Summer Friday Nights Free program at Discovery Museum

 
Discovery Museum announced their popular Summer Friday Nights Free program has returned. Visitors can enjoy the Museum and Discovery Woods outdoor nature playscape with free admission from 4:30pm to 8:00pm every Friday night through August 30.
Advanced reservations are recommended and can be made 10 days in advance for a 4:30, 5:30, or 6:30 admission block. All visitors may stay until 8:00pm. Reservations are recommended. Please visit  our website to make a reservation at www.discoveryacton.com.
Discovery Museum will gratefully accept non-perishable food items for Open Table and Acton Food Pantry in lieu of admission, though a food donation is not required for admission.
Thank you to the following local businesses that have made this summer’s free admission possible:
June 28 & July 5: Enterprise Bank
July 12: McGovern Subaru of Acton
July 19: McWalter Volunteer Insurance
July 26: TransAction Associates & Corporate Shuttles
August 2: Reliant Medical Group
August 9: Atrius Health        
August 30: Sutherland Realty Group/Keller Williams Realty Boston NW  
Free admission on Friday nights—every Friday during the summer, and the first Friday night of each month October through June—is part of the Discovery Museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers to experience the Museum.
Linda vieira portuguese heritage award

Rep. Sena Congratulates Linda Vieira of Acton on earning Portuguese Heritage Award


BOSTON – Representative Dan Sena (37th Middlesex) presented Linda Vieira of Acton with a Portuguese Heritage Award at the Heritage Day of Portugal celebration, hosted on June 11 by the Massachusetts Portuguese American Legislative Caucus in the House of Representatives Chamber.
Vieira, a resident of Acton and dedicated advocate for her community, earned this award through her efforts to better her community. As a member of the Acton Democratic Town Committee and coordinator of voter activism, member of the Indivisible Acton Area Serving Committee, trustee for West Acton Citizens’ Library, and countless roles on campaigns, Linda Vieira’s work impacts many. Much of Linda Vieira’s activism focuses on the right to choose, and she plans events, manages campaigns, and advocates tirelessly to battle anti-abortion efforts across the country.
Rep. Dan Sena nominated Linda Vieira because of her strong legacy in the community and her Portuguese heritage. Linda Vieira’s paternal grandparents immigrated from the Azores, and she grew up in New Bedford attending the annual Portuguese Feast.
“I am proud of the work that Linda has done for our community, and I felt honored to present her with this award,” Rep. Dan Sena said. “Linda is a shining example of how individuals in our community can impact our policies.
"Growing up in a Portuguese community taught me the value of hard work and education.  Hearing about the contributions of the other nominees was inspiring and we were treated to Portuguese food and music after the ceremony,” said Linda Vieira. “I am grateful to Representative Sena for acknowledging my contributions to Acton and Massachusetts."  
Heritage Day of Portugal is a statewide event recognizes individuals in Portuguese-speaking communities who help to preserve their cultural traditions while giving back to their communities and encouraging future generations to appreciate and love their heritage. For the 40th annual celebration, the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus Guest of Honor and keynote speaker was Mayor Pedro Nascimento Cabral, Mayor of the City of Ponta Delgada, Azores.
"Heritage Day of Portugal is an opportunity to celebrate our heritage and the contributions of the Portuguese-speaking community in Massachusetts," said Representative Antonio Cabral, House Chair of the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus. “It’s incredible to think that we have been able to honor Portuguese-speaking leaders for 40 years. It is an honor to celebrate our heritage by recognizing the contributions of each awardee and to welcome Mayor Pedro Nascimento Cabral, Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Azores.”
“Heritage Day of Portugal is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the Portugese Diaspora and the special place that Portuguese-speaking communities have here in Massachusetts,” said Rep. Sena. “I look forward to this event every year as a way to share my Brazilian culture!”
For more information about Heritage Day of Portugal or Linda Vieira, contact Rep. Sena’s office at 774-277-5489.
Paddling on the sudbury river riverfest 2023

Celebrate our Local Rivers at RiverFest
July 6 – July 28

RiverFest Summer 2024 is your opportunity to explore our federally protected Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild & Scenic Rivers. In the MetroWest area, from Lowell to Framingham, three weeks of free events in 9 communities will be hosted on and along the rivers, highlighting what makes them unique and special.
This year’s events include family festivities at the Old Manse in Concord (July 20) and Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Sudbury (July 27), guided canoe & kayak trips, nature walks, history talks, bird watching, outdoor yoga, plein air painting, and even a walking book group stroll. Kids may especially enjoy events allowing them to explore the riverbanks or get an up-close look at some wildlife. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether young or old, adventuresome or more interest in a leisurely picnic along a river!
Please go to www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org to view a complete listing of RiverFest Summer 2024 events taking place from July 6-28.
Bluegrass

Audiences are Beggin’ for More when The Ruta Beggars Come to Town

WESTFORD: Appealing to traditional and progressive acoustic music fans alike, The Ruta Beggars combine bluegrass and early swing to create a timeless act filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery instrumentals, and plenty of fun. The Beggars will be playing the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street, on June 28 at 7:30pm.  Tickets range from $12 (Card-to-Culture pricing) to $25, and are available by calling (978) 692-6333, or online at pcawestford.org.  BYOB and snacks for a full evening of entertainment!
The Ruta Beggars have been praised for their creative yet tasteful arrangements and charming performances. Since 2018 they have brought the joy of their live show to audiences across the US and Canada from festival stages to storied folk listening rooms and as support for legacy acts Lyle Lovett and Ricky Skaggs. The Ruta Beggars are 2019 Thomas Point band competition winners, 2023 IBMA official showcasing artists, Freshgrass Foundation commissioned composers, Freshgrass Award finalists, and Skyline Records artists. Best-of-friends since their inception, The Ruta Beggars are Micah Nicol (guitar), Trevin Nelson (banjo), Noah Harrington (bass), Sam Stage (fiddle), and Jean-Baptiste Cardineau (mandolin), who met through studying in Berklee College of Music's American Roots Program.
This event is honoring the Massachusetts Cultural Council "Card-to-Culture" program (https://massculturalcouncil.org/organizations/card-to-culture) with a special discounted ticket price available to card-holding members. C2C cards will be requested when you pick up your tickets at the box office.
Direct ticket link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/6-28-24-the-ruta-beggars/178
Though this is the last concert of the Parish Center’s 2023-24 formal season, don’t miss upcoming summer Concerts-on-the Common!
  • July 13 - John Ferullo's Open Mic Night Sampler, 2-5pm
  • July 20 - MOMENTUM (Rain date, July 21), 2-4pm
  • August 3 - Common Picking Mini Bluegrass Festival, noon-7pm
  • August 10 - Ed McCarron (Rain date, August 11), 2:30-4:30pm
For more information, visit www.pcawestford.org, or call (978) 692-6333.

Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club, Celebrating 59 Years – Summer Picnic

 
Acton, Ayer, Boxborough, Concord, Chelmsford, Littleton, Maynard, Groton, Harvard, Stow, Westford and Surrounding Towns – Celebrating more than 50 years of community building, the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club will host its’ summer picnic to welcome interested community members in learning more about the club as well as those looking to reconnect with established members. The picnic is being held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at the NARA PARK PATIO TENT - 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA, 01720. Enjoy a potluck picnic, music, lawn games and other summer-time delights with the Neighbors - rain or shine under the Nara Park Patio Tent! Club members and guests interested in learning more about the Club are invited to this affair for neighborly conversation and enjoyment of summer picnic activities.
The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is excited to invite community members to join us in a variety of activities including Adventure Group, Game Night, Men’s Night Out, Ladies’ Night Out, Book Group, Wine Tasting, Lunch Bunch, dining in and out events, and special events.
Join our Facebook Page and visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more information on this and other events, as well as information on how to become a member of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors. We look forward to seeing you!
The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from our communities. Celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2015, we were originally known as the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton. More recently, we have been known as the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club. Discovering that established residents in our surrounding communities are also looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends, we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club in 2014.
Smile summer

SMILE Mass Continues Building Happy Memories One Summer at a Time Non-profit brings accessible vacation opportunities throughout the season.


June 12, 2024 (SUDBURY, Massachusetts) – As a young mother to a child with severe disabilities, SMILE Mass founder Lotte Diomede quickly realized the world wasn’t built for children like her son, Nicholas. One day, Lotte tried to take Nicholas and his sister to their neighborhood park in Sudbury, MA, only to find that it didn’t have a swing that both kids were able to use. Her daughter Annabelle could enjoy the freedom of swinging high into the sky, while Nicholas had to watch from outside the fence of the playground. This life-changing moment sparked a determination in her and she approached the Parks and Recreation Department to see what could be done. Driven by a profound love for her children and a vision of inclusivity, she spearheaded an accessible playground project along with hundreds of other volunteers in the community and the first playground in MetroWest with a universal design, opening the door to simple joys and unforgettable moments for countless families.
Since that time, SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life Exist) “swung” into becoming a 501C3 non-profit organization that helps families raising children or adults with disabilities enjoy happy, healthy memories through education, vacation, and recreation experiences.  Though every season is vibrant and energetic for the MetroWest-based non-profit, the organization is at its most active during the late spring and summer seasons, when many of its programs are in full swing.
“Life memories are often made as the weather gets warmer and families vacation together,” explained Lotte.  “For those with a physically disabled family member, such a day can be far from relaxing, often filled with struggles and unexpected challenges due to the lack of accessibility to the beach and a consistent schedule. It was an extension of our playground project when we brought accessibility to the beach.”
Since its inception, SMILE Mass has donated more than 180 floating beach wheelchairs to public ponds and beaches throughout New England to make them more accessible to the disabled. The colorful chairs allow beachgoers with mobility disabilities to travel over the hot surface of the parking lot, roll seamlessly over the thick beach sand, and plunge right into the water like their typical friends and family. The chairs recline into three different positions and have two large wheels at the back and a smaller wheel in front allowing them to be pushed through the sand with relative ease. As a floating device, the chair can be immersed in the water and float gently with the tide. There isn’t a more relaxing way to enjoy a summer day than spending it on the beach.
Due to the overwhelming demand for the program, the organization launched the SMILE Mass Floating Beach Wheelchair Awards Program, which allows towns and cities to apply for their floating beach wheelchair. Officials associated with the city or town, or residents could apply for the award to make their beach location more accessible.
SMILE Mass recently presented new chairs to the towns of Newburyport, Amesbury, Manchester by the Sea, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society in Barnstable with additional chairs to be gifted to Easton, MA, Nahant, and Standish ME in the coming weeks.  Due to the success of the program, the town of Dennis added 20 new chairs to their beaches.
“We are grateful to beach and recreation director Dustin Pineau for being such an active proponent of accessibility. To say we have had success is an understatement – with the support of SMILE Mass, it is clear that the town of Dennis understands the importance of the program as they retire older chairs and consistently strive to make their fleet better.”
“We present the chairs surrounded by some excitement. It’s a big event when accessibility is introduced or expanded in an area, and the decision of the town or municipality to promote accessibility should be celebrated. People with disabilities have the same rights as others, and enjoying a day at the beach is not just a luxury but a right that anyone should be able to experience. We recently had wonderful events in Newburyport and Amesbury where a large contingent of townspeople with and without disabilities came to cheer on the town’s commitment to accessibility.” 
You can find a list of other participating beaches where the SMILE Mass chairs are located at https://smilemass.org/initiative/beach-wheelchairs/.
SMILE Mass also operates a free equipment loaner program for families with disabled family members who may be going on a day, week, or extended vacation. 
“The loaner program was started as an extension of the beach wheelchair program, explained Lotte. “Once word got out about the beach wheelchairs we were donating to public beaches, people started calling because they vacationed in an area that did not yet have one of the donated chairs.”
To help alleviate that issue, SMILE Mass started a loaner program out of Sudbury, Massachusetts. Families can borrow adapted equipment to take anywhere. The inventory includes floating beach wheelchairs, a bath chair with a back, a blue Freedom running stroller, a Hoyer lift, portable ramps and so much more. Any of these items can be borrowed to help families enjoy a day of recreation or a vacation away from home with the right amenities.
SMILE Mass also owns a fully accessible vacation home on the beautiful Truro beach in Massachusetts, providing families with disabled loved ones a much-needed break and an inclusive environment to create lasting memories. The handicap-accessible beachfront condo sits just 75 feet from the ocean and allows accessibility for any family traveling with loved ones with disabilities. The condo sleeps six, with a private beach, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a roll-in shower, adapted equipment with a universal design flair and all exterior doors have ramps to allow easy access for those
Club SMILE Mass, the organization’s fastest-growing program to date, consists of hybrid classes to stimulate clients with disabilities both mentally and physically. Classes include access to one-on-one gym and swim or small group classes, swimming classes at Atkinson Swimming Pool in Sudbury, and seven-day-per-week access to any LA Fitness in Massachusetts. The program also includes in-person social groups, including music therapy, book club, storytime, bingo, small group workout classes, bike evaluations via Zoom, and more. A physical therapist performs the bike evaluations. All trainers of Club SMILE Mass are specially trained to work with people with disabilities.
“We have received dozens of inquiries from families and organizations struggling with the lack of available services due to the labor shortage in the healthcare sector. These services were previously available to this vulnerable population but dried up during Covid,” continued Diomede. “Through Club SMILE Mass, we provide much-needed daily activities with a focus on movement. There are currently no existing clubs for someone with disabilities, which is a huge problem, and this is why Club SMILE Mass has become so popular.”
SMILE Mass plans to purchase land, which will be the home of “Club SMILE Mass, Community within a Community,” to help bring a sense of equity and inclusion to the severely disabled population in MetroWest.   “Our goal is to create a hub that becomes the leading source of a well-rounded program that takes clients after school age and well into adulthood. Our clients never age out of the program.”
“We have been working to reach an agreement with the owners of a property in MetroWest to complete the acquisition of the property. The property will allow us to bring our Club SMILE Mass program in-house and provide immediate relief to thousands of families in Massachusetts currently without services. This is why fundraising is especially critical,” explained Ms. Diomede.  Every dollar raised is something we didn’t have prior. Each donation will make a profound difference directly into the community
“This is our biggest undertaking yet,” continued Lotte. It is an opportunity for those who believe in equity and equality to resolve a national crisis following the pandemic. We are a grass-roots organization that receives no state funding. All our programs are made possible through grants, fundraising, annual sponsorships, and donations by those who know of all the good SMILE Mass does for the population of the disabled and their families.”
We rely on our existing donors, new donors, and sponsors to take us through each phase of the three-phase Capital Campaign. There is a donation level for everyone, regardless of your financial means.” To donate to the Capital Campaign or any of our programs, visit the SMILE Mass website at smilemass.org or call Lotte at 617-967-7755. 
About SMILE Mass: Small Miracles in Life Exist (SMILE Mass) is a 501 C3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping families raising children or adults with disabilities enjoy happy, healthy memories through vacation and recreation experiences. For more information, visit www.smilemass.org

Bedford High School Project Complete

The Bedford High School and JGMS Tennis/Pickleball/Basketball Court Resurfacing project that began on May 28th is now complete, and just in time for the summer season! The new refurbished courts are now open for use by the Bedford community. The project was funded through Community Preservation. 
This project was a collaborative effort between the Town’s Department of Public Works, Recreation Department and the Bedford Public School’s Athletics’ Department. The resurfacing and line stripping of the tennis courts at Bedford High School and the pickleball/tennis courts at JGMS have been completed, along with the installation of new nets and posts in each court.  The tennis and basketball courts at Bedford High School have been transformed with a fresh new surface, making them safer and more enjoyable for players.
The Town is excited to see residents enjoying the newly refurbished courts and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Department of Public Works, Recreation Department, and Bedford Public Schools on future projects.
 

Town of Carlisle Road Maintenance Hearing

June 25th at 7:00 pm
Carlisle Town Hall
Residents can join the meeting virtually or in person, or send comments to Town Administrator Ryan McLane at rmclane@carlislema.gov

Concord Art Proudly Presents Bird Stories:
Human Narratives

 
The exhibition will be on view through August 11 in the Main Galleries. The nineteen contemporary artists of Bird Stories: Human Narratives depict birds as beings in their own right but also as symbols of something more: hope and spirituality, harbingers of climate change, a mirror reflecting insights into the human condition. Perhaps due to their enviable ability to fly and how that connects with the human longing for freedom, artists in the show and in general seem drawn to use images of birds to symbolize things that are ineffable. By interpreting the overlapping stories of birds and humans, artists teach us not only about the diversity, fragility, and strength of these extraordinary creatures, they teach us about ourselves. Artists featured in the exhibition include John Christian Anderson, Linda Bond, Rebecca Doughty, Emmet Duggan, Carol Eckert, Austin Eddy, Penelope Gottlieb, Holly Harrison, Susan Lyman, Neeta Madahar, Liliana Porter, Rosamond Purcell, Jameel Radcliffe, Shelley Reed, Amy Ross, David Schulman, Kiki Smith, Barbara Sullivan, and Anne Sargent Walker. A catalog of the exhibition will be available at Concord Art. For more information, contact Executive Director Kate James at katejames@concordart.org or Assistant Director Natalie Reiser at nataliereiser@concord.org. You may also call Concord Art at 978-369-2578.
About Concord Art:
Concord Center for the Visual Arts was founded a century ago by Elizabeth Wentworth Roberts, an American Impressionist and philanthropist whose mission-to promote and advance the visual arts and artists, and to sustain our cultural community-still stands today. Concord Art provides a place for contemporary art exhibitions and art education. Concord Art, 37 Lexington Road, Concord, MA. Tuesday through Saturday 10am - 4:30pm, Sunday 12pm - 4pm.
Open table kids summer lunch

Sponsor A Child for Open Table Summer Lunch Program


Fuel Up for Summer Program Provides Weekly Lunch/Snack for Children
Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, is bringing back its Fuel Up for Summer program, which provides daily nutritious lunch and snacks for children over the summer months. This year, Open Table is offering community members the opportunity to support a child through the summer with a $100 gift.
To sponsor a child, go to https://www.opentable.org/give4kids
According to the Greater Boston Food Bank 2024 Food Equity and Access in Massachusetts Report, one in three households with children in Massachusetts experienced child-level food insecurity over the past year. While Universal School Meals are now funded permanently in Massachusetts, the children enrolled do not always have access to lunches over the summer months. The Open Table Fuel Up for Summer Program meets this need.
Parents can sign up online or by phone to participate in the summer program, then pick up as many as three lunch packs a week for each child along with the rest of their groceries. Summer lunch packs are healthy and convenient and include both a sandwich or wrap in both meat and vegetarian options as well as vegetable sticks or side salad. The lunches can be supplemented with the traditional Open Table Kids’ Bags, which include salty and sweet snacks, easy to prepare light meals, and drink boxes. All options are peanut-free.
Kids packs are available starting June 17th for pick up at:
Open Table 33 Main Street, Maynard
Tuesdays: 3:00 to 6:30 pm
Thursdays: 1:00 to 4:30 pm
To guarantee availability, kids lunch packs must be reserved in advance by Monday at noon for the week of pick up. No photo ID or proof of financial need required.
Online form: https://www.opentable.org/order-form/
Call: (978) 369-2275
Email: orders@opentable.org
“While great strides have been made so that school lunch programs are free in Massachusetts, the summer months continue to be a challenge for many families. We are so happy to offer nutritious lunch and snack options for hundreds of kids during summer vacation,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “Fuel Up for Summer is a free program that helps fill the meal gaps with fresh and healthy lunches for children in our local community.”

Join us for Shabbat

 
Fri, Jun 21, 2024 at 7:30pm
Kerem Shalom
659 Elm St, Concord, MA, 01742

Kerem Shalom of Concord invites the community to join Rabbi Darby Leigh as we celebrate Erev Shabbat together. Enjoy beautiful music and uplifting prayer as we welcome Shabbat. An Oneg will follow the service.
The service will be held both in-person and online. Kerem Shalom is a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming Jewish community where tradition and innovation are celebrated.
Minute mans statue

Details Revealed for 'Parker's Prelude', Second Official Event in Lex250 Celebration Line-Up

LEXINGTON - The Lex250 Commission is excited to announce the details for Parker's Prelude, the second official event in the 250th Anniversary Celebration line-up of the Battle of Lexington in 1775.
The community event, being held on Saturday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Lexington Battle Green, will celebrate the 295th birthday -- as well as life and achievements -- of Captain John Parker, a New England farmer, smith, soldier and Colonial militia officer.
Captain Parker is best known for his role in leading the Colonial Militia at the Battle of Lexington, where eight militiamen lost their lives during a skirmish famously described as the "shot heard round the world."
"The Lexington Minuteman statue is the ultimate personification of Captain John Parker," Lex250 Commission Chair Suzie Barry said. "Parker dared the greatest power that the world had known at the time and rallied his fellow countrymen to stand up for the rights of all Americans."
The event will include food trucks, activity tables for all ages. and a joint concert of the Lexington Bicentennial Band and the Concord Band. Also performing will be the Jamaica Plain Honk Band, Community Children’s Chorus, and William Diamond Junior Fife & Drum Corps.
The centerpiece of the event is the cutting and serving of a giant birthday cake made in honor of Captain Parker.
The event is free and open to all. The Commission encourages those attending to bring a chair or blanket.

An Evening with Tiya Miles on Harriet Tubman

 
Sat, Jun 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Tpke, Concord, MA, 01742
National Book Award–winning author Tiya Miles, joins Pulitzer Prize winning historian Jacqueline Jones for a revelatory conversation on the myth and the truth behind Harriet Tubman, one of the most famous Americans ever born who few really understand. A figure more out of myth than history, Harriet Tubman becomes an even clearer and sharper signal from the past, thanks to Tiya Miles’s characteristic tenderness and imaginative genius. Free for Members | $10 Non-Members | Free Virtual. Visit concordmuseum.org to register.
Singing with parkinsons

Challenge the progression of Parkinson’s with Singing!

Monday, June 24th at 10:30am
Concord Conservatory of Music, 1317 Main Street, Concord, MA
Concord Conservatory of Music’s Singing with Parkinson’s Chorus brings together Parkinson’s patients, their families, and caregivers to provide enjoyment, strength and comradery. This is an ongoing program, and we welcome participants to come at any time during the semester to try out the chorus. The Chorus meets on Mondays at 10:30 am through 12:00 pm.
A chorus-based opportunity to participate in voice therapy through song, Singing with Parkinson’s focuses on vocal fitness while offering people coping with the disease a chance to sing together, perform in the community and build new friendships. Breathing, stretching, posture, and vocal exercises are taught in a supportive, congenial environment.
The chorus sings songs from a variety of genres, with input from the group helps guide the repertoire. The cost for participants is $100 for the fall semester, which is 10 sessions, and there’s no cost for caregivers and family members to attend.
Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the area’s non-profit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church. Financial assistance is available.
About CCM:
Concord Conservatory of Music is an energetic community of people who are passionate about music education. CCM enrolls more than 400 students annually and offers programs for all ages and abilities. As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord, MA, and 15 surrounding communities. Its curriculum includes private instruction, group classes, and performance opportunities.

American Radio Relay League 2024 Field Day

On June 22 and 23, the Westford Police Amateur Radio Team, PART, (http://www.wb1gof.org/) will be participating in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) 2024 Field Day (https://www.arrl.org/field-day). This is the single most popular on-the-air event for the ARRL. Thousands of radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or simply with friends to operate from field locations, to practice our emergency preparedness skills and showcase amateur radio to the public.

During this event, members of PART will be communicating with other amateur radio operators from across North America and around the world. We will be showcasing 7 different live amateur radio stations each using a different amateur radio communication technique. One of the stations will permit you to actually operate on the air, under the supervision of a licensed amateur radio operator!

Come join us at the Concord Rod and Gun Club (https://concordrodandgun.com/) at 74 Strawberry Hill Road in Concord, MA from 2:00 PM on Saturday June 22 through 12:00 noon Sunday June 23. It’s free and open to the public.
 

Upcoming Event at Theatre III:

 
50 Central St, Acton

  Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
June 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
June 16, 2024 at 11 a.m.
$10 per person

Child's Play at Theatre III is excited to announce the first production in their new Theatre for Young Audiences program: CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE.

Farmer Brown has a problem: the animals on his farm are cold at night. They find an old typewriter in the barn and start sending him notes asking for blankets. When he refuses, they go on strike! Follow along with Duck, Hen and the Cows as they band together to improve life on the farm.

James E. Grote and George Howe’s cheerful musical adaptation of the Caldecott Award-winning picture book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin is appropriate for ages preschool and up.


Auditions for Escape to Margaritaville at Theatre III
Come find your shaker of salt because it's 5 o'clock somewhere!  Theatre III is holding auditions for our fall show, Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville, with book by Greg Garcia and Mike O'Malley, and music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett.  It will be directed by Donna DeWitt, musically directed by Justin Simone, choreographed by Jill Tokac, produced by Linda Minkoff, and staged managed by Deb Boles.

E2M is a jukebox musical based around the music of Jimmy Buffett. We welcome newcomers to community theatre and hope to welcome some Parrotheads to the cast! We are seeking actors, singers, and dancers of all ethnicities. Auditions are June 17 & 18, performances are November 2-16. For more information: www.theatre3.org
 

NRWA Eco-Adventure Summer Survival Fun Week f
or 11 to 15 Year Olds

 
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) invites 11 to 15 year olds from all communities to participate in our Summer Survival Fun Week, a four-day program based at the NRWA River Resource Center, 592 Main Street (Rt. 119) in Groton, MA. This program will run from Monday June 24th through Thursday June 27th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day
We’ll venture into the woods, fields, and hills of Groton hiking, tracking, and building shelters. We’ll spend a full day canoeing on the Squannacook River.  During these adventures, participants will learn outdoor survival skills, study local plant and animal life, and engage in team building games.
All activities are guided by NRWA’s professional educators and naturalists, including Stacey Chilcoat, our River Classroom Director. If you love outdoor exploration, new challenges, and making friends, we hope you’ll join us.
The fee for this 4-day program is $300 per person for NRWA members and $330 per person for non-members; $150 per person deposit required.  Pre-registration is required; limited spaces available. Register online today at www.nashuariverwatershed.org, under Upcoming Programs. For more information, please contact Stacey Chilcoat, NRWA River Classroom Director, at (978) 448-0299, or email registration@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
The Nashua River Watershed Association is a non-profit environmental organization providing water and land protection, climate impact resiliency, and education programs to 32 communities in the Nashua River Watershed.  Learn more at: www.nashuariverwatershed.org.

Discovery Museum Announces Upcoming Free Events for Visitors with Disabilities

 
Especially for Me program offers free Museum access and dedicated hours for families that would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience. New this year: Sensory-Friendly Halloween!
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced upcoming dates for the second half of 2024 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, and/or hearing loss.
The popular program offers accommodations that increase access to and enjoyment of the Museum. 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 judgment by others often described by families dealing with special needs. A medical diagnosis is not required to attend.
Discovery Museum 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 Guide (available in eight languages), a sensory map to the Museum, 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.
All Especially for Me events are free to attend, but pre registration is required. Dates and registration links can be found online at http://bit.ly/EspeciallyforMe. Registration generally opens up 4 to 6 weeks in advance of each event.
Questions, comments, or concerns about these events can be sent to sheilman@discoveryacton.org.
June to December 2024 Event Schedule
Sensory-Friendly Afternoons
Visit when we’re open to the public, but lower visitation is expected.
Tuesdays 1:30 - 4:30 pm: September 10, October 8, November 12, December 3
Special Evenings
Visit when the museum is closed to the public. Dinner (including gluten-free option) provided.
Saturdays 5:00 - 8:00pm:
All Access Evening – August 17
Autism-friendly Evenings – June 15, October 5, December 7
Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – July 20, November 23
Sensory-friendly Evening for Visitors 18+ – September 14
Sensory-Friendly Halloween – October 26
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 Alexion Charitable Foundation and Orville W. Forté Charitable Foundation, with additional support from Ameriprise Financial, Inc., Corning Incorporated Foundation, DCU for Kids, and Nypro, Inc.
Discoveryscholarship

Discovery Museum Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients

 
Acton, MA – Discovery Museum announced today its third annual Discovery Museum Scholarship recipients, four area high school students selected through a competitive application process that saw 87 applications from students in 48 towns throughout Massachusetts.
Launched in 2022 in celebration of the Museum’s 40th anniversary, the Discovery Museum Scholarship recognizes high school students who embody the mission and values of the Museum. Scholarships of $1,500 each were awarded to:
  • Yiru Liu, Acton, MA; Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
  • Jillian Primrose, Gardner, MA; North Middlesex Regional Charter School
  • Axel Soderquist, Southborough, MA; Algonquin Regional High School
  • Kyran Vig, Acton, MA; Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
“We created the Discovery Museum Scholarship to recognize the millions of young people who have come through our doors over the past 42 years—so many of whom have gone on to inspire us,” said CEO Marie Beam. “Yiru, Jillian, Axel, and Kyran each impressed us with their achievements, perspectives, community support activities, and plans to further their education. From their applications we learned a bit about how experiences at Discovery Museum impacted them when they were young and contributed to the paths they have chosen. We are very proud to honor and support these impressive students on the next step in their educational journey.”
Mcc college for kids2 su24

Kids Love Variety of Programming Offered at MCC’s College for Kids Summer Camps


This summer, Middlesex Community College’s College for Kids program is debuting a variety of new classes. In MCC’s summer programs, kids ages 8 to 17 engage in interactive activities to explore future careers, learn new skills, meet new friends, and boost self-confidence.
“I loved the variety of things we did in aviation camp,” said Charlie Dugan, a 10-year-old College for Kids student from North Andover. “We did a lot of hands-on experiments. We used toy planes, paper planes and simulators. The instructor John was very nice and very understanding. I’m looking forward to doing more outdoor experiments this year and to trying another MCC camp.”
College for Kids classes run July 8 to August 8, featuring subjects including Ace Aviation, All About Science, Coding, Dungeons and Dragons, Cakes and Cupcakes, Creative Drawing and Exploration Art Studio.
New programs debuting this summer include subjects in science, game design, improv, dance, and Taylor Swift. In Curious 4 Science Concepts, students have the chance to perform experiments, including a lava lamp and microscopic observation of plant and animal cells. A game design course allows students to build, design and look into translating games into digital formats. Skills include planning out a timeline, playtesting, design and implementation.
The new On the Spot Improv teaches young students the basics of improv through playing games and creating scenes. Skills include active listening, quick thinking and imagination. Students in the dance bootcamp learn the fundamentals of improv, as well as a pom dance, hip hop, and one they create together throughout the week, ending with a group performance.
MCC’s new (NOT SO) Cruel Summer focuses on the songs and sensation of Taylor Swift. Fans will take a creative writing-based deep dive of the artist’s greatest hits, analyzing the poetry behind her work. There will be the opportunity to listen to songs, watch music videos, and make friendship bracelets.
“We are thrilled to offer a line-up of popular returning and new and exciting programs this summer,” said Ellen Wright, MCC’s Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development. “While our students enjoy collaborating with their friends on topics they wouldn’t normally learn in school, they also gain skills that develop their academic interests that may plant the seeds for potential future careers.”
Programs are taught by public school teachers and expert professionals on MCC’s Bedford and Lowell campuses. Featuring five weeks of full- and half-day programs, Monday through Thursday, full-day programs run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and half-day programs run 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Students who take two half-day programs to make a full day can stay on campus for lunch in between the two sessions. For more information, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/collegeforkids/ or email CollegeForKids@middlesex.edu and call 781-280-3663

Family Book Club

The Lutheran Church of the Savior is beginning a book club for families. We will begin with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Each family will receive a free copy of the book at our organizational meeting Saturday June 22nd at 1pm. We will then meet weekly each Saturday at 1pm, June 29th through July 13th. Bring the family for a fun time exploring Lewis’ world of Narnia!
Contact Al Drehman if you have questions: 978-256-4539
Lutheran Church of the Savior
426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA

Multigenerational Game Night at FPC

 
All are welcome to a multigenerational game night that takes place on the third Friday of the month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun!
The next Game Night will take place on Friday, June 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. FPC is a nut-free location. It’s located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Frittatas at Guest Table in Stow

 
Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on June 14 at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy a meal in community with neighbors and friends. There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Frittatas will be served in June, along with roasted potatoes, garlic bread, salad, and dessert. Vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free versions will be available; meals are always nut-free as FPC is a nut-free location.
Guest Table is always looking for volunteers, so if you'd like to help out, visit https://tinyurl.com/GuestTableVolunteer.
This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.
FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you!
Parish jazz band with sara beauvais singing a h

FPC Summer Jazz Service

Each summer, First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) offers a service led by its own Parish Jazz Band. This summer’s service will be focused on the blues (both the music and the feeling), featuring music from Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, and Duke Ellington, among others. The band’s leader, Michael Paladini, will deliver a homily on “The Paradox of Suffering”—why we need it, even though we try to avoid it.
FPC’s jazz service will take place both in person and virtually on June 16 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for all in-person summer services. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

2024 Summer Services at FPC

 
First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) begins its (mostly) lay-led summer services on June 16. These 12 services offer FPC’s typical diversity of content—from music to social action, from spiritual to just plain eclectic. Each Sunday service starts at 10 a.m. Unless otherwise specified, services will take place both in person and virtually. To access virtual services (except on July 7), visit tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. Childcare is available for every in-person service. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

June 16 “Annual Jazz Summer Service”
FPC’s own Parish Jazz Band, led by Michael Paladini, will offer a service focused on the blues, featuring music from Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, Duke Ellington, and others. Michael’s homily will be on “The Paradox of Suffering”—why we need it, even though we try to avoid it.

June 23 “Emily and Johann: A Dialogue”
FPC Music Director Chris Hossfeld will offer a service of music and poetry. The movements of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Partita No. 6 in E minor for keyboard will be played throughout the service, interspersed with poems by Emily Dickinson that highlight themes from the music.

June 30 “FPC’s Work with the Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement”
For almost 3 years, FPC has been in partnership with seven other local churches that work together to help resettle refugees. Members of FPC’s Asylum Seekers Task Force will describe its success with two Afghan families, allowing them to gain full independence.

July 7 “Weaving Our Lives: the UUA’s General Assembly Worship Service” (online only on Zoom; a link will be posted on FPC’s website)
FPC will offer a recording of the previous Sunday’s service at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly, which this year is being held virtually. It will reflect on the reality that we are all tangled up together in a great web of life that is woven with beauty and hardship, love and loss, thriving and struggle.

July 14 “Evolution”
FPC member Andy Derr will share his thoughts about science, laws, theories, and why probability leads him to conclude that evolution is correct. He will demonstrate probability by flipping a coin and showing the increasingly unlikely odds of what just happened.

July 21 “The Songs of Bruce Springsteen: A Ministry of Community and Redemption”
From his early years to the present, Springsteen’s songs and concerts have been a collaboration with fans to form a community in search of everyday salvation. Dave Sansone will connect those ideas with what we do here at FPC to engage folks who are in search of a home.

July 28 “Blessing of the Animals” (outside on the FPC grounds)
Join Susan Avery with your animal(s) or representations of them (photos, drawings, etc.) as we explore the power they have to lift our spirit. We’ll celebrate by collectively blessing each of them.
August 4 “Joint Summer Service” (at Littleton and online on Zoom)
First Church Unitarian of Littleton will host the 21st annual Joint Summer Service of the Bolton, Fitchburg, Harvard, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Marlborough/Hudson, and Stow/Acton Unitarian Universalist churches. Rev. Lara Hoke will lead the service.
August 11 Sermon Rerun: "Starstuff"
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum  (aka Rev. Cindy) will repeat an earlier popular sermon. This service from November 2018 explores the theology of Carl Sagan, who explained that we are all made of starstuff.

August 18 “#realtalkwithrayla!”
FPC’s Director of Religious Education Rayla Baldwin-Mattson tries to live as openly and honestly as possible. Rayla does this through storytelling and humor, often tagging things with #realtalkwithrayla! Come join Rayla on a fun journey through Rayla’s learning of some of life’s lessons!

August 25 “Eyes on the Prize: Traveling the Long-arcing Road towards Racial Justice”
While we live in the hope of one day achieving racial justice in our communities, in our country, and in the world, we know that the work is about an ongoing journey—a journey that we may not see in our lifetime. Through music, meditation, and the spoken word, members of FPC’s Racial Justice Task Force will explore how we keep our “eyes on the prize” while keeping up our courage, compassion, and commitment for the work of racial justice. 

September 1 - "Popcorn Theology (Choose Your Topic!)"
Come to FPC’s Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival the day before and find where you can vote on what this service will be! Then show up to the service to find out what movie the vote has been cast for. Will Rev. Cindy preach on the very silly Monty Python's "Life of Brian"? Will it be "The Grapes of Wrath," because it's so timely and applicable? Will it be on "Star Wars" because you know the force is with us?
Sheridans

Acton Firefighter Works Alongside Son at Fire Two Days After Rescuing a Puppy

Fire Chief Anita Arnum is pleased to report that Firefighter Sean Sheridan experienced a very special week, rescuing a puppy from a fire in Maynard and then later working alongside his son, a Maynard firefighter, for the very first time at a fire.
On Tuesday, June 4, the Acton Fire Department, responded as mutual aid to Maynard to help battle a house fire. Firefighter Sheridan located a puppy that was missing inside the home, and then gave the puppy oxygen and water after getting it out of the home safely.
Two days later, on Thursday, June 6, Sheridan again responded as mutual aid to a fire in Maynard, and this time worked alongside his son, Keagan, who was working  his second day on the job for the Maynard Fire Department.
"Rescuing Gwen, the 6-month-old puppy, will be a highlight of my career professionally," said Firefighter Sean Sheridan. "Working the fire with my son will be an unforgettable highlight of my life."
"It was really cool getting to work my first fire in Maynard with my Dad," said Firefighter Keagan Sheridan. "I look forward to many more opportunities to work with him in the future."

Upcoming Events at Concord COA:

 
Concord Council on Aging Annual Ice Cream Social
Thursday, June 27th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
🍨 🍦 🍨 🍦 🍨 🍦 🍨 🍦 🍨 🍦 🍨 🍦 🍨 🍦 🍨 🍦 🍨 🍦
We are scooping up delicious ice cream for you this June! You are invited to attend our Annual Ice Cream Social on Thursday, June 27th at 2:00 PM. We will serve the ice cream while Jerry Hurley entertains us on the piano. There will be plenty of ice cream and toppings to make your own sundae. Thanks to the generous support of Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop, this event is free of charge. Van rides are available. Please call the COA to save your spot at 978-318-3020.


COA Celebrity Chef Series!!
Bake Blonde Brownies with Eileen Bogle, Former Interim Director of the COA
Friday, June 14th from 10:00am to 12:00 Noon
You’ve enjoyed creating unique recipes with our Celebrity Chefs each month. This month you will get the opportunity to bake blonde brownies with Eileen Bogle, the former Interim Director
of the COA. Join her to make blonde brownies from her family recipe. Please bring a large bowl, a small bowl, and a mixing spoon to use. There is no charge. This activity is limited to 12
participants, so please call to sign up at 978-318-3020.


Your Directions for Your Life with Attorney Phil Arcidiacono
Monday, June 17 at 1:00 PM - In Person
You may have signed a health care proxy years ago. Since then, your priorities for medical care may have changed. In this workshop we will discuss how to revise your directives and protect your rights in the years ahead. This talk is brought to you by Philip Arcidiacono, one of the COA’s participants for “Ask a Lawyer.” He is an elder law attorney with offices in Concord and Lunenburg. Please call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.


Medical Marijuana Facts vs Fiction
Tuesday June 18, 2024 @ 1:00pm
Commissioner, Kimberly Roy, and Director of Constituent Services, Kathy Oliver-Jones, of the Cannabis Control Commission, will speak at the Concord COA on Tuesday, June 18th at 1:00 PM for a presentation “Medical Marijuana Facts vs Fiction.” It will include an overview of cannabis legalization in Massachusetts, the Medical Use of Marijuana program, and how to become a Qualifying Patient. Commissioner Roy was appointed to the Cannabis Control Commission in July 2021 by former Governor Charlie Baker. As Commissioner, she conducts community outreach to senior citizens, local public health organizations, and other constituents, and is an advocate for cannabis research and improving veterans’ access to medical marijuana. Please call the COA office to reserve a spot: 978-318-3020.
Chichi enu

Acton to Host Free Concert Featuring Artist-In-Residence Chichi Enu

ACTON Town Manager John Mangiaratti is delighted to announce a special event, "Untold Stories," featuring artist-in-residence Chichi Enu on Friday, June 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the NARA Amphitheater.
This free concert is open to the public and promises an inspiring evening of music and storytelling.
Chichi Enu, an inspirational speaker, classical crossover singer, songwriter, and non-practicing attorney, will perform works by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ classical composers and mainstream artists, intertwined with inspiring stories of their journeys. Chichi’s own path to embracing her true self and focusing on her artistic talents serves as a testament to her empowering message.
"We are thrilled to host Chichi Enu and provide this enriching experience for our community," said Maura Haberman, Event & Program Coordinator. "Her performance will not only entertain but also inspire and encourage self-reflection and growth."
Acton's Economic & Community Development Director Julie Pierce said, "“This event is the latest in the public art initiatives of Acton’s Economic Development Office. Public art increases enjoyment of the area and serves as an invitation to visit all of the shops, recreational opportunities, cultural outlets and more in Acton. We are so excited to present this first of it’s kind event featuring a multilingual, interactive Opera Concert."
Event Details:
  • Date: Friday, June 21
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: NARA Amphitheater, 71 Quarry Road, Acton
  • Admission: Free, general admission, lawn seating. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs.
Additional Information:
  • Food and Beverages: A food vendor will be onsite offering grilled items, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
  • Parking: Free onsite parking is available, including handicap parking. Please follow event parking signs.
  • Rain Plan: In case of rain, the event will be moved to Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St. Note that seating is limited at this venue and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Eco-Friendly Initiative: The event supports Acton's "Leave No Trash Behind" campaign. Attendees are encouraged to keep the park clean and eco-friendly.
Chichi Enu's journey from practicing law to becoming a celebrated performer is marked by her dedication to helping others trust their inner guidance and embrace their true selves. Her career breakthrough as Acton’s 2024 artist-in-residence includes several engagements, such as this Keynote Concert on June 21.
This event is made possible through the generous support of the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) Public Art Learning Fund, with funding from the Barr Foundation, and grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Stow, Westford, Littleton, and Hudson Cultural Councils, supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
For more information about this event and other upcoming events, please visit http://www.actonma.gov/business.

SPRING ART FAIR AT 29 SUDBURY AGAIN THIS YEAR

 
Location: 29 Hudson Road, Sudbury
Date: Saturday June 8th
Time: 10am - 4pm, (rain date Sunday, June 9th)
Artists: We have a wonderful array of more than 35 local artists represented: painting, pottery, jewelry, fiber arts, greeting card artists, woodworking, mixed media, glass work, printmaking, metal work, soaps and lavender products, blacksmithing, and much more. Parking is available in the lot behind the plaza and there is overflow parking across the street behind Town Hall.
Live music will be provided again this year by Al Cath.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THIS GREAT EVENT!

STATEWIDE AGAINST the TIDE ATHLETICS EVENT to SUPPORT BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

 
Join Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) in 2024 and swim, run or walk to support breast cancer prevention!
MBCC will host its special 25th Anniversary Cape Cod Against the Tide event at DCR’s Nickerson State Park on Saturday, June 8th in Brewster, MA. The weekend after, join MBCC at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park on Saturday, June 15th for Against the Tide’s 32nd year!
MBCC will also host a virtual event from June 8th to June 15th for those who would like to participate in Against the Tide and support the mission of cancer prevention from any location!
Events include USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim, 1-mile recreational and competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, USATF-Certified 5K and 10K runs, and a 3-mile fitness walk.
In-person participants will receive an event t-shirt, bib, and goodie bag. Prizes will be awarded for the top swim and run finishers of the in-person events. Prizes will also be awarded to the highest fundraising individuals at the in-person events.
Events can be enjoyed by adults and children of all ages and abilities. The in-person registration fee is $40 per person per athletic component and the virtual registration fee is $20 per person with the option to participate in one or more events virtually. Visit the MBCC event web page, mbcc.org/swim, to donate to the event and learn how to create or join a team and fundraise for breast cancer prevention.
The funds raised through Against the Tide help to support and expand our community education program Let’s Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposures, MBCC Webinar Series, and the newly-expanded student environmental health program, Let’s Talk Prevention: Actions You Can Take.
MBCC was founded in 1991 as a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy, and changes to public policy.
To learn more about all of the registration options, to join or create a team, and to donate, please visit the MBCC website at mbcc.org/swim or call 508-246-3047.

INDIAN HERITAGE NIGHT at POLAR PARK

 
On Friday, June 7, 2024, the Worcester Red Sox will welcome the Rochester Red Wings at 6:45pm EST for Indian Heritage Night at Polar Park. The WooSox invite fans to enjoy various aspects of the Indian culture through music, cuisine, entertainment, and ceremonies. Gates open at 5:45 PM and pre-game recognitions will start at 6:15 PM.
On the DCU Plaza, fans can enjoy the sounds of Indian music provided by DJ Raunik as they enter the ballpark. Our on-field celebration of Indian culture will be initiated by a performance by Ekta Dance Academy. From June 7th – 9th, fans can indulge in a variety of authentic Indian cuisine provided by Northborough restaurant, Peppers.
The WooSox thank the India Society of Worcester (ISW) for their support in planning and promoting Indian Heritage Day. ISW strives to form an effective and cohesive group with the objective of retaining, facilitating, and fostering the cultural heritage of India. As one of New England’s most vibrant Indian associations, ISW adds to the cultural diversity of the region and symbolizes a glimpse into Indian heritage for the local Worcester community.
Operated entirely by volunteers that represent all regions of India, ISW will be recognized as the night’s Heart of Worcester.

STILL HERE: HOUSES of OUR PATRIOTS

 
On the Way between Acton Center and Carlisle:  a 250+-Year History
The second event in the Acton 250 series “Still Here: Houses of Our Patriots” will be a presentation about the Nathaniel Edwards House, 328 Pope Road, on Monday, June 10 at 7PM. at the Acton Memorial Library.  The speaker will be the house’s co-owner, David Hardt, who has done extensive research on this mid-18th century center-chimney building. For more information and to register: https://tinyurl.com/HardtHouse to attend in person or via Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/Acton250-ZOOM.

HABITAT for HUMANITY NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS AWARDED CUMMINGS GRANT

 
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The affordable housing organization was selected from a total of 715 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $50,000 this year for its work in Middlesex County.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (Habitat NCM), formed in 1987, builds and repairs affordable homes in thirty cities and towns along route 2 in north central Massachusetts.  The funds will be used to build new, deeply affordable, and energy-efficient homes and repair existing affordable homes for low-income families in Middlesex County.
“The need for affordable housing has never been greater”, states Carolyn Read, executive director of Habitat NCM. “This funding will help us to build more homes faster for families in western Middlesex county.”
The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties, plus six communities in Norfolk County: Brookline, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Quincy, and Wellesley.
Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
“Greater Boston is fortunate to have a robust, dedicated, and highly capable nonprofit sector that supports and enhances the community in myriad ways,” said Cummings Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes. “The entire Cummings organization is thankful for their daily work to help all our neighbors thrive.”
The majority of the grant decisions were made by nearly 100 community volunteers. They worked across a variety of committees to review and discuss the proposals and then, together, determine which requests would be funded. Among these community volunteers were business and nonprofit leaders, mayors, college presidents, and experts in areas such as finance and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).
“We believe strongly that grant decisions will be more equitable when made by a diverse group of community members,” said Vyriotes. “We’re incredibly grateful to the dozens of individuals who participated in our democratized philanthropic process.”
The Foundation and volunteers first identified 150 organizations to receive three-year grants of up to $300,000 each. The winners included first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings grants. Twenty-five of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected by a panel of community volunteers to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $1 million each.
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 49 different cities and towns.
Cummings Foundation has now awarded $500 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s 150 grant winners, plus nearly 2,000 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
About Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
Habitat NCM is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing decent and affordable homes for those who cannot qualify for conventional mortgages, as well as doing Critical Home Repairs throughout the 30-town region. Habitat NCM relies on volunteers to accomplish its mission and is supported only by local funding and donations.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, MA and has grown to be one of the largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities, in Marlborough and Woburn, and Cummings Health Sciences, LLC. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

ACTON PRIDE FESTIVAL

 
June 15, 12-3 pm
Free
Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, come to the Acton Pride Festival for a fun-filled afternoon at NARA’s Beach. Check out family activities, live music, food stands, and arts and crafts vendors. This event is free and open to the general public, but registration is encouraged.

ACTON PRIDE DRAG SHOW

 
June 14, 8-10:30 pm
$10-15
This Pride Month, join Acton Pride for its second annual Drag Show at the NARA Amphitheater. This event will feature a variety of performers doing comedy, singing, dancing, and lip-syncing. The show is geared for mature audiences of high school age and up. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.

SPRING CONCERT: OVER the MOON

 
When: June 9th at 3pm
Where: Umbrella Arts Center, 40 Stow Street, Concord
Please join us this Sunday for a memorable moon-themed Sing-With-Us performance!
We are thrilled to welcome some fabulous collaborators to the stage:
  • Violinist Sarah Whitney of "Beyond the Notes"
  • Barbershop quartet "Have Voices Will Travel"
  • Tenor saxophonist Owen Leeuwis of Berklee College of Music
  • Soprano Ella McGaun Geiger
  • Percussionist Mitch Gordon
  • Pianist Devereux Geiger
And of course, a Music Makes Me Happy Chorus concert is never complete without the voices of our audience members singing along with us!

BRIDGES® by EPOCH at WESTFORD to be AWARDED PURPLE FLAG for DEMENTIA CARE™ ACCREDITATION on JUNE 11, & 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

 
WHEN: Tuesday, June 11, 2 PM
WHERE: 108 Littleton Road, Westford, MA
WHAT: Purple Flag accreditation and 10-year anniversary event for Bridges® by EPOCH in Westford.
EPOCH Senior Living, a premier provider of exceptional senior living services throughout the Northeast, announces its memory care assisted living facility, Bridges® by EPOCH in Westford, has earned the Purple Flag for Dementia Care™ accreditation. Purple Flag for Dementia Care™ is an accreditation program that recognizes excellence in caring for people living with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. Upon receiving the accreditation, providers receive the distinctive purple flag to fly proudly. Bridges® by EPOCH in Westford will also be celebrating its 10th anniversary. CONTACT: Victoria Hochman (914) 762-1900 vicky@thompson-bender.com

UPCOMING EVENTS SPONSORED by CONCORD PARK:

 
Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group
Offered by Concord Park June 11, 2024, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia isn't easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you're going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Please contact Maryellen King at 978-369-4728 or mking@concordpark.org for the details and a Zoom invite.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Memory Lane Café at the Acton Senior Center
June 25, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm at the Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road, Rear, Acton. A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with memory impairment and their care partners /caregivers. Cafés are a place to talk with others, enjoy lunch and an activity or entertainment together. We do ask attendees to bring their care partners. Sponsored by the Acton Council on Aging, Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community and Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. An RSVP is not required but appreciated. For more information or to RSVP, please call Sharon Mercurio, Acton Council on Aging director, at 978-929-6652. Groups will be held on the last Tuesday of each month.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.
First church bedford handbell concert

FIRST CHURCH BEDFORD TO HOST MVR HANDBELL CONCERT


Hear the Merrimack Valley Ringers at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 at the First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 Great Road in Bedford as they embark upon a musical journey that celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Handbell Musicians of America.
The program encompasses a rich legacy of handbell composers past and present who have created repertoire for handbell musicians throughout the country and the world. People will hear a full complement of handbells, chimes, and percussion.
The music includes old favorites such as “Bugler’s Holiday” and “Gabriel’s Oboe” as well as more recent compositions, such as “Arethusa Falls,” a new original composition by Susan Capestro, the church’s Director of Music. For handbells and ocarina, it captures some of the beauty of an actual waterfall in Crawford Notch, NH.
This concert is the same program MVR will present for opening night of the Handbell Musicians of America National Conference held in Hartford, CT in July.
MVR’s Artistic Director is Karen E. Leonard. She is a graduate of Boston University and the University of Massachusetts – Lowell with degrees in church music, organ performance, and conducting. She is now in her 55th year as the Minister of Music at West Chelmsford United Methodist Church in North Chelmsford. Leonard was awarded Honorary Life Membership in AGEHR (American Guild of English Handbell Ringers), the highest award given for service to this handbell organization.
Admission is free, donations welcome, and free parking is available behind the church, off Mudge Way.
Learn more about the Merrimack Valley Ringers at https://mvringers.org.
First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Great Road in Bedford, Mass., is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ. We welcome all, grow in faith, and joyfully serve. For further information, please visit our website: https://firstchurchbedforducc.org or call 781-275-7951.

DINNER AT MT. CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH: “ALL ARE WELCOME”

 
Mt. Calvary Community Supper is served every Wednesday from 4:45 to 5:45 PM at 472 Massachusetts Avenue in Acton. Doors will open at 4:15 PM. Please, do not enter prior so our volunteers can prepare your Supper.
We are the only community supper serving in Acton. It is open to anyone who would like a hot meal. Mt. Calvary Community Supper was pleased to be able to offer to go meals throughout the pandemic. However, we have resumed sit-down meals so that you can enjoy the company of others and no longer provide meals to go. The supper is served in a handicap accessible building.
Parking: Park your car in the back parking lot and enter from the walkway to the church door.  Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy. We are so grateful for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together. http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

WEST CONCORD PORCHFEST

Saturday, June 8, 1:00—5:00 PM
Fowler Branch (1322 Main St.) Fowler Library, 1322 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742
Porchfest, an annual event by the West Concord Cultural District, Concord Recreation, and the Mass Cultural Council, is a free, all-ages grassroots community music festival with musical acts on porches, yards, and (for the first time) at Fowler Library! We will have limited parking, so plan ahead!

VIRTUAL FILMS at FOWLER

The theme of the movies this summer continues to be Faraway Places. The movies in this series will take us to locations where we will see and experience other people, other stories and other parts of the world.
Begin Again (2014)
Wednesday, June 12, 7:00 p.m.
(Discussion Date on Zoom)
Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, and Adam Levine star in writer/director John Carney’s evocative story about the search for success in New York’s music world.
Please watch the film on Kanopy before the discussion. To register for the discussion and receive a Zoom link, send an email to the Coordinator of the program Randall Warniers at FilmsatFowler@concordlibrary.org. This series is sponsored by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.
Cookbook club

Cookbook Club:


Wednesday, June 12, 12:00—1:30 PM
Backyard, Fowler Library, 1322 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742
Meeting Room, Fowler Library, 1322 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742

June is Portuguese Heritage Month! Let's celebrate by creating Portuguese recipes.
This month's books are Portuguese Home Cooking and Authentic Portuguese cooking: 185 classic Mediterranean-style recipes of the Azores, Madeira and Continental Portugal by Ana Patuleia Ortins.
Adult programs

ADULT PROGRAMS at LIBRARY

Tuesday Book Discussion: Foster, by Claire Keegan
Tuesday, June 11, 10:00-11:45 AM
Trustees Room, Main Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742
Each month, join other readers to discuss a range of books, from classics to contemporary.
For June, we will discuss Foster, by Claire Keegan.
Copies of the book are available at the Main Library circulation desk. Electronic copies of the book are available through Hoopla at https://www.hoopladigital.com/ebook/foster-claire-keegan/15101630.
Summer lessons at ccm acton concord

REGISTRATION OPEN for SUMMER PRIVATE LESSONS at CONCORD CONSERVATORY

Sharpen your current skills or get ready to learn a new instrument!
Have you always dreamed of playing the guitar, trumpet, violin, or cello? Make your summer fun with music lessons at Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM). CCM offers private lessons for a wide range of instruments for all ages and abilities. Let the warmer months inspire creativity and exploration, making it an ideal time to try out a new instrument—start playing the instrument you've always dreamed of mastering! For those already versed in music, this summer presents an excellent opportunity to fine-tune your existing skills and increase your repertoire.
CCM’s accomplished faculty members are not only skilled musicians but also experienced teachers dedicated to nurturing each student's musical journey. With their expertise and passion for teaching, they provide personalized instruction that caters to all ages and skill levels, ensuring a rewarding and enriching summer learning experience for everyone.
If you've hit a plateau with your skills, aiming to take your playing to the next level, or need to shed bad habits that have crept in over time, register for summer private lessons. At CCM, our summer lessons provide a supportive environment for growth and improvement. By investing in summer instrument lessons, you not only continue your musical development but also cultivate a lifelong passion for music that extends far beyond the season.
Get started by completing the New Student Lesson Inquiry Form on ConcordConservatory.org, contact our Student Services Manager Emma Huggard at ehuggard@concordconservatory.org, or call (978) 369-0010. Concord Conservatory of Music is the area’s non-profit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church. Financial assistance is available.
About CCM
Concord Conservatory of Music is an energetic community of people who are passionate about music education. CCM enrolls over 500 students annually and offers programs for all ages and abilities. As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord, MA, and 17 surrounding communities. Its curriculum includes private instruction, group classes, and performance opportunities. Financial assistance is available.

CONCORD FREE LIBRARY ANNUAL BOOK SALE

Saturday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Front Lawn, Main Library
(Rain date: June 9)
Join us for the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library's 2024 Annual Book Sale on Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Main Library front lawn.
The proceeds from the Friends (June) Annual Book Sale, (December) Holiday Book Sale and on-going Friends Bookshop sales fund the Library programs, museum passes, eBooks, large print and audiovisual materials, and staff professional development.
Volunteers are still needed. Get involved and volunteer to help at this wonderful community event - Sign up to volunteer at the Book Sale.
Please Note - Friday, May 31 was the last day to donate books to the Book Sale. The Friends will take a hiatus and resume accepting book donations on June 16.

METROWEST FAMILY THEATER Presents: "SEUSSICAL"

 
"Oh, the things you can think" when Dr. Seuss' best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper!
Metrowest Family Theater (MFT), based in Sudbury, is ecstatic to announce its highly anticipated production of "Seussical," a vibrant musical that will delight audiences of all ages with the whimsical and imaginative world of Dr. Seuss. Prepare to embark on a fantastical journey filled with heartwarming themes of friendship and community.
Performance Dates:
Friday, June 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM
Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM
Location:
Maynard High School
1 Tiger Drive,
Maynard, MA
Tickets for "Seussical" are available now. Don't miss this enchanting theatrical experience! For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.mftsudbury.org.
About Metrowest Family Theater:
Founded in 2000 by Samantha Bower (Hammel), Metrowest Family Theater is dedicated to bringing quality plays and musicals to the Metrowest community. Our mission is to unite children and families in a thrilling and educational theater environment. Our award-winning productions feature a diverse cast, from seasoned actors to enthusiastic newcomers, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere for all.

JUNE IS PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

 
National PTSD Awareness Month, which takes place each June, ushers in an array of awareness campaigns run for the benefit of PTSD Survivors. PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs in people after they have experienced a particularly traumatic event like war, violent physical/sexual/verbal assault, accidents, and so forth. Symptoms include depression, anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, insomnia, disturbing thoughts, and much more. Many people recover from PTSD after a few days, weeks, or months. Yet, for others, the recovery road might mean one year or more. This mental disorder is treatable, but due to the lack of knowledge about it, as well as the stigma attached to seeking mental help, many choose to ignore the problem and suffer through it.
Some studies suggest that suicide risk is higher among those who experienced trauma due to the symptoms of PTSD. A study from the National Comorbidity Survey, a national representative sample, showed that PTSD alone was significantly associated with suicidal ideation or attempts. A later study by the Canadian Community Health Survey data also found that respondents with PTSD were at a higher risk for suicide attempts. Among people who have had a diagnosis of PTSD at some point in their lifetime, approximately 27% have also attempted suicide. Another large-scale survey found that 24% of military personnel diagnosed with PTSD had experienced suicidal thinking within the past year.
According to the Journal of Emergency Services, a silent crisis is happening worldwide. First responders are quietly suffering because of the stigma surrounding the utilization of mental health services. First responders are approximately ten times more likely to have suicidal ideations and/or attempt suicide compared to the CDC national average.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free resource, available 24 hours a day for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. 988 offers a free 24/7 text line where trained counselors support individuals in crisis.
The Jason Foundation is another available resource. The Jason Foundation offers the First Responders Training Module: Addressing Suicide with Youth in the Community and Within the Profession. The goal of this training is to provide First Responders with the knowledge, skills, and resources to enable them to be better able to recognize the signs of concern and elevated risk factors for suicidal ideation in youth within their community, as well as in co-workers and fellow first responders. The training is free and can be found online at www.jasonfoundation.com under the How To Get Involved tab.

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 successfully complete an 18-hour tutor training.
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:
Thursday, June 20, 12-1:30 pm
Tuesday, June 25, 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.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION, JULY 4TH AT NARA PARK, ACTON

 
The Town of Acton is proud to announce a fun-filled Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4, 2024. The activities begin at 7:00 P.M. with a free concert featuring Best Friends Girl - #1 Tribute to The Cars at 7:00 P.M. Immediately following the concert, enjoy a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 P.M. Complimentary shuttle buses will begin at 5:00 P.M. that will take guests to and from NARA from designated off-site parking lots with bus stops located along Nagog Park Drive. Food Vendors will also be onsite starting at 5:00 P.M. It is highly recommended that guests opt to take the 10-minute lighted Town Forest Trail located at the end of Nagog Park Drive to access the park entrance. This is the best way to enter and exit the park during high-traffic times. This event is open to the general public and there is no admission fee. Donations are greatly appreciated and are needed to help cover defray overhead expenses. Upon entry, please note that all bags are subject to search. Entrance to the park will take place at two locations: the lower bus drop-off area on Ledge Rock Way and the other entry via the Town Forest footpath onto Quarry Road/NARA upper parking lot. On the other end at Nagog Park Drive, there will be designated bus stops along Nagog Park Drive for pick-up and drop-off. There will be a variety of food vendors including food trucks with traditional BBQ, Thai, Italian, Indian Cuisine, ice cream, carnival food, and more. No alcohol or outside grills will be permitted on park grounds or tailgating in any parking areas within Nagog Park. NARA picnic areas are not available on this day for gatherings. On July 4, the beach parking lot will be open for beach season passholders, handicap parking, and special permit parking. Beginning at 5 P.M. all cars will be directed to park at Nagog Park Drive. The free concert from 7:00-9:30 P.M. features Best Friends Girl – The #1 Cars Experience! Best Friends Girl recreates the timeless hits of The Cars spanning a 35-year career, with over 23 million albums sold and more than 22 songs on the Billboard Top 100.” A spectacular fireworks show will be shot off by Pyrotechnico at 9:30 P.M. The fireworks can be viewed from all areas of the 40+ acre NARA site. The Town of Acton is honored to support the exciting fireworks display and celebratory event, and our many local business sponsors who made this great concert happen. If you get hungry or thirsty starting at 5 P.M. there will be plenty of food choices. Vendors accept cash and most accept credit cards or Venmo. The Town of Acton would like to thank our many event supporters as of May 24th who make all our summer events including July 4th possible. Please visit www.acton-ma.gov/events for more information on this event or other upcoming events all summer long! NARA Park is located off Rt. 27 at 25 Ledge Rock Way in Acton. Handicap parking is available onsite for all events. Please follow event parking signs for off-site parking on Nagog Park Drive located on Route 2A/119 near Nagog Pond as parking is limited at NARA. You can easily access the park by taking the 10-minute trail walk through the Town Forest Trail located at the cul de sac near 125 Nagog Park Drive. This trail will enter the upper sports fields at NARA Park. There is no fee to park for these events. We are proud to promote in 2024 Leave No Trash Events and promote being eco-friendly. There is no rain date for this event. For more information, visit: www.acton-ma.gov/events.