Through the Adult Learning Center (ALC), Middlesex Community College offers free noncredit, basic education courses for Massachusetts adult learners who are 16+. This includes preparation courses to sit for high school equivalency testing, attending college or job training, or obtaining employment. In April, MCC hosted a ceremony for students who earned their high school credential through the GED® and HiSET® exams. “The Adult Learning Center helped me so much,” said Veble Hann, an ALC student from Lowell. “By the end of the semester, I understood how to write an essay and do math again. I know it was the teachers they had that made it easier. My main advice I will give to future students is to ‘not give up!’” Students in the program attended evening classes to help them get familiar with what college is and how it works. In the free classes, students improve their reading, writing and math skills for a well-rounded academic program. To help them be more competitive in the job market, students are prepared to take the high school equivalency exams, polish their English skills, and boost their knowledge. “The ALC is proud of every student who takes steps toward or achieves their goals,” said Joy DeHaan, MCC’s ALC Program Coordinator. “We were excited to host these students at a small event where we presented them with a certificate of achievement, gifted them a graduation cap, and took pictures to commemorate their success.” Sponsored by a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the ALC has been helping students since 1995. At all times, the Center supports 85 or more adult learners – with 25 to 35 different countries of origin represented – who bring with them a wide variety of backgrounds, skills and goals. In 2023, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced that the state will cover the cost of Mass. residents’ initial GED® and HiSET® tests in each subject, as well as two retakes. To qualify to take the free classes, students must be a resident of Massachusetts. In order to complete classes at the ALC, students must also have a computer with a keyboard, speaker, microphone and camera, reliable internet access, be able to attend and participate in live class sessions in-person and online, as well as complete homework outside of class. About the ALC, Alice Sharp, of Tewksbury said,
“You’ve changed my life.” Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/adultlearning for more information about MCC’s Adult Learning Center.

On Friday, April 5, Middlesex Community College’s Prepare to Attend College (PAC) graduation ceremony celebrated students and honored their success. During the ceremony, graduates reflected on their experiences, received certificates, and had a potluck lunch and sang a celebratory song. Sedighe Rostamiozemchelouei, from Iran and now living in Stow, graduated from MCC’s PAC Two course. Rostamiozemchelouei felt grateful about joining the program after her friend recommended it. “Throughout this experience, I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge,” Rostamiozemchelouei said. “The teachers at MCC are amazing. They are helpful and have made learning fun. It has been a journey of growth and learning for me and opened new possibilities so I am excited to see where this journey will take me.” Rostamiozemchelouei and PAC One student Mariam Ababri spoke at the graduation. Both students talked about how the PAC program helped them feel more confident with their English skills. They were glad to learn about American culture and meet their classmates. Ababri, from Morocco and now living in Dracut, was thankful for the experience. In particular, she was appreciative of class instructor Faithe MacElliott’s teachings. “I have much more confidence with talking to others,” Ababri said. “I would not be in this position if it were not for my brilliant teacher believing in me.” After the PAC graduates spoke, MacElliott gave the graduates their certificates. “Our classroom is often the first opportunity students have to make friends in a new country. These connections can help them better understand cultural differences through shared experiences in a new environment,” MacElliott said. “As time goes by, students gain confidence speaking in front of
others. At the end of most classes, we break into smaller groups, which gives students an opportunity to discuss any topic while practicing their pronunciation and language structures.” In addition, MacElliott introduces students to college resources such as the Academic Center for Enrichment for tutoring, building study skills and additional English practice. The college also offers access to on-campus services such as the libraries and food pantries. As the course finishes, MCC’s academic advisors visit to speak to graduates about continuing their education with various options, including enrolling in credit classes. The PAC program is a part of MCC’s English Learner Institute (ELI) which offers non-native English speakers the opportunity to improve their English skills. The PAC program runs three times a year and learners complete it in eight-weeks. It is free, flexible and split into two levels. “I cannot wait to see what they do next,” said Katy Gentile, MCC’s Assistant Director of Corporate Education and Training. “Watching how proud each student was to receive the certificate, come together to sing a graduation celebration song, and then spend time eating the food they brought for a potluck lunch, was absolutely amazing and uplifting.”

Announcing Concord Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) new program for the fall: Overture String Orchestra—which guarantees to enhance your student’s musicianship and take their skills to the next level! Specifically designed for intermediate violin, viola, cello, and bass students in grades 4 through 8, the Orchestra will improve musical abilities through a comprehensive, creative, and collaborative approach, fostering the joy of making music together. The CCM Overture String Orchestra offers a challenging and rewarding chamber orchestra experience, maintaining a focus on personalized instruction and a curriculum tailored to meet the needs of each student. By encouraging students to listen to their peers, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and perform harmoniously as a group, the Orchestra will elevate their musical talents. Overture String Orchestra players need not be CCM students, but are required to be in private lessons with a qualified instructor and are encouraged to participate in their school orchestra programs, if available to them. Auditions will take place this spring on Sunday, May 19 starting at 3 pm. Sign up now for the no stress 5-minute audition, which will only be used for placement purposes. Don't miss this opportunity for your young musician to become a part of our community of talented musicians! Sign up by either calling CCM at (978) 369-0010 or on the CCM website at concordconservatory.org/programs/overture-string-orchestra/ About CCM Concord Conservatory of Music: It is a 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

The Acton Garden Club will hold its Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 18th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm rain or shine at the Red House - 468 Main Street, Acton, MA.
Come early for the best selections of Annuals, Perennials, Native Plants and locally grown herbs vegetables, shrubs, and trees. There will be a Raffle Table with great prizes and gardening advice from our Master Gardeners.
Proceeds of the Annual Garden Sale support our community, through scholarships for graduating ABHS seniors, maintenance of town gardens and planters, and educational programs for the club members and the community.

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday May 19 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Bob Lucas at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org, or 978-263-1540.
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.

The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday May 19. Come see Boxborough’s historic treasures including the 1850’s scale which is sensitive enough to weigh a penny and strong enough to calibrate a 50 pound weight, the “new” hearse built in 1881, and the “old” hearse (come and see how old is old). Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information or if anyone wishes to arrange a private tour for a small group at a different time please call John Fallon at 978-264-0069.

MOVING-ON invites singles age 60 or over, from all towns, to come to their non-denominational meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. The time is 7:00PM and the place is The Church of Our Redeemer, at 6 Meriam St., Lexington. The remainder of Thursdays we meet on Zoom. This nonprofit group of singles has been meeting for many years to discuss diverse topics and engage in social activities. Younger people are also welcome. Come and meet new friends. To get more information and the Zoom link, email info@moving-on-together.org.

Saturday, May 25
1pm-7pm
Rideout Field, West Concord
Headline Act: The Bruce Marshall Group Musical Lineup to include:
1pm CCHS Chamber Music Group
2pm Rockabye Beats
3pm The Joy of Music Clarinet Ensemble
4pm Ya Mon: Mr. Hot Pepper (steel drums)
5pm The Bruce Marshall Group
(Roadhouse BBQ, Ice Cream, Local Vendors-Bring refillable water bottle) FREE COMMUNITY EVENT!

This parent education program takes place in Carlisle on Monday afternoons May 6, 13 and 20 from 12:45 to 2:15 PM. There is no fee due to a generous grant from the CHNA15, received by
the Carlisle Board of Health. This series is ideal for parents of children ages 3 to 10 years old.

Based on the best-selling parenting books by Dr. Jane Nelsen and Lynn Lott, the positive discipline approach to parenting comes out of the research of Dr. Alfred Adler. Parents of young children (ages 3 to 10 yrs old) will gain from this 3 part workshop series a better understanding
of:
- How to Respond to Challenging Behavior With Encouragement, While Maintaining Firmness, Dignity and Respect
- How to Build a Relationship With Your Children Based on Connection, Cooperation and
Mutual  Respect
Parents will learn new concepts and explore how these techniques and strategies are applicable in their own relationships with their children.
Pre-registration is required by emailing co mm un i tyal l i ancef o rchi l dren@g mai l . co m and note
"Registration for May series" in the subject line of the email. Spaces are limited so sign up soon!
Please be willing to commit to all three sessions. Location details will be shared upon registration.

May 11th, 9:00-NOON, Legion Common
75 Hollis St., Groton, MA
Cash or Checks Only
*Native Plants
*Perennials
*Shrubs
*And More...
www.grotongardenclub.org

Town Common, Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9am-2pm
Perennial • Fairie Gardens • Herbs & Veggies• Pollinator and Native Plants
Ask a Master Gardener and Membership booths!
Keeping Littleton Beautiful
Littleton Country Gardeners maintain 13 civic sites in town with seasonal plantings.
Cash or Check only!

May 28, 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. Lunch will be provided. Sponsored by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community and Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. RSVP by calling 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.

May 9, 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 call 978-369-4728 or email 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.

Invites singles age 60 or over, from all towns, to come to their non-denominational meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month.  The time is 7:00PM and the place is The Church of Our Redeemer, at 6 Meriam St., Lexington.  This non-profit group of singles has been meeting for many years to discuss diverse topics and engage in social activities.  Younger people are also welcome.  Come and meet new friends.

Concord, MA -- Goddard House recently welcomed Sarah Le Roy to their Board of Trustees.
Le Roy serves as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Saama Technologies in Boston. She brings more than 25 years of global human capital leadership experience across a variety of industries, with a focus on transforming businesses and building cultures to accelerate innovation and drive growth. Previously, she served as Chief People Officer for Forrester Research in Cambridge. She was also the CHRO at RSA Security, where she oversaw the development and implementation of its human resources strategy and a successful carve-out from DELL Technologies. Prior to RSA, Le Roy was the CHRO for Decision Resource Group, overseeing all aspects of human resources leading to its sale in 2020.
“I have been so impressed by the team at Goddard house,” shared Le Roy. “One particular highlight of the work they do is the extraordinary community programming both at Goddard House and in the broader greater Boston community. I truly believe this is an organization that is well on its way to becoming the gold standard for elder care.”
“The Goddard House Board is very fortunate to gain Sarah’s extensive human capital experience,” noted Board Chair, Alexandra Schweitzer. “Her background in strategic workforce development is impressive and aligns with the Goddard House core values and workforce philosophy.”
Le Roy graduated from Williams College and holds an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management.
Goddard House embraces the aging experience for seniors living in the Boston area by operating a high-quality assisted living community and by creating innovative programs which support our need for purpose, engagement, autonomy and choice as we age.
The Goddard House Board advances the organization’s mission by guiding its strategic directions and bringing innovative ideas that enhance quality of life for its assisted living residents and for the older adults in the Greater Boston community who participate in its community-based programs.

Please join us for our Spring Concert, “Hold Fast to Dreams,” to be held on Sunday, May 19 at 4 pm at the Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive, Framingham. We’ll be presenting Roland Carter’s “Hold Fast to Dreams,” based on a poem by Langston Hughes, Florence Price’s “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight,” based on a poem by Vachel Lindsay, and Margaret Bonds’s “Simon Bore the Cross,” based on a poem again by Langston Hughes. The concert will also feature baritone soloist Philip Lima. The Heritage Chorale, an auditioned mixed chorus, brings the joy of music to Metrowest communities. Visit heritagechorale.org for more details and to purchase advance tickets online, saving $5 per ticket versus the price at the door.

The Bedford Garden Club’s annual sale of native plants and other perennials, various annuals including geraniums, and fresh cut flower arrangements is Saturday, May 11, at the Bedford DPW Building, 314 The Great Road, Bedford. From 9:30 AM to 2 PM.
The sale will offer floral arrangements in two sizes that are great gifts for Mother’s Day the next day, Sunday, May 12.  Native plants and other perennials donated from the yards of Garden Club members will be featured, along with colorful annuals – all to raise funds for the Club’s civic activities and scholarship program.
The Garden Club is promoting the sale of native plants because these plants support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
The Club’s new pocket guide will be on sale, Native and Invasive Plants of Bedford, Massachusetts and the Surrounding Area.  The guide has been produced for the home gardener and landscaper interested in selecting native species that promote diversity and perform well.
This event is the Garden Club’s big fundraiser for the year and is held rain or shine. Check our website at:  https://www.bedfordgardenclub.org.

Joy Bible Study invites area women to attend our annual Spring Luncheon
Date: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 9:45-11:45
Acton Joy Bible Study is a friendly community of women from different denominations who  desire to study the Bible, share laughter, develop lasting friendships, and share personal  insights. It has been meeting for 41 years.
The Spring Luncheon includes personal testimonies from two of our members, worship through  music, and announcement of our next study beginning September 2024. The morning  concludes with a complimentary luncheon provided by our members. Come see what we are all  about!
We meet at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 54 Hosmer St, Acton, MA  www.joybiblestudy.com

Bedford’s First Congregational Church, 25 Great Road, will host its 2024 Rummage Sale on two days: 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 3; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4.  Admission is free and a $1 donation at the door will benefit the Bedford Food Bank.
This year’s Rummage Sale will feature a wide variety of white elephants, books, puzzles, household goods and small appliances, sports equipment, children’s toys and games, and costume jewelry. (No clothing, shoes, or soft goods will be sold.).  Free parking is available behind the church, and the Rummage Sale is handicapped accessible. For more information, call 781-275-7951 or visit the First Church website:  https://firstchurchbedforducc.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.

Step into a realm where music transcends the ordinary. Beyond the Notes is a concert that promises to ignite your curiosity and shatter expectations happening on May 17th at 7:30pm at First Parish Church in Concord. Renowned violinist and Concord native, Sarah Whitney, joins multifaceted singer Joelle Lurie for an evening defying convention presenting a tapestry of solos and duos for violin and voice that push musical boundaries. Experience their groundbreaking programming, including a fusion of violin, loop pedal, and voice igniting your senses.
But Beyond the Notes is not just about the music—it’s about connection. Prepare to embark on a journey of discovery as the artists invite you to peek behind the curtain, sharing intimate stories and insights that go beyond what can be found in their bios. During the show, you’ll have the chance to engage directly with the artists, submitting your questions that will be answered live on-stage. Artistic Director and Founder Sarah Whitney says, “Too often there is a boundary between the performers and the audience. Beyond the Notes is an experience that breaks down that wall.” This interactive element is just one of the elements that makes Beyond the Notes like no other concert out there. 10% of proceeds will be donated to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to support their climate change disaster relief. Prelude music will feature students from the Concord Conservatory of Music as well as showcasing artwork from Powers Gallery.
Since this series began in 2015, Beyond the Notes has brought in guest artists from around the world, including Grammy-winning cellist Mike Block and tabla player, Sandeep Das, the unique and boundary-pushing PUBLIQuartet from NYC, guitarist David Leisner, pianist Natalia Lavrova and more. Additionally, Beyond the Notes has partnered with The Umbrella Arts Center and Powers Gallery, and featured special guest appearances from Sarah Kenner, creator of The Hungry Musician blog, composer Jonathan B. McNair, and composer Jessica Meyer. When the pandemic decimated live concerts, Whitney created a COVID-safe live mini-concert series highlighting Black composers’ works and supporting social justice, donating 10% of all proceeds to a selected organization for each show. Beyond the Notes has raised funds for The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), The Center for Constitutional Rights,Direct Relief, Common Cause, The Voter Participation Center, Southern Poverty Law Center , and Campaign Zero among others . Beyond the Notes is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization and supported in part by grants from the Concord Local Cultural Council and Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council - local agencies that are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Having continually presented COVID-friendly concerts throughout the pandemic, Whitney has been creating lots of buzz in the Concord community with her innovative, fresh take on presenting concerts. “I wanted to bring a unique experience to the Concord community,” says Whitney. “Beyond the Notes deepens the connection between the audience and the performers, which changes the audience’s experience.”
Praised by the Washington Post for her “marvelous violin acrobatics,” violinist Sarah Whitney is known for her musical versatility. She has been heard worldwide across stages in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the United States. She is recognized as a performer, speaker, entrepreneur and advocate for bringing fresh new ideas to classical music. As a former founding member and violinist of the NYC-based string quintet SYBARITE5, Sarah performed over 1,000 concerts around the world, had three albums reach the top ten on the Billboard Charts, premiered the first-ever Concerto for String Quintet and Orchestra, was the first string quintet to win the Concert Artists Guild Competition, and performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall, the Library of Congress, the Aspen, Caramoor, Chautauqua, Grand Teton and Ravinia Festivals.
Beyond the Notes’ guest artist, Joelle Lurie, is a vocalist, songwriter, voiceover artist and bandleader. Her vocal range and unique ability to switch between musical genres with ease prompted Michael Feinstein to call her “a chameleon” in the one-hour NPR feature he hosted about her on his show, “Song Travels”. She performs an extensive catalog of The Great American Songbook as well as contemporary and original jazz/pop songs as a solo artist and with the bands she co-founded, Joelle Lurie Band and JoJo & The Pinecones, a popular band for family audiences. She maintains a busy performance schedule of concerts and special events in the U.S. and abroad. Highlights include her regular longtime residency at the iconic Tavern on The Green in NYC, as well as performances at Lincoln Center, The Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Center, Birdland Jazz Club, Lollapalooza, and more. Based in Boston and New York City, she grew up in Weston Massachusetts.
So, are you ready to go beyond the ordinary? Join us on May 17th at 7:30pm for an unforgettable evening of music, innovation, and connection at Beyond the Notes. This is more than a concert—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Tickets cost $30/person and $15/student for advanced purchase. Tickets will be available at the door for $35/person and $15/student cash or check only.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.gobeyondthenotes.com

West Acton Baptist Church will be holding a Flea Market May 11th from 12 noon to 3:00 in the parking lot, 592 Mass Ave. during the West Acton Merchants Village Association Spring Fling.  Spaces available for a small donation. Limited number of tables, first come, first served.
Slated to date: Acton Police Dept with Zane their comfort dog! Handmade Greeting cards, Vintage used jewelry & the church membership will be offering vintage teacups for sale. Contact church office 978-263-5902 or wabcadmin@verizon.net.

This beloved musical classic tells the tale of the fast-talking salesman Harold Hill as he arrives in River City with plans to charm the town and make a quick buck. What happens next takes the entire town by surprise, especially himself and Marian, the town’s uptight librarian.
In 1957, The Music Man became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for “Best Musical Theater Album” and spent 245 weeks on the Billboard charts. The show’s success led to numerous Broadway and West End revivals, a popular 1962 film adaptation, and a 2003 television adaptation.
Nick Miller of Concord stars as Harold Hill and is thrilled to be sharing the stage with his teenage daughter, Sage, as Gracie Shinn, along with other Concord residents Tim Daughters as Oliver Hix, a member of the Barbershop Quartet, and Charlie Layton in the Kids’ Ensemble.  Sudbury residents are Mike Lague as Olin Britt, another member of the Barbershop Quartet, and Barry Ahern as a Salesman and member of the Adult Ensemble. 
Other local residents include Chuck Holleman of Carlisle as Mayor Shinn, Andrew Swansburg of Groton as Marcellus Washburn, Laurie Penney of Acton as Maud Dunlap, and Michael Govang of Ayer as Salesman Charlie Cowell. The Adult Ensemble includes Erika Wilde of Maynard along with Bedford residents Alexia Towne and Tahlia Butler as members of the Teen Ensemble.
Meredith Willson was inspired by his boyhood in Mason City, Iowa, to write and compose his first musical, The Music Man, and began developing this theme in his 1948 memoir, And There I Stood With My Piccolo.  The character Marian Paroo was inspired by Marian Seeley of Provo, Utah, who met Willson during World War II, when Seeley was a medical records librarian.
Join The Concord Players as they travel back to 1912 Iowa on this wonderful musical adventure suitable for all ages, including the memorable production numbers “Till There was You,” “Marian the Librarian,” “Wells Fargo Wagon,” and “Seventy-Six Trombones.”
With Musical direction by Kathryn Denney of Marlborough, Stage direction by Paul Murphy, and Choreography by Brad Robinson, you won’t want to miss this full-scale musical production with a live 14-piece orchestra and talented cast of 34 adults, teens and children.
Performances: April 26, 27, May 3, 4, 10 & 11 at 8:00 pm with Matinees on April 28 & May 5 at 2:00 pm.
For Tickets and more information: concordplayers.org or call 978-369-2990

In nearly 400 years, Concord has never named a public building  after a person of color  and an attempt to break that pattern is challenging the community to reveal itself.
For well over a year now, a grassroots effort to name a newly constructed middle school after a Black, native daughter and heroine of the town Ellen Garrison, continues to spark discussion , controversy and charges of bias and historical erasure.
What seemed like an easy win  for elevating BIPOC  history and citizens in the town was defeated by a slim vote of 2 yes, 2 no and 1 abstain at the Concord  School Committee this February.
The town’s DEI commission,  with the support of the Select Board , the LWV and a growing group of grassroots volunteers, insisted the issue go before Town Meeting to let the entire community weigh in.
Weeks of letter writing, public hearings , campaigning and emerging serious discussions about what this means for the community will come to a head at the Concord Town meeting on Monday, April 29 at 7pm.
Why Ellen Garrison? She is a Concordian and an Educator. She was a Patriot who stood for Concord’s founding values of freedom, democracy, and liberty for all. These are the same values that helped spark the birth of our great Nation.
She was a Freedom Fighter. As a product of Concord’s public schools, she contributed to our town’s rich history as a woman...educator... freedom fighter, and... champion of civil rights. Ellen stood up for others her entire life. It’s time for us to stand up for her. We can honor her legacy for today’s generations. And every generation that follows.
This is a chance to acknowledge — with an institution we hold dear — our collective respect for a Black woman, raised and educated in Concord, who excelled in academics and gave generously to her community and country in the face of insurmountable obstacles.
Additionally, what many are most excited about — what a beautiful opportunity to present Ellen Garrison as a platform for educating and preparing our children about the complexities of our nation’s history and how and why she, though constantly challenged, dedicated her life to the meaning of liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness.
The  story of Ellen Garrison will make  a meaningful impression on all students and families .  The community will  have had Garrison in name and story lodged in their sub-consciousness with Thoreau, Walden, Alcott, and Emerson.
As noted historian  Robert Gross reminds us   “ The past we honor  often shapes the future we desire, and so it is with the proposal to name the new middle school in honor of Concord native and civil rights activist Ellen Garrison
In Ellen Garrison, we can affirm our community’s dedication to the larger American project of inspiring and sustaining the rights and achievements of all our citizens. Let her legacy chart a path to the future.”
To learn more about Ellen Garrison and the movement to name the school in her honor, please go to  https://standupforellen.com/ and join us at Town Meeting April 29 at 7pm CCHS 500 Walden St, Concord MA.
Let’s do this Concord !

CONCORD: The Board of Directors of The Umbrella Arts Center announced today the appointment of Eileen Williston as the Center’s next Executive Director, effective July 1, 2024. Williston, an experienced arts administrator with over 16 years of proven success in nonprofit management, joined the organization in 2020 and currently serves as The Umbrella’s Deputy Director.
“Eileen has made the arts the center of her life’s work. Her proven track record, strategic vision, and operational expertise, as well as her deep understanding of the arts landscape in our region, make her the perfect candidate to lead The Umbrella into its next chapter.” said Board Chair Ellen McHale. “After a thoughtful and detailed selection process over several months, the Board has voted to unanimously and enthusiastically welcome Eileen as the next Executive Director.”
In her new role, Williston will oversee the strategic direction of The Umbrella Arts Center, working closely with staff, artists, patrons, and the broader community to advance its mission of enriching lives and building community through the arts. She will also be responsible for cultivating partnerships, developing programming, and ensuring the organization’s financial sustainability.
“The arts are more critical than ever with their intrinsic ability to inspire, educate, and catalyze conversation and connections across communities,” shared Williston. “It’s an honor to be chosen to lead The Umbrella Arts Center, with its unique, interdisciplinary approach to the arts, and its extraordinary staff.”
Williston will succeed the current Executive Director, Jerry Wedge, who will be retiring from The Umbrella after 12 years of leadership marked by the renovation and expansion of the arts center. “I am absolutely thrilled the Board has selected Eileen to take over as The Umbrella’s new Executive Director.” said Wedge. “She has been central to our planning and growth over the past four years, and she is exceptionally well-equipped to lead this organization into the next generation of growth and success.
As Deputy Director, Williston spearheaded initiatives that resulted in significant organizational growth and impact across The Umbrella’s Performing Arts, Education, and Visual Arts programs. She restructured the organization’s administrative and operations teams and led fundraising through the COVID-19 pandemic achieving a record-setting 64% increase in contributed revenue. In her new role, Williston will work with the Board to initiate a strategic planning process to guide what has become a well-regarded regional visual, performing, and educational arts destination in the Greater Boston MetroWest region.
Prior to joining The Umbrella, Williston was the Managing Director at Boston Lyric Opera where, as a member of the leadership team, she helped to strategically guide the company and led its first comprehensive campaign. Her career began as a performing artist in the Boston region and beyond including roles with SpeakEasy Stage, The Lyric Stage Company of Boston, Wheelock Family Theatre, The Gloucester Stage Company, and more. Before moving to arts administration, she worked at Fidelity Investments coordinating client events around the country.
Williston holds a degree in communications and performing arts from Marywood University in Scranton (PA).