Oct 25 recycling bins

You can recycle your hairbrush – really!

And not just your hairbrush – you can also recycle electronic hair tools and appliances, old manual toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, empty toner and ink cartridges, and other surprising items listed here: https://tinyurl.com/littletonmarecycles   We have four collection points in the area:  the Acton or Littleton Donelan’s grocery store, the Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton, and if you have a Littleton transfer sticker, there’s a bin there, too.  Details and pictures on website.
Terracycle gives points for each item which translate into cash for non-profits such as 4-H, schools, and libraries.  This recycling stream helps fund the Acton C.R.A.F.T. 4-H club’s community service activities.  Still have questions?  Email littletonma.recycles@gmail.com

Small Works Art Exhibit at The Lunenburg Library

 
The Lunenburg Public Library is once again hosting the annual Small Works Art Exhibit this fall and holiday season. This year’s exhibit will open on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in the Wallace Community Room, and remain up until Thursday, January 2, 2025. Artists in Central Massachusetts are encouraged to submit up to three works of art, each under 11”square, by the Friday, November 15th deadline. Handouts with the submission guidelines can be picked up at the library’s front desk. All submissions should be dropped off at the library before the building closes at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 15th to be juried by the Library Director. To celebrate the exhibit installation, visitors are invited to the exhibit opening reception between noon and 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 16th. Guests are also welcome to view the artwork any time during the library’s operating hours, unless the room is in use for an event or meeting. The library asks artists to price their works for sale under $100 – making them wonderful holiday gifts that support local artists and your local library! If you would like more information, please contact Muir Haman at 978-582-4140 ext. 15 or email atmhaman@lunenburgma.gov

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. Presents:

A Star Watch at the Stow Minute Man Airfield
Saturday, November 9th from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM
Rain date: Sunday, November 10th
Well, we’re definitely into the fall season! SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring glorious Saturn with near edge-on rings, Venus if you come early, Jupiter if you stay late, and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon all night long! See the galaxies of Pegasus and Andromeda, as well as a host of colorful double stars! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects.
Scary masks are not required but will be available. If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone ill, we ask that you refrain from attending.
In case of bad weather, a cancellation notice will be posted on our website www.sasobservatory.org by 3:00 PM the day of our event. If we do cancel on Saturday, we will try again the next night (Sunday night), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

Flavors of Bedford Nov. 3

The 24th Flavors of Bedford takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Middlesex Community College, 591 Springs Rd. Flavors of Bedford is a festive, fun food sampling event where local restaurants and guests gather for an afternoon of food, spirits, and raffle prizes to help support the local community.
There will be a variety of offerings from local restaurant favorites such as Tashan Bedford, Holi Bedford, Bedford Cupcakes, The Residence at Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Red Heat Tavern. This event is organized by the Bedford Chamber of Commerce with a portion of the proceeds going to the Bedford Education Foundation (BEF), a volunteer organization promoting classroom innovation and empowering teachers and students to meet the growing challenges of the 21st century.
Ticketing and capacity is limited, so purchase early. Tickets for the event may be purchased in advance through the flavorsofbedford.org website. Family and senior discounts are available online. For tickets and to see the community sponsors, participating restaurants, and raffle donors, please visit flavorsofbedford.org or contact the Bedford Chamber of Commerce at bcoc@bedfordchamber.org.

Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition

 
Auditions for the Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, February 5 & 6, 2025 at Concord Academy, 166 Main St., Concord, MA.  The winner will be the featured soloist at the Concord Orchestra's Concerts, on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025., and will receive the Ehlers Memorial Scholarship.  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.  A complete concerto or other work suitable for performance with orchestra must be memorized for the audition.  Applications are due by January 17, 2025.   For more information and an application form, email:  jan.kinmonth@gmail.com with subject line “Concord Orchestra YA Competition.”    Applications can be made online, and additional information can also be found at https://www.concordorchestra.com/young-artist-concerto-competition.

14th Annual Bedford Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat – Friday, Oct. 25, 2024

Bedford's 14th annual Trunk or Treat will be hosted by the Bedford Chamber of Commerce on Friday, Oct. 25 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Whole Foods parking lot on 175 Great Rd, Bedford MA.
More than 25 chamber members and community groups will be participating with many being dressed for the occasion in their favorite Halloween costumes and with creatively decorated trunks. Treaters will enjoy a safe, family-fun environment going from trunk to trunk for candy, goodies, and giveaways.
This is a free event and is open to all families with young children. Everyone is encouraged to stop by. Costumes encouraged, but not required.


The Alcott Toastmasters Fall Open House Upcoming

Monday, Oct 28th, 2024, from 7-9 PM at The Monument Hall, 62 Monument Square, Concord, MA. Attendees will be able to learn about Toastmasters, experience a real Toastmasters meeting, and participate in prepared speech presentations, speech evaluations, and impromptu speaking with Table Topics questions. We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment for individuals to improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Light refreshments will be served at the meeting.

Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean's List

The following local residents have been named to the 2024 spring semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston.
* Alissa Campbell, Acton (01720)
* Bella Mojica, Acton (01720)
* Fran Servello, Acton (01720)
* Sonia Vader, Concord (01742)
* Carly Rieter, Maynard (01754)
* Charlotte Hogan, Sudbury (01776)
To qualify for dean's list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.
Congratulations to all!!
Oct 25 folk festival

Folk Festival to be held in Littleton on November 9, 2024

First Church Unitarian in Littleton will hold a Folk Festival on Saturday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. at 19 Foster Street, Littleton.
The headlining artist is award-winning folk-blues-soul act The Sugarsnap Trio. You don't want to miss this talented young group! The Sugar Snap Trio features Collin Cope, harmonica and vocals; Chris Page, guitar and vocals; and Luke Hausermann, upright bass.
The opening artist is the popular Boston-based Sarah Levecque Band with their mixture of folk and blues and “Americana”. The band features singer-songwriter-guitarist Sarah Levecque; Peter Zarkadas, guitar and vocals; and Johnny Sciascia, upright bass.
There will be a brief intermission with refreshments. The evening will also include a “50/50 Raffle”.
A suggested donation is $25 per person at the door, but any donation in any amount is appreciated, and no one will be turned away. Tickets can be purchased in-advance for $20 per person at this link (as well as the option to watch the livestream of the concert): https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/9d16ea6e-cb2b-4020-856a-0e26a4a1b747

Something for Everyone! - Small Works & Holiday Marketplace

Come make your holiday shopping more meaningful by supporting local artists! Members of the Princeton Arts Society invite you to come to browse, shop, and enjoy hundreds of their fine, artisan-made items. Peruse creative, unique, yet affordable small wall art in many media, as well as tables overflowing with jewelry, cards, prints, ornaments, fabric items, original books, bags, ceramics, woodworking, and so much more! Don’t miss out on this amazing holiday arts extravaganza! Fridays, December 6 & 13, 6-8:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays, December 7 & 8 and 14 & 15, 10 AM-4 PM. Location: 206 Worcester Road, Princeton Senior & Community Center, Princeton MA. The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows.

Community Resources for Caregivers: Caring for Loved Ones Living with Dementia

An education program presented by the Liberty Alzheimer’s Partnership.
Thursday, November 14, 2024 12:15 PM-2:15 PM at Concord Council on Aging, 1276 Main Street Concord. Call the Council on Aging to register (978) 318-3020. Limited seating available.
Join us for a lunch and learn! Find local community resources and hear from a panel of experts about a variety of topics related to caring for someone with dementia. We will end with a Q&A session, so come prepared with your questions!
Oct 18 jake kinney

Pianist Jake Kinney performs Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

The Concord Band opens its 2024–25 season with a concert on Saturday, October 26, 7:00 pm at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord, MA.
Music Director James O’Dell chose the theme "100th Anniversaries" in recognition of Geoge Gershwin’s composition and premiere of Rhapsody in Blue in 1924, a year that marks many musical milestones.
The program commemorates the passing of composer Giacomo Puccini, the most successful proponent of Italian opera after Verdi, and Gabriel Fauré, one of the foremost French composers of his generation. The program also features Camille Saint-Saëns’ Pas Redouble, arranged for a band by Arthur Frackenpohl, as well as Academy Award winning themes by Henry Mancini, considered one of the greatest composers in the history of film, in an arrangement by Warren Barker. Both Frackenpohl and Mancini were born in 1924.
Gershwin composed Rhapsody in Blue in a few short weeks for a concert by Paul Whiteman’s Palais Royal Orchestra, titled "An Experiment in Modern Music,” presented at Aeolean Hall in New York City in February of 1924. Whiteman’s intent was to show that American jazz could be combined with classical and other types of music. The original score by Ferde Grofe comprised 23 instruments and piano solo. Subsequently, Thomas Verrier expanded the original setting to concert band instrumentation based on Grofe’s manuscripts.
Pianist Jake Kinney is the featured soloist on Rhapsody in Blue. Kinney is a versatile musician, performing with the Concord Band on trumpet, with our Jazz Ensemble on piano, as well as leading our Holiday Pops sing-along on vocals.
Kinney first performed Rhapsody in Blue in 2014 at the Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney, ME, and again in 2016 with the Greece Symphony Orchestra in Rochester, NY. Of the composition, Jake said, “it is one of my favorite pieces of music of all time, truly occupying a unique niche within the piano repertoire. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Jim O’Dell and the Concord Band for this opportunity.”
Admission to the Concord Band's Fall Concert is free, with a requested donation of $20 per person. A reception will follow the concert.

Mental Health Course, in Person in Boxborough

 
Family to Family is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments & therapies, practicing communication & problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The course will meet in person in Boxborough Mondays, November 11 to January 13, excluding holiday weeks, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Additional information and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/family-to-family-fall2024-boxborough.

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 meetings had been every Thursday evening at 7 pm at the South Acton Congregational Church. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Oct 18 faulkner homestead

Open house at the Faulkner Homestead and Jones Tavern, Sunday, October 27

The Iron Work Farm’s two Acton house museums will be open Sunday afternoon, October 27. Jones Tavern, 128 Main Street, first built in 1732 and opened by Samuel Jones as a tavern in 1750, will be open from 1 to 3:00 p.m. The 1707 Jones-Faulkner Homestead, 5 High Street, will be open from 3 to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can explore the restored rooms of this 1707 “First Period” architectural gem, the oldest house in Acton and home of the owners of the longtime fulling and grist mills on Fort Pond Brook. Members of the Nashoba Valley Weavers’ Guild will be on hand to demonstrate weaving, spinning and other textile crafts. Parking is available on-site or nearby

Nashoba Regional High School's Fall Play

Kick off your holiday season this November with Nashoba Regional High School's performance of “A Christmas Carol”, November 22-24. This classic retelling of Ebenezer Scrooge's experience with the 3 ghosts is great for all ages. Be sure to purchase your tickets today! Performances are:
Friday, November 22nd at 7pm
Saturday, November 23rd at 7pm
Sunday, November 24th at 2pm
$14.00 Adult;$10.00 Child / Student / Senior
https://www.ticketstage.com/T/NFOD

Concord Chamber of Commerce presents Trick or Treat on Thoreau Street

Kids, dress up in your Halloween costume, grab your parents, and come on down to the Thoreau St business district on Thursday, October 24th from 4-6pm. 20+ businesses participating handing out Halloween candy. It will be a great time!
Oct 18 trevor berens at fpc

Piano Concert: 200 Years of Women Composers

Pianist Trevor Berens presents a concert of music written by women, from1836 through 2005. The music is as varied as it is beautiful, from Clara Schumann’s early suite of short works inspired by the music of Chopin (“Soirées Musicales”) to Marti Epstein’s minimalist pieces written at the turn of this century (selections from “American Etudes”). Trevor will also be performing, in its entirety, Florence Price’s rarely heard set of four dances, “Dances in the Canebrakes”, as well as music by the early twentieth-century American composer, Amy Beach.The concert takes place on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m., at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, where Trevor is the accompanist. Tickets are available at the door and in advance at Eventbrite(tiny.cc/200Years) for a suggested donation of $5–$40. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Oct 18 kobe henro

The First TNVR Clinic in Northern Puerto Rico, will take place the weekend of March 22-23, 2025 and the Sudbury-based nonprofit is accepting donations and volunteers

Kobe Henro Pet Food Bank in partnership with Puerto Rican-based Miracles For Sato Rescue (MFSR) will be opening a pop-up Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release (TNVR) clinic in Puerto Rico. Pippi’s Project, will be the first TNVR clinic in northern Puerto Rico, with its launch scheduled for the weekend of March 22-23, 2025 in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. Helaine Block, founder of Kobe Henro commented, “In just under eight months, we have built a strong and determined team to help control the stray population (650,000 dogs/satos and 1,000,000 cats/gatos) on the island.” For additional information or to donate, please contact: Helaine Block at: info@kobehenro.org and donations via venmo @kobehenro. Checks can be mailed to: Kobe Henro, Inc. 100 Powder Mill Road – Suite 124, Acton, MA 01742

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
for 2 upcoming SFCOA events!

 
On Saturday, November 2nd from 9 am to 12 pm you can shop local, get a bargain and support Stow’s senior residents at our November Fair.  That morning you will find an expanded selection of items from our Gift Shop, Thrift Shop and a Resale Shop.   The Gift Shop offers many unique hand-crafted items made by Stow residents who want to support our Stow seniors. The Gift Shop also offers a variety of other items for sale including seasonal and “Stow” things. The Thrift Shop sells clothing, shoes, bags, and jewelry donated by our community. Shop new, like-new, and gently used clothing and accessories. The Resale Shop will offer too many items to list individually but you will find a variety of home decor, household items, games, puzzles, books, electronics (e.g. laptops), and more!
On Saturday, December 7th from 10 am to 2 pm you can leave with your arms full and a smile on your face at the Second Chance Holiday Sale. Shop new & used holiday items at very reduced prices! Check out our baked goods for your holiday treats! Music from 10 am-12 pm by Matteo Faso, local pianist! Santa plans to visit too! And new this year will be a silent auction from 10 am to 1 pm.
Both events will be held at the Pompo Community Center, 509 Great Road, in Stow.  Visit our website at https://stowfriendsofthecoa.org/ or email us at StowFriendsCOA@gmail.com.
Oct 18 kitty angels

Annual Holiday Open House & Kitty Angels Weekend

Treasures Antiques, Collectables & MORE!, located at 106 Ponemah Road in Amherst,NH will be hosting their 34th Annual Holiday Open House and Kitty Angels Fundraising weekend on November 2nd and 3rd. Festivities for the weekend will run both days from 9AM till 4PM and includesHoliday inspired shopping, raffles and entertainment.This annual event has been a mainstay in the community since 1991 and features Kitty Angels, Inc. along with several live musical entertainers including: Wildwood, Jeff Damon, Roosta Gulla, Sunset Rhythm, ‘9 Strings’ with Dick Spencer and Dan Rodd and Side Effects! This Holiday and Fundraiser event is pet and kid friendly and will offer exceptional sales for all, inside and out. B’s Grumman Grub, offers an exceptional assortment of hot and cold food as well as several miscellaneous beverages. A petting zoo with horse and pony rides will be provided by Mapledell Farms and Trading Faces, LLC/Central Birch Art Studio a face painting, body art and air brushing professional, featuring a ‘paint and take’ activity for kids and adults alike. The weekend will also showcase some artists and artisans, crafters, professionals and specialty food vendors. Treasures will also be offering a number of fun and exciting raffles, with prizes donated by local and national businesses. These prizes will include a “hotel get-a-way,” a “2 tier cat tree” by ARUBACAT as well as other cat and dog related items, jewelry, specialty food packages, and a variety of extra cool and exciting prizes. Kitty Angels, Inc., a no-kill cat shelter is made up of all unpaid volunteers and is dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and furnishing them with treatment for injuries or other health issues. These cats are then placed into life-long, loving “forever homes” with compatible owners. All necessary steps are taken to ensure the wellbeing of the cats, including spaying and neutering and providing rabies, distemper and other necessary vaccinations. They are a non-profit, charitable corporation and all donations are fully tax-deductible with every penny of each donation going directly to the care of these cats. Please join Treasures and Kitty Angels, in friendship and the spirit of giving and sharing at the Holidays. For more information, visit www.TreasuresNH.com and www.KittyAngels.org
Learn More

DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR - Holiday WREATHS!

The holidays are coming and they'll be here before you know it!  In the spirit of being prepared, Troop 1 Stow Scouts will be running their annual wreath sale from now through Wednesday, November 6th.  The proceeds help Stow continue one of its finest youth programs, and are used for equipment purchases, camping trips and the many troop activities.  The holiday wreaths are beautiful natural evergreens, all with a red bow and available in 2 sizes:
* Standard wreaths (fits standard size door), undecorated ($21), or decorated ($25)
* Large  (40" outside diameter), undecorated ($60)
* Sponsor a veteran cemetery wreath ($17) to be placed in the stow cemeteries by volunteers
The scouts will NOT be going door to door so order NOW and your wreath will be DELIVERED right to your home!
You can order your wreaths online at www.troop1stow.net or by mailing a check to Troop 1 Stow, PO Box 75, Stow, MA 01775.
Your wreaths will start to be delivered during Thanksgiving week.  If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 978-212-9175 or by email at wreath@troop1stow.net

Come Celebrate 30 years of Boxborough’s Ownership of Steele Farm

The town of Boxborough purchased Steele Farm in the fall of 1994. The Steele Farm Committee will host a 30th anniversary celebration on the property at 484 Middle Road on Saturday, October 19 between 2 and 4 PM. This event will feature seasonal refreshments and tours of the barn and Boxborough’s only remaining ice house.  There will also be displays of various farm implements. While the public cannot tour the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse, there will be a “look in”  and pictures of the interior will be available.  This is a great chance to come and see and celebrate all the work that has been done!  All are welcome including canine companions.

Semi-Annual Fall Clothing Swap

 
Sunday, November 10, 2024, 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM
Location: Parker Damon Building, Upper Parking Lot, 11 Charter Rd, Acton, MA  01720
Registration is not Required.
Donations accepted:
Clean, unstained baby/children's clothes size newborn to 10/Medium (NO socks, shoes, or underwear)
Gently used maternity clothes (NO undergarments)
Donation drop offs will be accepted at the following locations through Saturday, November 9. Please sort and label bags/boxes of clothes by size to help our volunteers!
47 Ethan Allen Dr. Acton
124 Great Rd. Acton
8 Heather Hill Rd. Acton
48 Washington Dr. Acton
62 Chester Rd. Boxborough
This is a FREE and PUBLIC event. Anyone can donate, and anyone can come "shop" at the event. Please be sustainable and bring your own shopping bag. This is a great opportunity to pass on hand-me-downs and help our neighbors! Any items remaining at the end of the event will be donated to local charities.
FOOD DRIVE: We will also host a food and diaper drive for the Acton Food Pantry during this swap. There is an urgent need for baby formula, baby food (jars, pouches, snacks & cereal), and diapers (especially size 5-6). Food drive donations will only be collected at the event on November 10. (Feel free to donate directly to the food pantry or via their Amazon wishlist if you cannot make it! https://www.actonfoodpantry.org/food)

South Acton Church Rummage & Bake Sale

Come One, Come All! The South Acton Church famous Rummage Sale is back!! Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 35 School Street in South Acton. The bargains will be Fabulous!
Upstairs, we’ll have delicious baked goods, scrumptious soups, veggie wraps, and beef and vegan chili --- perfect for lunch or take-out! Also, we’ll have our famous frozen entrees, terrific to keep in the freezer for a fast and healthy dinner. Downstairs will be all the deals! Clothes for all ages, housewares, toys, jewelry, and lots of special items, all at stunning bargain prices.
Come check us out!

Fall Fellowship Fair

The First Baptist Church of Lexington will be hosting the annual Fall Fellowship Fair on October 26, 2024  from 9 am to 3pm. Breakfast will be served from 9 to 11 am.  Fresh baked muffins made on site will be served.  Lunch is served at 11:30 am.  Many items to choose from including homemade corn chowder.
The fair features the cookie walk room, holiday corner with homemade Christmas items, silent auction items, bake shop with homemade pies and other baked goods.  Jewelry table, knit shop, patchwork and quilts.
Hidden treasures, yard sale rooms, book room along with special vendors. For additional information, the telephone number is 781-862-9050.  fbclexington.org
Oct 11  robin putam

Westford Women’s Club will host a discussion on “Holiday Fraud Prevention” at their October 28th monthly meeting.


The holidays are right around the corner. Are you armed with vital information to keep yourself safe from scammers? The Westford Women’s Club welcomes you to a discussion on “Holiday Fraud Prevention,” led by Robin Putnam, Events & Outreach Manager for the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Monday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant Street, Westford. Visitors and prospective new members are encouraged to attend.
Discussion topics will include Black Friday shopping tips, return policies, defective merchandise, warranties, lost or stolen packages, gift certificates, credit card skimming devices and how to spot them, and identity theft and fraud prevention.
The Westford Women’s Club is comprised of women from Westford and the surrounding communities. For more info, contact: westfordwomensclub@gmail.com.  Visit us on Facebook. WWC is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) www.GFWC.org and GFWC Massachusetts (GFWC MA) www.GFWCMA.org.
Oct 11  ccm

Concord Conservatory of Music’s Adult Chamber Music Play-In

Celebrate fall by making music with others on Saturday, October 26
Attention all adult chamber musicians! Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is excited to present the CCM Adult Chamber Music Play-In on Saturday, October 26, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for adult instrumentalists to come together and experience the joy and enrichment of making music collaboratively! Chamber music is a special journey where we fully commit ourselves to the ensemble—both musically and personally—allowing us to communicate in a way that transcends individual performance and elevates the music we love. Participants will be placed into small groups to explore repertoire, with the morning concluding in a larger group play-in for all attendees. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a vibrant musical experience! Please register on our website by October 11 to secure your spot and provide important background information to assist in forming groups and selecting repertoire. Visit ConcordConservatory.org for more information.

Celebrate Halloween with MCC’s NEW Trunk or Treat ‘Spooktacular’ Event

 
Middlesex Community College is excited to host the first-ever Trunk of Treat. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the college’s Bedford Campus on Saturday, October 26. Proceeds will go toward the Middlesex Community College Foundation to raise funds for student scholarships. “Our goal is to build bonds and establish a community of belonging within MCC and the greater community,”said Kayla Caron, MCC’s Registrar and Interim Dean of Enrollment. “Since before the pandemic, this is the first event of its kind where we can pull everyone together and celebrate in this way. Trunk or Treat is a great opportunity to get into the holiday spirit, have fun, eat candy, and raise money for an excellent cause. ”Trunk or Treat is an alternative version of trick-or-treating, according to Caron. Participants decorate the trunks of their vehicles in celebration of Halloween. Children and families can then walk car-to-car to collect candy and greet community members. MCC’s version of the event will also feature games, food trucks, a trunk decoration contest, and more. The event will take place in MCC’s Bedford Quad and Parking Lot D at 591 Springs Road. Students, employees and their families can participate for free with an MCC ID. Community members can pay $10 per car load to trick or treat or $25 to participate in the decorated car contest and hand out candy. Visit https://bit.ly/3ZFwl4w to register. “MCC’s suburban campus in Bedford is especially beautiful this time of year and provides the perfect backdrop to get into the Halloween spirit,” Caron said.
Jacqueline jones

Concord Festival of Authors: Miller Award for Excellence in American History Winner Jacqueline Jones


Saturday, October 19, 7:00—9:00 PM
Goodwin Forum, Main Library, 129 Main Street, Concord, MA, 01742

The Friends of the Concord Free Public Library are thrilled to announce the winner of this year’s Ruth Ratner Miller Award for Excellence in American History: Concord resident Jacqueline Jones.
Join the Friends in this very special FREE program on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at the library.
Born in Delaware, Dr. Jones received a B.A. in 1970 from the University of Delaware and a Ph.D. in 1976 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She has held academic positions at Wellesley College, Brown University, and Brandeis University, among other institutions. She is Professor Emerita, Ellen C. Temple Chair in Women’s History, and Mastin Gentry White Professor of Southern History at the University of Texas at Austin. “I’m deeply honored to be the recipient of this year’s Miller Award and to join such an eminent group of past winners,” said Jones.” I hope we can all take inspiration from Ruth Ratner Miller’s belief that an understanding of history — no matter how difficult the issues it forces us to confront— is a civic duty that we as Americans share with one another.”
As an American social historian, Jones has authored several books, including most recently, No Right to an Honest Living: The Struggles of Boston's Black Workers in the Civil War Era (2023), winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in History,  and Goddess of Anarchy: The Life and Times of Lucy Parsons (2017). She is also the author of A Dreadful Deceit: The Myth of Race from the Colonial Era to Obama’s America (2013). That book and Labor of Love, Labor of Sorrow: Black Women, Work and the Family from Slavery to the Present were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize; Labor of Love won the Bancroft Prize for 1986. Jones was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship as well as fellowships from the Ford Foundation, the Woodrow Wilson Institute, the American Council of Learned Societies.
Other works include Saving Savannah: The City and the Civil War, 1854-1872 (2008); Creek Walking: Growing Up in Delaware in the 1950s (2001); A Social History of the Laboring Classes from Colonial Times to the Present (1999);  American Work: Four Centuries of Black and White Labor (1998); The Dispossessed: America’s Underclasses from the Civil War to the Present (1993); and Soldiers of Light and Love: Northern Teachers and Georgia Blacks, 1865-1873 (1992).
About the Miller Award:
Established in 1998, the Miller Award is given each year in memory of Ruth Ratner Miller by her four children to honor the life of their mother, Ruth, who believed passionately that understanding history was not merely desirable but a civic and religious duty. Previous recipients of the award include Annette Gordon-Reed, Nathaniel Philbrick, David Hackett Fischer, Jill Lepore, Heather Cox Richardson, and Sean Wilentz, among other esteemed historians.
For more information on the Concord Festival of Authors, please visit www.concordfestivalofauthors.org
Oct 11  nsb

Nashoba Symphonic Band presents “Of Thee I Sing”


The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey, will present its first concert of the 2024-25 season, “Of Thee I Sing,” a program of American music on Sunday, November 3 at 3 p.m. in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, route 117 in Bolton MA. Admission is free.
The concert includes several classics of American band literature, including American Overture for Band by Joseph Willcox Jenkins and Copland's iconic Lincoln Portrait, narrated by Lancaster selectman, Jason Allison. The major work on the program is Morton Gould's Symphony for Band “West Point.” The first movement of this work, Epitaphs, pays homage to American heroes; the second, Marches, is a free-for-all of military march styles. For march fans, the program includes Grafulla's Washington Grays and, of course, The Official West Point March, a medley of the academy's marches, hymns, glee club tunes and its alma mater.
Now in its ninth full season, the 90-piece concert band is comprised of musicians from 31 area communities, ranging in age from 14 to 80-something. Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music and is supported in part by funds from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. All Nashoba Symphonic Bands are free and open to the public.

Mental Health Course, in Person in Boxborough

Family to Family is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments & therapies, practicing communication & problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The course will meet in person in Boxborough Mondays, November 11 to January 13, excluding holiday weeks, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Additional information and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/family-to-family-fall2024-boxborough.


Mass Teen Choice Book Award Announces 2024 Winners

 
Over 1,100 teens in the Commonwealth have voted and the winning book for the third Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award is the manga graphic novel Blue Lock Vol. 1 by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura (Kodansha Comics, 2022).  The first runner-up is Rez Ball by Byron Graves (Heartdrum, 2023) and the second runner up is Just Do This One Thing for Me by Laura Zimmermann (Dutton Books for Young Readers, 2023).  The Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award is the only award in the Bay State that invites students in grades 7-12 to vote for their top new books.  For more information, visit https://www.mateenchoicebook.org/home.
Teens chose these books for top honors from a list of nominees curated by a committee of public librarians, school library media specialists, and educators.  Teens were invited to read the titles during spring and summer and vote for their favorite books from September 1-20, 2024. 
Blue Lock, Vol. 1 by Kaneshiro and Nomura is the first in a series of manga novels and tells the story of Japan's football team struggling to regroup after a devastating loss at the 2018 World Cup. The Japan Football Union (JFU) decides to gather 300 of Japan's best young players to create an ace striker who can lead the team to victory. The JFU's solution is to put the players through a series of bizarre challenges in a high-tech colosseum called Blue Lock.
Rez Ball is the debut novel by indigenous author Byron Graves and tells the relatable, high-stakes story of a young athlete determined to play basketball like the hero his Ojibwe community needs him to be.
Just Do This One Thing for Me by Laura Zimmermann is the sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking story of rule-following daughter Drew.  When their mother disappears on the way to a New Year's Eve concert in Mexico and her schemes start unraveling, Drew is faced with a choice: follow the rules, do the responsible thing or walk away—alone—from her mother's mess.
“We are thrilled to announce this year’s Teen Choice Book Award winner and are so pleased that teens across our state responded so enthusiastically, creating social media content and submitting over 1,100 votes online and in local libraries and schools. It is our hope that this will encourage more teens in our state to read some of the best new fiction, non-fiction and graphic novels published for their age group,” said Suzanne Larson, committee chair and high school library media specialist at Seekonk High School in Seekonk, MA.
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 award process, the selected titles and how to participate, please visit www.mateenchoicebook.org

Fall for Goldens Festival

Get ready to Fall for Goldens!! Join us at our Hudson, MA facility for our 2nd annual retriever-filled fall festival starring the lovable, adoptable dogs from Yankee Golden.
Saturday, October 19th, 11am-3pm
Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, 110 Chapin Road, Hudson, MA
Here’s just a taste of what’s in store: Food Trucks, Swimming Dogs, Tennis Ball Toss, Photobooth, Kid’s Corner, Yankee Merch, Raffle Prizes & more exciting activities await. See you soon!

Theatre III presents “Escape to Margaritaville”

Theatre III, 250 Central St., West Acton, will kick off its 2024-2025 season with the presentation of the musical “Escape to Margaritaville”, music and lyrics by Jimmy Buffett and book by Greg Garcia and Mike O'Malley, from Nov. 2nd through Nov. 16th.
Performances at the theatre will be at 8 p.m. on Nov. 2nd, Nov. 8th-9th, and Nov. 15th-16th, and at 2pm on Nov. 3rd and Nov. 10th.  Tickets are $27 for general admission and $24 for seniors, students and groups of ten or more.
The play is directed by Donna DeWitt (Chelmsford) with musical direction by E. Justin Simone (North Smithfield, RI) and choreography by Jill Tokac (Somerville), and is produced by Linda Minkoff (Stow). It stars Tedford Armistead (Acton), Emily Frey (Acton), Lali Haines (Weston), Jim Hunt (Fitchburg), Jake Lewis (Hudson), Cyrinah Morris (Chelmsford), Tom Simmons (Dunstable), and Jessica Woodard (North Billerica).
For information, email publicity@theatre3.org, and to buy tickets, visit https://www.theatre3.org.
Oct 11  lsco

Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra Launches Chamber Music Concert Series


The Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra (LSCO), in residence at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School since1973, has created a chamber music initiative, where members of the orchestra combine in conductor-less groups to perform works in small ensembles, ranging from duos to 12-members.The LSCO Chamber Players will begin performing in the 2024-2025 season. Orchestra member Eric Hollander (viola) encouraged orchestra leadership to consider adding chamber music concerts to the regular orchestra calendar. Percussionist/timpanist Dave McLellan teamed up with Eric to organize a grassroots effort to form chamber ensembles from regular members of the orchestra. Since 1973, the LSCO has performed two concerts per year at the Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School in January and June. The group will now add at least two chamber music concerts per year, to take place in the fall and spring of each year.The LSCO Chamber Players make their debut Sunday November 3 at 3 PM at the Goodnow Library at 21 Concord Rd in Sudbury, MA. The library administration is very excited to host the debut concert: “With our history and longtime commitment to supporting music and the arts in Sudbury and surrounding communities, Goodnow Library is happy to welcome and host the Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra (LSCO) Chamber Players on November 3 for the premier performance of the orchestra’s new chamber music series”, says Assistant Director Karen Tobin. Administrator Douglas Grant, who will host the concert adds: “We expect this concert to be the start of a most successful and enjoyable collaboration between the LSCO and Goodnow Library!” The groups will perform music by J. S. Bach, Franz Schubert, Franz Joseph Haydn, Frederick Hofmeister, Spiros Exaras, and others. The Chamber Players will perform also at Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Rd in Lincoln on Friday November 22 at 12:30 PM in a special program sponsored by the Lincoln Public Library, in collaboration with the Lincoln Council on Aging and Human Services. Admission is free at both concerts at the Goodnow Library and Bemis Hall, and both facilities are handicap accessible.

Donations Needed

Do you know what a furniture bank is?  Did you know that one is located in Hudson?  Look at our website to read about what we do, who we help and how we do it.  We collect donated furniture and furnishings and distribute it all at no charge to people in need who receive a referral from a social services agency.  We have helped thousands of families (from 36 countries) and we have kept more than 130,000 items out of the waste stream (landfills).  We are an all-volunteer operation and we love what we do!
At present we are very low on a lot of critical items:  Dining tables with 2+ chairs, upholstered chairs, headboards and bed frames, TV stands, microwave ovens, toasters and toaster ovens, all sizes of saucepans, baking pans (glass, metal, ceramic), loaf pans, roasting pans, cookie sheets, dish sets for 4+, drinking glasses & mugs, silverware (esp. table knives), serving platters & bowls, mixing bowls & colanders.  Also we need linens:  bath, hand & kitchen towels, pot holders, blankets, sheets & comforters (twin, full, queen).
Check our website for our hours of operation.  We are located at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson.  Donations are accepted on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-noon for housewares, linens & dining tables.  Furniture plus all housewares are accepted on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30. www.freshstartfurniturebank.org.

Local Soprano and Flutist to Present a Free Classical Concert for All Ages

Local soprano Beth Sterling and flutist Jessica Smith are excited to present High Notes: An Interactive Concert for All Ages. This free concert will take place on Saturday, October 26th at 10:30am at the Maynard Public Library. Have you ever heard a flute sound like a train? What about someone singing just like a bird? High Notes presents a concert of classical music the whole family can enjoy! Presented in an engaging and interactive environment, people of all ages are welcome to move, dance, and enjoy the music in their own way. "I'm so excited to be a part of High Notes! This performance is such a special opportunity to share the beauty of classical vocal and flute music in a fun, engaging way for all ages. I can't wait to see the joy and curiosity this performance will inspire in both kids and adults,” said Sterling. The event is free and open to the public. Music lovers of any age are invited to join in the fun! This program is funded in part by a grant from the Maynard Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Stand up to Stigma

Cucurbit Farm is hosting the Stand Up to Stigma Scarecrow Contest, with proceeds benefiting NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Central Middlesex. https://www.namicentralmiddlesex.org/
Visit the farm at 32 Parker St. in Acton to see the scarecrows on display throughout October and cast your vote for your favorites. Plus, don’t miss the Jack O' Lantern Glow event during Halloween weekend, where carved pumpkins will illuminate the farm stand fence. Be sure to check out the corn maze while you are there!

Become an Effective Speaker

Do you want to advocate new activities at meetings?
Do you want to make an effective presentation at a Town Meeting or Public Hearing?
Do you want to effectively share your experience and knowledge with professional organizations of various community clubs?
Did you know that joining and participating in Toastmasters will enable you to succeed in any or all of these situations?
The Isaac Davis Toastmasters Club invites you to attend an open house meeting on Monday, October 28, from 7:00 to 8:30 at the Acton Public Safety Facility EOC, 371 Main Street Acton, MA. Members will host a meeting to show you Toastmasters in action. Isaac Davis Toastmasters has been serving Acton and the surrounding towns for 52 years. For more information, contact Daniel Livingston, VP Membership, at vpm-2193@toastmastersclubs.org

Become a Tutor of English

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English? Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools or the medical profession. But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor. Tutors often speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the challenges facing those who are adapting to ours. Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the Wednesday evenings 6:00-9:00. Class dates are October 23 and 30, and November 6, 13 and 20. The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library. No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the desire to share your knowledge of English. The training is free, although it is necessary to purchase a textbook for about $40. Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now,or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom,telephone and email as they “meet” with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection. For more information or to enroll in the tutor-training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or send email to esol@waylandlibrary.org.
Craftfair2024flyer

NVTHSF Craft Fair & Bake Sale

Saturday November 23
10am - 3am
Free Admission

October is Bullying Prevention Month

We have all heard the stories of bullied teens taking their own lives. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-18. It is also the 5th leading cause of death for children ages 6-12, and, in many cases, bullying can be a catalyst. Studies have shown that bullying aggravates depression and increases suicide risk for both the victim and the perpetrator. When kids who are at risk for suicide because of depression or other mental health issues experience bullying, the results can be disastrous.
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey takes place annually every two years in middle and high schools nationwide. The latest results on bullying have come out for 2023. 21% of female students and 12% of male students reported cyberbullying in the past year. 22% of females and 17% of males endured bullying at school. Nearly 3 in 10 LGBTQ+ students encountered bullying at school.
Cyberbullying happens via technology and can be just as devastating as in-person bullying. It is repetitive aggressive behavior that targets a victim. Often, this can lead a victim to a feeling of negative self-worth. Since the bullies are usually anonymous, the victim has no idea of who is behind all the threats. This bullying can create low self-esteem, loneliness, and a drop in school grades.
Parents can help prevent cyberbullying by opening a dialogue about it, limiting data access, knowing their children’s passwords, and enforcing internet rules. New research done by The Journal of Child and Family Studies identifies that certain positive parenting practices have a profound effect on both school bullying and cyberbullying. This includes a surplus of warmth, autonomy/support, and structure.
If your child has been the victim of bullying and you have noticed a change in their mental health as a result, get help now. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free resource available 24 hours a day. Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.
The Jason Foundation is another valuable resource. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist at-risk youth. Visit www.jasonfoundation.com to learn more about youth suicide, the warning signs, and how you can make a difference.

Concord Conservatory’s Singing with Parkinson’s Chorus

Challenge the progression of Parkinson’s through the power of singing!
At Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM), the Singing with Parkinson’s Chorus unites Parkinson’s patients, their families, and caregivers to foster enjoyment, strength, and camaraderie. We invite you to join us and share in the joy of making music together! The chorus meets every Monday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The cost for participants is $100 for the fall semester, which includes ten sessions. However, this ongoing program welcomes participants to join at any point during the semester. Caregivers and family members may attend free of charge.
Singing with Parkinson’s Chorus empowers community members to strengthen their voices while enjoying the process of singing, performing, and making music. The chorus explores a diverse range of songs, with group input guiding the repertoire. Each week, participants focus on vocal fitness and practicing exercises that enhance their skills.
CCM faculty member Jay Lane who leads the Chorus explains how the program works, “In Singing with Parkinson’s, we keep our minds, bodies, and voices active and strong, just by enjoying singing together. We begin with stretching and coordination activities, then do scales and other vocal exercises, and go on to sing a variety of songs. Each person has their own music stand and songbook, and spends a good portion of the session seated; halfway through each session we take a break and chat, to give our voices a rest and to catch up with one another. It’s good for your voice and good for your brain—but most of all, it’s fun!”
About CCM Concord Conservatory of Music: It is a community of people who are passionate about music education. CCM enrolls over 500 students annually and offers programs for all ages and abilities. As a non-profit school, CCM serves Concord, MA, and 17 surrounding communities. Its curriculum includes private instruction, group classes, and performance opportunities. Financial assistance is available.
Contact: Susan Seger, 978-369-0010 / sseger@concordconservatory.org
Award winning pianist


Join Award-Winning Pianist Yelena Beriyeva for “Piano Inspirations” at Concord Conservatory


Experience the emotional depth of Brahms, the rich textures of Debussy, and the bold melodies of Mussorgsky.
The Concord Conservatory of Music proudly presents a special evening with award-winning pianist and CCM faculty member Yelena Beriyeva on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 7:30 pm. This event, titled “Piano Inspirations,” marks the kickoff of the 2024-2025 CCM Concert & Lecture Series.
The LA Examiner hails Yelena as “a paragon of the concert pianist,” and The Boston Musical Intelligencer calls her “a standout performer.” Her powerful yet graceful performances have captivated audiences on national and international radio and television broadcasts.
This highly anticipated concert will feature an exquisite program that includes:
• Brahms’ Klavierstücke, Op. 118 – A reflective and intimate set of piano works dedicated to Clara Schumann, filled with emotional depth and poetic expression.
• Debussy’s Estampes – A captivating suite inspired by the exotic sounds of Asia, as Debussy weaves rich, atmospheric textures.
• Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition – An iconic and vividly descriptive work, depicting the composer’s journey through an exhibition of Viktor Hartmann’s artwork, brought to life through music.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Yelena Beriyeva’s artistry in an intimate setting. General Admission tickets cost $25, and students 18 and under can attend for free. Purchase tickets in advance at ConcordConservatory.org or at the door on the night of the event.
The concert is part of the 2024-2025 CCM Concert & Lecture Series, made possible thanks to the generous support of our Lead Sponsor, Emerson Health, and our Music Supporter Sponsor, Newbury Court. Thanks to our sponsors, we bring diverse, high-quality concerts to our community, and we invite you to join us for this exciting event.
Contact: Susan Seger, 978-369-0010 / sseger@concordconservatory.org

Vaccine Clinic for Concord Residents Age 60+

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, 10 AM – 12 PM.  Please bring your insurance cards or copies of them  and wear a loose-sleeved top.  You are encouraged to arrive between 10-11AM if your last name begins with A – L, 11-12 PM if M – Z.  Please call the Concord Council on Aging to sign up: 978-318-3020.
Mcc let's talk

MCC Launches “Let’s Talk” to Offer Free Drop-in Services from Wellness Resource Center

In support of the whole student, Middlesex Community College launched Let’s Talk, a free and confidential drop-in service from the college’s Wellness Resource Center (WRC). Offered weekly in both Bedford and Lowell, the meetings provide an opportunity to talk with a wellness counselor without having to make an appointment.
“Students often face many challenges and barriers when attending college, in addition to the external stressors in their personal and professional lives,” said Amy Mahoney, LICSW, MCC’s Wellness Counselor. “Our Let’s Talk series makes counseling more accessible, helping the process feel less daunting in terms of commitment or time. Students will have the opportunity to process their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment.”
Throughout the Fall semester, Let’s Talk will be offered from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Lowell Cowan Center and on Wednesdays in the Bedford Enrollment Center. Students can drop in to a virtual session from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays. Registration is not required.
Talking with students one-on-one, the wellness counselor will listen to concerns and offer support, perspective, problem-solving, and suggestions for resources. This provides students with an opportunity to learn what it is like to receive support through a mental health provider.
“Let’s Talk sessions are informal, you just drop by during the timeframe and wait for your turn to speak with a counselor for 10 to 15 minutes,” said Michael Chan, MCC’s WRC Intern from William James College. “We can talk through a problem you’re having, whether you’re feeling stressed or anxious, finding classes to be too difficult, worried about your family and friends, or more. Drop in to talk things through!”
Students who wish to continue speaking with an MCC wellness counselor can make an appointment with Mahoney or Chan. Counseling sessions help students accomplish personal and academic goals in a private and confidential meeting. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/wellnessandessentialneeds/ for more information.
Learn More

"Wise Parenting Practices: Raising Children with
Mutual Respect and Cooperation", a 3-Part Workshop Series

 
This parent education series takes place in Carlisle on Wednesday evenings October 9, 16 and 23 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. There is no fee due to a final generous grant from CHNA15, received by the Carlisle Board of Health. This series is ideal for parents of children ages 3 to 10 years old. (Parents from any towns in the region are welcome to participate, space permitting.)
Description: Weaving strategies and guidance from the Positive Discipline approach to parenting, drawn from the research of Dr. Alfred Adler, along with insights from Dr. Haim Ginott, Dr. Dan Siegel and other giants in parenting education, this 3-part workshop series creates a better understanding of:
- How to Respond to Challenging Behavior With Encouragement, while Maintaining Firmness, Dignity and Respect - How to Build a Relationship With Your Children Based on Connection, Cooperation and Mutual Respect
- How to Foster Resiliency and Support the Building of Authentic Self-Esteem Parents will learn practical techniques to use right away in their own relationships with their children (as well as with the adults in their lives - it's all about healthy, respectful relationships!).
Our Presenter: Sally Quinn Reed, M.S., brings over 20 years experience in Parenting Education and Support services. She is a certified Positive Discipline trainer, a Parenting Journey facilitator and a grandmother (and caregiver) of two young children. Pre-registration is required by emailing communityallianceforchildren@gmail.com and noting "Registration for Oct series" in the subject line of the email. Spaces are limited so sign up soon!
Please be willing to commit to all three sessions. Location details will be shared upon registration.

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

 
The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday October 13 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Bob Lucas at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org, or 978-263-1540.
The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.
Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including marching in parades, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to town organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
All are welcome to come and make new connections with others.
For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.
Open table volunteers

Open Table Honors Concord Residents Eric Schoen and Jean Husson as Volunteers of the Year


Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, has named Concord residents Eric Schoen and Jean Husson as its 2024 Volunteers of the Year. Schoen and Husson were recognized September 23 at Open Table’s annual meeting and volunteer appreciation event, which took place at Sanctuary in Maynard.
Volunteers and Concord residents Jean Husson, left, and Eric Schoen, right, were honored as Volunteers of the Year by Open Table executive director Alexandra DePalo, center, at the recent Open Table annual meeting and volunteer appreciation event.
Eric Schoen volunteers as one of Open Table’s Pick and Pack Shift leaders where he leads a team of volunteers processing incoming produce and refrigerated items from the farms and grocery stores, and packing approximately 250 produce bags per week for clients. Eric oversees the setup of the pantry for the drive-thru client hours, organizing frozen proteins, breads and treats and managing last minute deliveries. Eric has also been instrumental in the success of the Chopped for Charity fundraisers.
Eric has been volunteering with Open Table since early 2022 after his retirement from a career at Fidelity Investments. Eric has been living in Concord for four years with his wife having raised two kids in Sudbury. When asked why he chooses to volunteer his time with Open Table, Eric responded “I first became aware of Open Table when our daughter volunteered here during high school. After retiring I wanted to give back and get involved locally by doing what I can to help address food insecurity and hunger in our local communities. Open Table’s mission really resonated with me, and I feel fortunate to be a small part of that mission. Knowing that all the produce and grocery bags we create each week are providing families, seniors, and others in need with healthy meals is what keeps me coming back each week… that and having the opportunity to meet and work with the amazing Open Table staff and other volunteers.”
Eric additionally shares his time and talents with one of Open Table’s partners as Chair of the Greater Boston Food Bank’s Board of Directors. Describing his work he reports, “Seeing the need and volunteering at both of these amazing organizations gives me a good perspective on GBFB’s broad focuses across Eastern Massachusetts and Open Table’s more local focus of ending hunger. One in three families struggle with food insecurity in Massachusetts… running out of food or not having enough money to get more food each month. We can continue to do more to address that need.”
Eric is also an avid hiker, travels extensively including two service trips to Poland to support Ukrainian refugees and plays early morning ice hockey.
Jean Husson volunteers at Open Table largely behind the scenes as the transportation coordinator for all incoming and outgoing foods at Open Table. This important and demanding position includes overseeing a small army of volunteers who drive their personal vehicles or the Open Table van to pick up donations from grocery stores and farms and bring them to the pantry and also those who deliver groceries and meals to our Mobile Pantries, COA sites, food relief partners and home delivery clients. These jobs are essential and must be staffed every week and Jean keeps them running smoothly. Often Jean is not so “behind the scenes” as she acts as “pinch hitter” for her drivers and hits the road nearly every week to pick up food or make a delivery when substitutes are needed.
Transportation coordinator is just the most recent of many volunteer roles that Jean has filled over a long history of volunteering with Open Table. Jean started with Open Table in 2014, volunteering at the First Parish Church in Concord when it was an all-volunteer operation serving community dinners. Some of her major roles have been serving as volunteer manager, working on the client administration team, cooking, leading orientations and volunteering wherever needed as a pinch-hitting specialist.
Jean has been involved in many of the Leadership groups and advisory committees that have steered Open Table to becoming the regional food pantry we are today. These include but are not limited to the development of the organizational structure and the transition from an all-volunteer to staff-based organization, the acquisition of and move to our current pantry site in Maynard, the restructuring of services during COVID, and the installation of the volunteer software system.
In her spare time, Jean cooks with the Fowler library cookbook club, writes postcards for Concord Indivisible, follows professional tennis and does the NYT crossword puzzle. She has enjoyed traveling the world and reading Agatha Christie.
When asked why she has dedicated so much of her time to Open Table, she replied, “because I’m appalled that anyone should go hungry in the country.” Nearly every client has been directly impacted by Jean’s contribution. Open Table has been able to grow and address food insecurity in our community due the hard work and dedication of volunteers like Jean.