Action Unlimited
Fourth trimester1

Navigating the 4th Trimester

A free workshop for expectant parents to explore the physical, emotional and relational challenges that accompany the first 3 months after birth will be held on Monday, May 4, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Emerson Wellness in Concord. This is a free program open to all expectant parents and their support person. You will learn evidence-based strategies to support your postpartum journey and create a personal postpartum plan that includes strategies for adjusting to life with a newborn, coping with challenges related to lack of sleep and feeding, managing changes in your relationships, and nurturing your own wellbeing during this informative time. Join us for this interactive session facilitated by lactation counselor and infant sleep consultant Mary Beilman, who draws from over 20 years supporting new parents; and Emily Fiorini, LMHC, who specializes in infant and parent mental health and is First Connections' program director. Helpful postpartum community resources are included. Register here: https://bit.ly/3XYQMHQ

Spring Fling Thrift

The West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Mass Ave., Acton will have a Pop-Up Thrift from 12pm-3pm during the WAVMA Spring Fling (a West Acton Annual Village Event) on May 9th. The Pop-Up Thrift is a weekly event on Thursdays 3-5:30 but due to popular demand, we are adding this special Pop-Up!
In addition to the Thrift, there will be information & a promotion to raise funds for our Historic Steeple Project. Visit our website www.westactonbaptistchurch/org for more information & history on the historic steeple.
3D Widgets will also be for sale.

Help Hope Bloom in Spring: Give Blood or Platelets with Red Cross
Come to give by April 12 for an exclusive tee; $15 e-gift card April 13-30

 
BOSTON, April 10, 2026 — In April, the American Red Cross asks people to keep patients top of mind by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. The need for blood doesn’t take a spring break, and acting now can ensure blood is available in the coming weeks at medical centers. Regular donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to make days brighter this spring for those in need.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross celebrates the kindness of blood donors and those who volunteer their time. There is no substitute for blood — volunteer donors are essential to patient care. Blood Program Leaders and Blood Donor Ambassadors are the heartbeat of our work at blood donation centers and community blood drives.

Join the celebration of saving lives! Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Bedford

4/18/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
4/21/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
4/22/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
4/24/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
4/25/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
4/28/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
4/29/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/1/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/1/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., American Legion Post 221, 357 Great Road
5/2/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
Call for artists2

Call for Artists: Show and Sell at the Music & Arts Experience 2026!

The Bedford (MA) Cultural District Partnership (BCDP) invites artists and crafters to participate in our Music & Arts Experience 2026. This festival and craft sale will take place rain or shine on Saturday, June 13, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on the Bedford Town Common (75 Great Road).

We are calling on creative makers to sell their original work and to bring their craft to life by offering live demonstrations or interactive activities at their tent. There is also an opportunity to lead a 1-hour workshop or demonstration at one of our designated tents. The application form (link below) for this family-friendly event has space for artists and crafters to describe their particular interest. The BCDP will widely and enthusiastically promote all workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

Sellers must provide their own setup for a 10' x 10' area (tent, table, chairs, etc.).  A nonrefundable $35 participation fee is required to reserve a tent space. Spaces are available until the Music & Arts Experience reaches capacity or through May 15, whichever comes first.

Restrooms will be available nearby. Onsite food trucks will offer food and beverages for sale. Details on vendor setup, parking, and logistics are provided at the end of the application form.

If you would like to pursue this exciting opportunity, please complete this application to reserve your spot: https://forms.gle/wbJoiVMbq9B89V589  We hope you’ll join us in making June 13 a fun and creative day for Bedford!

Usher in Springtime with Celebrated Choral Music

 
CONCORD, MA Issued March 26, 2026... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents its spring concert “A Light Exists in Spring,” on Saturday, May 9, 4 pm, Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm St., Concord. The performance is conducted by CWC Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank, accompanied by Simon Andrews, piano, together with guest instrumentalists Jennifer Slowik, oboe, Sandi-Jo Malmon, cello, and Beth Welty, violin.

CWC celebrates the return of the light with Beth Denisch’s “The Tree House,” commissioned in 2017 and set for chorus, oboe, cello, and piano. A work of nuance and utter beauty, Denisch has set three of poet Kathleen Jamie’s works – where landscape meets musical language. This wholehearted program is sure to delight, and honors works by women, including Melissa Dunphy’s “Grown Wild,” Emma Lou Diemer’s “Hope is the Thing,” Tara Traxler’s “Birds of Passage” and more.

Concord Women’s Chorus is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power of women’s voices through song, hailing from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices.

CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us. CWC’s Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank is the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner presented by Choral Arts New England.

Concord Women’s Chorus participates in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a barrier.  CWC offers two discounted $10 tickets per EBT Cardholder.

Tickets to “A Light Exists in Spring” are $30 adults, free for children age 12 and under, available at simpletix.com/e/a-light-exists-in-spring-tickets-256987. Seating is limited; early purchase is recommended. This concert is supported in part by grants from the Concord and Carlisle Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

For more information, or to join Concord Women’s Chorus, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PRESENTATION IN LEXINGTON

The Liberty Alzheimer’s Partnership is sponsoring a presentation by the Boston Center for
Memory entitled: “Alzheimer’s Disease: Trials, Treatments, and Taking Care of Yourself” on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Lexington Community Center, 39 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA.
Dr. Elizabeth Vassey from the Boston Center for Memory will speak about the latest clinical trials and treatments available for patients with Alzheimer’s and related dementia.  A.J. McDonald, also from the Boston Center for Memory, will address how caregivers can take care of themselves.
The presentation runs from 2:00pm to 3:30pm and includes time for questions.
This is a free program but you must RSVP to reserve a seat.  Please email mkelleher@lexingtonma.gov or call (781) 698-4842.

Annual Celebration of Hope Benefit to Support Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc.

 
CONCORD, MA - Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is hosting their annual Celebration of Hope Benefit fundraiser on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at The Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA for brunch   from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a sumptuous meal in rustic elegance in support of DVSN’s vital work. This year’s event celebrates hope, collaboration, and community”.  Tickets are $95 per person which covers the food, drinks, dessert, décor, and programming. Tickets can be purchased at DVSN.org/Benefit2026.

This year’s Celebration of Hope Benefit will be hosted by DVSN board members Tina Fico and Erick Gordy and feature award-winning journalist and author Dan Murphy as the Keynote Speaker. Dan has reported for ESPN for more than a decade where he currently covers stories at the intersection of sports and larger societal issues on ESPN’s investigative reporting team.  Dan co-authored “Start By Believing…the Brave Women Who Stopped a Monster”, a thoroughly researched and reported account of the fight to bring serial sexual abuser Larry Nassar to justice.  His work has won a Peabody Award, an IRE Sports Investigation of the Year Award, and the EVAWI National Media Award, among others.  He lives in Cambridge, MA.

Primarily serving communities in Central Middlesex County, DVSN provides a confidential Help Line staffed with well-trained volunteer advocates working closely with community service providers, police departments, courts, hospitals, and schools, as well as other community organizations and businesses, to provide support, resources, risk assessment, safety planning, and training to clients, community partners, and the public.  To learn more about domestic violence and the various ways you can support DVSN, visit DVSN.org.  “We hope you can join us on May 2nd," invites Jacquelin Apsler, DVSN’s Executive Director, "Your generosity helps to transform lives!"

The Barn at Gibbet Hill is a tastefully restored 100-year-old barn overlooking rolling hills of conservation land.  It is a popular and picturesque event venue at the foot of Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA that can support 220 people and includes a large all-season deck. More information and photos can be found at BarnAtGibbetHill.com.

Given the enormous success of two previous brunch events at The Barn at Gibbet Hill, DVSN decided to host a third brunch fundraiser at this exceptional venue.  A mid-morning brunch allows attendees to enjoy the tranquil beauty of The Barn at Gibbet Hill’s surroundings in the glow of natural daylight.

For more information about DVSN or to reserve tickets today, visit DVSN.org or call 978-318-3421.
New song1 2
New Song Music Series Spring Preview
New Song is delighted to announce that Garnet Rogers has sold out well ahead of our April 18 concert. Thank you to our incredible community for your enthusiastic support.

Garnet has asked ticket holders to bring particular personal care or household items to the concert to support the Bedford Food Bank. The food bank most urgently needs these types of items: free-and-clear laundry detergent sheets; ultra-soft toilet paper rolls; pick-a-size paper towels; real  mayonnaise in squeeze bottles. Please also consider a tax-deductible donation to the Bedford Food Bank Fund to help meet the rising need in our community. Contributions can be made by check to Bedford Health Department, 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730, or online: https://bit.ly/4bUbJeH

On May 16, New Song welcomes Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, a Boston-based string band blending folk tradition, feminist storytelling, poetic detail, and just enough grit.
Sumner—formerly of Twisted Pine—has earned wide recognition, including the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Award (Folk), a Kerrville New Folk Competition win, and five original songs archived at the Library of Congress. As a group, Traveling Light has won the 2023 Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival competition and the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Band Contest, and has been featured four consecutive years by WBUR/NPR as a top Massachusetts entry in the Tiny Desk Contest.
🎧 Listen: https://bit.ly/rstl

The concert will be held in the Reed Room at Bedford Town Hall (10 Mudge Way). Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments; the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
New Song is also thrilled to host one of only two Massachusetts performances launching Peter Mulvey’s new project: Jenna Nichols & Peter Mulvey Present: Floyd Mercantile.
Mostly comprised of songs Peter and Jenna wrote separately, the new album and show will also feature a few gems from Great American Songbook: “Skylark" (Hoagy Carmichael/Johnny Mercer), “Them There Eyes" (Maceo Pinkard/Doris Tauber/William Tracey) and “I'll Be Seeing You" (Sammy Fain/Irving Kahal). 🎧 Listen to “Green and Grey”: https://bit.ly/MulveyNichols .
🎟 Tickets for these last two performance of the season are going fast, buy yours now at newsongbedford.org.

New Song is a volunteer-led initiative of the Bedford Cultural District. The series is supported by local sponsors, including Red Heat American Tavern, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers–Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, and the Mass Cultural Council.
Mcc seti
MCC Collaborates with SETI Institute on ARISE Labs
Middlesex Community College is working with the SETI Institute to allow students to participate in the ARISE Labs. Through this collaboration, students in MCC Professor of Physics Madhu Dhar’s astronomy class gain access to live digital data from the Allen Telescope Array (ATA).
“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to broadening participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and making high-quality research experiences accessible to students who might not otherwise have such opportunities,” Dhar said. “Our students will not only analyze real astronomical signals but also experience collaborative, research-informed STEM learning typically reserved for larger research institutions. This partnership is especially meaningful because MCC is the first college in Massachusetts to collaborate with the SETI Institute in this capacity.”
Working with real-time datasets, students collaborate with professionals on meaningful, research-based labs to gain a deeper understanding of how scientific discovery happens. Dhar believes students gain increased confidence in data analysis, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving. Participation in the labs also provides networking opportunities within the scientific community.
As part of the labs, MCC students analyze live or archived radio astronomy data, investigate signals, explore concepts, and learn how large-scale telescope arrays are used in research. They engage in data interpretation, hypothesis testing, and collaborative discussion.
“Hands-on learning bridges theory and practice,” Dhar said. “In physics and astronomy, abstract concepts can feel distant or inaccessible. When students work directly with real data from instruments like the Allen Telescope Array, the science becomes tangible and meaningful. Experiential learning improves retention, deepens conceptual understanding, and increases student engagement. It also helps students envision themselves as scientists rather than just learners of science.”
A nonprofit research organization, the SETI Institute is dedicated to understanding the prevalence of life and intelligence in the universe and the search for life beyond earth. The SETI Institute brings together scientists, educators and researchers working across astronomy, planetary science, astrobiology and related fields.
Part of the SETI Institute’s education initiatives, ARISE Labs provide students with access to authentic scientific data and research tools. These labs are designed to immerse students in real-world scientific inquiry rather than simulated exercises.
Julia Pioli is an MCC business administration student, of Winchester. After attending Earwicker’s lecture, Pioli completed the Decoding Earth Lab. Calculating the altitude necessary for geostationary orbit, they answered questions about the how the biology of Earth is detected from space.
“This experience highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the search, blending astronomy and biology with the social sciences to address the probability of life elsewhere,” Pioli said. “I learned that we have only begun to scratch the surface, but with access to SETI and their labs, we are sure to dig much deeper, furthering scientific discoveries and our own knowledge.”
Post road carpet acton celebration1
Caption: New businesses open all the time. What is truly remarkable are the ones that stick around for many years. Last Friday, April 10, we got to celebrate the 50th birthday of Post Road Carpet Acton. Sam Paolini ran his very first ad in the Action back 50 years ago while in his West Acton location. He credits Action for help building it to the size it is now. Over the years, Joe Paolini, his son, started working at the store and later, grandson Trevor Neal continued the family tradition at the new location on Rte 2A. Present at the celebration included family members (including great grandchildren) , past employees, vendors, and more. It was a great opportunity for Sam to see how many lives were effected by his hard work.

U.S. Navy Sailor from Massachusetts Will be One of the First Faces the Artemis II Crew Will See Upon Their Return to Earth

The first face the Artemis II crew will see upon their return to Earth will be the face of a U.S. Navy sailor.
Chief Hospital Corpsman Vlad Link, from Chelsea, Massachusetts, is a member of the dive medical team that will open the Orion capsule upon its return to Earth, make initial medical assessments of the Artemis II crew, and assist them out of the capsule safely and efficiently.
Link has 18 years of experience in dive medicine.

“I have been exposed to the Navy since I was a young teenager, and I’m proud to represent both my family and hometown,” Link said. “Contributing our efforts to NASA and the Artemis II mission is something we take great pride in as part of that legacy.”

Native Plant Trust Celebrates Native Plant Month, Announces Trillium Week,
Performance of Unfurling with Boston Dance Theater

 
Wayland, MA – April is National Native Plant Month, following a bipartisan resolution first passed by the U.S. Senate in 2021 and repeated annually, including this year. The designation encourages all Americans to understand, plant, and preserve native flora, which are essential to maintaining biodiversity, supporting pollinators, and preserving ecosystem health.
On Saturday, May 2, Native Plant Trust will offer a special evening at Garden in the Woods, beginning with a walk through the gardens, followed by a performance of Unfurling, an original work by Boston Dance Theater. Following the performance, visitors will be invited to join Unfurling’s creative team for a discussion about the intersection of artistry, creation, and the natural world featuring BDT Founder and Co-Artistic Director Jessie Stinnett, Choreographer Kim Rachochia, sound artist Skooby Laposky, and Native Plant Trust Senior Horticulturist David Falk.
According to its creators, Unfurling is a site-responsive performance created by the artists of the Boston Dance Theater in collaboration with visual artist Kim Radochia. Drawing inspiration from the quiet resilience of plant life and the writings of indigenous botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, the work invites audiences into a shared sensory experience of movement, sound, and sculptural installation. Dancers will move through the space like tendrils of growth, attuning to one another, the land, and the invisible networks that sustain life. Unfurling asks us to notice what is overlooked and to sense our place within a living, interdependent world.
Trillium Week takes place May 3–9 at Garden in the Woods. This vibrant seasonal event, now in its eleventh year, features guided tours (free with Garden admission) and educational opportunities such as “The Native Plant Trust Trillium Collection: An Inside Look,” which highlights the ecological significance and beauty of spring ephemerals—especially the iconic trillium. “Trilliums are arguably the most distinctive flowers in the forests and wetlands of New England,” notes Johnson. “Add to that their natural rarity and status as a harbinger of spring, and it is hard to imagine a better ambassador for New England's plants. Trillium Week offers a rare opportunity to see the many color forms of all three New England species—Trillium erectum, Trillium grandiflorum, and Trillium cernuum—in a single location tucked under the canopy of towering hardwoods at Garden in the Woods.” Tour times and event details can be found on our website.
Native Plant Trust named Skooby Laposky its 2025 Visiting Artist, and he returns for a live performance during Twilight Trilliums, the signature event of Trillium Week. Laposky is a multidisciplinary artist and sound designer whose work—featured in Fast Company and The Boston Globe—translates natural systems into immersive sonic landscapes. Twilight Trilliums, a one-night-only event, takes place on Friday, May 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Garden in the Woods. Guests will experience a world-premiere sound installation,created by Laposky specifically for the occasion and inspired by the spring bloom and surrounding forest. Tickets to Twilight Trilliums are $50 and include Garden admission and refreshments.
Native Plant Trust's newly released spring/summer course catalog offers a robust lineup of in-person and online offerings, from hands-on workshops to special events and lectures. For tickets, registration, and additional information, visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

 It feels like spring!  Time for some spring cleaning?  Fresh Start can use what you don’t need and we are always grateful to receive new items from donors.  Several of our donors use their Kohls Cash or Target coupons to purchase items for our clients from the wish list on our website.
     At present we have an extreme need for pristine mattresses (no stains or rips),  kitchen tables with removable legs (not pedestal tables), queen fitted sheets, all sizes of comforters, pot holders and dish towels.
     Please help us to give our clients what they need to make their new housing into a comfortable home.  We are always grateful for gift cards (Target, Amazon, JobLot, etc.)to give to our clients for any extras they need.
     See our website above for more information about us and for our location and hours when we accept donations.
     Thank you for helping us to help others!  

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton in the evening for decades. Now we are continuing weekly by remote videoconference, and our meeting has recently changed to Monday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.ne
Emerson health run2

Emerson Health Run~Walk for Cancer Care

Emerson Health will host the 27th Annual 5k Run~Walk for Cancer Care on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Nara Park in Acton. The morning kicks off with registration at 8:00 a.m., the Kids One Mile at 9:00 a.m., and the 5k Run~Walk at 9:30 a.m., followed by a post‑race brunch and live music at 10:00 a.m. Every registration helps support local cancer care, and community members are encouraged to form teams with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Participants can also donate in honor of someone special as Emerson works toward its goal of raising $125,000 to provide care until there is a cure for cancer. To learn more or register, visit EmersonHealth.org/5k or email runwalk@emersonhosp.org. More than 75 volunteers are needed to make race day a success; those interested can contact Lisa at LOsgood@emersonhosp.org.
Assabet valley mastersingers

Please Join the Assabet Valley Mastersingers for Our Third and Final Formal Concert of Our
2025-2026 Season: “The Time Has Come”


Northborough, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) is thrilled to announce its May 2026 concert in Northborough, which features music by the composers: Ēriks Ešenvalds’ TheTime Has Come, Randall Thompson’s The Peaceable Kingdom, Margaret Bonds’ Credo and Jake Runestad’s The Hope of Loving. This is a stirring season finale that calls for unity and renewal through a powerful blend of voices, words, and music.

Event Date: May 9th, 2026
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett Street, Northborough, MA 01532
Artistic Director: Dr. Robert Eaton   Featuring a String Quartet

Ēriks Ešenvalds, born 1977 in Latvia, has become one of the world’s most sought after and performed choral composers. His works have been performed by many of the major symphonies, including the BSO, and some of the finest choral ensembles have premiered his works. “The Time Has Come” was premiered in November 2015 and is based upon text drawn from Nelson Mandela’s inaugural speech.
Margaret Bonds was a pioneering Chicago-born composer and pianist whose work bridged the
worlds of classical music, the African American spiritual tradition, and the literary voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Credo, completed in 1965, sets the celebrated prose poem of the same name by W.E.B. Du Bois, originally published in 1904 and later used as the preface to his 1920 autobiography Darkwater.
Jake Runestad has emerged as one of the most frequently performed composers of his generation, described by American Public Media as a "choral rockstar" and by the Chicago Tribune as "one of the best of the younger American composers." The Hope of Loving was commissioned by Seraphic Fire and completed in 2015. It is a setting of mystical love poetry drawn from Daniel Ladinsky's collection Love Poems from God.
Randall Thompson was one of the most beloved and widely performed American choral composers of the twentieth century. He was a native of New York City, studied at Harvard, and taught at Princeton, Harvard, and the University of Virginia. The Peaceable Kingdom was first performed in 1936 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Nearly a century after its premiere, the work remains profoundly relevant, reminding listeners of the enduring human longing for justice, peace, and harmony.

● General Admission: $25.00
● Senior/Student Price: $20.00
● Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.avmsingers.org/events/the-time-has-come AVM is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program, which grants EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders access to steeply discounted tickets from a variety of arts, humanities, and science organizations across the Commonwealth. Cardholders may order up to four tickets online by applying the promo code MASSCTOC and selecting manual payment type. The same discounted costs, $5.00 for general or $4.00 for senior/student admission, are payable at the concert for preordered, or onsite-requested CTOC tickets.

Celebrate 50 Years of Song — Tickets Now on Sale for Nashoba Valley Chorale’s Golden Anniversary Gala

Arlington, MA — April 8, 2026 — Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable evening as the Nashoba Valley Chorale celebrates its 50th Anniversary Gala—a joyful night of music, connection, and community. Tickets are now on sale, and availability is limited.
 Hosted at the stunning Arlington Town Hall, this special event brings together past and present members, conductors, music lovers, and the broader community for a one-of-a-kind celebration. With capacity for up to 300 guests, early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
 Guests will enjoy: 
  • A vibrant live concert showcasing Nashoba Valley Chorale’s legacy
  • Food and beverages, including a cash bar
  • A fun, interactive sing-along featuring music by Handel and Queen
  • A chance to reconnect with friends, alumni, and former conductors
  • Silent Auction
  • Recognition and gratitude to our Founders
  •  
  • A Celebration of Anne Watson Born, our beloved Music Director’s 20 years with us
  •  
  • An Honor to Shawn McCann, collaborative pianist for 20 years of amazing work
For 50 years, the Nashoba Valley Chorale has welcomed singers of all backgrounds, offered an inclusive, non-auditioned environment and made choral music accessible to all. This Gala is both a celebration of that mission and an invitation to experience it firsthand.
 Secure your spot today and be part of this milestone celebration.
 Tickets are available now at: www.nvcsings.org

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts ReStore in Leominster Expands Donation Area to Concord and Westford

Leominster, MA – Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is proud to highlight its ReStore location in Leominster and announce an expansion of its donation pickup services to include Concord and Westford.
The Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used items to the public at affordable prices. Proceeds from every purchase directly support Habitat’s mission to build and repair homes for local families in need of safe, affordable housing.
Shoppers at the ReStore can find a wide variety of items, including furniture, appliances, home décor, building materials, tools, cabinetry, lighting, and more. Inventory is constantly changing, making each visit a unique opportunity to discover high-quality items at a fraction of retail cost.
The ReStore also welcomes donations from individuals, businesses, and contractors. Accepted items include:
  • Gently used furniture (sofas, tables, dressers, bed frames)
  • Appliances in good working condition
  • Cabinets, countertops, and building materials
  • Tools and hardware
  • Home décor and household items
Donation pickups are available for larger items, making it easy for community members to give back while decluttering their homes. With the recent expansion into Concord and Westford, more residents can now conveniently schedule donation pickups and support Habitat’s work in North Central Massachusetts.
“Our ReStore is more than just a store—it’s a way for the community to come together to support affordable housing,” said a representative from Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. “Every donation and every purchase helps us build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.”
The ReStore is located at:
650 North Main Street
Leominster, MA
To schedule a donation pickup or learn more:
📞 Call: 978-227-5556
🌐 Visit: www.restorencm.org
📧 Email: donations@restorencm.org
Store hours and additional information are available on the website.
April spring reflections concert

Back by Popular Demand
A Spring Concert with The New England Conservatory

In response to audience requests and the popularity of our winter concert, the Friends of the Goodnow Library have added a spring concert to the Sunday Afternoons Cultural Program series. Welcome spring with another free uplifting musical experience.
Please join the Friends on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 3 PM at First Parish Church, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, for Spring Reflections: An Afternoon with Bach, Ravel, and Schumann. The concert will feature performers from the New England Conservatory of Music. The performance will include Dylan Cohen (viola), Sofia Skoldberg (violin), Eric Schindler (cello), and August Baik (piano). These young musicians have received standing ovations for their performances. Don’t miss out on a very special concert experience.

Seating will be first come, first served. Free parking is available at First Parish Church or across the street behind Sudbury Town Hall.

In the event of inclement weather, please check www.friendsofgoodnow.org for updates.
This program is made possible by a generous bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library.

Help Katie with Her Senior Project!

Global Goods is a nonprofit based in Maynard supporting education globally and locally. We love having students get involved with us, and Katie has been an amazing intern with us since her freshman year at Maynard High School. Now as a senior at Maynard High School, she has been working all year on her senior project with a culminating keystone project.  As she plans to study health in college and is a Global Scholar, she has combined her interests with an idea to collect medicines and health related items for both a school in Guatemala and a foundation in Bali. Learn more about what you can do to help by visiting globalgoods.org, or following @MedicineFromTheSkyMaynard on Instagram. 

Theatre III Presents Nice Work If You Can Get It

Theatre III presents Nice Work If You Can Get It, with music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin and book by Joe DiPietro; inspired by Material by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse.

A fun and joyous comedy musical, Nice Work If You Can Get It thrusts us into a light-hearted version of the Prohibition era, complete with bootleggers, socialites, chorus girls, and a vice squad, all set to the amazing songs of George and Ira Gershwin. Highlights from the score include “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Sweet and Low Down,” “Delishious,” and the title song.

Evening Performances: Saturday, May 2; Friday, May 8; Saturday, May 9; Friday, May 15; & Saturday, May 16 (7:30pm). Matinees: Sunday, May 3 & Sunday, May 10 (2pm).
Tickets available at www.theatre3.org - in advance: $28 + online surcharge; at the door: $30. Discounts for senior citizens, students, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Card To Culture program. (See website for details.) Theatre III is located at 250 Central St., Acton, MA.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com 

Concord Conservatory of Music Launches New State-of-the-Art Media Lab with Music Production Workshops

CONCORD, MA — The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is proud to offer two 4-week intensive Media Project Workshops this spring designed to introduce students of all ages to the world of digital music production and sound design. The workshops will take place at CCM’s brand-new, state-of-the-art Media Lab located at 15 Junction Square Drive.
As the music industry continues to evolve, CCM is expanding its curriculum to provide the community with the technical skills required for modern music creation. These workshops offer a "test drive" of the full-season Media Lab programs, giving students hands-on experience with professional-grade software like GarageBand.
Spring Workshop Offerings:
  • Fun with Music Making (Ages 8–13): A high-energy, low-pressure introduction to custom beats and sound design.
  • My First Song in GarageBand (Ages 13–Adult): A deep dive into the role of a Music Producer, taking students from a blank screen to a polished original track.
Both workshops are taught by esteemed Composition, Music Theory, and Piano Instructor Manuel Garcia-Baro. No prior experience is required, making these programs accessible to anyone curious about the intersection of technology and art.
Registration is now open online. Space in the Media Lab is limited to ensure personalized instruction.
New song1

New Song Music Series Update

New Song is excited to share that Garnet Rogers has sold out well ahead of our April 18 concert. Tickets for upcoming shows are going quickly—reserve yours at newsongbedford.org.

We are asking ticket holders to bring particular personal care products or household items to the concert to support the Bedford Food Bank. The food bank most urgently needs these types of items: free-and-clear laundry detergent sheets; ultra-soft toilet paper rolls; pick-a-size paper towels; real  mayonnaise in squeeze bottles. Please also consider a tax-deductible donation to the Bedford Food Bank Fund to help meet the rising need in our community. Contributions can be made by check to Bedford Health Department, 12 Mudge Way, Bedford MA, 01730, or online at  https://bit.ly/4bUbJeH.
On May 16 we’ll be hosting Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light, a Boston-based string band whose music blends folk tradition, feminist storytelling, poetic detail, and grit. Sumner, formerly of Twisted Pine, has received numerous accolades including the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Award (Folk), a Kerrville New Folk Competition win, and five original songs archived at the Library of Congress. As a band, the musicians have also won the 2023 Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival competition and the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Band Contest and were selected four consecutive years by WBUR/NPR as top Massachusetts entries in the Tiny Desk Contest.

Listen to them perform “Anything Worth Doing” at Owl Music Parlor: https://bit.ly/rstl.
The concert takes place in the Reed Room at Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments; the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

New Song is a volunteer-led initiative of the Bedford Cultural District. The series is supported by local sponsors, including Red Heat American Tavern, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers–Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, and the Mass Cultural Council.

Community Picnic
Friday May 1, 1pm-4pm

Gerow Pavilion, 369 Commonwealth Ave, Concord MA 01742
Concord MA- Imagine what the prison wall would say?  The legacy of the Concord Prison, hosted by Concord Prison Outreach (https://concordprisonoutreach.org/events/cpo-community-picnic/)
Did you Concord Prison has a nearly 150-year history featuring experimental psychology, notable inmates, and distinctive architecture.
Come celebrate May Day, and have have an opportunity to check out the daffodils we planted at the Concord Prison Cemetery. 
Outdoor & accessible! Bring your chair and favorite food to share.  Ice Cream truck at 2pm!

Bedford Garden Club April Meeting

The  April 14th  meeting will at the First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 The Great Road, Bedford.  Social period. 6:00 pm: Meeting  6:30 pm.  Our guest speaker is Nancy Tripodi of Bedford Florist in Bedford.  She will present Floral Arranging and Highlights of Running a Flower Shop.
Nancy will create flower arrangements and talk about her 40 plus years running a business in our town. Sharing a love of flowers and gardening with her mother, Nancy began making wedding bouquets and arrangements for family and friends as a teenager.
The Club is inviting the public to attend.
For more information about Nancy and the Club visit our website:
https://www.bedfordgardenclub.org/
Concord alcott toastmasters

Concord Alcott Toastmasters Open House

Join us for the Concord Alcott Toastmasters Open House from 7-9 pm on Monday April 13 at 62 Monument Square in Concord. Discover a supportive community where you can grow your confidence and communication skills. Experience engaging speeches, fun impromptu speaking, and encouraging feedback in a welcoming, no-pressure environment. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll also learn about mentorship opportunities to accelerate your growth. Light refreshments will be served. Free parking on the street and nearby lot.
For more information, or to join virtually please contact: vpm-3981@toastmastersclubs.org
Scoops for support

Scoops for Support – An Ice Cream Social for Mental Health Awareness  
 Thursday, April 16th at 1:00 PM

Come together in support of the Yellow Tulip Project, an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and fostering a culture of community, compassion, and collaboration to address mental health challenges. Join COA Assistant Director and Social Worker, Nicole Saia, alongside Town of Concord Public Health Nurse, Katie Stanislawzyk, for an open and engaging conversation about mental health, stigma, and support, while creating and enjoying delicious ice cream sundaes. Nicole and Katie will lead a thoughtful discussion in a warm, welcoming atmosphere and share helpful resources for you and your loved ones. Please call the COA to register at 978-318-3020.
Coa tea party

Annual COA Tea Party
Tuesday, April 28th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

You are cordially invited to the Concord Council on Aging’s Annual Tea Party at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center on Tuesday, April 28th at 2:00 PM. It will be a delightful afternoon filled with classic tea-time charm. Guests will enjoy a selection of assorted teas, delicate finger sandwiches, and freshly baked sweets. As you sip and socialize, enjoy the live harp music of Susan Wright-Regan, whose performance will provide the perfect background for this festive gathering. This event is sponsored by Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop and is free of charge. Please call to reserve your spot: 978-318-3020. Pinkys up!
Vascular disease

Understanding Vascular Disease

Lori Sluss, MSN, FNP-C, Nurse Practitioner
Thursday, April 9th at 11:00 AM
This presentation will provide an overview of several disease states involving the vascular system, including carotid artery disease, aneurysms, PAD, knee pain therapy, and vein disease.  You will learn about the factors that put you at risk, identify the symptoms to watch for, know when to seek treatment, and discover some of the advanced treatment options available today, many of which are offered in outpatient office settings. Call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.

Men’s Meeting - Monday, April 13th at 10:45 AM
Special Guest - Herb Crehan

Veteran Boston sportswriter Herb Crehan looks back on one of the most unforgettable seasons in franchise history - the 1986 Boston Red Sox. Crehan revisits the team’s dramatic comeback win over the California Angels in the ALC, followed by the heartbreaking loss in the World Series. All are welcome.
Mahjong

Mahjong Classes with Jean Olson
Mondays, April 27th through May 18th

The Concord COA is offering another American Mahjong class for beginners led by Jean Olson. Learn the basics, get comfortable playing the game, and develop your strategy. You’ll have the chance to play the game with other players as you are learning. After you complete the class, you may join the COA Mahjong group that meets on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. Call to sign up at 978-318-3020.
Medication and sharps

Medication and Sharps Takeback Wednesday, April 22nd 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The COA will sponsor an opportunity for the proper disposal of any of your expired or unneeded medications. We will accept prescription and over-the-counter medications in pill or liquid form. Additionally, we will have a small sharps collection box for used needles. Discarding them at the COA will ensure that they will be disposed of in an environmentally safe way. There is no charge for this event and there is no need to make an appointment.
Cancer support group

Cancer Support Group: Monday April 13th1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

This group for people living with cancer is facilitated by Hester Hill Schnipper, LICSW, OSW-C, Emerita Chief of Oncology Social Work at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and a nationally recognized leader in cancer survivorship and psycho-oncology. A former professor at Simmons University, Boston University, and Harvard Medical School, she is a published author, past president of the Association of Oncology Social Work, and a two-time breast cancer survivor. Ms. Schnipper spent nearly 40 years at BIDMC facilitating thousands of cancer support groups and now maintains a private psycho-oncology practice in Concord. Call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.
Group walk with bob white

Group Walk with Bob White – Battle Road Walk Wednesday, April 15th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Join Bob White for a 2.2-mile comfortable walk at Minute Man National Historical Park. We will walk the Battle Ro ad from the Paul Revere Capture Site to Fiske Hill and return. Parking and meet-up will be at the Revere Capture Site parking lot on Route 2A. Please call the COA office to sign up!
Monthly lgbtq

Monthly LGBTQ+ Social Group Thursday, April 30th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM

The Concord Council on Aging offers a LGBTQ+ Social Group at the COA on the last Thursday of each month. Join us on Thursday, April 30th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM for our monthly gathering of the LGBTQ+ Social Group. This welcoming space offers food, entertainment, and engaging activities, all made possible through a special grant. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020.  Walk-ins welcome.
Belly dancing

Belly Dancing Show with Celia after Pizza & Salad Lunch

The Concord Council on Aging invites you to experience the art of belly dancing with Celia!  Come for pizza and salad lunch then learn about the history of belly dance, and try some fun beginner moves. This program is funded by a grant from the Concord Cultural Council. Please RSVP to 978-318-3020 to sign up for both the lunch and the show.

10th Maynard Book Festival

 
The 10th Maynard Book Festival will take place April 7-11, 2026, with a variety of free literary and arts events for readers of all ages. Most events will be held at Maynard Public Library (77 Nason Street), with Wednesday and Thursday evening poetry events located at Felixology (2 Walnut Street, Maynard).
The festival opens on Tuesday evening, April 7, with a group discussion of Murder Your Darlings by Jenna Blum. Midweek events include an Edgar Allan POEtry reading and open mic led by Fred Gerhard on Wednesday evening, April 8, and a Mill Town / Mill City poetry and photography event on Thursday evening, April 9. Later on Thursday evening, the Library will host a reception for the “Stories in Fiber” art exhibit, featuring remarks by artist Cindy Kennelly and music by Jessica and Zac Smith. Friday evening, April 10, features author Luke O'Neil discussing his book We Had It Coming and Other Fictions.
Saturday, April 11, includes a hands-on accordion-book workshop (registration required), a children’s (grades 4-6) event with authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters presenting For the Win and If I Could Choose a Best Day, and talks by authors including Doug Most on Launching Liberty: The Epic Race to Build the Ships That Took America to War (first ten attendees receive a free copy of the book), as well as historical fiction authors Juliette Fay, Elizabeth Graver, and Sarah Stewart Taylor.
The festival concludes Saturday evening with a talk by Jenna Blum, bestselling author of Murder Your Darlings. Mocktails and other refreshments will be served at this event and free books will be given to the first 25 attendees. Books will be available for purchase at all author talks.
Visit maynardbookfestival.org for more details on the schedule, speakers, and registration for workshops.
The Maynard Book Festival is sponsored by the Friends of the Maynard Public Library and the Maynard Cultural District. Festival bookselling partners are The Silver Unicorn Bookstore and Felixology.

WCMS Performs 4/10 in Fitchburg and 4/12 in Worcester

Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “La Fête Française”

Program
Maurice Ravel | Introduction and Allegro
Camille Saint-Saëns | Fantaisie for Violin and Harp, Op. 124
Ernest Chausson | Piano Quartet in A major, Op. 30

With guests Tracy Kraus, flute; Amy Advocat, clarinet; Franziska Huhn, harp

When & Where: Friday, April 10 at 7:30 PM
Fitchburg Art Museum
185 Elm Street, Fitchburg

Sunday, April 12 at 4:00 PM
Shapiro Hall - Joy of Music
1 Gorham Street, Worcester

Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to each performance
Post-concert reception for all on Sunday


How: Adults $35-42, Seniors $30-38, College Students $10 w/ID
EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free

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

The World of Turtles with Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson


oin award-winning author Sy Montgomery and illustrator Matt Patterson for an engaging, family-friendly exploration of the fascinating world of turtles. This free public program on Saturday, April 18, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, at the Arlington Street Community Center, 36 Arlington Street, in Nashua, NH, is presented by the Nashua River Watershed Association.

Drawing from the research behind their highly acclaimed books, Sy and Matt will share what they’ve learned about turtle behavior, habitats, and conservation, as well as the creative process of transforming field research into compelling stories and illustrations. Their 35 minute presentation will feature illustrations and insight into their research, followed by a Q&A session. Signed copies of their books will be available for purchase, with time for personalization and photos after the program. Guests can also explore turtle-themed information tables designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required; additional information, including parking details, will be provided upon registration. Register at www.nashuariverwatershed.org under Upcoming Programs, where you can also read more about Sy and Matt. For questions, please email chrisf@nashuariverwatershed.org.

BOSTON 2026 WORLD EXPO STAMP SHOW

When: May 23-30, 2026
Show Floor Hours: 10AM to 6PM (Sat-Fri) & 10AM to 3PM (Sat 5/30)
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer
Street, Boston, MA 02210 in the Seaport District
Price: Free

Explore global and US history, one tiny painting at a time! Boston 2026 World Expo brings the global stamp community to Boston for eight days from May 23-30th, 2026. Held once every ten years, the event showcases world-class exhibits, dealers, presentations, and first day of issue ceremonies, all part of America’s 250th anniversary in the heart of one of America's most historic cities.

Spanning 352,000 contiguous square feet and sponsored by the US Postal Service, the exhibition will feature a comprehensive international experience, including a large dealer marketplace, an extensive array of foreign post offices, and a chance to talk with philatelic societies from around the world. At the heart of the expo will be a prestigious competitive exhibition with approximately 4,000 frames of exhibits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), complemented by a special Court of Honor exhibition and a major literature competition.

Beyond exhibits, Boston 2026 will host hundreds of meetings, roundtable discussions, and presentations across 40 meeting rooms supporting education, collaboration, and international exchange. Signature events, including a large opening ceremony and a closing awards dinner, will create a unique and memorable experience for exhibitors, delegates, and visitors. History buffs, art lovers, ephemera and mail artists, scout troops, and youth groups are all welcome free of charge.

See Boston2026.org website for information on attending dealers and post offices, exhibit and event listings, volunteer opportunities, scout merit badge workshops, and much more.
New england folk festival

New England Folk Festival April 24-26, 2026

The New England Folk Festival Association (NEFFA) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization promoting folk arts and traditions in New England and elsewhere. Every April, for 8 decades,  NEFFA runs the New England Folk Festival which blends dance, music, crafts, family activities, and food. The 2026 Festival is on April 24-26 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA 01752 

The Festival is unique because not only are there concerts and performances, but there are also opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage directly with music, dance, and folk arts culture. There is music everywhere!  You will find jam sessions, instrument workshops, group singing (sea shanties!), and  traditional music throughout the Festival. The Festival is also known for its varied social dance program, which includes: Contra and Traditional Square Dance, International Folk Dance, Waltz, English Country, Scandinavian, and more. There are plenty of introductory workshops, and sessions geared towards intermediate and advanced dancers.

NEFFA is offering special reduced rate  “Festival Sampler Tickets” to introduce the festival to a wider audience. 
Please spread the word!  The NEFFA Sampler tickets ($10; kids under 8 are free) are a great way to explore some of what the New England Folk Festival has to offer. Shop at the Festival Marketplace, watch traditional dances from around the world, and experience folk music, relax with your kids in the Family Activities Area, then enjoy a snack from the food vendors while watching traditional Morris dance performances. Sampler tickets admission will be available on Saturday April 26th from 11AM-4PM  and all day Sunday April 26th. More information at  https://www.neffa.org/festival-sampler/

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts Hosts Annual Spring Breakfast to Inspire Community Impact

Bolton, MA – May 5, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts invites community members, local businesses, and supporters to attend its Annual Spring Breakfast on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 7:30 to 8:30 AM at First Parish of Bolton.
This annual gathering brings together community leaders, partners, and advocates for a morning of connection, inspiration, and shared commitment to building safe, affordable housing across North Central Massachusetts.
Guests will enjoy a complimentary breakfast prepared by the talented students of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, highlighting the importance of community partnerships and workforce development.
The event will feature keynote speaker Stacey Phillips-Vear, whose life reflects a deep and enduring commitment to service. Raised as part of an Air Force family and later becoming an Air Force spouse, service has been a defining thread throughout her life. Today, that legacy continues through her family—as the proud mother of a Marine and a daughter who secures major grant funding to support nonprofit missions.
Phillips-Vear’s journey with Team Rubicon began with a simple question from her son: “Will you join?” Without hesitation, she said yes—a decision that would profoundly shape her path.
Since November 2023, she has deployed on nine disaster relief operations across five states, supporting communities in times of crisis. She has built partnerships with organizations including Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts and veteran groups, led teams in the field, and expanded opportunities for others to serve.
Now serving as Planning Lead for the Worcester, Massachusetts metro area, Phillips-Vear brings people, purpose, and planning together to turn compassion into action—and action into impact. Her message is simple yet powerful: say yes first, figure it out later, and never underestimate what happens next.
The Spring Breakfast also offers an opportunity to learn more about Habitat NCM’s work, including new home construction and critical home repairs that help local families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations looking to demonstrate their commitment to affordable housing while gaining meaningful visibility within the community. Sponsors receive recognition through event materials, social media, and program acknowledgments, along with reserved seating for guests.
Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited seating.
To register or learn more, visit:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-spring-breakfast

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

On Tuesday we had a steady stream of donors bringing everything except for furniture (which we accept on Saturdays).  One woman arrived with her car packed with bags of linens in her front and back seats and in the trunk.  I think she is the woman who said she saves her Target cards to buy things for Fresh Start.  I had just started to help bring in her donations when the skies opened and there was a downpour!!  We got wet but the donations did not!  All morning we were dodging raindrops and the donors kept arriving.

     We are low on queen sheets, towels and all sizes of comforters.  We have a wish list on our website that you can check to see what we need.  And we are always glad to receive gift cards from Target, Amazon, JobLot, etc. to give to our clients so they can pick out some nice things for their new homes.
      Thank you for helping us to help others!  And keep up the good work!
Steve kaufman

Guitar Talk with Master Luthier Steve Kauffman & Live Music Demonstration

Guitar Museum of New England presents rare opportunity to experience master luthier’s craft in an intimate concert and demo setting

CONCORD, MA — The Guitar Museum of New England will present a special one-night
program, “Meet the Master Luthier: Steve Kauffman,” on Wednesday, April 9, 2026,
from 7:00–8:30 PM at the Concord Conservatory of Music in West Concord.

This exclusive master class and demonstration with legendary guitar builder Steve
Kauffman is part of a year-long celebration marking 50 years of his groundbreaking work
as a master luthier.

Hosted just steps from the future home of the Guitar Museum of New England, the evening
offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and innovation that define some of the
world’s most extraordinary, handcrafted instruments.

Kauffman will present a fascinating glimpse at the journey from design to resonant
instrument, explaining how key decisions around bracing, wood selection, and inlay and
marquetry all come together to create instruments that are both visually stunning and
musically exceptional.

The program will also feature live performances on select Kauffman-built instruments
from the Guitar Museum of New England’s collection, with the venue provided in
collaboration with the Concord Conservatory of Music.

“This program reflects the kind of immersive, educational experience that will define the
Guitar Museum of New England,” said Wilson Schünemann, co-founder and lead curator of
the Museum. “It’s an opportunity to hear directly from one of the most innovative voices in
modern guitar building—and to experience these instruments as they were meant to be
heard.”

The event is presented in partnership with the Concord Conservatory of Music, whose
Executive Director and Founder, Kate Yoder, has previously noted the strong synergy
between the two organizations, including opportunities for shared programming and
community engagement.

The Guitar Museum of New England, currently in development in West Concord, is
dedicated to celebrating the artistry of guitar builders, musicians, and designers through
interactive exhibits, performances, and educational programming.

Tickets for this special event are $35 and are available at: https://guitarmuseum.org/
Mcc lowell open house

Learn More about MCC’s Lowell Campus at the Spring 2026 Open House

Middlesex Community College provides access to a variety of course options, student support services, resources and expert professionals to set students up for success from day one. Prospective students and their families can learn more about what Middlesex has to offer at an Open House at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in Lowell.

“We’re thrilled to show prospective students and their families all about the experiences and opportunities Middlesex provides,” said Kristie Faletra, MCC’s Director of Admissions. “Open Houses allow you to learn firsthand about the programs, support services and resources we offer. Whether in Bedford or Lowell, you can explore our campuses and meet faculty and staff from across the college.”
During the in-person Lowell Open House, prospective students and their families can meet with faculty and staff from across MCC’s program and student service areas. The Open House will cover experiences such as academic and career counseling, dual enrollment, financial aid, free college, tutoring, student access and support services, the Commonwealth Honors Program and more.

There will also be an opportunity to take a campus tour of the Lowell facilities and apply to the college.
Middlesex will host an additional Open House in Bedford on Wednesday, April 1. Prospective students and their families can learn more about MCC’s resources and offerings, while touring the Bedford Campus.

“No matter their age, background or goals, we guide students on their individual paths to success,” Faletra said. “We look forward to hosting our Open Houses to show you how we can help!”
Visit www.middlesex.edu/admissions/index.html for more information and to register for MCC’s Open Houses.

Easter Services at the Lutheran Church of the Savior

Please join us for the holiest week of the church year as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.    We offer multiple services during Holy week:

   Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday service at 7PM
   Friday, April 3:  Good Friday service at 7PM
   Saturday, April 4: Easter Vigil service at 7PM
   Sunday, April 5:  Easter Sunday service at 8AM and 11AM
                                Join us for an Easter coffee between our two services.

We are located at 426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA and excited to welcome you into our sanctuary.

Should you require any additional information, please call our church office at (781) 275-6013 to speak with our Pastor, Rev. Nils Niemeier. Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Esteemed poet to speak mcc

Esteemed Poet and Literary Performer to Speak to MCC Students


Middlesex Community College will host poet and literary performer Regie Gibson as part of the Visiting Writers Series. The event will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 in the Bedford Campus Café East.

“What years of workshopping poetry and classroom teaching has shown me is I have a very limited ability – if any – to teach anyone how to make a poem successful or, even better,” Gibson said. “But, I can – on my better days – often help the poem suck less! That is, suggest ways to freshen up cliche, find direction, clarity and complexity, and help refine the music of it.”

Performing and lecturing widely in the U.S., Cuba and Europe, Gibson is a former National Poetry Slam Individual Champion in the U.S. and winner of the Absolute Poetry Award and Europa in Versi Award competitions in Europe. He has composed text for and performed with Handel & Haydn Society’s Crossing the Deep and has featured with The Boston City Singers, The Mystic Chorale, and the Lexington Symphony.

His poetry has appeared in The Iowa Review, Poetry Magazine, Harvard Divinity Magazine, as well as the anthology Spoken Word Revolution (Source-books, 2005). In 2023, his play “The Juke: A Blues Bacchae” premiered in Boston’s Calderwood Pavilion.

An actor and creator of The Shakespeare Time-Traveling Speakeasy, he is Artistic Director of Arts for Social Cohesion. Gibson has been awarded Live Arts Boston grants and a Brother Thomas Fellowship.
Teaching at Berklee College of Music and Clark University, Gibson serves on the boards of the New England Poetry Club and Grub Street Writers. In 2025, he was appointed by Governor Healey as the inaugural Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The MCC Visiting Writers Series is co-sponsored by the Creative Writing Program and the Office of Student Engagement. MCC’s Café East is located in the Campus Center Building at 591 Springs Road in Bedford. Parking is available on-campus.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/events/visitingwriter.html for more information.
Firstchurch wvmusicfest26

10th Annual Benefit Features Appalachian Music & Pulled-Pork Supper

Step right up for a delicious pulled-pork supper accompanied by live Appalachian folk music at Bedford’s 10th annual West Virginia Music Festival fundraiser.

Hosted by First Church of Christ Congregational in Bedford, 25 Great Road, this annual benefit will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11. Appalachian folk music by West Virginia duo Tim & Maggie, and a pulled-pork buffet supper with all the fixings will set the table for a fun evening. 

Admission to the 2026 West Virginia Music Festival (including dinner) is $25 per person ($50 per family) with  children age 10 and under free. The dinner will feature homemade pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw and corn bread, plus a variety of desserts. (Vegan chili will also be served.) Plenty of free parking is located behind the church.

Highlighting the 2026 Festival is the authentic music of Tim & Maggie, who hail from Athens, W.Va. They have spent decades studying and performing Early American/Appalachian folk music, and play a variety of instruments, including banjo, guitar and flutes.

First Church will donate all proceeds from this fundraiser to help provide new roofs to dormitories at the Appalachian South Folklife Center in Pipestem, W.Va. Volunteer groups from all over the country stay at the Folklife Center while they work on home-repair projects for local residents.

For 10 years, First Church Bedford’s West Virginia Mission Project has helped fight poverty in Appalachia by supporting nonprofit organizations in and around Princeton, W.Va. -- which is located in one of the poorest counties in the state. These community groups are dedicated to making local home repairs, supporting after-school children’s programs, and hosting arts activities for at-risk youth.
To donate directly to the First Church West Virginia Mission Project, please visit our  Tithe.ly website  and select: “WV Mission support.”

The entire community is invited to the 2026 West Virginia Music Festival to sample the fine cooking of our First Church chefs and enjoy some lively Appalachian folk music. This benefit will also help bring hope to a naturally beautiful part of the United States with deep and distinctive cultural roots. For further information, please visit: firstchurchbedforducc.org or call 781-275-7951. 

First Church of Christ Congregational in Bedford, Mass., is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ. We welcome all, grow in faith, and joyfully serve.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Certifies Seven New Climate Leader Communities, Awards $1.1 Million

 
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) certified seven new Climate Leader Communities (CLCs), which is the third group of CLCs. Beverly, Brookline, Eastham, Sharon, Shutesbury, Warwick and Wayland applied for and met the requirements to become CLCs. They are now eligible to apply for grants up to $1,150,000 each for projects that reduce municipal emissions, or for technical support ahead of projects. There are now 35 Climate Leader Communities in Massachusetts.

DOER will also award $1,158,000 in Technical Support Grants to Aquinnah, Carlisle, Harvard, Melrose, Natick, Stow, Truro, and West Tisbury. Technical Support Grants help CLCs fund engineering and design documents that will lead toward the final steps needed for projects to be eligible for Climate Leader Communities Decarbonization Accelerator Grants. Accelerator Grants provide up to $1 million for projects that significantly reduce greenhouse gas pollution from municipal operations.
 
  • Carlisle will receive $119,000 to fund Engineering design for decarbonizing town hall.
  • Stow will receive $150,000 to fund engineering design for partial decarbonization of the Hale School and rooftop solar at the Center School.
The Climate Leader Communities Program builds on the highly successful Green Communities Designation and Grant program. The vast majority of Massachusetts municipalities are designated Green Communities, and have partnered with DOER on hundreds of projects to deliver more than $30 million in municipal energy cost savings each year. DOER created the CLC Program in response to high demand from designated Green Communities for a higher tier of the program. The CLC encourages municipalities to lower municipal emissions, maximize the efficiency of buildings and transportation, and slash energy costs.

More information on DOER’s Climate Leader Communities program can be found on its website.