The Concord Council on Aging (COA) is pleased to announce extended Thursday hours beginning October 2, 2025. To better serve Concord residents aged 60 and older whose schedules require more flexibility, the COA will now remain open until 7:00 PM every Thursday.
This expansion reflects the COA’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and community engagement. With the new hours come an exciting lineup of fresh programs designed to inspire, connect, and energize:
Tales of You: Write Your Story – A four-session guided storytelling and memoir-writing workshop to help participants preserve their personal histories.  A complimentary meal will be served at each session thanks to a grant from Emerson Hospital.  Hours are 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Weekly Mahjong Group – A fun and social way to sharpen the mind and make new friends.  Arrive as an experienced player or with a few games under your belt.  Hours are 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
Hula Hoop Exercise with Ellen – A fun movement class that blends fitness with classic rock dance moves.  Stretch and move at your comfort level to enhance your core strength and balance while having a good time.  No experience needed.  Hours are 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM.
LGBTQ+ Social Group – A welcoming space for connection, conversation, and community, meeting monthly on the last Thursday of each month.  Open to all Concord older adults, the gatherings will offer food, entertainment and activities.  Hours are 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
"We’re so excited to welcome the community during these new evening hours,” says Dan Petitt, COA Director. “Whether you’re working, caregiving, or just enjoy getting out later in the day, we hope you’ll join us. Our programs are designed to bring people together, celebrate creativity, and make sure everyone feels included. There’s something here for everyone, and we can’t wait to see you.”

The Garden Club of Concord is soliciting proposals from local organizations seeking funding for gardening-related community projects.  Our club is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and development of gardens and the natural environment in the Concord community. Over the years, we have made a significant impact on the community through our grants program. These grants are totally funded with profits from the club’s annual plant sale in May. The club’s grant program has not only helped organizations in Concord but has also helped to promote horticulture and environmental conservation, making the town a better place for all.
Past grants have funded planting projects at The Old Manse, The Umbrella Arts Center, Gaining Ground, Concord Council on Aging, Minuteman Arc, Northeastern Correctional Center, CCHS Sustainable Club, and the Concord Land Trust.
To request a grant application or for more information contact Sarah MacEachern at smaceachern@comcast.net or visit our website: www.gardenclubofconcord.org. The deadline for applications is October 16, 2025.

 

 

Choral Arts New England celebrates Frank’s leadership
in the region’s choral community; awards Chorus recording grant
CONCORD, MA Issued September 8, 2025... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC) announces that its Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank has been awarded the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award by Choral Arts New England (CANE). This prestigious honor recognizes Frank’s decades of visionary leadership, artistry, and contributions to the vitality of New England’s choral community.

Frank will be presented with the award at the “41st Annual Choral Arts New England Awards Ceremony” on Sunday, October 26, 3 pm, at First Congregational Church in Winchester. The event, which is open to the public, will feature a brief performance by Concord Women’s Chorus, under Frank’s direction, as well as opportunities for both chorus and audience members to sing together in celebration of New England’s rich choral tradition.

“The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to choral singing and culture in New England,” said Mary Brody, chair of the Choral Arts New England Board. “We are delighted to recognize Jane as a member of this distinguished group.”

Since moving to Boston in 1991, Frank has conducted ensembles across Greater Boston with artistry and distinction. She has served on the faculties of Harvard University and Emerson College, directed Chapel Music at Episcopal Divinity School, and conducted Philovox, the professional recording chorus of E.C. Schirmer. As Founding Director of Boston Secession, she created groundbreaking programs and recordings that earned national acclaim. She conducted Cantemus Chamber Chorus for 11 years, serves as Minister of Worship and the Arts at First Congregational Church of Winchester, and was an Affiliated Scholar with the Women’s Studies Research Center at Brandeis University for 22 years.

Frank has led Concord Women’s Chorus for more than 30 years, shaping its reputation for artistry, adventurous programming, and commitment to amplifying women’s voices in choral music.

The Choral Arts New England Lifetime Achievement Award, first presented in 1994, honors individuals who have left a lasting mark on the region’s choral culture. Past honorees include Dr. André de Quadros (2024), Alice Parker (2004), and Lorna Cooke DeVaron (1995). With this award, Jane Ring Frank joins a celebrated legacy of leaders who have inspired generations of singers and audiences alike.  For more information on the awards, visit choralarts-newengland.org/lifetime.

In addition to celebrating Frank’s honor, Concord Women’s Chorus also announces that it has received an Alfred Nash Patterson Grant from Choral Arts New England to support its current recording project. The application was spearheaded by CWC board member Allison Jones, whose efforts helped the chorus secure not only the grant but also the distinction of receiving the Hammond Family Grant.

According to CANE, “Named grants represent the aspirations for choral music of some of Choral Arts New England’s most committed supporters, and we are very happy that Concord Women’s Chorus has achieved this distinction.”

Since 1985, Alfred Nash Patterson Grants have supported more than 220 choral projects across New England, fostering innovative programming, new compositions, music education, and regional collaboration.

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

About Concord Women’s Chorus
Concord Women's Chorus (CWC), based in Concord, Massachusetts, is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power in women’s voices through song. Singers hail from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices. The ensemble has commissioned three new choral works to date, and will professionally record these pieces in 2026.

CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us.

The chorus began in 1960 as the Concord Madrigals, a small group of women who expressed, through song, the strength of female community. Over the years the group has increased in size and capacity and greatly expanded its repertoire. In 2005, the Concord Madrigals became Concord Women’s Chorus, a name that reflects not only the evolution of the chorus but the abiding power of women’s voices.

In addition to concerts, CWC often engages in other performances and projects. The ensemble has engaged in several concert tours in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. For more information or to join CWC, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.








 

Your Home and Future: Thoughtful Planning Years Ahead
Tuesday, September 16th 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
At the Concord Free Public Library (Main Branch)

You are invited to attend an engaging and informative session featuring a panel of Aging-in-Place experts: Physical Therapist Tami DeAngelis, COA Assistant Director and Social Worker Nicole Saia, and General Contractor Brian Harvey. Together, they’ll offer practical advice on how to age safely, comfortably, and independently in your current home, while also discussing potential benefits of alternative living arrangements. This discussion will provide valuable insights and guidance. Please
call the COA at 978-318-3020 to sign up. Walk-ins are also welcome.


New! Dance Class! - “Keep it Moving”
Tuesdays, September 16th and October 14th 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Join Susan Wright Regan for a KEEP IT MOVING dance class. The first class is on September 16th at 1:00 PM. KEEP IT MOVING is intended to encourage those who wish to keep active while maintaining their balance and coordination for as long as possible. Learning is to our brains as exercise is to our muscles - dance combines both! The class will be filled with music from all genres, chosen to energize and keep us moving. Susan believes that age is not the enemy - stagnation is. Two dance classes are scheduled. Based on interest, we will have the option of continuing the program. Call the COA to sign up at 978-318-3020.

State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg and the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Division will return a long-lost Purple Heart medal to Thomas Brigham, the grandson of Sgt. Thomas Flynn. The medal was recovered by the Unclaimed Property Division and traced back to the Flynn family as part of the Treasury’s efforts to reunite military honors with rightful heirs.

Sgt. Thomas Flynn was born in August. 27, 1896, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He served with Company G of the 9th Infantry and 101st Infantry with the Massachusetts National Guard.

WHEN:
September 9, 2025
12:00PM

WHERE:
Massachusetts State House, Treasurer’s Office, Rm. 227

WHO:

• Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg
• Thomas Brigham, grandson of Sgt. Thomas Flynn
• Brig. Gen. Lisa Ahaesy from the National Guard
• Veterans Services Representatives

WHY:
The return of military medals is part of the Massachusetts Treasurer’s Office mission to honor the legacy of veterans and reunite families with their treasured heirlooms.

 

MASSACHUSETTS (September 9, 2025) - Hey MA Teens! Voting will open for the MA Teen Choice Book Award (MTCBA) on September 15!  Young people from across Massachusetts are invited to vote for their top teen book from a list of nominees until Oct. 5. This is the only award in the Bay State that invites students in grades 7-12 to vote for their top new books.
The list of nominees has been curated by a committee of public librarians, school library media specialists and educators. The top teen choices will be announced in late October..

“There are two ways for teens to cast their votes - they can vote directly using our digital ballot (available at https://www.mateenchoicebook.org/home) or they can cast a paper ballot at any participating library,” said Suzanne Larson, committee chair and high school library media specialist at Seekonk High School in Seekonk, MA.  “We encourage school and public libraries interested in participating to create displays and ballot boxes by using MTCBA resources, also available on the award website.” (https://www.mateenchoicebook.org/home)

The twenty-one 2025 Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award Nominees are:

• Aisle Nine - Cho, Ian X.
• America Redux: Visual Stories from Our Dynamic History - Aberg-Riger, Ariel
• The Bletchley Riddle - Sepetys, Ruta & Sheinkin, Steve
• Call Me Iggy - Aguirre, Jorge & Rosado, Rafael (Illustrator)
• The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky - Galarza, Josh
• Gwen & Art Are Not in Love - Croucher, Lex
• HappyHead - Silver, Josh
• I Kick and I Fly - Gupta, Ruchira
• I Will Never Leave You - Kennedy, Kara
• The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge - Hubbard, Matthew
• Looking for Smoke - Cobell, K. A.
• Navigating With You - Whitley, Jeremy & Ribeiro, Cassio (Illustrator)
• The No-Girlfriend Rule - Randall, Christen 
• The Reappearance of Rachel Price - Jackson, Holly
• Red - Cardi, Annie
• Spirit Sleuths: How Magicians and Detectives Exposed the Ghost Hoaxes - Jarrow, Gail
• Star Splitter - Kirby, Matthew J.
• Twenty-four Seconds From Now… - Reynolds, Jason
• Where Sleeping Girls Lie - Àbíké-Íyímídé, Faridah
• The Wilderness of Girls - Franklin, Madeline Claire
• Wish You Weren’t Here - Baldwin, Erin

The Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award is a cooperative project between the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA) and the Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) with support from Salem State University. For more information on the selected titles and how to participate and vote, please visit www.mateenchoicebook.org.

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

One in five people across the country live with a mental health condition including children, adolescents and adults. Family members, in the role as "care supporter" for their loved one often need support as well. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a non-profit organization founded in 1979, is dedicated to improving the lives of those with mental illness and their families through support, education and advocacy at state and national levels. Volunteers trained by NAMI now offer many support groups and educational programs in communities across Massachusetts for those with illness and separately supportive family members. Programs are offered in person and digitally via the Zoom format and are completely free to the public. You can find details at the NAMI Massachusetts website www.NAMIMASS.org .
If you have a family member with mental health challenges you can also connect to a support-group I facilitate with my co-facilitator at fsgroup25@aol.com.  Our NAMI group meets once a month, every 2nd Thursday of the month, from 6:15 pm – 8:45 pm on Zoom and has been meeting for four years. The group usually has around 6-8 participants and creates time enough for all to share and feel much better at meetings end. If you would like to speak with someone ahead about our NAMI support-group feel free to call me. My name is Dee and my cell number is 978.697.3441.

Written By Deb Paul
“We’re not about what happened on 9/11. We’re about what happened on 9/12.” Jeff Parness, founder of New York Says Thank You, captured the essence of American resilience in just thirteen words.

This year marks the 24th anniversary of a day that changed our nation forever. September 11, 2001, is etched into our collective memory—not just for the horror we witnessed, but for the unity that followed. Most Americans remember exactly where they were when the news broke. The images of the Twin Towers collapsing, the chaos, the courage—they remain vivid, unshakable.

We lost thousands of innocent lives—on planes, in offices, on the streets. First responders ran toward danger, not away from it. Families were shattered. The American spirit was tested. And yet, as Rudy Giuliani said, “The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead, we have emerged stronger and more unified.”

In the days that followed, something extraordinary happened. Strangers became neighbors. Political differences faded. Compassion surged. We remembered what it meant to be one nation, indivisible—not just in theory, but in practice. Flags flew from every porch. Blood banks overflowed with volunteers. People prayed together, cried together, and stood together.

We saw firefighters and police officers risk everything without hesitation. They didn’t ask who someone voted for or what religion they practiced. They saw fellow human beings in need—and they responded with courage and compassion. That spirit of selflessness defined the days after 9/11. It reminded us of who we are at our best.

But today, that unity feels distant. We are a nation divided—by politics, by ideology, by mistrust. The spirit of 9/12, once so palpable, now flickers faintly. The sense of shared purpose that once bound us has been replaced by suspicion and polarization.

Let this anniversary be more than a moment of mourning. Let it be a call to remember—not only the lives lost, but the values we rediscovered. Patriotism is not a relic. Unity is not naïve. These are the foundations of a resilient democracy.

We must reflect not only on what we lost, but on what we found: courage, compassion, and a renewed sense of community. These qualities are still within us. They are not confined to history—they are waiting to be revived.

So this September 11, pause. Reflect. Recommit. Not just to memory, but to meaning. To kindness. To courage. To each other.

Because the legacy of 9/11 isn’t just about what happened. It’s about who we became—and who we still have the power to be.

 

• Roberta Ennis,  President
• Chris Lipson, Vice President/Tres.
• Sandy Alexander, Secretary
• Sandy Baker, Membership
• Linda Langone & Judy Watson Trips and Programs
• Leslie Gabriele & Peggy Whiteley Public Relations
• Susan McDonough, Fix-It Shop

•  
•  
• 🗓️ Board Meeting Schedule
• The FBCOA Board meets six times per year on the third Tuesday of the month at 1:15 PM
• 📍 Location: Flint Room (2nd Floor), Bedford Senior Center, 12 Mudge Way
• 2025/2026  Meeting Dates:

• September 16, 2025
• October 21, 2025
• November 18, 2025
• January 20, 2026
• April 21, 2026
• June 16, 2026

•  
• All are welcome to attend!
• 🌐 Website: www.fbcoa.org
  📘 Facebook: Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging

 

Bringing energy, joy, and connection to Bedford’s seniors!
From pool tables to Netflix, from festive holiday parties to scenic daycations and oh so much more, — the Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging (FBCOA) is here to make senior life in Bedford vibrant and fulfilling. As a volunteer-run nonprofit, we support the Council on Aging by funding programs, activities, and resources that bring our community together.
🧡 Join the 2025 -2026  Membership Drive!
Support our mission and enjoy member-only perks, early event access, and more.
Your membership helps us do more — and every dollar stays right here in Bedford.
Annual Membership: $10 Individual     $15 Family
How to Join:

• 💻 Visit us online at www.fbcoa.org
• ✉️ Mail a check to FBCOA, c/o COA, 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
• 📬 Drop off a check at the Council on Aging at 12 Mudge Way

✅ Please make checks payable to FBCOA
📅 Upcoming Events – Save the Date!
Join us for exciting activities and community fun! Details to be announced.
9/16  Ice Cream Social
9/24  Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner Fundraiser
10/27 Cathedral of the Pines trip
…and more to come!

Stay tuned for updates in newsletters, the COA Bulletin Board, and on social media.

📣 Stay Connected
Don’t miss out on upcoming events, photos, and community news:
🌐 Website: www.fbcoa.org
📘 Facebook: Friends of the Bedford Council on Aging
 

 

Auditions for the Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition will be held on Thursday and Friday, November 6-7, 2025.  Auditions will be held at the Moloney Performing Arts Center (formerly Durgin Hall), 35 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA  01854, on the campus of the University of Massachusetts in Lowell.   The winner will be the featured soloist at the Concord Orchestra's Concerts, on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, February 1, 2026.  The winner will also receive the Ehlers Memorial Scholarship cash award.  The second and third place finishers may be invited to perform a recital prior to these concerts.  The competition is open to high school and younger instrumental students, including pianists.  Applications are due October 23, 2025.  For complete requirements regarding eligible repertoire, maximum concerto length, specific memorization requirements for each instrument, and to apply online, please visit our Young Artist website page at:  https://www.concordorchestra.com/young-artist-concerto-competition.  Please email any further questions regarding the competition to:  jan.kinmonth@gmail.com with subject line “Concord Orchestra YA Competition.” 

 

 

Tuesday, September 9, Social period 6:00 PM. Meeting 6:30 PM
First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 Great Road, Bedford.
 Our speaker Jana Milbocker will show Fall scaping-Extending the Season
     

Interested in keeping the garden beautiful beyond mums and asters and  extending the season?
Add beauty to your garden in the  golden days of autumn with flowers, shrubs, trees, and vines that shine during this season. Discover plants with colorful blooms, rich foliage in designing a vibrant fall garden.
        Jana Milbocker is an avid gardener, designer, speaker, and author. She combines horticulture, design, and travel tips to educate, inspire and delight both new and seasoned gardeners.
She is the author of travel guides and has lectured at flower shows, horticultural societies, garden clubs, and libraries. She is also the owner of Enchanted Gardens, a landscape design firm in the Boston area. https://www.enchantedgardensdesign.com/

On Saturday, September 20, all gardeners are welcome to join the New England Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society (NARGS) for their fall kick-off meeting. The topic of the day is seed saving, processing, and growing. The event will take place at the Goodnow Library in Sudbury from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Attendees are asked to bring their own bag lunch, with beverages and snacks provided. At 11 am, Jan Sacks and Marty Schafer of Carlisle lead the panel discussion on Seeds - Collecting and Cleaning Techniques. These expert growers will share tips they’ve found valuable. After the lunch break, our Annual Seedling Sale begins at 1 pm. Members bring their extra seedlings of clearly labelled rock garden plants, including some natives, to share. The first-round price is $2 per pot until buying slows down, after which the price is $1 per pot. Very special, higher-value plants may be raffled off.
Come to buy, even if you can’t bring seedlings of your own!

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

 

Get Your Ham Radio License in 2025

Pepperell, Massachusetts, August 21, 2025 - The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club (NVARC) is offering a free amateur radio licensing course beginning on Monday, September 8th. The course will prepare students for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Technician licensing exam that will be offered at the completion of the course. The Technician level radio operator’s license is the first of three amateur licenses offered by the FCC. Each license has increased levels of operator privileges.

The course consists of twice weekly sessions, beginning on September 8th, and meets on Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks. The course will be held at the Grady Research building, 323 West Main St., in Ayer. Sessions will start at 7PM and last for 2 hours. An FCC license exam will be scheduled for the end of the sessions. The course is free, but there will be an FCC required $15 testing fee if you take the exam. The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual, 5th edition, will be the study guide used for the class. A limited number of study guides may be purchased from the instructor for $30 or online from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or Amazon.

This course is open to all; there are no age limits. Pre-registration is required; no walk-ins will be allowed. To register you must contact the instructor, Bruce Blain at (508) 341-5124 or via email at bruce.blain@charter.net.

The FCC Technician license exam covers basic regulations, operating practices and electronic theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications. The FCC exam consists of 35 multiple choice questions, chosen from a published list. The FCC no longer requires Morse code proficiency for an amateur radio license. This Technician licensing course is ideal for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members to quickly get their radio operator’s license.

NVARC has resources available to help new hams with equipment selection, set-up, and getting on the air. There are handheld radios available for as little as $30 that will economically get you on the air and talking to other hams in your area.

NVARC meetings are held at 7:30PM, on the third Thursday of each month at the Pepperell Community Center, see the club website or contact bruce.blain@charter.net for club meeting details (on-line or in-person).

The Nashoba Valley Amateur Radio Club has been meeting in Pepperell MA for 30 years.  It is an American Radio Relay League (ARRL) affiliated club that provides amateur radio training, licensing, and community service to communities surrounding Pepperell and Groton, MA. More information is available at NVARC’s web site, www.n1nc.org.

The First Baptist Church of Lexington will be hosting the 67th annual Fall Fellowship Fair on October 25, 2025 from 9am to 3pm. Breakfast will be served from 9am-11am. Fresh baked muffins made on site will be served.  Lunch served at 1130am.  Many items to choose from including homemade corn chowder.
The fair features the Cookie Walk room, Holiday Corner with homemade Christmas items and silent auction on gift baskets.  Bake Shop with homemade pies and other baked goods.  Jewelry table, Knit Shop, handcrafted Items.  Patchwork and Quilts. Yard Sale rooms with many fun items. Fun vendors as well.
The First Baptist Church is located at 1580 Massachusetts Ave in Lexington Center. For additional information, telephone number is 781-862-9050.  fbclexington.org

Dr. Kopley's talk will comprise excerpts from his book "Edgar Allan Poe: A Life," excerpts that include accounts of Poe in Richmond in 1836 drawn from newly recovered letters of 1908 and 1909.

Register at: https://concordlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/richard-a-kopley-author-of-edgar-allan-poe-a-life/


Concord libraries will be closed Sunday to Monday, August 31 to September 1 for Labor Day.


Service Spotlight
Home Delivery
Did you know the Concord Free Public Library offers free home delivery service to patrons who cannot reach our physical buildings for any reason? If you meet certain criteria then you may qualify for home deliver service.

You can also volunteer to be a delivery driver!

 

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

 

For our Open Sing rehearsals on September 8th and 15th, 2025. Give us a try and see if you'd like to become a member!
Acton Community Chorus is a non-auditioned chorus founded in 1984, providing singers from the MetroWest communities with an opportunity to enjoy singing choral music in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

The Music Makes Me Happy Chorus, for adults with special needs, is welcoming new members at the start of their 11th season. Under the direction of Marsha Martin and supported by pianist Devereux Geiger, this tight-knit group meets on Monday evenings at the Umbrella Arts Center. Chorus members and devoted volunteers come together weekly in a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere, as they sing and socialize. The chorus puts on 4-7 public performances each season, throughout the community. The audience is always invited to sing along with the chorus.  If you or someone you know may be interested in getting involved with this organization as a singing member or a volunteer, please come to our "Open Sing" on Monday, September 8th. 7-8:30 pm at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA. Contact Marsha Martin with any questions: marsha@mmmh-singers.org.

It's fun for the whole family at CYT! On Saturday, September 6, come to CYT for fun "minute to win it" games with prizes, bouncy house, face painting, concessions, raffles, and more! See your friends from CYT classes and companies and have a great time with us from 1:00-4:00PM.

Tickets are available here and are $15/person (includes one raffle ticket) OR $30/family - meaning your immediate family/household (includes two raffle tickets). We'll be celebrating the new season, rain or shine!
Concord Youth Theatre · 53 Church Street · Concord

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

"People Helping People"-the motto of the Fraternal Order of Eagles! With that, the Hudson Eagles are pleased to invite you to join us in support of our 14th Annual Ride for Why Me-Sherry's House on Sunday Sept 8th at the Hudson MA Eagles-271 Cox Street. Registrations begin at 9:00am with Kick Stands up at 11:00am.  Donation of $20 for rider and the passenger $10.  Don't ride? Join us at 1:00 for the BBQ for a donation of $10.00

Enjoy the great ride up to Princeton and arrive back at the Eagles around 1:15 for cookout and chances for some great donations.

Why Me is a Worcester Based non-profit organization created to help  families  who are being treated at Boston Childrens Hospital and U Mass Oncology cope with childhood cancer. Why Me is not affiliated with any national organization. These children come from all over the world to be treated at our great hospitals.
Why Me was started in 1985 by 13-year-old Sherry Shepherd during her four year battle with cancer. In the last months of her life, Sherry became determined to do something that would have a lasting value in the community to help children with cancer. With the help of her dad, she founded the non-profit organization WHY ME, which stands for Worcester Help for Youth, Memories Everlasting.
Today, over 36 years later, Why Me offers a comprehensive approach to supporting the entire family through a pediatric cancer diagnosis. We are here from the moment a family hears the words “your child has cancer” and continues throughout every step of their journey. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the effect on the entire family is profound and pervasive. The initial diagnosis is devastating, followed by fear and anxiety for all that lies ahead. Pediatric cancer protocols can last years and life is disrupted not just emotionally but financially as well. Through our all-encompassing support services and programs, families find the tools and assistance needed to manage these changes. The organization continues to be managed in part by individuals who have had a child with cancer and wish to help others who now face the same challenge. This deeply felt personal perspective serves as a guiding light in delivering services that are essential, compassionate and life affirming.
What “support” means:
While a childhood cancer diagnosis may be the most difficult challenge a family can face, with tangible support, guidance and friendship, together we can make this difficult time a little easier. Through family fun events, dinners, group outings, summer camp and other programs, families forge enduring bonds of friendship through the power of a shared common experience. From support groups, to logistical and financial support, as well as staff visits – whether at home, hospital or clinic – families receive support to address the specific ways their families’ lives have been disrupted. At Why Me we are always striving to meet the unique and increased needs of every family with ever-expanding programming that benefits each child and each family here in our community now, when they need it most. All support and services Why Me provides are free of charge.

 

Record Adoptions 
“Summer Adoptapalooza” Continues
with August 23 Meet & Greet
 

With the launch of its “Summer Adoptapalooza!” campaign on July 1, Save A Dog saw a record number of adoptions in just one summer month, with 31 companion animals finding  loving forever families.
Summer is the peak season when the number of animals that enter shelters all over the country grows. “This is one of the busiest times of the year for us here at Save A Dog as we’re asked to take on a greater number of companion animals from our rescue partners in Pennsylvania, Indiana, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas,” explains Julie Bolio, Sudbury Shelter Manager. “It also makes summer a great time to submit an adoption application and really find that special match for you and your family.”
To meet the seasonal demand and ensure more deserving pets find homes, Save A Dog is holding monthly ‘Meet & Greet’ events at local community businesses where interested adopters can meet and spend time with many of Save A Dog’s adoptable dogs and puppies.
This month’s ‘Meet & Greet’ takes place Saturday, August 23, from 10 am - 12 pm at Metrowest Subaru in Natick. Interested adopters are encouraged to complete an online adoption application beforehand to streamline the adoption process and ensure a great match.
As a special thank you to our summer adopters, every adopter is entered into a monthly raffle for a gift basket filled with toys, treats and food from Wag N’ Wash, Chewy and Metrowest Subaru, as well as handmade goodies from our own shelter store!
More information about Save A Dog’s adoptable dogs (and cats!) can be found at: www.saveadog.org
Now in its 27th year of rescue, Save A Dog has found loving, forever homes for nearly 9,000 homeless pets through its Sudbury shelter and network of dedicated foster homes.

August 25
5:45 - 7:45 pm
Acton Memorial Library
486 Main St, Acton


Why is Fluoride added to our town drinking water supplies?  Many studies around the health  effects of fluoride have shown it to be not only questionable for dental health, but actually quite hazardous to the
physical and mental health of individuals.   The amount of fluoride added to our drinking water is dangerously high, especially for children and babies.
Many towns in this area have excellent schools, and care deeply about the success of our children.  WHY then, do we ignore the issue of the fluoride that is added to our drinking water, since many studies have shown it to be damaging to neurological function and to reduce IQ levels?
 
 If fluoride is good for the teeth, then we can choose to use it in our toothpaste or with dental treatments, however adding it to our drinking supply, where it infiltrates the whole body is proven to be harmful.

Come and learn about what fluoride is really doing to our bodies.  Many towns do NOT fluoridate their water.  It is time for residents to take a look at this and learn why it’s a concern.
There will be time for Q&A and discussion afterwards.  Residents of all towns are welcome!

This event is sponsored by Health Rights MA Advocacy and does not represent the views or opinions of the Acton Memorial Library or Board of Library Trustees. For more information visit www.healthrightsma.org.

The Middlesex Conservation District will be holding its annual Fall Plant Sale on Friday, September 12 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM, and Saturday, September 13 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, at Minuteman High School. The address is 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421.

All items can be pre-ordered through September 5th and picked up on the sale days – we encourage early ordering as all items are sold on a first come, first served basis. To place an order, you can go to our website at https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org, go to the 2025 Fall Native Plant Sale page, and order the plants you are interested in online. If you would like to mail in an order form, please email admin@middlesexconservationdistrict.org to request one. We highly suggest ordering online, as it is the fastest way to order and you will avoid disappointment if the product is no longer in stock by the time your order is received. The order form is also available to view online here. Offerings will include native shrub seedlings, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, fruits, and hardgoods such as root bags. All plants are straight, native species that benefit our
native pollinators, wildlife, and local ecosystem. We will also be selling excess first quality stock on the days listed above.

The Middlesex Conservation District is a not-for-profit environmental agency whose purpose is conservation of natural resources of Middlesex County. Proceeds from our biannual plant sales provide educational programs and other activities
which aim to protect our soil and water resources. For more information about our sale or programs please visit https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/.

BOSTON (August 7, 2025) – Many young people in foster care enter new schools with few resources, making it difficult to keep pace with their peers. Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is seeking community support to fill back-to-school wishlists for children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. The organization's greatest need is for clothing gift cards from Old Navy, Kohl’s, DSW, and other retailers. Gift cards from Target, Marshalls, and Walmart are also needed for youth in college or entering independent living.
Boston CASA recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to serve as CASAs in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties for children removed from their homes, most of whom end up in foster care.
The challenges foster youth face are reflected in the statistics: only about half graduate from high school, and fewer than 4% go on to earn a four-year college degree. Steady support and access to basic necessities can help change these outcomes—building a stronger, more secure foundation for the children and youth who need it most.
Last year, the nonprofit gave more than $1,200 of gift cards and supplies to youth in need of back-to-school support. Boston CASA’s Back-To-School Drive runs through September 8.
In addition to school supplies, Boston CASA works year-round to help every child they serve celebrate their birthday. Community members can help by purchasing items from the organization’s Amazon “activities” wishlist, ensuring each child has a special gift to open on their big day.
To donate or learn more, visit linktr.ee/bostoncasa or email Charly Snellings at charly@bostoncasa.org.
About Boston CASA
Boston CASA recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect, most of whom end up in foster care. Unlike mentors, CASAs work within the child welfare system, advocating directly in court and alongside DCF to ensure children in foster care receive the support, stability, and services they need. Research shows that just one consistent adult can change a child’s trajectory—help us be that difference. Volunteer, donate, or support our mission at www.bostoncasa.org . #ChangeAChildsStory