Action Unlimited
Trinitarian congregational

Trinitarian Congregational Church and the Struggle for Abolition from 1826 Through the Civil War

Historian Robert Gross to headline program on “Trinitarian Congregational Church and the Struggle for Abolition from 1826 through the Civil War” on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 7pm; Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord, MA.

Trinitarian Congregational Church (TriCon) in Concord will host award-winning historian Robert A Gross - author of The Transcendentalists and Their World and The Minutemen and Their World - in conversation with Kyle B Roberts, Executive Director of the Congregational Library & Archives in Boston; a scholar of Atlantic World religion, print, and library history; and an accomplished public historian. The two will discuss abolition in New England in the mid 1800s, with specific examples from the history of TriCon, its pastors, and parishioners in the early years of its founding.

History is often layered and nuanced. Professor Gross reminds us that an individual church’s guiding principles often reflect and amplify the personal beliefs of the ministerial leadership, and that, while TriCon may not have been a consistent oppositional voice, “for the Trinitarians, slavery was a sin against God and man, and conscientious Christians had a sacred duty as well as civic obligation to end it.”

TriCon had positive connections with the Garrisons and the Grimkés, and a Sabbath School that offered a "radical racial welcome." Susan Garrison, mother of Ellen, was a member of the Trinitarian Church from 1828. In 1837, the Grimké sisters, white women from South Carolina on a speaking tour to Massachusetts, were welcomed to the Trinitarian meetinghouse to deliver three lectures, eloquently describing the injustices of slavery.

In 1826, as the First Church in Concord moved toward Unitarianism, nine members (including Maria, Elizabeth and Jane Thoreau, aunts of Henry David) joined others from the town to form what was to become Trinitarian Congregational Church. In this, its 200th year, TriCon commemorates its founding and shares some of its early history in this public program, which is free and open to all.
First church rummage sale

First Church Bedford Hosts Annual Rummage Sale May 1 & 2


Bedford’s First Congregational Church, 25 Great Road, will host its 2026 Junk & Jewelry Rummage Sale on two days: Friday, May 1, from noon to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Admission is free and a $1 donation at the door will benefit the Bedford Town Food Bank.

This year’s Rummage Sale will feature a wide variety of white elephants, books, puzzles, household goods and small appliances, sports equipment, children’s toys and games, and costume jewelry. (No clothing, purses, shoes, or soft goods will be sold.)

Free parking is available behind the church, and the Rummage Sale is handicapped accessible.

For more information, call 781-275-7951 or visit the First Church website:
FirstChurchBedfordUCC.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.
Find the route to sustainability

Come Find the Route to Sustainability in Carlisle

Carlisle’s annual free climate resource festival — our Route to Sustainability Day — is returning on Sunday May 3, from 1-4 pm. It all happens in and near the Carlisle School gym by the solar-top parking lot at 83 Church Street.  Now in its fourth year, you’ll find more than 65 exhibitors to help you live a more sustainable life.

 A favorite local beaver, Nibi, will be “in” from 1:30 to 2:30 PM, accompanied by Jane Newhouse of Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford. Other nature organizations will be bringing wildlife for you to enjoy.

Just outside the gym, Grow Native MA will offer a pop-up sale of native pollinators and shrub seedlings to spiff up your property’s wild Yelp ratings. The staff can advise which native flora will attract the birds and critters you’d like to invite to your property. Near the entrance you can also check with members of Carlisle’s Environmental Sustainability Committee or the First Religious Society’s Environmental Action Committee, co-sponsors of the event, to help you find what you’re looking for.

In addition to reviewing the latest about public land and trails, you’ll find many opportunities to learn about living more sustainably. You can talk about local produce with our superb farmers and growers.  Nonprofit and commercial organizations will highlight a range of topics, such as biodiversity, rewilding, dark skies, bicycling and other lower-impact transportation, energy-efficient heating, cooking, and fashion.

Talented photographers and gifted naturalists, wildlife protection teams, and resource conservation and renovation experts will share the wonders of the living world. It will be a good opportunity to tune up your climate education.

There will be recommended books to browse. Tasty treats. Music. It’s an opportunity to give back and learn, even to inspire a new hobby. If you’re looking for a delightful stroll or a handmade gift, you can browse the wares of local crafters in a nearby room.
Rachel sumner

New Song Welcomes Rachel Sumner &
Traveling Light on
May 16


The Bedford Cultural District’s New Song Music Series welcomes contemporary string band Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light for a night of spellbinding music and storytelling on May 16.
Led by singer-songwriter Rachel Sumner (guitar and vocals), with Kat Wallace (fiddle and vocals) and Mike Siegel (upright bass and vocals), the trio is known for rich melodies that blend folk, Americana, and bluegrass.

Sumner, formerly of Twisted Pine, has earned wide recognition, including the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Award (Folk), a Kerrville New Folk Competition win, and the archiving of five original songs at the Library of Congress. As a group, Traveling Light has won the 2023 Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival competition and the 2025 Telluride Bluegrass Band Contest and has been featured for four consecutive years by WBUR/NPR as a top Massachusetts entry in the Tiny Desk Contest.
Critics have praised Sumner’s work for its ability to balance authenticity with fresh perspectives. As folk artist and writer Lindsay Straw noted, her music is “achingly clear and wide open to the world, with twang and tenderness.”

Listen to the band perform “Anything Worth Doing” at the Owl Music Parlor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBmM8UACk8c.
The concert will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments, with the music beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at newsongbedford.org.

New Song is grateful for the support of its sponsors: Red Heat American Tavern; Suzanne & Company; Bedford Florist & Gifts; FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers–Bedford; Prince Street Café & Bakery; and the Mass Cultural Council.

National Movement Aims to Counter Boardroom Tension with “Radical Gratitude” for Public School Educators Throughout the Month of May

(Concord, MA) Starting May 1, Defense of Democracy, a non-profit dedicated to protecting public education and the right to read, is proud to announce the launch of its 2nd Annual Teacher Thank-A-Thon. This month-long national campaign encourages community members to attend local school board meetings for one simple purpose: to publicly thank educators for their dedication to students and their commitment to inclusive education.
This year’s event is hosted in partnership with prominent education advocate and social media influencer Reads with Rachel, whose platform reaches hundreds of thousands of viewers across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
“Our educators are on the front lines every day, defending our children’s right to read and ensuring that every student — regardless of their background — feels seen and valued,” said Karen Svoboda, Executive Director of Defense of Democracy. “The Thank-A-Thon is about changing the temperature in the room. We are replacing conflict with radical gratitude and showing our teachers that the 'silent majority' truly has their backs.”
Now in its second year, the Teacher Thank-A-Thon has grown into a powerful national movement. In 2025, the event saw participation in more than 20 states, resulting in hundreds of messages of support.
For more information on the Teacher Thank-A-Thon or to register for the event, please visit www.DefenseofDemocracy.org.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Mentoring for Change: Volunteer in a Prison Public Speaking Program

Public speaking is a powerful skill that can transform lives, instill confidence and enable self-expression. Recognizing this potential, a volunteer program invites mentors to help incarcerated individuals in Shirley and Gardner to develop public speaking skills.
Speaking confidently can be a transformative tool for people rebuilding their lives. It empowers them to articulate their thoughts, share their stories, and build confidence. By practicing effective communication, people improve their prospects for employment and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Mentors bring expertise, encouragement, and a fresh perspective to individuals who may feel isolated or discouraged. As a mentor, you will:
  • Guide and Support: Help participants craft their speeches, offering guidance on structure, clarity, and delivery.
  • Provide Feedback: Offer recommendations for improvement to help participants improve their public speaking skills.
  • Inspire Confidence: Encourage self-expression and build self-esteem by creating a supportive learning environment.
Volunteering offers personal rewards because contributing to someone's personal growth and witnessing their transformation can be deeply satisfying. Mentoring hones your leadership, communication, and teaching skills. You take part in encouraging people to build a new life different from their life before incarceration.
If you have a passion for mentorship, a willingness to learn, a sense of humor and patience, consider joining this volunteer program which is similar to Toastmasters. The best way to determine if prison volunteering is for you is to visit our program. One memorable evening will inform you if the program is right for you.
Email susan dot tordella at G mail to set up a brief phone call. The next step is a short application for background check by the Department of Corrections [DOC], and then a visit to our program. Volunteers who commit to 2-3 nights a month will attend a DOC training session by Zoom. 

Fresh Start Furniture Bank Needs Your Stuff
http://www.freshstartfurniturebank.org/

Tuesday was a beautiful sunny day at Fresh Start and the donors were waiting for us when we arrived. More people are getting word of the great work we do here, helping people in need to furnish their homes.
     At present, we are greatly in need of blankets and comforters, also drinking glasses, couches and sofas, shower curtains, and fitted queen size sheets .  We also love to receive gift cards from target, Amazon, or Job Lot to give to our clients for extra things they may need.
     Please take a look at our website above for our location and hours of operation. We accept furniture donations on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30am as well as non-furniture items. Household items, like linens, may be brought in on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from nine to noon.
     Spread the word and help us to keep helping others!
Friends of emerson health ryan quiet alignment

Friends of Emerson Health Invite Community to View New Art Exhibits

The Friends of Emerson Health, formerly the Auxiliary, continue their mission to enhance the patient experience through community education, awareness of hospital services, and fundraising. One key fundraising effort is their rotating art exhibitions, with proceeds supporting hospital grant initiatives.

The Friends manage two gallery spaces: Main Street Art at Emerson Hospital and Rehab Art at the Emerson Health Clough Family Center for Rehabilitative & Sports Therapies at 310 Baker Avenue. The public is encouraged to visit both galleries.

At Main Street Art, photographer Caitlin Ryan, a Sterile Processing Technician at Emerson Hospital, presents The Passage of Time from Winter to Spring. Her work captures quiet, reflective moments across eastern Massachusetts, exploring how seasonal shifts influence emotion and resilience. Ryan’s exhibit runs through May 9.

At Rehab Art, photographer Adam Bailey showcases two metal‑printed collections, Beaches, Water Scenes & Sailboats and Sunsets. Inspired by the healing landscapes of Martha’s Vineyard, Bailey’s work reflects the serenity and beauty he found during a challenging period in his life. His exhibit runs through June 26.

Both shows highlight the power of art to bring comfort, inspiration, and connection to the Emerson Health community. For more information, contact 978-287-3084.
Hidden gems

Pop-Up Exhibit in West Concord Offers Preview of Future Guitar Museum of New England


Month-long series of talks, music, and demonstrations highlights rare instruments and guitar craftsmanship

CONCORD, MA—April 14, 2026—Visitors to West Concord this spring will have a unique opportunity to experience a preview of the future Guitar Museum of New England through a special pop-up exhibition and series of events taking place in the West Concord Cultural District.

The exhibition, titled “Hidden Gems,” will be presented at a temporary gallery space at 129 Commonwealth Avenue and will showcase a selection of rare guitars and related artifacts from the museum’s growing collection. The exhibit is being offered as part of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, a regional celebration organized by Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area.

The pop-up exhibit provides a glimpse of the instruments and stories that will eventually anchor the museum’s permanent home planned for 74 Commonwealth Avenue, currently moving through the construction permitting process.

Throughout the spring, the exhibit will host a series of small gatherings, talks, and live music performances that allow visitors to experience the instruments and learn about the craft of guitar making.

The exhibit’s opening reception on May 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. will feature live music by the Goodwin String Thing band, whose instrumental compositions will accompany a live poetry reading.

Additional events will include informal “Meet the Curator” evenings, where visitors can speak with Schünemann about the instruments and their makers, as well as a special evening of Celtic harp music performed by Concord musician Jaimee Lee Joroff.

The Guitar Museum of New England will also participate in West Concord Porchfest on June 13, hosting activities both at the pop-up exhibit and at the future museum site at 74 Commonwealth Avenue. Tickets for some events are limited and reservations are recommended.
More information and event registration is available at GuitarMuseum.org/events.

Key Events
• May 2 | 6:30–8 p.m. — Celtic harp performed by Jaimee Joroff
• May 9 | 6:30–8 p.m. — Hidden Gems opening reception with live music by Goodwin String Thing Band
• May 16 | 10am to 3 pm (Spring into West Concord Day) — Meet the Curator with Wilson Schünemann
• May 23 | 6:30–8 p.m. — TBD – check the website
• June 6 | 6:30–8 p.m. — Meet the Curator: post-conference conversation
• June 13 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — West Concord Porchfest participation
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Rummage Sale at Aldersgate UMC

Aldersgate United Methodist Church will host its popular rummage sale on Friday, May 1, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Clothes, books, toys, household goods, and more will be available for purchase. (Computers, TVs, and other electronics, large furniture, and exercise equipment will not be sold.) All proceeds from the sale go toward Aldersgate's outreach ministries.

Aldersgate UMC is located at 242 Boston Road (Rt. 4) in Chelmsford. For more information, contact the church office at (978)256-9400 or aldersgatechelmsford@verizon.net, or visit us online at www.aldersgatechelmsford.com or www.facebook.com/aldersgateumc.chelms.

The Friends of the Reuben Hoar Library will hold their annual Spring Book Sale in the Sturtz Room of the library at 35 Shattuck Street, Littleton, MA. Sale dates are:

Friday, May 1, 4pm - 6pm Friends Only Members Preview. Become a member at the door with a $20.00 donation.

Saturday, May 2: 10:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Sunday, May 3, $5 Bag Sale: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00p.m.

Hardcover books, movies, and music on CD or DVD are just $3.00; paperbacks and all children's books are $2.00 each. All day Sunday, fill a paper grocery sized bag for only $5.00! Book donations can be dropped off at the library on Wednesday and Thursday, April 29th and 30th, during open hours. If you'd like to volunteer at the sale, visit the Friends website (click Friends on LittletonLibrary.org) for more information. Young adult volunteers are welcome.

The Friends of the Reuben Hoar Library assist the Reuben Hoar Library in providing print and non-print materials and equipment, sponsoring educational programs, assisting with library-sponsored programs, and providing museum passes for use by library patrons. Already in 2026, the Friends have given over $12,000 toward Summer Reading, Seed Library supplies, coffee cart support, and snacks for the Young Adult Room.

For more information about the Friends of the Reuben Hoar Library, click the Friends link from LittletonLibrary.org or email reubenhoarlibraryfriends@gmail.com

"Why Do They Shut Me Out of Heaven?"

 
WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 26, 7:00PM

WHERE: First Parish Bedford UU, 75 The Great Road

BEDFORD: Join the First Parish Music Committee for a captivating recital featuring soprano Valerie Anastasio and pianist Steve Sussman. This afternoon performance showcases the works of legendary composers Richard Strauss, Kurt Weill, Aaron Copland, and Leonard Bernstein, with suggested donations benefiting First Parish in Bedford.

Concord Middle School 7th Grade CAR WASH!

(Exterior Only)
Free to All Senior Residents!
Friday, May 8, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
It’s Community Service Day for middle schoolers. Drive over and help make their effort a success! Come anytime or schedule appointment by calling the COA at 978-318-3020.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Volunteers needed to give a hand up to incarcerated people

 
Volunteers are sought to mentors a public speaking program in a prison in Shirley. Volunteers must be comfortable speaking in front of a group, willing to enter a prison with a team, and able to commit to two to four visits a month on a weeknight.
To explore prison volunteering, you can make one visit to a prison Toastmasters program, following a brief background check. You will know immediately if prison volunteering is for you, no obligation. This profound, memorable volunteer opportunity provides a connection beyond class, race and education.
Have a look at https://tinyurl.com/MAprisonvolunteer. For more information, email susan dot tordella at g mail dot c o m to set up a brief phone call.

Editor- the gmail address is purposefully scrambled to prevent fishing.  TYVM

Student Highlights Benefits of Community Colleges

 
In honor of Community College Month, Middlesex Community College is highlighting an outstanding student’s MCC experience in his own words. Business student Heet Shah, from India and now living in Lowell, is an active member of the college community who is taking advantage of the many opportunities and experiences Middlesex offers that he believes will make a positive impact on his future.
I chose to start my education at Middlesex Community College during a major transition in my life. I had just moved to the United States from India and was adjusting to a completely new environment, academic system, and way of life. MCC made that transition manageable. It was close to home, and at the time, I did not have a car, so even walking a few miles to campus never felt like a barrier.
Financially and logistically, it was also the right decision. The availability of free tuition and the MassTransfer pathway gave me a clear starting point while keeping long-term opportunities open. From the beginning, I approached MCC as a place where I would fully take advantage of every opportunity available.
That mindset quickly turned into action. One of the biggest impacts MCC has had on me is the opportunities it opened beyond the classroom. Through MCC, I traveled and gained exposure to environments I had never experienced before. I visited New York City and explored the financial district, attended the Two-Year Bridge Symposium where I engaged with firms like EY and KPMG, and participated in the MIT PATH fintech conference in Atlanta.
I also competed at DECA conferences, including traveling to Kentucky, where I applied my knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences gave me exposure and confidence beyond a traditional classroom.
Alongside these experiences, I focused on building academic and professional skills. I worked as a bank teller at a local bank, developing attention to detail and customer service skills, while also working late-night shifts at Bowlero during my early transition period.
On campus, I served as an Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) tutor and contributed to the CircleIn platform, supporting students while engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning tools. This led to my involvement in AI initiatives through the MIT PATH collaboration, where I worked with MCC Assistant Dean Peter Shea and Professor Vikram Sharma on projects exploring the intersection of AI and education. I also completed certifications in fintech, machine learning, and financial systems, and will continue this learning through the Massachusetts Municipal Finance Fellowship in Summer 2026.
My involvement in student organizations has been a major part of my journey. As Treasurer of the Business and Economics Club, I helped grow the organization into one of the most active clubs on campus. While my role focused on financial management, I also contributed to organizing events and supporting operations.
Through DECA, I took on a coordinator role, managing budgets, mentoring students, and organizing preparation sessions and competitions. I also co-founded the AI Club to create opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies. In addition, I organized professional development workshops, invited guest speakers, and collaborated with faculty and external professionals to create opportunities for students.
These efforts have been recognized through several accomplishments. I earned a gold award in Corporate Finance at the DECA regional competition and was selected as a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, been on the Dean’s List every semester, and am part of the Commonwealth Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa. I was also a part of the “I Am MCC” campaign, highlighting student experiences and impact. I have also been nominated for multiple commencement-related awards and advanced to the final stages of selection for the Celebrations Speaker.
After graduating from MCC, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to continue my education in finance, potentially combining it with data science. I have already been accepted into University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of California Irvine, and I am awaiting additional decisions.
My long-term goal is to begin in investment banking, pursue graduate studies, and eventually work in quantitative finance and fintech. At the same time, I want my success to go beyond personal growth and contribute back to the communities that supported me.
More than anything, MCC has given me a strong foundation, a support system, and a sense of direction. I am especially grateful for mentors like Professor Vikram Sharma, along with many others who believed in me and pushed me to grow. MCC has given me exposure, confidence, and opportunities that would have taken me much longer to find on my own.
As I move forward, I will always carry this experience with me. MCC is not just where I started, it is what made everything that comes next possible.
Nsb1

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey, will celebrate its 10th Anniversary with two concerts on Friday, May 1st at 7 pm, and Sunday, May 3rd at 3 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (GPS Green Road) in Bolton MA. All concerts are free!
Friday's concert is an evening of chamber music performed by small groups of NSB members. The NSB Clarinet Choir will perform a setting of J.S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in d-minor and the familiar opus 46, no.6 Slavonic Dance by Antonin Dvorak; the Trombone Choir plays selections by Handel, Susato, George Gershwin and George M. Cohan; and the Chamber Players, Concertino for Wind and Brass Quintets by Robert Washburn.
Sunday's full Nashoba Symphonic Band Concert "Celebration" features works meant to fit our "Anniversary" spirit, including the rousing On the Square March by Frank Panella, the satirical Polka from Shostakovitch's ballet, The Age of Gold, the rhythmic Dancing at Stonehenge by Anthony Suter and H.Owen Reed's spectacular Mexican Folk Symphony, La Fiesta Mexicana.
In its ten year history, The Nashoba Symphonic Band has played over forty full band and chamber concerts, performing more than 300 individual compositions, including last season's commissioned work, The Wolves of Nashoba. The band's membership includes
students, parents, teachers and performers from the Nashoba School District and 23 surrounding communities.
The Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music. It is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.
Michael tougias 2

NY Times Bestselling Author Michael Tougias to Speak on Extreme Survival

Author Michael Tougias will be giving a slide presentation on his book Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds.  This event will be held at Sudbury Grange, 326 Concord Road, Sudbury on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026, at 7 PM. This free program is being presented by the Friends of the Goodnow Library and is made possible by a generous bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library. Free parking is available behind Sudbury Town Hall, and the venue is handicapped accessible.

In his book, Extreme Survival, Tougias shares what he has learned about decision making under pressure and the mindsets and techniques survivors used to channel their energy into proactive decisions that saved their lives.  He demonstrates that the same techniques can help anyone be more resilient when feeling overwhelmed or facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge in their personal or professional life. The methods shared can also be used by anyone who has an important goal. They provide inspiration and step by step practices to overcome obstacles and achieve a person's full potential.

Tougias uses slides from some of the survival events to give the audience an edge-of-your-seat experience that also provides useful techniques that we can all use when faced with adversity or aspire to achieve a difficult goal.

The author has interviewed over 100 people who survived against all odds, and has researched many historical figures who have achieved the near-impossible. He supplements their stories with a handful of first person accounts from some of the toughest survivors in history. Some of the survivors from history include John McCain, Mary Rowlandson (captive during King Philip's Indian War), Howard Blackburn, Captain Bligh, Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, mountainman Hugh Glass, Admiral Byrd, Shackleton, WWII pilot James Whittaker, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK (PT109), USS Indianapolis survivors, and many more from mountain climbers to early explorers of the new world.

Tougias has written seven survival and rescue books and Extreme Survival is the culmination of his life's work of interviewing and researching the toughest survivors over the past three decades. He has earned critical acclaim and literary awards  for his 30 bestselling non-fiction narratives.  Some of his books include The Finest Hours (now a Disney movie), A Storm Too Soon, Overboard and The Waters Between Us.   He is also author of books for middle readers in his "True Rescue Series" with MacMillan Publishing.  www.michaeltougias.com

Middlesex Community College and Empowered Hosted by Meg Ryan Examine Pathways to Economic Mobility and Workforce Success

 
Los Angeles, CA - As the landscape of higher education shifts toward skill-based outcomes, Middlesex Community College joins “Empowered hosted by Meg Ryan” to explore how community colleges serve as essential hubs for regional workforce development and equitable career access.
The upcoming segment, scheduled to film on April 22, 2026, focuses on the structural role of community colleges within the American educational system. Production will take place at the Middlesex Community College campuses in Bedford and Lowell, Massachusetts, documenting the institutional frameworks designed to align student learning with the immediate needs of the regional economy. The program investigates the transition toward integrated career pathways, including dual enrollment for high school students and specialized career embedded options like "Learn & Earn" and Apprenticeships. By documenting the coordination between academic instruction and local industry requirements, the series provides Public Television viewers with a comprehensive look at how accessible education serves as a primary driver for professional advancement and financial stability.
“Now more than ever, community colleges are in a unique position to prepare the workforce with highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced professionals,” said Phil Sisson, Middlesex Community College’s President. “Understanding the importance of career-integrated learning, Middlesex Community College leverages our leadership within our communities by forming valuable partnerships with organizations and companies throughout our service area and the broader Commonwealth. To respond directly to their needs, MCC implements relevant internship, apprenticeship and hands-on opportunities to train our students for these in-demand roles. Combined with industry-driven curriculum and immersive clinical and laboratory experiences, MCC integrates career-focused learning into all our programs, ensuring students become productive and successful members of their communities and workplaces.”
Maintaining a robust local economy requires an adaptable educational infrastructure that can respond to the evolving demands of modern industry. Middlesex Community College has addressed these needs by implementing corporate training partnerships that provide students with practical, hands-on experience while they complete their studies. The segment examines how these programs reduce traditional barriers to entry for underrepresented groups and provide a flexible alternative to high-cost four-year institutions. Furthermore, the documentary explores the impact of free community college initiatives and how they contribute to a more equitable distribution of opportunity across the Commonwealth.
This educational approach focuses on meeting students at their current stage of life, whether they are recent high school graduates or adult learners seeking to pivot into new sectors such as biotechnology or advanced manufacturing. Beyond technical proficiency, the documentary emphasizes the mentorship and holistic support services that ensure students can navigate their academic journey while balancing external responsibilities. By focusing on these functional solutions, the segment aims to inform the public about the strategic importance of community-based learning in fostering a resilient and skilled workforce. The project provides an educational overview of how modern institutions are effectively bridging the gap between education and the workforce to ensure long-term regional prosperity.

Friends of the Bolton Public Library to hold Spring Book Sale

The Friends of the Bolton Public Library will hold their semiannual book sale on Saturday, May 2nd, from 8:30am - 3pm. No rain date. Location is the Houghton Building, 697 Main Street, Bolton, MA. There will be over 5,000 books, sorted before and after each sale, and not picked over. The sale also includes puzzles, CDs, and DVDs.
The book sales are the Friends’ largest fundraisers. Proceeds from the sales support programming, events, museum passes, and Wowbrary for the Bolton Public Library.
Fourth trimester1

Navigating the 4th Trimester

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

Spring Fling Thrift

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Bedford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Usher in Springtime with Celebrated Choral Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PRESENTATION IN LEXINGTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

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

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Help Katie with Her Senior Project!

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

Theatre III Presents Nice Work If You Can Get It

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Picnic
Friday May 1, 1pm-4pm

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

Bedford Garden Club April Meeting

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

Concord Alcott Toastmasters Open House

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding Vascular Disease

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