Action Unlimited
Nashoba symphonic band

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND FEATURES TRUMPET RHAPSODY

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey continues its 10th Anniversary season on Saturday, February 7th at 2 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 in Bolton MA (GPS says Green Road). The concert is entitled “On Your Toes,” with most of its selections related to forms of dance.

The program opens with the ragtime dance, Ragged Rozey by veteran band composer Karl L. King, and continues with Warren Benson's haunting Solitary Dancer, and the captivating Italian Polka by Sergei Rachmaninov, scored by Erik Leidzen for the world-famous Goldman Band.

The featured work on the program is the Rhapsody for Trumpet and Wind Orchestra by Armenian composer, Alexander Arutiunian, performed by the NSB first chair trumpet player, Joseph Cosgrove.

The second half of the program opens with Choreography by Robert Sheldon. Sheldon's Wolves of Nashoba, commissioned by NSB, was premiered in May of 2025.
The program concludes with a rousing set of Symphonic Dances from Jerry Bock's timeless “Fiddler on the Roof.”

For further information, contact David Bailey (baileydavidwayne@gmail.com),
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School. It is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.

All Nashoba Symphonic Band events are free and open to the public.

Boston CASA Seeks Volunteers to Advocate for Foster Youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties

 
Virtual information session to take place on January 27 for those interested in joining the spring training cohort
BOSTON, Mass. (January 22, 2026) – Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is issuing an urgent call for volunteers to advocate on behalf of children in the foster care system. Currently, only 15% of eligible foster youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties have access to a CASA — a trained, court-appointed volunteer who provides consistent, one-on-one support and helps shape critical legal and life decisions.
“Imagine facing judges, rotating caseworkers, and endless transitions as a child, without one adult focused solely on what's best for you," said Nicole Stewart, Executive Director of Boston CASA and a former foster youth. "That's what foster youth experience. A CASA changes that equation. We're looking for volunteers prepared to show up consistently, advocate fiercely, and be the person a child can count on."
With virtual information sessions beginning January 27, Boston CASA encourages compassionate adults across the region to attend an upcoming session to learn how they can make a life-changing difference for a child.

What CASAs Do
Unlike mentors or service providers, CASAs are appointed by a judge to focus solely on the best interests of a child in foster care. Each CASA is matched with one child or sibling group and builds a consistent, trusted relationship by meeting with them regularly and staying involved for the duration of the case.
CASAs collaborate with teachers, doctors, foster parents, attorneys, and caseworkers to ensure the child’s needs are met, advocating for essential services, educational support, healthcare access, and permanent housing. They often become the one consistent adult in a child’s life, helping navigate a complex and ever-changing system.
CASAs are asked to commit at least 18 months to the role. Initial training requires 30 hours, with 12 hours of ongoing education each year. Once assigned to a case, volunteers typically dedicate 10 to 15 hours per month to their CASA work.

Why It Matters
The need is urgent:


According to a national study, 92% of judges say CASAs improve outcomes for children, and 83% say CASAs help ensure children receive essential services. But when a youth has a CASA, they are more likely to succeed in school, access vital services, and secure a stable, permanent home.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Have a deep desire to make a difference in a child’s life
  • Be 21 years or older
  • Commit to at least 18 months of service
  • Ability to meet with youth 1-2 times a month at their home or in community
  • Approach difficult situations with compassion and diplomacy
  • Keep personal beliefs separate from their advocacy role


Children in foster care come from all backgrounds, and Boston CASA is committed to building a volunteer community that reflects that diversity. While all are welcome to apply, we’re especially seeking volunteers who speak additional languages, identify as people of color, are men, or are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Your lived experience can make a powerful difference in a child’s life.

Upcoming Info Sessions
Attending an information session is required to apply for the organization’s next volunteer training cycle, which begins in the spring. These sessions will give you an overview of the organization and our work, the application and interview process, as well as more details about the training required to become a CASA.

Sessions will be held virtually on Zoom:
  • Tuesday January 27 12-1:00pm (Last info session before the March training)
  • Tuesday February 10 5:30-6:30pm


Sign up for an upcoming information session HERE. Research shows that just one consistent adult can change a child’s trajectory. For more information or to register for an info session, visit: https://bostoncasa.org/
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Annual free family concert

Worcester Chamber Music Society
Presents Annual Free Family Concert March 8

January 15, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) is thrilled to present its Annual Free Family Concert on March 8, 2026, with a performance at 3:00pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.  Neighborhood Strings students will perform at the beginning of the concert. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
This year’s Family Concert is brought to you by the letter F. An afternoon of fairy tales, fables, family, friends, and fun is sure to delight the children in your lives (as well as your inner child). Four hands on one piano provide the musical setting for Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite. Navok’s Beauty and the Beast is the world premiere of a fantastic musical retelling of the classic fairy tale. Be sure to reserve your seats early because this one-time-only concert will reach capacity soon.
Sunday, March 8 @3PM
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
Generously sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank, Cornerstone Bank, Fidelity Bank, Unibank, and Country Bank. This concert is also funded in part by grants from the Shrewsbury Arts Council and the Worcester Arts Council, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Program
A special performance by Neighborhood Strings Maurice Ravel | Mother Goose Suite
Lior Navok | Beauty and the Beast  – world premiere performance

Featuring WCMS musicians:
Peter Sulski, violin
Mark Berger, viola
Ariana Falk, cello
Randall Hodgkinson, piano

With guests:
Lilit Hartunian, violin / Leslie Amper, piano
Venue is handicapped accessible.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Reserve early, since this event typically sells out quickly.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/fairy-tales-and-fables/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.
Assabet valley mastersingers1

Please Join the Assabet Valley Mastersingers for Our Second Formal Concert of Our 2025-2026 Season: “Lest We Forget”

Shrewsbury, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) is thrilled to announce its March
2026 concert in Shrewsbury, which features James Whitbourn’s “Annelies”, a composition
based on Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. This performance will stand as a tribute to
Holocaust survivors honoring voices of resilience, memory, and hope.

Event Date: March 8th, 2026
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center (378 Main Street), Shrewsbury, MA
Artistic Director: Dr. Robert Eaton
Soprano: Jess Huetteman

About the Event
“Annelies” is a 75-minute choral work for soprano soloist, choir and instrumentalists that was
composed by British composer James Whitbourn. The libretto is compiled and translated by
Melanie Challenger from The Diary of Anne Frank. Movements from Annelies were first
performed at the National UK Holocaust Memorial Day in Westminster Hall in London in January
of 2005 and the world premiere of “Annelies” was given on April 5th, 2005 at the Cadogan Hall,
London.
The piece is divided into fourteen movements and there will be no intermission during this
performance. In addition to choral and soprano soloist scoring, the instrumental portion is
scored for both larger full symphony orchestra and a smaller chamber version. AVM will perform
the version scored for a full orchestra which is rare. The last time the work was publicly
performed was in 2022 by Princeton Pro Musica.
James Whitbourn passed away in early 2024 and “Annelies” remains one of his most renowned
compositions. In fact, a recording by the Westminster Williamson Voices in 2014 was nominated
for a Grammy award under the Best Choral Performance category, which was one of four
Grammy nominations for Whitbourn during his lifetime. This performance of “Annelies” is
enriched by remarks from Holocaust survivors, honoring their voices and enduring resilience.

Ticket Information:
● General Admission: $25.00
● Senior/Student Price: $20.00
● Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult.

Tickets can be purchased online at .https://www.avmsingers.org/events/lest-we-forget.
AVM is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program, which grants
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders access to steeply discounted tickets from a variety
of arts, humanities, and science organizations across the Commonwealth. Cardholders may
order up to four tickets online by applying the promo code MASSCTOC and selecting manual
payment type. The same discounted costs, $5.00 for general or $4.00 for senior/student
admission, are payable at the concert for preordered, or onsite-requested CTOC tickets
Threenagers2

"Threenagers" Live Webinar February 12

Ellie Springer, M.Ed., will present a live webinar through First Connections in Acton about "Threenagers." Around age 2 1/2-3, children's behavior becomes newly challenging and parents may wonder, "Who is this child?" Three year olds begin to fiercely assert their independence, while at other times cling to adults and want help with tasks they have been able to do on their own for months. They can have BIG emotions that change all the time, shifting from gleeful to devastated to furious within minutes. If you have a child in this stage, or about to enter it, join us to learn what is typical at this stage, how to support your child through it, and how to make life a little smoother for your family. To receive the Zoom link for this program being held on Thursday, February 12, 7-8:00 p.m., email Linda at lmatthews@jri.org.   This is a free program funded by the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care.

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. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

MOVING-ON

MOVING-ON is a social group for singles, mostly age 60 or over, who wish to get to know other people and build friendships.  We hold a weekly meeting every Thursday evening to discuss topics that avoid politics or religion; some meetings are in-person and others are on-line. Members organize fun and interesting group activities around greater Boston, such as plays and concerts, movies, restaurant dining, and nature hikes.  Come join us for an in-person meeting at 7:00 PM on the 2nd or 4th Thursday of the month at The Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam St., Lexington; or for more information email info@moving-on-together.org.

Speech Contest

Toastmasters Speech & Evaluation Contests on Monday 1/26/2026 at 7PM at the Acton Public Safety Facility at  371 Main St. Acton  MA.  For more information please contact Peter Thompson at 978-844-0188.
Maynard winter celebration!

Maynard Cultural Council and Maynard Business Alliance Sponsor the 
Third Annual Maynard Winter Celebration!
Ice Carving Demonstration, Free Kids’ Movie, Crafts, Food, and Fun!


Maynard, MA…Residents of Maynard and neighboring towns are invited to a celebration of all things winter on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Veterans Memorial Park in Maynard with a movie beginning at 12:30 PM and outdoor activities beginning at 2:00 PM.

Families will enjoy a free, special showing of Happy Feet at Maynard Fine Arts Theatre sponsored by Smith & Finley Homes.  After that, the afternoon is full of crafts, events and refreshments for people of all ages to enjoy.   The featured event of the afternoon will be an ice sculpting demonstration in Memorial Park.  Previous years have revealed some friendly penguins and polar bears breaking through the ice; what visitors will this year’s sculpture bring?  Come and find out!

Bens’ Raclette will be on hand to please the palate, along with El Huipil who’ll be there with churros and hot chocolate.  Hearty chili from Maynard Village Pizza will warm the chill, while Amory’s Tomb will pour you a cold one or offer cozy comfort with mulled cider. (Food and drink will be available for purchase.)

A winter-themed craft at Felixology will also include hot chocolate in the snug, comforting atmosphere that comes with being surrounded by books, books, books. And who can get enough books? Nobody! That’s why the Maynard Public Library will be holding a storytime with Casey.

The afternoon is free for everyone, so come enjoy the brisk January air, warmed by the company of friends and neighbors.

For more information and a full schedule of events visit: DiscoverMaynard.com
Evening with bedford minuteman

An Evening with the Bedford Minuteman Company


Wednesday, February 4,  7:00 to 8:30 PM,
1st Floor Meeting Room, 7  Mudge Way, BEDFORD, MA

In honor of America's 250th anniversary, join the Bedford Minutemen for an evening filled with history and music.

What were the Bedford Minutemen doing in 1775 and beyond? Why is the Bedford Flag important? What is Pole Capping? How were the fife and drums important to the troops? What does it take to be a historical reenactor now?

The Bedford Minuteman Company, and Bedford's Town Historian and preeminent Bedford Flag scholar Sharon McDonald, will answer all these questions and more. The Company will also play examples of fife and drum music.

Learn more about the Bedford Minutemen on their website: https://bedfordminutemen.org/
No Registration Required
Mcc clothing drive

MCC Hosts Professional Clothing Drives for Second Annual “Pop-up Shop” This Spring

In partnership with The Wish Project, Middlesex Community College will host the second annual professional clothing pop-up shop for students in the Spring 2026 semester. Ahead of the shop, Middlesex is running clothing drives on both campuses through Saturday, January 31.
“We were floored by the success of the first pop-up shop held last year and are thrilled to once again offer students this amazing opportunity,” said Allison Chambers, MCC’s Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer. “Having a free professional clothing pop-up shop on-campus reduces barriers students may face in accessing work-ready outfits. The shop removes the stress of paying high costs and needing to find time to go out shopping. This results in more prepared and confident students who are ready to take on the workforce.”
The goal of MCC’s pop-up shop is to help students have more successful interviews and work experiences while empowering them to feel more comfortable. Staff and faculty across the college are collaborating to run the clothing drives and pop-up shop, including Student Affairs, Facilities, Finance, and more.
MCC is also partnering with The Wish Project to ensure the college collects clean professional clothing for students. All unselected items from the pop-up shops will be sent back to The Wish Project to be stocked in their warehouse or recycled.
“Everyone at The Wish Project is very excited to once again collect interview clothes for the students of MCC,” said Priscila Keliher, Executive Director of the Wish Project. “Students already juggle the pressures of finishing up their education and learning to navigate the professional world. By providing interview attire, we help students feel confident, prepared and focused on what truly matters: their education, skills, and potential. We are happy to help the students of MCC stand tall and proud as they take their next steps toward a successful career.”
MCC is asking for professional clothing such as blazers and sport jackets, blouses and sweaters, dress shirts and pants, dresses and skirts, and dress shoes. The college asks for clothes that are recently washed; lightly used; free of stains, holes or tears; are in current styles within the past few years; and appropriate for a variety of settings.
During the clothing drives, MCC will have drop-off locations in the lobby of the Lowell Cowan Center and on Main Street on the Bedford Campus.
“Going into a job or internship interview can be stressful and feeling good about what you’re wearing really does make a difference,” said Noreen McGinness Olson, MCC’s Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. “Our pop-up shop is about helping students feel confident and prepared, whether they’re interviewing, giving a class presentation, or meeting people in the community. We’re so grateful to everyone who has donated and to our partners at The Wish Project. This collaboration and support help us make sure students have access to opportunities and experiences that go beyond the classroom.”
For more information about MCC’s upcoming clothing drives and pop-up shop, contact McGinness Olson at McGinnessN@middlesex.edu.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

Happy New Year!
     Fresh Start Furniture Bank in Hudson served 596 families in 2025!  That’s almost 600 families who had been homeless and not only found housing through agencies but were given everything they needed to make those homes warm and welcoming.  Everything from bed and bath linens to silverware, dish sets, and small appliances to rugs, couches, dressers, dining tables and chairs - all at no cost to them and through the generosity of donors like you!  A lot of donors showed up today and a Girl Scout troop assembled and donated dozens of kitchen starter sets for our clients.
     We are always looking for more volunteers; Fresh Start Furniture Bank is a warm and welcoming and rewarding place to work.  Take a look at our website (above)and join the family!  You’ll be happy that you did!
     Donations of household items (linens, small appliances, kitchenware, lamps, etc.)can be brought to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-noon.  Furniture can be accepted on Thursday mornings from 8:30-10:30 and household items until noon.  Donated items do not need to be new but they need to be in good shape.  If you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to our clients!
     You will find lists of most needed items on our website, and links to Amazon and Target Wishlists under Other Ways to Donate.
     Let’s make it a happy new year for more families!  Thank you!

Free Help Filing Your Taxes

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. You don't need to be an AARP member to use the service. Since 1968, Tax-Aide has helped over 82 million taxpayers receive all the credits and deductions they're entitled to. Our volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.  We can prepare and e-file both Federal and state tax returns.

Every year, from early February to mid-April, our volunteers take appointments at host sites around the country. Check with your local senior center or use the AARP Tax-Aide Service Locator Tool at aarp.org/money/taxes to find a site near you.

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. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Mac kid summer camp fair 1

Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on February 7

 
Local parents looking for information on summer camps and kids’ activities will find over 25 programs at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on Saturday, February 7. The Fair will take place at Orchard Church, 130 Littleton Rd (Rt. 110), Westford MA from 11 am to 1:30 pm.

Coordinated by Macaroni KID Lowell, the Summer Camp Fair is free to attend.  Families can gather information and talk with representatives from local and overnight camps, summer programs, and local schools offering year-round activities such as sports, STEM, coding, art and more. There will also be kids' activities and giveaways.

Camps exhibiting at the Summer Camp Fair include local favorites such as Good Pickin' Farm, Camp Massapoag, and Teamworks Adventure Camp as well as specialty and overnight camps such as Grotonwood, The Story School, Third Space Kitchen, and Camp Stonewall.  Macaroni KID Lowell also has an online Summer Camp Guide on its website (Lowell.MacaroniKid.com) as a resource for parents who cannot attend the Camp Fair.
For a list of camps attending the Fair, please visit Macaroni KID Lowell at https://lowell.macaronikid.com.  Exhibitor requests and other requests for information can be directed to barbarae@macaronikid.com or (978) 239-3038.
Ucc boxborough folk coffeehouse

17th Annual UCC Boxborough Folk Coffeehouse

Saturday, January 31, 7 – 9 p.m.
723 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough

Save the date! Nothing could be better than shaking off the dark winter chills and enjoying warm, gentle music in the Gathering Room at the United Church of Christ, Boxborough, with friends on a Saturday evening (7 - 9 p.m.).
The UCCB Music Committee invites you to enjoy the many talents of our community and perhaps offer some talents of your own in a traditional folk “coffeehouse” setting. This event is intended to slow us down, warm us up, and bring us together as appreciators of music.
Please contact Peter Senghas (pwsenghas@gmail.com) or Steve Griffin (sgri617@comcast.net) if you would like to participate or if you have a question about this event.

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA
19 Carter Street, Berlin

Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5

Monday: A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Turn off your TV and stop by for 2 hours of pleasant tea and pleasantries, pastries with good company, and no politics!
Tuesday: Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday: Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: Office Hours with Melissa (Director of the Berlin COA) 10 – 11am (Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday: Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday: Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Thursday: Afternoon Games 2 - 4pm
Friday: Open Art Studio & Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday: Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday: Social 10am - 1pm
Office Hours w Senator Kennedy’s team Every second Wednesday of the month at 11am – 12pm

Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!
We frequently add new upcoming events :)

FEBRUARY 1-7, 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2pm | Music and Stories from Little House on the Prairie
Come enjoy the tunes Laura Ingalls Wilder loved and find out more about the music that was so popular with the pioneers. Cost: Free!

Monday, February 2, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Music Includes brings people of all abilities and identities together for inclusive, high-quality musical experiences. Join us in a safe, joyful space to share songs of all kinds. Select Mondays from Jan 19 - April 27.  Register at nacc.net. Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Monday, February 2, 7:30pm | Open Mic for Comics
Join us for our monthly, laid-back night of comedy brought to you by OMP Productions and the Carnival Personnel Podcast. Comics can sign up for a stand-up slot in advance by emailing openmicpain@gmail.com. Audience welcome! Ages 18+ Suggested donation: $5

Tuesday, February 3, 6pm | Book Launch: When Did We See You? A Lenten Reflection on Poverty and Wealth
Berlin resident Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Mae Magill invites us into an honest conversation about faith, money, and community, posing hard questions about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in an economically divided world. Cost: Free!

Saturday, February 7, 11:30am | Veg Group: Cooking with Plants!
This month guest speaker Tracy Zook will talk about plant foods and recipes especially delicious in February! Suggested donation: $5
Learn More
Worcester chamber music society 2

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents February 1 Concert in Worcester

January 20, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th Season with a concert titled “Shadow & Light” at Assumption University’s Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall on February 1, which features distinguished guest artist Edwin Barker, former longtime principal bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A reception will follow the concert. Two talented female composers shine brilliantly on this concert, having emerged from the shadows of obscurity. Sofia Gubaidulina defied the Soviet authorities’ artistic demands and was virtually unknown in the West until the 1980s. Despite favorable comparisons to Ravel, Bloch, and Debussy, Rebecca Clarke languished in obscurity until only recently. Wildly popular in its time, Beethoven’s septet in some ways stole the spotlight, overshadowing in his lifetime what he considered some of his greatest works.
Sunday, February 1 @4PM
Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @3:30 PM
Program
Sofia Gubaidulina | Sonata for Double Bass and Piano
Rebecca Clarke | Piano Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven | Septet
Venues are handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/shadow-and-light/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.
Benefit concert for new organ

A Benefit Concert for the Purchase of a New Organ

On Sunday, January 25th at 4 p.m. organist Katherine Ou will perform an organ concert at The Lutheran Church of the Savior.  Katherine has been serving as the organist for four years.  She began her training at the age of 13 in Waco, Texas.

The program will include a seldom-heard but dazzling baroque chorale partita by Georg Dietrich, an inspiring Organ Sonata, a work by living British composer Tom Scott, the stirring “Variations on The Star Spangled Banner" by Dudly Buck and "Yankee Doodle" by New England organist Fred Feibel.
Admission is free.  Reservations are not required.  There will be a light reception following the concert and a Freewill Offering to help purchase a new organ.

Location: Lutheran Church of the Savior, 426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA
Meet erin ash sullivan and rupert wates1

Meet Erin Ash Sullivan and Rupert Wates, Performing in Bedford on January 17


Acclaimed singer-songwriters Erin Ash Sullivan and Rupert Wates will share an intimate evening of poetic and powerful storytelling on Saturday, January 17. Though distinct in voice and style, both artists bring music shaped by their unique life experiences and keen observation of the world.
A Harvard, Massachusetts, native, Erin Ash Sullivan began her musical journey as one half of the New York–based duo Edith O, performing at legendary venues including the Bitter End and CBGB’s Gallery. After a hiatus devoted to family and teaching, she released her debut solo album We Can Hear Each Other in 2021. Since then, Sullivan has been named a “Most Wanted” artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist Showcase and won the 2025 Al Johnson Songwriter Contest at the Wildflower Arts & Music Festival. Her second album, Signposts and Marks, was released in 2024 to critical acclaim.

Sullivan brings a playful sense of humor to her music. A two-time winner of the Town of Harvard’s Pie Eating Contest, she turned that achievement into the spirited song “Eat the Pie,” which encourages listeners to ignore doubters, be brave, and pursue what brings them joy. Listen to it HERE (https://youtu.be/-ARmJCBY0WY?t=127)

Born in London and raised in Kent, England, Rupert Wates studied literature at Oxford University. Shortly after graduating, he wrote and performed music for his father’s memorial service. Moved by the performance, an attendee commissioned him to write musicals, setting him on the path to a songwriting career. In 2001, Wates moved to Paris, formed his own quartet, and met his American wife. He now divides his time between Colorado and New York City. His 15th album, Father to the Man, was released last year.

The recipient of more than fifty songwriting and performance awards, Wates - despite his English roots - is widely regarded as “a prime figure in American music” (Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange). His song “Happy to Be Here” highlights his eclectic blend of melodic acoustic folk infused with jazz, vaudeville, and cabaret influences. Listen to it HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSa3otGCDDY).

Tickets for the New Song concert are available at newsongbedford.org (https://newsongbedford.org/). Performances are held at Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments, with the music beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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

CYT - Teen Company Auditions: Into the Woods

 
Announcing Auditions for Into the Woods!
Teen Company is for students in grades 9-12
Auditions Feb 3 from 7:00-9:30; Callbacks Feb 4
April 2026 Teen Company Production

Sign up here (https://concordyouththeatre.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=db223104e70aa9c661a61a14a&id=28e4feb2a3&e=d77747ea17) to audition.

CYT’s Teen Company performs works that allow students to stretch in different roles, use teamwork to accomplish big goals, and set incremental goals for themselves as individual performers. This performance company is open to young people in grades 9 through 12. We invite you to audition for Into the Woods, a 1986 musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine

How far would you go to make your wish come true? Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (of beanstalk fame), and a baker and his wife find out when they take a journey into the woods. It’s a magical, bewildering place full of witches, wolves, giants, and mysterious strangers where familiar fairy tales tangle and twist together. Wishes come true here, but at a price.

Auditions: Tuesday, February 3 from 7:00-9:30. You must be there the full time to be considered - please arrive promptly. If called back, callback auditions are Wednesday, February 4 from 6:30-9:00.

Rehearsals: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday evenings, some Saturdays
First Rehearsal: Read-through is Sunday, February 8; regular rehearsals start Monday, February 23
Tech Rehearsals: April 5-9

Performances: April 10 @ 7:00; April 11 @ 4:00; April 12 @ 2:00
Tuition: $500

All auditions will be held at 53 Church Street, Concord, MA. If you have any questions, please call 978-371-1482 or send an email to concord_youth_theatre@concordyouththeatre.org.
Mcc alumni receive guinness world records

MCC Alumni Receive Guinness World Records Recognition

Middlesex Community College alumni and siblings Jasmin and Justin Marwad, of Woburn, received a recognition from the Guinness World Records. Along with their brother Martin, they earned the award for the most family members to graduate from the same university in consecutive years. Jasmin and Justin started as Middlesex dual enrollment students before transferring to UMass Lowell (UML) where they received the award.
“Choosing to attend MCC was one of the best decisions I ever made,” Jasmin said. “I had a great experience, and I always felt supported and set up for success. Being able to start early and earn credits while still in high school made a huge difference – it accelerated my education and gave me a strong foundation.”
Both siblings were inspired by their family’s interest in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields. Studying computer science, Jasmin credits MCC’s supportive professors, flexible course formats, smaller class sizes, and resources for being easy to access and helping her succeed. She also enjoyed being an active member of the community, including in MCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa with Justin.
A tutor and Blackboard Ambassador for MCC’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE), Jasmin worked with peers to guide them through chemistry and physics classes. In addition to honing communication skills, she gained a stronger understanding of the subjects. Tutoring also helped her discover a passion for teaching and providing educational support to others.
“MCC taught me how to learn,” Jasmin said. “The environment here gave me the space, support and flexibility to grow, explore my academic interests, and find the path I wanted to pursue. The strong foundation I built at MCC – both in my coursework and through hands-on experiences – helped me learn to set goals, stay motivated, and prepare for the next steps in my academic and professional journey.”
Working at Teradyne as an Applications Engineer in their Defense and Aerospace division, Jasmin is pursuing a Ph.D. at UML in the People, Intelligence, Environments, Robots and Social outcomes (PIERS) Lab. Justin also works at Teradyne as a Product Security Lead for the Computer Test Division and is earning a Ph.D. in cybersecurity education.
With a lifelong passion for working with technology, Justin believes Middlesex provided him with a strong foundation in math, programming and science. Studying cybersecurity at Middlesex, he was able to apply and build upon these skills in his classes at UML.
“My experience at MCC was amazing,” Justin said. “I was impressed by the diversity of students from many backgrounds, and I appreciated the smaller classes that made it easier to connect with professors. MCC provided an affordable, supportive bridge from high school to university, helping me transition with ease.”
Benefitting from hands-on learning experiences at MCC, Justin completed an internship at Delphi Technology Solutions. He also worked as an ACE tutor for a physics class. While strengthening his learning, the experiences showed him the type of career he could pursue.
“I can confidently say I wouldn’t be where I am today without MCC,” Justin said. “[The college] gave me an affordable sandbox to explore, experiment with different topics and career paths, and figure out what truly interested me, while helping me get ahead.”
Glcf emergency food grants1

$200,000 GLCF Emergency Food Grants Reach 80,000+ Residents as Organizations Report Unprecedented Demand

LOWELL, MA – One month after the Greater Lowell Community Foundation distributed $200,000 in emergency food grants to 15 organizations across its 21-community service area, impact statements reveal the unprecedented scale of food insecurity gripping the region – and the critical role these funds are playing in meeting exploding demand.

In Massachusetts, nearly 800,000 residents – including 240,000 children – face food insecurity, with working families increasingly unable to afford basic groceries despite employment. According to Feeding America’s 2024 Map the Meal Gap study, 11.2% of Massachusetts residents struggle with food access as grocery prices have risen 25% since 2020 while wages have failed to keep pace (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In Greater Lowell’s 21 communities, thousands of employed residents now earn too much to qualify for SNAP benefits yet too little to cover rent, utilities, and food – creating a modern “working poor” crisis affecting families throughout the region.

The 15 grant recipients collectively serve more than 80,000 individuals each month, distributing millions of pounds of food through pantries, meal programs, home delivery services, and school-based initiatives. Their impact statements paint a vivid picture of communities in crisis – and organizations working at maximum capacity to respond with compassion and efficiency.

Crisis-Level Demand Surge

Organizations across the region reported unprecedented increases in need:
  • Project Kompass serving Lowell's under-resourced Jackson-Appleton-Middlesex neighborhood, reported shocking increases in working poor families unable to afford nutritious food despite full-time employment.
  • Bedford Food Bank saw demand surge 60 to 70% from the previous year, now serving 220-250 households weekly and distributing approximately 9,000 pounds of food each week.
  •  
  • PACH (Pepperell Aid from Community to Home) distributed 76,665 pounds of food in 2025 – a 23.5% increase from 2024 – serving 212 households representing 1,473 individuals.
  •  
  • People Helping People in Burlington enrolled 31 new clients since the government shutdown, putting strain on financial resources for essential staples like milk, eggs, bread, and fresh produce.
  •  
  • Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry opened its doors to federal employees impacted by the shutdown, supporting over 60 additional households.
“These grants represent more than emergency funding – they represent our community’s commitment to ensuring no family faces hunger alone,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “The impact statements we’ve received demonstrate both the severity of this crisis and the extraordinary dedication of our partner organizations responding with compassion and efficiency.”

Working Families Priced Out of Grocery Stores

Tracy, volunteer coordinator of the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, understands the issue of food insecurity isn’t just a problem for “poor” people. “Anyone can find themselves here at the pantry in need of food. Anyone. Nobody should be embarrassed. We are here to help, no matter your circumstances.”

Merrimack Valley Food Bank’s Operation Nourish program delivers food weekly to every Lowell public school. School personnel report that entire families are now seeking help through school food pantries. “There has been an uptick in pantry use and phone calls from parents asking for food,” reported Lowell public school personnel. “Parents often start their phone calls by apologizing for their circumstances, either a layoff, or cost of living increases that price out groceries. One parent called in and pleaded, ‘We have nothing. Anything, and I mean anything, would help.’”

Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy, emphasized the Foundation’s ongoing commitment: “The impact statements we’ve received confirm what we knew – this crisis demands sustained response. Every organization is working at maximum capacity with unprecedented compassion and efficiency. Our role is to ensure they have the resources to continue this essential work to help anyone in need, including these hardworking families in our community.”

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

CONCORD, MA – Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members. DVSN advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 partner communities.

The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The March 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on March 2 through
March 20: Monday and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.

DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow,Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

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. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Habitat for humanity

Habitat for Humanity NCM Celebrates Home Dedication in Leominster


Leominster, MA – Thursday, January 8, 2026 — Due to inclement weather, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts rescheduled the Home Dedication Ceremony at 75 Tenth Street in Leominster for Thursday, January 8. During the ceremony, Habitat for Humanity NCM proudly presented the keys to Gwen and her family, officially welcoming them into their new home.
This home is the result of strong community partnerships and generous support. Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts expresses sincere appreciation to the many supporters who helped make this home a reality, including:
City of Leominster; North Central Massachusetts Housing Authorities; Amica; Law Office of Attorney David Rocheford; McCarty Companies; Brideau Energy; EXIT Assurance Realty; Architect Luke McKneally; Wells Fargo; City of Leominster Housing Department; City of Fitchburg Housing and Development; Adobe; Charlesbank Homes; MMBA; Whirlpool; North Central Massachusetts Community Foundation; IC Credit Union; and Granite City Electric.
A special thank you is extended to the students and instructors at Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation for their hard work and dedication, as well as Hannaford and AllTown Fresh for generously providing delicious treats for the celebration.
“Today is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” said Carolyn Read, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. “This home represents stability, hope, and opportunity for Gwen and her family, and we are deeply grateful to our partners, volunteers, and supporters who made this moment possible.”
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts offers a hand up, not a hand out to hard-working, low-income families seeking affordable homeownership. Affordable homes are built in partnership with families, donors, and volunteers who share our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
We wish Gwen and her family a lifetime of happiness and cherished memories in their new home.
Looking ahead, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts will begin construction on a multifamily home in Acton very soon. For more information or to learn how to get involved, please contact our office.

Nashoba Valley Neighbors Event on January 24

Looking for a fun evening?

Join the Nashoba Valley Neighbors for a wine tasting and warm winter meal, with lots of fun people interested in an evening out and a nice dinner at a local restaurant.  The NVN are joining a wine tasting at The Westford Wine & Spirits in Westford at 5 pm Saturday, January 24, and dinner at the nearby Evviva Trattoria at 6:30.  Please feel free to join us for either or both, but we ask that you respond by Thursday, January 22 at noon.

If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from such town as Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard, but we welcome any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more
Information.  We hope to see you!

Groton Grange Contra Dance February 7, 2026

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Dudley Laufman,  who  will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St. 
Tom denney nature camp4

Tom Denney Nature Camp Register Now!

The camp in Bolton is for students entering Kindergarten through High School.
Activities include swimming, games in the fields and woods, arts & crafts, songs, tracking, hiking, campfires to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, building shelters, Animal Adventures, Predator and Prey, Amazon Adventure & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, nighttime activities on Thursday and dinner and s'mores, water guns, an adventure hike, team building activities & more.
Counselors-in-Training must be entering 9th grade or above and attend Orientation June 23-25 and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 29 – August 7, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
After Care is available until 4:30pm.
Campers from all towns are welcome!
See the website for more details and to register: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: bcttdnc@gmail.com (best means of communication) or 978-245-6929 (voice mail)
Andrew campanella

What Families in Massachusetts Should Know About Their School Options

By Andrew Campanella

All parents in Massachusetts and across America want their children to thrive in learning environments that reflect their diverse interests, talents, and individual challenges.

That’s why one in five parents last year enrolled at least one of their children in a new K–12 school. In fact, the process of moms and dads actively choosing how and where their children learn—often referred to as school choice—reached a five-year high in 2025.

Meanwhile, more than 60% of parents say they are likely to consider a new school for at least one of their children in 2026—suggesting another active year for families making enrollment decisions. What that means for your family depends, in large part, on where you live.

In Massachusetts, parents have more education options than they may realize. In addition to assigned traditional public schools, the Bay State has taken steps in recent years to give families more flexibility in choosing schools.

Within the public education system, tuition-free schooling options include charter schools (available in some areas), theme-based magnet schools (available in select communities), and full-time online schools with district approval. In some districts, parents may also be able to send their children to traditional public schools outside of their zones, if seats are available.

Parents can also consider private schools, which charge tuition and sometimes offer scholarships to help make private education more affordable. Finally, Massachusetts moms and dads have the freedom to educate their children at home, and some families pair homeschooling with learning pods or Montessori-style microschools.

If you want to explore these education options in advance of the 2026–27 school year, the time to begin that process is now. National School Choice Week begins January 25, with 265 school events across Massachusetts, including school fairs, open houses, parent nights, and information sessions.

Before starting your search, it can help to pause and write down your goals for your child and what you want in an ideal learning environment. Doing so helps center the process on what—and who—really matters: your daughter or your son. When possible, visit schools and schedule tours or meetings with staff. Research shows that parents who visit schools in person are twice as likely to enroll their children in a new school as parents who search without touring or visiting.

During those visits, ask questions. One of the most common mistakes parents make is accepting education jargon—of which there is plenty—at face value. If you do not understand a term, a reference to curriculum or instructional methods, or a school policy, ask for clarification until you do. You may also want to talk with other parents about their experiences, while keeping in mind that their perspectives are shaped by their own child’s unique needs.

And remember: you know your child better than anyone else. When it comes to your child’s well-being, you are the expert. Finding the right school is not about choosing what works for everyone—it’s about choosing what fits your daughter or son best.

To access a free guide to K–12 school choice options in Massachusetts, visit https://myschoolchoice.com/massachusetts.

Andrew Campanella is the CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the nonprofit organization that coordinates National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. He is also the author of The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Choosing the Right School for Your Child.


Free, Skill-Building Music Workshops at Concord Conservatory of Music This Winter

 
Concord Conservatory of Music is pleased to announce a series of complimentary music workshops this winter, inviting members of the community to explore a variety of musical interests and skills at our new music media lab (CCM 2). These workshops are a wonderful opportunity for participants of all ages and experience levels to engage with music and learn from CCM's talented faculty.

The upcoming free community workshops include:
Channeling Your Creativity: An Introduction to Composition
Recording Techniques 101
  • Ages: 13–17 and 18+
  • Taught by: CCM music creation and production faculty member Daniel Fox
  • When: Tuesday, January 28, 5:00–6:30 pm
  • Where: CCM 2, 15 Junction Square Dr., Concord
  • What: In this session, you will learn the fundamental tools of the trade, industry best practices, and professional workflows for recording.
  • Link: https://concordconservatory.org/recording-techniques-101/
Multigenerational Bucket Drumming
  • Ages: 9–18+
  • Taught by: CCM clarinet and saxophone faculty member Tsuyoshi Honjo
  • When: Saturday, January 31, 3:30–4:30 pm
  • Where: CCM 2, 15 Junction Square Dr., Concord
  • What: With nothing more than buckets and drumsticks, participants of all skill levels can dive into an energizing and collaborative drumming session.
  • Link: https://concordconservatory.org/multigenerational-bucket-drumming-workshop/
Rhythmic Laboratory
  • Ages: Minimum age 6
  • Taught by: CCM percussion faculty member Giuseppe Paradiso
  • When: Wednesday, February 4, 6:30–7:30 pm
  • Where: CCM 2, 15 Junction Square Dr., Concord
  • What: You’ll gain practical, transferable techniques guaranteed to sharpen your sense of pulse and rhythmic awareness, instantly boosting your confidence in any ensemble or solo performance. 
  • Link: https://concordconservatory.org/rhythmic-laboratory-workshop/
These free workshops are available to all community members, and registration details can be found on the Concord Conservatory of Music website. Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Mcc student benefits from electronics2

MCC Student Benefits from Electronics Course Fully Funded by Metallica


A passion for snowboarding led Brian Yun, of Lexington, to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. Fascinated by the design and manufacturing process of the equipment, he was inspired to return to school. While working toward his program of study, Yun completed an electronics course at Middlesex Community College fully funded by Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands, through the Metallica Scholars Initiative. The programs are providing him with the knowledge he needs to one day join an engineering design team.
“The Metallica Scholars Program has given me the opportunity to learn more about electrical components and how they come together through soldering,” Yun said “It’s been a lot of fun learning how to solder different components onto a circuit board, and this experience has helped me better understand how electronics work. Opportunities like this course make MCC stand out as a place that truly invests in its students.”
In the Summer of 2022, Middlesex was selected from a competitive field of community colleges across the country to receive $100,000. With the initial and other rounds of funding, MCC’s Corporate Education and Training division offers an electronics course to teach participants the knowledge and skills they need to be hired into entry-level positions in the advanced manufacturing field.
As part of the course, Yun appreciated learning from professionals who have experience working in the engineering industry. In addition to gaining hands-on experience in his field, he received guidance, feedback and personal stories from his instructors. This provided more insight into what he can expect from his future career.
“This course has benefited me tremendously by creating a deeper curiosity about how electronic devices are manufactured,” Yun said. “It’s given me valuable hands-on experience in soldering and inspection, and it’s helped me think more critically about how electronics function and are built to last.”
Through the course, Yun learned skills that also apply to his associate degree program. He also gained a stronger understanding of the high-reliability manufacturing and engineering environments. The course included access to career advising, professional development, and MCC’s student support services such as free tutoring.
“I hope to continue gaining hands-on experience and further develop my understanding of high precision electronics,” Yun said. “Soldering has been a lot of fun, and I’m excited to see where this opportunity can take me, possibly toward building and designing more complex and exciting technologies in the future.”
Yun chose to come to Middlesex because of the affordable cost and the opportunities a community college education provides. With flexible schedules, he can continue to build his career while completing his degree. Learning in an environment with small class sizes and supportive professors also help him stay motivated as he reaches his goals.
After he graduates from Middlesex, Yun plans to transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Calling his time at MCC “amazing,” he credits the college for helping him turn his interest and former experience working in snowboarding into a future engineering career.
“Middlesex Community College provides the education I need to achieve my goals while remaining affordable and accessible,” he said. “MCC has given me both the educational foundation and the hands-on opportunities I need to succeed.”

Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/corporate/metallica.html for more information.
Singer songwriters erin ash sullivan and rupert wates2

Award-Winning Singer-Songwriters Erin Ash Sullivan and Rupert Wates to Perform in Bedford on January 17


BEDFORD, Mass. — Acclaimed folk singer-songwriters Erin Ash Sullivan and Rupert Wates will present an intimate evening of authentic storytelling, poetic lyrics, and masterful guitar work on Saturday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way.

Audiences will experience two distinct voices shaped by lived experience and keen observation of the world. Though different in style, Sullivan and Wates are united by thoughtful lyrics and deeply resonant melodies.

New England native Sullivan is celebrated for her clear, expressive, and quietly powerful voice. She previously was one half of the New York–based duo Edith O, performing at iconic venues such as the Bitter End and CBGB’s Gallery. Her 2024 solo album, Signposts and Marks, reached No. 4 on the FAI Folk DJ Chart. Sullivan was also named a “Most Wanted” artist at the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival’s Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Showcase and won the 2025 Al Johnson Songwriter Contest at the Wildflower Arts & Music Festival.

The Oxford-educated Wates blends melodic acoustic folk with elements of jazz, vaudeville, and cabaret. The recipient of more than fifty songwriting and performance awards, he has released twelve albums and toured extensively throughout North America and Europe. His work has been widely covered by other artists, and two full-length tribute albums are dedicated entirely to his songs.
Hear Erin Ash Sullivan’s humorous song inspired by a July 4th eating contest, https://youtu.be/-ARmJCBY0WY?t=123, and Rupert Wates performing “Father to the Man, https://youtu.be/2ASBO5HhCQc?t=37.

Tickets for the New Song concert are available at newsongbedford.org. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments, with the music beginning at 7:30 p.m.

New Song is a volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District and is supported by local sponsors including Red Heat American Tavern, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
John gardella the modern middle east

John Gardella – The Modern Middle East: Parts 1 and 2
Thursdays, January 22nd and 29th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

John Gardella presents the first two parts of The Modern Middle East on January 22nd and 29th starting at 1:00 PM. It will cover from the end of World War One through 1980 - the Iranian Revolution and the Camp David Accords. These two lectures set the stage for the more recent history of the Middle East which John will present in the spring. Please call the Concord COA office to sign up at 978-318-3020.

Prevent a Winter Blood Shortage: Give Blood or Platelets Now

Donors have chance to win trip to Super Bowl LX during National Blood Donor Month
Red Cross, Saquon Barkley huddle up for a lifesaving play in January

BOSTON, Jan. 5, 2026 — The American Red Cross is teetering on a blood shortage this winter, which could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now. The Red Cross blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season when winter weather and packed schedules made it even tougher to ensure hospitals have the blood products needed for critical care. Without immediate action, doctors may have to make difficult decisions about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait. Donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed now.

Don’t wait – make an appointment to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
For the seventh year, the Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering in January for National Blood Donor Month to urge individuals to kick off 2026 with a blood donation. As a thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LX giveaway. The winner and guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Join a lifesaving team
The Red Cross and Pro Football Champion and blood donor Saquon Barkley are teaming up to remind donors that the best offense against a winter blood shortage is making and keeping blood donation appointments. The blood supply can drop quickly – now’s the time to get in the game and give blood or platelets.
"I gave blood once in college and that was the only time I had ever been asked to give, until the Red Cross reached out this fall,” said Barkley. “It was a no-brainer for me to give again. It only takes about an hour and once you realize in that short amount of time how much help it can bring – it’s a beautiful thing."

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 5-31:
Bedford:
1/6/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/7/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/9/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/10/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/13/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/14/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/16/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/17/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/20/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/21/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/23/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/24/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/27/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/28/2026: 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/30/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
1/31/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Bedford MA Blood Donor Center, 213 Burlington Rd
Concord coa dance class

Concord Council on Aging: KEEP IT MOVING Dance Class

Tuesday, January 13th from 1:00 to 2:00 PM

Join Susan Wright Regan for the KEEP IT MOVING dance class on Tuesday, January 13th at 1:00 PM. The classes are now meeting monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. This class is for those who wish to keep active and maintain balance and coordination for as long as possible. Learning is to our brains as exercise is to our muscles - dance combines both! We groove to music from all genres. Susan believes that age is not the enemy - stagnation is. There is no charge. Please call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.

The Acton Community Chorus Presents Our Winter Concert, I Hear The Stars Still Singing

The Acton Community Chorus presents our winter concert,  I Hear The Stars Still Singing, a constellation of contemporary choral music contemplating the stars and the ways they guide our lives, featuring a multi movement work by Kenneth Riggs called "Starlight Songs", plus written works by other living composers such as J. Michael Saunders, Jacob Narverud, Susan LaBarr, and Victor C. Johnson. The concert will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 4pm at the Acton Congregational Church with an inclement weather date of Sunday, January 11th at 4pm. Tickets are available through the link on our website or at the door. There will be a reception following the concert.  Every year we seek out a community partner to support, and this season we are partnering with NAMI of Central Middlesex County. They will have volunteers in attendance to share the resources they have for individuals and families living with mental health conditions. The Acton Community Chorus is a nonprofit organization supported in part by grants from the Acton Boxborough, Concord, Littleton and Stow cultural councils which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a State agency.

The Acton Community Chorus invites all area singers to attend our Open Sing for our Spring 2026 Concert Movie Night. We will be featuring iconic songs from iconic movies including My Heart Will Go On, Both Sides Now, Danger Zone, Bohemian Rhapsody, (I've Had) The Time of My Life, and so many more! We will meet on January 26, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Faith Free Evangelical Church 54 Hosmer Street in Acton, MA. Please see our website www.actoncommunitychorus.org for more information about our vibrant choral group that has been bringing choral music and friendship to the Assabet Valley area since 1984!

Psychosis Program

"Psychosis Unveiled" is an in-person presentation for people living with symptoms of psychosis and those who love them. Join the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and speakers from the MA Psychosis Access & Triage Hub (M-PATH). Join us on Monday, January 26th, at the Edinburg Center, 205 Burlington Road, Bedford MA, rear entrance. The event kicks off at 6:30 PM with dessert & social time. At 7:00 PM the presentations begin. Learn more about the program and please RSVP here: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/psychosis.
Motor development babies3

Motor Development in Babies 0-18 Months

A free live webinar presented by pediatric physical therapist Christina Marinelli from Emerson Health, will be held via Zoom on Thursday, January 29, 1-2:00. Babies begin progressing both gross and fine motor skills from birth. They are the building blocks to your baby's ability to explore their environment as they grow. In this webinar, you will learn 1) what typical development looks like, 2) general tips and strategies to support baby's skill acquisition, and 3) helpful resources for continued learning. Time for questions will be allowed. To receive the link, email lmatthews@jri.org at First Connections.

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. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote video conference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

Chef cook-off winners from Concord Park & Nashoba Park

Senior Living Residences hosted their annual Top Chef Cook Off competition on November 20, 2025. This year, chefs from across SLR's 20 communities teamed up and chose a country’s cuisine to build a meal and dessert, while also following our signature Brain Healthy Cooking program guidelines. Each month of the year, residents enjoy cuisine, art, and culture from a variety of countries around the world as part of the popular Grab Your Passport Program.

Teamwork, kitchen magic, and a little music led to multicultural morsels for tasting by SLR associates and a diverse, six-person judging panel.  The judges handed out awards for authenticity to the traditional dishes, alignment with the Brain Healthy Cooking Program, stunning presentation, and delectable desserts.

Concord Park Director of Dining Experience Emerson Dacosta was paired with Nashoba Park Director of Dining Experience Caleb Bogren to bring to life the cuisine of Argentina. Chef Caleb prepared a delicious and authentic dish of Grilled Chicken Thighs with Red Pepper Chimichurri and Chef Emerson offered Red Wine-Infused Pears with Dulce de Leche Cream for dessert.

**Images:Chef cook off1 & 2

The attached photos feature:

Nashoba Park Director of Dining Experience Caleb Bogren and Concord Park Director of Dining Experience Emerson Dacosta

Caleb, Senior Living Residences President & CEO Tadd Clelland, and Emerson
Give the gift of live music

Give the Gift of Live Music with New Song Tickets

Whether you're shopping for a friend or family member or treating yourself, the Bedford Cultural District's New Song Music Series has upcoming shows that are sure to delight. Explore the lineup below and share the joy of live music this holiday season.
Here’s a quick guide to the remaining concerts of New Song's second season. From contemporary folk and bluegrass to Americana, all previous concerts have sold out, so avoid disappointment and get your tickets today! Click on an artist’s name to listen to their music.

Tickets for all shows are available at newsongbedford.org. Concerts are held in the Reed Room at Bedford Town Hall (10 Mudge Way), an intimate venue with a new sound system offering an immersive listening experience. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments, with music beginning at 7:30 p.m.

New Song is a volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District, made possible by the generous support of its sponsors: Red Heat American Tavern, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL® Therapy and Balance Centers Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, and the Mass Cultural Council.

Tremont School Launches New Recycling Challenge in Partnership with the Rotary Club of Concord and Abode Energy Management

Concord, MA — Tremont School is excited to announce a new sustainability initiative in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Concord and Abode Energy Management, launching a yearlong challenge to collect 1,000 pounds of recyclable plastic.
On Thursday, November 6th, members of the Rotary Club of Concord visited Tremont to introduce the project and teach students how to identify plastics accepted for recycling. Students learned a simple test: if the plastic stretches instead of tearing like paper—and is clean and free of food debris—it qualifies for recycling.
Once Tremont reaches its 1,000-pound goal, the school will receive a bench made entirely from recycled plastic , serving as a lasting reminder of student leadership, community partnership, and environmental stewardship.
As part of this initiative, Abode Energy Management has stepped up to support Tremont’s efforts. Based in Massachusetts, Abode focuses on simplifying energy efficiency for utilities, contractors, and homeowners. The company develops fast, flexible, and innovative solutions—grounded in decades of experience—to help communities reduce carbon emissions and adopt clean-energy practices. Through a blend of in-person and remote services, Abode collaborates closely with partners to make climate-forward solutions more accessible, reliable, and impactful for households across the region.
“Tremont is thrilled to partner with the Rotary Club of Concord and Abode on this important challenge,” said school leadership. “This effort empowers students to take meaningful action and demonstrates how community partnerships can spark real environmental change.”
This collaboration underscores Tremont School’s commitment to hands-on learning, sustainability, and community-driven impact.
For more information about the recycling challenge or how to get involved, please contact Eduardo Rocha, Director of Student Life, at edward@tremontschool.org






 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts & Gillette Bring “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football Event to Inspire New Mentoring Relationships

 
BOSTON, FOXBORO, Mass. - On December 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) and Gillette partnered for a unique “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event that brought together youth, volunteers, and New England Patriot Quarterback and Gillette athlete Drake Maye, New England Patriots Wide Receiver and BBBSEM ambassador DeMario Pop Douglas and Patriots Hall of Famer Rob Ninkovich for a day of sports and community engagement. Held on the field at Gillette Stadium, the event highlighted the importance of mentorship, offering a fun opportunity for prospective volunteer mentors to get involved while making a lasting impact on local youth.
The event kicked off with a lively pep talk from BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O'Donnell and Pat the Patriot, the official mascot of the New England Patriots. This spirited opening set the tone for a day full of energy and connection. Ninkovich, Maye, and Douglas also joined the action, each participating as a "Big for a Day" to underscore the power of mentorship and encourage others to volunteer. The event marked Douglas’ official debut as a BBBSEM ambassador.
Over 25 current BBBSEM matches, along with youth on the organization’s waiting list to be matched with their mentors, took to the field for drills, skills clinics, and friendly flag football games. The day was designed to foster new connections and inspire potential Bigs to begin their own mentoring journeys.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Gillette and bring attention to the critical need for mentorship in our community,” said Mark O'Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “This event not only gave us the chance to showcase the power of mentorship but also provided an opportunity for new volunteers to experience firsthand how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.”
The event featured several key moments, including a speaking program, a skills clinic, and a series of flag football games, which gave participants the chance to demonstrate teamwork and leadership. The day concluded with a heartfelt recognition ceremony, thanking volunteers and mentors for their dedication to youth empowerment.
The BBBSEM event was one of ten flag football experiences happening across the country as part of a larger national partnership between men’s grooming brand Gillette and Big Brothers Big Sisters.Through this partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Gillette are coming together to bring more mentors into the lives of young men through the unifying power of sports.
BBBSEM continues to grow its impact, matching over 4,000 youth annually with caring adult mentors. The event underscored the organization’s mission to defend the potential of children and to create a community where every young person has access to the guidance and support they need to succeed. Mentorship is a necessity and through sports, connections across cultures and generations are made, helping to build a more unified, inclusive society.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child has the support of a caring adult mentor who can help them reach their full potential,” said O'Donnell. “Today, we’ve seen the impact that such mentorship can have, and we hope this event inspires even more people to step forward and become Bigs.”
For more information on how to volunteer, or to learn more about BBBSEM’s programs, visit www.emassbigs.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 76 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org..

Night Lights Voted #1 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Display in the Country!

 
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is thrilled to announce that Night Lights was named the winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. Thank you to our wonderful community for taking the time to help the Garden earn this national recognition. We look forward to the rest of this year's dazzling displays (tickets are still available) and hope you’ll join us in experiencing this award-winning event!
Visit https://nebg.org/ for more information.

Groton Grange Contra Dance January 3, 2026

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, January 3 ,2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold, who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St. 

HAPPY Holidays from Fresh Start Furniture Bank

 
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

     The Fresh Start family would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.  Our shelves and stockroom and display areas are pretty well stocked now, thanks to donations from so many people in the area who responded to our specific requests for linens and kitchen items and furniture.
     At present what we need most is MONEY to pay our bills and to buy mattresses and to keep our truck fueled and maintained.  If you can help, please click on the link above and look for the big green DONATE button.  You can donate online with PAYPAL or with Venmo and you can always bring or send a check payable to Fresh Start Furniture Bank at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749.  Your donation is tax deductible.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.  We supply furniture and furnishings at no charge to prequalified clients coming out of homelessness.  Please help us to keep doing what we do so well.

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

We know it’s a big ask.
With the economy in flux, unemployment on the rise, grocery prices still too high, every dollar is being stretched as tight as possible.
But if you can spare a few dollars for the Beacon Santa, we will make sure the money goes to put a smile on a young child’s face.
Every dollar that you donate will help a family in need.
“Working overnight is great when you have small children who need you to be home during the day. But also impossible, with small children, when the other parent is gone on random military assignments and not home to watch them,” writes one mother of five young children.
All she wants is some money to take her children shopping for clothes.
“Although things are getting better and we are solely focused on improving our finances, for our children’s sake, the holidays fast approach and we cannot celebrate without help, so please choose our home, Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Discovery Museum Announces Free Events for Visitors with Disabilities and their Families for January to June 2026

 
Especially for Me events offer free Museum access and dedicated hours for families that would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience.
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced upcoming dates for the first half of 2026 for the Especially for Me series of free events for families and groups with members who may have a disability, including sensory sensitivities, visual impairments, learning differences, and/or hearing loss.
The popular events offer accommodations that increase access to and enjoyment of the Museum’s ADA-compliant facilities. Because admission is free, families may come and go based on their needs without concern for cost. Visitors also have the chance to meet others in similar circumstances, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and judgement by others often described by families dealing with special needs. A medical diagnosis is not required to attend.
All Especially for Me events are free to attend, but preregistration is required. Dates and registration links can be found online at http://bit.ly/EspeciallyforMe.
January to June 2026: Especially for Me Event Schedule
Inclusive Afternoons, Tuesdays 1:30 to 4:30pm Museum is open to the public, but lower visitation is expected.
  • January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2
Special Evenings, Saturdays 5:00 to 8:00pm Museum is closed to the public. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at no cost.
  • Autism-Friendly Evening – January 10
  • Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – January 31
  • Inclusive Evening – February 28, March 21, May 16, June 27
  • Mask On, Play On! – April 11
  • Morning for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA visitors – date tba
Discovery Museum’s campus is ADA-compliant and all exhibits are accessible, designed according to Universal Design principles to be both aesthetically pleasing and usable by the widest possible range of people, without regard to age or ability.
Special resources are always available including noise-reducing headphones, a Social Story and Sensory Map (both online and on-site; available in eight languages), and a designated “Take a Break” space. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters may be requested during registration. Parking is always free and dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at all evening events.
Especially for Me is part of the museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers—financial, developmental, or cultural—to experience the Museum.
Especially for Me is made possible by DCU for Kids, with additional support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Concord Free Public Library Acquires an Unrecorded Photograph of Ralph Waldo Emerson

The William Munroe Special Collections has acquired an unrecorded photograph of one of Concord's most famous residents, Ralph Waldo Emerson. One of only a very small number of known images of Emerson from the 1840s, the image is a circa-1860s carte-de-visite (CDV), a popular 19th-century format for small, card-mounted photographs the size of a calling card.