In regions with overhead power lines, regular pruning is essential to prevent outages and maintain safety. However, this often results in trees shaped into unsightly V-forms, which are not healthy for tree growth.
Such practices, while essential for safety, compromise the natural aesthetic of urban and suburban landscapes. Plus, non-expert trimming can exacerbate the health issues of these vital green spaces.
Here is the link to the full story:.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1REEst9ApvqztRp8fjvXGCYLxYgt9WL1V/edit?usp=sharing&rtpof=true&sd=true

Maynard Relay for Life team, the Lady Bugs, will be having our annual fundraiser, Egg your House!  Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 19th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  We will go to Maynard, Acton, West Concord, Stow and Sudbury.  You must order them by April 9th.  Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form.  Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.

Trinitarian Congregational church, 54 Walden Street. A Concord250 presentation sponsored by The Concord Milldames.  Local historian and author Robert A Gross PH.D. offers an engaging talk with Q&A session on his publications’  The Minutemen and Their World (1975)            and The Transcendentalists and Their World (2021)  Free Admission. More information at http://www.visitconcord250.org

The Middlesex Conservation District will be holding its annual Spring Plant Sale on Friday May 2 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and Saturday May 3 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Farrington Nature Linc. The address is 291 Cambridge Turnpike in Lincoln, MA.
All items can be pre-ordered through April 21st and picked up on the sale days – we encourage early ordering as all items are sold on a first come, first served basis.  To place an order, you can go to our website at https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/spring-sale-ordering/, go to the Spring Sale page, and order the plants you are interested in online, or email admin@middlesexconservationdistrict.org to request a paper brochure. The order form is also available to view online here.  Offerings will include native shrub seedlings, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, fruits, seeds, and hardgoods such as composted cow manure, and root bags.  All plants are straight, native species that benefit our native pollinators, wildlife, and local ecosystem. We will also be selling excess first quality stock on the days listed above.
The Middlesex Conservation District is a not-for-profit environmental agency whose purpose is conservation of natural resources of Middlesex County.  Proceeds from our biannual plant sales provide educational programs and other activities which aim to protect our soil and water resources. For more information about our sale or programs please visit https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/.

March 13, 2025, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Please contact Amanda Spinale, Compass Memory Care Director, at 978-369-4728 or aspinale@concordpark.org for more information and the Zoom link. This group is free and open to the public.

Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Historian, author, and songwriter traces the ‘road to rebellion’ in song
CONCORD, MA Issued March 3, 2025... Celebrating 250 years of American spirit by honoring Concord’s leading role in the birth of our country, Concord Women’s Chorus presents a historical concert “Songs of the Revolution,” on Sunday, March 23, 3 pm, at First Parish in Concord Parish Hall, 20 Lexington Road, Concord.  The performance features Boston-based performing artist and historian Diane Taraz, also a member of Concord Women’s Chorus.  Complimentary refreshments will be served.  A suggested donation of $20 at the door is greatly appreciated.
To mark 250 years since the start of the American Revolution, Diane Taraz takes a trip back in time and traces the road to rebellion with songs enjoyed by ordinary people, especially those often overlooked, such as women and people of color. Enjoy lively ballads, serene hymns, bold marches, passionate laments, and songs created by both sides promoting either independence or loyalty to the crown. Dressed in a gown of the time, Taraz plays authentic instruments including the lap dulcimer and an “English guitar,” the type favored by women of the 18th century.
Singer, songwriter, historian and author Diane Taraz is deeply immersed in choral music and historical exploration. Diane has collaborated with several choral groups, including In Choro Novo, where she arranged her song “Silver the Moon” for four-part harmony. She has also been commissioned to compose works for various historical programs, like “Songs of the Revolution,” which she has performed in full colonial attire, and “Home, Sweet Home,” a Civil War program.  Her historical music projects reflect a passion for connecting the past with the present. She leads programs that explore the lives of women through folk songs, Colonial-era music, and the songs of New England textile mill workers. Diane’s companion CDs, including “Songs of the Revolution” and “A Civil War Sampler,” feature music from these eras. She frequently performs at historic sites and creates educational programs that bring American musical history to life, including her course, “Singing the Past to Life” at Framingham State University.  Taraz also serves on the Scholarly Advisory Board of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, based in New York City. For over a decade she directed the Lexington Historical Society Colonial Singers.
For the past two years, Diane Taraz has been a member of Concord Women’s Chorus, a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power of women’s voices through song. 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.
Concord Women’s Chorus presents its spring concert “Still Heard Round the World: A Celebration of Music Written by and for Women” on Saturday, May 3, 4 pm, in celebrations of Concord250, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord.  The performance features texts by famous Concord and New England authors. To purchase tickets, visit concordwomenschorus.org/wp/concerts.
Concord250 commemorates the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the historic battles of the American Revolution, which began in New England in Concord and Lexington. Two hundred fifty years ago, the men and women of what is now Massachusetts secured their independence from Britain and created a new nation dedicated to the ideals of liberty, equality, natural and civil rights and responsible citizenship. Concord250 honors the community’s first 250 years and inspires Americans to imagine the span of its next 250. To mark this significant anniversary, residents, friends, and neighbors of Concord are invited to commemorate and celebrate this anniversary throughout the entire year, with marked events occurring this spring, particularly on April 19, 2025.
For more information about Diane Taraz, visit dianetaraz.com.  For more information about Concord250, visit visitconcord.org/concord-250.  For more information or to join CWC, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.

Surround yourself with art. The Princeton Arts Society’s Annual Spring Show & Sale is the perfect opportunity to view inspiring works of art and perhaps add a piece to your personal collection.
The Show and Opening Reception are free and open to the public:
Friday, May 2, 6 to 8 PM – Opening Reception
Saturday, May 3, 10 AM to 4 PM
Sunday, May 4, 10 AM to 4 PM
Princeton Community Center, 206 Worcester Rd. (Post Office Place) Princeton MA.
All work is by the Society’s members, many of whom are award winning artists widely recognized in their fields. The show includes works in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, and more, including three-dimensional works, with subject matter as varied as our artists.
The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization encouraging and supporting area visual, musical, literary and performing artists.
www.princetonarts.org
Facebook: Princeton Arts Society

Bedford, MA — March 4, 2025 — This April, Bedford will gain an innovative new health and wellness resource as Brad and Tracey Guth open FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers at 200 Great Road, the former site of Bedford Auto Parts. The clinic will join local favorites like Blue Fuji and Eva’s Little Kitchen.
With more than 620 centers across 46 states, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers offers a holistic approach to wellness. FYZICAL not only helps clients recover from injuries and surgeries but also enhances their overall physical well-being. With its Balance Therapy Program, FYZICAL helps treat the vast and complex range of issues that can cause balance disorders in a safe and challenging environment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults 65 and older, with one in four older adults experiencing a fall each year. By offering specialized fall-risk assessments, vestibular rehabilitation, and strength-building programs, FYZICAL helps individuals regain confidence in movement and maintain independence.
As long-time residents of neighboring Concord, the Guths share a deep commitment to health, wellness, and community engagement. Brad has spent his career growing businesses that make a difference, including helping launch CIC Health, which provided COVID testing and vaccinations to millions. A regular participant in competitive sports, he believes in physical therapy as both a preventative tool and a critical part of recovery from injuries. Tracey is a former educator and longtime volunteer and board member at Household Goods in Acton and a volunteer guide for Boston By Foot. As an active community leader, she has experienced firsthand how physical therapy can overcome chronic conditions and empower individuals to pursue their passions.
Bedford’s new FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers clinic will offer a wide variety of services designed to address a broad range of diagnoses, conditions and concerns including dizziness, balance and neurologic issues. The center will also offer an orthopedic rehabilitation program that helps patients reduce and reverse orthopedic pain, immobility and related challenges. FYZICAL Bedford will offer individualized care in a welcoming environment, enabling patients of all ages to stay active and independent.
“Physical therapy changes lives—we’ve seen it firsthand. FYZICAL Bedford isn’t just about recovery; it’s about helping people move with confidence, stay independent, and keep doing what they love. Bedford and its surrounding communities lie at the heart of the birthplace of the American Revolution, and Tracey and I view the 250th anniversary of this historic moment as the perfect time to partner with FYZICAL to lead a revolution of personal independence and mobility within our community,” said Brad Guth.
“We are thrilled to bring our innovative and comprehensive wellness treatments to Bedford,” said Brian Belmont, FYZICAL’s CEO. “This is a great community, and we couldn’t be more excited to get started.”
For updates on the clinic’s opening, visit www.fyzical.com/bedford-ma.

Fitchburg — LUK, Inc. has recently received funding from the Reliant Foundation to expand their Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention trainings. This is Reliant Foundation’s fourth year funding these trainings for LUK.
LUK shares Reliant Foundation’s goal to reduce stigma around mental health and substance use disorders. By raising awareness, the agency hopes to strengthen mental/behavioral health services for youth and adults, encourage individuals to strive for recovery, or support a loved one in their recovery journey.
With last year’s funding from Reliant Foundation, LUK met and surpassed their goal of training 900 individuals in mental health and suicide prevention through their ongoing partnerships with schools, PTOs, community organizations, and civic groups.
This funding from Reliant Foundation will allow LUK to continue offering a variety of trainings that vary in length, intensity, and scope, allowing training partners to select the most appropriate curriculum for their setting. The overall goal of the project is to raise awareness of mental health challenges, prevent suicide, and connect people in need to supportive services.
“LUK would like to send our gratitude to the Reliant Foundation for their continued support of our mental health training program. This program provides essential education to the community on understanding mental health symptoms in order to intervene both early and effectively,” adds LUK President & CEO Beth Barto. “This funding from Reliant Foundation helps LUK towards creating safe, healthy and resilient communities.”
LUK is thankful for Reliant Foundation’s support and looks forward to another year of offering these important trainings to the Central MA community.
LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.
For more information about LUK, Inc., visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find us on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building communities, family by family!

Free courses from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful. Family to Family, starting March 20th in Boxborough, is an eight-session weekly course for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. NAMI’s Basics course, a six-session weekly class starting March 11th in Tewksbury, is for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral health concerns. Topics for both courses include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care, plus the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support. The Basics class also includes information about advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings. Details and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses. Offered by NAMI Central Middlesex. Basics co-sponsored by Northeast Public Health Alliance.

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

Did you know cooking with gas might be making your kitchen air worse than outdoor pollution? Gas stoves release harmful stuff like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can even increase asthma risk in kids. And ventilation only helps if your exhaust fan is strong and you actually use it.
When it’s time to replace your stove, consider going electric or induction. Induction stoves heat faster than gas and are super efficient—plus, they’re safer (you can’t burn your hand on the stove!). And with new rebates and tax credits, switching to induction is more affordable than ever.
Join us for an online webinar on March 18th from 7-8pm! Andee Krasner (Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and co-author with Rocky Mountain Institute of a report on gas stoves) will share the facts about gas stove risks and the benefits of induction cooking. We’ll also hear from neighbors using induction cooktops, plus plenty of time for Q&A.
Register here: https://bit.ly/sudbury-march-webinar
Learn more about heat pumps and solar here  and other actions with https://bit.ly/plugINSudburyMA1
This event is sponsored by plugIN MetroWest, in partnership with MassEnergize. The Town of Sudbury and Sustainable Sudbury are excited to be a part of this seven-town effort to empower residents to transform their homes into sustainable, energy-efficient, and comfortable living spaces!

Support for caregivers of adults - a Q&A with Rabbi Judith Kummer and the Congregation Beth Elohim clergy and shared stories from community members.
Join us for a discussion of the joys and challenges in caring for ourselves while caring for our loved ones. We will be exploring this topic through a Jewish lens.
This event will be held at CBE and available via Zoom. Light refreshments and informal sharing to follow the program.
Please sign up below for our planning purposes.
You will have the opportunity, when you sign up, to, optionally, to donate to the CBE Chesed Committee.  Donations are appreciated.
Rabbi Kummer Bio
Rabbi Judy Kummer is a board certified chaplain who delights in her work with individuals and groups in a variety of settings throughout the Greater Boston area.  She earned her BA at Barnard College and her Rabbinic Ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. A Boston native, she has served congregations in the New York area and in Washington DC.  For 18 years she served as Executive Director of the Jewish Chaplaincy Council of Massachusetts.
Rabbi Kummer has recently opened a spiritual care private practice, “Spiritual Support for Life’s Journey,” where she offers skilled spiritual care visits, eldercare programming, bereavement support and lifecycle officiation.

BOSTON (Grassroots Newswire) February 24, 2025 - The following local students have made the dean’s list at Wentworth Institute of Technology for the Fall 2024 semester.
* Swami Kranz of Bedford, Mass.
* Danielle Teabo of Carlisle, Mass.
* Jacob Goldental of Sudbury, Mass.
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Founded in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, project-based education in architecture and design, computing and data science, engineering, management, and sciences and humanities that integrates classroom, laboratory, studio, cooperative and experiential learning to develop career-ready, skilled professionals, and engaged citizens. The University of Opportunity, Wentworth aims to be a student-centered institution that offers high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and life-long learning programs, and embraces a culture of innovation and creativity. Hands-on. Future-Ready. Education that’s worth it. Wentworth.

Concord, MA – [Date of Release] – The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is thrilled to present Around Hear, a dynamic chamber music ensemble, in a family-friendly concert experience on Saturday, March 22nd at 2:00 pm. This unique performance invites audiences of all ages to explore music with all their senses.
Around Hear is known for its innovative and engaging concerts, bringing joy and excitement to families and music lovers alike. This performance will feature works by J.S. Bach, Dvořák, and local composers Mike Kelley and Dan Sedgwick, with musical themes ranging from the cosmos to the common pigeon. Attendees will not only listen to captivating chamber music but also engage with visual elements and create their own floor art, making this an interactive and immersive experience.
The ensemble features Around Hear founders and core members, violinist Marji Gere and pianist Dan Sedgwick, joined by vocalist Will Green. Adding to the special occasion, the program will open with a performance by a talented CCM student.
Event Details:
What: Around Hear Family Concert
When: Saturday, March 22nd, 2:00 pm
Where: 1317 Main Street Concord, MA 01742
Tickets: $10 General Admission, Free for students 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door.
About Around Hear:
Around Hear enriches local communities with innovative, fun, and uplifting chamber music concerts. Their performances are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for audiences of all ages, fostering a love for music through creative programming and interactive experiences.

 

Join us for an extraordinary evening as a rising voice in Americana music and a rock and blues icon combine flawless harmonies, unique bass stylings and undeniable chemistry.
Alice Howe was voted Best Female Artist at the 2023 International Acoustic Music Awards. She has been described as having “a luminous alto voice” and “smart and affecting lyrics full of wit and irreverence.”
Freebo toured and recorded with Bonnie Raitt for a decade and is considered one of the great bassists of our time, playing on records with Crosby, Stills, and Nash; Ringo Starr; and Neil Young. He has also appeared on Saturday Night Live, The Muppet Show, and in concert with the legendary Spinal Tap.
Their new album, Alice Howe & Freebo Live, debuts on February 28 and will be available for purchase at the performance.
Buy tickets at https://newsongbedford.org. Performances take place in the Reed Room at Bedford’s Town Hall – a comfortable 100-seat venue located at 10 Mudge Way in Bedford, MA. Doors open at 6:45 and the music starts at 7:30. A selection of sweet treats from Prince Street Café & Bakery will be available for purchase.
A volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District with support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, New Song strives to build community and create a regional venue showcasing contemporary folk, bluegrass, and Americana.

(Leominster, MA) February 13, 2025 –Habitat for Humanity North Central MA has the pleasure to announce the 2025 Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of our new board officers for the upcoming year, along with the addition of a new board member, Jamie Conaghan
The newly appointed officers are:
Curt Logee, Board President
Tim Smith, Board Treasurer
Jamie Conaghan, Board Member
“We are thrilled to welcome these dynamic leaders to our board,” said Carolyn Read, Executive Director. “Their passion for Habitat for Humanity NCM and expertise will undoubtedly guide us as we continue to grow and make a meaningful impact in our community. We are excited about the fresh perspectives and energy Jamie will bring to the board,” said Executive Director. “Her background in marketing and strategic communication will be an asset to our team as we continue to grow and advocate for affordable housing.”
In addition to our new officers, we are also honored to introduce Jamie Conahan, SVP Marketing & Digital at Main Street Bank as our newest board member. With years of experience in marketing, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and skills that will be invaluable to our organization. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with her expertise join our board and help us enhance our outreach and engagement efforts. Her experience will play a pivotal role in helping us connect with new audiences and amplify our mission.
“I am honored to play a role in the longstanding, significant work that Habitat for Humanity NCM does in our community,” says Jamie. “As a community banker, I have always been passionate about accessible and affordable housing and resources for all to strengthen our local economy and community.
“We look forward to the positive impact our new board officers and Jamie’s contributions will have on Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. We look forward to the positive impact our new board officers and Jamie’s contributions will have on Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts

Ice Skating, Music, Refreshments~Join us for the 26th Annual AB Community Skate FUNdraiser and AB STEAM meet-up on Sunday, March 2, 2:30pm-4:30pm at Nashoba Valley Olympia (rink #3) in Boxborough.  All ages & skating abilities welcome + non-skater supporters!
Come learn about AB STEAM (Science Technology Engineering ART & Math) formerly AB PIP STEM, as a new non profit!
Please bring food pantry donations. Suggested donation is $5/pp, $20/family. ALL proceeds benefit Acton area causes: local food pantries, AB STEAM, wellness & green/eco causes thanks to the generous support of Nashoba Valley Olympia (NVO) for ice rink time. Colonial Figure Skating Club (CFSC) members & teen volunteers will guide skaters too!
Thank you to Annual AB Community Skate supporters: Nashoba Valley Olympia, Colonial Figure Skating Club, JWB Sports, Acton Coffee, Legend Café, Edible Arrangements of Westford, Oscar’s Burrito in Boxborough, Eve & Murray’s Farm to Table, Idylwilde Farms, Bee’s Knees British Imports for hospitality donations + acanthi.com, Market Dynamics, UPS Store Acton, One27 Photo and Action Unlimited for event media & communications!
See you on March 2 for this AB Community FUNdraising event! More info at actonpip.org.

Free courses from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful. Family to Family, starting March 20th in Boxborough, is an eight-session weekly course for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. NAMI’s Basics course, a six-session weekly class starting March 11th in Tewksbury, is for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral health concerns. Topics for both courses include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care, plus the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support. The Basics class also includes information about advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings. Details and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses. Offered by NAMI Central Middlesex. Basics co-sponsored by Northeast Public Health Alliance.

Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “Voices Rising”
Program Allison Loggins-Hull | Homeland Carlos Simon | An Elegy: A Cry From the Grave Carlos Simon | Warmth from Other Suns Jessie Montgomery | Strum James Lee III | Abraham’s Sons, In Memory of Trayvon Martin Adolphus Hailstork | String Quartet No. 2, “Variations on Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”
When & Where: Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 PM **UPDATED VENUE** Mechanics Hall, Washburn 321 Main Street, Worcester Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to the performance Post-concert dessert reception for all
How: Adults $45, Seniors $42, College Students $10 w/ID EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free
Information and tickets for these concerts are available on the ensemble’s website, www.worcesterchambermusic.org, or by calling the office at (508) 926-8624.

LEGO® Discovery Center Boston is starting their biggest mini LEGO® competition yet, as kids across New England can build their way to be crowned Boston’s 2025 Mini Master Model Builder and also vie for the title of 2025 Global Mini Master Model Builder!
The epic building competition is part of the Creativity Academy event held at LEGO Discovery Center Boston, operated by Merlin Entertainments, now through March 3rd. Kids can build a LEGO creation to compete for the honor while at the attraction and then one builder will be crowned Boston’s Mini Master Model Builder in March once the event concludes. More info about the Mini
Each of the winning local Mini Master Model Builders will be tasked to create another LEGO® build to be displayed at the one and only Home of the Brick, LEGO® House, in Billund, Denmark to vie for the title of the first-ever Global Mini Master Model Builder!
LEGO House comprises over 25 million LEGO bricks spread across four immersive Experience Zones, a Masterpiece Gallery of fan creations, and a multi-sensory LEGO museum. Also, LEGO House is home to some of the world’s largest LEGO models including the Tree of Creativity, giant dinosaurs, waterfalls and more.
Last year, Tara, age 11, won the title of Boston’s 2024 Mini Master Model Builder by building Derby the LEGO® Horse that won the judges over, and even got to spend a few days shadowing actual LEGO Master Model Builders in the attraction! Tara created a video calling all local Mini Builders to enter the Global Mini Master Model Builder Competition.

Dr. Brian Hainline
Across the country, young people are dropping out of organized sports. The share of kids ages 6 to 17 who participated in a team sport dropped by nearly 5 percentage points between 2017 and 2022. The decline isn’t primarily because kids are losing interest. Rather, what they’re losing is access -- especially as the cost of participation continues to rise.
Reversing this trend is critically important for kids’ mental and physical health. So it’s worth looking at some of the barriers sports have faced, and how tennis is forward-thinking in this matter.
It’s no secret that learning and playing a sport at an early age can prove enormously valuable. Sports participation is associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in young people -- as well as better self-esteem, improved cognition, and heightened physical literacy. Physical activity releases endorphins, feel-good hormones that put you in a better frame of mind and enhances brain connections. It helps kids maintain a healthy weight and sets young people on a path to a lifetime of healthy habits.
Barriers to sport involvement, especially financial ones, have been growing ever more formidable. The average cost of playing youth basketball was over $1,000 a year in 2022. Soccer was almost 20% more expensive, at $1,188 a year on average. No wonder nearly two-thirds of families say the cost of youth sports is a financial strain.
Tennis is one of the few sports to counter the trend of inaccessibility. Since 2019, the number of Americans ages 6 and older playing tennis has increased by 34 percent -- and currently stands at 23.8 million.
Part of this success is tennis’s relatively low barriers to entry, especially compared to more equipment-heavy games like hockey, football, or skiing. All you need to get started is a racquet and a few balls -- maybe $30 worth of equipment in total -- and access to one of the nation’s roughly 270,000 tennis courts, which are typically free to use.
Modest equipment costs are only part of tennis’ growth. The game has found ways to adjust to people of all ages and abilities, including individuals who are too often told they cannot participate in sports because of physical, mental, or age-related challenges.
Tennis recognizes that not everyone needs to play on the same size court and by the same rules.
All the way down to beginner youth (and all the way up to the elderly), adaptations are available, ranging from the speed and size of the ball, the size and weight of the racket, the size of the court, rules of service, scoring, and the length of a match. Importantly, wheelchair tennis has made a major breakthrough and is an exciting variant of the game that’s widely available.
Tennis is also a game young people can play into adulthood. There are leagues and competitions across the country for players 18 and over, 40 and over, and even 95 and over.
Sports remain one of our best tools for combatting the crisis in youth health. All sports need to look for opportunities to expand their reach through custom tailoring to meet players where they are.
Brian Hainline, MD is Chair of the Board and President of the United States Tennis Association and recently transitioned from the NCAA as their Chief Medical Officer. He co-chaired the International Olympic Committee Consensus Meetings on both Pain Management in Elite Athletes and Mental Health in Elite Athletes. Brian is Clinical Professor of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. This piece first appeared in the Boston Herald.

Middlesex Community College is excited to announce The Owl Theatre will be coming/returning to the college’s Richard and Nancy Donahue and Family Academic Arts Center (AAC) in Lowell. With the Luna Theater at nearby Mill No. 5 closing on Sunday, February 2, Middlesex will now honor that theater’s legacy with a new version opening at the AAC hearkening back to the building’s roots.
“The Luna Theater provided a unique space in downtown Lowell for film lovers to gather and share the communal experience of a movie,” said Jim Lichoulas, Mill No. 5 Owner. “Now, I’m happy to pass the baton to Middlesex Community College to carry on many of the Luna traditions with their new venture in the nearby Academic Arts center.  With this news, Greater Lowell will continue to have a theater venue to keep the tradition of film alive downtown.”
“MCC looks forward to continuing the cultural offerings set by the Luna Theater at Mill No. 5,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s President. “We are thrilled to provide film options and community entertainment to Greater Lowell. Keeping culture in the downtown area, putting films on the big screen, and bringing the community together matches the work we’re already doing by hosting the Lowell Asian American Film Festival and El Encuentro Film Festival at the AAC. Our hope is to carry on this important institution and provide expansive opportunities for our film and communication programs as we move forward.”
Event planning for the Owl Theatre at Middlesex is underway. This includes bringing the Luna’s crescent moon statue over to the AAC and adding an owl to the artwork.
“Built in 1876, the Boston and Maine depot where our AAC now stands was home to one of the original Lowell movie theaters, The Owl Theatre, which opened in 1913 before becoming the Rialto movie theater,” said Patrick Cook, MCC’s Vice President of Administration. “MCC’s new version of The Owl Theatre is a fantastic opportunity to go back to the building and our community’s roots to one of the first uses of the space. Tying in the college’s owl mascot to this original concept is a perfect fit, while maintaining a wonderful community tradition established so successfully by the Luna Theater for so many years.”
MCC will soon be announcing a series of films that will take place on weekends. Stay tuned for exciting announcements about the first slate of films. In the meantime, email John Bachelder, MCC’s AAC Manager at Bachelderj@Middlesex.edu to recommend movies or film genres.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/campus/academicartscenter.html for more information on MCC’s AAC.

Concord: Each Thursday, First Connections facilitates a First Year of Life (FYOL) Support Group meeting from 9:30-11:00 AM via Zoom with 1 Thursday per month held in person. Please email efiorini@jri.org for a weekly reminder email and link to join.
The FYOL Support Group is facilitated by Emily Fiorini, MA, a clinician specializing in the FYOL, with additional guest speakers. Parents in the postpartum year can join this group to get support for their own emotional wellbeing, recovery, and transition into parenthood; baby’s development; feeding and sleep support; and community resources. Emily is also available for free one-on-one Zoom consultations by request to meet individual needs.
The FYOL group supports all new parents. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, parenting solo, partnered, or married, an adoptive or biological parent, have one baby or more, you are welcome here!
For more information about First Connections, our program offerings, and our extensive directory of community resources and referral services, please visit our website at firstconnections.org where you will find a link to our Parent Blog and our seasonal Newsletter listing current programs open to registration.
It is never too early to find resources that you can rely on and a community you and your baby can be a part of. We are here for you whenever you need us.
Funding for these parent groups is provided by the Concord Carlisle Foundation and Nordblom Family Foundation. We are so grateful to these organizations for their financial support that allows us to provide these critical postpartum support services to families in the area free of cost. For more information about these and other free programs and services provided by First Connections, please visit our website at firstconnection.org.

Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) is thrilled to present its Annual Free Family Concert on March 2, 2025, with a performance at 3:00pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.  Neighborhood Strings students will perform at the beginning of the concert. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
Mechanics Hall comes alive with the voices of a wolf, a boy, a cat, a duck, and a bird in Prokofiev’s beloved story of Peter and the Wolf, followed by delightful depictions of a catalogue of fantastical beasts in Saint-Saën’s Carnival of the Animals. Artwork by students from Abby Kelly Foster School and a meet and greet with the musicians round out the multisensory experience of our always popular Family Concert. Be sure to reserve your seats early because this one-time-only concert will reach capacity soon.
Sunday, March 2 @3PM
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
Generously sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank, Cornerstone Bank, and Karen Amlaw Music. This concert is also funded in part by the Auburn and Shrewsbury Cultural Councils, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Program
Peter and the Wolf | Sergei Prokofiev, composer
Carnival of the Animals | Camille Saint-Saëns, composer
With a special performance by Neighborhood Strings
With guests:
Orlando Cela, conductor / William Kirkley, clarinet / Denise Plaza Martin, oboe / Clark Matthews, French horn / Adrian Jojatu, bassoon / Lilit Hartunian, violin / Moisés Carrasco, double bass / Aaron Trant, percussion
Venue is handicapped accessible.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Reserve early, since this event typically sells out quickly.
Tickets are available at  https://worcesterchambermusic.org/animal-adventures/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of singing, dancing, food, (including gluten-free and vegan pizza, delicious homemade baked goods, and candy, soda and seltzer) and prizes! The fun starts at 5PM on Friday, February 14 at First Church Unitarian located at 19 Foster Street, in Littleton, MA. $20 per family or $5 per person at the door, cash or Venmo accepted. Parking available at the Masonic Lodge, 310 King St., Littleton, Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St., Littleton, or Castle in the Trees Playground, 300 King St., Littleton. To pre-register your dietary preferences and number of people attending so we’ll have plenty of food on hand, please email rochellecham@gmail.com.

Open to high school juniors and seniors in MA, funds can be used for any educational or developmental experience
Acton, MA – Discovery Museum announced today the 2025 Discovery Museum Scholarship program, which began in 2022 in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Museum. The program will award four one-time $1,500 scholarships to high school juniors or seniors in MA who embody the mission and values of the Museum.
“More than 6 million kids and their families have come through our doors over the past four decades to learn about themselves, their abilities, and the world around them, guided by their own creativity and natural curiosity,” said CEO Marie Beam. “The Discovery Museum Scholarship looks to celebrate young learners who embody the mission and values of the Museum by supporting them on next leg of their educational journeys—whatever that might be.”
All high school juniors and seniors residing in MA are eligible to apply. For one of the four awards, preference will be given to current or past employees or volunteers of the Museum. Award money can be used for any educational or developmental experience, such as college or trade school tuition, travel expenses to support an exciting volunteer opportunity, or costs to provide a learning experience for young children.
Video or written applications are being accepted at https://bit.ly/DMScholarship2025 (applicants must log in to Google to apply) and must be received by March 31, 2025. Recipients will be notified in mid-May.

Free courses from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful. Family to Family, starting March 20th in Boxborough, is an eight-session weekly course for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. NAMI’s Basics course, a six-session weekly class starting March 11th in Tewksbury, is for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral health concerns. Topics for both courses include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care, plus the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support. The Basics class also includes information about advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings. Details and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses. Offered by NAMI Central Middlesex. Basics co-sponsored by Northeast Public Health Alliance.

Concord, MA – Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is thrilled to announce “Music & Rebels,” a special concert celebrating the 250th anniversary of Concord’s role in the American Revolution. This unique program will take you on a journey through the lives and works of music history’s most rebellious composers, from Monteverdi and Beethoven to our contemporaries, revealing how their groundbreaking innovations forever transformed the landscape of music.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: 1317 Main Street Concord, MA 01742
Tickets: $25 General Admission, Free for Students 18 and Under (Available in advance or at the door)
“Music & Rebels” will feature the world premiere of Unrest by acclaimed local composer and CCM faculty member Aaron Jay Myers, commissioned specifically for this occasion. This powerful new work, inspired by the spirit of revolution, will be a highlight of the evening.
CCM faculty speaker Jackson Carruthers will guide the audience through the program, illuminating how each featured musical selection challenged the conventions of its time, propelling the art of music into new and exciting territories.
A slate of musicians, including CCM faculty artists soprano Rose Hegele and cellist Steve Marotto, alongside guest artists violinist Nicole Parks, pianist Elaine Rombola Aveni, and percussionist Matt Sharrock, will bring this captivating program to life.

Concord, MA – Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is thrilled to announce its dynamic summer programs designed to ignite a lifelong love of music in children.
Summer Strings Experience
Dates: July 21-25, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Ages: 6-8, 9-11, 12-14
Description: This week-long program provides a nurturing environment for young string players (violin, viola, cello, bass) to enhance their ensemble skills, creativity, and musicianship. Smaller class sizes foster a close-knit community and allow for individualized attention. Students will be placed in appropriate groups based on a short placement audition video.
Instrument Play: Start Your Musical Journey
Sessions:
Session 1: July 14-18, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Session 2: August 4-8, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Ages: 5-8, 9-12
Description: This exciting program allows young children to explore a variety of instruments, including strings, piano, and winds. Without the pressure of choosing just one, students will discover the unique sounds and personalities of each instrument while developing fundamental musicianship skills.
Optional Aftercare: Both programs offer optional aftercare from 3:00-5:00 pm.
Registration: Register for both programs by May 1st.
Assistantships: High school and college music students can apply to become Summer Strings Experience Assistants. Music students ages 13-18 can apply to become Instrument Play Assistants.
Financial Assistance: Limited financial assistance is available for CCM’s summer programs. Apply here.

Join the Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging (FBCOA) on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 am and raise your voice and spirit with Howie & Mel to celebrate many of our familiar and favorite folk music and folk rock classics.
Howie Rashba and Mel Green have delighted local audiences with their warmth and music and recently performed at the New England Folk Festival in April 2024. Whether you are a seasoned Hootenanny fan or experiencing one for the first time, this is your opportunity to share in a spirited tradition.
Hootenanny is a term with Scotch-Irish roots that found its way to Appalachia before being popularized in the 1940s by folk legends like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. Songs including This Land is Your Land
and If I Had a Hammer, Blowing in the Wind, Mr.Tambourine Man, and countless others, have stood the test of time, bringing joy and inspiration to audiences for generations.
Come sing along, clap your hands, stomp your feet, and brighten your day on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Parish Hall of St. Michael’s Church, 90 Concord Road, Bedford. The venue is handicapped accessible, admission is free, parking is plentiful, and light refreshments will be provided.
Reserve Your Spot:  To secure your place for this free performance, RSVP by Friday, February 14 and contact FBCOA board members:
Linda White: Call 781-275-9574 or email lindawhite1@juno.com
Leslie Gabriele: Call 781-276-7999 or email leslie@withloveandgratitude.com
We can’t wait to sing with you!
He who sings scares away his woes.~  Miguel de Cervantes