Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
     Were your holidays good?  Did you receive the gifts you hoped for?  Maybe a new toaster or microwave oven or coffee maker; are the old ones still working?  Perhaps you received new sheets and a comforter—-and the old ones are still good.  Furniture upgrades?  New kitchenware? Bring your “old” items to Fresh Start Furniture Bank to furnish someone else’s home.
    At present we are in need of all furniture, especially couches, dressers, bookcases, rugs, dining tables, upholstered chairs, recliners, queen and full headboards, end tables, bedside tables and storage cabinets.  We also need artwork, kitchen knives, dishes, cutting boards and colanders.
    We expect donations to be in good condition; if you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to us!  Read our website to see what we DO and DO NOT take for donations, and our address and hours of operation.
     Imagine finally finding a home after being in a shelter—-and having nothing or very little IN the home!  That is what Fresh Start’s clients deal with.  We have helped convert over 4000 empty apartments into homes for more than 12,000 people in the last 10 years.  And, by taking in almost 170,000 pieces of donated furniture and home goods, we have kept all of those items out of landfills.
     Last Saturday 40 donors arrived; they had “cleaned out” for the new year or were just waiting for us to reopen after the holidays.  It was a good start to the new year but the clients keep coming and we need to help them all!

Museum also ends advance ticket reservation system
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced today a $13 admission price from 1:00pm to 4:30pm on weekday afternoons, now through March 28. The discounted price will not be offered on holidays or during school vacation weeks.
Under the Winter Weekday Afternoon Discount program, admission for adults and children will be $13 per person; seniors 60+ will be $12. Children under 1 and teachers are always free. All other Museum-offered discounts such as EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare Card to Culture, Wonderfund, library passes, museum reciprocal programs, AAA, and active duty miliary discounts will still apply.
Regular admission prices are $19.00 for adults and children ages 1 and over, $18.00 for seniors 60+, free for under 1 and teachers.
Discovery Museum also announced the closure of its reservation system. Advance reservations to visit are no longer required nor accepted.

Winter can stretch budgets to the breaking point. With increased costs for food, heating, housing, and transportation, many Massachusetts families are facing tough choices. If you or your family need help accessing food, don’t wait—call Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.
The FoodSource Hotline connects residents to the resources they need right now. Trained counselors are available to help you apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), find free meals for children, and locate emergency food programs like community meals and food pantries. The hotline can also refer callers to other federal food programs, like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).
Whether you’re a college student, a senior, or a family facing hardship, the FoodSource Hotline is a confidential, free, trusted resource recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for anyone seeking food assistance.
Call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for support, available in over 180 languages.
Get Help Now: If you are struggling with food insecurity, call 1-800-645-8333. For more information and access to resources, visit Project Bread’s website, where you can find information in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole. Don’t wait—help is just a phone call away.

The letters have reached our desk as more people than ever before seek help from the Beacon Santa.
Many of these letters come from single mothers, struggling to get their lives back on track and give their children a little something on Christmas morning.
One mother writes that she and her three boys lived in a shelter for 15 months and recently moved into an apartment. She is hoping for a little help from the Beacon Santa because, she writes, “finances are tight and I’d like my children to have a good Christmas this year.”
Another mother of twins writes that she is recently divorced and living on one income with no child support. All of her income goes to pay rent and other necessities, leaving nothing for the extras, such as a gift for Christmas.
She is asking for help from the Beacon Santa.
“This help from the Beacon Santa program would take a huge burden off my shoulders knowing my children will have a better Christmas with the help and support from this charity. This help this Christmas would help my children have a normal Christmas morning with presents under the tree,” she writes.
This year, Beacon Santa has been asked to help more than 600 children. But Beacon Santa would not exist without help from people just like you. Would you please consider donating today?

About the Beacon Santa
Since 1965, the Beacon Santa has raised funds to provide gift cards for families seeking a little help during the holidays.

The Fund provides help for families living in the 12 communities of Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
The fund is managed by three women from Maynard, determined to provide families in need with a little joy during the holidays. Because they volunteer their time, you can rest assured that the money you donate goes to those that need it most.

How to donate
By Mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Online: Through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809. A PayPal account is not needed to donate.

Richard Smith has lectured on and written about antebellum United States history and 19th-Century American literature since 1995. He has worked in Concord as a public historian and Living History Interpreter for 25 years and has portrayed Henry Thoreau at Walden Pond, around the country and in Canada. The former Scholar In Residence for Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Richard has written or edited 11 books for Applewood books and is a regular contributor to Discover Concord Magazine.

 

Book Discussion Facilitated by John Gardella
The Minutemen and Their World by Robert A. Gross
Thursdays, January 16th through February 6th, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
In 2025 Concord will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Concord and Lexington which began the American War for Independence. This course will be based on the reading and group discussion of Concord historian Robert Gross’ book, The Minutemen and Their World, now in its 25th revised edition. Each week, of this four-week course, the participants will read assigned chapters and come ready to discuss the book. The goal of the course is to provide an insight into what it was like to be a Concordian 250 years ago and to enhance the appreciation of the upcoming celebration in April. Participants must purchase their own book (available at the Concord Library, bookstores, and at amazon.com. Please call to reserve your spot at 978-318-3020.

Portraits for the Generations - Senior Models, Ages 60+ Needed!!
Wednesday, January 22nd from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Meeting Room - Fowler Library 1322 Main Street
In honor of the community art show called Generations, currently at Fowler, the Concord COA is partnering with the library for a program called “Portraits for the Generations”, where students from grades K through 6 will draw portraits of seniors, ages 60+. It will
take place at the Fowler Library on Wednesday, January 22nd at 2:00 PM. To sign up to be a model, you may pick up a form at the COA or enroll on-line. For any questions, please call the Fowler Library at 978-318-3350.

Removing the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness: A Discussion and Artistic Initiative to Color the Community in Yellow
Thursday, January 23rd from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
The Concord Health Division, Concord Recreation, and the COA are collaborating to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness through the Yellow Tulip Project. This initiative aims to dismantle the misconceptions associated with mental health issues and
foster a sense of community, emphasizing that support and hope are available for individuals affected by mental illness. This fall, yellow tulip bulbs were planted at the Beede Center and Harvey Wheeler Community Center. Once they bloom, these flowers will
symbolize hope and acceptance for those living with mental health challenges. Over the winter, we plan to enhance these future gardens with yellow rocks inscribed with messages of support and encouragement. On Thursday, January 23rd at 1:00, Public Health Nurse, Moira Carter, and COA Assistant Director, Nicole Saia, will facilitate a discussion on mental illness while participants decorate rocks for the gardens at both centers. The session will cover common mental health conditions, debunk myths, share
facts, and provide guidance on accessing resources for oneself or others. It is important to recognize that having a mental illness is not a source of shame. Open conversations can lead to valuable support and treatment. We invite you to participate in this activity. Please contact the COA to register at 978-318-3020.

TRANSPORTATION APPS
Workshop by Howard Loewinger - Learn to Use your SmartPhone to Access Transportation
Tuesday January 28th at 2:00 PM (Uber and Lyft), and Tuesday, March 11th (Google Maps)
In June 2021, the Brookline Council on Aging received a community transit grant from MassDOT to support continued work on developing classes, videos, and written materials to connect older adults to transportation options available to them. With an introduction by Michael Dukakis and through the volunteer efforts of many local older adults, the Brookline COA produced the TRIPPS Program, which consists of five videos that teach seniors to use their smartphones to access Uber/Lyft, local transit, and Google Maps. Our computer tutor, Howard Loewinger, will facilitate the TRIPPS training in Concord. If you want to learn how to access transportation from your phone, this class is for you! There is no charge thanks to the sponsorship of Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop. Please call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.

Experience a Modern Twist on Bluegrass with Your Community
Concord, MA (January 2, 2025): The Concord Conservatory of Music is thrilled to announce the upcoming performance of The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM. This hard-driving, traditional bluegrass band is renowned for capturing the genre’s authentic spirit and energy.
In a world dominated by digital distractions, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys offer a refreshing dose of honest, heartfelt music. Hailing from the Smoky Mountains, the band has garnered a dedicated following by blending traditional bluegrass with a modern edge. Their energetic performances and electrifying stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Concord Conservatory
Tickets: $35 General Admission, free for students 18 and under (available in advance or at the door)
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the raw power and timeless appeal of bluegrass music. Join us for an unforgettable evening with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://concordconservatory.org/events/po-ramblin-boys/

January is a time to recharge and recover from the holidays. It is also National Mental Wellness Month to recognize the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. According to the National Institutes of Health, 57.8 million adults lived with some form of mental illness in 2023. The severity varies from person to person. Understanding mental health statistics in the U.S. can raise awareness and garner support for those in need. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness and women are more likely than men to experience depression. 17% of adolescents ages 12-17 experienced a major depressive episode. 33.5% of adults with a mental illness also have a substance use disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collects data on substance use and mental health. Their 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that multiracial people had the highest rate of mental illness at 36.7%, followed by Whites (24%), American Indian/Alaskan natives (23.5%), Hispanics (20.6%), Blacks (19.4%), and Asians (18.1%).
Mental illness affects people differently. Children ages 6-17 are three times more likely to repeat a grade if they have mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems. Those with severe mental illness have a life span of 10 to 25 years shorter than the general population. 64% of jail inmates have a mental illness compared to 21.6% of the general adult population.
National Mental Wellness Month involves individuals being able to cope with life’s difficulties, having healthy relationships, and taking care of their mental well-being before issues arise. Wellbeingtrust.org tells us that having a purpose in life offers many benefits, including being happier, living longer, sleeping better, and improved heart health. To find that purpose explore your interests, volunteer, consider what you love to do, talk to friends and family, and try new experiences.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental illness. The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource if you feel that a friend or loved one is struggling with a mental illness. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist those who may be struggling mentally. Visit www.jasonfoundation.com to learn how to make a difference and find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office.

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 attend a Volunteer Information Session and successfully complete an 18-hour Tutor Training.
ESOL Tutor Training 6-week session in person at Pollard Memorial Library
Thursdays 1-4 pm
February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:
Tuesday, January 14, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, January 16, 12-1:30 pm
Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, January 30, 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.

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

The camp in Bolton is for students entering Kindergarten through High School.
Activities include swimming, games in the fields and woods, arts & crafts, songs, tracking, hiking, campfires to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, building shelters, Animal Adventures, Predator and Prey, The Amazing Race & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, laser tag in the woods, nighttime activities on Thursday and dinner and s’mores, water guns, an adventure hike, team building activities & more.
Counselors-in-Training must be entering 9th grade or above and attend Orientation June 24- and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 30 – August 8, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
Before/After Care is available!
Campers from all towns are welcome!
See the website for more details and to register: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: bcttdnc@gmail.com (best means of communication) or 978-429-3004 (voice mail)

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 meetings had been every Thursday evening at 7 pm at the South Acton Congregational Church. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

FITCHBURG, Mass. (Dec. 13, 2024) – The Highlands, a local skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, is starting a Santa’s Hotline that local children can call to talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus and share their Christmas wishes.
The hotline will begin on Dec. 16 and will be available each day from 3 - 5 p.m. until Dec. 24. Parents and children can reach the Santa Hotline by calling the center’s designated toll-free number: 978-353-7344.
The call line will be staffed by volunteer residents who have completed a short training on taking calls to the North Pole and have been dubbed honorary Santas and Mrs. Clauses.
Executive Director Mark Ailinger expressed his love for the initiative because, in addition to bringing children joy, the hotline gives the center’s residents something fun and exciting to do for the community.
“We are thrilled to provide a direct, toll-free phone number for area children to speak with Santa and Mrs. Claus,” said Ailinger. “Our residents are still vibrant members of this community and very much enjoy giving back their time and talent, especially to area children. We’re delighted to offer parents and children the opportunity to create some wonderful memories by having their kids or grandkids talk live to Santa and Mrs. Claus on our toll-free number.”
Located at 335 Nichols Road, The Highlands has been providing the Fitchburg community with short-term rehab, long-term care and specialized memory care for more than 50 years. The center is one of 15 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Massachusetts managed by Life Care Centers of America.
Founded in 1976, Life Care is a nationwide health care company. With headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, Life Care manages nearly 200 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer’s centers in 26 states. For more information about Life Care, visit lcca.com.

The applications have arrived, and with them, letters from families sharing their struggles and asking for help from the Beacon Santa.
They are grandparents, single moms, families struggling with health issues – all seeking a little respite from their troubles and a little joy for the holidays.
One grandmother writes that she and her husband are raising their three grandchildren – all of whom have health problems. She has had to cut back on working so she can take the children to their doctors’ appointments.
She is asking for help from the Beacon Santa to put a little something under the Christmas tree for the children.
“We would like to be able to give our grandchildren a Christmas that they will remember in a positive and happy way,” she writes.
Another grandmother writes that she is caring for her two granddaughters – alone. She has been struggling with health issues, and her granddaughters “have shown incredible kindness and resilience throughout the year,” she writes.
She wants to provide them with the joy of “giving and receiving” gifts, but her limited income makes it difficult for her to provide gifts on her own.
She is asking Beacon Santa for help.
“I believe that with your help, we can spread some holiday cheer and create happy memories for them,” she writes.
This year, Beacon Santa has been asked to help more than 600 children. But Beacon Santa would not exist without help from people just like you – please consider donating today.
How to donate
By Mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Online: Through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809 or by clicking on the PayPal button in this article. A PayPal account is not needed to donate.

Christmas Motors is teaming up with the Pan Mass Challenge to accept vehicle donations to benefit The Dana Farber Cancer research program.
This unique program is unlike all others, as 100 percent of the proceeds of your tax deductible vehicle donation will go to cancer research. (No administrative cost).
We will accept any car or truck regardless of age.
For more information or to arrange your donation call 978-897-9627 and ask for David Christmas.
Working together, we can find a cure for cancer.

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, January 4, 2025,  from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton’s own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold,  who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds .Refreshments are provided. PARKING ALLOWED ONLY ON THE GRANGE SIDE OF CHAMPNEY ST.

ACTON, MA – Join us on Christmas Eve. All of our services are designed for all ages and are a great family experience. Christmas Eve services at Mt. Calvary are spectacular. We’ll have a free hot cocoa bar, cookies, special Christmas music, and more!
On Christmas Eve you have choices:
3:30 PM Christmas Eve service is a family service that is great for little ones with the wiggles. Families with children are invited to arrive 30 minutes early for their children to receive and wear a Nativity costume and be a part of the Christmas story. This is a wonderful service with Scripture, Christmas carols, and your children being a part of the story.
6 PM Christmas Eve service is a traditional, beautiful candlelight service as we sing Silent Night. Arrive 15 minutes early for special preservice music with a string quartet.
9 PM Christmas Eve service is a festive candlelight and Holy Communion service. Arrive 25 minutes early for special music with piano, guitar, violins, cello, percussions, and oboe.
Then, join us Christmas Day at 10 AM for a service of Christmas carols and readings.
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was eye-opening. Jesus was not like other newborns. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a feeding trough for animals. A myriad of angels illuminated the sky announcing his birth. Shepherds made a surprise visit and investigated the birth. Joseph and Mary were amazed by all these things. But there’s another stunning surprise that Matthew wants to convey to you at Christmas. Matthew wants you to know that you belong in God’s family.
Mt. Calvary is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue in Acton. Parking is available off Prospect Street. Handicap parking is available at the Massachusetts Ave. circle drive and the Prospect St. parking lot. Overflow parking is available in the Acton Funeral Home parking lot right next door. For more information, visit mtcalvaryacton.org, call (978) 263-5156, or send an email to info@mtcalvaryacton.org.

Save A Dog is hosting a ‘Meet and Greet’ holiday adoption event at Wag N’ Wash, 1173 Main Street in West Concord on Saturday, December 14, from 10 am to 12 pm. Come meet the adorable dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes, and join the holiday festivities with free store samples and photo ops!
More information about our adoptable dogs (and cats!) can be found on the Save A Dog website: www.saveadog.org. Potential adopters are also encouraged to fill out an adoption application online beforehand.
Now celebrating 25 years of rescuing abandoned dogs and cats through its Sudbury shelter and network of foster homes, Save A Dog has found loving homes for more than 8,500 companion animals.
See you Saturday!

Area volunteers are celebrating the collection of gift-filled shoeboxes that will send a message of joy to children around the world.
Thousands of volunteers contributed to Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, by packing shoeboxes filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items. The global Christmas project will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, including many who are suffering from war, poverty, disease and disaster. Each shoebox is an opportunity to share the message of the Gospel and bring hope to children in need around the world.
Although drop-off locations have closed for the season, there is still time to share hope and love with children overseas by packing a gift-filled shoebox online. Shoeboxes built online go to some of the hardest-to-reach areas in the world. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.
For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child visit samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

Hours are: Mondays-Fridays: 4:00 PM -8:00 PM
Saturdays: and Sundays: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
The Maynard-Clinton Elks is located at 34 Powder Mill Rd, Maynard, MA  01754.
If you have any questions, please call 978-897-9892.

The 2024 Concord Cuisine Raffle has arrived! The Concord Scout House, a 501(c)3 organization, is offering FOUR PRIZE PACKAGES of gift certificates and food items to popular businesses in and around Concord who have donated generously. Read the descriptions of the prize packages below and buy entries to the package(s) of your choice. You can buy entries to more than one... or all of them! There will be one winner for each prize package, so it helps to buy entries for multiple packages.  Go to: ConcordScoutHouse.org or go.rallyup.com/concordcuisineraffle

The annual Messiah Community Sing-in returns! Save the date- December 22 at 4 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church, on the Common.
Join the chorus, professional soloists and orchestra to sing, or just come to listen. Suggested donation is $20.00. Bring your own score or buy one at the door.
For more information call 978-779-2876.

Christmas Motors is teaming up with the Pan Mass Challenge to accept vehicle donations to benefit The Dana Farber Cancer research program.
This unique program is unlike all others, as 100 percent of the proceeds of your tax deductible vehicle donation will go to cancer research. (No administrative cost).
We will accept any car or truck regardless of age.
For more information or to arrange your donation call 978-897-9627 and ask for David Christmas.
Working together, we can find a cure for cancer

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 attend a Volunteer Information Session and successfully complete an 18-hour Tutor Training.

ESOL Tutor Training 6-week session online via Zoom
Tuesdays 6-9 pm
January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18

ESOL Tutor Training 6-week session in person at Pollard Memorial Library
Thursdays 1-4 pm
February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:
Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, December 12, 12-1:30 pm
Tuesday, December 17, 6:30-8 pm
To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.

Lights are going up, families are unpacking Christmas decorations, children are writing letters to Santa – it seems signs of Christmas can be seen just about everywhere.
But for those struggling to make ends meet, not sure whether to use their last remaining dollars to pay the electric bill or put food on the table, the holidays can bring stress, rather than joy.
Every year, hundreds of applicants in the 12 communities of Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford, turn to the Beacon Santa.
This year, over 275 families asked for help for 625 children from the Beacon Santa to provide a few things for their children for Christmas.
The Beacon Santa is run by three Maynard women, who volunteer their time because they are determined to provide a little holiday joy to families in need. But the Beacon Santa would not exist without generous donations from readers like you.
We know it’s a big ask – it seems everyone’s been struggling the last few years, what with the high prices of everything from eggs to gasoline.  But if everyone reading this donated as little as $5, the Beacon Santa would be able to help those 625 children find a little joy this Christmas.
So please, consider donating today.
Founded in 1965, the Beacon Santa raises funds to provide holiday gift cards to families living in the 12 communities it serves.
Donations can be sent by mail to Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Donations can also be made online through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809 – you do not need a PayPal account to donate.

On Sunday, December 8 at 6 p.m., The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division will be presenting its 9th annual Sounds of Christmas Concert. The free event at The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center (650 Dudley Street, Dorchester) will feature festive music and holiday refreshments. Featured performances include music from The Salvation Army’s 40-piece brass band, the Massachusetts Divisional Chorus, and nearly 100 young people from Salvation Army centers across Massachusetts showcasing dance, timbrel and vocal talents.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest music providers in the world. The nonprofit’s music programs teach people, regardless of age, how to sing and play instruments at no cost. These skills are utilized in a myriad of ways such as playing in a Salvation Army band, singing in a choir, performing in dance and arts, or playing an instrument at one of The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles during the holidays.
For more information about The Salvation Army’s music program and Sounds of Christmas Concert, visit: salvationarmyma.org.

  The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday December 15 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Chad Childers at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org.
  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 2024 Concord Cuisine Raffle has arrived! Concord Scout House, a 501(c)3 organization, is offering FOUR PRIZE PACKAGES of gift certificates and food items to popular businesses in and around Concord who have donated generously. Read the descriptions of the prize packages below and buy entries to the package(s) of your choice. You can buy entries to more than one... or all of them! There will be one winner for each prize package, so it helps to buy entries for multiple packages.  Go to: Go.RallyUp.com/ConcordCuisineRaffle

Organization(s): Emerson Health, Auxiliary of Emerson Health
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Emerson Health, 133 Old Rd to Nine Acre Corner, Main Building, Concord, MA 01742
Description: Over thirty years ago, Tree of Lights began to remember and celebrate those whom we loved and were inspirational to our community. We continue that to this day. Join us for the Tree of Lights Open House! For our 36th year, we’re expanding this beloved tradition into a family-friendly event, and we invite you to be a part of it. Free admission, bring your family and friends! Celebrate the season with activities for all ages: create greeting cards for patients, enjoy performances by talented local youth musicians, experience our art exhibit by local artists dedicated to remembrance, light, hope, and love, and visit our contemplation area to honor loved ones who continue to touch our lives. Support Pediatric and Adolescent Care at Emerson Health by dedicating a Light ($10) or a Star ($25) in memory or honor of someone special. Tribute names submitted by December 4 will be included on our Tribute Wall at the event. Let’s light up the season with love and remembrance! For more information and to make a dedication, visit emersonhealth.org/treeoflights.
Cost: $0
Website: http://emersonhealth.org/treeoflights

To all land occupiers* within Middlesex County, notice is hereby given that on the 9th day of December, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM, an Annual Meeting will  be held by the Middlesex Conservation District in Room 204 at Acton Town Hall at 472 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720. This annual meeting will be held to make a full report of our activities and financial affairs since the last Annual meeting and to elect supervisors for the Middlesex Conservation District of the State of Massachusetts. Dr. Doug Tallamy, Professor of Agriculture at the University of Delaware and author of Nature’s Best Hope will be giving his presentation virtually first. This meeting is free to attend and all are invited.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Katherine Becker, Chair
Elizabeth Austin, Supervisor, Co-Chair
Miryam Becker, Supervisor, Clerk
Margaret Delano, Supervisor
* Any person who resides, owns land, and or uses land within the county.

Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:30 pm
Westford Museum
2 Boston Rd, Westford, MA
The Essex Junta: Newburyport and the 3 World Wars is the 19th book in Brody’s “Templars in America” series, which focuses on American history during the 1800s. While the Templars play a part in the narrative, this novel centers more on a powerful cabal of Massachusetts shipping families known as the Essex Junto (Brody uses the modern spelling “Junta”). These families amassed wealth through the opium trade and sought to have New England secede from the Union.
The story, though remarkable, is based on actual events. These families collaborated with agents they embedded in the South, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War. Documentary evidence suggests they may also have been involved in plans that led to World Wars I and II. Additionally, these families had close ties to Freemasonry, particularly with the influential Masonic figurehead Albert Pike, and they were founders of Yale’s exclusive Skull and Bones Society.
David S. Brody, an attorney turned fiction writer, currently focuses his writings on sites and artifacts that provide evidence of pre-Columbian exploration of America. He refers to this as the “Templars in America” series, as much of this exploration seems connected to the medieval Knights Templar. Brody incorporates artifacts and historical sites into his books to create modern-day suspense plots.
His journey began with the Westford Knight, and he remains captivated by the hidden history of North America and the genuine possibility that waves of European explorers arrived on our shores long before Columbus. He hopes that his readers share in his fascination.
Suggested Donation: $10 per person
Your contribution supports preserving and maintaining artifacts in the Westford Museum collection. Thank you for your support of the Westford Museum.

December 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, 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.

The Christmas holiday shopping season has once again arrived, and it is an important time to shop in our local communities. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, not solely in terms of jobs and powering our economy, but in the character, value, and charm they bring to our Main Streets.
There are far too many empty storefronts, quiet downtowns, and struggling small businesses across Massachusetts. Main Street is still grappling with elevated inflation, high utility costs, changing consumer habits, and other economic pressures. But there is a way consumers can help – by shopping and dining at local, independently-owned businesses right where we live and work. Sixty-seven cents of every dollar spent at a local small business is reinvested in the community, and small businesses support our local tax base, governments, and schools, while also enriching our communities. A staggering 90% of small business owners have financially supported community or civic groups, including youth sports leagues, community events, charities, and school programs. Small businesses support us, and we need to support them.
During this busy time of year, there is a temptation to order online from retail giants and big box stores for the sake of convenience, but we cannot and should not forget about our neighbors, friends, and family who own small businesses. The 15th annual Small Business Saturday is on November 30th, and it serves as a reminder for all of us to visit our Main Street businesses for great deals and first-class service. Shop small and local this Saturday and throughout the entire holiday season, or even better, the year ahead.
Christopher Carlozzi is the Massachusetts Director of the National Federation of Independent Business.