Concord women's chorus

Choral Ensemble Invites Women to Join for Fall Season

Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, invites new singers to join its ensemble at “Open Rehearsal” on Tuesday, September 17, 9:30 am, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord.  Artistic Director and Conductor Jane Ring Frank welcomes newcomers to join rehearsal, audition and learn more about the fall season.  Rehearsals continue through 2024-25 on Tuesday mornings, 9:30 am to 12 noon, also held at Trinity Episcopal Church.
CWC welcomes singers with prior choral experience including good sight-reading skills, solid intonation and vocal quality, responsiveness to direction and the ability to blend within an ensemble. For auditions, prospective members may be asked to sight-read a short passage and/or sing a familiar tune; arriving with a prepared solo is not necessary.  An information form is available to be printed in advance and brought to the audition at concordwomenschorus.org/wp/sing-with-us.  Chorus members are expected to attend rehearsals and to participate in performing scheduled concerts.  The ensemble holds weekly rehearsals in preparation for its holiday season concert in December, and 2025 performances.  Date for this season’s concerts are TBA.
CWC is committed to the safety of all and requires all singers to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19. Masks are optional during rehearsals, but policies may change as needed. For more information, performance details or to join Concord Women’s Chorus, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, or follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.
Nrwa new staff

NRWA New Staff Announcement

The Nashua River Watershed Association welcomes new staff members advancing water protection, climate resilience, environmental education, and engagement programs. Seen here left to right: Ryan Hennrikus, Sara Singh, Chris Fournier, Paulina Torres, and Utkir Adkhamov. The NRWA thanks the Organizational Fund for Non-Profits at the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts for supporting the technology needs of this new staff.

Silent Movie – The Mark of Zorro

This 1920 silent Western film starring Douglas Fairbanks will be shown on Sunday, September 22 at the Shanklin Music Hall, 130 Sandy Pond Road, Groton MA starting at 2:30 PM. Musical accompaniment will be provided by a Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that was originally installed in Boston’s Metropolitan Theatre (presently the Wang Theater at the Boch Center) in 1930. The Shanklin Music Hall was designed and built specifically for the Wurlitzer to give the audience an unparalleled concert experience. Chris Eliot, awarded 2009 Organist of the Year by the American Theatre Organ Society, will perform. This event is sponsored by the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the American Theatre Society, a non-profit established to preserve and encourage appreciation of the great American Theatre Organs from the days of the silent movies. Tickets are available online at www.WurlitzerPops.org. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for those 18 and under.

Myles Above in Heaven Support Group Meeting

(Intimate support group in the loss of a child)
Saturday, September 21st, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Avidia Financial Center
The Community Room
17 Pope Street, Hudson, MA
Leonard sax

The challenges facing today’s kids: Free sessions offer solutions


Research shows that American kids today are more likely to be anxious or depressed than American kids from a couple of decades ago. It also shows an alarmingly widening gender gap in academic achievement: the boys are getting left in the dust. This is not because girls are doing better (although they are), but primarily because boys are doing worse. Yet girls have their own challenges. While alcohol and drug use among boys has remained stable or even dropped over the last 40 years, use among girls has soared. As if these challenges weren’t enough, any parent today knows that guiding kids safely through the obstacles of social media and video games is an exhausting and uphill climb.
Dr. Leonard Sax will share evidence-based insights and research-backed solutions related to these topics and more in a series of informational sessions titled Improving the Odds for Our Kids and hosted by Mt. Calvary Church in Acton, MA, in September. A physician, psychologist, and author of the New York Times bestseller The Collapse of Parenting, Dr. Sax has spoken about topics relevant to raising and working with today’s youth at more than 500 schools, juvenile correctional facilities, communities of faith, and other venues around the world.
“I’m really excited to be bringing Dr. Sax and his message to the greater Acton community,” says Kerry Evans, one of the event organizers and a Harvard resident. “I first read his book Boys Adrift when my teenage sons were little, and it left a huge impression on me. It changed the way I raised my kids.”
“As a grandmother raising two grandchildren with ADHD, I’m excited to hear Dr. Sax’s evidence-based advice for guiding our kids to become capable, confident adults,” adds co-organizer Dawn Phelan, who is planning to attend all sessions.
But the sessions aren’t just for parents and grandparents. Educators, medical professionals, and anyone interested in supporting kids will find them relevant.
“I first heard Dr. Sax interviewed as a guest on a podcast, and I was really interested in what he had to say about the importance of ‘rites of passage’ for girls and boys on their journey to becoming healthy women and men,” says Acton resident Naomi Veeder. “Even though I don't have children of my own, I have nieces, nephews and friends' children that are in my life and that I care deeply about, and so I'm looking forward to hearing more from him on how I can support them on their journey to adulthood.”
The sessions take place Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28 and are free and open to the public. However, because space is limited, the organizers suggest that people register ahead of time to reserve their spot. For more information and to register, visit www.mtcalvaryacton.org/improvingtheodds. If you have questions, email workshops@mtcalvaryacton.org or call (978) 263-5156. Mt. Calvary is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA. Parking (including handicap) is available behind the church, off Prospect Street. Parking attendants will direct attendees to overflow parking options.

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday September 15 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Bob Lucas at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org, or 978-263-1540.
The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.
Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including marching in parades, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to town organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
All are welcome to come and make new connections with others. For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.

The Concord Players are having a TAG SALE!

Saturday, September 14 from 9:00-3:00 & Sunday, September 15 from 10:00-2:00
at The Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street, in Concord Center.
Due to the recent construction to install air conditioning and improve ventilation in the performance space, the Players' storage areas were greatly reduced, so we are purging our excess stock of Costumes, Wigs, Props, and Fabric plus Furniture, Vintage Items, Housewares, and Arts & Crafts.
We hope that you will also help spread the word to your friends, families, fellow actors and theater communities.
The new theater season is upon us, and Halloween is just around the corner, so we invite you to take advantage of our inventory and support your fellow community theater!
Everyone is welcome to come shop - cash or checks only, please.
Questions? Email: info@concordplayers.org

Concord Conservatory’s Ukelele Tasters Dates

Two Free and Fun Ukulele Classes on September 16 and 18th.
Adults, you can discover the joy of playing the ukulele—one of the most infectious and fun instruments! This year, the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) will host two Ukulele Tasters. Choose the time that fits your schedule and join us on Monday, September 16th, from 6:15 – 7:15 pm at the HarveyWheeler Community Center in their Clock Tower Room in Concord, or on Wednesday, September 18th, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm at KJ's Caffè in Acton, located at 145 Great Road. On Wednesday, you can make it a full evening by enjoying dinner at KJ's Caffè before the event. They will open exclusively for attendees at 6:00 pm, outside their regular hours, offering you the opportunity to purchase and savor something from their excellent menu. We're grateful for their support in making this a special experience. After an hour, you’ll fall in love with playing this happy and cool instrument and will want to join a class with your new friends. CCM faculty member Aaron Jay Myers will guide you and have you strumming along in no time. You’ll learn how to hold the ukulele and learn basic chords. You’ll end up playing a foot-tapping song by the end of the ukulele taster. Ukuleles will be available to use for the evening, but bring your own if possible. Sign up in advance at ConcordConservatory.org or just show up at CCM for an entertaining evening. After the Taster, you’ll jump at the chance to join a ukulele group class. CCM offers the Ukulele Crash Course for beginners on Mondays during the afternoon and in the evening and the Ukulele Club on Tuesday evenings for those already more familiar with the instrument. These classes begin on September 23 and 24. For information on the full list of CCM offerings, visit ConcordConservatory.org, email info@concordconservatory.org, or call (978) 369-0010. The Concord Conservatory of Music is the area’s nonprofit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street within the West Concord Union Church on the 2nd floor. Financial assistance is available.

Free Trial Group Classes at Concord Conservatory of Music

Sign-up for a free class during the week of September 9-14th
There is something to be said about being part of a group. You gain a sense of belonging. Group activities are fun and rewarding. If you are looking for a great way to meet new people, try something new, or bring your musicianship to the next level, then group classes or joining an ensemble may be right for you.
The Concord Conservatory of Music has music opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Find your music during the CCM Free Trial Group Class week running from Monday, September
9th through Saturday, September 14th.
CCM group classes offer excellence in music education, balancing rigor with the joy of creating music for all ages. Whether you’re a true beginner or a more advanced student, our small classes ensure individual attention while fostering a social learning experience. We encourage early registration due to limited spots in each group class.
Sign-up for your free trial group classes at ConcordConservatory.org
For Kids:
Explore a variety of classes, each tailored to a child’s stage of development, and encourage kids to explore musical concepts and instruments in an active learning environment.
Group classes include: Meet the Instruments, Music Makers, Group Keyboard, Beginner Vocals, the Concord Conservatory Children’s Chorus, and more. These classes provide a solid musical foundation and inspire a lifelong appreciation for music no matter where their journey take them.
Are you an adult and not sure where to start your music journey?
CCM offers many ways to help you develop and continue your lifelong love of music in a collaborative setting with people like you. Try out one of our new daytime or evening classes.
Come play with us!
For information on the complete list of CCM offerings, visit ConcordConservatory.org,
Email info@concordconservatory.org, or call (978) 369-0010. The Concord Conservatory of
Music is the area’s non-profit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street within the West Concord Union Church on the 2nd floor. Financial assistance is available.

Littleton Historical Society Presents Shaker Program

Revisiting the Harvard Shaker Village and Its Cultural Landscape. Researcher Ned Quist will be speaking about the Harvard Shaker community on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 7:30 pm at the Congregational Church of Littleton on 330 King St. A retired academic librarian, Mr. Quist became interested in the Shakers only a few years ago when as a hobbyist woodworker, he discovered Shaker furniture. The furniture, as it turns out, became a “gateway drug” to the fascinating field of Shaker Studies. He has given a number of talks on the subject, published five articles, and is currently working on a book about structures built by the Harvard Shakers between 1791 and 1918. His talk will focus mainly on the Shaker Village in Harvard, but will include Littleton connections as well.

Cornerstone Shop Reopens Sept. 9

The wait is over! The Cornerstone Thrift Shop is reopening on Monday, September 9. The volunteers have been busy bringing out clothing and shoes for Fall. We carry pants, sweaters, tops, winter jackets, and shoes in sizes from infant to adult. Come and shop for the whole family! While you are there, browse our selection of housewares and toys. You are sure to find a new-to-you treasure!
The Cornerstone is located in Acton Congregational Church at 12 Concord Road in Acton center. It is open on Mondays and Fridays from 10 AM to 2 PM, Wednesdays from 3:00 to 5:30 PM, and Saturdays from 10 AM to noon. The shop is closed for all Federal and State holidays and for school vacations.
The Cornerstone is run by volunteers, and all of the proceeds go to support the missions and ministry of the church. Please remember: we accept cash and checks only.

Awesome Autumn Landscape Watercolors Workshop

 
Friday, September 20th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Join Angela Ackerman and a group of other watercolor enthusiasts on September 20th to experiment with color-mixing using all the gorgeous colors of autumn. Bring your favorite fall landscape photo to class to inspire some fall watercolors!! If you prefer painting autumn leaves, gourds, or florals, we will practice our observational painting skills as well. All levels welcome! Please call the COA to sign up starting Sept. 3 (due to Labor Day holiday) to sign up. The cost of this class is just $15.
Council on Aging, 1276 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742
978-318-3023  (Tu & Th 8:30am– 5:00pm/Wed  8:30am-12:00pm)

Memory Lane Café at the Acton Senior Center

September 24, 2024, 12:00-1:30 pm at the Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road, Rear, Acton. A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with memory impairment and their care partners /caregivers. Cafés are a place to talk with others, enjoy lunch and an activity or entertainment together. We do ask attendees to bring their care partners. Sponsored by the Acton Council on Aging, Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory CareCommunity and Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. An RSVP is not required but appreciated. There is no cost to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please call Sharon Mercurio, Acton Council on Aging director, at 978-929-6652. Groups will be held on the last Tuesday of each month. This group is free and open to the public. Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers ofAmerica Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group

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

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. Presents:

 
A Star Watch at the Stow Minute Man Airfield. Friday, September 13th from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM. SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. Last chance to see the jewels of summer! This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring the Milky Way in all its glory! See M13 - the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, M57 - the Ring Nebula in Lyra, as well as the famous Dumbbell Planetary nebula, M27. See a host of beautiful double stars and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon! If you come early, you will get a peek at Venus, and if you stay late, you may get a peek at Saturn! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects. There will also be a bright overhead pass of the International Space Station (brighter than Venus!) at 7:20PM. Don’t miss it! Masks are not required but will be available. If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone ill, we ask that you refrain from attending. The weather caused us to cancel our last event, so be sure to check before you come. A cancellation notice will be posted on our website www.sasobservatory.org by 3:00 PM the day of our event. If we do cancel on Friday, we will try again the next night (Saturday), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

Acton Community Chorus Opportunity

Many people get a boost from singing, whether by yourself in the shower, bringing down the house at karaoke, singing at school, or singing the anthem at a game. Singing in a chorus is a great way to engage your body and mind, all while having a good time with friends and engaging with your community. To these ends, we hope you will try out the Acton Community Chorus, now in its forty-first season, under the leadership of the fun and gregarious music director, Lisa Cooper, accompanied on the piano by the talented Ed Rosser. This fall we will prepare a concert called “This Land Was Made for You and Me,” songs of unity, equality, and finding common ground. Songs will include a new arrangement of “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Adam Podd, “Equality is in the Air We Breathe” by Gwyneth Walker, “America, the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward, and “Give Me Your Tired Your Poor” by Jay Rouse. Experience how music can unite us despite our differences and inspire us to move toward a more equitable future. No audition is required. Rehearsals are every Monday night, with a performance in January. Our first open rehearsal is on September 9th, 2024, at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 54 Hosmer Street, Acton (the chorus is not affiliated with the church). For more details, please visit our website at www.ActonCommunityChorus.org. We hope to see you there!

Teen Voting to Open for Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award, Sept. 1-20

 
Hey MA Teens! Voting will open for the MA Teen Choice Book Award (MTCBA) on September 1!  Young people from across Massachusetts are invited to vote for their top teen book from a list of nominees until Sept. 20, 2024. This is the only award in the Bay State that invites students in grades 7-12 to vote for their top new books.
The list of nominees has been curated by a committee of public librarians, school library media specialists and educators. The top teen choices will be announced in October 2024.
“There are two ways for teens to cast their votes - they can vote directly using our digital ballot (available at https://www.mateenchoicebook.org/home) or they can cast a paper ballot at any participating library” said Suzanne Larson, committee chair and high school library media specialist at Seekonk High School in Seekonk, MA.  “We encourage school and public libraries interested in participating to create displays and ballot boxes by using MTCBA resources, also available on the award website.” (https://www.mateenchoicebook.org/home)
The 2024 Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award Nominees are:
  • Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed -  Salter, Dashka *
  • As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow -  Katouh, Zoulfa
  • Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico -  Suggs, Christine *
  • Bianca Torre is Afraid of Everything -  Winans, Justine Pucella *
  • Bittersweet in the Hollow -  Pearsall, Kate
  • Blue Lock, Vol. 1 - Kaneshiro, Muneyuki *
  • Breathe and Count Back From Ten -  Sylvester, Natalia
  • Give Me a Sign -  Sortino, Anna *
  • Just Do This One Thing For Me -  Zimmerman, Laura
  • Money Out Loud - Anat, Berna *
  • Promise Boys -  Brooks, Nick *
  • Rez Ball - Graves, Byron *
  • The Search for Us - Boyer, Susan Azim *
  • This is Our Place -  Martin, Vitor *
  • Threads That Bind -  Hatzopoulou, Kika
  • Throwback - Goo, Maureen *
  • Warrior Girl Unearthed - Boulley, Angeline
  • Well, That Was Unexpected - Sutanto, Jesse *
  • Where You See Yourself - Forrest, Claire *
  • The Wicked Bargain - Novoa, Gabe Cole *
  • Your Lonely Nights are Over - Sass, Adam
           *Indicates suitable for younger teen readers
The Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award is a cooperative project between the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) and the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) with support from Salem State University. For more information on the selected titles and how to participate and vote, please visit www.mateenchoicebook.org.

Awesome Autumn Landscape Watercolors Workshop with Angela Ackerman

Friday, September 20th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
Concord COA, 1276 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742 Phone: 978-318-3023
Join Angela Ackerman and a group of other watercolor enthusiasts on September 20th to experiment with color-mixing using all the gorgeous colors of autumn. Bring your favorite fall landscape photo to class to inspire some fall watercolors!! If you prefer painting autumn leaves, gourds, or florals, we will practice our observational painting skills as well. All levels welcome! Please call the COA to sign up starting Sept. 3 (due to Labor Day holiday) to sign up. The cost of this class is just $15.
Concord women's chorus

Choral Ensemble Invites Women to Join for Fall Season

Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, invites new singers to join its ensemble at “Open Rehearsals” on Tuesdays, September 10 and 17, 9:30 am, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord.  Artistic Director and Conductor Jane Ring Frank welcomes newcomers to join rehearsal, audition and learn more about the fall season.  Rehearsals continue through 2024-25 on Tuesday mornings, 9:30 am to 12 noon, also held at Trinity Episcopal Church.
CWC welcomes singers with prior choral experience including good sight-reading skills, solid intonation and vocal quality, responsiveness to direction and the ability to blend within an ensemble. For auditions, prospective members may be asked to sight-read a short passage and/or sing a familiar tune; arriving with a prepared solo is not necessary.  An information form is available to be printed in advance and brought to the audition at concordwomenschorus.org/wp/sing-with-us.  Chorus members are expected to attend rehearsals and to participate in performing scheduled concerts.  The ensemble holds weekly rehearsals in preparation for its holiday season concert in December, and 2025 performances.  The Dates for this season’s concerts are TBA.
CWC is committed to the safety of all and requires all singers to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19. Masks are optional during rehearsals, but policies may change as needed.
For more information, performance details or to join Concord Women’s Chorus, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, or follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.

Chelmsford 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Task Force invites the local community to attend a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at 9 am at the 9/11 Memorial located at the Chelmsford Town Hall and Fire Station at 50 Billerica Rd. Please join us to honor those who perished that day and those who risked their lives responding.  We must never forget their sacrifices.   Parking is available behind the Town Hall and Fire Station.
Scarecrow

Scarecrow Contest in Acton

Enter the “Stand Up to Stigma” Scarecrow Contest to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Central Middlesex. Bring your $25 donation to Cucurbit Farm at 32 Parker St. in Acton and pick up your scarecrow starter frame. Then drop off your family friendly scarecrow at the farm stand. Individuals, organizations, and businesses are invited to participate. The scarecrows will be on display for the month of October, and the public is invited to cast their vote for the winning entry. Our goal is 100 scarecrows along the fence and many conversations about mental health! Additional info at namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/scarecrow-contest2024.

Mt. Calvary Community Supper

 
“Always Grateful for Another Wednesday”. All are welcome.
Join us at our Sit-Down Supper! It has been a terribly hot summer. We are welcoming all our guests inside to join neighbors and friends at the tables in our Air-Conditioned Fellowship Hall. As Fall returns, we will be grateful for cooler temps outside. We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.
Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton MA 01720
Time: Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:45pm Doors will open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter prior so our volunteers can prepare your Supper.
Parking: Park your car in the back parking lot and enter from the walkway to the church door. September 2024 Menu
9/4: Roast Pork: “Bring a Friend Night” (Sponsored by Boston Metro West Bible Church of Littleton)
9/11:  Chicken Ala King  (Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia)
9/18:  Baked Ziti: “Birthday Night”  (Sponsored by Friends of Mt Calvary Community Supper)
9/25:  Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac-n-Cheese (Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobiar)
** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
No more worries about the heat. We have Air Conditioning!! We are so grateful for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper               http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. Presents: A Star Watch at the Stow Minute Man Airfield

Friday, September 13th from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM. SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. Last chance to see the jewels of summer! This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring the Milky Way in all its glory! See M13 - the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, M57 - the Ring Nebula in Lyra, as well as the famous Dumbbell Planetary nebula, M27.See a host of beautiful double stars and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon! If you come early, you will get a peek at Venus, and if you stay late, you may get a peek at Saturn! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects. There will also be a bright overhead pass of the International Space Station (brighter than Venus!) at 7:20PM. Don’t miss it!
Masks are not required but will be available. If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone ill, we ask that you refrain from attending. The weather caused us to cancel our last event, so be sure to check before you come. A cancellation notice will be posted on our website www.sasobservatory.org by 3:00 PM the day of our event. If we do cancel on Friday, we will try again the next night (Saturday), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

Survey Opportunity

Being a healthy town is about more than delivering quality health care to residents.  Where you live, learn, work, and play all have an enormous impact on your health.  Understanding your community's current health status -- all of the factors that influence health -- is important for identifying future priorities, existing strengths and assets upon which to build, and areas for collaborative efforts.  If you are a Concord or Maynard resident, please take the survey.  You can pick up hard copies at the Concord Council on Aging, Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St.in West Concord.

The Umbrella Season Opens with Fiery, Immersive “Network” Adaptation

 
Edgy Multimedia Production Pairs Innovative Director Ashley Tata and Designer Afsoon Pajoufar
Nearly a half-century after Paddy Chayefsky’s chillingly prescient, Oscar-winning black comedy Network became a cinematic classic, Lee Hall’s potent and provocative new stage adaptation remains as relevant as ever as we grapple with truth, authenticity, and the search for meaning in a digital age. Veteran news anchor Howard Beale isn't pulling in the viewers. But when his on-air meltdown sparks a revolution, Howard suddenly becomes the biggest thing on TV – a ”mad prophet of the airwaves” determined to speak truth to power, but buffeted by industrial, political and economic forces with ultimately dire consequences. Hall’s adaptation "takes on fresh fury in a sizzling stage production...that feels less satiric but more urgent" (Variety) in today’s polarized and media-saturated landscape. Fittingly, this production is helmed by Ashley Kelly Tata, a noted multimedia director whose immersive works have been called “fervently inventive,” by the New York Times. Like the award-winning West End and Broadway productions, The Umbrella’s production will employ thoroughly integrated multimedia storytelling elements evocative of the film’s masterful use of television ads and industrial sets, courtesy of innovative NYC-based designer Afsoon Pajoufar. “Network remains one of the most remarkable, if not eerily prescient films of all time,” says Producing Artistic Director Brian Boruta. “That something written almost 50 years ago could speak so singularly to our present moment is astonishing. It’s a thrill to bring this landmark play to The Umbrella’s stage.” The cast features some of Boston’s biggest names like Barlow Adamson, Amy Barker, Steve Barkhimer, Will McGarrahan, and Bill Mootos as Howard Beale. Running Sept. 20-Nov. 3 (press opening Friday Sept. 27, 7:30PM), the play will run in rotation with The Umbrella’s production of Now. Here. This, a new musical from the team that brought you [title of show], that tackles life's big questions with inimitable humor and humanity. Select performances will feature additional engagement opportunities for audience members: ● Dinner & A Show packages are available for all Thursday night performances ● Talk Backs are scheduled following performances on Oct. 13 and Oct. 24 ● Childcare with art activities for youth ages 5-12 is available through The Umbrella’s Kid Care program for parents interested in attending the Oct. 13 matinee.
The Umbrella is ADA accessible, a proud partner in the Massachusetts Cultural Council's EBT Card-to-Culture program, and provides free parking and free admission to its visual arts galleries. See https://TheUmbrellaArts.org/Network for more information.
Concord conservatory's overture string orchestra (1)

Concord Conservatory’s Overture String Orchestra: Elevating Musical Joy and Talent

Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is thrilled to announce its latest offering for the fall season: the Overture String Orchestra. Designed specifically for intermediate violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists in grades 4 through 8, this program promises to enhance students’ musicianship and elevate their skills.
The Overture String Orchestra provides a dynamic and collaborative chamber orchestra experience. We focus on personalized instruction, tailoring the curriculum to each student’s unique needs. By playing together, students develop essential teamwork and leadership skills, elevating their musical talents.
Join a community of enthusiastic young musicians who share a love for making music.
Whether you’re a CCM student or not, you’re welcome to participate!
Auditions are on September 7th, 1:00–2:00 pm, during the CCM Discovery Day Open House. The audition process is stress-free and lasts just 5 minutes. It’s purely for placement purposes, so no need to worry! Prepare to showcase your musical abilities and become part of something special. CCM faculty member and OSO Conductor Ryan Urato emphasizes the importance of
making music with others, stating, “We will provide focused support to students with the goal of individual technical and musical improvement. Most importantly, we will work on the skills necessary for playing in a group. Music is a form of communication, and through chamber music, we learn when to lead, when to listen, when to support, when to provide energy, and when to hold back. It’s true that the more we play in groups, the more we improve these skills—
skills that aren’t often developed in a practice room and provide the context for everything we work on alone as musicians. In the music world, few things are more worthwhile than chamber music!”
While Overture String Orchestra players need not be current CCM students, they must be participating in private lessons from a qualified instructor. We encourage participants to engage with their school orchestra programs if available.
Ready to join the Overture String Orchestra? Sign up in advance for the audition by calling CCM at (978) 369-0010 or visiting our website: concordconservatory.org/programs/overture-string-orchestra/
About CCM Concord Conservatory of Music: It is a community of people who are passionate about music education. CCM enrolls over 500 students annually and offers programs for all ages and abilities. As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord, MA, and 17 surrounding communities. Its curriculum includes private instruction, group classes, and performance opportunities. Financial assistance is available.

First Open Rehearsal Upcoming

Many people get a boost from singing, whether by yourself in the shower, bringing down the house at karaoke, singing at school, or singing the anthem at a game. Singing in a chorus is a great way to engage your body and mind, all while having a good time with friends and engaging with your community. To these ends, we hope you will try out the Acton Community Chorus, now in its forty-first season, under the leadership of the fun and gregarious music director, Lisa Cooper, accompanied on the piano by the talented Ed Rosser. This fall we will prepare a concert called “This Land Was Made for You and Me,” songs of unity, equality, and finding common ground. Songs will include a new arrangement of “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Adam Podd, “Equality is in the Air We Breathe” by Gwyneth Walker, “America, the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward, and “Give Me Your Tired Your Poor” by Jay Rouse. Experience how music can unite us despite our differences and inspire us to move toward a more equitable future. No audition is required. Rehearsals are every Monday night, with a performance in January. Our first open rehearsal is on September 9th, 2024, at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 54 Hosmer Street, Acton (the chorus is not affiliated with the church). For more details, please visit our website at www.ActonCommunityChorus.org. We hope to see you there!
About Acton Community Chorus:
The Acton Community Chorus (ACC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing beautiful choral music to area communities since 1984. We have singers from Acton, Bedford, Boxboro, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Framingham, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Leominster, Lincoln, Littleton, Lowell, Marlboro, Maynard, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Stow, Westford, and other nearby towns. Acton Community Chorus is a proud member of the Central Massachusetts Choral Consortium: ​http://masschoral.org/
Acton Community Chorus is grateful to be sponsored by the Acton-Boxborough, Ayer, Concord and Littleton Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – How to Use Chat GPT

Tuesday, September 17th at 1:00 PM at the Concord Council On Aging
This talk is a follow-up to last Fall’s hugely popular Artificial Intelligence workshop. Join Dave Wheeler from Senior U to learn how Chat GPT can revolutionize your free time, from news-related interests to hobbies and activities. Use AI safely for everyday tasks, personalized learning, and meaningful conversations. Plan unique experiences, spark fresh hobby ideas, and get book and movie recommendations designed just for you. It's all about enhancing your life with AI's assistance. Great for people interested in current events, learning new skills, or for those who are just wondering what all the fuss is about! Please call the COA office to reserve your spot starting Sept. 3 (due to Labor Day holiday) at 978-318-3020

A Special Invitation from the COA Men’s Group

Monday, September 16th from 10:45 to 11:45 AM
The Concord COA’s Men’s Group cordially invites you to attend its September 16th meeting at 10:45 AM for a presentation by Henry Quinlan, “My Favorite Stories from 50 Years of Publishing.” This talk features Henry Quinlan’s encounters with spies, law enforcement, a fire commissioner, FBI agents, CIA agents, entrepreneurs, athletes, movie stars, and presidents during his 50 years in the publishing business. All are true stories, and it promises to be very entertaining.  The COA Men’s Group meets every Monday morning from 10:45 to 11:45 AM and is accepting new members.  Please call the COA office to sign up for this event starting Sept. 3 (due to Labor Day Holiday) at 978-318-3020.

“Welcome Back from Summer Vacation” Luncheon

Wednesday, September 11th at 12:00 Noon
Join us for a special lunch on Wednesday, September 11th at noon, to observe the end of summer and the return of regular programming at the COA. We will have a delicious meal of lasagna, meatballs, ham and turkey, salad, and desserts. We will also have live entertainment.  The cost for this event is $5 per person, payable at the door. Please call starting Sept. 3 (due to Labor Day holiday) 978-318-3020. Reservations are required. We look forward to seeing you!
Council on Aging, located at 1276 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742.

Self-Advocacy in Health Care
with Moira Carter, RN

Monday, September 9th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Have you ever left a medical appointment and felt like you were not heard, or that you didn’t understand what the provider told you? If so, you are not alone. Start getting the most out of your medical appointments, feel confident when asking your provider questions, and be a better advocate for your own health. Come learn about patient self-advocacy. Be better prepared to actively participate at your next appointment and be active in decisions about your health. After the presentation you will have time to share your challenges and/or successes with others in the group. Please call the COA to reserve a spot starting Sept. 3 (due to Labor Day holiday) at 978-318-3020.

Free Event – 2nd Annual Family Fun Day – Saturday September 7th

You are invited to attend our second annual Family Fun Day, a fun-packed event for the entire community. Events will begin at 10am and conclude by 1pm. Location:The Lutheran Church of the Savior, 426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA. To celebrate the end of summer, we are offering:- Outdoor Games for all ages- Indoor (air-conditioned) Games- Face Painting- Burgers, Dogs and fixings- Ice cream- Refreshments. The event is open to everyone and reservations are not required. Bring the whole family and come join us.

Free Music Series at Kimball Farm Westford

Friday, August 23 at 6:00pm
Kimball Farm, 400 Littleton Road (Rt. 110) Westford
All shows are 6-8pm and take place on the outdoor stage behind the batting cages. There is no admission fee and space is limited and first come, first served. Snacks and cold drinks (including craft beer) available at the Outdoor Tap Shack!

Local Students Named to the Dean's List at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

 
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is pleased to announce the students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester:
* Amnamae Aboushhiwa, a native of Acton, Mass., is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies degree and will graduate from the Boston, Massachusetts campus in 2026.
* Lisun Tormey, a native of Acton, Mass., is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies (Physician Assistant Studies) degree and will graduate from the Boston, Massachusetts campus in 2027.
* Mahera Malek, a native of Concord, Mass., is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Business degree and will graduate from the Online campus in 2024.
* Amy Hoaglund, a native of Concord, Mass., is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and will graduate from the Worcester, Massachusetts campus in 2025.
* Eliza Smethers, a native of Maynard, Mass., is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Premedical Health Studies (Physician Assistant Studies) degree and will graduate from the Boston, Massachusetts campus in 2027.
* Christina Cutler, a native of Maynard, Mass., is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography degree and will graduate from the Worcester, Massachusetts campus in 2024.
The Dean's List recognizes those students with a full-time course load who have achieved outstanding scholarship with a 3.5 GPA or higher for the academic term.
The mission of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is to advance health science education, scholarship, and practice grounded in collaboration and inclusion. Founded in 1823, MCPHS is the oldest institution of higher education in the City of Boston. As the University moves beyond the 200th anniversary of its founding, MCPHS is committed to maintaining its position as the most comprehensive provider of health and life sciences education in the world.
Literacy volunteers marketing picture

Become an Adult ESOL or Basic Literacy Tutor!

Have you been looking for a great volunteer opportunity? If you would like to make a difference in the life of an adult with limited English or basic literacy skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area.
You do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind, a desire to help an adult improve their skills, and the ability to meet with your student for 2 hours per week for 9-12 months! In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available. Before being matched with a student you also must successfully complete an 18-hour tutor training.
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:
Tuesday, August 27, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, August 29, 12-1:30 pm
To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.
Tones of fun

Concord Conservatory’s Music Education Program for Kids with Developmental Needs


Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) uses the language of music to help children with developmental needs thrive. CCM is deeply committed to providing access to educational opportunities for all learners and partners with the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts to offer the Tones of Fun Developmental Music Class to our community.
Tones of Fun addresses an important and widespread need in our communities, especially for children diagnosed with learning differences. The program helps each child discover and explore their unique interests while developing the best version of themselves in a class just for them.
Music and creative interaction make Tones of Fun the perfect teaching tool for children with developmental needs.
Through musical play in a supportive social group of all ages and skill levels, the program stimulates physical, language, social, cognitive, and musical development. Each class engages students with simple percussion instruments, creative movement, improvisation, and playful props. A highly trained instructor from the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts leads the class, ensuring that each student receives the attention they need in a safe and welcoming environment.
The fall session begins on Tuesday, September 17 for both age groups.
The 30-minute class for ages 3–6 ($178) meets from 4:20–4:50 pm, and the 45-minute class for ages 7–9 ($240) meets from 5:00–5:45 pm.
No previous musical experience is necessary to participate. However, students must be accompanied by an adult to every class, participate effectively in classes, and maintain a safe environment for themselves and others. Parents/Caregivers can apply through CCM at: https://concordconservatory.org/programs/tones-of-fun-developmental-music-class/
Visit ConcordConservatory.org for more information. Concord Conservatory of Music is the area’s non-profit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church. Financial assistance is available.
About CCM
Concord Conservatory of Music is an energetic community of people who are passionate about music education. CCM enrolls more than 400 students annually and offers programs for all ages and abilities. As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord, MA, and 15 surrounding communities. Its curriculum includes private instruction, group classes, and performance opportunities. Financial assistance is available.
Contact: Susan Seger, Development & Marketing Manager, Concord Conservatory of Music
978-369-0010 / sseger@concordconservatory.org

Supporting Someone with a Mental Health Condition?

 
The Family to Family course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful to you. This is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course for family members and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The class is taught by NAMI trained family members. The NAMI Central Middlesex local affiliate will host two sessions of the course this fall. The first will meet in person in Winchester on Saturdays from 9:00-11:30 am, starting September 14th. The second course will be available via Zoom, meeting on Tuesdays from 6:30-9:00 pm, starting September 24th. Learn more and register at: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses.
Singing with parkinsons

Singing with Parkinson’s

Monday, August 26, 2024 at 10:30 AM
Concord Conservatory of Music, 1317 Main St, Concord, MA, 01742
Concord Conservatory of Music’s Singing with Parkinson’s Chorus brings together Parkinson’s patients, their families, and caregivers to provide enjoyment, strength and comradery. This is an ongoing program, and we welcome participants to come at any time during the semester to try out the chorus. The Chorus meets on Mondays at 10:30 am through 12:00 pm.
A chorus-based opportunity to participate in voice therapy through song, Singing with Parkinson’s focuses on vocal fitness while offering people coping with the disease a chance to sing together, perform in the community and build new friendships. Breathing, stretching, posture, and vocal exercises are taught in a supportive, congenial environment.
The chorus sings songs from a variety of genres, with input from the group helps guide the repertoire. The cost for participants is $100 for the fall semester, which is 10 sessions, and there’s no cost for caregivers and family members to attend.
Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the area’s non-profit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church. Financial assistance is available.
About CCM: Concord Conservatory of Music is an energetic community of people who are passionate about music education. CCM enrolls more than 400 students annually and offers programs for all ages and abilities. As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord, MA, and 15 surrounding communities. Its curriculum includes private instruction, group classes, and performance opportunities.

Join in Joyous Song!

Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to their Open Rehearsals, August 26, September 2 and 9; First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9 pm. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers. Our 46th season opens with “Baroque Brilliance: 1685 — It was a Very Good Year!” , 2:00 November 24 at Maynard High School. We open with Giovanni Gabrieli’s stunning “Jubilate Duo” for double chorus and brass, then feature the three great Baroque composers all born in 1685 — Scarlotti (two beautiful motets), Handel (delightful and sensuous selections from Solomon); and Bach’s profound “Gerechte kommt um”, closing the program with his familiar “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. All are accompanied by full orchestra. Once again we have been invited to sing in three performances of “Christmas Magic” with the Vista Philharmonic at the spectacular, world-class performance venue, Groton Hill Performance Center. What a wonderful way to welcome the holiday season, and to experience the Gabrieli and other popular favorites from the stage of this extraordinary hall! “Romantic Riches: music by Mendelssohn and Brahms” explores the emotional depths of these great composer, including Mendelssohn’s Psalm 42 and Brahms’ motets, Nanie and Schicksalslied, again with full orchestra. Concert is April 13 at Littleton High School. The season closes June 1 with “A Garden of Song”, featuring music by diverse composers such as Sarah Quartel, Elaine Hagenberg, Melanie DeMore and others. We are a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly need some strong Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Artistic Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email info@soundsofstow.org

First Connections Offers a Free Live Webinar

 
First Connections invites parents and caregivers to a free live webinar about talking to young children about race and racism in age-appropriate ways. We teach children to recognize colors and to categorize objects by similarities and differences, but when a child remarks on someone's skin color, eye shape, or other physical characteristics, many caregivers feel embarrassed and don't know what to say, because we were taught not to talk about race. We now know that talking explicitly with children about skin color, race, ethnicity and discrimination is the best way to prevent them from absorbing the racist ideas prevalent in our culture and media. But it's hard to know where to start and what to say. If you're wondering how to have these conversations with your children, join Ellie Springer, M.Ed., for a discussion with tips about how to talk about race and racism with young children, receive information on quality children's books on this topic, and recommended websites for further adult learning. This program is appropriate for parents of babies through elementary school. Please join us on Thursday, August 22, 7-8:30 p.m., and bring your questions. First Connections is the local CFCE through the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care, providing free playgroups, new parent support, parenting topics and resources to families with children age 0-6. To receive the link for this program, email lmatthews@jri.org.
Comedy night littleton

Comedy Night in Littleton!

Start the new season off on a high note. Sit down for some epic stand-up comedy. On Friday night September 6, a trio of comedians will entertain you at the Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St. First up: Mark Shea and John Kelly, who will likely share their experiences with road trips gone wrong, social commentary, relatable medical experiences, and personal foibles that will make you laugh at them and, gently, at yourself. Both are experienced performers at clubs, on campuses, and at community events. The headliner is Frank O’Donnell, who was inducted into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. The honor finds him in stellar company, including his close friend, writer Danny Smith of “Family Guy.” Frank has written for comics like Bob Hope and Jay Leno. Frank’s passion, besides comedy, is a foundation he started, The Keri Anne O’Donnell Memorial Fund. The foundation commemorates his daughter Keri, a dancer and performer, who died in an auto accident. It provides scholarships for students of performance who need a financial hand up. You never know what Frank will talk about: weight loss (and gain), shows gone very, very wrong, and maybe what it is like to be the quiet kid who made everybody laugh. There may be an extra treat: the church’s pastor is Reverend Jen Munroe Nathans, a friend of Frank’s and a seasoned comic herself with experience at Chicago’s famous Second City in her resume. Tickets are $15 until September and $20 thereafter, including at the door if the event isn’t sold out. Get your tickets by calling the church office at 978 486 3245. The fun begins at 7 pm; doors open at 6:30. This is a great way to kick off the fall school-and-overwhelming-calendars season with good hearty laughs, which are actually healthy. Imagine that: something fun that’s actually good for you. Join us!
Craft fair

Sing with Us!

for St. Nicholas Parish Annual Christmas Craft Fair Saturday, November 30, 2024, 9am-4pm to be held at Derosier Hall, 33 Chapel Street in Shirley.  Do you have a hobby or small business where you build, bake, create beautiful items from scratch? Here's a place to be seen and sell your creations! This is the 19th year of this well-loved craft fair & we'd love to have you participate! We request only items that are hand-crafted. Applications are due by Sunday, October 6. To reserve your spot & obtain other information check out our website at www.nashobacatholic.org/annual-craft-fair   For more information, email Marianne Cooper at faithformation@nashobacatholic.org or call 978-772-0727.
Family fun day

Community Family Fun Day

Sunday August 18, 2024 from 12 pm to 3 pm
Hudson Seventh Day Adventist Church at 94 Marlborough Street, Hudson, MA
Please join us for a fun day with games, events, music, food for the entire family;  free entry

#realtalkwithrayla! - FPC Summer Service

Rayla Baldwin-Mattson, Director of Religious Education for First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), tries to live as openly and honestly as possible. Rayla does this through storytelling and humor, often tagging things with #realtalkwithrayla! Come join Rayla on a fun journey through Rayla’s learning of some of life’s lessons! The service will take place both in person and virtually on Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for all in-person summer services. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.
Beerfest photo for aug 9 papers


Family-Friendly Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival

The third annual Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival will take place in Stow on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 12 to 4 p.m. With more local craft beer brewers, more food trucks, more games in the dedicated children’s area, ice cream from Juniper Farms, music from Becky and the Swingin’ Bards, and even artists, everyone is sure to find a most enjoyable way to support these local businesses. The five local craft breweries are Amory’s Tomb Brewing of Maynard; Dirigible Brewing of Littleton; Flying Dreams Brewing of Marlborough; Redemption Rock of Worcester; and Start Line Brewing of Hopkinton. Start Line Brewing will be doing double duty, offering not just brew but BBQ. Kith and Kin of Hudson will bring its Kiki food truck; Braised will have tacos and taco bowls; Twizted Pickle’s offerings will include sandwiches and Fried Twizted Pickles with dipping sauce; and newcomer Bird’s Nest will offer Italian street food. Juniper Farms and the FPC Cookie Table will be there to satisfy your sweet tooth. Just downhill from the main festival is a dedicated Carnival Games area, including games, crafts, a playground for younger kids, and face painting. Three family games – games where 2 to 4 players can participate together – will debut, along with at least another three new games added to the 18 games from last year (including the life-size Wak-a-Mole). Any DCF family with a Wonderfund Access Card will receive 5 free games tickets. Prizes include over 200 stuffies and games and even a couple of scooters. A new addition is Stow Area Guild of Artists (SAGA). Meet four local artists, learn their stories, and tell them yours. The artists are Aimee Ledwell, fabric art; Cortni Frecha, painting and woodwork; Helen Rolfe Ham, painting; and Lucia Carrington, punch needle and felted art. The Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival will be held on the grounds of First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) at 353 Great Road, Stow. General admission is through a $5 to $10 donation, and drink tickets for a 10-oz beer or hard seltzer are $5 each, with all proceeds going directly to FPC to support its work in the community. Entry is free for children 12 and under. The event will proceed rain or shine. For more information, visit facebook.com/AssabetCraftBeer.
Why me

14th Annual Ride for Why Me-Sherry's House-Helping Families with Cancer - September 8th Hudson Eagles


"People Helping People"-the motto of the Fraternal Order of Eagles! With that, the Hudson Eagles are pleased to invite you to join us in support of our 14th Annual Ride for Why Me-Sherry's House on Sunday Sept 8th at the Hudson MA Eagles-271 Cox Street. Registrations begin at 9:00am with Kick Stands up at 11:00am.  Donation of $20 for rider and the passenger $10.  Don't ride? Join us at 1:00 for the BBQ for a donation of $10.00.
Enjoy the great ride up to Princeton and arrive back at the Eagles around 1:15 for cookout and chances for some great donations.
Why Me is a Worcester Based non-profit organization created to help  families  who are being treated at Boston Children's Hospital and UMass Oncology cope with childhood cancer. Why Me is not affiliated with any national organization. These children come from all over the world to be treated at our great hospitals.
Why Me was started in 1985 by 13-year-old Sherry Shepherd during her four year battle with cancer. In the last months of her life, Sherry became determined to do something that would have a lasting value in the community to help children with cancer. With the help of her dad, she founded the non-profit organization WHY ME, which stands for Worcester Help for Youth, Memories Everlasting.
Today, over 36 years later, Why Me offers a comprehensive approach to supporting the entire family through a pediatric cancer diagnosis. We are here from the moment a family hears the words “your child has cancer” and continues throughout every step of their journey. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the effect on the entire family is profound and pervasive. The initial diagnosis is devastating, followed by fear and anxiety for all that lies ahead. Pediatric cancer protocols can last years and life is disrupted not just emotionally but financially as well. Through our all-encompassing support services and programs, families find the tools and assistance needed to manage these changes. The organization continues to be managed in part by individuals who have had a child with cancer and wish to help others who now face the same challenge. This deeply felt personal perspective serves as a guiding light in delivering services that are essential, compassionate and life affirming.
What “support” means:
While a childhood cancer diagnosis may be the most difficult challenge a family can face, with tangible support, guidance and friendship, together we can make this difficult time a little easier. Through family fun events, dinners, group outings, summer camp and other programs, families forge enduring bonds of friendship through the power of a shared common experience. From support groups, to logistical and financial support, as well as staff visits – whether at home, hospital or clinic – families receive support to address the specific ways their families’ lives have been disrupted. At Why Me we are always striving to meet the unique and increased needs of every family with ever-expanding programming that benefits each child and each family here in our community now, when they need it most. All support and services Why Me provides are free of charge.
Improving the odds

The challenges facing today’s kids: Free sessions offer solutions

Research shows that American kids today are more likely to be anxious or depressed than American kids from a couple of decades ago. It also shows an alarmingly widening gender gap in academic achievement: the boys are getting left in the dust. This is not because girls are doing better (although they are), but primarily because boys are doing worse. Yet girls have their own challenges. While alcohol and drug use among boys has remained stable or even dropped over the last 40 years, use among girls has soared. As if these challenges weren’t enough, any parent today knows that guiding kids safely through the obstacles of social media and video games is an exhausting and uphill climb.
Dr. Leonard Sax will share evidence-based insights and research-backed solutions related to these topics and more in a series of informational sessions titled Improving the Odds for Our Kids and hosted by Mt. Calvary Church in Acton, MA, in September. A physician, psychologist, and author of the New York Times bestseller The Collapse of Parenting, Dr. Sax has spoken about topics relevant to raising and working with today’s youth at more than 500 schools, juvenile correctional facilities, communities of faith, and other venues around the world.
“I’m really excited to be bringing Dr. Sax and his message to the greater Acton community,” says Kerry Evans, one of the event organizers and a Harvard resident. “I first read his book Boys Adrift when my teenage sons were little, and it left a huge impression on me. It changed the way I raised my kids.”
“As a grandmother raising two grandchildren with ADHD, I’m excited to hear Dr. Sax’s evidence-based advice for guiding our kids to become capable, confident adults,” adds co-organizer Dawn Phelan, who is planning to attend all sessions.
But the sessions aren’t just for parents and grandparents. Educators, medical professionals, and anyone interested in supporting kids will find them relevant.
“I first heard Dr. Sax interviewed as a guest on a podcast, and I was really interested in what he had to say about the importance of ‘rites of passage’ for girls and boys on their journey to becoming healthy women and men,” says Acton resident Naomi Veeder. “Even though I don't have children of my own, I have nieces, nephews and friends' children that are in my life and that I care deeply about, and so I'm looking forward to hearing more from him on how I can support them on their journey to adulthood.”
The sessions take place Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28 and are free and open to the public. However, because space is limited, the organizers suggest that people register ahead of time to reserve their spot. For more information and to register, visit www.mtcalvaryacton.org/improvingtheodds. If you have questions, email workshops@mtcalvaryacton.org or call (978) 263-5156. Mt. Calvary is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA. Parking (including handicap) is available behind the church, off Prospect Street. Parking attendants will direct attendees to overflow parking options.

Discovery Day Open House at Concord Conservatory of Music

Instrument Exploration for Kids & Adults on Saturday, September 7, from 1 – 3 pm
Join us for a free, fun, and interactive afternoon event for kids and adults! Try out instruments you’ve never even held before at the Concord Conservatory of Music’s Discovery Day Open House. Experience our hands-on Instrument Exploration, which allows you to play various instruments in a safe environment. We’ll guide you to determine which instrument and group class is right for you and your kids. Develop and enhance your skills with our extremely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and innovative faculty. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, you'll connect with an instructor who suits your needs and goals. At CCM, we match every student with an instructor who tailors their teaching to support your growth and aspirations. Experience free 30-minute Music & Movement and Group Keyboard demo classes. For children from newborn to age 11, select demo classes that match their age and interests. Sign up in advance: https://concordconservatory.org/events/open-house/ Introduce your kids to the world of music through singing, dancing, and games! CCM Early Childhood and Music & Movement group classes help kids develop social, cognitive, and emotional skills while having fun with music. Young musicians explore the qualities of music through movement—learning about pitch, phrasing, accents, and more. Group Keyboard allows students ages 5 – 7 to learn to read music and play the piano through songs, games, movement, and educational activities. The small classes of students move together as a group, covering note reading, rhythm skills, and ear training by singing with solfège. For new students seeking private lessons, visit CCM’s website www.ConcordConservatory.org and submit a Student Interest Form or call (978) 369- 0010 so that we can learn more about you. Concord Conservatory of Music is the area’s non-profit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street in the West Concord Union Church. Financial assistance is available.
About CCM: Concord Conservatory of Music is an energetic community of people who are passionate about music education. CCM enrolls more than 400 students annually and offers programs for all ages and abilities. As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord, MA, and 15 surrounding communities. Its curriculum includes private instruction, group classes, and performance opportunities.

Supporting Someone with a Mental Health Condition?

The Family to Family course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful to you. This is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course for family members and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The class is taught by NAMI trained family members. The NAMI Central Middlesex local affiliate will host two sessions of the course this fall. The first will meet in person in Winchester on Saturdays from 9:00-11:30 am, starting September 14th. The second course will be available via Zoom, meeting on Tuesdays from 6:30-9:00 pm, starting September 24th. Learn more and register at: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses.

Town of Acton to Share in $187,450 State Grant to Implement Bike Sharing Program

Town Manager John S. Mangiaratti announces that the Town of Acton will share in a $187,450 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to implement a bike share program.
The grant will be divided among Acton, Concord, Maynard, and Lincoln.
The Town of Acton will use the funding to implement a three-year regional bike share program. The program will consist of seven stations and 42 bikes,
including seven adaptive bikes across the four communities. These bikes can be used for recreational purposes or to commute to and from one of the four commuter rail stations along the bike share's route. The program stations will be located at Brook Street, Concord Road/East Acton Village Green, and the South Acton Commuter Lot Station.
Making bikes accessible to residents increases bike connections across the region while improving the Town's health, equity, and environmental preservation. The program also aims to improve access to existing public transportation.
MassDOT awarded $6.5 million in funding to 28 municipalities and two Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Shared Streets and Spaces Program. The program provides project funding to help municipalities design and implement changes to curbs, streets, and parking areas in support of public health, safe mobility, and community growth and revitalization. 
The four towns applied for the grant after the success of the 2023 Minuteman Bike Share pilot program, in the hopes of closing last mile connections to public transportation and lowering emissions in the transportation sector by decreasing community-wide dependency on vehicles.
"This funding is essential in expanding our efforts to provide accessible recreation and transportation options to our community," said Town Manager Mangiaratti. "Residents received the pilot program positively, and we are happy to be able to continue and expand this program."