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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Registration Details:

• What: Group Keyboard for Kids (ages 5-7 years old)
• Class Start Dates: Thursday 4:00-4:50 pm and 5:30-6:30 pm start September 24 & Saturday 9:00-9:50 am start September 26
• Where: Concord Conservatory of Music, 1310 Main Street, Concord, MA
• Registration: Space is limited, and advance reservation is required.

To learn more, view the full class schedule, visit ConcordConservatory.org/programs/group-keyboard/ or call (978) 369-0010.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the desire to share your knowledge of English. The training is free, although it is necessary to purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they meet with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection. For more information or to enroll in the tutor training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.

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

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

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

Free Parking

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you,
Gleason Public Library Endowment Trustees and Volunteers

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

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

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the desire to share your knowledge of English. The training is free, although it is necessary to purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they meet with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection. For more information or to enroll in the tutor training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

CONCORD, MA — The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) invites the community to explore the surprising connections between taste and sound at Music & Beer on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 7:30 pm. Hosted at 51 Walden Street in Concord, this interactive evening blends live chamber music with curated craft beer pairings for a unique multi-sensory performance.

Presented by Keith Kirchoff, founder of Original Gravity and curator of the evening's musical program, and Allen Quinn, brewer and co-owner of Armory's Tomb, this interactive event explores the fascinating connections between sound and taste. Together, they will guide audiences through a series of carefully selected beer and music pairings, sharing insights into the brewing process, the artistry behind the music, and how each enhances the other.

Featuring award-winning musicians Angel Valchinov, Joseph Cracolici, and Ai-Ying Chiu, this immersive evening invites you to discover how rhythm, texture, tempo, and tone can transform the way we experience flavor, creating a multi-sensory journey unlike any other.

"Like composers balancing melody, harmony, and rhythm, brewers blend ingredients to create distinctive flavors, textures, and character," said Kate Yoder, Executive Director at CCM. "You may find that a bright, lively beer complements the energy of a sparkling musical work, while a darker, richer brew enhances the depth and warmth of a more reflective piece."

Whether attendees are craft beer enthusiasts, classical music fans, or simply curious about the interplay between taste and sound, the evening offers an accessible, engaging way to sip, listen, compare, and discuss chamber music. Non-alcoholic beverage options will also be available.

Event & Ticket Details

• Event: Music & Beer
• Date & Time: Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:30 pm
• Location: 51 Walden Street, Concord, MA 01742
• Tickets: $50 per person. Available online at concordconservatory.org/news-events/ccm-concert-speaker-series.
• Age Requirement: 21+. A valid photo ID matching the ticket holder’s name is required at the door for entry and tasting.
• Group Reservations: Parties of 8 or more wishing to sit together should, please contact Elaine Lawrence at elawrence@concordconservatory.org.

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

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

Minute Man Arc is hosting its 22nd annual Minute Man March on Saturday, September 19 at 93 Laurel Street in Concord.  The one-mile, inclusive walk through Concord center raises funds and awareness each year for the nonprofit’s life-changing programs supporting over 1,400 adults and children with disabilities in Middlesex County.  An outdoor celebration will have food, music, and silent auction prizes, and activities for all ages.  Every person who attends, fundraises, donates, or marches, will help individuals right in their community to access vital services.
Registration for the March ($30) begins at 9 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. The celebration (free to attend) will start at 11 a.m.
To register, donate, or learn more visit: minutemanarc.networkforgood.com/projects/301134-22nd-annual-minute-man-march. Questions? Contact Deirdre Bellevue at dbellevue@minutemanarc.org or 978-287-7940.

You’re invited to join us for a yummy Ice Cream Social filled with sweet treats, laughter, and good company!
Come enjoy ice cream with all the fixings — your favorite toppings, plenty of smiles, and a chance to connect with friends and neighbors in our Bedford community. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon together!
Before the fun begins, we’ll hold our Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging Board Meeting at 1:15 PM, followed by the Ice Cream Social at 2:00 PM.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Bedford Council on Aging
12 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
Everyone is welcome — we can’t wait to see you for an afternoon of friendship, fun, and ice cream!
Hosted by the Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging (FBCOA)
“Come for the meeting… stay for the sprinkles!”

 

The Bedford Cultural Council (BCC) grant season is officially underway — and applications are open now through October 15! The BCC is Bedford’s local branch of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) program. Our mission is to distribute state-funded and Bedford-funded grants that support arts, humanities, and science programs benefiting Bedford residents.

We help fund cultural projects such as festivals, performances, workshops, lectures, public art, exhibits, field trips, and in-school programs that share local ‘voices’ with residents to promote and enrich Bedford’s cultural life.

Whether you’ve received funding before or are applying for the first time, beginning September 2, the application process for grant funding is now open. Below are the specifics about how to apply for a grant. We welcome all applicants with creative, educational, and cultural initiatives.

Grant details at a glance:

• Funding range: Historically $250–$500 per grant
• Timeline: Projects must take place between July 1, 2026 and Dec. 31, 2027
• Reimbursement-based: You spend your own funds first, then submit for payment once approved

Before you apply, be sure to review the BCC’s FY27 Priorities and Local Guidelines at https://www.bedfordma.gov/597/Cultural-Council and https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/bedford/. For full program details, visit the MCC’s Local Cultural Council guidelines at https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process/.

Ready to apply?
The online application is simple and can be found here: https://massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp
It’s essential to adhere to the dates and deadlines to avoid disqualification.

Need help getting started?
Join the MCC’s informational webinar on Thursday, September 10, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Register here:  https://massculturalcouncil.org/event/local-tribal-cultural-council-fy27-grant-applicant-info-session/

Still have questions?
Email us at BedfordMACulturalCouncil@gmail.com — we’re happy to help!
More detailed information on the grant process can be found at: https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process/

When: Friday September 11th at 7pm
Where: Middlesex Community College, Bedford MA Campus.  591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730.

The 2026 Eastern Mass Hawk Watch annual meeting will be Friday, September 11th at 7pm. We will gather at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA. The meeting will take place in the Cafe East section of the Campus Center. Please find a detailed campus map and driving directions on our website here: https://massbird.org/emhw/annual-meeting/
2026 marks 50 years of Eastern Mass Hawk Watch. We'd like to extend the invitation to our meeting to the public and welcome all who are interested in learning more about hawkwatching and our organization. The annual meeting is the traditional kick-off to the Fall hawkwatching season in Massachusetts - it won't be long before the first kettles of Broad-wings gather over the skies of New England!
Our keynote speaker this year is Mark Wilson, Wildlife Photojournalist and Teacher Naturalist, presenting his Ten Wild Photos, Ten Wild Stories talk: a unique slide program that explores some of Mark’s best wildlife photos taken over 30 years in some surprising places. Mark will present ten select images. Each image will be discussed in-depth as to how and why it was made. Supporting photos will help explain. Topics of discussion will include photo techniques, equipment, ethics and natural history, and staying comfortable and healthy in harsh environments. Aspiring beginner photographers and traveled veterans alike will find inspiration to assess and improve their own work. Non-photographers get to peek under the lens cap and see how a pro comes up with knock-out photos.
Mark Wilson was a staff photographer for the Boston Globe for 23 years. During those years he also wrote regular columns on photography and birds for the Globe. His wildlife photos have appeared in a wide variety of publications including National Geographic (Oct. 1992 cover, bullfrog). Mark and Marcia Wilson work as a team in the field, exploring remote areas that few people get to visit. In 2001 they completed a 19-day canoe trip down a North Slope River in Alaska’s Arctic Refuge. That trip is the basis for a chapter Mark wrote for the book Arctic Wings.
The meeting is free and open to the public (donations appreciated). A social hour with beverages, appetizers and snacks starts at 6pm, followed at 7pm by a brief business meeting and the keynote presentation. The business meeting will review EMHW Watch Sites and how you can visit or participate this upcoming migration season! We’ll also have the return of our famous raffle, including many raptor-related and birding items and some fantastic photography. Join us for a great evening!

If you are interested in contributing raffle items, refreshments, or helping EMHW with the meeting, please let us know at e.masshawkwatch@comcast.net and we'll be in contact!
For complete information, including directions to the location in Bedford (plenty of free parking), visit the Eastern Mass Hawk Watch web site at massbird.org/EMHW.

 

BOSTON — The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC), under the direction of State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, has launched Operation Safe Campus. The annual program is designed to target underage drinking on college campuses and in surrounding communities to keep alcoholic beverages out of the hands of underage students and prevent tragedies. This initiative begins each year when students return to colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts.
"As we begin the new school year, Operation Safe Campus reminds college students, servers and sellers alike of the real risks of underage drinking," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the ABCC. "We want to increase awareness and promote responsible choices, to protect kids and their families from experiencing serious consequences."
The enforcement efforts focus primarily on liquor stores in college communities where underage individuals often attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages with false identification, have adults buy alcoholic beverages for them, or have it delivered by way of delivery apps. Additionally, efforts focus on bars that have been known to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.
The program focuses on front-line prevention, with investigators often calling the underage person’s parents when violations occur. ABCC officials say that most parents are unaware that their children are involved in the use of alcohol, and that intervention is a powerful tool toward family involvement in addressing the problem of underage drinking.
In 2025, the ABCC Safe Campus program found approximately 104 minors in possession, transporting, or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages, 10 adults procuring alcohol for minors, and 250 individuals in possession of false identification. Approximately 38 cases of beer and 40 bottles of alcohol were confiscated by Investigators, preventing delivery to approximately 550 underage individuals. In 2025, bars and liquor stores were charged with approximately 200 counts of sale to underage persons.
Since 2005, these programs have resulted in the following cumulative results: 14,500 minors in possession or transporting alcoholic beverages; 3,700 adults procuring alcohol for minors; 2,500 individuals in possession of false identification; and approximately 6,600 cases of beer and 5,600 of alcohol were confiscated, preventing delivery to an estimated 86,200 underage individuals.
Annually, approximately 1,519 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking, and 14 percent of college students meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. In Massachusetts alone, the overall annual cost of alcohol abuse by youth is estimated at $1.4 billion.
Massachusetts IMPACT impaired driving data shows that 10% of all traffic fatalities involve drivers under the age of 21.
Massachusetts is among the top ten states for binge drinking, with more than 1 in 4 (27.75%) adults age 18 or older reporting they binged on alcohol in 2020. Among young people ages 12 to 20, 20.77% reported alcohol use in the past month and 11.81% reported binge alcohol use in the past month in Massachusetts. The national averages were 17.32% and 10.14%, respectively.
One in three (33.86%) substance abuse treatment admissions among persons aged 12 and older in 2019 in Massachusetts were alcohol related.

Selections focus on “Connections”, both musical and thematic, promoting visions of hope and shared humanity.
Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals, Monday evenings August 31, September 7, and September 14 at the First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9:15. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers.
Sunday, November 22, 2026, our season opens with Maurice Durufle's much beloved "Requiem".  Stylistic traditions and techniques spanning centuries are evident in this piece, composed in 1947, which is mainly contemplative, but breaks into memorable dramatic renderings of appropriate texts. Barbara Jones directs the chorus, accompanied by organ, strings, trumpets, harp and timpani, in the beautiful Salem Covenant Church just east of Worcester.
Building on the great success of Christopher Tin’s “To Shiver The Sky” (April, 2026), we eagerly anticipate performing his “The Drop that Contained the Sea” on April 11, 2027.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus is a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly encourage Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! We hope to see you this month!

For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email
soundsofstow@gmail.com

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

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