Action Unlimited
New song1

New Song Music Series Update

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

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

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

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

Community Picnic
Friday May 1, 1pm-4pm

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

Bedford Garden Club April Meeting

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

Concord Alcott Toastmasters Open House

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding Vascular Disease

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

Men’s Meeting - Monday, April 13th at 10:45 AM
Special Guest - Herb Crehan

Veteran Boston sportswriter Herb Crehan looks back on one of the most unforgettable seasons in franchise history - the 1986 Boston Red Sox. Crehan revisits the team’s dramatic comeback win over the California Angels in the ALC, followed by the heartbreaking loss in the World Series. All are welcome.
Mahjong

Mahjong Classes with Jean Olson
Mondays, April 27th through May 18th

The Concord COA is offering another American Mahjong class for beginners led by Jean Olson. Learn the basics, get comfortable playing the game, and develop your strategy. You’ll have the chance to play the game with other players as you are learning. After you complete the class, you may join the COA Mahjong group that meets on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. Call to sign up at 978-318-3020.
Medication and sharps

Medication and Sharps Takeback Wednesday, April 22nd 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The COA will sponsor an opportunity for the proper disposal of any of your expired or unneeded medications. We will accept prescription and over-the-counter medications in pill or liquid form. Additionally, we will have a small sharps collection box for used needles. Discarding them at the COA will ensure that they will be disposed of in an environmentally safe way. There is no charge for this event and there is no need to make an appointment.
Cancer support group

Cancer Support Group: Monday April 13th1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

This group for people living with cancer is facilitated by Hester Hill Schnipper, LICSW, OSW-C, Emerita Chief of Oncology Social Work at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and a nationally recognized leader in cancer survivorship and psycho-oncology. A former professor at Simmons University, Boston University, and Harvard Medical School, she is a published author, past president of the Association of Oncology Social Work, and a two-time breast cancer survivor. Ms. Schnipper spent nearly 40 years at BIDMC facilitating thousands of cancer support groups and now maintains a private psycho-oncology practice in Concord. Call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.
Group walk with bob white

Group Walk with Bob White – Battle Road Walk Wednesday, April 15th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Join Bob White for a 2.2-mile comfortable walk at Minute Man National Historical Park. We will walk the Battle Ro ad from the Paul Revere Capture Site to Fiske Hill and return. Parking and meet-up will be at the Revere Capture Site parking lot on Route 2A. Please call the COA office to sign up!
Monthly lgbtq

Monthly LGBTQ+ Social Group Thursday, April 30th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM

The Concord Council on Aging offers a LGBTQ+ Social Group at the COA on the last Thursday of each month. Join us on Thursday, April 30th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM for our monthly gathering of the LGBTQ+ Social Group. This welcoming space offers food, entertainment, and engaging activities, all made possible through a special grant. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020.  Walk-ins welcome.
Belly dancing

Belly Dancing Show with Celia after Pizza & Salad Lunch

The Concord Council on Aging invites you to experience the art of belly dancing with Celia!  Come for pizza and salad lunch then learn about the history of belly dance, and try some fun beginner moves. This program is funded by a grant from the Concord Cultural Council. Please RSVP to 978-318-3020 to sign up for both the lunch and the show.

10th Maynard Book Festival

 
The 10th Maynard Book Festival will take place April 7-11, 2026, with a variety of free literary and arts events for readers of all ages. Most events will be held at Maynard Public Library (77 Nason Street), with Wednesday and Thursday evening poetry events located at Felixology (2 Walnut Street, Maynard).
The festival opens on Tuesday evening, April 7, with a group discussion of Murder Your Darlings by Jenna Blum. Midweek events include an Edgar Allan POEtry reading and open mic led by Fred Gerhard on Wednesday evening, April 8, and a Mill Town / Mill City poetry and photography event on Thursday evening, April 9. Later on Thursday evening, the Library will host a reception for the “Stories in Fiber” art exhibit, featuring remarks by artist Cindy Kennelly and music by Jessica and Zac Smith. Friday evening, April 10, features author Luke O'Neil discussing his book We Had It Coming and Other Fictions.
Saturday, April 11, includes a hands-on accordion-book workshop (registration required), a children’s (grades 4-6) event with authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters presenting For the Win and If I Could Choose a Best Day, and talks by authors including Doug Most on Launching Liberty: The Epic Race to Build the Ships That Took America to War (first ten attendees receive a free copy of the book), as well as historical fiction authors Juliette Fay, Elizabeth Graver, and Sarah Stewart Taylor.
The festival concludes Saturday evening with a talk by Jenna Blum, bestselling author of Murder Your Darlings. Mocktails and other refreshments will be served at this event and free books will be given to the first 25 attendees. Books will be available for purchase at all author talks.
Visit maynardbookfestival.org for more details on the schedule, speakers, and registration for workshops.
The Maynard Book Festival is sponsored by the Friends of the Maynard Public Library and the Maynard Cultural District. Festival bookselling partners are The Silver Unicorn Bookstore and Felixology.

WCMS Performs 4/10 in Fitchburg and 4/12 in Worcester

Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “La Fête Française”

Program
Maurice Ravel | Introduction and Allegro
Camille Saint-Saëns | Fantaisie for Violin and Harp, Op. 124
Ernest Chausson | Piano Quartet in A major, Op. 30

With guests Tracy Kraus, flute; Amy Advocat, clarinet; Franziska Huhn, harp

When & Where: Friday, April 10 at 7:30 PM
Fitchburg Art Museum
185 Elm Street, Fitchburg

Sunday, April 12 at 4:00 PM
Shapiro Hall - Joy of Music
1 Gorham Street, Worcester

Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to each performance
Post-concert reception for all on Sunday


How: Adults $35-42, Seniors $30-38, College Students $10 w/ID
EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free

Information and tickets for these concerts are available on the ensemble’s website, www.worcesterchambermusic.org, or by calling the office at (508) 926-8624.
World of turtles

The World of Turtles with Sy Montgomery and Matt Patterson


oin award-winning author Sy Montgomery and illustrator Matt Patterson for an engaging, family-friendly exploration of the fascinating world of turtles. This free public program on Saturday, April 18, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm, at the Arlington Street Community Center, 36 Arlington Street, in Nashua, NH, is presented by the Nashua River Watershed Association.

Drawing from the research behind their highly acclaimed books, Sy and Matt will share what they’ve learned about turtle behavior, habitats, and conservation, as well as the creative process of transforming field research into compelling stories and illustrations. Their 35 minute presentation will feature illustrations and insight into their research, followed by a Q&A session. Signed copies of their books will be available for purchase, with time for personalization and photos after the program. Guests can also explore turtle-themed information tables designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is required; additional information, including parking details, will be provided upon registration. Register at www.nashuariverwatershed.org under Upcoming Programs, where you can also read more about Sy and Matt. For questions, please email chrisf@nashuariverwatershed.org.

BOSTON 2026 WORLD EXPO STAMP SHOW

When: May 23-30, 2026
Show Floor Hours: 10AM to 6PM (Sat-Fri) & 10AM to 3PM (Sat 5/30)
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer
Street, Boston, MA 02210 in the Seaport District
Price: Free

Explore global and US history, one tiny painting at a time! Boston 2026 World Expo brings the global stamp community to Boston for eight days from May 23-30th, 2026. Held once every ten years, the event showcases world-class exhibits, dealers, presentations, and first day of issue ceremonies, all part of America’s 250th anniversary in the heart of one of America's most historic cities.

Spanning 352,000 contiguous square feet and sponsored by the US Postal Service, the exhibition will feature a comprehensive international experience, including a large dealer marketplace, an extensive array of foreign post offices, and a chance to talk with philatelic societies from around the world. At the heart of the expo will be a prestigious competitive exhibition with approximately 4,000 frames of exhibits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), complemented by a special Court of Honor exhibition and a major literature competition.

Beyond exhibits, Boston 2026 will host hundreds of meetings, roundtable discussions, and presentations across 40 meeting rooms supporting education, collaboration, and international exchange. Signature events, including a large opening ceremony and a closing awards dinner, will create a unique and memorable experience for exhibitors, delegates, and visitors. History buffs, art lovers, ephemera and mail artists, scout troops, and youth groups are all welcome free of charge.

See Boston2026.org website for information on attending dealers and post offices, exhibit and event listings, volunteer opportunities, scout merit badge workshops, and much more.
New england folk festival

New England Folk Festival April 24-26, 2026

The New England Folk Festival Association (NEFFA) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization promoting folk arts and traditions in New England and elsewhere. Every April, for 8 decades,  NEFFA runs the New England Folk Festival which blends dance, music, crafts, family activities, and food. The 2026 Festival is on April 24-26 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA 01752 

The Festival is unique because not only are there concerts and performances, but there are also opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage directly with music, dance, and folk arts culture. There is music everywhere!  You will find jam sessions, instrument workshops, group singing (sea shanties!), and  traditional music throughout the Festival. The Festival is also known for its varied social dance program, which includes: Contra and Traditional Square Dance, International Folk Dance, Waltz, English Country, Scandinavian, and more. There are plenty of introductory workshops, and sessions geared towards intermediate and advanced dancers.

NEFFA is offering special reduced rate  “Festival Sampler Tickets” to introduce the festival to a wider audience. 
Please spread the word!  The NEFFA Sampler tickets ($10; kids under 8 are free) are a great way to explore some of what the New England Folk Festival has to offer. Shop at the Festival Marketplace, watch traditional dances from around the world, and experience folk music, relax with your kids in the Family Activities Area, then enjoy a snack from the food vendors while watching traditional Morris dance performances. Sampler tickets admission will be available on Saturday April 26th from 11AM-4PM  and all day Sunday April 26th. More information at  https://www.neffa.org/festival-sampler/

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts Hosts Annual Spring Breakfast to Inspire Community Impact

Bolton, MA – May 5, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts invites community members, local businesses, and supporters to attend its Annual Spring Breakfast on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 7:30 to 8:30 AM at First Parish of Bolton.
This annual gathering brings together community leaders, partners, and advocates for a morning of connection, inspiration, and shared commitment to building safe, affordable housing across North Central Massachusetts.
Guests will enjoy a complimentary breakfast prepared by the talented students of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, highlighting the importance of community partnerships and workforce development.
The event will feature keynote speaker Stacey Phillips-Vear, whose life reflects a deep and enduring commitment to service. Raised as part of an Air Force family and later becoming an Air Force spouse, service has been a defining thread throughout her life. Today, that legacy continues through her family—as the proud mother of a Marine and a daughter who secures major grant funding to support nonprofit missions.
Phillips-Vear’s journey with Team Rubicon began with a simple question from her son: “Will you join?” Without hesitation, she said yes—a decision that would profoundly shape her path.
Since November 2023, she has deployed on nine disaster relief operations across five states, supporting communities in times of crisis. She has built partnerships with organizations including Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts and veteran groups, led teams in the field, and expanded opportunities for others to serve.
Now serving as Planning Lead for the Worcester, Massachusetts metro area, Phillips-Vear brings people, purpose, and planning together to turn compassion into action—and action into impact. Her message is simple yet powerful: say yes first, figure it out later, and never underestimate what happens next.
The Spring Breakfast also offers an opportunity to learn more about Habitat NCM’s work, including new home construction and critical home repairs that help local families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations looking to demonstrate their commitment to affordable housing while gaining meaningful visibility within the community. Sponsors receive recognition through event materials, social media, and program acknowledgments, along with reserved seating for guests.
Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited seating.
To register or learn more, visit:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-spring-breakfast

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

On Tuesday we had a steady stream of donors bringing everything except for furniture (which we accept on Saturdays).  One woman arrived with her car packed with bags of linens in her front and back seats and in the trunk.  I think she is the woman who said she saves her Target cards to buy things for Fresh Start.  I had just started to help bring in her donations when the skies opened and there was a downpour!!  We got wet but the donations did not!  All morning we were dodging raindrops and the donors kept arriving.

     We are low on queen sheets, towels and all sizes of comforters.  We have a wish list on our website that you can check to see what we need.  And we are always glad to receive gift cards from Target, Amazon, JobLot, etc. to give to our clients so they can pick out some nice things for their new homes.
      Thank you for helping us to help others!  And keep up the good work!
Steve kaufman

Guitar Talk with Master Luthier Steve Kauffman & Live Music Demonstration

Guitar Museum of New England presents rare opportunity to experience master luthier’s craft in an intimate concert and demo setting

CONCORD, MA — The Guitar Museum of New England will present a special one-night
program, “Meet the Master Luthier: Steve Kauffman,” on Wednesday, April 9, 2026,
from 7:00–8:30 PM at the Concord Conservatory of Music in West Concord.

This exclusive master class and demonstration with legendary guitar builder Steve
Kauffman is part of a year-long celebration marking 50 years of his groundbreaking work
as a master luthier.

Hosted just steps from the future home of the Guitar Museum of New England, the evening
offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and innovation that define some of the
world’s most extraordinary, handcrafted instruments.

Kauffman will present a fascinating glimpse at the journey from design to resonant
instrument, explaining how key decisions around bracing, wood selection, and inlay and
marquetry all come together to create instruments that are both visually stunning and
musically exceptional.

The program will also feature live performances on select Kauffman-built instruments
from the Guitar Museum of New England’s collection, with the venue provided in
collaboration with the Concord Conservatory of Music.

“This program reflects the kind of immersive, educational experience that will define the
Guitar Museum of New England,” said Wilson Schünemann, co-founder and lead curator of
the Museum. “It’s an opportunity to hear directly from one of the most innovative voices in
modern guitar building—and to experience these instruments as they were meant to be
heard.”

The event is presented in partnership with the Concord Conservatory of Music, whose
Executive Director and Founder, Kate Yoder, has previously noted the strong synergy
between the two organizations, including opportunities for shared programming and
community engagement.

The Guitar Museum of New England, currently in development in West Concord, is
dedicated to celebrating the artistry of guitar builders, musicians, and designers through
interactive exhibits, performances, and educational programming.

Tickets for this special event are $35 and are available at: https://guitarmuseum.org/
Mcc lowell open house

Learn More about MCC’s Lowell Campus at the Spring 2026 Open House

Middlesex Community College provides access to a variety of course options, student support services, resources and expert professionals to set students up for success from day one. Prospective students and their families can learn more about what Middlesex has to offer at an Open House at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15 in Lowell.

“We’re thrilled to show prospective students and their families all about the experiences and opportunities Middlesex provides,” said Kristie Faletra, MCC’s Director of Admissions. “Open Houses allow you to learn firsthand about the programs, support services and resources we offer. Whether in Bedford or Lowell, you can explore our campuses and meet faculty and staff from across the college.”
During the in-person Lowell Open House, prospective students and their families can meet with faculty and staff from across MCC’s program and student service areas. The Open House will cover experiences such as academic and career counseling, dual enrollment, financial aid, free college, tutoring, student access and support services, the Commonwealth Honors Program and more.

There will also be an opportunity to take a campus tour of the Lowell facilities and apply to the college.
Middlesex will host an additional Open House in Bedford on Wednesday, April 1. Prospective students and their families can learn more about MCC’s resources and offerings, while touring the Bedford Campus.

“No matter their age, background or goals, we guide students on their individual paths to success,” Faletra said. “We look forward to hosting our Open Houses to show you how we can help!”
Visit www.middlesex.edu/admissions/index.html for more information and to register for MCC’s Open Houses.

Easter Services at the Lutheran Church of the Savior

Please join us for the holiest week of the church year as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus.    We offer multiple services during Holy week:

   Thursday, April 2: Maundy Thursday service at 7PM
   Friday, April 3:  Good Friday service at 7PM
   Saturday, April 4: Easter Vigil service at 7PM
   Sunday, April 5:  Easter Sunday service at 8AM and 11AM
                                Join us for an Easter coffee between our two services.

We are located at 426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA and excited to welcome you into our sanctuary.

Should you require any additional information, please call our church office at (781) 275-6013 to speak with our Pastor, Rev. Nils Niemeier. Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Esteemed poet to speak mcc

Esteemed Poet and Literary Performer to Speak to MCC Students


Middlesex Community College will host poet and literary performer Regie Gibson as part of the Visiting Writers Series. The event will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 in the Bedford Campus Café East.

“What years of workshopping poetry and classroom teaching has shown me is I have a very limited ability – if any – to teach anyone how to make a poem successful or, even better,” Gibson said. “But, I can – on my better days – often help the poem suck less! That is, suggest ways to freshen up cliche, find direction, clarity and complexity, and help refine the music of it.”

Performing and lecturing widely in the U.S., Cuba and Europe, Gibson is a former National Poetry Slam Individual Champion in the U.S. and winner of the Absolute Poetry Award and Europa in Versi Award competitions in Europe. He has composed text for and performed with Handel & Haydn Society’s Crossing the Deep and has featured with The Boston City Singers, The Mystic Chorale, and the Lexington Symphony.

His poetry has appeared in The Iowa Review, Poetry Magazine, Harvard Divinity Magazine, as well as the anthology Spoken Word Revolution (Source-books, 2005). In 2023, his play “The Juke: A Blues Bacchae” premiered in Boston’s Calderwood Pavilion.

An actor and creator of The Shakespeare Time-Traveling Speakeasy, he is Artistic Director of Arts for Social Cohesion. Gibson has been awarded Live Arts Boston grants and a Brother Thomas Fellowship.
Teaching at Berklee College of Music and Clark University, Gibson serves on the boards of the New England Poetry Club and Grub Street Writers. In 2025, he was appointed by Governor Healey as the inaugural Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The MCC Visiting Writers Series is co-sponsored by the Creative Writing Program and the Office of Student Engagement. MCC’s Café East is located in the Campus Center Building at 591 Springs Road in Bedford. Parking is available on-campus.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/events/visitingwriter.html for more information.
Firstchurch wvmusicfest26

10th Annual Benefit Features Appalachian Music & Pulled-Pork Supper

Step right up for a delicious pulled-pork supper accompanied by live Appalachian folk music at Bedford’s 10th annual West Virginia Music Festival fundraiser.

Hosted by First Church of Christ Congregational in Bedford, 25 Great Road, this annual benefit will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11. Appalachian folk music by West Virginia duo Tim & Maggie, and a pulled-pork buffet supper with all the fixings will set the table for a fun evening. 

Admission to the 2026 West Virginia Music Festival (including dinner) is $25 per person ($50 per family) with  children age 10 and under free. The dinner will feature homemade pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw and corn bread, plus a variety of desserts. (Vegan chili will also be served.) Plenty of free parking is located behind the church.

Highlighting the 2026 Festival is the authentic music of Tim & Maggie, who hail from Athens, W.Va. They have spent decades studying and performing Early American/Appalachian folk music, and play a variety of instruments, including banjo, guitar and flutes.

First Church will donate all proceeds from this fundraiser to help provide new roofs to dormitories at the Appalachian South Folklife Center in Pipestem, W.Va. Volunteer groups from all over the country stay at the Folklife Center while they work on home-repair projects for local residents.

For 10 years, First Church Bedford’s West Virginia Mission Project has helped fight poverty in Appalachia by supporting nonprofit organizations in and around Princeton, W.Va. -- which is located in one of the poorest counties in the state. These community groups are dedicated to making local home repairs, supporting after-school children’s programs, and hosting arts activities for at-risk youth.
To donate directly to the First Church West Virginia Mission Project, please visit our  Tithe.ly website  and select: “WV Mission support.”

The entire community is invited to the 2026 West Virginia Music Festival to sample the fine cooking of our First Church chefs and enjoy some lively Appalachian folk music. This benefit will also help bring hope to a naturally beautiful part of the United States with deep and distinctive cultural roots. For further information, please visit: firstchurchbedforducc.org or call 781-275-7951. 

First Church of Christ Congregational in Bedford, Mass., is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ. We welcome all, grow in faith, and joyfully serve.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Certifies Seven New Climate Leader Communities, Awards $1.1 Million

 
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) certified seven new Climate Leader Communities (CLCs), which is the third group of CLCs. Beverly, Brookline, Eastham, Sharon, Shutesbury, Warwick and Wayland applied for and met the requirements to become CLCs. They are now eligible to apply for grants up to $1,150,000 each for projects that reduce municipal emissions, or for technical support ahead of projects. There are now 35 Climate Leader Communities in Massachusetts.

DOER will also award $1,158,000 in Technical Support Grants to Aquinnah, Carlisle, Harvard, Melrose, Natick, Stow, Truro, and West Tisbury. Technical Support Grants help CLCs fund engineering and design documents that will lead toward the final steps needed for projects to be eligible for Climate Leader Communities Decarbonization Accelerator Grants. Accelerator Grants provide up to $1 million for projects that significantly reduce greenhouse gas pollution from municipal operations.
 
  • Carlisle will receive $119,000 to fund Engineering design for decarbonizing town hall.
  • Stow will receive $150,000 to fund engineering design for partial decarbonization of the Hale School and rooftop solar at the Center School.
The Climate Leader Communities Program builds on the highly successful Green Communities Designation and Grant program. The vast majority of Massachusetts municipalities are designated Green Communities, and have partnered with DOER on hundreds of projects to deliver more than $30 million in municipal energy cost savings each year. DOER created the CLC Program in response to high demand from designated Green Communities for a higher tier of the program. The CLC encourages municipalities to lower municipal emissions, maximize the efficiency of buildings and transportation, and slash energy costs.

More information on DOER’s Climate Leader Communities program can be found on its website.
 

Concord Women’s Chorus Presents
‘A Light Exists in Spring’

 
Usher in springtime with celebrated choral music

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

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


Concord Women’s Chorus is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power of women’s voices through song, hailing from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices.
CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us. CWC’s Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank is the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner presented by Choral Arts New England.
Concord Women’s Chorus participates in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a barrier.  CWC offers two discounted $10 tickets per EBT Cardholder.
Tickets to “A Light Exists in Spring” are $30 adults, free for children age 12 and under, available at simpletix.com/e/a-light-exists-in-spring-tickets-256987. Seating is limited; early purchase is recommended. This concert is supported in part by grants from the Concord and Carlisle Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

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

Assabet Valley Chambersingers 2026 Sing into Spring Concert!

Assabet Valley Chambersingers Present: “Sing Into Spring: Songs for all Creation”
Marlborough, MA — The Assabet Valley Chambersingers proudly presents Sing Into Spring: Songs of all Creation, a captivating choral concert to be held on Sunday, April 12th, 2026, at 3:30 PM at First Church in Marlborough Congregational, 37 High St., Marlborough, MA. This uplifting and diverse program is offered as a “Pay What You Wish” event, made possible in part by a generous grant from the Marlborough Cultural Council, supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Under the artistic direction of Dr. Robert Eaton, the program will feature an eclectic selection of choral works designed to entertain, inspire, and provoke reflection. The program will include 17th century madrigals, Frank Tichelli’s Earth Songs, as well as Bob Chilcott’s We Are and Harry Belafonte’s Turn the World Around!

The Assabet Valley Chambersingers is a 20-voice ensemble drawn from the Assabet Valley Mastersingers that specializes in performing a diverse repertoire such as unaccompanied and accompanied madrigals, motets, Broadway show tunes, and vocal Jazz standards from various eras. Founded in 1989 as a civic outreach initiative, the Chambersingers have frequently performed at notable venues like Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, Notre Dame Du Lac, Friends of the Marlborough Library, and First Night Worcester. Additionally, they have participated in charitable events in Shrewsbury, Northborough, Westborough, Marlborough, and have brought their music to Assisted Living Communities throughout the region.

For more information, visit https://www.avmsingers.org/chambersingers or email manager@avmsingers.org. Join us as we “Sing Into Spring”—a concert to uplift the spirit and celebrate the season!
Jazz vocalist amandacarr2

Concord Band Presents Jazz Vocalist Amanda Carr and a New Composition at Spring Pops

Jazz singer Amanda Carr, an audience favorite, returns for the Concord Band’s annual Spring Pops concert on Saturday, April 11, 7:00 PM at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord. The program features Ms. Carr and her fresh interpretations from the Great American Songbook and New York themed songs. Another special highlight is Lilly’s Story, the premiere of a unique composition inspired by a 12-year-old from Brockton, named Lilly, and her family.
Ms. Carr will perform Cheek to Cheek by Irving Berlin, as well as Cole Porter’s Night and Day and Anything Goes.  Amanda also performs vocals on Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind, and a song that Amanda wrote called Maybe.  With five jazz vocal recordings, Ms. Carr continues to perform as a solo artist and guest host. A true collaborator, Amanda Carr is a coach for vocal students while still writing and composing music.
The Concord Band collaborated with Sing Me A Story, an organization that commissioned Boston Conservatory student composer, Luciano Lopez-Parnetti, to present Lilly’s Story, a new composition that celebrates Lilly’s love of family, food and music.  In her story, Lilly imagines a world where differences are not questioned, but embraced.  Lilly’s personal narrative is reflected in Lopez-Parnetti’s intriguing composition through a harmonically rich wall of sound, punctuated rhythms and overlapping patterns.  A remarkable photo montage, created by Lilly herself, will be on display at the concert. The montage explores what it feels like when others make assumptions about her mixed identity, and the challenges of not always feeling fully seen or understood. Both Lilly’s family and composer Lopez-Parnetti will attend the premiere performance.
Continuing with the New York theme, the Concord Band will evoke the vibrant and frenetic energy of New York City with Warren Barker’s New York: 1927, together with selections from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.  The Band also will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with composer Clare Grundman’s classic work, Spirit of ’76.
The Concord Band’s Spring Pops concert, conducted by Music Director James O’Dell, will be open seating at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord, 7:00 PM, Saturday, April 11th.  The audience is invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments in the lobby at intermission and after the concert.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under, and can be reserved at www.ticketstage.com/concordband 

Skate4Charity 4th Annual Tournament to Benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank

 
Skate4Charity founded by two friends James Pijewski and Steve Molloy is hosting its 4th annual charity Ice Hockey tournament April 11th at 11am at the The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, 191 Hartwell Rd. Over three years the charity has raised over $137k and last year alone the charity raised over $60k to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank. This year they have decided to support the Greater Boston Food Bank again, who are the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. Last year, they distributed 117 million pounds of nutritious food to people who struggle to have enough to eat in the Eastern Massachusetts area and surrounding communities. Every $1 donated helps to provide 2 healthy meals to neighbors in need.

Event will be held 11am-3pm and there will be food, games, raffles and prizes. Beverages provided by Idle Hands Craft Ales. Watch 4 co-ed teams face off, and help support a great cause, all spectators welcome. Donations are accepted day of and at this link: https://my.gbfb.org/Skate4Charity2026
If you donate after seeing this article please put “action unlimited” in your donation comment.

Shout out to our sponsors for this year's event: Torii Homes, Law Office of Susan E. Zak, Maynard Motors, A&M Roofing, Dynamik Sports and Idle Hands Brewery. If you would like more information follow us on instagram or Facebook @skate.4.charity
Holy week services at ucc

Holy Week Services at UCC in Boxborough

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter at United Church of Christ in Boxborough,
723 Massachusetts Ave.
Maundy Thursday, 7PM- simple soup & bread, Table talk; an imagined dialogue between Jesus and his disciples followed by Tenebrae Service.

Good Friday Lamentations-April 3, 7PM
This will be a prayer service in the sanctuary that will provide individuals the opportunity to voice their concerns; fears; and anger.  To lament to God in the tradition of the Psalms.  A quiet night of sitting in the pain of this time before the Alleluias of Easter morning.  The liturgy will be appropriate for a multi-faith audience.

Easter morning, April 5th -join us for Sunrise Service at 6:30AM at the intersection of Middle and Hill Rd. in Boxborough. Follow with a wonderful Easter breakfast in the Gathering Room, 2nd floor of the UCC. Easter service with beautiful music and the flowering of the cross will be held at 9:30AM.

The Women’s Business Network  Meets on April 9th

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, April 9th at 6:30 PM at the church hall at St. Theresa's Church (Holy Trinity Parish), 17 Still River Road in Harvard MA. Guests are welcome. Participants will gather in small groups to discuss business issues, seek input, and get advice from each other. WBN is a local, volunteer run networking group of women in small businesses, professional practices, non-profits and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education & networking. Contact dboliva@charter.net for more information.
Concord conservatory

Concord Conservatory of Music Presents Biribá Union: A Global Fusion of Hip-Hop, Brazilian Forró, and Jazz

CONCORD, MA — The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is delighted to welcome the dynamic ensemble Biribá Union for a one-of-a-kind performance on Friday, April 10, at 7:30 pm. This concert promises an intoxicating blend of global sounds, bringing together three world-class musicians for an evening of improvisational spontaneity and cultural celebration.
Biribá Union, named after a Brazilian wild sugar-apple, was born out of Silkroad’s Global Musician Workshop. The trio features:
  • Mike Block: A Grammy Award-winning cellist and singer, hailed by Yo-Yo Ma as "the ideal musician for the 21st century."
  • Christylez Bacon: A Grammy-nominated beatboxer and songwriter who was the first hip-hop artist featured at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
  • Patricia Ligia: An acclaimed electric bass player and composer from Uruguay who has toured with global superstars like Karol G.
Their unique sound bridges the freestyle energy of Hip-Hop and Go-go with the effortless beauty of Brazilian Forró and Choro, all grounded in the earthiness of American Roots music.
Tickets are $35 for General Admission and are free for students 18 and under.
Event Details:
  • What: Biribá Union in Concert
  • When: Friday, April 10, 7:30 pm
  • Where: Concord Conservatory of Music, 1317 Main Street, Concord, MA
  • Tickets: Available online and in-person


About Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM): CCM is a non-profit community music school dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of music. By providing a home for excellence in music education and performance, CCM serves as a vital creative resource for the Concord area. We are grateful to our sponsors and donors who make our Concert & Lecture Series possible.

Collection Drive for Household Goods in Bedford: March 16-31, 2026

Ready to tackle your spring cleaning and looking for a place to donate your extra household items? FYZICAL Bedford (200 Great Road, Suite 11—plaza across from CVS) is hosting a Household Goods Collection Drive from March 16-31, M–F, 8–5 pm. We’re collecting pots, pans, dishes, sheets, towels and blankets/comforters — new or gently used only (please, no stains or tears).

Donations support Household Goods, a nonprofit that provides free furniture and household items to help people in need make a home. Each year, the organization furnishes over 3,000 homes with 60,000 essential items, and local collection drives are an important source of donations-- thank you for supporting Household Goods!
Project bread

Project Bread’s 58th Annual Walk for Hunger Opens Registration

Community Fundraiser Returns to the Boston Common Sunday, May 3

BOSTON – Registration is now open for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, the organization’s signature community fundraiser and one of Massachusetts’ most enduring anti-hunger events, turning compassion into action. Set for Sunday, May 3 on the Boston Common, the one-day celebration will bring together thousands of walkers for a family-friendly 3-mile loop featuring food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Now in its 58th year, the Walk for Hunger remains a beacon of hope for local families, raising $1 million to support Project Bread’s proven, statewide approach to advancing food security and ensuring access to nutritious food for children and families across Massachusetts.
Like-minded anti-hunger organizations are also invited to participate through Project Bread’s co-fundraising program, The Commonwealth. Participating nonprofits can form teams to raise funds for their own missions while contributing to Project Bread’s broader statewide impact.
Ready to get involved? Register to walk in-person or virtually,  start a personal or team fundraising page, or make a donation at projectbread.org/walk. For more information, email walk@projectbread.org.

The GFWC Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is Now Accepting Crafters’ Applications for the 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair.

Event: Northboro Junior Woman’s Club 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair

Date: Saturday, November 7,2026

Time: 9:00AM-3:00PM

Place: Robert E. Mexican Middle School,  145 Lincoln Street, Northboro, MA

Jurying Information: This is a juried show requiring that all items are handmade. Please visit NJWC’S website for applications and more show details. www.northborojuniors.org/craft-fair.html

The Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization that has been active in Northboro for over 40 years. They support community projects in Northboro as well as internationally. The Harvest Fair is the club’s major fundraiser.
Stories of the old burial ground 2

Revolutionary War Epitaphs: Stories of the Old Burying Ground

In an area full of memorable places, the Old Burying Ground offers a uniquely evocative experience. Add to that a touch of melancholy, with the sense of time passing and fallen heroes honored…  One-hundred-and-five Revolutionary War Minutemen from Groton are interred within its intimate grounds, where generations of family names are etched into the lichened, moss-covered stones.

Cemetery Commissioner Don Black, will lead a tour of Groton’s Old Burying Ground on Saturday April 18 (rain date, Sunday; in the event of inclement weather then too, the event moves into the Legion Hall), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the first of several free public events celebrating the War for Independence, hosted by the Groton History Center.

Refreshments and amenities at the Legion Hall. Look for the Revolutionary War cannon, pride of the Groton Myseum, on display out front. Bonnie Carter and her grandson Devin will be on hand to share the cannon’s story – its capture from the British Warship Diana and centuries-long sojourn here.

Groton stands on the threshold of history. Few know this as well as Don Black, who has long served on the Park Commission, and is Chairman of the Commemoration and Celebration Committee for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. A font of knowledge, with a charming low-key delivery, Mr. Black has many stories to tell. When pressed for details about the cemetery tour, though, he smiled and said he likes to keep some things a surprise.

For information about the GHC, visit www.grotonhistory.org. Regular office hours at the Boutwell House, 172 Main Street, are Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with extended hours for drop-in visits and house tours (no appointment necessary) until 4 pm on Fridays. (For questions, email info@grotonhistory.com, or call 978-448-0092.)

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Three Final Chances to Experience HONK! March 27-29 in Acton

Open Door Theater proudly presents HONK!, a musical telling of “The Ugly Duckling” story. HONK! is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his siblings, and others are quick to notice and point this out. Ugly is kind-hearted, awkward and innocent, and his journey of self-discovery is the heart of the show. This messaging supports the mission of Open Door Theater and will resonate with audiences now more than ever. Like Open Door Theater, HONK! has the audacity to assert that the default state of community should be inclusion and that “fowl” behavior will no longer be tolerated.
Open Door’s cast will present 3 final performances March 27-29, 2026 at the Dragonfly Theater at RJ Grey Jr. H.S, 16 Charter Rd, Acton. All performances are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation, open captioning, and audio-description. Tickets are $20 at www.OpenDoorTheater.org. Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Over its 45-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved audiences and participants to enjoy live theater.
Performances: 
  • Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Saturday March 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described


Sponsored in part by the Community Foundation for Metrowest, Astra Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Middlesex Savings Bank, Main Street Bank, Acton Lions, AB Community Compass and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Ayer, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, Stow, Sudbury and Westford.
First church marlboro

FIRST CHURCH IN MARLBOROUGH 2026 SPRING RUMMAGE SALE

Women’s Fellowship of First Church in Marlborough, Congregational, UCC will hold its annual Spring Rummage Sale Friday night, April 17, from 5:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. and Saturday morning, April 18, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon.
Saturday will be a $5.00 Bag Sale. Fill a paper grocery bag (provided by Women’s Fellowship) and pay just $5.00 for everything in it. There will be clothing for adults and children, shoes, purses, tote bags, kitchenware, bedroom and bathroom linens, home décor, knickknacks, toys, games, puzzles, and miscellaneous items. Stop by and look around. You may find something you sorely need or desperately want.
Have fun shopping for some amazing bargains!!
First Church, 37 High St. (at the corner of Bolton St./Rte. 85 and High St.) above Union Common in downtown Marlborough. Parking is free. There is a small lot on the church property and a municipal lot next to the church.

Skate4Charity 4th Annual Tournament to Benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank

Skate4Charity founded by two friends James Pijewski and Steve Molloy is hosting its 4th annual charity Ice Hockey tournament April 11th at 11am at the The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, 191 Hartwell Rd. Over three years the charity has raised over $137k and last year alone the charity raised over $60k to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank. This year they have decided to support the Greater Boston Food Bank again, who are the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. Last year, they distributed 117 million pounds of nutritious food to people who struggle to have enough to eat in the Eastern Massachusetts area and surrounding communities. Every $1 donated helps to provide 2 healthy meals to neighbors in need.

Event will be held 11am-3pm and there will be food, games, raffles and prizes. Beverages provided by Idle Hands Craft Ales. Watch 4 co-ed teams face off, and help support a great cause, all spectators welcome. Donations are accepted day of and at this link: https://my.gbfb.org/Skate4Charity2026
If you donate after seeing this article please put “action unlimited” in your donation comment.

Shout out to our sponsors for this year's event: Torii Homes, Law Office of Susan E. Zak, Maynard Motors, A&M Roofing, Dynamik Sports and Idle Hands Brewery.
If you would like more information follow us on instagram or Facebook @skate.4.charity

Recognizing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence

On Wednesday, April 15th from 7-8:15 PM, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable is hosting Recognizing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence.  While it seems like spotting abuse in a dating relationship should be easy, controlling and manipulative behavior often appears to be kind, loving and even surprisingly vulnerable at first glance.

Designed for parents/guardians, and people in youth facing roles,  this workshop will focus on identifying signs of abuse, and building skills on supporting teens who are experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships.

This program will be facilitated by Roundtable board member Sydney Carter, Manager of Prevention and Education Programs at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. Registration for this event is required, and can be completed here.

For more information, please visit www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org or email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Good Friday Concert and Service, Featuring ACC’s Senior Choir Presenting Margaret Bond’s Masterwork Credo

April 3rd at 7:30pm at the Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Rd, Acton, MA

The Senior Choir of Acton Congregational Church along with guest singers from area choruses will present Margaret Bonds’s masterwork, Credo, as part of its special Good Friday service on April 3rd.

Bonds composed Credo in 1965, setting to music the powerful and inspirational words written by W.E.B. Du Bois in 1904. Modern performers and audience can find elements of Credo uncomfortable, in part because the work forces us to confront the injustice of American slavery and its legacy head on, as both Du Bois and Bonds intended. Credo proved to be difficult for Bonds as well when she sought publication. Her publisher demanded that she change the words of the second movement (“Especially Do I Believe in the Negro Race”) from “Negro race” to “human race,” and when she adamantly refused to do so, he refused to publish it. After Bonds’s unexpected death in 1972, many of her papers were mislaid, including much of the source material for Credo.  Thus, the first full edition of Credo was not published until 2021, over 50 years after Bonds wrote it. Since its publication in 2021, the work has finally taken its place among the standard repertoire of choral masterpieces.

The music of Bonds and text of Du Bois will be interwoven with scripture and moments of reflection, drawing connections between the passion of Christ and the suffering of people of color throughout our country’s history. Soprano Amy Onyonyi and Tenor Christon Carney will be featured soloists with Elizabeth Carley, Acton Congregational's talented organist and pianist. Senior Choir Director, Elinor A. Armsby leads the performance.
Easter egg stravaganza

Easter Egg-Stravaganza
 Easter Egg Hunt & Family Fun!


The Lutheran Church of the Savior is hosting a morning of fun, crafts, and an exciting Easter egg hunt!  All families are warmly invited to attend, and there is absolutely no charge.  Rain or Shine

When:  Saturday, March 28th at 10:30 am

Where:  The Lutheran Church of the Savior
426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA

Bring the kids, invite your friends, and come enjoy a joyful morning celebrating Easter together.  We hope to see you there!

Rotary Club of Concord Celebrating 95 Years of Community Service

 
The Rotary Club of Concord will be accepting donations of personal care items for Open Table food pantry on Saturday, March 28th from 10:30 am to 2 pm at Crosby’s Market, 211 Sudbury Road, Concord.
Items needed: Diaper Sizes: 4, 5, 6, Baby Wipes, Toothpaste and Shampoo

This year there is a high priority need for diapers and baby wipes. Crosby’s Market will have prepackaged donation bags available for purchase on Saturday.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Show the Love donation drive which began in February and will end with this final donation day on March 28th at Crosby’s Market.

The Rotary Club of Concord has a long-standing partnership with Open Table Food Pantry in Maynard. Families who may be your neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. Open Table serves people from 21 cities and towns. Guests include 30% who are children under the age of 18 and 15% are senior citizens.

Open Table budgets $12,000 a year to purchase personal care items and diapers which are not covered under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

You can help by donating Diaper Sizes: 4, 5, 6, Baby Wipes, Toothpaste and Shampoo

Concord Art Presents: Homages
Curated by Crystalle Lacouture
April 2, 2026 - May 10, 2026

Concord, MA - Beginning Thursday, April 2, Concord Art presentsHomages, curated by Crystalle Lacouture. The exhibition will be on view through May 10. Homages brings together artists whose work honors the “masterworks” and historical movements that preceded them, or uses the act of tribute
to elevate the humble and everyday into something worthy of praise. There are memorials and remembrances, references to the Dutch masters and Joseph Cornell, to rock music and masterpieces, to feminist artists at the vanguard, to the stories we all share and the writers, thinkers, and movements that still move us today. There are also works that honor, elevate, and transform familiar and often humble, quotidian materials into the realm of art. In offering these tributes, the artists create a generously inclusive vision — one in which the work becomes a collaboration not only with the beholder, but with the very sources that inspired it. Together, maker, viewer, and muse become allies in deepening an intangible experience, adding a new contribution to the long, layered timeline of history.

Artists featured in this exhibition include Brett Angell, Willie Binnie, Jenny Brillhart, Hillary Doyle, Tory Fair, Emily Hass, Lu Heintz, Crystalle Lacouture, Limited Time Engagement (Caira Art Editions), Cathy Della Lucia, S. Billie Mandle, Dogwood Messer, Allison Reimus, Jill Slosburg-Ackerman, Zainab Sumu (Caira Art Editions), and Joe Wardwell.

A catalog of the exhibition will be available at Concord Art. For more information, contact Executive Director Kate James at katejames@concordart.org or Assistant Director Natalie Reiser at
nataliereiser@concordart.org. You may also call Concord Art at 978-369-2578.

About Concord Art:
Concord Center for the Visual Arts was founded a century ago by Elizabeth Wentworth Roberts, an American Impressionist and philanthropist whose mission—to promote and advance the visual arts and artists, and to sustain our cultural community—still stands today. Concord Art provides a place for contemporary art exhibitions and art education. Concord Art is located at 37 Lexington Road, Concord, MA 01742. Tuesday through Saturday 10am – 4:30pm, Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Mcc’s “world of music”

Award-winning Pianist to Perform as Part of MCC’s “World of Music”

As part of the Spring 2026 “A World of Music” concert series, Middlesex Community College will welcome award-winning pianist Liana Paniyeva. The performance will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 27 in MCC’s Concert Hall in Bedford.

“I’m very much looking forward to performing at MCC and presenting a Romantic program that features Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, and the remarkable women composers Clara Schumann and the American composer Amy Beach,” Paniyeva said. “I’m thrilled to share all of these voices on stage, and performing Amy Beach’s music here, with her special New England connection, is especially meaningful to me.”

Paniyeva will perform a solo recital. Numbers include Seven Fantasies, Op. 116 by Johannes Brahms, Sketches by Amy Beach, Scherzo by Clara Schumann, and Sonata No. 2 in G minor by Robert Schumann.

Additional “A World of Music” performances in Bedford this season include Women Composers Across Cultures and Centuries at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 12; Featuring MCC Alumnus Nathaniel Abreu, Cellist at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 10; and a Student Recital at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4.
The Lowell Chamber Orchestra kicked off the Spring season with a performance at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center, Theatre in Lowell on Saturday, February 7. They will perform a second time at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 26.

All concerts are free and open to the public.
MCC’s Concert Hall is located in the North Academic Building at 591 Springs Road in Bedford. Parking is available on-campus.
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/events/worldofmusic.html for more information.

Easter Festivities

 
Maynard – Fire Safety Easter Egg Hunt taking place at the Maynard Fire Department on Saturday, 3/28 from 11:30AM - 1PM. FREE – Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.

Acton/Boxborough – ABFN Spring Fling and Egg Hunt at Boardwalk Campus Playground, 73 Spruce Street, Acton on Saturday, 3/28 from 10 – 11:30AM. Register at www.abfamily.org.

Concord – Annual Concord Rec Egg Hunt at Emerson Park Track, Concord on Friday, 3/27 from 5 – 6PM.

Bedford – Bedford Family Connection Spring Egg Hunt at Davis Elementary School Gymnasium on Saturday 3/28 from 10 – 11AM. Register at bfctoday.org. Free for members, small fee for nonmembers.
-Easter Egg-Stravaganza at The Lutheran Church of the Savior, 426 Davis Road, Bedford on Saturday 3/28 at 10:30AM.

Stow – Stow Lions Easter Bunny Breakfast at Center School in Stow on Sunday, 3/29 from 8AM – to 12:30PM.

Sudbury – Easter Egg Olympics at United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury on Saturday, 3/28 from 2 – 3PM.

Chelmsford – Easter Egg Hunt at Aldersgate UMC, 242 Boston Road (Rt. 4), Chelmsford on Saturday 4/4 from 10 – 11:30AM.



Egg Your House, Relay For Life Fundraiser - Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 4th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  We will go to Maynard, Acton, Concord, and Stow.  You must order them by March 25th.  Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form.  Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.