Action Unlimited
Heritage chorale

Heritage Chorale Pops Concert, 2/23/25

Save the date—Sunday, February 23 at 4 pm—for “Around the World,” a musical adventure at the Heritage Chorale’s 2025 Pops Concert. Join us at Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Road in Wayland. The musical journey will start in New York and end up in Africa. In between, we’ll travel from California to New Orleans and from Paris to Ipanema—all in the company of family, friends, and music lovers. “Around the World” is also a perfect theme for our raffle baskets. You’ll be able to purchase raffle tickets for international and tasty goodies when you arrive at the concert hall and during intermission.
More details and advance online tickets are available now at heritagechorale.org.

Is your Loved one Struggling with their Mental Health?

Free courses from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful. Family to Family, starting March 20th in Boxborough, is an eight-session weekly course for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. NAMI’s Basics course, a six-session weekly class starting March 11th in Tewksbury, is for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral health concerns. Topics for both courses include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care, plus the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support. The Basics class also includes information about advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings. Details and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses. Offered by NAMI Central Middlesex. Basics co-sponsored by Northeast Public Health Alliance.
Open table

Open Table Celebrates Official Opening of Maynard Annex Building

Additional space facilitates both flexibility and expansion of on-site and mobile food pantry programs
Concord and Maynard, MA (January 27, 2025) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, today officially inaugurated its annex building located at 39R Main Street in Maynard with a community celebration that included local dignitaries, volunteers, supporters, and staff. Contiguous to the existing Open Table food pantry at 33 Main Street, the new warehouse space centralizes food storage in one place in support of the food pantry’s on-site and mobile pantry programs.
“While there are many local food pantries serving individual towns, Open Table provides groceries and prepared meals to individuals across 21 communities,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “The new annex building allows us to consolidate food storage in adjacent properties, makes it easier to move food in and out of our pantry, and gives us more flexibility to accept food donations because we have the space to store it properly.”
Overall, the new annex allows Open Table to:
Offer more food choices to clients and guests,
Expand its mobile programs, and
Increase its capacity for prepared meals.
The annex building has a 3000-square-foot main floor with high ceilings as well as 1500 additional square feet of storage on the second floor. The main floor has been outfitted with both a 12-foot-by-12-foot walk-in refrigerator and a 12-foot-by-12-foot walk-in freezer, which enables Open Table to keep more perishable and frozen grocery items on-site. The newly redesigned space also creates operational efficiencies for the Open Table kitchen, which will use the walk-in freezer in the main building for prepared meals.
In addition, the Annex features a driveway that the Open Table truck can back into, allowing staff to wheel food in and out of the truck. A roof canopy with rolling coil doors connects the annex to the adjacent pantry so that food can move between buildings protected from the elements.
Open Table executive director Alexandra DePalo, Open Table BOD chair emeritus Deena Whitfield, representative Jamie Eldridge, and current Open Table BOD chair Barbara Fisher celebrate the opening of the new Open Table Annex in Maynard.
Despite the high electrical demand in the annex, the building offers opportunities for Open Table to minimize its carbon footprint. A new external electrical outlet enables both the van and truck to be plugged in and remain refrigerated without their engines running. Eventually, Open Table hopes to install solar panels on the annex roof to further reduce its electrical consumption.
The Annex building was purchased in 2022 and renovated in 2024. The $1.1 million undertaking was funded by a series of generous donations, grants, and legislative earmarks. “This project would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our local legislators, donors and supporters. Their commitment to Open Table’s mission is amazing,” remarked DePalo.
Open Table worked with Dewing Schmid Kearns Architects + Planners of Concord (DSK) to design the new space and BBS Builders of Leominster for the build out. “It was wonderful to work with people who took such great care to complete this project while minimizing the impact on our day-to-day operations. We could not have asked for a better team,” said DePalo.
The clements brothers

Bedford’s New Song Music Series to Host Twin Virtuosos the Clements Brothers on February 15

Join us for an evening of dynamic acoustic sound on February 15, when the Clements Brothers combine instrumental virtuosity with soulful harmonies that can only be produced by identical twins.
Known for blending roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, they often perform original songs alongside creative interpretations of other artists’ music, including the Grateful Dead and Nirvana.
Bluegrass Unlimited has written, “Their music is addicting, and just like viewing the Grand Canyon, you can’t begin to find the words to describe the wonder witnessed.”
The brothers draw on their extensive musical backgrounds in their work. Charles is a classically trained double bass player, and George is a guitarist and Berklee College of Music alum. As two-fifths of the Lonely Heartstring Band, they are past recipients of the International Bluegrass Association’s Momentum Award.
Buy tickets at www.newsongbedford.org. New Song performances take place in the Reed Room at Bedford’s Town Hall – a comfortable 100-seat venue located at 10 Mudge Way in Bedford, MA. Door open at 6:45 and the music starts at 7:30. A selection of sweet treats from Prince Street Café & Bakery will be available for purchase.
A volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District with support from the Mass Cultural Council, Prince Street Bakery & Café and Bedford Florist & Gifts, New Song strives to build community and create a regional venue showcasing contemporary folk, bluegrass, and Americana.
Dressingself

Encouraging Self-Help Skills in
Young Children

First Connections is offering a free live webinar for parents and caregivers of children age 18 months to 5. Our guest speaker is Pediatric Occupational Therapist Anna Knox from the Clough Family Center for Rehab and Sports Therapies. Children grow so quickly and we’re not always aware of what they are developmentally capable of doing for themselves in our day-to-day home life. Anna will give us information and an overview of how we can teach our children to do things for themselves at particular ages during toddlerhood and up to kindergarten age. This program will be held via zoom on Thursday, February 13 from 1-2:00 p.m. To receive the link, email lmatthews@jri.org with the town you live in. This is a free program through a Mass. Dept. of Early Education & Care CFCE grant.

Concord Conservatory to Present “Music & Rebels” – A Revolutionary Concert

Concord, MA – Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is thrilled to announce “Music & Rebels,” a special concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of Concord’s role in the American Revolution. This unique program will take you on a journey through the lives and works of music history’s most rebellious composers, from Monteverdi and Beethoven to our contemporaries, revealing how their groundbreaking innovations forever transformed the landscape of music.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: 1317 Main Street Concord, MA 01742
Tickets: $25 General Admission, Free for Students 18 and Under (Available in advance or at the door)
“Music & Rebels” will feature the world premiere of Unrest by acclaimed local composer and CCM faculty member Aaron Jay Myers, commissioned specifically for this occasion. This powerful new work, inspired by the spirit of revolution, will be a highlight of the evening.
CCM faculty speaker Jackson Carruthers will guide the audience through the program, illuminating how each featured musical selection challenged the conventions of its time, propelling the art of music into new and exciting territories.
A slate of musicians, including CCM faculty artists soprano Rose Hegele and cellist Steve Marotto, alongside guest artists violinist Nicole Parks, pianist Elaine Rombola Aveni, and percussionist Matt Sharrock, will bring this captivating program to life.
Mcc kennedy center1 s25

MCC Selected to Perform at The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

Middlesex Community College’s Spring 2024 production of “Alice By Heart” was chosen by The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) to perform during the regional festival. The show is one of four performances – and the only musical – selected.
“It is surreal to be bringing ‘Alice By Heart’ to KCACTF with my closest friends, and I am beyond proud to represent MCC, as well as the beautiful theatre program Karen Oster has nourished in Lowell,” said Gabriella Navarrete, an MCC Performing Arts Theatre student from Tewksbury who played the Queen of Hearts. “This role and production have such a special place in my heart. It was such a dream come true to bring my own take to an iconic character, and doing this show has only solidified my passion for theatre and performing. Being able to create meaningful art and share it with other students that share the same passion is incredibly fulfilling.
As part of KCACTF, the entire cast and crew of the show will travel to New Britain, Conn. and restage the performance. MCC was chosen by a committee made up of teachers and professionals who visit colleges. After the April show, a respondent sat with the cast to provide feedback and celebrate the performance. In December, Karen Oster, MCC’s Chair of the Performing Arts, was informed the show was selected for the festival.
“We are very excited and honored to have been chosen,” Oster said. “Having been told they’re piece is valued beyond just us is an incredible thing, but also being able to share this piece they love with other people is what we all venture to do with theatre. They feel proud of their performance, of their production, and it’s incredible that we were asked.”
Oster is grateful to Middlesex administration for their support and funding to allow students to have the opportunity to attend. During the festival, the performers and crew will get to attend a variety of workshops and classes. Subjects include management, directing, acting and musical theatre. Students can also compete for scholarship awards throughout the week.
“Students will get exposure to other people in the field and will get feedback from other professionals,” Oster said. “They’re immersing themselves with other students throughout the region. One of my goals is to make sure people know MCC has an outstanding theatre program. What we’re doing is just as good – if not better – than any four-year college they can go to and major in theatre.”
A retelling of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the show is from the Tony and Grammy award-winning Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, co-written by Jessie Nelson. The musical follows Alice and her friend Alfred in the aftermath of the London Blitz during World War II, featuring familiar characters from the original novel.
MCC’s production of “Alice By Heart” ran from Thursday, April 18 to Sunday, April 21, 2024 for six performances at the college’s Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell. Oster wanted to put on the piece because of how the show connects to current events.
“It’s a beautiful piece, it says a lot about friendship, what we do with our time when we have it, what is important, how we contend with death, and growing up,” Oster said. “There’s all these interesting themes running through it and it felt timely to do it now. There’s an incredible chemistry that comes from our group. They are connected to each other personally and that shows on stage. There’s a real love and heart in this piece that shines through.”

Concord Conservatory Announces Exciting Summer Programs for Young Musicians

Concord, MA – Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is thrilled to announce its dynamic summer programs designed to ignite a lifelong love of music in children.
Summer Strings Experience
Dates: July 21-25, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Ages: 6-8, 9-11, 12-14
Description: This week-long program provides a nurturing environment for young string players (violin, viola, cello, bass) to enhance their ensemble skills, creativity, and musicianship. Smaller class sizes foster a close-knit community and allow for individualized attention. Students will be placed in appropriate groups based on a short placement audition video.
Instrument Play: Start Your Musical Journey
Sessions:
Session 1: July 14-18, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Session 2: August 4-8, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Ages: 5-8, 9-12
Description: This exciting program allows young children to explore a variety of instruments, including strings, piano, and winds. Without the pressure of choosing just one, students will discover the unique sounds and personalities of each instrument while developing fundamental musicianship skills.
Optional Aftercare: Both programs offer optional aftercare from 3:00-5:00 pm.
Registration: Register for both programs by May 1st.
Assistantships: High school and college music students can apply to become Summer Strings Experience Assistants. Music students ages 13-18 can apply to become Instrument Play Assistants.
Financial Assistance: Limited financial assistance is available for CCM’s summer programs. Apply here.
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Nashoba Symphonic Band Presents
The Divine Comedy

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey will perform its winter concert on Saturday, February 8th at 2 p.m. In the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (Green Road GPS) in Bolton MA. Admission to the concert is free for all.
The principal work on the program will be THE DIVINE COMEDY, by American composer, Robert W. Smith, a four-movement symphony (really a set of four tone poems) based on Dante Alighieri’s epic poem of the same name. In the poem, Dante himself meets up with the ancient poet Virgil in a dark wood. In a whirlwind journey, Dante is guided by Virgil (and later Beatrice) down the rings of The Inferno, up the terraces of Purgatorio, ultimately a glorious ascent into Paradiso! Prepare to be wow-ed!
Also on the program will be The Rakoczy March from Berlioz’s Damnation of Faust and The Thunder and Lightning Polka by Johann Strauss, Jr.
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music. It is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, Lunenberg and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.
Qr code

Valentine’s Day Family Karaoke Night

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of singing, dancing, food, (including gluten-free and vegan pizza, delicious homemade baked goods, and candy, soda and seltzer) and prizes! The fun starts at 5PM on Friday, February 14 at First Church Unitarian located at 19 Foster Street, in Littleton, MA. $20 per family or $5 per person at the door, cash or Venmo accepted. Parking available at the Masonic Lodge, 310 King St., Littleton, Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St., Littleton, or Castle in the Trees Playground, 300 King St., Littleton. To pre-register your dietary preferences and number of people attending so we’ll have plenty of food on hand,
Mcc wom lowell chamber orchestra s25

MCC to Kick Off “World of Music” with Lowell Chamber Orchestra

Middlesex Community College is excited to kick off the Spring 2025 “A World of Music” concert series with a performance by the Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO). Conducted by MCC Music faculty member Orlando Cela, the concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 1 at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell.
“We are excited to open our Winter/Spring 2025 concert series with the Lowell Chamber Orchestra performing a colorful and diverse program,” said Carmen Rodríguez-Peralta, MCC’s Chair of Music. “It will feature a beloved standard work, a lesser-known 19th piece by a Black composer, and a new composition.”
During the concert, the LCO will perform three pieces which feature the woodwinds, brass and percussion sections. Danse Nègre by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, third little symphony by Kevin Scott, and Antonin Dvořák’s beloved Serenade for Winds will be performed.
“Dvorak’s Serenade for Winds is a staple of the wind chamber music repertoire, and I am very excited to be performing it with my colleagues at LCO,” said Amy Dinsmore, Principle Oboe of LCO. “Oddly enough, it does not include flutes, so the oboe and clarinet carry the uppermost tessitura of the work. Playing with the LCO has expanded my contemporary music repertoire in a way I could not have imagined before I joined, and I am grateful to Maestro Cela for the challenge!”
The LCO will perform a second time at the Academic Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Know Orchestra will also be held at the Lowell Academic Arts Center at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 23
Additional “A World of Music” performances include a Piano Recital by Anastasia Seifetdinova at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 4; Guqin and Viola in Musical Dialogue at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 11; and a Student Recital at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28 at MCC’s Concert Hall on the Bedford Campus.
MCC will also collaborate with Dracut Arts for an Online Saturday Arts Concert featuring MCC faculty, alumni and students at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 8. To register, visit https://www.dracutarts.com/arts-saturdays/
All concerts are free and open to the public.
MCC’s Academic Arts Center is located at 240 Central Street in Lowell. With parking not available on site, the nearest public parking facility is the Early Garage on 135 Middlesex St.
Clements brothers website 960x540

Bedford’s New Song Music Series to Host Twin Virtuosos the Clements Brothers on February 15

Join us for an evening of dynamic acoustic sound on February 15, when the Clements Brothers combine instrumental virtuosity with soulful harmonies that can only be produced by identical twins.
Known for blending roots, rock, bluegrass, jazz, and classical influences, they often perform original songs alongside creative interpretations of other artists’ music, including the Grateful Dead and Nirvana. Listen to their music here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzhRoL5vq-Y.
Bluegrass Unlimited has written, “Their music is addicting, and just like viewing the Grand Canyon, you can’t begin to find the words to describe the wonder witnessed.”
The brothers draw on their extensive musical backgrounds in their work. Charles is a classically trained double bass player, and George is a guitarist and Berklee College of Music alum. As two-fifths of the Lonely Heartstring Band, they are past recipients of the International Bluegrass Association’s Momentum Award.
Buy tickets at https://newsongbedford.org. Performances take place in the Reed Room at Bedford’s Town Hall – a comfortable 100-seat venue located at 10 Mudge Way in Bedford, MA. Door open at 6:45 and the music starts at 7:30. A selection of sweet treats from Prince Street Café & Bakery will be available for purchase.
A volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District with support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, New Song strives to build community and create a regional venue showcasing contemporary folk, bluegrass, and Americana.
New Song is grateful to the following generous sponsors and supporters:
● Bedford Florist and Gifts for the donation of beautiful floral arrangements: www.bedfordfloristandgifts.com
● Prince Street Café & Bakery for ongoing support through the provision of delicious desserts and beverages; www.princestcafe.com.
New volunteers to help coordinate shows and provide technical and marketing support are always welcome on an occasional or ongoing basis. Contact New Song at info@newsongbedford.org for more information.

* Save the Date – Thursday, February 20th *
Who Doesn’t Love a Hootenanny?

Join the Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging (FBCOA) on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 am and raise your voice and spirit with Howie & Mel to celebrate many of our familiar and favorite folk music and folk rock classics.
Howie Rashba and Mel Green have delighted local audiences with their warmth and music and recently performed at the New England Folk Festival in April 2024. Whether you are a seasoned Hootenanny fan or experiencing one for the first time, this is your opportunity to share in a spirited tradition.
Hootenanny is a term with Scotch-Irish roots that found its way to Appalachia before being popularized in the 1940s by folk legends like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Songs including This Land is Your Land
and If I Had a Hammer, Blowing in the Wind, Mr.Tambourine Man, and countless others, have stood the test of time, bringing joy and inspiration to audiences for generations.
Come sing along, clap your hands, stomp your feet, and brighten your day on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Parish Hall of St. Michael’s Church, 90 Concord Road, Bedford. The venue is handicapped accessible, admission is free, parking is plentiful, and light refreshments will be provided.
Reserve Your Spot:  To secure your place for this free performance, RSVP by Friday, February 14 and contact FBCOA board members:
Linda White: Call 781-275-9574 or email lindawhite1@juno.com
Leslie Gabriele: Call 781-276-7999 or email leslie@withloveandgratitude.com
We can’t wait to sing with you!
He who sings scares away his woes.~  Miguel de Cervantes

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
     Were your holidays good?  Did you receive the gifts you hoped for?  Maybe a new toaster or microwave oven or coffee maker; are the old ones still working?  Perhaps you received new sheets and a comforter—-and the old ones are still good.  Furniture upgrades?  New kitchenware? Bring your “old” items to Fresh Start Furniture Bank to furnish someone else’s home.
    At present we are in need of all furniture, especially couches, dressers, bookcases, rugs, dining tables, upholstered chairs, recliners, queen and full headboards, end tables, bedside tables and storage cabinets.  We also need artwork, kitchen knives, dishes, cutting boards and colanders.
    We expect donations to be in good condition; if you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to us!  Read our website to see what we DO and DO NOT take for donations, and our address and hours of operation.
     Imagine finally finding a home after being in a shelter—-and having nothing or very little IN the home!  That is what Fresh Start’s clients deal with.  We have helped convert over 4000 empty apartments into homes for more than 12,000 people in the last 10 years.  And, by taking in almost 170,000 pieces of donated furniture and home goods, we have kept all of those items out of landfills.
     Last Saturday 40 donors arrived; they had “cleaned out” for the new year or were just waiting for us to reopen after the holidays.  It was a good start to the new year but the clients keep coming and we need to help them all!

Discovery Museum Announces $13 Winter Weekday Afternoon Discount Price, January 7 through March 28

Museum also ends advance ticket reservation system
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced today a $13 admission price from 1:00pm to 4:30pm on weekday afternoons, now through March 28. The discounted price will not be offered on holidays or during school vacation weeks.
Under the Winter Weekday Afternoon Discount program, admission for adults and children will be $13 per person; seniors 60+ will be $12. Children under 1 and teachers are always free. All other Museum-offered discounts such as EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare Card to Culture, Wonderfund, library passes, museum reciprocal programs, AAA, and active duty miliary discounts will still apply.
Regular admission prices are $19.00 for adults and children ages 1 and over, $18.00 for seniors 60+, free for under 1 and teachers.
Discovery Museum also announced the closure of its reservation system. Advance reservations to visit are no longer required nor accepted.

Struggling with Food Access? Call Project Bread’s Toll-Free FoodSource Hotline for Assistance Today

Winter can stretch budgets to the breaking point. With increased costs for food, heating, housing, and transportation, many Massachusetts families are facing tough choices. If you or your family need help accessing food, don’t wait—call Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.
The FoodSource Hotline connects residents to the resources they need right now. Trained counselors are available to help you apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), find free meals for children, and locate emergency food programs like community meals and food pantries. The hotline can also refer callers to other federal food programs, like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).
Whether you’re a college student, a senior, or a family facing hardship, the FoodSource Hotline is a confidential, free, trusted resource recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for anyone seeking food assistance.
Call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for support, available in over 180 languages.
Get Help Now: If you are struggling with food insecurity, call 1-800-645-8333. For more information and access to resources, visit Project Bread’s website, where you can find information in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole. Don’t wait—help is just a phone call away.

Beacon Santa Fund

The letters have reached our desk as more people than ever before seek help from the Beacon Santa.
Many of these letters come from single mothers, struggling to get their lives back on track and give their children a little something on Christmas morning.
One mother writes that she and her three boys lived in a shelter for 15 months and recently moved into an apartment. She is hoping for a little help from the Beacon Santa because, she writes, “finances are tight and I’d like my children to have a good Christmas this year.”
Another mother of twins writes that she is recently divorced and living on one income with no child support. All of her income goes to pay rent and other necessities, leaving nothing for the extras, such as a gift for Christmas.
She is asking for help from the Beacon Santa.
“This help from the Beacon Santa program would take a huge burden off my shoulders knowing my children will have a better Christmas with the help and support from this charity. This help this Christmas would help my children have a normal Christmas morning with presents under the tree,” she writes.
This year, Beacon Santa has been asked to help more than 600 children. But Beacon Santa would not exist without help from people just like you. Would you please consider donating today?

About the Beacon Santa
Since 1965, the Beacon Santa has raised funds to provide gift cards for families seeking a little help during the holidays.

The Fund provides help for families living in the 12 communities of Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
The fund is managed by three women from Maynard, determined to provide families in need with a little joy during the holidays. Because they volunteer their time, you can rest assured that the money you donate goes to those that need it most.

How to donate
By Mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Online: Through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809. A PayPal account is not needed to donate.

MLK Day Concert/Program by the MUSIC MAKES ME HAPPY Chorus

Richard Smith has lectured on and written about antebellum United States history and 19th-Century American literature since 1995. He has worked in Concord as a public historian and Living History Interpreter for 25 years and has portrayed Henry Thoreau at Walden Pond, around the country and in Canada. The former Scholar In Residence for Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Richard has written or edited 11 books for Applewood books and is a regular contributor to Discover Concord Magazine.
Southern rail singing

Bedford’s New Song Music Series
Welcomes Bluegrass Legends Southern Rail on January 18

The Bedford Cultural District’s New Song Music Series kicks off 2025 with an evening of exuberant, high-energy tunes courtesy of bluegrass favorites Southern Rail—a “genuine jewel” of a group about whom Radio Star, Ireland, has written, “The vocal harmonies are exquisite, and the musicianship is impeccable.”
Southern Rail have delighted audiences for decades with a high energy version of bluegrass featuring stunning harmonies, irrepressible good humor, and sparkling banjo, guitar and mandolin.
The group has toured around the country and have 11 recordings to their credit. Their Bluegrass Gospel album Glory Train was nominated for the Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Two of the band’s members, guitarist Jim Muller and bassist Sharon Horovitch, were recently inducted by the Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance into their Bluegrass Hall of Fame.
New Song performances are located in the Reed Room of Bedford’s Town Hall – an intimate 100-seat venue in the heart of historic Bedford, MA. This volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District showcases musical styles ranging from contemporary folk to bluegrass to Americana and more.
Tickets for the January 18 concert are $25 and may purchased via our website, www.newsongbedford.org. Doors open at 6:45 and the music begins at 7:30. The address is 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA. A selection of sweet treats and beverages from Prince Street Café and Bakery will be available at the event.

Concord Council on Aging Events

 
Book Discussion Facilitated by John Gardella
The Minutemen and Their World by Robert A. Gross
Thursdays, January 16th through February 6th, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
In 2025 Concord will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Concord and Lexington which began the American War for Independence. This course will be based on the reading and group discussion of Concord historian Robert Gross’ book, The Minutemen and Their World, now in its 25th revised edition. Each week, of this four-week course, the participants will read assigned chapters and come ready to discuss the book. The goal of the course is to provide an insight into what it was like to be a Concordian 250 years ago and to enhance the appreciation of the upcoming celebration in April. Participants must purchase their own book (available at the Concord Library, bookstores, and at amazon.com. Please call to reserve your spot at 978-318-3020.

Portraits for the Generations - Senior Models, Ages 60+ Needed!!
Wednesday, January 22nd from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Meeting Room - Fowler Library 1322 Main Street
In honor of the community art show called Generations, currently at Fowler, the Concord COA is partnering with the library for a program called “Portraits for the Generations”, where students from grades K through 6 will draw portraits of seniors, ages 60+. It will
take place at the Fowler Library on Wednesday, January 22nd at 2:00 PM. To sign up to be a model, you may pick up a form at the COA or enroll on-line. For any questions, please call the Fowler Library at 978-318-3350.

Removing the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness: A Discussion and Artistic Initiative to Color the Community in Yellow
Thursday, January 23rd from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
The Concord Health Division, Concord Recreation, and the COA are collaborating to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness through the Yellow Tulip Project. This initiative aims to dismantle the misconceptions associated with mental health issues and
foster a sense of community, emphasizing that support and hope are available for individuals affected by mental illness. This fall, yellow tulip bulbs were planted at the Beede Center and Harvey Wheeler Community Center. Once they bloom, these flowers will
symbolize hope and acceptance for those living with mental health challenges. Over the winter, we plan to enhance these future gardens with yellow rocks inscribed with messages of support and encouragement. On Thursday, January 23rd at 1:00, Public Health Nurse, Moira Carter, and COA Assistant Director, Nicole Saia, will facilitate a discussion on mental illness while participants decorate rocks for the gardens at both centers. The session will cover common mental health conditions, debunk myths, share
facts, and provide guidance on accessing resources for oneself or others. It is important to recognize that having a mental illness is not a source of shame. Open conversations can lead to valuable support and treatment. We invite you to participate in this activity. Please contact the COA to register at 978-318-3020.

TRANSPORTATION APPS
Workshop by Howard Loewinger - Learn to Use your SmartPhone to Access Transportation
Tuesday January 28th at 2:00 PM (Uber and Lyft), and Tuesday, March 11th (Google Maps)
In June 2021, the Brookline Council on Aging received a community transit grant from MassDOT to support continued work on developing classes, videos, and written materials to connect older adults to transportation options available to them. With an introduction by Michael Dukakis and through the volunteer efforts of many local older adults, the Brookline COA produced the TRIPPS Program, which consists of five videos that teach seniors to use their smartphones to access Uber/Lyft, local transit, and Google Maps. Our computer tutor, Howard Loewinger, will facilitate the TRIPPS training in Concord. If you want to learn how to access transportation from your phone, this class is for you! There is no charge thanks to the sponsorship of Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop. Please call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys Bring Authentic Bluegrass to The Concord Conservatory of Music

Experience a Modern Twist on Bluegrass with Your Community
Concord, MA (January 2, 2025): The Concord Conservatory of Music is thrilled to announce the upcoming performance of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This hard-driving, traditional bluegrass band is renowned for capturing the genre’s authentic spirit and energy.
In a world dominated by digital distractions, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys offer a refreshing dose of honest, heartfelt music. Hailing from the Smoky Mountains, the band has garnered a dedicated following by blending traditional bluegrass with a modern edge. Their energetic performances and electrifying stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Concord Conservatory
Tickets: $35 General Admission, free for students 18 and under (available in advance or at the door)
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the raw power and timeless appeal of bluegrass music. Join us for an unforgettable evening with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://concordconservatory.org/events/po-ramblin-boys/

January Is National Mental Wellness Month

January is a time to recharge and recover from the holidays. It is also National Mental Wellness Month to recognize the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. According to the National Institutes of Health, 57.8 million adults lived with some form of mental illness in 2023. The severity varies from person to person. Understanding mental health statistics in the U.S. can raise awareness and garner support for those in need. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness and women are more likely than men to experience depression. 17% of adolescents ages 12-17 experienced a major depressive episode. 33.5% of adults with a mental illness also have a substance use disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collects data on substance use and mental health. Their 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that multiracial people had the highest rate of mental illness at 36.7%, followed by Whites (24%), American Indian/Alaskan natives (23.5%), Hispanics (20.6%), Blacks (19.4%), and Asians (18.1%).
Mental illness affects people differently. Children ages 6-17 are three times more likely to repeat a grade if they have mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems. Those with severe mental illness have a life span of 10 to 25 years shorter than the general population. 64% of jail inmates have a mental illness compared to 21.6% of the general adult population.
National Mental Wellness Month involves individuals being able to cope with life’s difficulties, having healthy relationships, and taking care of their mental well-being before issues arise. Wellbeingtrust.org tells us that having a purpose in life offers many benefits, including being happier, living longer, sleeping better, and improved heart health. To find that purpose explore your interests, volunteer, consider what you love to do, talk to friends and family, and try new experiences.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental illness. The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource if you feel that a friend or loved one is struggling with a mental illness. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist those who may be struggling mentally. Visit www.jasonfoundation.com to learn how to make a difference and find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office.

Become an Adult ESOL or
Basic Literacy Tutor!

Have you been looking for a great volunteer opportunity? If you would like to make a difference in the life of an adult with limited English or basic literacy skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area.
You do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind, a desire to help an adult improve their skills, and the ability to meet with your student for 2 hours per week for 9-12 months! In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available. Before being matched with a student you also must attend a Volunteer Information Session and successfully complete an 18-hour Tutor Training.
ESOL Tutor Training 6-week session in person at Pollard Memorial Library
Thursdays 1-4 pm
February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:
Tuesday, January 14, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, January 16, 12-1:30 pm
Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, January 30, 12-1:30 pm
To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.

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
“man vs. piano

By Popular Demand Steve Zocchi Returns to PCA with “Man vs. Piano: The Epic Battle

WESTFORD: The Piano Heritage Series at the Parish Center in Westford presents Steve Zocchi, pianist/humorist in Concert on January 19, 2025 with his “Man vs. Piano” concert where the epic battle continues! Relax and enjoy Pianist Steve Zocchi, in an afternoon of levity and virtuosity. A disciple of Victor Borge, Zocchi uses humor and honesty to dissolve the tension and pretense around classical music. Steve’s humorous pre-concert talk at 3:15pm will illuminate hilarious insights into the life of a pianist. The music to follow at 4pm will include Bach, Mozart, Chopin, energetic improvisations and more! All ages welcome. This event was a total sellout last season. Advance ticket purchased recommended!  Tickets range from $5 to $20 are available online at https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-19-25-steve-zocchi-man-vs-piano-piano-heritage-series-/95, or at the door (if available).  For more information, visit pcawestford.org or call (978) 692-6333.
Steve Zocchi is a pianist, composer, and music teacher from the Boston area. Steve’s primary musical focus is on J.S. Bach, Mozart, and Improvisation. After receiving his degree in Piano Performance, Zocchi studied Jazz Piano theory with the legendary Steve Hunt. He also studied Organ with the late Dr. John Ogasapian and served as assistant-organist at St. Anne’s Church in Lowell from 1997-1999. Steve then served as Music Minister at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lowell from 2000-2014. He was Music Director at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Chelmsford MA, 2014-2021. He is presently at Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church.
Zocchi served as president of the Greater Lowell Music Teachers Association from 2006 to 2012 and was awarded ‘Music Teacher of the Year 2010’ by Massachusetts Music Teachers Association. Steve maintains a thriving music studio in Groton where he teaches piano and guitar. Steve is known for his eclectic piano concerts juxtaposing Classical, Jazz and Original Compositions. A recording artist, Zocchi’s latest release ‘Piano Works and Play’ as well as his previous CD ‘Compositions and Improvisation’ include both music composed in the Classical tradition as well as improvised music in several genres.
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/4-14-24-steve-zocchi-man-vs-piano-piano-heritage-series-/95
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParishCenterfortheArts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PCAWestford
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pcawestford
First connections

New Meeting Times for Postpartum Support Group Held by First Connections

Beginning January 9th, First Connections will be facilitating the First Year of Life (FYOL) Support Group on Thursdays from 9:30-11:00 AM via Zoom with 1 Thursday per month held in person. Please email efiorini@jri.org for a weekly reminder and link.
This group is facilitated by Emily Fiorini, MA, a clinician specializing in the FYOL, with additional guest speakers. Parents in the postpartum year can join this group to get support for their own emotional wellbeing, recovery, and transition into parenthood; baby’s development; feeding and sleep support; and community resources. Emily is available for free one-on-one Zoom consultations by request.
The FYOL group supports all new parents. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, parenting solo, partnered, or married, an adoptive or biological parent, have one baby or more, you are welcome here!
For more information about First Connections, our program offerings, and our extensive directory of community resources and referral services, please visit our website at firstconnections.org where you will find a link to our Parent Blog and our seasonal Winter Newsletter listing current programs open to registration.
It is never too early to find resources that you can rely on and a community you and your baby can be a part of. We are here for you whenever you need us.
Funding for these parent groups is provided by the Concord Carlisle Foundation and Nordblom Family Foundation. We are so grateful to these organizations for their financial support that allows us to provide these critical postpartum support services to families in the area free of cost. For more information about these and other free programs and services provided by First Connections, please visit our website at firstconnection.org.

Tom Denney Nature Camp Registration
is Opening January 1!

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, The Amazing Race & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, laser tag in the woods, 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 24- and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 30 – August 8, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
Before/After Care is available!
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 978-429-3004 (voice mail)

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 meetings had been every Thursday evening at 7 pm at the South Acton Congregational Church. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

The Highlands to host Santa’s Hotline
for children

FITCHBURG, Mass. (Dec. 13, 2024) – The Highlands, a local skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, is starting a Santa’s Hotline that local children can call to talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus and share their Christmas wishes.
The hotline will begin on Dec. 16 and will be available each day from 3 - 5 p.m. until Dec. 24. Parents and children can reach the Santa Hotline by calling the center’s designated toll-free number: 978-353-7344.
The call line will be staffed by volunteer residents who have completed a short training on taking calls to the North Pole and have been dubbed honorary Santas and Mrs. Clauses.
Executive Director Mark Ailinger expressed his love for the initiative because, in addition to bringing children joy, the hotline gives the center’s residents something fun and exciting to do for the community.
“We are thrilled to provide a direct, toll-free phone number for area children to speak with Santa and Mrs. Claus,” said Ailinger. “Our residents are still vibrant members of this community and very much enjoy giving back their time and talent, especially to area children. We’re delighted to offer parents and children the opportunity to create some wonderful memories by having their kids or grandkids talk live to Santa and Mrs. Claus on our toll-free number.”
Located at 335 Nichols Road, The Highlands has been providing the Fitchburg community with short-term rehab, long-term care and specialized memory care for more than 50 years. The center is one of 15 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Massachusetts managed by Life Care Centers of America.
Founded in 1976, Life Care is a nationwide health care company. With headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, Life Care manages nearly 200 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer’s centers in 26 states. For more information about Life Care, visit lcca.com.
Nature

Birds and Wildlife Photography in
Massachusetts and Beyond

Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

HUDSON: On Wednesday, January 8, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Shawn Carey, wildlife photographer and teacher for Mass Audubon Society. As a member of various bird clubs over the years, Shawn has extensive knowledge of this species and serves on the Advisory Board of the Mass Audubon Society and its Bird Art Museum. Shawn has served as chair of the Mass Camera Naturalists and has co-founded Migration Productions where he provides almost all of the digital photographs in their productions.
Birds and Wildlife Photography in Massachusetts and Beyond is supported in part by a grant from the Hudson Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The program is free and open to the public. Carey’s work can be viewed at Migration Productions - Photography and Video of Birds & Other Wildlife
Currently AVCC meetings are using a hybrid approach where members can meet either in person or via Zoom. If you are interested in attending the program, contact AVCC at avcc.digital@hotmail.com a few  days prior to the meeting to request a link to the event or to let us know you will be attending in person. The club’s Zoom room opens at 7:00 PM with a brief business meeting at 7:15. Shawn’s presentation Birds and Wildlife Photography will begin at 7:30.
AVCC in-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson and are open to the public. The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts.  During the second monthly meeting, a competition of members’ digital images are judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. Assabet Valley Camera Club, affiliated with both the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) and the Photographic Society of America (PSA), participates in inter-club competitions on regional, national and international levels.
AVCC welcomes anyone interested in learning more about photography as a visual art and its practical application as a science.  Members benefit from the hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. For more information, check out the AVCC website at www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com .

Donate to Beacon Santa!

The applications have arrived, and with them, letters from families sharing their struggles and asking for help from the Beacon Santa.
They are grandparents, single moms, families struggling with health issues – all seeking a little respite from their troubles and a little joy for the holidays.
One grandmother writes that she and her husband are raising their three grandchildren – all of whom have health problems. She has had to cut back on working so she can take the children to their doctors’ appointments.
She is asking for help from the Beacon Santa to put a little something under the Christmas tree for the children.
“We would like to be able to give our grandchildren a Christmas that they will remember in a positive and happy way,” she writes.
Another grandmother writes that she is caring for her two granddaughters – alone. She has been struggling with health issues, and her granddaughters “have shown incredible kindness and resilience throughout the year,” she writes.
She wants to provide them with the joy of “giving and receiving” gifts, but her limited income makes it difficult for her to provide gifts on her own.
She is asking Beacon Santa for help.
“I believe that with your help, we can spread some holiday cheer and create happy memories for them,” she writes.
This year, Beacon Santa has been asked to help more than 600 children. But Beacon Santa would not exist without help from people just like you – please consider donating today.
How to donate
By Mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Online: Through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809 or by clicking on the PayPal button in this article. A PayPal account is not needed to donate.

Donate Your Vehicle to Support The Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Christmas Motors is teaming up with the Pan Mass Challenge to accept vehicle donations to benefit The Dana Farber Cancer research program.
This unique program is unlike all others, as 100 percent of the proceeds of your tax deductible vehicle donation will go to cancer research. (No administrative cost).
We will accept any car or truck regardless of age.
For more information or to arrange your donation call 978-897-9627 and ask for David Christmas.
Working together, we can find a cure for cancer.

Groton Grange Contra Dance
January 4,  2025

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, January 4, 2025,  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. PARKING ALLOWED ONLY ON THE GRANGE SIDE OF CHAMPNEY ST.

Experience Christmas at Mt. Calvary with an “Eye-Opening Christmas”

ACTON, MA – Join us on Christmas Eve. All of our services are designed for all ages and are a great family experience. Christmas Eve services at Mt. Calvary are spectacular. We’ll have a free hot cocoa bar, cookies, special Christmas music, and more!
On Christmas Eve you have choices:
3:30 PM Christmas Eve service is a family service that is great for little ones with the wiggles. Families with children are invited to arrive 30 minutes early for their children to receive and wear a Nativity costume and be a part of the Christmas story. This is a wonderful service with Scripture, Christmas carols, and your children being a part of the story.
6 PM Christmas Eve service is a traditional, beautiful candlelight service as we sing Silent Night. Arrive 15 minutes early for special preservice music with a string quartet.
9 PM Christmas Eve service is a festive candlelight and Holy Communion service. Arrive 25 minutes early for special music with piano, guitar, violins, cello, percussions, and oboe.
Then, join us Christmas Day at 10 AM for a service of Christmas carols and readings.
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was eye-opening. Jesus was not like other newborns. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a feeding trough for animals. A myriad of angels illuminated the sky announcing his birth. Shepherds made a surprise visit and investigated the birth. Joseph and Mary were amazed by all these things. But there’s another stunning surprise that Matthew wants to convey to you at Christmas. Matthew wants you to know that you belong in God’s family.
Mt. Calvary is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue in Acton. Parking is available off Prospect Street. Handicap parking is available at the Massachusetts Ave. circle drive and the Prospect St. parking lot. Overflow parking is available in the Acton Funeral Home parking lot right next door. For more information, visit mtcalvaryacton.org, call (978) 263-5156, or send an email to info@mtcalvaryacton.org.
Sent with volunteer email

Ultimate Feel-Good Gift

Are you looking for the ultimate feel-good gift? How about providing a bed for a child who doesn’t have one?
Unfortunately, for many families who turn to Fresh Start Furniture Bank, the absence of a bed is a painful reality. These families come to us with empty hands and heavy hearts. While we strive to fill their homes with donated furnishings, we often need to purchase mattresses to ensure every child has a safe place to sleep.
That’s why we’re on a mission to raise $5000 for our Sweet Dreams Mattress Program, which will provide 25 mattress sets at just $200 each. Your generous support will not only help us reach this goal but will also create ripples of stability and dignity for families in our community for years to come.
No contribution is too small; every dollar counts and brings us closer to turning this dream into reality!
Please send checks to Fresh Start Furniture Bank, 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749

Meet your Perfect Match at Save A Dog Adoption Event Saturday, December 14

Save A Dog is hosting a ‘Meet and Greet’ holiday adoption event at Wag N’ Wash, 1173 Main Street in West Concord on Saturday, December 14, from 10 am to 12 pm. Come meet the adorable dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes, and join the holiday festivities with free store samples and photo ops!
More information about our adoptable dogs (and cats!) can be found on the Save A Dog website: www.saveadog.org. Potential adopters are also encouraged to fill out an adoption application online beforehand.
Now celebrating 25 years of rescuing abandoned dogs and cats through its Sudbury shelter and network of foster homes, Save A Dog has found loving homes for more than 8,500 companion animals.
See you Saturday!

Operation Christmas Child Volunteers Send Christmas Joy to Children Overseas

Area volunteers are celebrating the collection of gift-filled shoeboxes that will send a message of joy to children around the world.
Thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, by packing shoeboxes filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items. The global Christmas project will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Each shoebox is an opportunity to share the message of the Gospel and bring hope to children in need around the world.
Although drop-off locations have closed for the season, there is still time to share hope and love with children overseas by packing a gift-filled shoebox online. Shoeboxes built online go to some of the hardest-to-reach areas in the world. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.
For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

The Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks is selling Christmas trees again this year.

Hours are: Mondays-Fridays: 4:00 PM -8:00 PM
Saturdays: and Sundays: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
The Maynard-Clinton Elks is located at 34 Powder Mill Rd, Maynard, MA  01754.
If you have any questions, please call 978-897-9892.

Concord Cuisine Raffle: a Concord Scout House Fundraiser

The 2024 Concord Cuisine Raffle has arrived! The Concord Scout House, a 501(c)3 organization, is offering FOUR PRIZE PACKAGES of gift certificates and food items to popular businesses in and around Concord who have donated generously. Read the descriptions of the prize packages below and buy entries to the package(s) of your choice. You can buy entries to more than one... or all of them! There will be one winner for each prize package, so it helps to buy entries for multiple packages.  Go to: ConcordScoutHouse.org or go.rallyup.com/concordcuisineraffle

Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church

The annual Messiah Community Sing-in returns! Save the date- December 22 at 4 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church, on the Common.
Join the chorus, professional soloists and orchestra to sing, or just come to listen. Suggested donation is $20.00. Bring your own score or buy one at the door.
For more information call 978-779-2876.

Donate Your Vehicle to Support The Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Christmas Motors is teaming up with the Pan Mass Challenge to accept vehicle donations to benefit The Dana Farber Cancer research program.
This unique program is unlike all others, as 100 percent of the proceeds of your tax deductible vehicle donation will go to cancer research. (No administrative cost).
We will accept any car or truck regardless of age.
For more information or to arrange your donation call 978-897-9627 and ask for David Christmas.
Working together, we can find a cure for cancer
Fred headshot

Book Signing and Author Talk with Local Author Fred Kinch

“Thursday December 12, 2024
Acton Memorial Library
486 Main Street, Acton, MA
Listen to Fred Kinch tell stories from his new book, The Business of Secrets – stories about his adventures selling cryptographic equipment to the intelligence organizations of some 80 countries worldwide. These secret coding units kept messages confidential as they were sent from one place to another, for users such as the military or diplomatic corps. Fred encountered a spooky, shadow world, where potential customers (spies?) would appear when they wanted to see Fred and vanish when they did not. Some of the stories are humorous, some frightening, but all are entertaining. Stories like:
·       Driving through war-torn Beirut in the middle of the night, passing through multiple military checkpoints where I could have been detained and possibly disappear forever.
·       Arriving in Cairo at the height of the tourist season on an official visit to the Egyptian Army, only to find out that the officer in charge of getting us hotel rooms had done nothing, leaving us struggling not to sleep in the streets of Cairo.
·        And more…
The Business of Secrets picks up the story of cryptography after the era of the Enigma machine of WWII and brings it forward another 30 years. In a sense it is a sequel to the very popular book by Andrew Hodges and Douglas Hofstadter, Alan Turning: The Enigma, which inspired the movie: The Imitation Game.
Fred will have a cryptographic unit with him for the audience to examine. Books will be available for purchase and Fred is happy to sign your copy.
Questions are encouraged. Come join a lively discussion.”

Become an Adult ESOL or
Basic Literacy Tutor!

Have you been looking for a great volunteer opportunity? If you would like to make a difference in the life of an adult with limited English or basic literacy skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area.
You do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind, a desire to help an adult improve their skills, and the ability to meet with your student for 2 hours per week for 9-12 months! In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available. Before being matched with a student you also must attend a Volunteer Information Session and successfully complete an 18-hour Tutor Training.

ESOL Tutor Training 6-week session online via Zoom
Tuesdays 6-9 pm
January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18

ESOL Tutor Training 6-week session in person at Pollard Memorial Library
Thursdays 1-4 pm
February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:
Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, December 12, 12-1:30 pm
Tuesday, December 17, 6:30-8 pm
To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.

Beacon Santa Fund

Lights are going up, families are unpacking Christmas decorations, children are writing letters to Santa – it seems signs of Christmas can be seen just about everywhere.
But for those struggling to make ends meet, not sure whether to use their last remaining dollars to pay the electric bill or put food on the table, the holidays can bring stress, rather than joy.
Every year, hundreds of applicants in the 12 communities of Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford, turn to the Beacon Santa.
This year, over 275 families asked for help for 625 children from the Beacon Santa to provide a few things for their children for Christmas.
The Beacon Santa is run by three Maynard women, who volunteer their time because they are determined to provide a little holiday joy to families in need. But the Beacon Santa would not exist without generous donations from readers like you.
We know it’s a big ask – it seems everyone’s been struggling the last few years, what with the high prices of everything from eggs to gasoline.  But if everyone reading this donated as little as $5, the Beacon Santa would be able to help those 625 children find a little joy this Christmas.
So please, consider donating today.
Founded in 1965, the Beacon Santa raises funds to provide holiday gift cards to families living in the 12 communities it serves.
Donations can be sent by mail to Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Donations can also be made online through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809 – you do not need a PayPal account to donate.

The Salvation Army Hosts 9th Annual Sounds of Christmas Concert

On Sunday, December 8 at 6 p.m., The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division will be presenting its 9th annual Sounds of Christmas Concert. The free event at The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center (650 Dudley Street, Dorchester) will feature festive music and holiday refreshments. Featured performances include music from The Salvation Army’s 40-piece brass band, the Massachusetts Divisional Chorus, and nearly 100 young people from Salvation Army centers across Massachusetts showcasing dance, timbrel and vocal talents.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest music providers in the world. The nonprofit’s music programs teach people, regardless of age, how to sing and play instruments at no cost. These skills are utilized in a myriad of ways such as playing in a Salvation Army band, singing in a choir, performing in dance and arts, or playing an instrument at one of The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles during the holidays.
For more information about The Salvation Army’s music program and Sounds of Christmas Concert, visit: salvationarmyma.org.

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

  The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday December 15 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Chad Childers at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org.
  The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.
  Our members may participate in any number of the Company’s activities including marching in parades, organizing the annual Fifer’s Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to town organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
  All are welcome to come and make new connections with others.
  For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.
Concord band

Newton All City Troubadours at Concord Band Holiday Pops

The Concord Band presents Holiday Pops! on Saturday, December 14, 2024, 7:00 PM at 51 Walden in Concord. The Concord Band welcomes the Newton All City Troubadours, directed by Jaime Alberts and Eric Ritter, with collaborative pianist Emma Campbell. The All City Troubadours are an auditioned, select chorus of 20 members comprising Newton’s best 7th, 8th and 9th grade singers. Their mission is to spread joy through the creation of community and music throughout Newton and beyond.
Concord Band Music Director James O’Dell will conduct seasonal favorites such as Sleigh Ride, Auld Lang Syne, and a composition by Boston musician and composer, Edward Madden, celebrating Hanukkah titled Shirim.
The All City Troubadours will bring holiday spirit to our audience as they perform “When You Believe,” and join the Band for Christmas Finale. The Concord Band will reprise Mancini Spectacular and Gabriel Fauré’s Tuscan Serenade with euphonium soloist Doug Ruby.
Admission includes festival seating with complimentary refreshments available at intermission, and a reception following the concert. Tickets are $25/adults and $10/children, available in advance from ticketstage.com/concordband.
Additional information about the Concord Band is at www.concordband.org, and the All City Troubadours at newtontroubadours.weebly.com.

Concord Cuisine Raffle:
a Concord Scout House Fundraiser

The 2024 Concord Cuisine Raffle has arrived! Concord Scout House, a 501(c)3 organization, is offering FOUR PRIZE PACKAGES of gift certificates and food items to popular businesses in and around Concord who have donated generously. Read the descriptions of the prize packages below and buy entries to the package(s) of your choice. You can buy entries to more than one... or all of them! There will be one winner for each prize package, so it helps to buy entries for multiple packages.  Go to: Go.RallyUp.com/ConcordCuisineRaffle

36th Annual Tree of Lights – Open House & Celebration

Organization(s): Emerson Health, Auxiliary of Emerson Health
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Emerson Health, 133 Old Rd to Nine Acre Corner, Main Building, Concord, MA 01742
Description: Over thirty years ago, Tree of Lights began to remember and celebrate those whom we loved and were inspirational to our community. We continue that to this day. Join us for the Tree of Lights Open House! For our 36th year, we’re expanding this beloved tradition into a family-friendly event, and we invite you to be a part of it. Free admission, bring your family and friends! Celebrate the season with activities for all ages: create greeting cards for patients, enjoy performances by talented local youth musicians, experience our art exhibit by local artists dedicated to remembrance, light, hope, and love, and visit our contemplation area to honor loved ones who continue to touch our lives. Support Pediatric and Adolescent Care at Emerson Health by dedicating a Light ($10) or a Star ($25) in memory or honor of someone special. Tribute names submitted by December 4 will be included on our Tribute Wall at the event. Let’s light up the season with love and remembrance! For more information and to make a dedication, visit emersonhealth.org/treeoflights.
Cost: $0
Website: http://emersonhealth.org/treeoflights
Choir music copy

Bedford Kicks Off the Holidays with an Artisans Market (and More) on December 7

Submitted by the Bedford Cultural District Partnership
The Bedford (Mass.) Cultural District and the Gallery@FirstParish are hosting a holiday Artisans Market on Saturday, December 7, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at First Parish, 75 The Great Road. The Artisans Market will be a centerpiece of Bedford’s Holiday Kickoff, which will also feature the town’s annual tree lighting on the Common at 5:00 p.m., followed by the merry arrival of a special visitor from the Far North.
At the Artisans Market, the joyful sounds of the First Parish choir will fill the halls as shoppers browse two floors of artisans’ tables. More than 25 creative vendors will sell handmade, giftable artwork and crafts, including original paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, baskets, stained glass suncatchers, ornaments, candles, books, and more. A rainbow of colorful fabric art will also be offered for one-of-a-kind gift giving, including quilted items, felted jewelry and ornaments, crocheted wearables and crafts, handwoven scarves, punch needle and repurposed homewares, and upcycled mittens.
Another highlight of the Holiday Kickoff is a Winter Walkabout from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Local businesses and institutions will roll out their welcome mats and serve up holiday cheer. The Bedford Historical Society will have an open house at Old Town Hall, 16 South Road, with Bedford memorabilia and books for sale.
Also featured will be a holiday Storybook Trail along The Great Road from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and continuing on Sunday, December 8. Starting at the Bedford Free Public Library, 7 Mudge Way, and ending at the Artisans Market, the trail will feature The Best Gift for Bear by Jennifer Bell.
First Parish is fully accessible through the Elm Street entrance. Parking is available at the Town Center/Town Hall complex.
Providing opportunities to support Bedford arts, culture, artists, and crafters is a key component of the Bedford Cultural District’s mission. For ongoing updates on the Artisans Market and other initiatives of the Bedford Cultural District, including the New Song Music Series, visit the district’s website, www.bedfordma.gov/culturaldistrict, or contact Bedford’s Housing and Economic Development Director, Eric Salerno, at esalerno@bedfordma.gov or by phoning 781-918-4006.