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Deadgrass

Deadgrass Reimagines the Music of Jerry Garcia at Bedford Town Hall


BEDFORD, Mass. — The Bedford Cultural District’s New Song Music Series is thrilled to welcome Deadgrass—five accomplished musicians who explore the music of Jerry Garcia on the instruments that first inspired him—to Bedford Town Hall on Saturday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Deadgrass brings together a powerhouse lineup of artists whose collective experience spans genres and stages around the world:
  • Matt Turk, a multi-instrumentalist, has performed and recorded with Pete Seeger and opened for major artists including Judy Collins.
  • C Lanzbom, a Grammy Award–winning guitarist, has shared performing, producing, and engineering credits with legends such as Bruce Springsteen.
  • Dave Richards, a bassist currently performing in Hamilton on Broadway, has appeared at venues ranging from the Hollywood Bowl to Austin City Limits.
  • Boo Reiners, a versatile banjo player, has collaborated with artists including Phil Lesh and Steve Martin.
  • Kensuke Shoji, a Berklee-trained fiddler, has performed with Alex Hargreaves, Maria Muldaur, and many others.


Critics have praised Deadgrass for both artistry and authenticity. NYS Music described their sound as “improv-laden… phenomenal chops… refreshing and fun,” while The Daily Item noted, “Anyone who loves the Dead… will have a spectacular night.” The Gazette heralded the band’s live show for “inspiring music fans to get up and dance.”

Watch Deadgrass perform “Midnight Moonlight” on YouTube: bit.ly/4owpzau

Tickets are available at newsongbedford.org. The concert will be held in the Reed Room at Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, and will feature a newly upgraded sound system. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments and community connection, with the music beginning at 7:30 p.m.

New Song is a volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District, made possible by the generous support of its sponsors: Red Heat Tavern, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL® Therapy and Balance Centers Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, and the Mass Cultural Council.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
92nd boxborough merrie christmas fair

Join the Fun at the 92nd Boxborough Merrie Christmas Fair!

The holidays are coming — and so is Boxborough’s favorite tradition now in year 92! The Merrie Christmas Fair at the United Church of Christ (723 Massachusetts Ave.) returns on Saturday, November 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop locally and support your neighbors along the way.
You’ll find something for everyone: handmade gifts and crafts, sparkling jewelry, cozy knits, delicious baked goods, and beautiful holiday greens. Browse Attic Treasures for special finds, let the kids enjoy their own craft and gift area, and stop by the Sugar Plum Café for coffee and treats while holiday music fills the air.
Santa Claus will be mingling with fairgoers young and old  — have your camera ready!
The Silent Auction is back and full of opportunities to delight .  Shop online at https://auctria.events/UCCBSilentAuction2025 from November 12–22. Bid on wonderful donations from local businesses and neighbors.
This year, 10% of proceeds will support the Acton Food Pantry Building Fund, helping expand services for families in need.
It’s a morning full of laughter, community, and holiday cheer — don’t miss it! Questions? Call (978) 263-7387 for more information.

Concord Women’s Chorus Presents
‘Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season’

 
Usher in the season with celebrated choral music
CONCORD, MA Issued October 27, 2025... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents the holiday season concert “Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season,” on Saturday, December 6, 4 pm, at a new venue, Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord.  The performance is conducted by CWC Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank, accompanied by Simon Andrews, piano.

“Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season,” features a glorious program of music, including Dan Forrest’s luminous “Lux: The Dawn from on High,” a multi-movement work scored for women’s chorus, piano, violin, and cello. Other favorites include Ruth Morris Gray’s jazzy, percussion-driven “What Child Is This” and “Siyahamba,” Forrest’s warm and inclusive “Shalom,” and Elaine Hagenberg’s heartfelt “O Come, Emmanuel.” At the conclusion of the concert, the audience will be invited to join a festive, traditional (and really fun!) carol singalong. The program features some of Boston's finest professional instrumentalists, including Anne-Marie Chubet, violin (Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra, Director, Boston College Baroque Ensemble); Andrew Koutroubas, cello (Boston Early Music Festival, Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra); Gary Fieldman, djembe (Portland Symphony, ME, and Springfield Symphony, MA).

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.  Acclaimed conductor Jane Ring Frank was recently awarded Choral Arts New England’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for her expertise at a ceremony where CWC performs under her direction, and in her honor.

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.

Tickets to “Radiant Light” are $30 adults, free for children under 12, available at simpletix.com/e/radiant-light-a-celebration-of-the-season-tickets-240537. Seating is limited; early purchase is recommended.  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.

About Concord Women’s Chorus
Concord Women's Chorus (CWC), based in Concord, Massachusetts, is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power in women’s voices through song. Singers hail 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. The ensemble has commissioned three new choral works to date.
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.
The chorus began in 1960 as the Concord Madrigals, a small group of women who expressed, through song, the strength of female community. Over the years the group has increased in size and capacity and greatly expanded its repertoire. In 2005, the Concord Madrigals became Concord Women’s Chorus, a name that reflects not only the evolution of the chorus but the abiding power of women’s voices.
In addition to concerts, CWC often engages in other performances and projects. The ensemble has engaged in several concert tours in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. For more information or to join CWC, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.
 

Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks Annual Turkey Drive

 
Each year, as Thanksgiving approaches, Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks proudly continues its long-standing tradition of giving back through its Annual Turkey Drive supporting the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. What started years ago as a small company initiative has grown into a community effort that helps ensure local families can enjoy a warm and plentiful holiday meal.

The Turkey Drive is a true team effort, with Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks employees, customers, and local partners all pitching in to donate turkeys, canned goods, and other Thanksgiving essentials. The company collects and delivers the donations directly to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, where they're distributed to families across the region in time for the holiday.

"For us, this tradition is about more than just providing food, it's about sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving," said Derek Vacca -General Manager of Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks. "We're incredibly thankful for our customers and our community, and we want to do our part to help ensure everyone can celebrate the season surrounded by good food and good company."

Over the years, the annual Turkey Drive has become one of Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks' most meaningful community initiatives. The team takes pride in knowing their efforts bring comfort to local families-extending the same warmth they provide through their heating and cooling services to those in need.

The Merrimack Valley Food Bank plays a vital role in fighting hunger across the region, and contributions from community partners like Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks help make their mission possible. Each turkey and each donation adds up to hundreds of meals shared, stories told, and memories made.

As this year's holiday season approaches, Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks encourages others to join in - by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Together, these small acts of generosity make a lasting impact, helping ensure that no table is left empty on Thanksgiving Day.

For Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks, it's more than just a turkey drive - it's a celebration of community, compassion, and the true spirit of giving.

Holiday Artisans Fair in Concord

 
The annual Holiday Artisans Fair will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Road, Concord, MA. The event will be held indoors, rain or shine. This popular juried fair has taken place for over 55 years and will offer a wide variety of handmade works by fine artists, photographers, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, florists, specialty food providers and other artisans. A curated boutique of women’s vintage clothing and accessories and holiday decorations will add much interest to your shopping experience. Great browsing and shopping for adults and children. Special food will be served all day on site.  Proceeds go to charitable non-profit organizations.
Concord alcott toastmasters

Concord Alcott Toastmasters Invites Community to Fall Open House on October 27

The Alcott Toastmasters Club will host its Fall Open House on Monday, October 27, from 7–9 PM at 62 Monument Square in Concord. The event is free and open to the public.
Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about Toastmasters, an international organization that helps people develop public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. The evening will include light refreshments, member stories about their personal growth through Toastmasters, and a fun interactive activity called Jenga Table Topics—a lighthearted way to practice impromptu speaking. Participation is optional, and no prior speaking experience is required.
“Before joining Toastmasters, I was so shy I hesitated to answer questions on Zoom,” said Dora Farkas, Alcott Toastmasters Vice President of Membership. “When I finally visited, I discovered a warm, encouraging community where everyone starts from where they are. That’s what we want guests to experience at the Open House.”
Looking to speak with confidence in meetings or presentations? Toastmasters offers a supportive way to build leadership skills while mastering clear and persuasive communication. The Alcott Toastmasters Open House is the perfect opportunity to experience this firsthand.
Where: 62 Monument Square in Concord
When: Monday, October 27th, 7-9 pm
Free parking is available on the street and nearby public lot. For more information or to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrxuse2x

Job Lane Farm Museum – Last Tour of the Season

295 North Road, Bedford, MA
The last tour of the season is Sunday, October 26, from 2 to 4 pm.
The 1800 Parlor has  Rufus Porter murals as Rufus lived in Billerica, the next town, and may have passed by the house often. Oliver Reed Abbott, was deeded the house from his cousin Stephen Lane, and lived in the house at the time having enlarged it when he married.
The Timber frame barn is also interesting as we believe it is in the style Job Lane would have built.

Visit our website: https://joblanefarmmuseum.org/
Beyond the notes collaborates1

Beyond the Notes Collaborates with Internationally Acclaimed Duo Boyd Meets Girl


Featuring Boyd Meets Girl and a unique partnership with Concord Conservatory and Powers Art Gallery Beyond the Notes, Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at 7:30pm EST

ARTISTS: Rupert Boyd (classical guitar), Laura Metcalf (cello), and founder Sarah Whitney (violin)
VENUE: First Parish Church (Parish Hall), Concord MA 20 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA 01742
TICKETS: $30 General Admission/$35 at door/$15 Students
TICKET SALES AND GENERAL INFO: www.gobeyondthenotes.com

ABOUT THIS CONCERT:
Hailed as "Bold...edgy...totally engaging! Not to be missed!" Now celebrating its eleventh season in Concord, MA, Beyond the Notes breaks down the wall between audience and performers, creating a new experience rich in dialogue about the music and the artists themselves. For this upcoming concert, founder and artistic director Sarah Whitney invites Billboard chart-topping duo Boyd Meets Girl—Australian guitarist Rupert Boyd and American cellist Laura Metcalf—for an eclectic program that blurs and redefines traditional genres. Expect music by Caroline Shaw, Maurice Ravel, Radiohead, and more delightful selections.

Beyond the Notes is supported in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council, Bedford Cultural Council, and Concord Local Cultural Council - local agencies that are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, astate agency. Prelude music will feature students from the Concord Conservatory of Music and artwork will be showcased onstage from Powers Gallery.
Mcc to host halloween themed concert

MCC to Host Halloween-themed Concert

Middlesex Community College will continue its Fall 2025 concert series “A World of Music” with a Halloween-themed performance by the Rasa Strings Quartet. The concert will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 26 at MCC’s Concert Hall in Bedford.
“Soundtrack to a Nightmare fully embraces the Halloween spirit, taking audiences on a spine-tingling journey through the storyline of a classic horror movie,” said Kiyoshi Hayashi, Rasa String Quartet violinist. “The program opens in suspense and mystery, drifts into the elegance of an aristocratic ball and fleeting romance, then plunges into a dark descent of battle and death, before emerging in the eerie beauty of the afterlife.”
Since winning first prize in the Chamber Music Yellow Springs 35th Annual Competition, Rasa Strings Quartet quickly emerged as one of New England’s finest young ensembles. In addition to Hayashi, the quartet consists of Eunghee Cho, cellist; Maura Shawn Scanlin, violinist; and Claudia Do Minh Ramos, violist.
This award-winning quartet explores the musical space where classical and folk traditions intersect and influence one another. They will set the mood for Halloween with a concert that includes a mix of spooky mainstream Halloween classics, folk music from across the world, and iconic classical masterworks.
“As with most of Rasa’s shows, it’s a thrilling mix of genres – from classical masterworks by Mozart and Schubert, to folk tunes by The Fretless, and iconic favorites like Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ and Radiohead,” Hayashi said. “We can’t wait to share this dramatic, action-packed adventure and you might even hear a few wolf howls, ghostly footsteps, and other otherworldly surprises along the way!”
Additional upcoming “A World of Music” performances in Bedford include Jewish Songs and Dances at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21; MCC Faculty Concert at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 7; and a Student Recital at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 8.
MCC will welcome the Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) for a second time this season at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13 at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell. The LCO also kicked off “World of Music” with a concert on Sunday, October 12 at the Academic Arts Center.
All concerts are free and open to the public.
MCC’s Concert Hall is located in the North Academic Building at 591 Springs Road in Bedford. Parking is available on-campus. Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/events/worldofmusic.html for more information.
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CAPTION (MCC_WoM_Rasa_Strings_Quartet_F25.jpg): Middlesex Community College will continue its Fall 2025 concert series “A World of Music” with a Halloween-themed performance by the Rasa Strings Quartet. The concert will take place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 26 at MCC’s Concert Hall in Bedford.
Flavorsofbedford1

Flavors of Bedford

The 25th Flavors of Bedford will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Courtyard by Marriott Boston Billerica Bedford, 270 Concord Road, Billerica.
Flavors of Bedford is a festive, fun food sampling event where local restaurants and guests gather for food, spirits, and raffle prizes to help support the local community. All members of the community are invited and encouraged to come and enjoy. There will be a variety of offerings from local restaurant favorites to be announced in the coming months. This event is organized by the Bedford Chamber of Commerce with a portion of the proceeds going to the Bedford Food Pantry.

To see the evolving and expanding list of the community sponsors, participating restaurants, raffle donors, and to purchase tickets, visit flavorsofbedford.org or contact the Bedford Chamber of Commerce at www.BedfordChamber.org or  bcoc@bedfordchamber.org.

Scott Foster Photography Exhibit at Concord Council on Aging October – November 13, 2025

The Concord Council on Aging is proud to present a captivating photography exhibit by Scott Strong Hawk Foster, on display from October through November 13, 2025. Foster, a seasoned photographer with over 25 years of experience, invites viewers to explore life’s fleeting moments through his lens in a deeply personal and visually compelling collection.
Foster’s philosophy “Capture the Moment... Share the Experience”—is more than a tagline; it’s a guiding principle. His images are crafted to evoke emotion, atmosphere, and story, offering viewers a chance to step into the mood and meaning of each captured moment. “Life is filled with a series of fleeting moments that will never present themselves in the same way again,” says Foster. “If they’re not captured, they may be lost forever.”
Raised among the hills and valleys of Worcester County, MA, and Kanawha County, WV, Foster’s work is infused with a reverence for nature, family, and heritage. As a citizen of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band, his photography reflects a deep respect for Mother Earth and the communities that shape his identity.
Foster’s boutique approach to photography emphasizes collaboration, joy, and storytelling. Whether shooting powwows, weddings, or special events, he strives to make each project a stress-free and memorable experience. His portfolio spans thousands of images that celebrate people, places, and traditions with authenticity and heart.
When not behind the camera, Foster enjoys curating his vast photo archive, attending cultural workshops, cheering on Boston sports teams, and sharing good food and music with lifelong friends. He credits his family, Native community, and all those he’s met along the way for inspiring his creative journey.
Join us at the Concord Council on Aging to experience Scott Foster’s photography, a celebration of life, memory, and connection. As Foster puts it, “Still wandering, but not lost.”
Location: Concord Council on Aging Dates: October – November 13, 2025   Admission: Free and open to the public Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Friday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Concord antiques show

Concord Antiques Show November 7 & 8


The Trinitarian Congregational Church will be hosting its 54th annual Antiques Show on Friday and Saturday, November 7th  and 8th , at the TriCon Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord, from 10-5 on Friday and 10 - 4 on Saturday.

The Antiques Show raises monies to support mission and outreach efforts. All proceeds to the church, from entry fees, dealer rents, and café sales, are given away to outreach organizations that support hunger initiatives, domestic violence agencies, preschool and early education scholarships, veterans' needs, and the LGBTQ+ community.  Offering fine antiques, furniture, glassware, prints, jewelry, art work, rugs, and more, 3 floors of quality dealers are on hand to greet the over 600 customers who come back year after year. Our building is fully accessible.

The TriCon Café is a hit every year, offering freshly made sandwiches and soups and a place to sit so you can make a day of shopping and lunch.  We also sell many homemade desserts, including pies (sliced and whole), cookies, and other yummy baked treats.

The entrance fee is $10 per person (children free).  Look for our coupon/ad on social media, some area stores for $1 off.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Celebrate the Season at the Annual Scandinavian Fair – Nov 8 in Concord

 
Join us for the Annual Scandinavian Fair 2025 on Saturday, November 8th from 10 AM to 3 PM at Concord Middle School, 923 Old Marlboro Road, Concord, MA.
This community tradition is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
Shop & Explore
Find hand-crafted Scandinavian gifts, jewelry, books, linens, ornaments, and stocking stuffers — perfect for early holiday shopping.
Taste the North
Visit the Nordic Café for open-faced sandwiches, waffles, lefse, and our famous cream cake. Plus, browse gourmet cheeses, baked goods, chocolates, and seafood at great prices.
Enjoy Live Scandinavian Music
Immerse yourself in the sounds and spirit of the Nordic countries while you shop and sample delicious treats.
Bring your family, meet a Viking, and experience the warmth and charm of Nordic holiday traditions!
Admission:
Adults – $5 | Children under 16 – Free
Sponsored by Norumbega Lodge, Sons of Norway.
All proceeds support the Lodge’s fraternal and charitable activities.

“Fill a Truck” Saturday, November 1st

 
Your extra could be someone’s only.
The public is invited to donate good quality new and used household goods on Saturday, November 1st from 9 am to 1 pm at the Pompositticut Community Center, 509 Great Road,  Stow, MA 01775.
Donations will be collected on-site in a moving truck generously provided by Mark’s Moving & Storage and delivered to Household Goods, Inc. Household Goods provides a full range of donated furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home.
The event is organized and sponsored by Mark’s Moving & Storage, the official mover of Household Goods. In addition, Mark’s Moving & Storage is providing a driver, support staff and surplus storage if needed.

The following items will be gratefully accepted:
  • Dressers, tables, chairs, couches and bookcases
  • Like-new mattresses, box springs and bed frames
  • Dishes, flatware, pots and pans, bakeware, sheets, towels, blankets, lamps, microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, and vacuum cleaners


Only items that are clean, complete and in good working order will be accepted. We cannot take upholstered items that are stained or torn, food, clothing, toys, books or any items not listed above.

About Household Goods, Inc.
Since 1990, Household Goods has furnished 60,000 homes across Massachusetts. Located at 530 Main Street, Acton, MA, Household Goods furnishes over 3,000 homes with 90,000 household items every year. This is made possible by hundreds of dedicated volunteers who contribute tens of thousands of hours. For more information about Household Goods visit https://householdgoods.org

About Mark's Moving & Storage
Mark’s Moving and Storage’s non-profit division Mark’s Northeastern Furniture Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and was established to re-purpose discarded furniture and provide for charities and individuals in need. Since 2011, the foundation and its partners have distributed thousands of pieces of re-purposed furniture. More than 1,000,000 pounds of furniture have been given to individuals and local charities, such as the United Way of Tri-County, Welcome Home and Household Goods, Inc.  For more information, visit the firm’s website, www.marksmoving.com.
Mark’s Moving and Storage, 111 Milk St., Westborough, offers a wide range of moving and storage services, including commercial on demand warehouse storage local and long-distance residential and corporate moving, air freight, container shipping, record storage management, disposal, packing and unpacking services, portable storage containers, warehousing and fire and flood remediation.
Nashoba symphonic band opens season

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND OPENS SEASON

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey will open its 10th Anniversary season on Sunday, November 2nd at 3 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 in Bolton MA (GPS says Green Road). The concert includes the Overture to Colas Breugnon by Dmitri Kabalevsky, Variations on a Korean Folk Song by John Barnes Chance and the Symphonic Songs for Band by the legendary Robert Russell Bennett as well as marches by Karl L. King.

The NSB continues it season on February 7th with Arutunian's Rhapsody for Trumpet and Winds with soloist Joe Cosgrove and the Symphonic Dances from “Fiddler on the Roof.” The May 3rd Tenth Anniversary Concert will feature the brilliant Earles/Fennell transcription for symphonic band of Stravinsky's Firebird Suite (1919 version).
Also look for some new additions this season: On December 7th , April 4th, and May 2nd, NSB Players will be presenting a series of chamber concerts featuring our Chamber Players and Clarinet, Brass, Trombone, and Saxophone ensembles.
For further information, contact David Bailey (baileydavidwayne@gmail.com),
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School. It is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Lancaster, Lunenberg and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.
All Nashoba Symphonic Band events are free and open to the public.  
Sweet dreams strong foundations

Sweet Dreams, Strong Foundations: Helping Young Children (and Parents) Rest Well

Thursday, November 13, 7-8:00 p.m. Live Webinar
Sleep can be one of the trickiest subjects for families with young children. First Connections invites you to join the experienced Concord Children's Center early childhood educators - who have supported infants, toddlers, and preschoolers through every stage of growth - for a practical, encouraging workshop in creating healthy sleep routines. We'll share research on why good sleep is essential for children's learning, behavior, and overall development, and provide simple, effective strategies to make naptime calmer and bedtimes smoother. From setting up routines that work for your family, to handling common challenges like night waking and transitions, our teachers will offer real-life tips and best practices rooted in both science and years of hands-on classroom experience. Parents will leave with concrete strategies, reassurance, and new ideas to help their children (and themselves!) get the rest they need. To receive the zoom link, email lmatthews@jri.org. This free program is funded by the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care. 

Teen Company Presents Alice By Heart!e

Be transported by Concord Youth Theatre’s Teen Company and their performance of Alice by Heart. From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Alice by Heart is a musical inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, set during the London Blitz of World War II. It tells the story of Alice Spencer, who uses the Wonderland story to escape the harsh reality of an underground tube station where she and her terminally ill best friend, Alfred, are hiding. The musical explores themes of first love, grief, loss, and imagination, as Alice's journey through Wonderland blurs with her real-world experiences.

CYT’s Teen Company is made up of local actors in grades 9-12. Performances will be held at CYT, 53 Church Street in West Concord on Friday, October 17 at 7:00, Saturday, October 18 at 4:00, and Sunday, October 19 at 2:00. Our theater is handicap accessible. Tickets can be purchased online at https://concordyouththeatre.org/

If you have any questions, please call 978-371-1482 or send an email to concord_youth_theatre@concordyouththeatre.org.
The concord players presents2

The Concord Players Presents She Kills Monsters November 7-22
The Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street, Concord, MA

She Kills Monsters is a heartfelt, action-packed adventure about belonging and bonds that never die.  Written by Qui Nguyen, this drama-comedy debuted in 2011 and was nominated for two Drama Desk Awards in 2012.
When the totally average Agnes loses her sister Tilly in a fatal car crash, Agnes uses Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook to open a gateway into a magical world filled with fantastical creatures.
Armed with a sword, her imagination, and an entourage of badass heroines, Agnes embarks on a quest to save Tilly’s soul by battling homicidal fairies, beastly boyfriends, and demonic cheerleaders along the way.  But when the lines between fantasy and reality start to blur, Agnes doubts she has the courage to slay the mightiest of dragons and say farewell to a sister she never really knew.
Chelmsford resident Ava Enoch portrays Vera Martin – an outspoken and straightforward High School Guidance Counselor who also happens to be Agnes’ best friend, colleague and often serves as the voice of reason.  Ava is thrilled to bring her D&D expertise to the Concord stage especially into the game world of She Kills Monsters where Vera is a tentacled eyeball with shark-like teeth.
Chris Maloney, also of Chelmsford, plays Chuck Biggs – a member of Tillys’ friend group, wisecracking showman, and resident Dungeon Master who introduces Agnes to Tilly’s other real-life friends and whose knowledge and enthusiasm make him an invaluable guide for Agnes on her quest. Balancing goofy innuendo with sincerity, in the game world Chuck appears as an all-knowing wizard, yet demonstrates genuine care for Tilly and her memory. Chris brings his own decade-long experience as Dungeon Master to the Concord stage where he most recently appeared in the February production of Shakespeare In Love.
Costume Designer Tina Zannieri of Concord proclaims “costuming for SKM is both a challenge and a joy. There’s a lot of room for artistic creativity with the D&D theme however the costumes need to be designed to allow the expression of the characters and yet be sturdy enough to withstand the vigorous fighting required.”
“Every play or musical has challenges and this presentation of She Kills Monsters, quite literally, has far more than any show I have worked on in nearly twenty years” said Set Designer Allen Bantly of Carlisle. “Puppetry, revolves, crashing walls and flying demons presented by a very talented cast should provide for an exciting evening of entertainment. You may also learn a little bit about Dungeons and Dragons.”
According to Props Designer Anne Bantly, also of Carlisle “I never thought I would be making guts! Finding and making props for SKM would have been a lot more difficult if it wasn’t so close to Halloween.  The entire cast and crew have been very supportive with specialized props and set dressing for this show, and it’s been an educational and thoroughly enjoyable experience!”
With a cast of 16, portraying over 20 real characters and mythical creatures, She Kills Monsters promises to be one of the most imaginative shows the Players have produced in many years, all under the creative direction of Quinton Kappel, most recently seen in leading roles on the Concord stage in Shakespeare In Love and The Play That Goes Wrong.
No prior knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons is necessary as audiences will be transported along with Agnes on her journey of discovery but please be aware this production does contain some adult language.
Performances are November 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, & 22 at 8:00 pm and November 9 & 16 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $24.00 and fantastical monster-themed costumes are welcome! For more information and to order tickets please visit: concordplayers.org or Email: tickets@concordplayers.org or call the Box Office at 978-369-2990 and leave a detailed message.

Fall Fellowship Fair. First Baptist Church of Lexington October 25, 2025

The First Baptist Church of Lexington will be hosting the 67th annual Fall Fellowship Fair on October 25, 2025 from 9am to 3pm. Breakfast will be served from 9am-11am. Fresh baked muffins made on site will be served.  Lunch served at 11:30am.  Many items to choose from including homemade corn chowder.
The fair features the Cookie Walk room, Holiday Corner with homemade Christmas items and a silent auction on gift baskets.  Bake Shop with homemade pies and other baked goods.  Jewelry table, Knit Shop, handcrafted Items.  Patchwork and Quilts. Yard Sale rooms with many fun items. Fun vendors as well.
The First Baptist Church is located at 1580 Massachusetts Ave in Lexington Center. For additional information, telephone number is 781-862-9050.  fbclexington.org

Concord Festival of Authors Showcases Outstanding Line-up of Books, Speakers and Stories for All in October 2025

 
Concord, MA --  The annual Concord Festival of Authors (CFA), managed by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library, celebrates the written and spoken word this fall with two weeks of literary events throughout town from October 18-November 1.
The 2025 CFA kicks off with a jam-packed day featuring the ever-popular Authors Breakfast moderated by Suzanne Koven at the Colonial Inn at 8:30 am on Saturday, October 18.  Ticket information will be available on the CFA website by October 1.  Following it, Barefoot Books opens its doors and shelves for families with story time and crafts; Barrow Bookstore hosts a live and online event examining the Concord Free Public Library’s Special Collections; and wrapping up that evening at 8 pm at Umbrella Arts Center with From Page to Stage, a special post-show conversation following Tick…Tick, Boom! exploring the unique art of writing for the theater.
The Concord Free Public Library hosts multiple events including a Poetry Panel, the Robbins House presenting Tara Roberts; the Debut Authors Panel; renowned middle-grade author Marcella Pixley; and Karen Kirsten, author of Irena’s Gift, in conversation with author Jennifer S. Brown.
Additional programs are offered by local organizations including the Concord Museum, the Thoreau Society, the Transcendental Council of First Parish, and Walden Woods Project.
This year’s capstone event on November 1 spotlights innovative thinker and international economic policy advisor, Cass Sunstein, drawing from the ideas in his forthcoming book On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom.
Most events are free with registration, unless noted on the website. For more information on this year’s CFA, visit https://www.concordfestivalofauthors.org.

Genesis HR Battlegreen Run Celebrates 30 Years of Community and Charity with New Partnership

 
The Battlegreen Run Foundation today announced details for the 30th annual Genesis HR Battlegreen Run, set for Sunday, November 2. The event, which includes a USATF-certified 10K & 5K road race, a 5K & 2K walk, and a family fun run, anticipates up to 1,500 participants and relies on the support of hundreds of volunteers to support local charitable causes.
This milestone year is marked by a significant new community partnership with Lesley University Athletics. Lesley student-athletes will form the core of the volunteer team on race day, embodying the university’s deep commitment to community engagement and outreach.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Battlegreen Run Foundation for this iconic community event,” said Alex Burt, Lesley University Head Basketball Coach and Athletics Community Liaison. “Community service is a cornerstone of our athletics program and our university's values. This partnership allows our student-athletes to give back to the town that generously supports us, especially through our use of the Minuteman High School facilities for our collegiate sports programs. We’re excited to help ensure a successful event for all the worthy causes it supports.”
For three decades, the event has been proudly led by title sponsor Genesis HR Solutions, an Engage PEO company. Their sustained commitment has been instrumental in the run’s longevity and success.
The Genesis HR Battlegreen Run is more than just a race; it is a vital fundraising platform for a consortium of local non-profit organizations. Participants can run or walk to directly support these groups, which work tirelessly to address critical needs within the community.
“For 30 years, this event has been a testament to the power of community coming together,” said Steve Sartori, Race Director and Battlegreen Run Foundation President. “We are incredibly grateful for the enduring support of Genesis HR, and we are excited to welcome Lesley University into the Battlegreen Run family. Their students’ energy and commitment to service will be a tremendous asset on race day and help us continue our mission of supporting local charities.”
Registration for the 30th annual Genesis HR Battlegreen Run is now open. Community members are encouraged to participate as runners, walkers, volunteers, or donors.
To register, volunteer, or make a donation, please visit: www.battlegreenrunfoundation.org
Event Details:
  • What: 30th Annual Genesis HR Battlegreen Run (10 K & 5K Runs – 5K & 1.2m Walk)
  • When: Sunday, November 2
  • Where: Lexington High School Fieldhouse
  • Website: www.battlegreenrunfoundation.org
About the Battlegreen Run Foundation:
The Battlegreen Run Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and community spirit through its annual road race. The event serves as a primary fundraising vehicle for a select group of local charitable organizations, making a significant positive impact on the community.
The american chestnut story an orchard tour

The American Chestnut Story: An Orchard Tour
Sunday, October 26, 2025, 1:00-3:00 pm

On October 26, 1-3 pm, take a walk to learn about American Chestnut Trees with the Westborough Community Land Trust!

Did you know there is an American Chestnut tree breeding orchard in Westborough? These trees once dominated North American forests. With their huge size and their ability to produce many bushels of tasty nuts per tree each year, they were a cornerstone of ecosystems and livelihoods. Chestnut blight, a fungal disease, killed most of these trees in the decades following its introduction from Asia in 1901, but exciting efforts are being made to bring this tree back to its former glory.
Learn the fascinating story behind the work that is being done on this tour of the American Chestnut orchard and the surrounding property! Led by Bill Davis of the American Chestnut Foundation.

Meet at the Mass Wildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road (off North Drive) in Westborough. Park at the “P” near the lower left corner of the map linked below.

Free, open to the public, no reservation needed. Less than 1 mile of walking on easy woodland trails with one moderate hill.
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org
Trail Map: https://westboroughlandtrust.org/maps/WMA
Worcester chamber music

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents “The Joy of Youth” November 7 in Harvard and November 9 in Worcester

Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th Season with a concert titled “The Joy of Youth” at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard on November 7 and at Assumption University in Worcester on November 9.  A reception will follow each concert.
Youthful joy and sweetness shine through music written when these composers were still young. The ephemeral nature of youth was heightened for Boulanger, who composed D’un matin de printemps on her deathbed at age twenty-four. Despite chronic illness, Boulanger’s robust musical lineage was noticeably influential from as early on as the age of two, when she learned to read music before learning the alphabet and could sing melodies just by hearing them. Mozart, who died less than ten years after completing the “Spring” Piano Trio, was so renowned for his wunderkind abilities that he toured Europe as a six year old, and continued composing and performing for courts and royalty through his teen years. Brahms wrote the Piano Quartet early in his career, while his course was still being charted. Like Boulanger and Mozart, Brahms was born into a musical family and began composing and learning to play violin, cello, and piano as a young boy, though he published his earliest works under a pseudonym, perhaps due to sharp self-criticism and artistic perfectionism.
Friday, November 7 @7:30PM Sunday, November 9 @4PM
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 @3:30 PM
Program
Lili Boulanger | D’un matins de printemps
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | String Quartet K387 G major
Johannes Brahms | Piano Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 26
Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians:
Krista Buckland Reisner and Rohan Gregory, violin
Peter Sulski, viola
David Russell, cello
Randall Hodgkinson, piano
With guest  Tracy Kraus, flute
All venues are handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/the-joy-of-youth/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

JOIN NO KINGS RALLIES THIS SATURDAY

 
The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) has joined No Kings 2 as a national partner this Saturday, October 18. For more than a century, the League has stood firm in defending democracy and confronting threats to freedom and equality.
No Kings 2 offers an opportunity for people across the nation – and in Massachusetts – to come together in solidarity with allies and take a united stand against hate and authoritarianism.
There are several local rallies planned for this Saturday:
Acton, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., 472 Main Street
Chelmsford, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., Town Common, corner between North Road and Westford Street
Groton, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Groton Town Hall, 173 Main Street
Littleton, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Littleton Common, Stevens Street
Lowell, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Click on this link for location: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/846848/
Tyngsboro, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Tyngsboro Bridge, Middlesex Road and Kendall Road
Those unable to attend a local event can still take part. This map lists hundreds of rallies taking place across the country: https://www.nokings.org/#map
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information about the organization, go to lwv.westford.org.
Save a dog adoption event

Save A Dog Adoption Event
Meet your Perfect Match!
Saturday, October 25, 10am – 12 pm
at MetroWest Subaru


Looking to add a canine member to your family?
Join Save A Dog on Saturday, October 25, from 10 am to 12 pm at MetroWest Subaru, Route 9 East, Natick, for our “Meet & Greet” adoption event! Meet the adorable dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes and speak directly with staff who can introduce you and tell you more!
Monthly “Meet & Greet” events have been key to the success of hundreds of Save A Dog’s adoptions.
“This is always a fantastic opportunity for so many of our amazing, deserving pups to meet their potential forever person or family in a fun and welcoming setting,” says Julie Bolio, Save A Dog’s Shelter Manager. “Adoptions all over the country have slowed, leading to longer stays in shelters, so we especially appreciate the opportunity to give our pups extra exposure during 'Subaru Loves Pets Month!'
While Save A Dog adopters hail from all over New England and Massachusetts, “Meet & Greet” events are particularly popular with residents from surrounding communities including Acton, Maynard, Marlborough, Hudson, Stow, Carlisle, Westford and Littleton.
More information about Save A Dog’s adoptable dogs (and cats) can be found at www.saveadog.org.
Interested adopters are encouraged to complete an online application beforehand (www.saveadog.org/applytoadopt.asp) to help streamline the adoption process and find the best match for their household.
Now celebrating 27 years of rescuing homeless dogs and cats through its Sudbury shelter and network of dedicated foster homes, Save A Dog has found loving families for nearly 9,000 companion animals.
See you Saturday, October 25! 

Paranormal Talk & Fundraiser with Joe Rainone

Join us at the Massachusetts National Guard Museum Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5PM for a fascinating evening with EVP specialist and New England Paranormal lead investigator Joe Rainone. In 2024, Joe led a two-team ghost hunt at the Museum, uncovering intriguing evidence and stories from the Armory. During this one-hour presentation, he will share his findings, personal experiences exploring unexplained phenomena, and some of the evidence captured right here in the historic building.
Following the talk, the Armory will remain open for visitors to explore. This special event is part of a fundraiser to support the Museum’s programs and preservation efforts. The Museum is located at 91 Everett St, Concord, MA 01742. Go to https://friendsmangmuseum.org/events/ to register for the event.
Annual holiday open house kitty angels weekend

Annual Holiday Open House & Kitty Angels Weekend

Amherst, NH – Treasures Antiques, Collectables & MORE!, located at 106 Ponemah Road in Amherst, NH will be hosting their 35th Annual Holiday Open House and Kitty Angels Fundraising weekend on November 1st and 2nd. Festivities for the weekend will run both days, rain or shine, from 9AM till 4PM and includes Holiday inspired shopping, raffles and entertainment.
   
     This annual event has been a mainstay in the community since 1991 and features Kitty Angels, Inc., a no-kill cat shelter that is made up of all unpaid volunteers, dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and furnishing them with treatment for injuries or other health issues. These cats are then placed into life-long, loving “forever homes” with compatible owners. All necessary steps are taken to ensure the wellbeing of the cats, including spaying and neutering and providing rabies, distemper and other necessary vaccinations. They are a non-profit, charitable corporation and all donations are fully tax-deductible with every penny of each donation going directly to the care of these cats.

The weekend will also showcase some artists and artisans, crafters, professionals and specialty food vendors. Some participants include; artist Lori-Ellen Budenas of Respect the Wood!, a creator of abstract paintings, coasters, trivets and more, Seasonal Creations by Laurianne, Terrariums By Stephanie, The Glass Bottle, LuLaRoe, Heart’s Design Jewelry, Cam’s Shop, Ink 3-D, 2 Good 2 Be Baked, offering home baked breads and pies, Lime on the Loose, Tupperware, Karen Files Unique Designs, The Damsel Safety Chick, Expressional Gems, “Color Street” Darci’s Purple Passion Nails, Sparkles & Stitches, Cute Little Creations, Eclectic Touches, Scentsy, Crystal X Clear Collection, Oak Hill Designs, Midnight Kitty Creations, Angela and Miss Cat, Sassy Stitches, Just A Bunch Of Knots, SoGo Metal Art, Custom Care Designs, Gabe’s Creations, Moonshadow Designs, Mugwort & Mint Studio and so many more, along with live musical entertainers; Joey Peavey, Jeff Damon, Roosta Gulla, Sunset Rhythm, ‘9 Strings’ with Dick Spencer and Dan Rodd, Side Effects and Ken McAdams!

     This Holiday and Fundraiser event is pet and kid friendly and will offer exceptional sales for all, inside and out. Along with the food truck "B's Grumman Grub," a petting zoo with horse and pony rides will be provided by "Mapledell Farms" and "Trading Faces, LLC/Central Birch Art Studio" is offering face painting, body art and air brushing and, featuring a ‘paint and take’ activity for kids and adults alike.

     Treasures will also be offering a number of fun and exciting raffles, with prizes donated by local and national businesses. These prizes will include a “2 day get-a-way,” from HOMEWOOD SUITES, Nashua, an awesome chainsawed “Bald Eagle” head carving by Aya Blaine of the CHAINSAW CHIX,  a “2 tier cat tree” by ARUBACAT as well as many other cat and dog related items, jewelry, specialty food packages, and a variety of extra cool and exciting prizes.

     Please join Treasures and Kitty Angels, in friendship and the spirit of giving and sharing at the Holidays. For more information, visit www.TreasuresNH.com and www.KittyAngels.org   
Learn More

Concord Art Presents
Motherhood as Muse

 
Curated by Kathryn Geismar + Deborah Peeples
October 23, 2025 - December 21, 2025

Concord, MA - Beginning Thursday, October 23, Concord Art presents Motherhood as Muse, curated by Kathryn Geismar and Deborah Peeples. The exhibition will be on view through December 21.
Motherhood as Muse examines maternal identity as a source ofartistic creation, with artists pulling from their own lived realities to explore the tensions of the maternal experience. Curators Kathryn Geismar and Deborah Peeples aim to redefine “the concept of the muse through the gaze of motherhood,” exploring motherhood as a transformative experience that is both deeply personal and universal. The exhibition includes painting, sculpture, photography, and multi-media installation, all engaging with the multifaceted state of becoming that is motherhood.

Artists featured in this exhibition include Rachel Gloria Adams, Robin Assner-Alvey, Lisa Barthelson, Katherine Bradford, Sarah Meyers Brent, Jodi Colella, Merill Comeau, Alicia Ines Ethridge, Kathryn Geismar, Kate Holcomb Hale, Alison Judd, Susan Lichtman, Joetta Maue, Alison Croney Moses, Deborah Peeples, Katy Schneider, Anastasia Sierra, Michelle Silver, Caitlin Winner, and Helena Wurtzel. A book of the exhibition will be available at Concord Art. For more information, contact Executive Director Kate James at katejames@concordart.org or Assistant Director Natalie Reiser at nataliereiser@concordart.org. You may also call Concord Art at 978-369-2578.

About Concord Art:
Concord Center for the Visual Arts was founded a century ago by Elizabeth Wentworth Roberts, an American Impressionist and philanthropist whose mission—to promote and advance the visual arts and artists, and to sustain our cultural community—still stands today. Concord Art provides a place for contemporary art exhibitions and art education.

Concord Art: 37 Lexington Road, Concord, MA 01742. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am – 4:30pm and Sunday 12pm – 4pm. More info at www.concordart.org.

Open House: Job Lane Farm Museum, Bedford, MA

The museum is located at 295 North Road, Bedford, MA and open from 2 pm  to 4 pm, on the second and fourth Sundays, May through October. There are two Sundays left.

We have two exhibits of china, one a vintage 1900’s adult tea set, that we know was used at the Monroe Tavern in Lexington.

The other is a child’s tea set from the early 1900’s as well, possibly 1921-1941 as it was made in Japan.

Visit us and also check our website: https://joblanefarmmuseum.org/

Red Cross: Take steps now to support a strong blood supply

 
Make an appointment to give blood or platelets to offset seasonal drop in donor turnout

BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2025 — The American Red Cross asks donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets to support patients counting on a consistent blood supply to survive and heal. While emergencies often grab headlines, the need for blood is constant. Especially in October, as donation appointments can often drop quickly when people settle into busy fall routines and make plans around upcoming school breaks.

Additionally, the threat of hurricanes persists this month. Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for those seeking medical care.

Prepare now — Help patients this fall and make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Sept. 22-Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, see RedCrossBlood.org/Fall. Those who give Oct. 20-Nov. 16, 2025, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-31:

Bedford
10/17/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
10/18/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
10/21/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
10/22/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
10/24/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
10/25/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
10/28/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
10/29/2025: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
10/31/2025: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
A cuba benefit concert with sol y canto

A Cuba Benefit Concert with Sol Y Canto
A fundraiser for desperately needed aid for the Cuban people


The United Church of Christ in Boxborough, https://boxboroughucc.org/,
will be hosting a Cuba Benefit Concert featuring Boston-based Pan-Latin Band, Sol y Canto, on Saturday, October 25th, at 7:30 PM at the United Church of Christ in Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Avenue, Boxborough, MA.
Tickets are $25 per person ($30 at the door), $15 for students. To make a donation or to purchase tickets, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-cuba-benefit-concert-with-sol-y-canto-tickets-1611092764829?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

The COVID Pandemic forced Cuba to close its doors to tourism for several years, which severely impacted the economy. Additionally, the main power plant experienced a breakdown last fall, resulting in widespread power outages across the island for several weeks. Since then, electricity has been rationed, and families can expect to have power for only a few hours each day. Food and water are also rationed. The people are struggling to survive.

In an effort to support the Cuban people, the United Church of Christ in Boxborough, MA, will host a benefit concert at UCCB on October 25th, featuring the Boston-based band Sol Y Canto, an award-winning Pan-Latin ensemble known for its vibrant concerts and critically acclaimed music that blends diverse Latin American styles. The Boston Globe and WBUR describe their performances as “exhilarating and moving,” highlighting the duo's poetic lyrics, intricate guitar work, and engaging stage presence. Their music is often described as a "journey" through different rhythms and cultures, making it accessible to both Spanish- and non-Spanish-speaking audiences.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the congregation of the Second Baptist Church in Santiago de Cuba and neighboring communities.

The event organizer is Cuban-born Maricel Lucero. Her father, Oscar Lucero, played a significant role in the Cuban Revolution of 1959.  Unfortunately, he was captured and killed by Batista’s officers, only months before the triumph of the Revolution.  Today, he is known as “The Martyr of Silence” because he refused to reveal the names of other rebels when he was captured.

Maricel immigrated to the U.S. as a child, leaving behind a significant part of her extended family.  She has journeyed back to Cuba many times to learn about her father's legacy and to reunite with loved ones. Over the years, she has guided groups from the U.S. to Cuba, bringing not only visitors but also vital humanitarian aid.
Vietnamnursetospeak

Vietnam Nurse to Speak at Women’s Alliance Meeting October 11

Gerri Fowler, a former Vietnam nurse, will speak at the First Church Unitarian, Littleton, MA Women’s Alliance meeting on Saturday, October 11 at 11AM. She will share her experiences as a nurse during the Vietnam war and briefly touch on the book “The Women” by Kristen Hannah.

“In 1965 there was a series of events that took me as brand new Army nurse on a scary adventure with top secret orders. When your boss says “Get your affairs in order”, what would you think?”--Gerri Fowler

All are welcome to this insightful talk, held in the vestry at 19 Foster Street, Littleton, MA. To be followed by a Bring Your Own Lunch. This meeting will be a hybrid meeting; if you can’t make it in person, contact Rochelle Chambless for a link to the online version of the meeting at rochellecham@gmail.com.
Join a jazz funk rock ensemble

Join a Jazz, Funk & Rock Ensemble at the Concord Conservatory

Get ready to rock, groove, and swing! The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is welcoming student and adult musicians to placement auditions for its Jazz, Funk, and Rock Ensembles. CCM’s Jazz, Funk, and Rock Ensembles offer musicians the vital opportunity to move beyond solo practice and truly discover the magic of group performance. These ensembles offer guided practice, musical growth, and the chance to build lasting friendships while exploring improvisation and collaboration in a fun, supportive setting. Ensembles are being created for both kids and adults.
Rehearsals and auditions take place at the new CCM2 center, at 15 Junction Square Drive in West Concord.
Placement Audition Dates: Monday, October 13, 7:00–8:00 PM, Tuesday, October 14, 3:00–4:00 PM and 6:00–7:00 PM
Open to students of varied abilities. To learn more and sign up: concordconservatory.org/programs/jazz-funk-and-rock-ensembles, or call CCM (978) 369-0010.
Bedfordgardenclub

Bedford Garden Club October Meeting

The meeting is Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the  First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 The Great Rd. Social: 9:30 am, and Meeting 10 am. The subject is Fun with Flowers.  Our presenter,  Kathy Leva,  will show simple steps in floral design that will support self- expression in the creation of beautiful flower arrangements.
Kathy is a recent past Middlesex District Director for the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts (GCFM) and is a GCFM Master Flower Show Judge in Floral Design and Horticulture.
An avid gardener, she is Past President of the Arlington Garden Club and current President of the Lexington Field & Garden Club.  She also volunteers at The Crane Estate in Ipswich, serving on the Gardening Team.
The public is invited to attend. Visit our website at:
https://www.bedfordgardenclub.org
concord orchestra concerts on oct. 18 and 19

Concord Orchestra concerts on October 18 and 19

The Concord Orchestra presents “Always in Motion” at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 at 2:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden.  The orchestra, conducted by Music Director Zeke Fetrow, performs a program of Michael Torke, Samuel Barber, and Margaret Bonds.  A pre-concert talk is scheduled for 7:15 on Saturday.

Margaret Bond’s  The Montgomery Variations  was composed in 1964 and  dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr.  It portrays the early history of the Civil Rights Movement, in particular the Montgomery Bus Boycott and its aftermath. The variations are based on the spiritual “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me.”
Margaret Bonds was an accomplished pianist, composer, and teacher who was one of the first Black musicians to gain recognition in the United States.  In her early twenties, she performed as a pianist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.  Her musical works include frequent collaborations with poet Langston Hughes, jazz arrangements, film music, popular songs, choral music, and musicals.
Michael Torke’s Javelin was commissioned by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for its 50th anniversary and performed at the opening ceremony of the Atlanta Summer Olympics in 1996.

Samuel Barber’s lyrical Symphony No. 1 combines the four movements of a classical symphony into a single movement.   It is modeled after Jean Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7, which is also in one movement.
Tickets for adults and seniors are $25. Admission for youth under 18 is free.  For tickets and information, call 978-369-4967 or visit www.concordorchestra.com.

Fall Fellowship Fair. First Baptist Church of Lexington October 25, 2025

The First Baptist Church of Lexington will be hosting the 67th annual Fall Fellowship Fair on October 25, 2025 from 9am to 3pm. Breakfast will be served from 9am-11am. Fresh baked muffins made on site will be served.  Lunch served at 1130am.  Many items to choose from including homemade corn chowder.
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, handcrafted Items.  Patchwork and Quilts. Yard Sale rooms with many fun items. Fun vendors as well.
The First Baptist Church is located at 1580 Massachusetts Ave in Lexington Center. For additional information, telephone number is 781-862-9050.  fbclexington.org

Paranormal Talk & Fundraiser with Joe Rainone

Join us at the Massachusetts National Guard Museum Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5PM for a fascinating evening with EVP specialist and New England Paranormal lead investigator Joe Rainone. In 2024, Joe led a two-team ghost hunt at the Museum, uncovering intriguing evidence and stories from the Armory. During this one-hour presentation, he will share his findings, personal experiences exploring unexplained phenomena, and some of the evidence captured right here in the historic building.
Following the talk, the Armory will remain open for visitors to explore. This special event is part of a fundraiser to support the Museum’s programs and preservation efforts. The Museum is located at 91 Everett St, Concord, MA 01742. Go to https://friendsmangmuseum.org/events/ to register for the event.

STOP
Please Put This Date on Your Calendar

The First Federated Church of Hudson, MA.
200 Central Street is hosting its
30th Annual “Church Mouse Craft Fair”
October 25th     9 am – 3 pm
This is one “Fair” you do not want to miss!
We are having Delicious Homemade Food,
Prize Raffles, 50/50 Raffle
And of course, 30+ Unique Crafters & Artists
And the Famous “Joe Frogger Cookies”  will be sold!
Come support Local Crafters & Artists
The framingham history center

The Framingham History Center Hosts Annual Haunted Trolley Tour on October 26th

Climb aboard for an unforgettable old-fashioned trolley ride into Framingham’s mysterious past! On this Haunted Trolley Tour, our lively guides and talented reenactors will lead you on a one-hour, multi-stop adventure filled with witches, pirates, highwaymen, and eerie ghosts from local legends.
Along the way, you’ll hear spine-tingling stories and fascinating history that bring the City’s most mysterious characters to life. Be ready for thrills, chills, and just the right dose of fun.
Tours last 1 hour and depart from Village Hall on the Common every hour from 1PM-6PM.
Suitable for ages 8 and up. ADA-accessible trolleys available. Spanish and Portuguese written scripts available upon request.

More information for the event and tickets are on the FHC website website: https://framinghamhistory.org/events/2025-haunted-trolley-tour/
Fresh start furniture bank

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

 We started our morning at Fresh Start with a group photo of the volunteers who work on Tuesdays.  What a great bunch of people!  We need more movers to move furniture inside the store and onto clients’ trucks so if you’re interested in joining us, stop in when we’re open (see the website) and we’ll tell you how to become involved.
     We had 6 clients scheduled to shop for furniture and furnishings for their new homes today and five showed up.  You can imagine that furnishing a home for a family who has very little can put a dent in our inventory.  At present we are in need of:
QUEEN SIZE SHEET SETS!!!, throw blankets, shower curtains, liners & rings.  We need rugs - all sizes, and bathroom rugs.  We need storage cabinets and coffee tables.
     For the clients’ kitchens we need cutting boards, strainers & colanders, measuring cups, glasses sets and silverware!
     We are low on queen size bed frames and we can always use lamps of any size.
     Imagine not being able to afford some of those items that most of us take for granted!  If you are downsizing or cleaning out or even picking up new items when you’re shopping, think of our clients and bring your donations to us.  We will make sure that they go to a good home.
     Thank you!
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
Householdgoods1

Household Goods Welcomes Community to Celebrate 35th Anniversary and Kick Off Furnish the Future Campaign

 Acton, MA [10/1/25]   – Household Goods, Inc., has furnished homes for people in need, free of charge, for 35 years. On October 22, they are holding a community fundraiser to celebrate this milestone anniversary and kick off its Furnish the Future campaign to sustain Household Goods’ work well into the future.  Household Goods warmly invites its community of new and long-time supporters to gather for a fun and informative evening at its center.
Event Details
WHAT:          Household Goods 35th Anniversary Oktoberfest
WHEN:          Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE:        530 Main Street, Acton, MA (Household Goods facility)
FEATURES:   Enjoy light fare, craft beer by Rapscallion Table & Tap, German wine sampling, lively live music, and a fun live auction.
TICKETS:       $35 per person. Purchase your tickets today at householdgoods.org/oktoberfest.
Furnish the Future: Sustaining 35 Years of Service
For three and a half decades, Household Goods has been a pillar of the community, transforming empty apartments into furnished homes for thousands of individuals and families who have been living without basic furniture.
The “Furnish the Future” campaign will provide the stable, long-term funding necessary to sustain Household Goods’ mission well into the future, ensuring the organization can continue to respond to community need. The multi-year initiative aims to secure a total of $1 million in giving over three years.
“Our 35th anniversary is a time to reflect on the incredible impact we’ve made and to look forward with hope and optimism,” said Household Goods Executive Director, Sharon Martens. “Oktoberfest is the perfect way to celebrate this milestone with our community and officially launch the ‘Furnish the Future’ campaign. Every ticket sold and every dollar raised at this event allows us to keep providing hope and essential items to those who need them most.”
About Household Goods
Household Goods, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Acton, MA that provides donated furniture and household items to individuals and families in need. The organization has been serving the community for 35 years and has helped thousands of people make a house a home. Learn more at householdgoods.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Become a Tutor of English

 
Update! Fall class is full. Sign up for the new winter class!
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 profession. 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 January 7. The class will meet on five
consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9, Jan. 7 – Feb. 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 Microsoft Teams (replacing Skype),
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.
Concord band presents fall concert

Concord Band Presents Fall Concert with Music of the Macabre and Mysterious



The Concord Band will perform its Fall Concert on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7pm, at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord MA.  The Fall program features the world premiere of POEtic Justice by noted composer Roger Cichy, inspired by the dark, sinister tales of Boston-born author Edgar Allan Poe.

The composition was recently commissioned by one of the Band’s French horn players, Jean Patterson, along with her daughter, Alexandra Mattor.  Both worked closely with Cichy, pitching their ideas for subtle, and not so subtle, musical themes for three of Poe’s classic short stories,  “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado,” and “The Masque of the Red Death.” On listening, one can “hear” and actually visualize the servant who is haunted by the incriminating heartbeat of his murdered master buried under the floorboards, or a drunken Fortunado wandering from the carnival down to the crypt only to be walled in brick by brick, or the chimes that ring out during a masked ball as Prince Prospero is pursued and hunted throughout the castle, room by room, by the Red Death.

To round out its seasonal program of eerie and beguiling musical themes, the Concord Band will perform several additional works. Dance of the Witches, a piece John Williams wrote for the 1987 film “The Witches of Eastwick,” involves three women who unintentionally form a coven and conjure a dashingly handsome man, whom they must then inescapably deal with. In composer John Barnes Chance’s Incantation and Dance, low and muted incanted rituals of magic bring forth wild and frenzied dancing, while Unquiet Spirits by John Mackey evokes unsettled and unsettling moods from the restless, to an ominous off-kilter, waltz-like dance, to a fiendish yet sparkling “moto perpetuo” (perpetual motion) finish.  The Concord Band will perform two timeless masterpieces, Charles Gounod’s witty and ironically humorous Funeral March of a Marionette, and Johann Sebastian Bach’s powerfully majestic and rhythmically driven Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.  The Fall concert program will close with Halloween by composer Morton Gould, which summons all the creatures and objects of darkness – ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and brooms – to spring to life to celebrate an unholy sabbath.

Admission is free and open to the public.  A $20 per person donation is requested.  Complimentary light refreshments will be served at a reception following the concert.  To learn more about the Concord Band, visit www.concordband.org and on Facebook.

NOTHING GOOD COMES FROM BULLYING. OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

 
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and its goal is to raise awareness about the serious and lasting impacts of bullying in schools. This year’s theme is “Power for Good,” emphasizing the importance of using personal strengths and influence to speak up against bullying and support positive change in both online and in-person environments. Some of the important days during the month are World Day of Bullying Prevention on October 6th, and Unity Day on October 22nd. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue on October 6th.
According to the website stompoutbullying.org bullying comes in various forms:
* Physical- kicking, hitting, biting, and making threats.
* Verbal- name calling, spreading rumors, and persistent teasing.
* Racist- making racial slurs, spray painting graffiti, and mocking a person’s culture.
* Sexual- unwanted physical contact or abusive comments.
* Cyberbullying- using electronic means via computers and phones, web sites, chat rooms,
    instant messaging to torment, threaten, harass, humiliate, or target another child.
The CDC released a report entitled “The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide: What We know and What it Means for Schools.” Bullying has serious and lasting negative effects on the mental health and overall well-being of youth involved in bullying in any way including those who bully others, youth who are bullied, as well as those youth who have observed bullying. Negative outcomes include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, poor school performance, and poor attendance. Both the bully and the person being bullied are at an increased risk for suicide-related behavior. In the report, the CDC says that bullying behavior and suicide-related behavior are closely related. Bullying may not be a direct cause of someone attempting suicide but sometimes combined with other risk factors such as emotional distress, family conflict, relationship problems, and alcohol and drug use will increase the risk of suicide among youth.
The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource if you feel that a friend or loved one is struggling with their mental health. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist those who may be struggling mentally. Currently, suicide is the third leading cause of death for children ages 12-18. Visit www.jasonfoundation.com to learn how to make a difference.

The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) Announces Concert October 24

 
The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is excited to share a featured performance by our own faculty member and internationally acclaimed pianist, Yelena Beriyeva, on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 7:30 pm.
Yelena—described as “a paragon of the concert pianist” by the LA Examiner—will present a program that takes the audience on a journey through musical history and geography:
  • Intimacy: Brahms' introspective and penultimate piano work, Klavierstücke, a moving dedication to Clara Schumann.
  • Exoticism: Debussy’s Estampes (“Prints”), a set of pieces influenced by the sights and sounds of the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
  • Iconic Storytelling: The program concludes with Mussorgsky’s iconic Pictures at an Exhibition, a vivid musical narration of the composer’s visit to an artist's gallery.
Event Details
Who:Yelena Beriyeva, CCM Faculty and Award-Winning Pianist
What:Yelena Beriyeva: Piano Inspirations
When:Friday, October 24, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Where:Concord Conservatory of Music
Tickets:$25 General Admission, FREE for students 18 and under
Rob flax’s boom chick trio

Rob Flax’s Boom Chick Trio to Bring High-Energy Swing to Bedford’s Town Hall 

The Bedford Cultural District’s New Song Music Series will welcome the irresistible grooves of Rob Flax’s Boom Chick Trio to Bedford Town Hall’s Reed Room on Saturday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Equal parts hot swing, snappy songwriting, and lyrical storytelling, the trio’s music will transport you to somewhere in the back of a speakeasy bar. As Mark Schaffer of The Folk Project observes, “Individually, [the musicians] are each virtuosos on their instruments. Together, they are the happiest music to hit planet Earth…their harmonies are a joy, and their talent is at an astonishing level.”
Founder Rob Flax is an award-winning violinist and powerhouse vocalist. Classically trained yet celebrated for his improvisational pyrotechnics, he has shared the stage with B. B. King, Tower of Power, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. His voice moves seamlessly from silky crooning reminiscent of Nat King Cole to visceral Chicago blues shouts.

Joining him is Slava Tolstoy, a Boston-based guitarist, singer, and producer originally from St. Petersburg, Russia. Leader of the acclaimed International String Trio, Tolstoy fuses Gypsy jazz with world music influences and has toured extensively across the United States.
Rounding out the trio is Chris Tate, a Boston-based cellist and composer whose work spans jazz, folk, classical, and hip-hop. Tate has performed at venues from Blues Alley to the Kennedy Center, continually expanding the expressive possibilities of the cello.
Together, the Boom Chick Trio delivers intricate instrumental interplay, rich three-part harmonies, and an infectious stage presence. Watch them perform Virtual Hugs on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FclFn_3Rg84.

Tickets are available at https://newsongbedford.org. Performances take place in the Reed Room, Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, enhanced by a newly upgraded sound system. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments and community connection, with the music beginning at 7:30 p.m.
New Song is a volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District, made possible by the generous support of its sponsors: Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL® Therapy and Balance Centers Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, Red Heat Tavern, and the Mass Cultural Council.
Bedford family connection annual halloween bash

Bedford Family Connection Annual Halloween Bash 

Join us for spooky family fun on Saturday, October 18th, 3–5 PM at Field E, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford. Designed for children ages 0–5 (siblings welcome!), the event features a magic show, games, face painting, balloon animals, crafts, snacks, prizes, and plenty of candy. Costumes encouraged! Tickets: $10/member families, $30/non-member families. Get yours at bfctoday.org