, the process of moms and dads actively choosing how and where their children learn—often referred to as school choice—reached a five-year high in 2025.

Meanwhile, more than 60% of parents say they are likely to consider a new school for at least one of their children in 2026—suggesting another active year for families making enrollment decisions. What that means for your family depends, in large part, on where you live.

In Massachusetts, parents have more education options than they may realize. In addition to assigned traditional public schools, the Bay State has taken steps in recent years to give families more flexibility in choosing schools.

Within the public education system, tuition-free schooling options include charter schools (available in some areas), theme-based magnet schools (available in select communities), and full-time online schools with district approval. In some districts, parents may also be able to send their children to traditional public schools outside of their zones, if seats are available.

Parents can also consider private schools, which charge tuition and sometimes offer scholarships to help make private education more affordable. Finally, Massachusetts moms and dads have the freedom to educate their children at home, and some families pair homeschooling with learning pods or Montessori-style microschools.

If you want to explore these education options in advance of the 2026–27 school year, the time to begin that process is now. National School Choice Week begins January 25, with 265 school events across Massachusetts, including school fairs, open houses, parent nights, and information sessions.

Before starting your search, it can help to pause and write down your goals for your child and what you want in an ideal learning environment. Doing so helps center the process on what—and who—really matters: your daughter or your son. When possible, visit schools and schedule tours or meetings with staff. Research shows that parents who visit schools in person are twice as likely to enroll their children in a new school as parents who search without touring or visiting.

During those visits, ask questions. One of the most common mistakes parents make is accepting education jargon—of which there is plenty—at face value. If you do not understand a term, a reference to curriculum or instructional methods, or a school policy, ask for clarification until you do. You may also want to talk with other parents about their experiences, while keeping in mind that their perspectives are shaped by their own child’s unique needs.

And remember: you know your child better than anyone else. When it comes to your child’s well-being, you are the expert. Finding the right school is not about choosing what works for everyone—it’s about choosing what fits your daughter or son best.

To access a free guide to K–12 school choice options in Massachusetts, visit https://myschoolchoice.com/massachusetts.

Andrew Campanella is the CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the nonprofit organization that coordinates National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. He is also the author of The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Choosing the Right School for Your Child.


Free, Skill-Building Music Workshops at Concord Conservatory of Music This Winter

 
Concord Conservatory of Music is pleased to announce a series of complimentary music workshops this winter, inviting members of the community to explore a variety of musical interests and skills at our new music media lab (CCM 2). These workshops are a wonderful opportunity for participants of all ages and experience levels to engage with music and learn from CCM's talented faculty.

The upcoming free community workshops include:
Channeling Your Creativity: An Introduction to Composition
Recording Techniques 101
  • Ages: 13–17 and 18+
  • Taught by: CCM music creation and production faculty member Daniel Fox
  • When: Tuesday, January 28, 5:00–6:30 pm
  • Where: CCM 2, 15 Junction Square Dr., Concord
  • What: In this session, you will learn the fundamental tools of the trade, industry best practices, and professional workflows for recording.
  • Link: https://concordconservatory.org/recording-techniques-101/
Multigenerational Bucket Drumming
  • Ages: 9–18+
  • Taught by: CCM clarinet and saxophone faculty member Tsuyoshi Honjo
  • When: Saturday, January 31, 3:30–4:30 pm
  • Where: CCM 2, 15 Junction Square Dr., Concord
  • What: With nothing more than buckets and drumsticks, participants of all skill levels can dive into an energizing and collaborative drumming session.
  • Link: https://concordconservatory.org/multigenerational-bucket-drumming-workshop/
Rhythmic Laboratory
  • Ages: Minimum age 6
  • Taught by: CCM percussion faculty member Giuseppe Paradiso
  • When: Wednesday, February 4, 6:30–7:30 pm
  • Where: CCM 2, 15 Junction Square Dr., Concord
  • What: You’ll gain practical, transferable techniques guaranteed to sharpen your sense of pulse and rhythmic awareness, instantly boosting your confidence in any ensemble or solo performance. 
  • Link: https://concordconservatory.org/rhythmic-laboratory-workshop/
These free workshops are available to all community members, and registration details can be found on the Concord Conservatory of Music website. Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Mcc student benefits from electronics2

MCC Student Benefits from Electronics Course Fully Funded by Metallica


A passion for snowboarding led Brian Yun, of Lexington, to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. Fascinated by the design and manufacturing process of the equipment, he was inspired to return to school. While working toward his program of study, Yun completed an electronics course at Middlesex Community College fully funded by Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands, through the Metallica Scholars Initiative. The programs are providing him with the knowledge he needs to one day join an engineering design team.
“The Metallica Scholars Program has given me the opportunity to learn more about electrical components and how they come together through soldering,” Yun said “It’s been a lot of fun learning how to solder different components onto a circuit board, and this experience has helped me better understand how electronics work. Opportunities like this course make MCC stand out as a place that truly invests in its students.”
In the Summer of 2022, Middlesex was selected from a competitive field of community colleges across the country to receive $100,000. With the initial and other rounds of funding, MCC’s Corporate Education and Training division offers an electronics course to teach participants the knowledge and skills they need to be hired into entry-level positions in the advanced manufacturing field.
As part of the course, Yun appreciated learning from professionals who have experience working in the engineering industry. In addition to gaining hands-on experience in his field, he received guidance, feedback and personal stories from his instructors. This provided more insight into what he can expect from his future career.
“This course has benefited me tremendously by creating a deeper curiosity about how electronic devices are manufactured,” Yun said. “It’s given me valuable hands-on experience in soldering and inspection, and it’s helped me think more critically about how electronics function and are built to last.”
Through the course, Yun learned skills that also apply to his associate degree program. He also gained a stronger understanding of the high-reliability manufacturing and engineering environments. The course included access to career advising, professional development, and MCC’s student support services such as free tutoring.
“I hope to continue gaining hands-on experience and further develop my understanding of high precision electronics,” Yun said. “Soldering has been a lot of fun, and I’m excited to see where this opportunity can take me, possibly toward building and designing more complex and exciting technologies in the future.”
Yun chose to come to Middlesex because of the affordable cost and the opportunities a community college education provides. With flexible schedules, he can continue to build his career while completing his degree. Learning in an environment with small class sizes and supportive professors also help him stay motivated as he reaches his goals.
After he graduates from Middlesex, Yun plans to transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Calling his time at MCC “amazing,” he credits the college for helping him turn his interest and former experience working in snowboarding into a future engineering career.
“Middlesex Community College provides the education I need to achieve my goals while remaining affordable and accessible,” he said. “MCC has given me both the educational foundation and the hands-on opportunities I need to succeed.”

Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/corporate/metallica.html for more information.
Singer songwriters erin ash sullivan and rupert wates2

Award-Winning Singer-Songwriters Erin Ash Sullivan and Rupert Wates to Perform in Bedford on January 17


BEDFORD, Mass. — Acclaimed folk singer-songwriters Erin Ash Sullivan and Rupert Wates will present an intimate evening of authentic storytelling, poetic lyrics, and masterful guitar work on Saturday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way.

Audiences will experience two distinct voices shaped by lived experience and keen observation of the world. Though different in style, Sullivan and Wates are united by thoughtful lyrics and deeply resonant melodies.

New England native Sullivan is celebrated for her clear, expressive, and quietly powerful voice. She previously was one half of the New York–based duo Edith O, performing at iconic venues such as the Bitter End and CBGB’s Gallery. Her 2024 solo album, Signposts and Marks, reached No. 4 on the FAI Folk DJ Chart. Sullivan was also named a “Most Wanted” artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Showcase and won the 2025 Al Johnson Songwriter Contest at the Wildflower Arts & Music Festival.

The Oxford-educated Wates blends melodic acoustic folk with elements of jazz, vaudeville, and cabaret. The recipient of more than fifty songwriting and performance awards, he has released twelve albums and toured extensively throughout North America and Europe. His work has been widely covered by other artists, and two full-length tribute albums are dedicated entirely to his songs.
Hear Erin Ash Sullivan’s humorous song inspired by a July 4th eating contest, https://youtu.be/-ARmJCBY0WY?t=123, and Rupert Wates performing “Father to the Man, https://youtu.be/2ASBO5HhCQc?t=37.

Tickets for the New Song concert are available at newsongbedford.org. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments, with the music beginning at 7:30 p.m.

New Song is a volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District and is supported by local sponsors including Red Heat American Tavern, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
John gardella the modern middle east

John Gardella – The Modern Middle East: Parts 1 and 2
Thursdays, January 22nd and 29th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

John Gardella presents the first two parts of The Modern Middle East on January 22nd and 29th starting at 1:00 PM. It will cover from the end of World War One through 1980 - the Iranian Revolution and the Camp David Accords. These two lectures set the stage for the more recent history of the Middle East which John will present in the spring. Please call the Concord COA office to sign up at 978-318-3020.

Prevent a Winter Blood Shortage: Give Blood or Platelets Now

Donors have chance to win trip to Super Bowl LX during National Blood Donor Month
Red Cross, Saquon Barkley huddle up for a lifesaving play in January

BOSTON, Jan. 5, 2026 — The American Red Cross is teetering on a blood shortage this winter, which could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now. The Red Cross blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season when winter weather and packed schedules made it even tougher to ensure hospitals have the blood products needed for critical care. Without immediate action, doctors may have to make difficult decisions about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait. Donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed now.

Don’t wait – make an appointment to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
For the seventh year, the Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering in January for National Blood Donor Month to urge individuals to kick off 2026 with a blood donation. As a thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LX giveaway. The winner and guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Join a lifesaving team
The Red Cross and Pro Football Champion and blood donor Saquon Barkley are teaming up to remind donors that the best offense against a winter blood shortage is making and keeping blood donation appointments. The blood supply can drop quickly – now’s the time to get in the game and give blood or platelets.
"I gave blood once in college and that was the only time I had ever been asked to give, until the Red Cross reached out this fall,” said Barkley. “It was a no-brainer for me to give again. It only takes about an hour and once you realize in that short amount of time how much help it can bring – it’s a beautiful thing."

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 5-31:
Bedford:
1/6/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/7/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/9/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/10/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/13/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/14/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/16/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/17/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/20/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/21/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/23/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/24/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/27/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/28/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/30/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/31/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
Concord coa dance class

Concord Council on Aging: KEEP IT MOVING Dance Class

Tuesday, January 13th from 1:00 to 2:00 PM

Join Susan Wright Regan for the KEEP IT MOVING dance class on Tuesday, January 13th at 1:00 PM. The classes are now meeting monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. This class is for those who wish to keep active and maintain balance and coordination for as long as possible. Learning is to our brains as exercise is to our muscles - dance combines both! We groove to music from all genres. Susan believes that age is not the enemy - stagnation is. There is no charge. Please call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.

The Acton Community Chorus Presents Our Winter Concert, I Hear The Stars Still Singing

The Acton Community Chorus presents our winter concert,  I Hear The Stars Still Singing, a constellation of contemporary choral music contemplating the stars and the ways they guide our lives, featuring a multi movement work by Kenneth Riggs called "Starlight Songs", plus written works by other living composers such as J. Michael Saunders, Jacob Narverud, Susan LaBarr, and Victor C. Johnson. The concert will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 4pm at the Acton Congregational Church with an inclement weather date of Sunday, January 11th at 4pm. Tickets are available through the link on our website or at the door. There will be a reception following the concert.  Every year we seek out a community partner to support, and this season we are partnering with NAMI of Central Middlesex County. They will have volunteers in attendance to share the resources they have for individuals and families living with mental health conditions. The Acton Community Chorus is a nonprofit organization supported in part by grants from the Acton Boxborough, Concord, Littleton and Stow cultural councils which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a State agency.

The Acton Community Chorus invites all area singers to attend our Open Sing for our Spring 2026 Concert Movie Night. We will be featuring iconic songs from iconic movies including My Heart Will Go On, Both Sides Now, Danger Zone, Bohemian Rhapsody, (I've Had) The Time of My Life, and so many more! We will meet on January 26, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Faith Free Evangelical Church 54 Hosmer Street in Acton, MA. Please see our website www.actoncommunitychorus.org for more information about our vibrant choral group that has been bringing choral music and friendship to the Assabet Valley area since 1984!

Psychosis Program

"Psychosis Unveiled" is an in-person presentation for people living with symptoms of psychosis and those who love them. Join the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and speakers from the MA Psychosis Access & Triage Hub (M-PATH). Join us on Monday, January 26th, at the Edinburg Center, 205 Burlington Road, Bedford MA, rear entrance. The event kicks off at 6:30 PM with dessert & social time. At 7:00 PM the presentations begin. Learn more about the program and please RSVP here: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/psychosis.
Motor development babies3

Motor Development in Babies 0-18 Months

A free live webinar presented by pediatric physical therapist Christina Marinelli from Emerson Health, will be held via Zoom on Thursday, January 29, 1-2:00. Babies begin progressing both gross and fine motor skills from birth. They are the building blocks to your baby's ability to explore their environment as they grow. In this webinar, you will learn 1) what typical development looks like, 2) general tips and strategies to support baby's skill acquisition, and 3) helpful resources for continued learning. Time for questions will be allowed. To receive the link, email lmatthews@jri.org at First Connections.

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 video conference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

Chef cook-off winners from Concord Park & Nashoba Park

Senior Living Residences hosted their annual Top Chef Cook Off competition on November 20, 2025. This year, chefs from across SLR's 20 communities teamed up and chose a country’s cuisine to build a meal and dessert, while also following our signature Brain Healthy Cooking program guidelines. Each month of the year, residents enjoy cuisine, art, and culture from a variety of countries around the world as part of the popular Grab Your Passport Program.

Teamwork, kitchen magic, and a little music led to multicultural morsels for tasting by SLR associates and a diverse, six-person judging panel.  The judges handed out awards for authenticity to the traditional dishes, alignment with the Brain Healthy Cooking Program, stunning presentation, and delectable desserts.

Concord Park Director of Dining Experience Emerson Dacosta was paired with Nashoba Park Director of Dining Experience Caleb Bogren to bring to life the cuisine of Argentina. Chef Caleb prepared a delicious and authentic dish of Grilled Chicken Thighs with Red Pepper Chimichurri and Chef Emerson offered Red Wine-Infused Pears with Dulce de Leche Cream for dessert.

**Images:Chef cook off1 & 2

The attached photos feature:

Nashoba Park Director of Dining Experience Caleb Bogren and Concord Park Director of Dining Experience Emerson Dacosta

Caleb, Senior Living Residences President & CEO Tadd Clelland, and Emerson
Give the gift of live music

Give the Gift of Live Music with New Song Tickets

Whether you're shopping for a friend or family member or treating yourself, the Bedford Cultural District's New Song Music Series has upcoming shows that are sure to delight. Explore the lineup below and share the joy of live music this holiday season.
Here’s a quick guide to the remaining concerts of New Song's second season. From contemporary folk and bluegrass to Americana, all previous concerts have sold out, so avoid disappointment and get your tickets today! Click on an artist’s name to listen to their music.

Tickets for all shows are available at newsongbedford.org. Concerts are held in the Reed Room at Bedford Town Hall (10 Mudge Way), an intimate venue with a new sound system offering an immersive listening experience. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments, with music beginning at 7:30 p.m.

New Song is a volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District, made possible by the generous support of its sponsors: Red Heat American Tavern, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL® Therapy and Balance Centers Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, and the Mass Cultural Council.

Tremont School Launches New Recycling Challenge in Partnership with the Rotary Club of Concord and Abode Energy Management

Concord, MA — Tremont School is excited to announce a new sustainability initiative in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Concord and Abode Energy Management, launching a yearlong challenge to collect 1,000 pounds of recyclable plastic.
On Thursday, November 6th, members of the Rotary Club of Concord visited Tremont to introduce the project and teach students how to identify plastics accepted for recycling. Students learned a simple test: if the plastic stretches instead of tearing like paper—and is clean and free of food debris—it qualifies for recycling.
Once Tremont reaches its 1,000-pound goal, the school will receive a bench made entirely from recycled plastic , serving as a lasting reminder of student leadership, community partnership, and environmental stewardship.
As part of this initiative, Abode Energy Management has stepped up to support Tremont’s efforts. Based in Massachusetts, Abode focuses on simplifying energy efficiency for utilities, contractors, and homeowners. The company develops fast, flexible, and innovative solutions—grounded in decades of experience—to help communities reduce carbon emissions and adopt clean-energy practices. Through a blend of in-person and remote services, Abode collaborates closely with partners to make climate-forward solutions more accessible, reliable, and impactful for households across the region.
“Tremont is thrilled to partner with the Rotary Club of Concord and Abode on this important challenge,” said school leadership. “This effort empowers students to take meaningful action and demonstrates how community partnerships can spark real environmental change.”
This collaboration underscores Tremont School’s commitment to hands-on learning, sustainability, and community-driven impact.
For more information about the recycling challenge or how to get involved, please contact Eduardo Rocha, Director of Student Life, at edward@tremontschool.org






 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts & Gillette Bring “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football Event to Inspire New Mentoring Relationships

 
BOSTON, FOXBORO, Mass. - On December 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) and Gillette partnered for a unique “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event that brought together youth, volunteers, and New England Patriot Quarterback and Gillette athlete Drake Maye, New England Patriots Wide Receiver and BBBSEM ambassador DeMario Pop Douglas and Patriots Hall of Famer Rob Ninkovich for a day of sports and community engagement. Held on the field at Gillette Stadium, the event highlighted the importance of mentorship, offering a fun opportunity for prospective volunteer mentors to get involved while making a lasting impact on local youth.
The event kicked off with a lively pep talk from BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O'Donnell and Pat the Patriot, the official mascot of the New England Patriots. This spirited opening set the tone for a day full of energy and connection. Ninkovich, Maye, and Douglas also joined the action, each participating as a "Big for a Day" to underscore the power of mentorship and encourage others to volunteer. The event marked Douglas’ official debut as a BBBSEM ambassador.
Over 25 current BBBSEM matches, along with youth on the organization’s waiting list to be matched with their mentors, took to the field for drills, skills clinics, and friendly flag football games. The day was designed to foster new connections and inspire potential Bigs to begin their own mentoring journeys.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Gillette and bring attention to the critical need for mentorship in our community,” said Mark O'Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “This event not only gave us the chance to showcase the power of mentorship but also provided an opportunity for new volunteers to experience firsthand how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.”
The event featured several key moments, including a speaking program, a skills clinic, and a series of flag football games, which gave participants the chance to demonstrate teamwork and leadership. The day concluded with a heartfelt recognition ceremony, thanking volunteers and mentors for their dedication to youth empowerment.
The BBBSEM event was one of ten flag football experiences happening across the country as part of a larger national partnership between men’s grooming brand Gillette and Big Brothers Big Sisters.Through this partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Gillette are coming together to bring more mentors into the lives of young men through the unifying power of sports.
BBBSEM continues to grow its impact, matching over 4,000 youth annually with caring adult mentors. The event underscored the organization’s mission to defend the potential of children and to create a community where every young person has access to the guidance and support they need to succeed. Mentorship is a necessity and through sports, connections across cultures and generations are made, helping to build a more unified, inclusive society.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child has the support of a caring adult mentor who can help them reach their full potential,” said O'Donnell. “Today, we’ve seen the impact that such mentorship can have, and we hope this event inspires even more people to step forward and become Bigs.”
For more information on how to volunteer, or to learn more about BBBSEM’s programs, visit www.emassbigs.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 76 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org..

Night Lights Voted #1 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Display in the Country!

 
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is thrilled to announce that Night Lights was named the winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. Thank you to our wonderful community for taking the time to help the Garden earn this national recognition. We look forward to the rest of this year's dazzling displays (tickets are still available) and hope you’ll join us in experiencing this award-winning event!
Visit https://nebg.org/ for more information.

Groton Grange Contra Dance January 3, 2026

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, January 3 ,2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold, who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St. 

HAPPY Holidays from Fresh Start Furniture Bank

 
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

     The Fresh Start family would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.  Our shelves and stockroom and display areas are pretty well stocked now, thanks to donations from so many people in the area who responded to our specific requests for linens and kitchen items and furniture.
     At present what we need most is MONEY to pay our bills and to buy mattresses and to keep our truck fueled and maintained.  If you can help, please click on the link above and look for the big green DONATE button.  You can donate online with PAYPAL or with Venmo and you can always bring or send a check payable to Fresh Start Furniture Bank at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749.  Your donation is tax deductible.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.  We supply furniture and furnishings at no charge to prequalified clients coming out of homelessness.  Please help us to keep doing what we do so well.

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

We know it’s a big ask.
With the economy in flux, unemployment on the rise, grocery prices still too high, every dollar is being stretched as tight as possible.
But if you can spare a few dollars for the Beacon Santa, we will make sure the money goes to put a smile on a young child’s face.
Every dollar that you donate will help a family in need.
“Working overnight is great when you have small children who need you to be home during the day. But also impossible, with small children, when the other parent is gone on random military assignments and not home to watch them,” writes one mother of five young children.
All she wants is some money to take her children shopping for clothes.
“Although things are getting better and we are solely focused on improving our finances, for our children’s sake, the holidays fast approach and we cannot celebrate without help, so please choose our home, Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Discovery Museum Announces Free Events for Visitors with Disabilities and their Families for January to June 2026

 
Especially for Me events offer free Museum access and dedicated hours for families that would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience.
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced upcoming dates for the first half of 2026 for the Especially for Me series of free events for families and groups with members who may have a disability, including sensory sensitivities, visual impairments, learning differences, and/or hearing loss.
The popular events offer accommodations that increase access to and enjoyment of the Museum’s ADA-compliant facilities. Because admission is free, families may come and go based on their needs without concern for cost. Visitors also have the chance to meet others in similar circumstances, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and judgement by others often described by families dealing with special needs. A medical diagnosis is not required to attend.
All Especially for Me events are free to attend, but preregistration is required. Dates and registration links can be found online at http://bit.ly/EspeciallyforMe.
January to June 2026: Especially for Me Event Schedule
Inclusive Afternoons, Tuesdays 1:30 to 4:30pm Museum is open to the public, but lower visitation is expected.
  • January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2
Special Evenings, Saturdays 5:00 to 8:00pm Museum is closed to the public. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at no cost.
  • Autism-Friendly Evening – January 10
  • Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – January 31
  • Inclusive Evening – February 28, March 21, May 16, June 27
  • Mask On, Play On! – April 11
  • Morning for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA visitors – date tba
Discovery Museum’s campus is ADA-compliant and all exhibits are accessible, designed according to Universal Design principles to be both aesthetically pleasing and usable by the widest possible range of people, without regard to age or ability.
Special resources are always available including noise-reducing headphones, a Social Story and Sensory Map (both online and on-site; available in eight languages), and a designated “Take a Break” space. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters may be requested during registration. Parking is always free and dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at all evening events.
Especially for Me is part of the museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers—financial, developmental, or cultural—to experience the Museum.
Especially for Me is made possible by DCU for Kids, with additional support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Concord Free Public Library Acquires an Unrecorded Photograph of Ralph Waldo Emerson

The William Munroe Special Collections has acquired an unrecorded photograph of one of Concord's most famous residents, Ralph Waldo Emerson. One of only a very small number of known images of Emerson from the 1840s, the image is a circa-1860s carte-de-visite (CDV), a popular 19th-century format for small, card-mounted photographs the size of a calling card. 

Red Cross Responds to Multiple Fires Across Massachusetts
During Busy Holiday Weekend

 
BOSTON, December 2, 2025 – Volunteers and staff with the Red Cross of Massachusetts responded to multiple fires over the holiday weekend and continue into today with two large fires overnight in Holyoke.
Friday through Monday, volunteers responded to more than 15 home fires across Massachusetts. Volunteers responded to a gas leak in North Andover Monday, and at fires in Amherst, Chicopee, Framingham, Haverhill, Holden, Holyoke, Hyde Park, Mashpee, Milford, North Attleborough, Salem, Shelburne, Springfield, South Boston, West Springfield, and Waltham. In all, volunteers assisted more than 75 people, with more to be assisted following two fires in Holyoke overnight.
Red Cross volunteers respond to more than 700 fires annually in Massachusetts, distributing financial support to residents burned out of their homes. Volunteers supply the most important services – comfort. Volunteers help people cope with disaster through mental health services, advice on next steps and as neighbors who understand disasters.
The Red Cross is able to support our neighbors through the power of volunteerism and the generous support of financial donors.
For more information about volunteering, visit redcross.org/volunteer. To make a financial donation to support our work, visit redcross.org/donate.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Accelerated options at mcc

Accelerated Options Help Students Finish Their Degree Faster at MCC

Middlesex Community College offers accelerated options to help students make the most of their time. This includes a three-week WinterSession and two eight-week Mini-mesters as part of the Spring 2026 semester, starting on Friday, January 2, 2026.

“This Spring, fit education into your life while saving time and money,” said Scott O’Neil, MCC’s Dean of Enrollment Services. “Our accelerated sessions allow you to complete your program faster while taking advantage of flexible course options. Get on track to earn credits and reach your goal of transferring to a four-year school, entering the workforce, advancing in your career, or learning a new skill.”

MCC’s three-week WinterSession provides students with an early start to the Spring semester. Students can keep up their momentum or jumpstart their education without having to take a long break between semesters. While most other schools are closed, students can complete their general education requirements and earn transferable college credits.

Offered twice each in the Fall and Spring, MCC’s eight-week Mini-mesters make it easier for students to balance an education with their professional and personal responsibilities. The shorter schedule allows students to take more classes throughout the semester, keeping them on track to reach their goals faster.

All WinterSession and Mini-mester courses offer the same content, academic standards and number of instructional hours as classes during the traditional 15-week semester. Combined with a choice of on-campus, online, hybrid and hyflex course formats, MCC’s accelerated sessions make getting an education easier.

No matter a student’s age or income, community college is now free in Massachusetts! The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend MCC for free.

MCC’s Spring 2026 semester starts Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/registration/index.html or call 1-800-818-3434 for more information or to register for MCC’s Spring 2026 semester and WinterSession.

Free, Skill-Building Music Workshops at Concord Conservatory of Music This Winter

 
Concord Conservatory of Music is pleased to announce a series of complimentary music workshops this winter, inviting members of the community to explore a variety of musical interests and skills at our new music media lab (CCM 2). These workshops are a wonderful opportunity for participants of all ages and experience levels to engage with music and learn from CCM's talented faculty.

The upcoming free community workshops include:
Channeling Your Creativity: An Introduction to Composition Recording Techniques 101
  • Ages: 13–17 and 18+
  • Taught by: CCM music creation and production faculty member Daniel Fox
  • When: Tuesday, January 28, 5:00–6:30 pm
  • Where: CCM 2, 15 Junction Square Dr., Concord
  • What: In this session, you will learn the fundamental tools of the trade, industry best practices, and professional workflows for recording.
  • Link: https://concordconservatory.org/recording-techniques-101/
Multigenerational Bucket Drumming
  • Ages: 9–18+
  • Taught by: CCM clarinet and saxophone faculty member Tsuyoshi Honjo
  • When: Saturday, January 31, 3:30–4:30 pm
  • Where: CCM 2, 15 Junction Square Dr., Concord
  • What: With nothing more than buckets and drumsticks, participants of all skill levels can dive into an energizing and collaborative drumming session.
  • Link: https://concordconservatory.org/multigenerational-bucket-drumming-workshop/
Rhythmic Laboratory
  • Ages: Minimum age 6
  • Taught by: CCM percussion faculty member Giuseppe Paradiso
  • When: Wednesday, February 4, 6:30–7:30 pm
  • Where: CCM 2, 15 Junction Square Dr., Concord
  • What: You’ll gain practical, transferable techniques guaranteed to sharpen your sense of pulse and rhythmic awareness, instantly boosting your confidence in any ensemble or solo performance. 
  • Link: https://concordconservatory.org/rhythmic-laboratory-workshop/
These free workshops are available to all community members, and registration details can be found on the Concord Conservatory of Music website. Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Give blood or platelets and give patients time this holiday season

 
Amazon Gift Card or new long-sleeve tee for coming to give in December

BOSTON, Dec. 8, 2025 — Time is critical for patients this December. The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply steady over the busy holiday season. Types O positive, O negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now and in the coming weeks.
December is National Month of Giving, and your Red Cross blood or platelet donation can bring hope and healing. Create a new holiday tradition and help spread comfort and support lifesaving care. When the unexpected happens, it’s the blood products already on the shelves that matter.
Redefine the meaning of a gift bag; give something that means something and schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
For a limited time, those who come to give Dec. 8-18, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Those who come to give Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on December offers, see RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. If you’re unable to give, consider making a financial donation to support our lifesaving mission at redcross.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 8-31, 2025:

Bedford
12/9/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., V.A. Hospital Building 80, 200 Springs Road
12/9/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/10/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/12/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/13/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/16/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/17/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/19/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/20/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/22/2025: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., American Legion Post 221, 357 Great Road
12/23/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/24/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/26/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/27/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/30/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
12/31/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd

Become a Tutor of English

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English? Since 1990 the library has been
training adults to become volunteer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutors.
Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others
become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools
or the medical profession. But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as
progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor. Tutors often
speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the
challenges facing those who are adapting to ours.

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 Teams, FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and
email as they “meet” with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection.
We still have learners who need our help.

Registration for tutor training is now open! Two sessions are currently scheduled:

- The January 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors are scheduled for five Wednesday
evenings, 6:00PM – 9:00PM. Dates are January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4. Only
the last session will be held in-person in the Wayland Library conference room. The
rest of the sessions will be held on Zoom. Pre-registration is required.

- The Spring 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors will meet on Monday mornings
9:00AM – noon on March 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6. Only the April session will be
held in-person at the library; all others will be on Zoom. Preregistration is required.
If you are interested in participating, wish to enroll or have questions, please contact Ginny Steel
and Jane Albert at esol@waylandlibrary.org

BEGINNING PAINTING CLASSES

Taught by local artist Judith-Grace Miller, these 6 week classes start the week of January 5 at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford and are perfect for beginners and those looking for a refresher working in oil or acrylic. We'll cover design and composition, value, color mixing and more to help you best express yourself as an artist. There will be weekly demos and plenty of personalized easel-side assistance in these small group classes. Choose from day or evening: Monday evenings Jan 5–Feb 9 from 6:30–8:30pm or Wednesday mornings Jan 7–Feb 11 from 10:30am—12:30pm. $275. Instructor will provide materials list upon registration. Register here https://parisharts.square.site/arts-in-the-loft

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

New Tutors Trained in Wayland Library’s ESOL Program

 
Immigrants in our area who want to improve their competency in English now have greater opportunities.  Fourteen generous and enthusiastic people have just completed a training course and are now certified to be tutors of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).  These recent “graduates” include seven from Wayland – Lois Bruss, Sue Feldman, Lidet Girma, John Mead, Dona Mitra, Clinton Savidge and Wendy Sobel; one from Sudbury – Carol Abbot; one from Natick – Ginit Marten; one from Acton – Louisa Chase, one from Wellesley – Jackie Leung: one from Waltham - Mimi Facher; one from Carlisle - Kathy Wasserman; and one from Marlborough - Luba Robidoux. These new tutors, like those who were trained last spring, and some who have been tutoring for years, work one-to-one with learners. Learners currently working with our tutors have come from many different countries, including Korea, Ukraine, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Latvia, Turkey and China.
Much tutoring is now done remotely, using whatever technology works for both tutor and learner, be it FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or simply phone and email.  Some tutor/learner pairs work in person, typically in a local library.
As usual, we can put all possible tutors to work with waiting learners.  The next two tutor-training courses have been scheduled: one starting in January and one starting in early March.  Tutors do not need to know another language, nor do they need to know every detail of English grammar.  For more information see the Wayland Library website.

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

 
It is a magical time of year – lights shining bright, ornaments glistening on Christmas trees, and Santa visiting throughout the area.

But for many people, the holiday magic is fraught with anxiety, and they have reached out to the Beacon Santa for help in providing a little Christmas cheer.

And so, we are reaching out – asking you to help us. Please consider donating this year – every little bit helps.

One mother writes that she is struggling to make ends meet, especially after her children’s father died in June. “I am worried that I will not be able to provide my children with a Christmas they deserve because there simply is not anything left for gifts and holiday extras after covering basic needs. I do my best to keep things stable for my children, but the holidays can be especially hard. Your generosity would make a world of difference for my children,” she writes.

One mother struggling to leave an abusive husband is asking for help for three of her five children this year. “I am hoping the holiday season with all its magic of Santa will bring them joy, laughter and smiles during this tough time. I don’t think I will be able to afford gifts under the tree this year and I don’t want to see disappointment and more sadness, so I am reaching out for help,” she writes.

The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.

Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.

A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
By mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643, Maynard, MA  01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate with Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Welcome to winter!  The volunteers at Fresh Start on Tuesday morning arrived with the first snow of the season.  Fortunately, it was not enough to necessitate closing.  We had four client visits scheduled but three cancelled because of the weather.   We met our new volunteer & administrative coordinator and look forward to working together.  As we worked, sorting linens, cleaning and testing lamps and small appliances, unloading and loading furniture, and entering items into inventory we shared thoughts about our Thanksgiving celebrations and the Patriots win.
Four (!) trucks arrived filled with linens and blankets and comforters  from the Hudson and Marlborough Lions Clubs who did a blanket drive for us.  Our crew couldn’t get through it all today to make an accurate count.  What a wonderful “Giving Tuesday” gift!

An inventory check showed some gaps in our supplies.  We need new bed pillows and mattresses and box springs for our clients.  Also rugs and dressers.  We seem to always be low on kitchen items like silverware, non-slotted spoons, measuring cups and spoons, strainers, vegetable peelers, tongs, can openers and whisks.

Please check our website to learn more about our organization and help us to help others.  We love cash donations to pay the rent and keep the truck fueled!  We accept small donations on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 until noon.  Furniture donations as well as household items can be brought on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30(furniture)and until noon for small items.  We are located at 16 Brent Drive in Hudson.  Check us out!
Coa lgbtq meet

Concord COA Now Offering a LGBTQ+ Social Group

Monthly LGBTQ+ Social Group Thursday, December 18th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.  The Concord COA is now offering a LGBTQ+ Social Group. The group regularly meets at the COA on the last Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM. However, due to the Christmas holidays, it will meet on the third Thursday this month – on December 18th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Open to Concord older adults, friends, and allies, 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.
Holiday pet photos save a dog

Holiday Pet Photos at
SAVE A DOG!
Saturday, December 6th
10 am – 2 pm

Join the holiday fun at Save A Dog on Saturday, December 6, from 10 am to 2 pm, and have your dog’s photo taken with your choice of Santa, Frosty the Snowman, or with you and your family!
No appointment is necessary. Pricing is $20 for one dog per photo, or $25 for two dogs in the same photo. And the best photos will be conveniently emailed to you.
While you’re there, stop in and shop our retail store and holiday boutique for gifts, toys, Save A Dog logo clothing, and homemade dog treats.
All proceeds support the ongoing rescue and adoption work of Save A Dog, now celebrating 27 years of finding loving forever families for nearly 9,000 homeless dogs and cats through its Sudbury shelter and network of dedicated foster homes. 

WCMS Performs 12/4 in Princeton & 12/5 in Worcester

 
Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “Baroque on Fire”

Program
Francesco Geminiani | Concerto Grosso #1, after Corelli, in D major, Op. 5
Jean-Philippe Rameau | Fifth Concert in d minor, from Piéces de clavecin en concerts
Domenico Scarlatti | Sonata in d minor K141
Georg Philipp Telemann | Fantasy #1 in B-flat major, TWV 40:14–25 9
Michael Praetorius | Selections from Dances from Terpsichore
Antonio Vivaldi | Concerto for two violins in A minor from L’Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 8

When & Where: Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 PM
First Congregational Church
14 Mountain Road, Princeton

Friday, December 5 at  7:30 PM
Museum of Worcester
30 Elm Street, Worcester

Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to the performance
Post-concert reception for all

How: Adult $31-40, Senior $29-38, College Students $10
EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free

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

Shortage of rural vets endangering the nation's food supply

 
By Justin Welsh
America is facing a food system shortage. Livestock veterinarians are the new endangered species. Farmers are losing access to the experts they need to keep our food supply safe.
More than 500 U.S. counties across 46 states are federally designated veterinary shortage areas. Just 1.3% of registered veterinarians specialize in food animal practice. This frontline workforce is fraying at a time when U.S. farms produce over 94% of all red meat and poultry Americans consume.
Addressing this growing concern will require sustained industry investment in education that makes veterinary careers more accessible, in recruitment efforts that prioritize rural areas, and in hands-on training that adequately prepares the next generation.
Food animal veterinarians are the unsung heroes of American agriculture. They inspect livestock, administer vaccines, and provide critical guidance on herd health. They support the viability of family farms, local economies, and the safety of the food on our tables.
Yet the United States has lost 90% of food animal veterinarians since the 1950s. And the number of these critical vets continues to decline.
For one, the cost of veterinary education is prohibitive. New graduates leave school with an average debt load of about $150,000. For those called to food animal practice, that financial burden is often compounded by lower pay than they could expect to earn in clinics that focus on companion animals.
Then there's the nature of the work. Rural veterinarians have to travel long distances to reach clients and face physical strain from handling large animals. They're often on call both nights and weekends.
The result is a dwindling workforce.
For farmers, this creates impossible choices: delay care or watch helplessly as animals suffer and operations become less productive. These aren't just emotional losses. They threaten the survival of farms and ranches.
The consequences ripple outward to grocery stores and dinner tables. When veterinary oversight is compromised, it becomes harder to contain the spread of foodborne pathogens. Roughly 9 million Americans fall ill from contaminated food each year -- a number that could soar if we fail to restore the frontline of livestock care.
The shortage could also limit our ability to tackle emerging diseases in animal populations, which often spread quickly through supply chains, and in some cases, jump to humans. Early detection and response require having trained veterinarians on the ground.
There are several things we can do to help overcome this challenge.
Loan repayment and scholarship programs are already making an impact. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program offers up to $40,000 per year for students who commit to working in shortage areas after graduation. My employer, Merck Animal Health, has awarded scholarships and grants to veterinary students, which totaled over $1.5 million in 2024 alone. In July, the company partnered with the Farm Journal Foundation to expand its online educational hub, which features learning modules designed to help students succeed in veterinary careers.
There's room for more public- and private-sector initiatives like these.
Recruitment strategies also need to evolve. Students from rural backgrounds are more likely to return to and serve their home communities. Veterinary schools must do more to identify and support these students.
Equally important is improving the training of future veterinarians. Increasing access to hands-on, experiential, and virtual learning can equip students with the skills they need to succeed.
Revitalizing rural veterinary care isn't just about filling vacancies -- it's about ensuring the vitality of communities and protecting our food supply. By investing in the next generation of livestock veterinarians, we can do just that.
Justin Welsh, DVM, is the executive director of U.S. livestock technical services at Merck Animal Health. This piece originally ran in the Oklahoman.

Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra Transforms into Public Charity

 
The Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra (LSCO), the community orchestra in residence at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School since 1973, transformed its organization in the summer of 2025. With the enthusiastic support of LSRHS administrative leadership and music faculty, the LSCO formally incorporated as a public charity in Massachusetts and completed all the state and federal filings to be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization.

Because of its new formal status, the LSCO formed a board of directors to manage the governance of the organization, maintains a rigorous schedule of board meetings to formalize orchestra policy and artistic plans. Managing Director William Nicholson continues in his vital role of planning and coordinating with Music Director Alfonso Piacentini, now in his third year leading the orchestra. The board works closely with Nicholson and Piacentini to continue to create a welcoming environment for orchestra members and to elevate its mission to bring great classical music to Sudbury and surrounding communities. Also central to the success of the orchestra is the concertmaster Chris Brainard, who plays a critical role in preparation of the parts and supplementing rehearsals for the four string sections.

The LSCO has enjoyed the warm and welcoming relationship with LSRHS for over 50 years. At the end of the 2024-2025 season, orchestra leadership initiated the difficult process of incorporating and formalizing the financial operation separate from the school.

The orchestra seeks and receives annual support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council local councils in Sudbury and Lincoln. Now that the group is a formal public charity, it can apply for grants from foundations and from individuals to cover and increased operating budget. Individuals can make federally tax-deductible donations to the orchestra.

Individuals can donate to LSCO by mailing a personal check or online at the orchestra website. Personal checks can be mailed to Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra, PO Box 178, Hudson, MA 01749. To donate online via Paypal, visit https://www.lscivicorchestra.org/support-lsco. All donations will be acknowledged in writing by the orchestra treasurer in time for filing federal tax returns.

Since 1973, the LSCO has provided opportunities for talented students and supportive adults to perform orchestral literature of the great classical composers. LSCO has provided playing opportunities for over 500 student musicians and given over thirty student and adult concerto artists an opportunity to show their skills and love of classical music. Membership is open to the community regardless of town of residence. The orchestra rehearses every Tuesday evening from 7:30 – 9:30 PM in the large ensemble room at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (LSRHS), 390 Lincoln Rd in Sudbury. Visit the orchestra web site at https://www.lscivicorchestra.org. Musicians interested in joining LSCO should contact the membership coordinator by email at lscivicorchestra@gmail.com, or use the Contact Us link at the orchestra web site.
 

The Kids’ Holiday Fair (Snowflake Shop) is Almost Here!
Help Us Spread Some Cheer This Season!

We’re collecting new or gently loved items that little ones can gift to the special adults in their lives—jewelry, scarves, candles, lotions, perfume, gloves, wallets, sports items, gadgets, books, small games, etc. (Nothing breakable, please!)
Donation bins are now out at:
First Parish – Elm St. entrance
Bedford Rec Department
Crafted Together (starting Friday)
Event Date: Saturday 12/6, during the Artisans Fair
Kids get to “shop” for free with help from our teen elves and wrap their gifts!
They’ll also have the chance to create cards for the Santa for Seniors program.
We’re also looking for:
gift bags
clear tape
Adult volunteers to help support our elves during the drop-off portion and later when kids shop with their grownups.
Volunteer sign-up:
SignUpGenius
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4DAFAC28A57-60194893-kids?useFullSite=true#/
Thank you for helping make the season magical for our community’s kids!

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

 
Will you help the children?
Hundreds of applicants have reached out, as they do every year, asking the Beacon Santa for help in making their Christmas just a little bit brighter.
It is a request we can’t meet without your help.
One single grandmother writes that she has custody of her teenage grandchildren and struggles to make ends meet. She is asking for help from Beacon Santa because Christmas presents are simply not in the budget.
“I know they no longer believe in Santa … [but] they still love the magic,” she writes.
Another grandmother writes that she and her husband have had custody of their grandson since he was 3 ½. They both work to help pay for an advocate and the therapy her grandson needs for his autism and anxiety. Once again, they are asking Beacon Santa for help to put a few presents under the tree.
“Every Christmas he has been blessed with the help from the Beacon Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965
Winter holidays concert at frs

Winter Holidays Concert at FRS in Carlisle

The First Religious Society in Carlisle will present its annual Winter Holidays Concert on Sunday, December 7 at 7:00 pm. This festive, participatory event will ring in the season with carols, songs, and instrumental music presented by the adult choir, vocal and instrumental soloists, handbell ringers, and the jazz ensemble. The hour-long concert is suitable for people of all ages. The adult choir will perform John Rutter's beautiful carol "Child in a Manger," the Hanukkah song "Light the Legend," and a Jay Althouse's jolly "Blessings of the Season." The handbell ringers will present arrangements of holiday favorites, and the jazz ensemble will offer their renditions of familiar holiday jazz standards. The program will also include sing-alongs of carols and songs celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, and the Winter Solstice. Admission is free. A basket will be available for freewill donations to the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell.