Discoveryscholarship

Discovery Museum Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients

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

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


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

Family Book Club

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

Multigenerational Game Night at FPC

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

Frittatas at Guest Table in Stow

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

FPC Summer Jazz Service

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

2024 Summer Services at FPC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Events at Concord COA:

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


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


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


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

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

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

SPRING ART FAIR AT 29 SUDBURY AGAIN THIS YEAR

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

STATEWIDE AGAINST the TIDE ATHLETICS EVENT to SUPPORT BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

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

INDIAN HERITAGE NIGHT at POLAR PARK

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

STILL HERE: HOUSES of OUR PATRIOTS

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

HABITAT for HUMANITY NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS AWARDED CUMMINGS GRANT

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

ACTON PRIDE FESTIVAL

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

ACTON PRIDE DRAG SHOW

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

SPRING CONCERT: OVER the MOON

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

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

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

UPCOMING EVENTS SPONSORED by CONCORD PARK:

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

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

FIRST CHURCH BEDFORD TO HOST MVR HANDBELL CONCERT


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

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

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

WEST CONCORD PORCHFEST

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

VIRTUAL FILMS at FOWLER

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

Cookbook Club:


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

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

ADULT PROGRAMS at LIBRARY

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

REGISTRATION OPEN for SUMMER PRIVATE LESSONS at CONCORD CONSERVATORY

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

CONCORD FREE LIBRARY ANNUAL BOOK SALE

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

METROWEST FAMILY THEATER Presents: "SEUSSICAL"

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

JUNE IS PTSD AWARENESS MONTH

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

BECOME an ADULT ESOL or BASIC LITERACY TUTOR!

 
Have you been looking for a great volunteer opportunity? If you would like to make a difference in the life of an adult with limited English or basic literacy skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area.
You do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind, a desire to help an adult improve their skills, and the ability to meet with your student for 2 hours per week for 9-12 months! In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available. Before being matched with a student you also must successfully complete an 18-hour tutor training.
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:
Thursday, June 20, 12-1:30 pm
Tuesday, June 25, 6:30-8 pm
To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.

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

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

“TRANSFORMATION” at FPC STOW

On Sunday, June 2, First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will hold a service on “Transformation.” Summer is a time of shifting, as school and church years end and begin. Right now, much of our society is also transforming, with new models emerging, and church life is no exception. During this service, FPC Minster Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum will talk about how we learn to embrace transformation and change. The service will also mark the completion of FPC’s first "First Chalice" class, for children in grades 2 to 4. Music will be provided by special guest Joe Jencks, a 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, award winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist based in Chicago. The service will take place both in person and virtually at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

CCHS INTERACT CLUB: MENTAL HEALTH  MATTERS

 
By: Layli White, Maya Soto, Sabrina Comeau, Veronica Moy, Maya Fingerle

In the coming days, you may notice brightly colored lawn signs with positive messages such as “You are enough” or “You are Beautiful” planted around Concord. These signs are an initiative by the Concord-Carlisle High School Interact Club and the Rotary Club of Concord to bring awareness to mental health and spread hope.

Rotary International is a network of over 1.4 million volunteers that uses their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs. In 2024, Rotary International President R. Gordon McInally had three major initiatives he wanted to promote in Rotary Clubs worldwide. One of his main priorities is mental health. President McInally feels that “Rotary has a unique ability to connect people and cultures, giving hope and receiving it through acts of kindness.” This ability to connect and instill hope is vital in Rotary’s ability to impact the mental health of people across the globe positively.
In a grant coordinated by Rotary Club of Concord President Jean Goldsberry and the Rotary Club of Bedford, Jean challenged the students of the CCHS Interact Club to come up with an idea to promote the conversation around mental health. The CCHS Interact Club, an extension of the Rotary Club of Concord, strives to create positive change in the Concord-Carlisle community by pursuing service projects of interest to the club members. Interact Club members decided to design lawn signs with positive messages in hopes of lifting peoples’ spirits and propelling them from their sad times into happier days.

Teenagers all over the world face a variety of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 49.5% of all teens have a mental disorder, with 22.25% being severely impaired by mental challenges. Problems with mental health are not a struggle unique to teens either; an estimated 57.8 million adults in the US experienced mental illness in 2021 (National Alliance on Mental Health). Mental health challenges are worsened by the fact that many young people do not learn how to effectively cope with and talk about their struggles, as evidenced by the 40% increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors among young people (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Although the rising rates of mental health issues may feel overwhelming to address, the first step to overcoming these issues is to promote conversation around mental health.

The CCHS Interact Club saw Jean Goldsberry’s mental health grant as their opportunity to do their part in addressing this struggle that impacts so many people’s lives. By creating lawn signs that could reach the town of Concord on a larger scale, Interact Club hopes to promote self-love, confidence, and overall kindness in the Concord community. In an attempt to address the mental health struggles that many face, Interact Club also hopes to allow community members to feel a sense of connection and belonging. According to the American Psychological Association, “Youth who felt connected (to their community) during middle and high school have fewer problems with substance use, mental health, and suicidality.” Interact Club hopes that with the help of the town of Concord, mental health issues can be addressed, making the town a brighter and more connected community––even if it’s just by a quick glance at one of the colorful signs.

SECOND EVENT in the ACTON 250 SERIES

The second event in the Acton 250 series “Still Here: Houses of Our Patriots” will be a presentation about the Nathaniel Edwards House, 328 Pope Road, on Monday, June 10 at 7PM. at the Acton Memorial Library. The speaker will be the house’s co-owner, David Hardt, who has done extensive research on this mid-18th century center-chimney building. The three-part series features four pre-revolutionary Acton houses owned by local Acton leaders during the Revolutionary War. The others were the homes of Col. Francis Faulkner, Jonathan Hosmer, and tavern-keeper Samuel Jones. Together the group represents several different house types of the time, displaying a variety of distinct colonial features. The interior of the Edwards House, a center-chimney “saltbox,” displays some of the most stylish 18th -century Georgian elements in Acton. The stories of the houses’ ownership are different, too. Several generations of the Edwards family lived at what is now “Spring Hill Farm” over more than 70 years, farming, building houses, and making tall clocks, with time off to fight in the Revolutionary War. Original owner Nathaniel Edwards, a housewright, served on important town committees, and his eldest son Ebenezer marched to Concord with the Acton Minutemen in April, 1775. Another son, Nathaniel Edwards, Jr., born in 1770, became widely known as a clockmaker, presumably using the ell at the east end of the house for his shop. In later years there were multiple owners, often reflecting regional immigration patterns – first English, then Irish, then Norwegian, until the 1960’s. All were farmers, who cultivated the land and raised livestock at the border between Acton and Concord. The farm also played a significant role in the creation of conservation lands in Acton, when the farm was up for development and neighbors acted to start the Spring Hill Conservation area. Most recently it returned to farm use, this time for the keeping of horses.

The ACTON COMMUNITY CHORUS is CELEBRATING its 40th SEASON!

Celebrate with us as we perform hits from the last 40 years on Saturday, June 1 at 7pm and Sunday, June 2 at 4 pm at the Nashoba Brooks School, Tucker Auditorium, 200 Strawberry Hill Road, Concord, MA. Tickets can be purchased on our website www.ActonCommunityChorus.org or at the door. This season, we are excited to partner with Open Table’s Food Pantry to collect 40 bottles of cooking oil at our concerts. This is a high demand item, so please help by bringing a bottle to donate. Don’t miss this wonderful community event!

FREE BBQ FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Looking for a veterans organization where you can make a difference? Bedford's Frederick H. Sullivan VFW  Post 1628 can use your help to remain strong and make that difference. Please join us for a free BBQ. It's open to all veterans of foreign wars and their families and will be held on Saturday, June 1 from 11:30 am to 3 pm at Bedford's American Legion Post 221, located at 357 Great Road (across from McDonald's).
Join us on June 1, enjoy some delicious food, and learn more about our organization and how we help fellow veterans and support Bedford and its neighboring communities. If you are interested and not currently a VFW member, please come with an appetite, questions, and a DD214. We can use your help in keeping our VFW Post strong. If you need further information please contact Paul Purchia at 781-789-8974.

FREE BBQ FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Looking for a veterans organization where you can make a difference? Bedford's Frederick H. Sullivan VFW  Post 1628 can use your help to remain strong and make that difference. Please join us for a free BBQ. It's open to all veterans of foreign wars and their families and will be held on Saturday, June 1 from 11:30 am to 3 pm at Bedford's American Legion Post 221, located at 357 Great Road (across from McDonald's).
Join us on June 1, enjoy some delicious food, and learn more about our organization and how we help fellow veterans and support Bedford and its neighboring communities. If you are interested and not currently a VFW member, please come with an appetite, questions, and a DD214. We can use your help in keeping our VFW Post strong. If you need further information please contact Paul Purchia at 781-789-8974.

DISCOVERY MUSEUM RECOGNIZED as a 2024 RECIPIENT of the NATION’S HIGHEST MUSEUM and LIBRARY HONOR

 
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced Discovery Museum of Acton, MA today as one of 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. Over the past 30 years, the award has celebrated institutions that are making a difference for individuals, families, and communities.
“IMLS is delighted to announce the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service,” said IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum. “These institutions and their dedicated staff are stepping up to anticipate and meet the needs of their individual communities. From New York to Arizona, these 10 recipients are unparalleled sources of education, health, jobs, and cultural resources, bridging the gaps of distance, resources, and experience for community members. We look forward to honoring their accomplishments in Washington, DC, this summer!”
Discovery Museum’s mission is to “spark delight in learning by igniting curiosity and creativity in children and adults as they discover together the joys of science, nature, and play.” Throughout its 42-year history, the Museum has used a hands-on, low-tech approach to provide meaningful, playful, STEM-based learning experiences for kids, families, and students. A strong focus on removing economic, physical, developmental, and other barriers to participation provides for a series of access programs that result in 25% of the Museum’s annual audience being served for free or nearly free.
Discovery Museum’s fully accessible Discovery Woods nature playscape and treehouse serve as a focal point for outdoor, nature-based, environmental experiences, encouraging kids and families to reap the benefits of spending time in nature. The entire Museum campus is accessible, with facilities, grounds, and exhibits all reimagined and redeveloped to be made inclusive in every way. For school students, Discovery Museum’s engaging, materials-rich, hands-on STEM workshops in school classrooms served more than 53,000 students in 116 towns in 2023, the largest STEM-focused museum outreach program in Massachusetts. Discovery Museum is the first children’s museum in the country to produce all its own electricity onsite and unique in its role as one of the largest nonprofit community solar providers in the state, with four nonprofits and 11 low-income homes operating on discounted clean energy thanks to the Museum’s production.
Selected from 30 national finalists, the 10 recipients of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service represent institutions that provide dynamic programming and services that exceed expected levels of service. Through their community outreach, these institutions bring about change that touches the lives of individuals and helps communities thrive.
“We are deeply honored and proud to be recognized with a 2024 IMLS National Medal for our work, and very grateful to the broad community of visitors, supporters, donors, and community partners who make that work possible,” said CEO Marie Beam. “For our board and staff, this national recognition both reinforces the value of our work to support children and families and will serve as a platform from which to expand our reach and depth of impact in meaningful ways. Along with our operational and educational priorities around environmental sustainability, we will work to find more ways to make our science, nature, and playful learning experiences accessible to all kids, families, and students—despite barriers such as cost, developmental differences, sensory sensitivities, physical abilities, parental incarceration, refugee status, cultural approaches, or learning styles.”
The award will be presented at a ceremony this summer in Washington, DC. For a complete list of 2024 recipients and to learn more about the National Medal awardees, visit the IMLS website.

Chelmsford Quilters Host Quilt Show

Excitement is in the air for this upcoming Quilt Show! And what could be more beautiful than a room filled with hand crafted quilts?! Catch the enthusiasm and attend this local Quilt Show being held May 18 & 19 at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road (route 40) in North Chelmsford, MA. Show hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The show features over 100 Traditional, Modern, and Art quilts made by members, a Members Boutique, Silent Auction of Mini Quilts, Themed Raffle Baskets, Quilting Demonstrations, and More! Show Vendors are Bits ‘n Pieces Quilt Shop of Pelham NH and blade sharpener National Sharpening Company. This year, our Charity Quilt Raffle will benefit Lowell Transitional Living Center.
Admission is $10 and free for children under 12; cash or check only as we are unable to accept credit or debit cards. Building is wheelchair accessible with plenty of free parking.
The group's Quilt Shows are held every two years and are always a highlight of Guild programming. If you are in the area, this show is a “must see” event!
For more information, visit  www.chelmsfordquiltguild.com

“Formations: Clay, Stone, Time” Art Exhibit opens at 6 Bridges Gallery on May 22, 2024

6 Bridges Gallery presents “Formations: Clay, Stone, Time,” an exhibit of ceramics by Jeanne D’Amico, photographs by Julie L’Heureux, and sketches by Natalie MacKnight.
The exhibit will be on view at 6 Bridges Gallery, 77 Main Street, Maynard, from May 22 through June 22, 2024. It will also be hosted online at 6 Bridges Gallery. A reception will be held on June
8, 5:00–7:00 PM. Ceramic artist, Jeanne D’Amico, makes functional pieces: tea bowls, mugs, bowls, vases and plates for everyday use. Working with clay on the wheel requires being present with continuous movements and decisions. Occasionally, while throwing one piece, suddenly the clay veers off in another direction. The change could be caused by an unintended hand movement or a change in the consistency of the clay. By choosing to continue in the new direction, a bowl might instead become a vase or a platter. Most times, Jeanne finds that the new piece is infinitely better than the one she had in mind. In addition, the piece often leads to ideas for new functional work.
Digital photographer Julie L’Heureux specializes in still life, landscapes, and portraits. She has a profound fascination for the enduring presence of rock formations and the enigmatic Petrified
Forest. Her photography transcends mere representation, capturing fleeting moments set against the timeless backdrop of nature’s sculptures. Each image she creates is more than meets the eye; it is a canvas where light, shadows, color, and clarity are orchestrated to craft an illusion that stirs the realms of our imagination. Utilizing her camera, expert lighting, and the transformative powers of digital tools like Lightroom and Photoshop, L’Heureux invites viewers to explore the juxtaposition of the fleeting and the eternal which is central to her thematic focus on the Petrified Forest and the rock formations, while still capturing the artistic process and vision.
Natalie MacKnight is known for her energetic black and white gouache paintings of boulders and stone walls. In this exhibit, she presents a series of sketches in graphite, charcoal and pencil. MacKnight is one of the many artists displaced when her previous studio building shut down. Working in her home studio, she decided to set aside painting for a bit and focus on sketching. Sketching became an exploration of stone vs. the elusive nature of time:  Boulders and stone walls sit in the forest, patiently and determinedly waiting, while ever-shifting light and foliage flutter around them. MacKnight hopes these sketches will prompt the viewer to embrace the lightness in their own world.
For more information about the exhibit, please visit 6 Bridges Gallery, Facebook, and Instagram.

Gorgeous Iris Show!

 
On Monday May 27 (Memorial Day) the Iris Society of Massachusetts invites you to an iris show
– ‘Dancing with Irises’ – at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St., West Concord. You will see irises that society members grow in their local gardens and bring to the show to compete for awards. Admission is free, and the show is open to the public from 1-4 pm. The center is accessible and has easy parking. In addition to the array of beautiful, scented
irises to which the judges have given awards, there will be tables of companion plants as well as floral arrangements that use irises and that reflect the show’s theme of ‘Dancing with Irises.’ You are encouraged to vote on your favorite iris in the show as well as your favorite companion
plant. Rhizomes of spring blooming bearded irises and potted siberian irises will be on sale. They usually sell quickly. Society members will be on hand to answer general questions about irises as well as more specific horticultural queries. To find out more about the show and about the iris society, go to the website: massirises.org.

Religious Education Sunday and Bridging – FPC Sunday Service Stow, Mass., May 19

First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will hold a special Sunday service celebrating its
religious education program, to include recognition of graduating high school seniors “bridging” to adulthood. The service will also feature our annual “RE Extravaganza”! The service will take place both in person and virtually on May 19 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

Save the date!!!
Boxborough Fifer's Day Volleyball Tournament: June 15

The Annual Boxborough Fifer's Day Volleyball Tournament will take place on Saturday June 15 at Flerra Meadows in Boxborough. This year there will again be three coed brackets: "Open", "Players" and "Backyard". All brackets will start at 1 p.m.
· The Open bracket is intended for teams of "serious" volleyball players who play or compete on a regular basis. The entry fee is $75 per team; a $200 cash prize and trophies will be given to the first place team.
· The Players bracket is for teams with some volleyball experience, who may be or have been competing in volleyball league play.  The entry fee is $65, and trophies will be given to the first place team.
· Backyard bracket is intended for teams of neighbors and friends who do not regularly play or compete in volleyball. The entry fee is $60 per team.
Total entrants are limited to 20 teams. Entry is first come first served.  Interested teams should go to www.fifersday.org for information and an entry form. For questions email volleyball@boxboroughminutemen.org
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Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra presents “Symphonic Potpourri”


On Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 3:00 PM, the Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra (LSCO) presents its spring concert of its 51st season, “Symphonic Potpourri” at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School.
The concert is indeed a potpourri – a collage of great music, opening with two concertos with soloists Emil Altschuler, violin, and Dave McLellan, guitar. Works by two great Englishmen whose lives spanned the 19th and 20th centuries, Ralph Vaughan-Williams and Edward Elgar, are featured. The program’s biggest work is Antoin Dvorak’s Ninth Symphony. A special treat of tango by Astor Piazzolla will be performed by the soloists together.
Completing his second season, Alfonso Piacentini, a charismatic, young conductor and percussionist leads the all-volunteer community orchestra.
In an unusual programming twist, Piacentini is joined by two soloists: Violinist Emil Altschuler returns for his fourth performance with LSCO, and guitarist Dave McLellan – normally LSCO’s timpanist -- for his third.  Altschuler will perform Niccolo Paganini’s Concerto #1 for violin, and McLellan will offer the Concerto #1 for Guitar by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco.  Altschuler and McLellan will also perform together in selected movements of Astor Piazzolla’s History of the Tango.
The second half of the program highlights two great masterworks of the English orchestral repertoire:  Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, the Norfolk Rhapsody #1, by Ralph Vaughan-Williams.
The program will close with Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony #9, known as The New World Symphony.
Acclaimed violinist, Emil Altschuler, performs with incredible technique, magnificent expression and a profound artistry across a wide-ranging repertoire. The Boston Globe writes “top notch” of Altschuler’s performance. The Strad praises “Passion and portamento from a young American violinist”, and The Whole Note writes “There’s a decidedly old-style feel to…very reminiscent of Heifetz.” Erick Friedman, master violinist and protégé of the legendary Jascha Heifetz, wrote “…a truly outstanding violinist of his generation…and sound and accuracy of intonation that are truly extraordinary.”
Dave McLellan has performed in the U.S., South America, Great Britain, and Europe since 1976, including debut and chamber appearances in Jordan Hall, Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and Wigmore Hall (London). Beginning in 1981, he lived a double life as software engineer and concert guitarist with duo partner Neil Anderson.   The Anderson-McLellan Duo gave several hundred concerts throughout the 1980’s, including two concert tours of Great Britain, and festival performances in the US and South America.  Mr. McLellan’s collaborators include the late guitarist/composer Frank Wallace, the Serata Quartet, soprano Rebecca Grimes, soprano Rebekah Alexander, contralto Emily Marvosh (Handel & Haydn Society, Lorelei), flutist Tracy Kraus, violinist Judith Eissenberg, and guitarist Edward Flower.
Alfonso Piacentini also serves under Benjamin Zander as an Assistant Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and its youth orchestra.  Managing Director William Nicholson said in a recent interview: “We so enjoy Maestro Piacentini on the podium.  He brings great vitality to our eclectic mashup of the two concertos, and the iconic works by Dvorak, Elgar, and Vaughan Williams.”
Admission to the is a suggested donation of $20 per adult. Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School is located at 390 Lincoln Rd in Sudbury. The concert will also be livestreamed on SudburyTV. Go to https://www.sudburytv.org, scroll down on the main page to the Live Stream section and click on Watch Now for the Educational Channel.

Over the Moon - MMMH Spring Concert

June 9 at 3pm
The Umbrella Arts Center, Concord MA
A sing-along performance by the Music Makes Me Happy Chorus, a Concord-based non-profit chorus for adults with special needs.
Our concert will be in collaboration with Boston-based BEYOND THE NOTES and will feature:
• Violinist Sarah Whitney
• The barbershop quartet “Have Voices, Will Travel”
• Owen Leeuwis, tenor sax from Berklee College of Music
• Percussionist Mitchell Gordon
• Soprano Ella McGaunn Geiger
• Chorus pianist Devereux Geiger.
Admission is Free, All Ages Welcome (suggested Donation of $20)

“The Ammo Dump: A Taking of Heritage” Saturday, May 18

What if you received a knock on your door tonight and were told you had to leave? You had no more than a month to do so, and you could only take what was not nailed down. Eighty Massachusetts families faced that predicament on March 25, 1942. The Ammo Dump: A Taking of Heritage tells their story.
Join us at 1:00 on May 18 at the Fort Devens Museum for an afternoon of local lore and history with the authors of The Ammo Dump. Co-authored by Maynard historian Paul Boothroyd and his sons Paul Boothroyd, Jr. and Todd Boothroyd, the book explores the U.S. Army's seizure by eminent domain of some 3,100 acres of land spanning Maynard, Stow, Sudbury and Hudson in the spring of 1942.
At the breakout of World War II, the U.S. government required four square miles to create an ammunition depot. The purpose was to create this munitions storage at a distance from Boston harbor, so that if German battleships appeared off the Massachusetts coast, the munitions facility would be too far inland to be shelled from the sea. An extensive network of railroad tracks and widely spaced 'bunkers' (earth-covered warehouse buildings) would hold munitions until ships docked at harbor to take on supplies for transportation to Europe. Eminent domain was ordered, and the land taken, forever. However, that's only the surface of the tale...
Explore the who, how, and why. Learn about close-knit families in Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, and Hudson, Massachusetts, who lost their farms, their livelihoods. They not only had to find new places to live and work, they had to deal with the loss of all they had built.
The Fort Devens Museum is located at 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA, on the third floor and is wheelchair accessible. The museum is open on May 18 from 10 AM to 3 PM with the program at 1:00.  This event is free and open to the public with donations gratefully accepted. Thanks to the Harvard Cultural Council. More information at www.fortdevensmuseum.org.
Mcg plant sale

The MCG Plant Sale is THIS Saturday!

Maynard Community Gardeners Annual Plant Sale May 18th
Head on over to the Maynard Community Gardeners’ Annual Plant Sale, THIS Saturday, May
18th in the Maynard Elks Lodge parking lot at 34 Powdermill Road in Maynard, from 9 a.m. to
12 noon. This is a great opportunity to choose from a wide variety of plants that flourish locally, at bargain prices! Flowers, vegetables, hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, and shrubs will all be available in an assortment of heights, types, and colors. We will also feature a small flea market of deeply discounted garden-related tools and objects. Come early for the best selection!

Maynard Community Gardeners is an organization comprised of seasoned and novice gardeners who make it their mission to beautify our small town. All funds raised at the plant sale go directly to MCG’s ongoing efforts, including the many flower planters along the sidewalks and in public spaces downtown, the beautiful flower-filled alleyway off Nason Street, the seasonally
changing downtown triangle, and Maplebrook Park. Your purchases at the plant sale make it possible for MCG to continue bringing beauty and joy to all who live in and visit Maynard!
Acton garden

Acton Garden Club Supports The Garlic Mustard Pull!

What is Garlic Mustard? It is a nonnative invasive plant from Europe that takes over, destroys soil and prevents the growth of native species, wildflowers, and other plants in our woodlands, conservation areas & the Acton Arboretum.
Look for it in your yard or by the roadside!
Pull it while flowering with the roots, before it goes to seed in June and spreads. Every Plant Counts! The big ones and the little ones!
Dispose of it in black plastic bags in the trash or special area at the transfer station. Eat it!  It is edible! Clean the leaves thoroughly. Recipes on the Internet.
For more information, go to ActonGardenClub.org or https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/plants/garlic-mustard
Book

Plant  &  Craft  Fair  on Saturday, May 18th, 10am – 3pm

The Bedford Garden Club will be at the 68th Annual First Parish  Plant  &  Craft  Fair  will be held on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, from 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM on the Bedford Common
The Club will be selling the new Native Plant guide to Native and invasive plants for $10.00.