Action Unlimited

Bedford Cultural Council Reception for 2025/2026 Grant Recipients

The Bedford Cultural Council is hosting a reception honoring FY 2025 and FY 2026 grant recipients on Saturday, June 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the first-floor meeting room of the Bedford Free Public Library at 7 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA. The public are welcome to attend.

The Council was able to fund a wide range of educational and community-based projects and activities in music, art, dance, humanities, performances, and science and environmental programs, thanks to funding from both Mass Cultural Council  and the Town of Bedford Select Board. A full list of recipients for each year is available on the BCC website.

The reception will feature displays of the work of grant recipients. Light refreshments will be served. No RSVP is needed for this free event.

The Bedford Cultural Council will seek applications again in Fall 2026. Information and forms will be available online in early fall at  Mass Cultural Council. For more information, including how to apply for a grant, please email bedfordculturalcouncil@gmail.com.

Concord Conservatory of Music Launches “Pianos on the Town,” a First‑Ever Outdoor Piano Art Trail Across Concord

CONCORD, MA — In a first‑of‑its‑kind public art and music initiative for Concord, the Concord
Conservatory of Music (CCM) will place eight artist‑designed upright pianos throughout Concord
and West Concord from May 30 through June 26, transforming everyday public spaces into spontaneous stages for community music‑making. The community is invited to the official launch event, the “Piano Xtravaganza”:

When: Saturday, May 30 at 10:30 AM
Where: Brookside Square, 70 Beharrell Street, West Concord (Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Bridge)
What: A high‑energy outdoor performance featuring CCM students and faculty playing together
on multiple pianos to kick off the month‑long residency.

“Pianos on the Town is about more than just music; it’s about creating spontaneous moments of joy and connection,” says Kate Yoder, Executive Director of CCM. “By placing these instruments in the heart of our neighborhoods, we hope to turn a morning commute or a walkthrough town into a shared cultural experience.”

Each piano has been paired with a local site host and features custom artwork by local artists and sponsor plaques. The project offers strong visual storytelling opportunities for media, with instruments placed in high‑visibility locations across town.

2026 Piano Locations:
• Concord Conservatory of Music – 1317 Main Street
• Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Bridge – Adjacent to Brookside Square
• Guitar Museum of New England – 74 Commonwealth Avenue
• Hunt Recreation Center – 90 Stow Street
• The Umbrella Arts Center – 40 Stow Street
• Walden Street – 34 Walden Street
• Middlesex Savings Bank/Visitor Center Lawn – 58 Main Street
• Concord Museum – 53 Cambridge Turnpike

The public is encouraged to share photos and videos using
#ConcordConservatoryPianosOnTheTown. The pianos will remain in place through Friday, June 26. For more information, visit ConcordConservatory.org.
Chef erin harleman

Chef Erin Harleman of The Saucy Plate Wins Open Table’s Chopped for Charity Competition

Open Table Board Chair emerita Patty Chambers and Middlesex Bank honored at annual fundraising gala
Concord and Maynard, MA (May 6, 2026) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, today announced that Chef Erin Harleman owner of The Saucy Plate, a Wayland-based personal chef service in Metrowest Boston, was the winner of the cooking competition at its 2026 Chopped for Charity Gala, which took place on Friday, May 1, at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA. More than 200 people took part in the event, which raised over $200,000 for Open Table and its programs.
You can find information on and photos from the 2026 Chopped for Charity Competition here: https://www.opentable.org/chopped/
Open Table Board Chair emerita Patty Chambers was honored at the event for her many years of dedication and commitment to Open Table’s mission. Open Table also recognized Middlesex Savings Bank as a valued partner in its mission.
Once again, television and radio personality Chef Joe Gatto served as the Master of Ceremonies. The judging panel included Judge Jason Jernigan, as well as Renee Magasanik of Sudbury and Tim Sutton of Boston, who bid for and won their positions at the start of the competition.
Chef Erin Harleman’s winning dish was a Shakshuka, a traditional Middle Eastern vegetarian entree that combined eggs, chickpeas, and vegetables in a cumin spiced sauce and also included the secret ingredients of chocolate and toasted pumpkin seed oil, which were provided by Debra’s Natural Gourmet. The dish was artfully plated with feta cheese and a slice of sourdough bread.
Chef Audley Mills served up a jerk-spiced salmon on cauliflower puree. The salmon was paired with a medley of flavorful, colorful vegetables that incorporated the secret ingredients, as well as orzo.
Chef Joubert Amazan created a salmon with a cream sauce entree. The fish was accompanied by a colorful assortment of vegetables. Seasoned white beans, that incorporated the secret ingredients, were plated alongside noodles to complete the offering.
This year’s Chopped for Charity featured online and silent auctions, as well as lively bidding for a variety of restaurant and in-home dinners prepared by both current and prior competition chefs. Guests enjoyed dinner and drinks from the Nashawtuc Country Club, and delicious desserts from Open Table's head chef.
“Open Table’s Chopped for Charity Gala is a testament to the kind and generous community that we are a part of,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “This event comes at a time when food insecurity is at record levels in Massachusetts, and the people we serve are more vulnerable than ever. I want to thank each and every person who contributes to our mission to end hunger in our local community.”
“The incredible turnout for this year’s Chopped for Charity is a powerful reminder of how deeply our community cares about ensuring everyone has access to food,” said Jonathan Magasanik, Open Table BOD member and Chopped for Charity Co-Chair. “Beyond being a fun and engaging evening, this event shines a spotlight on the volunteers, partners, and local businesses whose ongoing support makes our work possible every single day.”
Bedford memorial day 2

BEDFORD'S 2026 MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES MONDAY, MAY 25

Join us in honoring our veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. Bedford's Memorial Day events:

8:30am American Legion/VFW Memorial & Shawsheen Cemetery.  Ceremonies begin at the American Legion Post, 357 The Great Road
10:00am Old Burying Ground Ceremony, 7 Springs Road
10:45am Bedford High School Fallen Veterans Memorial. Tribute by Bedford HS JROTC cadets
11:00am Town Parade - Starts from Mudge Way and proceeds along Great Road to Town Common
11:15 Bedford Town Common: Main Memorial Day Ceremony

Contact Paul Purchia for more information: 781-275-2464(H); 781-789-8974(C)
Note: In case of heavy rains, outside activities will be canceled. Bedford Town Common ceremony will be moved to Bedford High School Auditorium starting at 11am.

America at 250 – Of Thee We Sing

The Heritage Chorale has created an inspiring program of music for its 2026 spring concert, with tributes to iconic symbols of America, including Randall Thompson's Testament of Freedom--a setting of passages from the writings of Thomas Jefferson.
We hope you’ll join the Chorale at 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 31 at the Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive in Framingham as we honor this special anniversary. True to the Chorale’s performance goals, the program is unique and varied, featuring pieces that span more than 200 years of American music. From Chester, the work of the first American choral composer, William Billings (1746–1800), to Take Care of This House by one of the 20th century’s most renowned composers, Leonard Bernstein, and from anthems to cantatas, this May’s concert will be a treat for the listener. The program also includes the world premiere performance of local composer Leonardo Ciampa’s Helen Keller Cantata, a passionate framing of her words. The piece is dramatic and poignant, a not-to-be-missed musical experience. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at www.heritagechorale.org or at the door.

Mad Scientist Day

The Lutheran Church of the Savior is again hosting their amazing Mad Scientist Day.  We invite your and your family to join us for fun day of exploring science through activities and demonstrations.  Learn about Physics, Chemistry, Electricity and Magnetism.   There will be interesting things to do and to discover for ALL ages (even adults!).

Lutheran Church of the Savior
426 Davis Road, Bedford
Saturday May 23rd at 2 pm

Discovery Museum to Launch Annual Bid for Kids Online Auction, May 18-27

 
Auction items to include event tickets, tours, summer camps, and an exclusive virtual reading of the #1 New York Times bestselling children’s book, The Book With No Pictures, by author B.J. Novak
ACTON, MA - Discovery Museum’s annual Bid for Kids online auction fundraiser kicks off Monday, May 18th featuring the chance for bidders to win a live, virtual storytime by celebrated actor, author, director, screenwriter, and producer B.J. Novak.
Novak will read his #1 New York Times bestselling children’s book, The Book With No Pictures, live via Zoom to a child’s birthday party or classroom of the winning bidder’s choosing. The item description is in preview on the Museum’s auction website here https://bit.ly/NovakStorytime.
Discovery Museum will kick off its annual Bid for Kids online auction fundraiser on Monday, May 18 at 8:00am at https://www.biddingforgood.com/discoveryacton and close it on Wednesday, May 27 at 8:00pm.
Many popular, useful, and/or hard-to-get items have been donated by generous individuals and businesses in the community in support of the Museum. The catalog will have more than 150 items, including Red Sox and Celtics tickets, theater tickets, a brewery tour, create your own ice cream flavor experience, children's birthday parties and summer camp sessions, gift cards to restaurants and local businesses, memberships and passes to museums, zoos, and amusement parks, handmade goods, framed astrophotographs, and much more.
Proceeds from the auction will support Discovery Museum’s Open Door Connections programs which serve to make the Museum affordable and accessible to all through programs such as Especially for Me, supporting free visits for families with children on the autism spectrum, are deaf or hard of hearing, or are blind or low-vision, and free Friday night admission year-round. Shoppers and museum supporters alike can visit the auction at https://www.biddingforgood.com/discoveryacton.

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents High Five Concert June 13

 
May 8, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Join Worcester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) for their annual summer concert on June 13, 2026 at Brooks Concert Hall, College of the Holy Cross in Worcester at 7:30 PM.
It might be the beginning of summer, but there’s a midsummer vibe to this concert of quintets, provided by lightness and lyricism that wind through the music. Creativity, color, and conviviality abound, making this a delightful lift into your summer. This evening event will take place at Brooks Concert Hall, which is located at the College of the Holy Cross, and features music by Felix Mendelssohn and Antonín Dvořák.
Though now thought of as a strong work from Mendelssohn’s later life, his String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major was not published during his lifetime because he did not feel it was worthy enough to be printed. Despite the composer’s seeming personal negativity about the work, he did feel it was a good musical exercise if not his most capable representation of “art.” Still, written during a sabbatical from his Leipzig Conservatory while holidaying in Frankfurt, it was composed during a time – and imbues a sense – of “happy days.”
Czech composer Dvořák is regarded as perhaps the most adaptable composer of his time, frequently employing and amplifying the sounds, rhythms, and styles of his homeland. This second Piano Quintet in A major is representative of his ability to rethink his work; unhappy with the first version, he destroyed the manuscript shortly after its debut, only agreeing to revise the composition fifteen years later after obtaining a friend’s copy of the score. 
Saturday, June 13 @7:30PM
High Five
Brooks Concert Hall
College of the Holy Cross
1 College Street, Worcester
Program
Mendelssohn | String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 87
Dvořák | Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op. 81
Venue is air conditioned and handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/summer-concert-high-five/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

T-shirt Design Contest!

The Tom Denney Nature Camp is holding a design contest for our camp T-shirt. Design a nature-themed T-shirt and send in your entry by Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 5:00pm. Entries will be voted on by the staff, and if yours is chosen then it will be printed on the T-shirts. Here is a link with more information: https://www.tomdenneynaturecamp.org/tee-shirt-design-contest.
Project bread 2

Project Bread’s 58th Walk for Hunger To Raise $1 Million as Food Insecurity Reaches Crisis Levels Across Massachusetts


BOSTON – On Sunday, May 3, nearly 4,000 participants gathered on Boston Common and joined virtually from across the country and around the world for Project Bread’s 58th Annual Walk for Hunger, the nation’s oldest continually running pledge walk. Walkers representing 216 towns across Massachusetts, along with participants from 23 U.S. states and five countries, united to take action for the 40% of Massachusetts households experiencing food insecurity. Donations are still coming in but the event is well on its way to hitting the goal of raising $1 million in support of statewide efforts to end hunger in the Commonwealth.
This year’s Walk comes at a critical inflection point for food security in Massachusetts. Forty percent of state households are experiencing food insecurity, amid historic cuts to SNAP over the last year that are forcing more families to make impossible choices between food and other basic needs. Against that backdrop, The Walk served as both a fundraiser and a rallying cry, drawing first-time participants alongside advocates who have walked for decades.
During the Opening Ceremony on the Boston Common Main Stage, Project Bread CEO Erin McAleer presented the prestigious Patrick Hughes Award for Social Justice to Jean McMurray, recently retired CEO of the Worcester County Food Bank. McMurray was honored for more than 30 years of advocacy and partnership advancing systemic solutions to hunger across Massachusetts and her ongoing work as advisor to the Make Hunger History Coalition.
The Walk featured a family-friendly, fully accessible 3-mile loop on Boston Common, with live entertainment, local food vendors, a cooking demonstration, and inclusive programming with ASL interpretation. Walkers were cheered on by family and friends throughout the festive route, which highlighted ways to get involved in the fight to end hunger.
Now in its eighth consecutive year, the Commonwealth Program welcomed 68 community-based organizations that fundraised as part of a joint initiative, retaining 60 percent of all funds they raised to support their own anti-hunger work while contributing to The Walk’s statewide goal.
Funds raised through The Walk support Project Bread’s year-round work to connect families to food when there’s nothing left at home, make sure kids have enough to eat, and guides everyday people through moments of crisis. Funds also support long-term solutions to ending hunger permanently. Fundraising for The Walk for Hunger continues. Visit www.projectbread.org/walk to donate or start a personal fundraiser.
People experiencing food insecurity should call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential, free assistance getting connected to a variety of food resources in 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. Counselors can pre-screen families and help them to apply for SNAP. Learn more at projectbread.org/get-help.
Learn More
Boston world expo

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.
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Outdoor Summer Concert Series in Berlin, MA

Presenting a sixth summer of outdoor music, 19 Carter will offer eight fabulous
concerts taking place Saturday evenings from 7 - 9 pm from June 20th to August 15th
(excluding July 4th) at 19 Carter Street, Berlin, MA. Tickets are available now at
19Carter.org – $175 for a Summer Pass; individual tickets $25 in advance or $30 at
the door, $5 for students and FREE for kids.

The concert series offers an array of marvelous musicians presenting a range of genres
spanning from bluegrass to jazz to African music & dance and more! See the full
lineup below:

June 20th – Southern Rail (Bluegrass)
June 27th – Swing 440 (Gypsy Jazz)
July 11th – Crocodile River Music (African Music & Dance)
July 18th – Moe Dixon w/ Seth Asser & Gary Brown (Folk/Blues/Country)
July 25th – Nolan Slate Sextet (Jazz)
August 1st – Mark Russell & Friends (Rock/Pop/Blues/Jazz)
August 8th – Rioflow Trio (Latin-infused Jazz/Salsa)
August 15th – Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli with special guest Anelise (Folk/Gospel/Soul)

19 Carter is partnering with local breweries and wineries for select concerts. These
onsite partners include Clover Road Brewing Company of Hudson; Dirigible Brewing
Company of Littleton; and IEMMALLO Wine of Ashland.

This year’s summer concert series is sponsored by Clinton Savings Bank, North
Brook Alpaca Farm, Cordelia’s Farm, Golden Skep Farm, the Berlin and Bolton
Cultural Councils (local agencies funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency)
and S. Elaine McDonald from REMAX Executive Realty.

For more information, check out our website at 19Carter.org or email us directly at
info@19carter.org. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @19CarterCommunity

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 video conference, and our meeting has recently changed to Monday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Free childrens activities

FREE Children's Activities

Celebrating 50 years of the Tom Denney Nature Camp

12-3pm Saturday, June 27, 2026 (Heavy Rain Date Sunday June 28)
Bowers Springs Conservation Area
44 Flanagan Road
Bolton, MA

12pm Welcome and short Annual Meeting
2-3pm Animal Adventures Show
12-3pm: Games, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Temporary Tattoos, Tie-Dye, Water Guns, Hiking, DJ Love Music, Raffle for a free week of camp, Mexican Food Truck, and S'mores

New Song Welcomes Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light on May 16

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

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

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

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

Help Create a Safe New Home for Survivors of Abuse

Spring is a time of renewal and new growth, a time for starting over, and planting seeds for the future. It is also the time for the Shower for Safety.

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable cordially invites you to participate in its Annual Shower for Safety. You can help families transitioning to a new home by donating new household items or gift cards. All gifts collected will be donated to clients of area Domestic Violence Agencies.

The Shower for Safety will be held from Friday, May 1, 2026, through Sunday May 17, 2026. New unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at Spirits of Maynard, 4 Digital Way, Suite 3, Maynard, MA or at Sudbury Wine and Spirits, 410 Boston Post Road, Rugged Bear Plaza, Sudbury, MA.

Requested new items include: diapers, twin size comforters, sheets and pillowcases, bed pillows, towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, small kitchen appliances, pots and pans, bakeware, personal care items, and other household items for kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms.

Gift cards for the following are also welcome: Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreen’s, Market Basket, Hannaford, Stop and Shop ($10-$50).
For questions or further information, please contact the Roundtable at infodvrt@gmail.com.

You can help change the lives of families affected by domestic violence. We would appreciate your support.

Much Anticipated 23rd ANNUAL "THE TASTE"

The Maynard Education Foundation (MEF) is excited to sponsor its 23rd Annual The Taste on Sunday, May 17, 2026 2 PM to 4 PM at Veterans Memorial Park, (the intersection of Nason and Summer St), Maynard.  Restaurants will be serving appetizer, entree and dessert delicacies between 2-4 PM with entertainment by Jae Mannion!  This annual event is the Maynard Education Foundation’s signature fundraising event.

Every year, this is a “not to be missed” event, with the general public being encouraged to come and enjoy exceptional samples of food specialties from local food establishments in Maynard and the surrounding area. There will also be raffle prizes.  Tickets are available in advance for $25/adult, $10 children ages 2-12 and free for children under 2 by going to MEF’s website www.maynardeducation.org.  Tickets will be available at the event for $30/adult and $10/child.

The Maynard Education Foundation’s mission is to financially support innovation in teaching for Maynard educators.  Since 2001, MEF has awarded over $400,000 in grants to Maynard teachers and students for projects that would not otherwise be funded through the operating budget. A community member recently said, "The Maynard Education Foundation adds a layer of quality to the Maynard public schools that has been invaluable to our kids' educational experience here."

Purchase tickets now to this food extravaganza.  Each year, it becomes more successful.  You’ll have an opportunity to taste wonderful food selections from many food establishments in the Metrowest area, visit with old and new friends and support the Maynard Education Foundation!  Visit our website at www.maynardeducation.org for more details about The Taste and to learn more about the Maynard Education Foundation.

Concord Youth Theatre - Pied Piper Tickets On Sale

The town of Hamelin has a big problem…rats! The famous Pied Piper comes to rid the town of the rats only to be cheated by the real rat in town, the town councilor. Join Cassie and the kids of Hamlin as they chase down the Piper and prove that you really can make your own story and create your own world.

This story of gratefulness, fairness and keeping promises has been told and retold over generations. Rediscover the Pied Piper in this engaging musical composed by Rene Pfister, with book and lyrics by Rene Pfister and Jan Mankowsky.

CYT’s Mainstage Company is made up of local actors in grades 5-12. Performances will be held at CYT, 53 Church Street in West Concord on Fridays, May 8 and 15 at 7:00; Saturdays, May 9 and 16 at 4:00; and Sunday, May 17 at 2:00. No performance May 10. Our theater is air conditioned and handicap accessible.

If you have any questions, please call 978-371-1482 or send an email to concord_youth_theatre@concordyouththeatre.org.
Mcc college for kids 2

Keep Kids Learning and Having Fun This Summer with MCC’s College for Kids

Over the summer, Middlesex Community College hosts the College for Kids programs for kids ages 8 to 17. Students enjoy unique opportunities to explore careers, learn new skills, meet new friends, and boost self-confidence. Classes start Monday, July 13.

“This summer at College for Kids, campers will explore, create and thrive in ways they’ll carry with them long after the season ends,” said Ellen Wright, MCC’s Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning & Career Training. “Each day is filled with discovery, creativity and connection – and that curiosity turns into experience. College for Kids isn’t just a way to fill the summer, it’s a place where kids uncover new passions, build skills, and experience growth. Along the way, they form friendships, gain independence, and build confidence that carries forward into the school year and beyond.”

MCC’s College for Kids programs are taught by public school teachers and expert professionals. Topics include STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), arts and crafts, baking, aviation, photography, fashion design, online gaming and game design, filmmaking, and fitness.

Favorites such as Dungeons & Dragons, Jewelry: Design/Build and Science Discovery Lab are returning this summer. New options include Cartooning/Caricature Drawing, Creative Crafts, On the Spot Improv, and Play Production: The Story of the Revolutionary War.

“Exploration Art Studio offers a hands-on approach to discovering a variety of art forms, including painting, drawing, printmaking, clay and mixed media,” said Bethany Kalabokis, artist and instructor for the course. “With thoughtful guidance, children are encouraged to experiment creatively with diverse techniques in a relaxed and supportive environment. The focus is on fostering curiosity, confidence, and a genuine joy in the artistic process.”

“In Cartooning/Caricature Drawing, we will explore the ever-changing field, and the tools used today to create some individual finished pieces which can be used to begin or expand a youth/teen portfolio,” said Bill Bradbury, artist and instructor for the course. “Working as an editorial, portrait, caricature and graphic artist, I have enjoyed the changing challenges that the field has given me. The work is always varied and different. This class uses a multilevel approach suited to each students’ individual needs.”

Programs are offered in Bedford, featuring five weeks of full- and half-day programs from July 13 to August 13, Monday through Thursday. Full-day programs run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and half-day programs run 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Students who take two half-day programs to make a full day can stay on campus for lunch in between the two sessions.

Learn more about MCC’s College for Kids, email CollegeForKids@middlesex.edu or call 781-280-3663.

Against the Tide Athletic Fundraising Events to Support Breast Cancer Prevention

 
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) invites you to participate in the 2026 Against the Tide Swim, Run, Walk to support breast cancer prevention!
The 34th Annual Hopkinton event will take place at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton, MA on June 20th, 2026. The following week, the 27th Annual Cape event will be held at DCR’s Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA on June 27th, 2026.  
In-person events include USATF-Course-Certified 5K and 10K runs, USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim, 1-mile recreational and competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, and a 3-mile fitness walk.
If you are unable to join us in person, participate from wherever you are in virtual Against the Tide between June 20th and June 27th. 
In-person participants will receive an event t-shirt and goodie bag. Prizes will be awarded for the in-person top swim and run finishers, as well as for the highest fundraising team and the three highest fundraising individuals.
“I’m excited to see the incredible energy that participants bring to the 2026 Against the Tide events,” said Cheryl Osimo, MBCC’s Executive Director. “Each year, this event reminds us how powerful our community can be when we come together for prevention. Whether you join us in Hopkinton, on Cape Cod, or virtually, please know that your participation truly makes an impact.”
Against the Tide can be enjoyed by adults and children of all ages and abilities. To register, create or join a team, and to donate, go to mbcc.org/against-the-tide. You can also register in person the morning of the event.
The in-person registration fee is $40 per participant per event.  The virtual registration fee is $20 per person for one or multiple events.  
Against the Tide is a major fundraising event for MBCC, whose mission has been dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research, advocacy, and changes to public policy since its founding in 1991. MBCC’s free online educational materials and webinars are made possible through fundraising events and the generosity of donors. 
Free walk may 17

Free Walk May 17
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:30-3:30 pm
Invasive Plants: What Are They, and What Can We Do About Them?

On May 17 at 1:30, join The Westborough Community Land Trust on a walk focusing on native and invasive plants! Learn to identify common invasive plants in Westborough and why they are a threat to local plants and animals, and find out the best ways to remove them. Location: The MacCallum Wildlife Management Area. Meet off Milk Street, in the MassWildlife parking lot across from address 218 Milk Street (the driveway is marked Rice Lane on the attached map). About 2 miles on uneven woodland terrain.

The walk is free, open to the public, no reservation needed.
Trail map: https://westboroughlandtrust.org/maps/WMA
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Free Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History Invites the Public to Explore 45
Communities Within the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area This May
Nearly 100 Regional Partners Collaborate in Largest-Ever Annual Festival

 
DEVENS, MA — April 22, 2026 — Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area (FWNHA) announces the return of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, a month-long, collaborative celebration offering 101+ free events and activities throughout May in 45 communities within the region.

Hidden Treasures showcases the people, places, stories, and creative traditions that define this nationally designated heritage area. Local partners—including museums, libraries, historical societies, arts organizations, land trusts, and other community groups—host free public programs that highlight a
“hidden treasure” in their community.

From guided nature walks, exhibitions and open houses at historic sites to performances, talks, and
hands-on workshops, Hidden Treasures offers opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages to
discover meaningful places and inspiring stories—many hiding in plain sight.

The 2026 festival also aligns with ongoing Revolution 250 commemorations, highlighting the region’s
central role in the founding of the nation while connecting those stories to the landscapes and communities that still shape daily life today.

“Hidden Treasures is an invitation to slow down, explore, and see familiar places with fresh eyes,” said
Patrice Todisco, FWNHA Executive Director. “By working with local partners across the region, we’re
making it easy for people to experience the history, culture, and natural beauty that make this Heritage Area such a special place to live, work, and visit.”

All Hidden Treasures events and activities are free and open to the public. Offerings are searchable by date, town, and theme through FWNHA’s online calendar, interactive map, and free mobile app, Explore Freedom’s Way—making it easy to plan a self-guided adventure throughout the month.
A full schedule of events and activities is available at FreedomsWay.org/HTF.

FWNHA works in partnership with the National Park Service to protect and promote the shared natural,
cultural, and historical resources of the 45 communities it serves. The 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival is sponsored in part by Rockland Trust Bank.
North atlantic right whale

North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season Produces Highest Number of Births Since 2009


Season ends with 23 mother-calf pairs as whales make their way north
BOSTON, MASS. (April 29, 2026) – The North Atlantic right whale calving season has come to a close with the highest number of calves recorded since 2009.
The annual calving season in the southeastern United States, which runs from mid-November until mid-April, produced 23 mother-calf pairs, the fourth-highest count ever. It’s positive news for the critically endangered species with an estimated population of about 380.
Scientists with the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium have been tracking the season closely and were pleased to see shorter intervals between calving for the majority of the whale moms.
“While a healthy right whale can give birth every three to four years, we had been seeing nearly 10 years between calves for some females. Many of this year’s moms have had shorter intervals—18 of them previously gave birth within the last six years—giving us hope that they may be healthier and can help grow the population faster,” said Amy Warren, Scientific Program Officer in the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center.
Aerial survey teams from Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas conducted regular flights on the calving grounds throughout the season. By the end of the calving season, most of the right whales had begun migrating north. At least 18 of the 23 mother-calf pairs have been seen in Massachusetts waters so far this spring. Research teams from the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center have documented over one-third of those pairs in Cape Cod Bay this past month.
In collaboration with a network of individuals and research organizations along the eastern seaboard, scientists in the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center curate the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog, an extensive photo-identification database that allows them to track right whales’ life stories including births, injuries, migration patterns, and age to create detailed histories of each individual whale. Scientists use this information to create a detailed list of mom-calf pairs with biographical information each calving season. This season’s list is available on the Aquarium’s website.
“It is hopeful to see 23 new calves born this year, but their survival into adulthood is still a long journey ahead in an ocean with many dangers and obstacles,” Warren added.
Right whales are experiencing an Unusual Mortality Event precipitated by increased injuries and deaths from human impacts, which is affecting the animals’ ability to survive and reproduce. While conservation and management efforts have progressed, the critically endangered species still faces threats including fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes.
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.

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
Camp middlesex

Camp Middlesex – Celebrates 85th

In honor of its 85th anniversary, Camp Middlesex in Ashby, MA will hold a celebration on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1031 Erickson Road, Ashby.

Since 1941, Camp Middlesex has offered a traditional camping experience where laughter, singing, and camp cheers are the priceless sounds of happy youth on a summer night.

A range of program offerings that include archery, crafts, theater, outdoor living skills, low ropes, cooking lessons, rocketry, woodworking, sports, horseback riding and much more, give campers the opportunity to have fun and gain new skills.

Outings on the weekends, Wednesday night Band Concert, Thursday night dances, bonfires, and different themes for every week, all add to the camping experience.

To commemorate the 85th anniversary, a celebration will be held on camp grounds from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Activities will include crafts, live music, lawn games, tours, lunch, and time with friends!   Pre-registration is required by May 23, 2026, and found on-line at
https://www.campmiddlesex.com/events/85th-celebration/

For interested campers, an Open House is scheduled for Sunday, May 31,2026, from 12:00 – 3:00 PM.

T-shirt Design Contest!

The Tom Denney Nature Camp is holding a design contest for our camp T-shirt. Design a nature-themed T-shirt and send in your entry by Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 5:00pm. Entries will be voted on by the staff, and if yours is chosen then it will be printed on the T-shirts. Here is a link with more information: https://www.tomdenneynaturecamp.org/tee-shirt-design-contest.

Trusting Fate Groton Grange Concert

Groton Grange #7 invites you to a concert with Trusting Fate. It's in their DNA, going on twenty years,
hundreds of tunes both original and cover, multiple instruments apiece, three lead vocals with effortless
harmony, versatile bass, always a switch up parade through the genres, and more fun playing together
for our loyal followers than the law should allow - all meld into a tasty combination. This will be on
Saturday night May 30 at 7:00 till 10 pm at Historic Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street.

Suggested donation at the door is $10.00 per person. Made possible by a grant from Town of Groton
Trust Funds. Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St.

Against the Tide Athletic Fundraising Events to Support Breast Cancer Prevention 

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) invites you to participate in the 2026 Against the Tide Swim, Run, Walk to support breast cancer prevention!
The 34th Annual Hopkinton event will take place at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton, MA on June 20th, 2026. The following week, the 27th Annual Cape event will be held at DCR’s Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA on June 27th, 2026.  
In-person events include USATF-Course-Certified 5K and 10K runs, USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim, 1-mile recreational and competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, and a 3-mile fitness walk.
If you are unable to join us in person, participate from wherever you are in virtual Against the Tide between June 20th and June 27th. 
In-person participants will receive an event t-shirt and goodie bag. Prizes will be awarded for the in-person top swim and run finishers, as well as for the highest fundraising team and the three highest fundraising individuals.
“I’m excited to see the incredible energy that participants bring to the 2026 Against the Tide events,” said Cheryl Osimo, MBCC’s Executive Director. “Each year, this event reminds us how powerful our community can be when we come together for prevention. Whether you join us in Hopkinton, on Cape Cod, or virtually, please know that your participation truly makes an impact.”
Against the Tide can be enjoyed by adults and children of all ages and abilities. To register, create or join a team, and to donate, go to mbcc.org/against-the-tide. You can also register in person the morning of the event.
The in-person registration fee is $40 per participant per event.  The virtual registration fee is $20 per person for one or multiple events.  
Against the Tide is a major fundraising event for MBCC, whose mission has been dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research, advocacy, and changes to public policy since its founding in 1991. MBCC’s free online educational materials and webinars are made possible through fundraising events and the generosity of donors. 

Free Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History Invites the Public to Explore 45
Communities Within the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area This May
Nearly 100 Regional Partners Collaborate in Largest-Ever Annual Festival

DEVENS, MA — April 22, 2026 — Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area (FWNHA) announces the return of the Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, a month-long, collaborative celebration offering 101+ free events and activities throughout May in 45 communities within the region.

Hidden Treasures showcases the people, places, stories, and creative traditions that define this nationally designated heritage area. Local partners—including museums, libraries, historical societies, arts organizations, land trusts, and other community groups—host free public programs that highlight a
“hidden treasure” in their community.

From guided nature walks, exhibitions and open houses at historic sites to performances, talks, and
hands-on workshops, Hidden Treasures offers opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages to
discover meaningful places and inspiring stories—many hiding in plain sight.

The 2026 festival also aligns with ongoing Revolution 250 commemorations, highlighting the region’s
central role in the founding of the nation while connecting those stories to the landscapes and communities that still shape daily life today.

“Hidden Treasures is an invitation to slow down, explore, and see familiar places with fresh eyes,” said
Patrice Todisco, FWNHA Executive Director. “By working with local partners across the region, we’re
making it easy for people to experience the history, culture, and natural beauty that make this Heritage Area such a special place to live, work, and visit.”

All Hidden Treasures events and activities are free and open to the public. Offerings are searchable by date, town, and theme through FWNHA’s online calendar, interactive map, and free mobile app, Explore Freedom’s Way—making it easy to plan a self-guided adventure throughout the month.
A full schedule of events and activities is available at FreedomsWay.org/HTF.

FWNHA works in partnership with the National Park Service to protect and promote the shared natural,
cultural, and historical resources of the 45 communities it serves. The 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival is sponsored in part by Rockland Trust Bank.
Free walk may 17

Free Walk May 17
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:30-3:30 pm
Invasive Plants: What Are They, and What Can We Do About Them?

On May 17 at 1:30, join The Westborough Community Land Trust on a walk focusing on native and invasive plants! Learn to identify common invasive plants in Westborough and why they are a threat to local plants and animals, and find out the best ways to remove them. Location: The MacCallum Wildlife Management Area. Meet off Milk Street, in the MassWildlife parking lot across from address 218 Milk Street (the driveway is marked Rice Lane on the attached map). About 2 miles on uneven woodland terrain.

The walk is free, open to the public, no reservation needed.
Trail map: https://westboroughlandtrust.org/maps/WMA
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org
North atlantic right whale

North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season Produces Highest Number of Births Since 2009
Season ends with 23 mother-calf pairs as whales make their way north

BOSTON, MASS. (April 29, 2026) – The North Atlantic right whale calving season has come to a close with the highest number of calves recorded since 2009.
The annual calving season in the southeastern United States, which runs from mid-November until mid-April, produced 23 mother-calf pairs, the fourth-highest count ever. It’s positive news for the critically endangered species with an estimated population of about 380.
Scientists with the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium have been tracking the season closely and were pleased to see shorter intervals between calving for the majority of the whale moms.
“While a healthy right whale can give birth every three to four years, we had been seeing nearly 10 years between calves for some females. Many of this year’s moms have had shorter intervals—18 of them previously gave birth within the last six years—giving us hope that they may be healthier and can help grow the population faster,” said Amy Warren, Scientific Program Officer in the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center.
Aerial survey teams from Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas conducted regular flights on the calving grounds throughout the season. By the end of the calving season, most of the right whales had begun migrating north. At least 18 of the 23 mother-calf pairs have been seen in Massachusetts waters so far this spring. Research teams from the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center have documented over one-third of those pairs in Cape Cod Bay this past month.
In collaboration with a network of individuals and research organizations along the eastern seaboard, scientists in the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center curate the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog, an extensive photo-identification database that allows them to track right whales’ life stories including births, injuries, migration patterns, and age to create detailed histories of each individual whale. Scientists use this information to create a detailed list of mom-calf pairs with biographical information each calving season. This season’s list is available on the Aquarium’s website.
“It is hopeful to see 23 new calves born this year, but their survival into adulthood is still a long journey ahead in an ocean with many dangers and obstacles,” Warren added.
Right whales are experiencing an Unusual Mortality Event precipitated by increased injuries and deaths from human impacts, which is affecting the animals’ ability to survive and reproduce. While conservation and management efforts have progressed, the critically endangered species still faces threats including fishing gear entanglements and vessel strikes.
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.

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
Camp middlesex

Camp Middlesex – Celebrates 85th

In honor of its 85th anniversary, Camp Middlesex in Ashby, MA will hold a celebration on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1031 Erickson Road, Ashby.

Since 1941, Camp Middlesex has offered a traditional camping experience where laughter, singing, and camp cheers are the priceless sounds of happy youth on a summer night.

A range of program offerings that include archery, crafts, theater, outdoor living skills, low ropes, cooking lessons, rocketry, woodworking, sports, horseback riding and much more, give campers the opportunity to have fun and gain new skills.

Outings on the weekends, Wednesday night Band Concert, Thursday night dances, bonfires, and different themes for every week, all add to the camping experience.

To commemorate the 85th anniversary, a celebration will be held on camp grounds from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Activities will include crafts, live music, lawn games, tours, lunch, and time with friends!   Pre-registration is required by May 23, 2026, and found on-line at
https://www.campmiddlesex.com/events/85th-celebration/

For interested campers, an Open House is scheduled for Sunday, May 31,2026, from 12:00 – 3:00 PM.

T-shirt Design Contest!

The Tom Denney Nature Camp is holding a design contest for our camp T-shirt. Design a nature-themed T-shirt and send in your entry by Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 5:00pm. Entries will be voted on by the staff, and if yours is chosen then it will be printed on the T-shirts. Here is a link with more information: https://www.tomdenneynaturecamp.org/tee-shirt-design-contest.

Trusting Fate Groton Grange Concert

Groton Grange #7 invites you to a concert with Trusting Fate. It's in their DNA, going on twenty years,
hundreds of tunes both original and cover, multiple instruments apiece, three lead vocals with effortless
harmony, versatile bass, always a switch up parade through the genres, and more fun playing together
for our loyal followers than the law should allow - all meld into a tasty combination. This will be on
Saturday night May 30 at 7:00 till 10 pm at Historic Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street.

Suggested donation at the door is $10.00 per person. Made possible by a grant from Town of Groton
Trust Funds. Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St.
Quilt show

A Quilt Show Not to be Missed!


You don’t need to be a quilter to love pretty quilts!  Artists, collectors, and quilt enthusiasts are invited to attend Chelmsford Quilters’ 2026 biennial Quilt Show!
Catch the enthusiasm and plan to attend this local Quilt Show taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 16 & 17. Show hours are 10:00am until 4:00pm both days. If you are in the area, this show is a “must see” event!
The show features over 130 Traditional, Modern, and Art quilts made by members, a Members Boutique, Silent Auction of Mini Quilts, Raffle of Themed Baskets, and More!
A Charity Quilt made by members called “Shimmering Water” will be raffled off with 50% of the proceeds to benefit the local Wish Project. Raffle tickets for a sewing machine donated by Bits ‘n Pieces Quilt Shop will be sold.
Show Vendors are Bits ‘n Pieces Quilt Shop of Pelham NH and The Wandering Quilt Shop traveling from Maine. Sunday only, National Sharpening Company will be on site to sharpen your scissors, gardening tools, or any dull blade you have.
The show will be held at the Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road (route 40), North Chelmsford MA. $10 admission, cash or check only; children under 12 are free.  Building is wheelchair accessible and there is plenty of free parking!
For more information, visit www.chelmsfordquiltguild.com

Concord Council on Aging Events

 
Monthly LGBTQ+ Social Group
Thursday, May 28th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM

We offer a LGBTQ+ Social Group at the COA on the last Thursday of each month. Join us on Thursday, May 28th 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.

Planning Ahead for Extra Help - Without Giving up Independence
Monday, May 11th at 11:00 AM

Waiting for a crisis can limit choices. This session will help you recognize early signs that you may need extra support, understand how to involve your family in planning, and learn how getting help can begin to preserve independence by reducing stress and uncertainty. This program is presented by Whitney Rohrer, Director of Clinical Operations at Deaconess Abundant Life Services and a licensed Occupational Therapist with over 18 years of clinical experience. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020 starting May 1st.
Concord’s Ever-Changing Land, Water, and Wildlife – Presentation by Richard Forman
Thursday, May 7th at 1:00 PM

Richard T.T. Forman, Emeritus Professor at Harvard University’s School of Design explores Concord’s landscape from 1635 to today through the lens of environmental history. Forman is a Concord resident and leading author on landscape, town, and urban ecology. His new book, Town Ecology, Concord, Thoreau, and Onward, is available at the Concord Visitor Center. Call 978-318-3020 starting May 1st to reserve your spot!


Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain
Monday, May 18th, Leaving Harvey Wheeler Community Center by COA Van at 10:00 AM
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a museum of trees teaching the world about plants. Join the COA as we drive through acres of green and walk among the flowers. After our visit to the Arboretum, we will stop for lunch at Pepe’s Pizza at the Chestnut Hill Mall. We’ll return to Concord by 3:00 PM. The cost of $35 includes transportation and lunch. Space is limited. Please call to sign up at 978-318-3020 starting May 1st.

Blue Iris: Haiku for a Spring Afternoon
Monday, May 11th at 2:00 PM
Haiku is a short nature poem, a moment of awareness that deeply connects to the natural world. Learn about haiku, read many haiku of spring, and try writing haiku using a fun, easy prompt focusing images of spring including new buds, mud, sunlight and leaves. All are invited to this workshop by Jeannie Martin, haiku poet, teacher and retreat leader. No experience is necessary. Each participant will receive a copy of Jeannie Martin’s book, Shaped by the Sun. Please call the COA to sign up.
Pontine Theatre Presents: “The Flat Iron Lot”
Tuesday, May 5th at 1:00 PM

Pontine Theatre presents Alice Brown’s short story, “The Flat Iron Lot,” published in 1899. Pontine Co-artistic directors and actors, Marguerite Mathews and Greg Gathers bring a performance that includes gestural theatre, puppetry, and storytelling. Sponsored by Harvey’s Gift Shop. Please call the COA office to sign up at 978-318-3020 for this creative and delightful show.

MEMORIAL DAY BREAKFAST FOR VETERANS
Thursday, May 21, 9:30 AM

Join the Concord COA for a Memorial Day Veterans Breakfast.  Veterans and their families are welcome as we honor and thank those who have served and remember those we have lost. Guest speaker will be Bill Auger (Clear Path at Fort Devens) will share veteran programs including woodworking, service dogs, peer mentoring, culinary programs, support services and wellness. Veteran's agent, Dick Krug, hosts the event. Call 978-318-3020 to reserve seats for this meaningful event.

Group Walk with Bob White – Walden Pond Loop
Wednesday, May 20th from 9:00AM to 11:00 AM
Join Bob White for a 1.7-mile walk around Walden Pond along the well-prepared Pond Path. We will park in the Walden Pond Reservation parking area and meet at the Thoreau statue and cabin replica beside Walden Street (Route 126). There is an $8.00 per vehicle “honor system” parking fee for Mass. plate vehicles, paid by credit card at pay machines on site. There is no charge with a Lifetime Senior State Park Pass or handicap placard. Please call the COA office to sign up at 978-318-3020 starting May 1st.

Keep the Spring Blood Supply Strong: Give Blood or Platelets Now with Red Cross
Gift cards by email for those who come to give into mid-May

 
BOSTON, April 22, 2026 — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients. Donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to book an appointment in the coming days or weeks ahead.

In addition to the return of outdoor activities and warmer weather, spring vacations can interrupt blood donation patterns. When plans shift away from normal routines, even small disruptions can lead to a quick drop in available blood products.

Spread kindness this spring. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Those who come to give April 13-30, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope for details.

All who come to give May 1-17, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email, thanks to our partners at Amazon. See RedCrossBlood.org/Amazon for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Bedford
5/2/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/5/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/6/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/8/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/9/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/12/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/13/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/15/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
5/16/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
Trinitarian congregational

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Church Bedford Hosts Annual Rummage Sale May 1 & 2


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

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

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

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

For more information, call 781-275-7951 or visit the First Church website:
FirstChurchBedfordUCC.org

First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Great Road in Bedford, Mass., is a member congregation of the United Church of Christ. We welcome all, grow in faith, and joyfully serve.
Find the route to sustainability

Come Find the Route to Sustainability in Carlisle

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Song Welcomes Rachel Sumner &
Traveling Light on
May 16


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

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

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

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

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

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

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Mentoring for Change: Volunteer in a Prison Public Speaking Program

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

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

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

Friends of Emerson Health Invite Community to View New Art Exhibits

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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