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Middlesex CC Awarded Funding from Bedford Cultural Council

BEDFORD: Middlesex Community College was awarded a $450 grant from the Bedford Cultural Council – an agency supported by the Mass Cultural Council – in support of the college’s Center for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT). Funds from the grant will go toward Racial Healing Circles that MCC will run on the college’s Bedford campus during the Spring 2022 semester.

“Middlesex is a leader of engaging in impactful conversations, making meaningful changes, and actively fighting against racism,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “Funding and support from
the BCC allows us to continue and enhance this important and necessary work.”

Middlesex was selected to participate in the 2021 Institute on Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Centers by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). MCC is now one of 55 campus-based AAC&U TRHT Centers. In addition to integrating racial equity work into its strategic plan, the college sees the Center for TRHT as an opportunity to engage in college-wide honest dialogues on race and to serve as a resource and partner within MCC’s communities. This includes leading Racial Healing Circles, which will be run by Middlesex faculty, staff and students who went through training by the Racial Healing Circle Practitioner Institute workshop in January 2022, according to Darcy Orellana, MCC’s Executive Director of Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion.

“Racial healing is an essential and ongoing part of building more just and equitable communities together,” Orellana said. “A Racial Healing Circle is a way to bring people together by providing a compassionate space to share stories and deeply listen to one another so that we can discover our common and interconnected humanity. Through the practice, we can build relationships and engagement to tackle the impact racism has on us.”

The mission of MCC’s TRHT Center is for internal and external communities to engage in racial healing and build deeper collective capacity toward racial equity and justice in relationships, structures, policies and practices. Through this work – including Racial Healing Circles – Orellana encourages participants to imagine what the community will look, feel and be like when the belief in a racial hierarchy has been eliminated.

Moving forward, Middlesex strives for a community that will “eliminate the false belief in a hierarchy of human value based on race,” actively challenge racism, be equity-minded, and be responsive to diverse identities and community experiences, Orellana said. Racial Healing Circles and similar activities and conversations will help MCC create a positive narrative about race, prepare the next generation of leaders to build just and equitable communities, and pinpoint key leverage points for change.

ArtSpace Maynard @ The Umbrella Visiting Exhibition
January 20 - February 26

CONCORD/MAYNARD: A diverse array of 30 artists from ArtSpace Maynard will be featured in a new gallery exhibition at The Umbrella Arts Center in neighboring Concord, January 20 through February 26, 2022. With 2D and 3D work representing a variety of styles and media on display, this will be the first group exhibition of ArtSpace artists since the pandemic. It is being hosted by The Umbrella in support of its fellow nonprofit, which has been forced to temporarily close following a notice of reduced occupancy from the Town of Maynard. Normally providing affordable space for some 85 local artists to work and exhibit art, ArtSpace has been forced to close until issues are identified, remediated, and a re-inspection can be performed to reinstate the historic building’s full occupancy certification.

Works can be viewed 7 days a week, 10am-9pm, in The Umbrella’s Main Gallery at 40 Stow Street, Concord, which is free and open to the public and ADA accessible. CDC-approved face masks are required for entry. Several artist talks to be announced will be scheduled throughout the exhibition.

The Umbrella encourages art audiences to support ArtSpace by purchasing exhibition artwork available for purchase through the Art Cloud online art market gallery, or by making a donation at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/artspace. Find more information about ArtSpace Maynard and The Umbrella Arts Center at https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/ArtSpace.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Seeks Request for Proposals for 2022 Discretionary Grant Cycles & Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund

LOWELL: The Greater Lowell Community Foundation will open its 2022 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund and Discretionary Grant Cycles on February 2 and is seeking requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations. The Foundation will award $160,000 through the Discretionary Grant Cycle. Funding areas for 2022 include children’s services, elder services and racial equity/inclusion.

Non-profit organizations serving the communities of Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington are invited to apply.

Additionally, GLCF will open its 2022 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Cycle on February 2. The foundation seeks requests for proposals from non-profit organizations supporting the advancement of community health of residents in the following GLCF communities: Ashby, Ayer, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, and Westford. The Foundation will award $80,000 through this grant program.

Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Cycle grant awards will range from $5,000 up to $20,000; however, larger scale collaborative projects that are more than $20,000 will be considered if the funding request is justified by the impact of the project. Of particular interest are proposals that address systemic issues like (but not limited to) addiction/ substance abuse, domestic violence, food insecurity, mental health, suicide screening and prevention, obesity, racial equity and inclusion and other specific issues as indicated by community needs.

Grant applications for both grant opportunities must be submitted by noon on March 4, 2022. Grant recipients will be announced in May. More information is available on the foundation’s website: www.glcfoundation.org.

For more information about the grant process, contact Sharon, GLCF Grants Coordinator with any questions at sharon@glcfoundation.org.

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.

PHOTO: Catie’s Closet, Inc. received a past Discretionary Children’s Grant to support their Lowell program. Pictured, Catie’s Closet volunteers with special request bags packed with urgently needed items for children.

Emerson Hospital Announces Grant Recipients to Enhance Mental Health Care in Community

CONCORD: To continue its focus on expanding access to mental health care for the community, Emerson Hospital named three local grant recipients to address the needs of residents in its service area. Acton-Boxborough United Way, Elder Services of Merrimack Valley-North Shore, and First Connections, a program of JRI, will receive funds from Emerson over the next three years to improve the accessibility of mental health services for residents. The recipients collectively represent the entire life span and were chosen among 18 applicants from a request for proposal process held during the Fall 2021.

Mental health care was identified as a critical need across all ages, income levels, and racial/ethnic groups in Emerson’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment (www.emersonhospital.org/chna). “The pandemic significantly exacerbated the need for mental health support for people of all ages. Core to our mission of providing care to residents in our community, we are pleased to partner with these innovative organizations to make mental health care more accessible to all,” said Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President and CEO, Emerson Hospital.

The grants will be used by the organizations in the following ways:

Acton-Boxborough United Way will focus on strengthening community resilience, conduct a community assessment, create a mental health coalition, and launch a resiliency challenge to help reduce stigma, and empower residents to recognize and address mental health challenges.
Elder Services of Merrimack Valley-North Shore plans to establish an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team to connect adults in the Westford area with behavioral health services in the community. A clinician will identify at-risk seniors for counseling, support groups, and homecare services.
First Connections will offer the First Year of Life program to under-served families throughout Emerson’s service area. This program provides education and resources to families with infants, including mental health care, wellness support, and referral services.

Funding for the grants is stipulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health based on the capital investment of Emerson’s new Digestive Health Center that is expected to open this Spring. For more information, please visit www.emersonhospital.org/community-programs. For additional grant opportunities visit www.emersonhospital.org/grants. For mental health resources in the
community, visit www.emersonhospital.org/mentalhealthresources.

History in Bloom at the Concord Museum

CONCORD: Spring is coming early at the Concord Museum! History in Bloom will showcase ten floral designs interpreting original works of art and artifacts from the Museum’s renowned collection starting on Friday, January 28 through Sunday, January 30, 2022. Concord Museum’s Guild of Volunteers are creating floral arrangements inspired by the watercolors from the exhibition 'HOME: Paintings by Loring W. Coleman' as well as a variety of artifacts from Concord’s remarkable history, including a women’s silk shoe worn in 1775 and a Daniel Munroe clock (1805-1810) among others! After viewing the floral designs visitors will also be invited to come explore the Museum’s sixteen newly installed permanent galleries including the actual artifacts that will serve as an inspiration for the flowering artistry! History at Home is free with Museum admission. Walk-ins are welcome! For more information, visit www.concordmuseum.org.

Music and Movement with Julie Stepanek

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library will host a weekly family-friendly Music And Movement program featuring Julie Stepanek on Mondays at 10:30am at the Main Library beginning January 2022! The dates will be January 3, January 17, February 7 and February 14. Featuring songs you know and some songs you might not know, we'll stretch, stomp, sing, and shake out our sillies - all to the sweet sounds of the ukulele. These programs will run 30-45 minutes and are geared toward children aged 0-5 years. These programs are generously sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library. For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

DCU Awards Scholarships for Students to Attend Steinberg Wellness Center’s Osteoporosis Program

CONCORD: In recognition and support of Emerson Hospital’s Osteoporosis program, the Digital Credit Union has awarded the Steinberg Wellness Center for Mind and Body a donation for its Living & Moving with Osteoporosis program. The donation is to be used as a partial scholarship for students with limited financial resources who would benefit from this program. An 8-week, 16-class online program, Living & Moving with Osteoporosis provides exercises that support and replicate daily movements for those with osteoporosis and osteopenia, including movements to avoid and modify. Taught by Rhonda Hamer, the class is appropriate for various fitness levels and modifiable for all. Through strength exercises, students increase muscle mass, making it easier to maintain good posture and balance and reduce the risk of falls. Each class also includes bone-healthy nutrition tips from a certified nutrition coach. Although classes started Tuesday, January 18, students can join the following week. For more information about the scholarship, please call the Steinberg Wellness Center at (978) 287-3777.

Animals in Your Backyard at the Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library will host a fun, interactive program on January 12 at 4pm at the Main Library to teach children about all the animals that they might find living in their neighborhood. Michelle Kreell, Community Liaison from Baypath Humane Society, will lead this program which is geared towards children in kindergarten through 3rd grade. No registration required. For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

Music at the Blissful at the Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library will host a monthly family-friendly Music and Movement program featuring Music at the Blissful on Saturdays at 10:30am at the Main Library on January 8, February 12, March 12 & April 9. These programs are generously sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.

Music at the Blissful is a high-energy, interactive movement and music experience for children of all ages. Be ready to move, shake, bounce, jump, and stomp as we become dinosaurs, bunnies, alligators, and cars. These programs are fun for the whole family! Check out the music and performances before class by viewing "Music At The Blissful" on YouTube.

For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition Auditions Upcoming

CONCORD: Auditions for the Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, January 19 and 20, 2022. Two winners will be the featured soloists at the Concord Orchestra's Spring Concerts, one on March 26 and 27, 2022, and the other on May 21 and 22, and will receive the Ehlers Memorial Scholarships. The second and third place finishers may be invited to perform a recital prior to these concerts. The competition is open to high school and younger instrumental students, including pianists. A complete concerto or other work suitable for performance with orchestra must be memorized for the audition. Applications are due by January 4, 2022. For more information and an application form, call 978-371-1491 or 978-369-4967. Applications can also be downloaded from www.concordorchestra.com.

2022 Rockabye Beats Concerts at the Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library hosts monthly free, family-friendly concerts featuring Rockabye Beats on the fourth Monday of each month at 10:30am. Rockabye Beats’ music is reminiscent of founder Marcos Valles’ Puerto Rico. Their songs offer a range of styles from rock n’ roll to calypso to funk and even blues. Their music will have you bopping and moving along in no time! Mark your calendar for January 24, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 23 and June 27. Programs will take place in-person at the Main Library or virtually due to COVID-19 precautions - visit www.concordlibrary.org for more information. Sing, dance and get a little loco with the Rockabye Beats Band! All concerts are generously sponsored by The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library.

Concord Conservatory Presents Arabic Music Online Complimentary Lecture

CONCORD: Explore the beautiful and diverse sounds of Arabic music with guest lecturer Layth Sidiq. Join Concord Conservatory online on Thursday, January 27 at 7pm when Sidig, an award-winning violinist, composer, educator, and the current artistic director of the New York Arabic Orchestra, presents an exciting music history lecture. He’ll present the exciting Arabic style, how it differs from Western music, demonstrating rhythms and patterns used most frequently in traditional/classical Arab music.

Did you know that a violin in Arab tuning is different from western tuning? Did you know that such a thing called a b half flat played in the Maqam system? Layth will explain it all and show us the rich beauty of Arabic music.

Layth Sidig was born in Baghdad and grew up in Jordan in a musical family. He has toured the world and shared the stage with major artists such as Simon Shaheen, Danilo Perez, Javier Limon, and Jack Dejohnette. Performing in prestigious venues like the London Jazz Festival, Boston Symphony Hall, WOMEX Expo, Panama Jazz Festival, and more. He is featured on multiple award-winning albums, and his first record Son of Tigris was premiered at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2016.

In 2018, Layth won 2nd place at the Seifert International Jazz Violin Competition as the first Arab to participate. He was also recently awarded Best International Artist at the 2020 Boston Music Awards. He also directs the Center for Arabic Culture's Youth Orchestra Program in Boston and is a faculty member at Carnegie Hall’s ‘Music Educators Workshop.’

Please register by 5pm on January 27 for this complimentary lecture so you’ll receive the online link before the lecture begins: https://concordconservatory.org/events/arab-music-online-lecture.

Concord Conservatory of Music is the area's non-profit community music school located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church. For information, visit www.ConcordConservatory.org, email info@concordconservatory.org, or call (978) 369-0010.

Concord Free Public Library Announces Temporary COVID-19 Precautions and Updates About New Children’s Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library is taking temporary precautions due to the recent surge in cases of COVID-19 in the community. The new Children’s Library, Garden and Commons space - all constructed as part of the expansion project at the Main Library - will open as planned on Wednesday, January 5. A limited selection of Children’s and Teen books will be available for browsing and to check out. However, seating will not be available in the Children’s Library and the Activity Room will be closed temporarily.

Eating is not permitted in the Library at this time, including the new Commons space. In an effort to promote social distancing, meeting and study rooms are only available for single individuals
on a walk-in basis and two hour limit at this time. Group reservations are not permitted at this time.

Additionally, the Main Library is reducing its hours temporarily. The new hours will be Monday 10am-6pm, Tuesday through Friday 9am-6pm, and Saturday 9am-5pm. The Children’s Library at the Main Library will close 15 minutes before to aid staff in expanded closing duties. The hours for Special Collections (Monday 10am-6pm and Tuesday through Friday 9am-5pm) and Fowler (Monday through Thursday 10am - 6pm and Friday and Saturday 10am - 5pm) remain unchanged. Both library branches remain closed on Sunday.

All programs will be virtual until further notice. See the library event calendar (available at www.concordlibrary.org) for up-to-date information. The Concord Free Public Library staff kindly remind patrons that there is an indoor mask mandate in effect from the Town of Concord. Staff
thank patrons and the extended community for their patience and understanding during this time.

Children’s Concert with BenAnna Band at the CFPL

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library is excited to host a free Children’s concert with the BenAnna Band on January 10, 2022 at 10:30am at the Main Library. Ben Norton and Anna Delgado are a high energy musical duo utilizing guitar and singing to jam out on pop and throwback covers, traditional Children's songs, and new Children's music. Their mission is to provide a sense of inclusion, representation, and belonging for kids of all ages and abilities through music and fun.

The BenAnna Band stresses the importance of individualized musical interaction, so they bring live musical instruments to all their concerts for the audience to physically participate in the music. There will be plenty of opportunities to follow the lyrics for group dancing, playing, and singing along with spotlight moments for everyone to rock out their own way!

For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Winter Advisory Regarding Face Coverings

This Advisory has been updated as of December 21, 2021.

COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters are highly effective at protecting against serious illness, hospitalization and death and every individual who is eligible and works, studies or resides in Massachusetts is strongly urged to get vaccinated and boosted. The Department of Public Health urges all eligible residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 because vaccination provides the most effective protection from severe illness associated with COVID-19.

In response to the spread of the Delta variant and the emerging Omicron variant, the Department of Public Health now advises that all residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home). The DPH particularly urges this recommendation if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

Your primary care physician can advise you whether you are at increased risk. Information from the Centers for Disease Control regarding the conditions that may put you at increased risk can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.

All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including transportation and health care facilities. Please see www.mass.gov/maskrules for a complete list of venues where face coverings have remained mandatory since May 29, 2021.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s current mask requirement and Policy on Vaccination Rate Threshold issued on September 27th, 2021 is not impacted by this advisory. As a result of the most comprehensive and robust school testing program in the country, with 99% of public, collaborative and charter districts enrolled, Massachusetts elementary and secondary schools remain open and safe for children and youth to engage in learning, with over 325,000 school days saved. Only schools who can demonstrate they have high vaccination rates of over 80% of all individuals vaccinated are able to remove masks for vaccinated individuals upon a written attestation.
For individuals who are not fully vaccinated, it is especially important that you wear a face covering or mask any time you are indoors and not in your own home to reduce the chance that you may spread COVID-19 to other people. People who show no symptoms of illness may still be able to spread COVID-19.

An individual is fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. However, if a fully vaccinated individual becomes symptomatic, they should be tested and wear a mask until receiving test results.
When you wear a face covering or cloth mask, it should:

Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,
Be secured with ties or ear loops,
Include multiple layers of fabric,
Allow for breathing without restriction, and
Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

For more information, please refer to the CDC at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

Live like louisa may alcott 2021 social edit final

“Live Like Louisa May Alcott for a Day” at the CFPL

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library will host “Live Like Louisa May Alcott for a Day” on December 30 at the Fowler Branch Library from 3-4:30pm. Join in for afternoons of Louisa May Alcott-era lifestyle activities for all ages, such as roasting chestnuts, churning butter and making your own tri-fold notebook. There will also be a wool spinning demonstration by local artist and artisan, Krysten Morganti.

This is a wonderful opportunity for children to step back in time and explore the world of one of Concord’s favorite authors. Librarians will be on hand with knowledge of Alcott’s life, as well as the period in which she lived. Registration not required. For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

Concord Cuisine Fundraiser for the Scout House

CONCORD: The Concord Cuisine Raffle is back! Win one of three big bundles of Gift Certificates donated by Concord-area restaurants, markets, cafes, creameries, liquor stores, bakeries, etc. With just 500 tickets printed the odds are great for 3 lucky winners. And with more than $2,000 in food, dining, and beverage gift certificates, first prize will be worth over $800 in certificates, Second Prize will be worth over $600 in certificates, and Third Prize will be worth over $500 in certificates.

There are fewer than 400 tickets left! Tickets are $10 each or 5-for-$40 and can be purchased online until December 18th, or by appointment at the Concord Scout House up to the drawing on the evening of December 20th. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win. For more information, visit www.concordscouthouse.org/raffle or call the Scout House at 978-369-3455.

Sean Rogers Named Managing Director of Care Coordinate, LLC

BEDFORD: Care Coordinate, a statewide network that provides access to high-quality and cost-effective home and community-based services, of which Minuteman Senior Services is a partner, has named Sean Rogers as its Managing Director. A senior-level executive with extensive home care and community-based experience, Rogers most recently served as Vice President of Strategy and Development at Amedisys, a leading provider of in-home healthcare for older adults. Additionally, he has held state government leadership positions at the Executive Office of Elder Affairs where he served as Director of Operations, and with the Department of Mental Health as Director of Budget and Core Services for the metro- suburban region.

In this new position, Rogers will leverage the strength of Care Coordinate’s network of Aging Services Access Points (ASAP) to offer a single, statewide entity for insurance plans, Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), and other providers and payors to manage and administer long-term services and supports that drive quality care and improved outcomes for its partners. Services offered include in home case management, care transitions, provider network management, third-party billing and claim operations, and consultative solutions.

“Sean has the technical, operational, and programmatic expertise to lead this newly formed LLC,” said Allan Ouimet, Executive Director of Highland Valley Elder Services, Inc., and President of Care Coordinate’s Board of Directors. “I am confident that his extensive knowledge of healthcare and home care will aid in the development of strategic alliances and contractual efficiencies to better serve the medical and insurance industry in Massachusetts. This will ultimately lead to better care and quality outcomes for older adults who wish to remain in their own home and community.”

Kelly Magee Wright, Executive Director of Minuteman Senior Services, said “Minuteman Senior Services is excited to partner with our colleagues through Care Coordinate. This is an opportunity to serve more individuals across the Commonwealth with high-quality services and I am thrilled that Sean is bringing his knowledge and talents to Care Coordinate.”

“I am excited to work with the exceptional leadership team of Care Coordinate’s Board of Directors and to lead the organization in the delivery of efficient, effective, and high-quality community-based care," said Rogers. “I am looking forward to leveraging the decades-long expertise of the ASAP network and will work to further expand the value it has brought to the long-term services and supports community.”

Rogers received his education and training in Human Resource Management, Financial Systems, Administration, and Leadership from the United States Coast Guard. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Home Care Aide Council and serves as President of the Board of the Home Care Aide Foundation.

Care Coordinate serves as a single-point-of-entry for healthcare providers to access a robust network of nonprofit agencies and community-based services providers that facilitate integrated care to older adults and individuals with disabilities. As an organization, Care Coordinate’s mission is to simplify the administrative processes and address the operational challenges often experienced by home- and community-based services payors and providers. For more information, visit www.carecoordinate.com.

Emerson Hospital Named a Top Hospital in the Country
Only 149 Hospitals in U.S. and Six in Massachusetts Receive Top Honor from Leapfrog

CONCORD: Emerson Hospital was named a 2021 "Top Hospital" in the U.S. by The Leapfrog Group (Leapfrog), the nation's most competitive recognition for safety and quality excellence. Leapfrog recognizes the highest performing hospitals on the Leapfrog Hospital Survey annually with the prestigious Leapfrog "Top Hospital" award. The award comes just weeks after Emerson received an "A" grade - the highest grade for patient safety by Leapfrog.

“We are very honored to be named a Top Hospital for our work in providing outstanding, safe care to all of our patients,” said Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President and CEO of Emerson Hospital. “People choose Emerson for our strong commitment to quality and safety, along with our focus on personal, compassionate care. I am proud of our team for working together to provide extraordinary care to the community, through the challenges of the pandemic and beyond.”

Data from the annual Leapfrog Hospital Survey on quality standards across several areas of patient care, including medication safety, surgery outcomes, infection rates, and more, are used to identify "Top Hospitals." As a result, Emerson was honored among an elite group of hospitals to receive Leapfrog's "Top Hospital" distinction. Out of more than 2,200 hospitals considered for the 2021 "Top Hospital" award, Leapfrog selected just 149 honorees. In addition, Emerson Hospital is one of only 46 U.S. hospitals to be recognized in the "General" hospital category. Only six general hospitals in Massachusetts received this award. To view Emerson Hospital’s Leapfrog scores and learn more, visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

MCC Music Students Set to Return to a Live Recital Performance

BEDFORD: "It has been two years since we have been able to present a live student recital, and the students are so excited to return to performing in person,” said Carmen Rodríguez-Peralta, Middlesex Community College’s Chair of the Music Department. “We will be featuring student pianists, guitarists, a cellist, a flutist, a singer and the MCC World Drumming Ensemble. It will be a joyous occasion!"

The Middlesex Student Recital is part of the college’s “A World of Music” concert series, which is celebrating 20 years. The recital is the first live, in-person performance opportunity MCC students have had since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’m excited to participate in the concert,” said Anthony Lumenello, an MCC Fine Music major from Burlington. “Performing live in front of an audience is very thrilling to me and I haven’t had many opportunities to do it.”

MCC’s Student Rectial will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 13 at MCC’s Concert Hall in Bedford. While all of the performers have agreed to be fully vaccinated, the college is requiring audience members to wear masks to performances throughout the duration of the Fall 2021 concert series.

Previous concerts included a performance based on the works of author Jack Kerouac from members of MCC’s faculty and the Lowell Chamber Orchestra; a Halloween concert by MCC faculty members; and a ground-breaking opera portraying the trans experience from the Lowell Chamber Orchestra.

All “World of Music” concerts are free and open to the public. For more information about MCC’s Fall 2021 concert series, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/worldofmusic/ or contact Rodríguez-Peralta at peraltac@middlesex.mass.edu or 781-280-3923. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/transportation/ for directions to campus and more information about parking.

Concord Museum’s Holiday House Tour- Inside Out!

CONCORD: On Saturday, December 11 from 11am to 3pm get ready to turn Concord “inside out”! This twist to Concord Museum’s 11th Annual Holiday House Tour showcases the incredible outdoor spaces of ten Concord homes. Hidden and often overlooked spaces, like porches, doorways, playhouses, barns, and cottages, will take center stage for this showcase of outdoor winter wonderlands.

Each location on the Holiday Inside Out Tour was carefully selected for its unique and architectural details and historical significance. Properties range from Georgian, Victorian, and Federal-style homes to simple New England farmhouses. This year, one of several standout historical locations includes the Emerson’s barn. The Ralph Waldo Emerson property was originally constructed in 1828 and is on the National Register of Historic places. We know visitors will enjoy the experience of walking through this beautifully decorated space.

The annual Holiday House Tour, which is organized by Concord Museum’s Guild of Volunteers, is one of the Museum’s largest fundraisers. Tickets directly support the Museum’s education resources for local schools, exhibitions reflecting inclusive historical scholarship, and public programs featuring nationally renowned historians.

Tickets include admission to ten outdoor spaces on the Inside Out Tour, a program booklet with detailed information about each home and property, free cocoa at the Colonial Inn, and Free Admission to the new galleries at the Concord Museum including the 26th Annual Family Trees event. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 978-369-9763 ext. 222.

The FBCOA Supports Health and Wellness at the Council on Aging

BEDFORD: The Bedford Council on Aging is a town government-run department, which means by law they cannot fundraise. Enter the Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging (FBCOA). The FBCOA was established as a private, non-profit 501c (3) organization over 20 years ago to financially support the programs and services of the Bedford Council on Aging (COA). It is entirely supported by donations and fundraising. The FBCOA has provided support for senior trips, socials, movies, and many programs that have been funded by donations. The FBCOA was a critical partner and chief funding source for the very popular memory cafe that helps seniors and caregivers dealing with dementia.

A major part of the Council on Aging’s daily offerings include exercise and fitness classes with a purpose. These programs provide an opportunity to meet with others, get out and socialize while keeping fit, staying well and building skills that prevent falls. The COA is fortunate to have great instructors who are aware of the older body and tailor classes to promote healthy aging after 60. Weekly classes offerings include hybrid Tai Chi, virtual chair and floor yoga, hybrid chair exercise and virtual Zumba. Weekly in person classes include general fitness, aerobic and strengthening classes using weights and stretch bands, weekly bootcamp, line dancing and tap dancing. In addition the COA is also very fortunate to have volunteers run programs that include Scottish Dance, biking and Qi Gong.

During the COVID19 pandemic the Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging (FBCOA) stepped up and subsidized these on-going virtual exercise classes to ensure as many people as possible could participate while at home. On re-opening, due to COVID, attendance is slowly returning. Before the pandemic these fitness classes were self-sustaining. Now in Covid times, it’s been harder to stay financially solvent. The FBCOA, committed to promoting better health and less isolation for our Bedford community, has helped these programs continue and are seeking more community support.

The FBCOA hopes to grow its membership and donations so that they can continue to help our seniors enjoy many activities. The dues are $5 per person and $7 per family – no age restriction and donations are always welcome. Joining the FBCOA allows you a 15% BJ’s membership discount and 10% discounts at Bedford Florist and Bedford Jewelry. Giving to the FBCOA can also be considered as a tax deduction!

To find out more about the FBCOA you can contact Leslie at 781 276 7999 or leslie@withloveandgratitude.com. You can donate by stopping by the COA or sending a check to the FBCOA at 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730 (please put FBCOA in the memo line).

Back Bay Ringers Christmas Concert at First Parish

BEDFORD: The First Parish Music Committee is delighted to present the Back Bay Ringers, who have serenaded Boston-area audiences with their annual Christmas concert series for over 15 years. The concert will take place on Saturday, December 4 at 2pm at First Parish in Bedford, 75 The Great Road. As the weather cools, the leaves change colors, and fall marches steadily on towards winter, and The Back Bay Ringers return for their bi-annual visit. The concert will feature traditional, but perhaps slightly less often heard, pieces. While the program will inspire peace and contemplation with classics like “Silent Night” and "The Christmas Song” (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire), it also might have you fighting the urge to clap your hands and sway to “On This Day, Earth Shall Ring" (and ring and ring!). Either way, it is a program you won’t want to miss... especially the grande finale: “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Tickets for in-person or online are available at www.backbayringers.org/events. For the safety of the performers and audience, masks and social distancing will be required.

Beyond the Notes Brings Mini-Concert Series to The Umbrella Arts Center!
Featuring Concord Native & Violinist Sarah Whitney

CONCORD: It is no secret that live music has taken a hit since the pandemic began, but that has not stopped Concord native and violinist Sarah Whitney from finding innovative ways to present creative COVID friendly concerts to the community. On December 10, Whitney will take The Umbrella Arts Center Black Box Theater stage to present her highly acclaimed concert series Beyond the Notes Minis for an unforgettable evening of music! The program will consist of works for solo violin and for violin and loop pedal, highlighting the works of Black composers.

Having presented over 10 COVID friendly shows since the pandemic began, Whitney has been creating lots of buzz in the Concord community and beyond. According to a recent audience member, "The Beyond the Notes Minis have delighted audiences with over a year of bold and immersive concert experiences that have TRULY gone 'Beyond the Notes!' Not only does this series deliver performances of the highest caliber, but it also supports social justice and spreads awareness about wonderful organizations doing important work!"

The concert will be presented live at 7:30pm in The Umbrella’s Black Box Theater with limited capacity to allow for social distancing. In-person and live virtual ticketing options are available. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), a national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty nonprofit advancing policy solutions for low-income people. CLASP develops practical yet visionary strategies for reducing poverty, promoting economic opportunity, and addressing barriers faced by people of color.

Praised by the Washington Post for her "marvelous violin acrobatics," violinist Sarah Whitney is known for her musical versatility and has been heard worldwide across stages in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and the United States. She is recognized as a performer, teacher, entrepreneur and advocate for bringing fresh new ideas to classical music. She is a member of the acclaimed string quintet SYBARITE5, one of the fastest-rising chamber-music ensembles in the United States, whose latest album reached #2 on the Classical Billboard Charts.

All attendees must provide proof of full vaccination by showing a vaccination card, a photo of the card, or a digital vaccine record. Anyone exempt from/ineligible to receive the vaccine or unable to verify vaccination status must present proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours OR healthcare-professional-administered negative rapid test within 24 hours of the time of entry. Regardless of vaccine status, ALL patrons must wear a properly fitted CDC-approved face mask. The venue will operate at limited capacity with distanced seating and upgraded MERV-13 HVAC filters. Tickets are $30/person and $15/student and must be purchased in advance. In-person and live virtual ticketing options are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.gobeyondthenotes.com.

Concord AMP Launches Annual Online Auction

CONCORD: The Concord Association of Music Parents (Concord AMP) has launched its annual online auction at concordamp.org/auction. Concord AMP is a parent-led volunteer organization that raises money to support the music performing programs in the Concord Public Schools. Concord AMP provides resources to our dedicated faculty above and beyond their already tight budgets, so that every child in the Concord Public Schools can experience an education enriched by music.

The auction includes homemade treats, exclusive gifts, and sought-after services. They are especially thrilled that Heart Orthodontics, located on Main Street in West Concord, has donated a complete orthodontic treatment (value $6800). Heart Orthodontics and Dr. Yang Li offer state-of-the-art treatment, such as a 3D scanner that completely eliminates messy and unpleasant impressions, as well as a low radiation X-ray machine, in addition to little perks like complimentary coffee and wi-fi. Heart Orthodontics also offers evening and Saturday hours. Their goal is to deliver an exceptional, personal experience. Other Concord businesses supporting the auction include Nashoba Brook Bakery, the Thoreau Club, Concord Recreation and Radius Ensemble.

Additionally, community members are donating a stay at the Black Bear Lodge in Waterville Valley, NH, Boston Bruins tickets, homemade pies, face masks, and music lessons. Go to concordamp.org to browse the many items available for bidding. Like eBay, our platform includes proxy bidding so that you can automatically increase your offer as others bid, up to a maximum you designate. Bidding ends December 17!

Among the many projects Concord AMP funding makes possible are instrument purchase and maintenance, technology to enhance virtual learning, special guests and speakers and intensive opportunities for our most dedicated performers.

Concord AMP believes that music is not an “extra” — it is an irreplaceable facet of our lives that makes our children better learners and citizens, enriches the community at large, and brings hope and joy.

The Space Torah: An Extraordinary Journey into Outer Space

CONCORD: In 1996, NASA astronaut Dr. Jeff Hoffman, Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT, brought a small Torah scroll on board Space Shuttle Columbia. On Shabbat, while orbiting Earth, he read from the book of Genesis, “In the beginning God created heaven and the earth.” On Sunday, December 5 at 3pm, join the Kerem Shalom community to watch the inspiring documentary, "Space Torah," about Hoffman’s journey into outer space. After the screening, Hoffman and Kerem Shalom member Alan Lightman, Professor of the Practice of the Humanities at MIT, will discuss the many dimensions explored in the documentary—religious, spiritual, scientific, educational, and personal. Rachel Raz, an educational consultant and the documentary’s executive producer, will moderate the discussion. Visit www.keremshalom.org for additional information & registration for all events.

Nutcracker Reading at the Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library will host a free reading of the classic tale, The Nutcracker, on Wednesday, December 8 at 4:30pm. Several ballet dancers from the
Commonwealth Ballet Company will help bring the story to life in their elegant and colorful costumes as the story is read aloud. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to see and meet their favorite characters from the beloved holiday tale. The dancers will be available to answer questions and pose for photos with the children after the reading. This program is recommended for children ages 4-10. Registration not required. For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

Careers with Animals
at the Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: Calling all middle schoolers! The Concord Free Public Library will host a fun workshop on Tuesday, December 7 at 4pm about the many exciting careers that
involve working with animals. Michelle Kreell, Community Liaison from Baypath
Humane Society, will lead this program and afterward, meet a special furry rescue dog, Lane, who loves hugs and chin scratches. No registration required. For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

Concord Conservatory Presents Symphonic Exploration Lecture

WEST CONCORD: Join the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) on Friday, December 10 at 7pm for the Symphonic Exploration lecture presented by guest speaker Sepehr Pirasteh. This lecture will be held at the Concord Council on Aging at 1276 Main Street. Be prepared to explore the depths of some of the greatest symphonies ever composed, and learn how the symphony evolved from the 18th century to the 20th century. Some of the greatest and most important musical masterpieces were written in the symphonic genre. You’ll hear how more than 100 instruments work together to form a large orchestra and make extraordinary sounds come to life in a concert hall.

A native of Shiraz, Iran, composer and conductor Seperh Prasteh draws on Persian classical and folk music and contemporary classical music to express his concerns and fears about the political and social realities of the world we live in. As a conductor, he has been focusing on premiering new music written by young and emerging composers and conducting the classical repertoire.

Students attending the lecture are encouraged to bring their instrument to sightread simple melodies that Sepehr has arranged from different music eras (classical, romantic, 20th century, etc.). Then, Sepehr will conduct participating musicians in an orchestral setting, and students will learn firsthand from a highly experienced conductor!

General Admission tickets are $15. Kids under 18 are FREE. Purchase tickets in advance: https://concordconservatory.org/events/symphonic-exploration/ or payable at the door. Email info@concordconservatory.org or call (978) 369-0010 for more info.

Domestic Violence Roundtable Invites You to Support Holiday Drives for Families Affected by Abuse

Each year the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable sponsors a family for the holidays, and each year we invite our local communities to become involved in making the holidays brighter for families affected by domestic violence. Families in shelter for the holidays face a sad and difficult time as they are separated from family and friends and are hiding from their abusers.

The Covid 19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but it has been especially difficult for families affected by abuse. With the help of our local communities, these families can have happy holidays. There are a number of ways that you can help. Sponsoring a family can be a wonderful way for you and your family to do something together to help others. You can also involve extended family, neighbors, and friends. Or perhaps your colleagues at work, your book club, scout troop, civic organization, or club would like to organize a collection. Your participation in a holiday drive can help relieve the stress and depression that overcome shelter families at this time of year. The support that comes from the community at this time of year reinforces their decisions to seek safety and end violence in their lives. Each gift, each donation, each good holiday wish has a positive effect on their self-esteem and boosts their spirits.

Three local agencies offer services and programs for families affected by domestic violence. All of these programs conduct a Holiday Drive. For further information about how you might help, please contact:

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, Jean Doliber - Jean@reachma.org, 781-891-0724 X109
The Second Step, Marisa Rowe - mrowe@thesecondstep.org, 617-965-3999
Voices Against Violence, Simone Williams - simonew@smoc.org, 508-820-0834

Holiday drives start early so that agencies have time to process donations. In some cases, gift cards are being collected so families can shop and wrap their presents. Call now to see how you can help.

Concord Orchestra: Restoring Balance

CONCORD: The Concord Orchestra presents “Restoring Balance” on December 3 and 4. The orchestra, directed by Zeke Fetrow, performs Christopher Theofanidis’ Rainbow Body, Edward MacDowell’s Piano Concerto No. 2, and Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 7. A pre-concert talk by the conductor will take place on Saturday at 7:15pm.

All concerts of the 2021-2022 Concord Orchestra season are planned and directed by finalists auditioning for the position of Music Director. Fetrow is the second finalist to audition this season. Equally at home in front of the orchestra, in the opera pit, or working with a chorus, Fetrow is the former Music Director and Conductor of the Grande Ronde Symphony Orchestra and has served as the Assistant Conductor of the Eugene Opera, Oregon Mozart Players, and Oregon Music Festival. He received his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He holds a dual Master of Music degree in Conducting from the University of Oregon, working with Dr. Sharon J. Paul throughout his time as a choral conductor and with Dr. David M. Jacobs during his studies in orchestral conducting. He is an accomplished singer and experienced collegiate teacher.

Fetrow has chosen an uplifting program with the theme of “Restoring Balance.”
Theofanidis’ Rainbow Body is a symphonic poem inspired by melodies by 12th century composer and mystic Hildegard von Bingen, and the Tibetan Buddhist concept of “rainbow body” in which the body of an enlightened being is absorbed back into the universe upon his or her death. In his notes on the program, Fetrow describes Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 7 as “a hidden gem of the western repertoire” which is “often missed in the shadow of Prokofiev’s more popular first and fifth symphonies.”

Edward MacDowell’s romantic Piano Concerto No. 2 will be performed by esteemed pianist Randall Hodgkinson. While studying at the New England Conservatory Hodgkinson became grand prizewinner of the International American Music Competition sponsored by Carnegie Hall and the Rockefeller Foundation. Mr. Hodgkinson has performed with orchestras in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Boston, Cleveland and abroad in Italy and Iceland, and also numerous recital programs spanning the repertoire from J.S. Bach to Donald Martino and Mark Berger. A frequent guest of the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, he also performs the four-hand and two-piano repertoire with his wife, Leslie Amper, as well as with the Gramercy Trio. Mr. Hodgkinson is on the faculties of the New England Conservatory of Music and Wellesley College.

Concerts take place at the Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden. 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. Proof of vaccination is required.

Emerson Hospital Awarded Highest Grade for Patient Safety

CONCORD: Emerson Hospital has again earned an “A” Hospital Safety Score by The Leapfrog Group, an independent non-profit organization that serves as a voice for healthcare consumers. The public uses these results to make informed decisions about where to go for hospital care. Leapfrog calculates the Hospital Safety Score under the guidance of The Leapfrog Group’s Blue Ribbon Expert Panel using publicly available data from more than 2,900 acute care hospitals nationwide on patient injuries, medical and medication errors, and infections. Hospitals are assigned a letter grade for their overall performance. Just 32% of hospitals in the country receive an A.

“I am extremely proud of our Emerson team for their dedicated work to care for our entire community and beyond, even with the complexities of the pandemic,” said Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President and CEO of Emerson Hospital. “Our steadfast commitment to quality, safety, and equity, especially during this challenging time, is why people choose Emerson for their health care."

Safety performance measures are collected from the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In addition, secondary data is used from the American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey. To view Emerson Hospital’s Leapfrog score and learn more about the hospital rating organization, visit www.hospitalsafetyscore.org.

Thanksgiving Buffet Among Public Services Offered at Minuteman High School

LEXINGTON: The District Restaurant at Minuteman High School is now accepting phone reservations for its traditional Thanksgiving buffet on Friday, November 19. The career technical education school’s student-run services, which also include a salon, automotive repair shop, and preschool, continue to welcome customers now that in-person services are fully resumed.

The District Restaurant will hold its traditional Thanksgiving buffet for the public on Friday, November 19, from 11am-1:45pm. Customers are required to make reservations by phone by calling (781) 372-2985. The cost is $10 per person. The menu features turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, green beans, salad, and rolls. Desserts include apple and pumpkin pie.

The District Restaurant is open for in-person dining by reservation every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11am-1pm while school is in session. Phone reservations are required, Masks are required indoors unless actively eating or drinking, per local mandate. [Please note the restaurant will be closed November 11 and 12 due a holiday and an abbreviated school schedule.]

In addition, the restaurant offers the Soup Group, a weekly to-go service in which customers can order soups, breads, and desserts each week. The online order form and menu is posted on Fridays at minuteman.org/restaurant. Customers pick up their food in their vehicles outside Minuteman High School on Thursdays from 10am-1pm.

In addition, Culinary Arts students are preparing 150 Thanksgiving meals for people who are food insecure through a partnership with Food Link MA.

Concord Conservatory Presents a Concert & Masterclass Series

CONCORD: On Saturday, November 20 at 5pm, Concord Conservatory is presenting a Masterclass with guest musicians, guitarist Matt Munisteri and mandolinist Joe K. Walsh. Both
instrumental virtuosos, singers, and world-traveling improvisers who will share their insights about the shared language running through bluegrass, jazz, and swing music. Grab a bite to eat in West Concord after the masterclass and return to CCM at 7pm for a great concert by Munisteri and Walsh.

Driven by their deep faith in the improvised moment and their shared musical conversation full of surprises, they draw from the deep well of American music in crafting their sound. Joe and Matt will take you through the process of using melody as the springboard for improvisation during the masterclass. To those who don't yet do it, improvisation can sometimes feel like "divine inspiration.: It can seem that in every moment, the improviser must create an entirely new brilliant idea. In practice, though, many simple variations of melodies, rhythms, and shapes can generate beautiful, engaging, improvised variations. And these ideas can be taught and practiced. Our goal in the masterclass will be to illustrate the simple techniques that improvisers use to create new experiences. Using melodies and rhythms, the participants leave armed with some new approaches to improvising on melodies and chord changes.

CBC-Newfoundland hails Joe K. Walsh as "one of the best mandolinists of his generation"; and Vintage Guitar Magazine as "brilliant,"; Portland, Maine-based mandolin player. He’s known for his exceptional tone and taste. His collaborations with acoustic music have taken him all over the global and musical map. He's played with everyone from John Scofield to Bela Fleck to Emmylou Harris and performed everywhere from festivals to laundromats to Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. An avid educator, Joe is a mandolin instructor at the Berklee College of Music and regularly teaches at music camps throughout North America and beyond.

Matt Munisteri is a guitarist, singer, songwriter, and educator based in New York City. A freewheeling and virtuosic guitarist on both acoustic and electric guitar—in modern and old-fashioned music—he credits the early jazz plectrists of the 1920s and 1930s with providing the foundation for his technique and musical direction. As one of a relatively small number of authoritative acoustic jazz guitarists playing swing and early jazz, Matt has recorded extensively. He is a first-call guitarist when a "period" sound is sought for CDs, film scores, and commercials.

CCM's Covid policy requires those over 12 to show proof of vaccination. Please wear your mask in the building at all times. Attend both for $45 or the concert only for $20 and free for students 18 and under. Purchase tickets in advance at www.ConcordConservatory.org or at the door. Email info@concordconservatory.org or call (978) 369-0010 to learn more.

Salon Series with Dr. Suzanne Koven at Kerem Shalom

CONCORD: Join Kerem Shalom of Concord online on November 21 at 10:30am for a Salon Series with guest speaker Dr. Suzanne Koven, a Kerem Shalom member and former Board President. In 2017, Dr. Koven published an essay describing the challenges faced by female physicians, including her own personal struggle with “imposter syndrome”―a long-held secret belief that she was not smart enough or good enough to be a “real” doctor. Accessed by thousands of readers around the world, Koven’s Letter to a Young Female Physician has evolved into a deeply felt reflection on her career in medicine.

Kerem Shalom is a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming Jewish community where tradition and innovation are celebrated. It is located at 659 Elm Street. Visit them online at keremshalom.org for additional information and registration. Contact the office at 978-369-1223 or ksadmin@keremshalom.org with any questions.

Minuteman Senior Services Recognizes State Legislators for their Advocacy on Behalf of Older Adults

BEDFORD: Local non-profit organization Minuteman Senior Services recognized two outstanding legislative leaders with the "Friend of Minuteman Senior Services Award" at their 46th Annual Meeting recently - Senator Pat Jehlen and Representative Tom Stanley.

As co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, Chairwoman Jehlen and Chairman Stanley have advanced legislation and funding priorities aimed at promoting the health, safety, and quality of life for older adults across the Commonwealth. Kelly Magee Wright, Executive Director, noted at the meeting “At Minuteman Senior Services, we are acutely aware that our ability to deliver on our mission is, in significant part, a result of the tremendous support of the broader community at large that champion the needs of older adults and persons with disabilities”.

Following a year in which older adults were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, each legislator has been a vocal advocate for necessary investment in aging and disability services; support for workforce development activities; and for promoting transparency in government.

The meeting’s theme was A Call to Action: Innovating Aging and Disability Services Delivery. Speakers included Jennifer Throwe, Regional Administrator from the Administration for Community Living and Ipyana Spencer, Chief Health Officer with Meals on Wheels America.

Also recognized were the more than 100 staff and volunteers who have been with the agency for 10 years or more.

Minuteman Senior Services is a multi-service, non-profit organization serving 16 communities north and west of Boston. Their mission is to empower and advocate for those impacted by aging and disability, by offering information and supportive services that enhance health, well-being and independence. To learn more about their programs and services, please call 888-222-6171 or visit www.minutemansenior.org.

Lowell Chamber Orchestra Performs in MCC’s “World of Music”

LOWELL/BEDFORD: As part of Middlesex Community College’s Fall 2021 “A World of Music” concert series, the college will host a live, in-person performance of “As One,” a ground-breaking opera portraying the challenges, joys and fears of the trans experience.

Middlesex is dedicated to providing all students with access to an equitable education and opportunities that enrich their time at the college. Offering performances that emphasize acceptance, inclusivity and representation is important to a student’s overall college experience and future success, according to Orlando Cela, MCC Assistant Professor of Music.
“The Lowell Chamber Orchestra is proud to collaborate once more with MCC’s ‘A World of Music’ concert series to put on this performance,” Cela said. “It is so important to provide platforms for those whose voices need to be heard and celebrated, especially by performers who represent that particular population. The significance of the concert is made even more special by being performed on November 20, International Transgender Day of Remembrance.”

The concert will feature mezzo-soprano Tona Brown and baritone Rahzé Cheatham in the lead roles, supported by the Lowell Chamber Orchestra, with Cela conducting. “As One” was written by Laura Kaminsky (music and concept), Mark Campbell (libretto), and Kimberly Reed (libretto and film).

In October 2021, The Lowell Chamber Orchestra was awarded third place in the country for The American Prize Competition for the Performing Arts. The performance will take place at 7:30pm on Saturday, November 20 at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center in the Theatre in Lowell. While all of the performers and speakers have agreed to be fully vaccinated, the college is requiring audience members to wear masks to performances throughout the duration of the Fall 2021 concert series.

The final performance of MCC’s “A World of Music” Fall 2021 concert series will be an MCC Student Recital at 12:30pm on Monday, December 13 in Bedford.

All “World of Music” concerts are free and open to the public. For more information about MCC’s Fall 2021 concert series, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/worldofmusic/ or contact Rodríguez-Peralta at peraltac@middlesex.mass.edu or (781) 280-3923.

Epic Sea-Faring Musical Continues Umbrella Season

CONCORD: Adventure lovers of all ages are invited to set sail on a high-energy, family-friendly epic that combines live, narrative folk music, puppetry, and theatrical effects for a unique, fantastical theater experience as The Umbrella Stage Company continues its 2021/2022 season with the The Old Man and The Old Moon, November 12 thru December 5.

The Old Man has kept his post as the sole caretaker of the moon for as long as he (or his wife, the Old Woman) can remember. When she is drawn away by a mysterious melody sparking memories of their shared past, the Old Man must decide between duty (and routine) and love (and adventure). Luckily for audiences everywhere, he chooses the latter, and what follows is an imaginative sea-faring epic, encompassing apocalyptic storms, civil wars, leviathans of the deep, and cantankerous ghosts, as well as the fiercest obstacle of all: change.

Directed by the award-winning Julia Deter, it stars Jonathan von Mering*, Gregory Boover*, Emily Serdahl*, Jennie McGuinness, Jay McCarthy, Kayla Shimizu, Lily Steven, Griffin Ostrowski and Erica Risti, each of whom also play instruments, and features dazzling sets, lighting, and stagecraft to tell an unforgettable story of love and devotion.

The Old Man and The Old Moon will be presented at The Umbrella Arts Center's Mainstage Theater144, with limited seating capacity to allow for optimal social distancing. Facemasks are mandatory, and proof of full vaccination or negative Covid test is required for attendance. TheUmbrellaArts.org; 978-371-0820

Concord Conservatory Presents Music & Medicine Concert & Lecture

CONCORD: Explore the intersection of music and medicine and delight in a chamber music concert performed by the talented Concord Conservatory of Music faculty, Friday, November 12 at 7:30 for Music & Medicine. The evening will feature a conversation between Dr. Lisa Wong (pictured), a physician, author, and musician, and Geoff Edgers of The Washington Post. Dr. Wong is an assistant professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and has played violin and viola in the Longwood Symphony Orchestra, Boston’s medical orchestra, for over 30 years.
Discover what happens in your brain when you play music, learn which great composers were also connected to the medical field, and find out how music has become more deeply used as a therapy to treat patients.

CCM faculty members Yelena Beriyeva on piano, Egle Jarkova on violin, and Stephen Marotto on cello will present a chamber music concert including Sergei Rachmaninoff's Trio elegiaque No. 1, and featuring works by Jean-Marie Leclair, Astor Piazzolla, and contemporary composer Judith Weir.

An international speaker on arts and health, Dr. Wong co-founded the Arts and Humanities Initiative at Harvard Medical School and the Boston Arts Consortium for Health (BACH). She advises several arts and education organizations and serves on the boards of Conservatory Lab Charter School, New England Foundation for the Arts, and A Far Cry ensemble. Lisa is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine and practices at Milton Pediatric Associates. Her first book, Scales to Scalpels: Doctors who practice the healing arts of Music and Medicine, was published in 2012.

Geoff Edgers is an American journalist and writer who is the national arts reporter for The Washington Post. He previously worked for the Boston Globe. Edgers is the author of “Walk This Way: Run-DMC, Aerosmith, and the Song That Changed American Music Forever.” He also hosted the “Edge of Fame,” a podcast produced by The Washington Post and WBUR, Boston’s NPR station, that profiles figures such as Norm Macdonald, Ava DuVernay, Roseanne Barr and Chevy Chase. In 2010, Edgers produced and starred in the music documentary “Do It Again,” about his attempt to reunite the Kinks. His articles have appeared in magazines such as GQ, Spin and Wired. Edgers has also published children’s books on Elvis, the Beatles and Stan Lee, and contributed to WBUR Boston. In 2013, he hosted a Travel Channel reality TV series called “Edge of America,” and in June 2013 he was awarded a New England Emmy for work on a video for the Boston Globe. Edgers joined The Washington Post in September 2014 as the paper’s national arts reporter and hosts the military history series “Secrets of the Arsenal” on the American Heroes Channel.

General Admission tickets are $25. Kids under 18 are FREE. Purchase tickets in advance: https://concordconservatory.org/events/music-medicine/ or payable at the door. Email info@concordconservatory.org or call (978) 369-0010 to learn more about CCM.

CCM’s Covid policy requires those over 12 must show proof of vaccination, and you are asked to please wear your mask in the building at all times. Info: info@concordconservatory.org; (978) 369-0010. CCM is located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church.

Bedford's Troop 114 Continues Longstanding Fundraising Tradition

BEDFORD: The Boy Scouts of Bedford's Troop 114 are continuing their longstanding fundraising tradition by selling Holiday Wreaths again this year. The community has shown great support for this event. Last year the boys sold over 900 wreaths. The scouts range in age from 12 to 17. They will be canvassing Bedford's neighborhoods in early November. The beautiful fresh wreaths cost $14 if plain and $18 with a red velvet bow. Funds are used for the purchase of camping equipment and supplies, merit badges and rank awards, and to cover the various costs of the Troops wide range of activities.

Neighborhood sales conclude on November 17. A Troop 114 Boy Scout will be coming to your door soon to take your order! On-line sales can be ordered after November 7. People wanting to order wreaths can order on-line at www.troop114.org/wreaths.

“Artdoors" Creatively Interpret MMNHP Landmarks in New Public Art Collaboration
Artists Respond to Famed Park Sites, Connecting Park to The Umbrella's Expanding "Go Out Doors" Regional Project

Bard installation close by nicole harris

CONCORD: An exciting new public art exhibition has been installed in the Minute Man National Historical Park this month, in collaboration with The Umbrella Arts Center, and is viewable through November 15.

Curated by Monkeyhouse, Go Out Doors – Minute Man National Historical Park brings unique, Park-inspired artistic perspectives to The Umbrella's "Go Out Doors – Neighbors" regional exhibition of artfully upcycled, painted doors, installed in towns throughout Battle Road, Metrowest and beyond. The doors feature designs inspired by, responding to, and creatively interpreting themes from three major sites in the Park, selected in consultation with Park interpretive staff led by Visitor Service Manager Jennifer Pierce and 2021 Intern Luis Berrizbeitia.

New Jersey-based painter Yetti Frenkel was inspired by The Wayside, home of authors; mixed media artist BARD found reconnection to nature in famed Buttrick Gardens above the Old North Bridge; while at Minute Man Visitor Center, Cassandre Charles found herself imagining the life of Prince Estabrook, an enslaved Revolutionary soldier injured in battle on April 19, 1775.

The project is the Park’s second major collaboration with The Umbrella, following 2019’s “Earth Press Project: Witness,” a large-scale sculptural installation by MMNHP’s first Artist-in-Residence, Nancy Winship Milliken. It is supported in part by The Foundation for Metrowest.
Originally inspired by the En Plein Air door exhibit on NYC’s High Line, Go Out Doors has expanded from The Umbrella's original summer 2020 exhibition in West Concord into a wide collaborative public art campaign, with thematically similar installations cropping up along trails, open spaces, business districts and cultural attractions in Arlington, Lexington, Newton, Medford, Carlisle, Westford, and others. Monkeyhouse is an award-winning, Boston-based nonprofit that connects communities to choreography.

Background, wayfinding, photos, information about the artists and more may be found at www.TheUmbrellaArts.org/Doors.

Resettling Afghan Evacuees in Greater Boston

CONCORD: The United States is going to resettle 50,000 Afghan evacuees in the next year with around 500 people coming to Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The evacuee resettlement is being coordinated through designated social service agencies. One of those agencies is the International Institute of New England. IINE is a nonprofit organization with a long history of assisting immigrants to our country.

On Wednesday, November 10 at 7:30pm the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle, the Immigration Justice Task Force of First Parish in Concord, Kerem Shalom, and the Afghan Welcome Team of TriCon Church will be sponsoring a Zoom conversation with a representative of the International Institute of New England (IINE). This is an opportunity to learn how the resettlement effort is organized and ways in which volunteers can help with short- and long-term tasks.

To register, visit the LWVCC Calendar at lwvcc.org, or you can find a registration link here.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, issues-oriented organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds. The League encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues. For more information, visit www.lwvcc.org or email league@lwvcc.org.

StoryWalk at the Concord Free Public Library: We Are Water Protectors

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library invites everyone to visit the newly installed StoryWalk on the Main Library lawn. The StoryWalk features We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade. Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal, this book celebrates indigenous-led movements to protect our planet's water. The book features stunning watercolor illustrations combined with spare, lyrical text. This story is a call to action from a fierce child seeking justice to safeguard the Earth's water. For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.

Story/Craft with Crossroads at the Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Children’s Department at the Concord Free Public Library is partnering with Crossroads - a student organization created by Concord Carlisle High School students to offer monthly story and craft programs that focus on important cultural, social, and diverse topics. Children in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to delve into subjects including culture, identity, and diversity! The program will take place in the Children’s Activity Room at the Main Library on the third Thursday of each month at 4pm. The dates are as follows: November 18, December 16, January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19, and June 16. No registration required.

The mission of Crossroads is for high school students to educate and engage with younger children about important social and political issues.

For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301, or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

Local Residents Onstage in "Lovers & Other Strangers"

WEST ACTON: Local residents Peter Cavicchio and Carla Perrotta (Lexington), John Day (Carlisle), and John Lynch (Lincoln) are appearing in Theatre III of West Acton's fall production, Lovers and Other Strangers, by Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor. Performances run November 5, 6, 12 & 13 at 8pm; November 7 at 2pm at 250 Central Street. Tickets are $22; seniors/students/groups of seven or more $19. For more information, visit www.theatre3.org.

General & Colorectal Surgeons Join Walden Surgical Associates

CONCORD: General surgeons, Alexandra Columbus, MD, and Christopher Schlieve, MD, recently joined Walden Surgical Associates at Emerson Hospital. Walden Surgical is also home to surgeons Elizaveta Ragulin Coyne, MD, and Atif Khan, MD.

Dr. Columbus specializes in both general surgery and colorectal surgery. Her expertise will support colon cancer treatment and care in partnership with oncologists at Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital-Bethke. Her clinical interests include anorectal disease, colonoscopy, colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and pelvic floor dysfunction. She received her medical degree from Thomas Jefferson University and completed her residency in general surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She also completed a fellowship in colorectal surgery at Lahey Clinic and received a master’s degree in public health from the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University. In her time outside of the hospital, Dr. Columbus enjoys outdoor adventures with her friends and family.

“I am pleased to be part of the outstanding team at Walden Surgical Associates and work closely with clinicians at Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital to ensure patients have the best outcomes,” said Dr. Columbus.

Dr. Schlieve (pictured) specializes in adult and pediatric general surgery, complex abdominal wall and hernia procedures, and gastrointestinal and colorectal disease. He received his medical degree from Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, completed an internship at the Mayo Clinic, and joined the general surgery residency program at UMass Memorial. He sought advanced training in pediatrics and completed a fellowship in pediatric colorectal surgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Dr. Schlieve is board-certified in general surgery. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Schlieve enjoys hiking, cycling, kayaking, scuba diving, traveling the world, and spending time with his family.

“I enjoy working with patients to help them regain their life and reach their physical goals following surgery,” said Dr. Schlieve. “I am excited to join the Walden Surgical Associates family and provide exceptional care for adults and children in the community. As a part of the Emerson health system, I strive to provide a truly patient-centered experience alongside outstanding surgical staff, nursing care, and rehabilitative therapists.”

To make an appointment with the surgeons, please visit www.waldensurgical.com or call Walden Surgical Associates at 978-287-3547.

It’s Halloween! Party at Concord Free Public Library

CONCORD: The Concord Free Public Library is excited to host a Halloween celebration on Friday, October 29, 4pm - 5:30 pm. Get a sneak peak at the future Children’s Room and Makerspace! See the new Children’s Garden! Wear a costume! There'll be spooky stories, crafts, cookies and a pumpkin decorating contest. All ages are welcome. Library staff as well as representatives from the Concord Free Public Library Committee, the Concord Free Public Library Corporation and the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library will be on hand to welcome you to the future space, along with some special VIP guests from the community! For more information about Library programs and services, call 978-318-3301 (Main Branch) or 978-318-3350 (Fowler Branch), or visit www.concordlibrary.org.

Emerson Hospital Receives Donation from National Alliance on Mental Illness

CONCORD: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Middlesex affiliate recently donated $5,000 to the Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital’s Anchor Down Campaign to support behavioral health programs at Emerson. Part of NAMI’s donation will provide therapeutic kits, called Anchor Bags, for pediatric patients who are experiencing a mental health crisis and are evaluated in Emerson’s Emergency Department (ED). The Anchor Bags include relaxation tools, breathing exercises, and items for creative expression. The bags help patients maintain a sense of calm and “anchor” them in the present moment in order to work effectively with clinicians and begin to recover from a crisis. Additional funds from NAMI will provide technology to enable patients in Emerson’s adult behavioral health unit to participate in online therapeutic programs.

“The demand for mental health and substance use services has grown dramatically during the pandemic,” explains Lori Krinsky, President of NAMI Central Middlesex. “We are honored to partner with Emerson Hospital, a leader in delivering behavioral health care to the community, to help bring important supports to those in need.”

“NAMI Central Middlesex is a key partner in improving the lives of those living with mental health conditions throughout our community,” said Christine Schuster, RN, MBA, President and CEO, Emerson Hospital. “At Emerson, we are caring for more patients who need behavioral health care than ever before. We are very grateful for NAMI’s support to provide important resources to help patients recover. Through the Anchor Down Campaign, Emerson’s Auxiliary shines a very important spotlight on mental health and ways the community can help.”

The Auxiliary of Emerson Hospital’s Anchor Down Campaign for Mental Health is accepting donations through November 1, 2021. To learn more about the Campaign, see videos with clinicians about mental health care, and learn about the need for community support, visit www.emersonhospital.org/supportmentalhealth.

A Fall Outdoor Concert to Benefit Under-Resourced South African Schools

CONCORD: In the beautiful but historically neglected Eastern Cape region of rural South Africa, 9-year-old Siphelele carries his shoes the 8km to and from school every day so as not to wear them out. In the classroom, eight children squeeze around a desk for four and share a small dry erase board because paper is precious. And yet, these students are so hungry for education that they choose to do Saturday school and evening classes. Yes, that's the 8km walk all over again. In these remote villages, more and more young people are discovering the value and possibilities of education.

And this is thanks to Axium Education (axiumeducation.org), a non-profit of dedicated South Africans working in the very heart of these rural communities to raise student awareness and create opportunities and a meaningful future for the children there. Axium has a strong connection with Concord as, for years, a sizable group of residents, including many students, has supported their work, and volunteered in the village schools.

On October 30 at 12:30pm, you can learn more about the important work Axium is doing, at an outdoor concert with local Concord talent, folk rock singer-songwriter, Sawyer Lawson, on Old Bedford Road. Complimentary refreshments will be provided and you are welcome to BYO picnic lunch, lawn chairs and of course friends and family to enjoy the afternoon with you. To help support Axium's work and get full event details, please sign up and donate at: https://ubuntuconnects.org/axium-education-double-header/.

MCC’s “World of Music” to Hold a Halloween-themed Performance

LOWELL/BEDFORD: Middlesex Community College is celebrating Halloween early with a live, in-person performance of their Fall 2021 “A World of Music” concert series. Audience members can experience “The Black Cat” by Larry Bell for cello, piano and narrator, based on the poem by Edgar Allen Poe.
“Larry and I overlapped at Juilliard many years ago, and I have been an admirer of his compositions ever since,” said Carmen Rodríguez-Peralta, MCC’s Chair of the Music Department. “He truly captures the gothic quality of Poe’s writing in this work. This is a program which everyone will enjoy, and we are so delighted that we can present this live!”

Additional haunting music by Gabriela Lena Frank, Edvard Grieg and Camille Saint-Saëns will be featured. MCC faculty members Rodríguez-Peralta, piano, and Orlando Cela, flute, will be joined by Sam Ou, cello, and Bell, composer/narrator.
The performance will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 29 at MCC’s Concert Hall in Bedford. While all of the performers and speakers have agreed to be fully vaccinated, the college is requiring audience members to wear masks to performances throughout the duration of the Fall 2021 concert series.

Other performances in the semester include a concert featuring the Lowell Chamber Orchestra in “Opera: As One,” at 7:30pm on Saturday, November 20 in Lowell, and a Middlesex Student Recital at 12:30pm on Monday, December 13 in Bedford.

All “World of Music” concerts are free and open to the public. For more information about MCC’s Fall 2021 concert series, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/worldofmusic/ or contact Rodríguez-Peralta at peraltac@middlesex.mass.edu or 781-280-3923. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/transportation/ for directions to campus and more information about parking.