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Annual frs greens sale2

ANNUAL FRS GREENS SALE & HOLIDAY FAIR

Each December, the First Religious Society of Carlisle hosts its beloved Annual Greens Sale & Holiday Fair, a festive community tradition held at their charming meetinghouse on 27 School Street. Running from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, the event draws neighbors and friends alike for a warm, seasonal celebration.
What to Expect:
  • Beautiful Holiday Greenery: The highlight of the sale is the wide selection of greenery—including both decorated and plain wreaths, boxwood trees, boxwood wreaths, swags, and mantelpieces. 
  • Pre-Order Option: For the best variety (especially for decorated wreaths), guests are encouraged to place pre-orders online. 
  • Artisans & Vendors: The Fair features a curated selection of local artisans, selling handcrafted gifts, holiday decor, and more. 
  • Baked Goods: Indulge in homemade treats — cookies, pies, the famous fudge and other baked delights made by volunteers and community members. 
  • Holly Jolly Café: Take a break at the café, offering a warm and comforting menu. The menu will include turkey & Boursin sandwiches, grilled cheese, hot soup, pie, and both hot and cold cider. 
How It Works for Pre-Orders:
  • Pre-orders for greens closes on Tuesday, December 2, 2025  a few days before the event.
  • Here is the link to the Greens Sale Pre-Orders
  • On the day of the event (December 6), you can pick up your order between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. 
Why It’s Special:
It brings together the Carlisle community in a cozy, festive atmosphere. Whether you're shopping for holiday decorations, grabbing a homemade treat, or supporting local artisans, the Greens Sale & Holiday Fair reflects the welcoming spirit of FRS and the warmth of the season.
HERE IS THE LINK FOR THE PRE-ORDERS - https://www.uucarlisle.org/2025-greens-sale--holiday-fair.html

Announcing Free, Skill-Building Music Workshops at Concord Conservatory of Music

We are thrilled to announce a series of exciting, free workshops launching this December at the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) to benefit our dedicated music students and further enrich our local community.
These specialized programs go beyond private lessons, offering vital skills in modern musicianship and creativity, and will take place in our new media lab at CCM 2. Workshops like "Beat Lab: Build Your First Track," "Composition: Film Music," and "Rhythmic Laboratory" are designed to foster deep engagement, technical mastery, and creative confidence in students from a wide range of ages.
For more information, please visit  ConcordConservatory.org

Why this matters to our community:
At CCM, our work is critical: we are committed to ensuring comprehensive music education is accessible to all. These workshops represent what our donors make possible—providing essential, contemporary skills that ensure our students are well-rounded musicians ready for the future. By investing in these programs, we are investing in the cultural life and creative minds of our community.
Holiday pops! with the concord band

Holiday Pops! With the Concord Band

The Concord Band presents Holiday Pops! on Saturday, December 13, at 7:00pm at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center. Seasonal and contemporary selections featuring ensembles from the Band, including a trumpet trio playing "Bugler's Holiday", woodwind ensemble performing "Suite of Carols", and saxophone quartet welcoming a visit from Santa. Other pieces will include "Russian Christmas Music" by Alfred Reed and selections from the film score for "Home Alone" by John Williams. Light refreshments will be served in the lobby before the concert and during intermission. Traditional and popular music with an audience sing-along.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children under 12. To reserve tickets, please visit: ticketstage.com/concordband
Winter holidays concert at frs

Winter Holidays Concert at FRS in Carlisle

The First Religious Society in Carlisle will present its annual Winter Holidays Concert on Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 pm. This festive, participatory event will ring in the season with carols, songs, and instrumental music presented by the adult choir, vocal and instrumental soloists, handbell ringers, and the jazz ensemble. The hour-long concert is suitable for people of all ages. The adult choir will perform John Rutter's beautiful carol "Child in a Manger," the Hanukkah song "Light the Legend," and a Jay Althouse's jolly "Blessings of the Season." The handbell ringers will present arrangements of holiday favorites, and the jazz ensemble will offer their renditions of familiar holiday jazz standards. The program will also include sing-alongs of carols and songs celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, and the Winter Solstice. Admission is free. A basket will be available for freewill donations to the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell.
Bedford kicks off the holidays2

Bedford Kicks off the Holidays with an Expanded Artisans Market, the Tree Lighting, Santa’s Visit, and More

Submitted by the Bedford (MA) Cultural District Partnership

Draw a big circle around Saturday, December 6, on your calendar. It will be a day of fairs, frivolity, and fun as Bedford officially kicks off the town’s holiday season.

A variety of special events will brighten the day and provide great opportunities for holiday shopping. Join your friends and neighbors to celebrate this festive time—and to support our talented local artists, artisans, musicians, and business owners.

Shop Till You Drop

Looking for that perfect gift? Check out the expanded Holiday Artisans Market, now at two locations at Town Common, with an outdoor venue being new this year:
  • The fourth annual Indoor Artisans Market, co-sponsored by the Gallery@First Parish and the Bedford Cultural District, will be open to the public from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Common Room and second-floor galleries at First Parish, 75 Great Road (entrance on Elm Street). Some 25 vendors will be selling unique, handmade, giftable items—original paintings and photographs, ceramics, jewelry, ornaments, candles, fabric and fiber crafts, clothing, books, body products, cutting boards, and more. The joyful sounds of the First Parish choir will fill the church entryway from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. as early shoppers browse the two floors packed with artisans’ tables. As the shopping continues, young Suzuki Method violinists, under the direction of Carlough Faulkner-Carroll, will play a selection of holiday favorites from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.


Downstairs at First Parish, children can get in on the shopping at the popular Children’s Fair from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. The fair will offer kids free donated items to gift to others, complimentary gift wrapping, and materials for creative cardmaking for seniors.  Potty-trained children can be dropped off from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. while their grownups shop at the Artisans Market. Optional cash donations will support the Bedford Food Pantry.
  • To offer more local makers the opportunity to sell their work, and to enrich the community experience, Suzanne & Company and the Bedford Cultural District are co-sponsoring an outdoor complement to the indoor market. The Outdoor Artisans Market will run from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. on both Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. Shop at the tables of 15+ vendors offering one-of-a-kind crafts under a big, heated tent. Browsers will be treated to the sounds of a brass band playing holiday favorites outside the tent, where carolers in costume will stroll the grounds.


Tree Lighting and Visit by the Man in Red
The Holiday Artisans Market and Children’s Fair are just part of the town’s Holiday Kickoff. Capping the events on the Common will be the Annual Tree Lighting featuring a Visit by Santa at 5:00 p.m. Hot chocolate will be available from the First Parish front steps and behind the Fire Station.
Other Cultural District Events
Additional highlights of the Holiday Kickoff events within the District include, but are not limited to, a Decorated Wreath Display and Raffle on the Common; a Tableau Vivant outside the Bedford Historical Society at 16 South Road; a children’s Scavenger Hunt and Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Bedford Free Public Library, 7 Mudge Way; and an Open House at the Depot Park Freight House, 120 South Road.
For Further Information . . .
A complete list of Holiday Kickoff events around town, with locations and times, is available at   https://www.bedfordma.gov/437/Bedford-Cultural-District. For additional information, contact Bedford's Housing and Economic Development Director, Eric Salerno, at esalerno@bedfordma.gov or by phoning 781-918-4006.

The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division Calls for Red Kettle Volunteers and Donations Across the State

 
Volunteers needed to bring joy to families in need this holiday season
CANTON, MASS. (November 3, 2025) – With the holiday season approaching, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is kicking off its annual Red Kettle Campaign across the Commonwealth, and volunteers are urgently needed in nearly every region.
As more families across Massachusetts face economic hardship, inflation and housing costs heading into the holidays, the need for The Salvation Army's services continues to grow. The organization serves as a critical safety net, providing Christmas gifts and food, offering emergency assistance with bills, and providing shelter to those without a home. All Red Kettle proceeds support The Salvation Army's work with individuals and families right in the communities where donations are collected. On average, volunteer bell ringers raise enough money to provide nearly 250 meals to children and families in their respective towns. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Give With JOY.”
“Each act of generosity, large or small, helps The Salvation Army make the season brighter for families across Massachusetts,” said Major Elijah Kahn, General Secretary of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. “Our volunteers and donors embody the spirit of the holidays and make it possible for us to bring joy where it’s needed most.”
The first local Red Kettle campaigns of 2025 kick off across the state in November. Areas with upcoming campaign launches that are in need of volunteers and support include: the Merrimack Valley, Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts (Hyannis, Fall River, and New Bedford), the North Shore (Newburyport, Salem, and Lynn), MetroWest, Mass Bay/Boston, the Route 2 area (Athol, Greenfield, and Fitchburg), as well as Western (Springfield and Pittsfield) and Central Massachusetts (Milford and Worcester).
The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is working to raise more than $2.3 million through this year’s Red Kettle Campaign to support critical year-round social services. Donations can be made in person at a Red Kettle or virtually.
To volunteer at a Red Kettle or donate online, visit salvationarmyma.org/redkettle.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helps more than 28 million people in nearly every zip code in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from substance abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at our more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country. In 2024, Forbes ranked The Salvation Army 6th in its list of America’s Top 100 Charities. And in 2021, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked The Salvation Army 2nd on its list of “America’s Favorite Charities.” For more information about supporting The Salvation Army or your local service centers, visit salvationarmyma.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.
Filmmaking at umbrella arts

Filmmaking at The Umbrella Arts Center, Concord


CONCORD, MA - Teaching middle-schoolers to make movies is a recipe for successful creative collaboration, according to freelance filmmaker and educator Tom Flint. “Making films is where kids are at right now,” said Flint, who leads filmmaking workshops for about 30 11- to 14-year-olds at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord.

Flint’s designed and directed a series of three, free moviemaking courses for middle-school students at The Umbrella, as part of Arts Elevate, a pilot project supported by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF). In addition to helping them discover the fun and accessibility of moviemaking, Flint’s workshops were also formulated to have a positive impact on students’ health and wellness.

“I enjoy engaging with kids at this age to introduce them to the medium of film, so they can see where it may take them in terms of story-telling and creative problem-solving,” said Flint, adding “It may not always be easy. The kids are being challenged – filmmaking is really difficult.”

Launched this fall, GLCF’s pilot project, titled Arts Elevate: Embedded Community Artists for Youth Wellness in Greater Lowell, placed four artists in 12-week residencies at nonprofit organizations in Lowell, Groton, Acton and Concord (at The Umbrella Arts Center), explained Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy. The Arts Elevate initiative was developed for Greater Lowell with lead funding from the Barr Foundation through its Creative Commonwealth Initiative.

“As adolescents report rising levels of stress and isolation, we needed to create timely and accessible pathways to wellness,” said Aradhya. “Arts Elevate recognizes that when young people engage in creative expression, they discover who they are and how they belong. Tom’s workshops at The Umbrella Arts Center demonstrate how powerful these creative opportunities can be for middle-schoolers navigating this critical developmental period,” she said.

Located in downtown Concord, The Umbrella Arts Center is a nonprofit regional multi-disciplinary arts center, serving Concord and surrounding towns, according to Rebecca Campbell-McGonagle, Education Program Manager. Flint’s film workshops are geared toward students in grades 6 through 8 and provide iPads to shoot their movies. “We wanted very much for these workshops to NOT be too advanced, technologically, for the students,” stressed Campbell-McGonagle.

Flint’s workshops include Hands-On Moviemaking I and II, and Reel Adventures. All filmmaking workshops will culminate in a mid-December Red-carpet Screening Premiere, when students, parents and guests gather to view all films created as part of the program.

The concept of experimentation and documentation, with an eye toward expanded programming, is one key element of the Arts Elevate pilot, said GLCF’s Aradhya. “This pilot program is much more than just four embedded-artist programs. We’re documenting what works, what challenges arise, what outcomes we’re seeing. We’ll then create a toolkit that will help other organizations replicate this model,” she explained.

For more information about The Umbrella Arts Center, visit: https://theumbrellaarts.org

For more information about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation Arts Elevate program, or to support this initiative, visit: https://www.glcfoundation.org/arts-elevate/. 

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND CHAMBER CONCERT

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, David Wayne Bailey, Music Director, will present its first Chamber Music Concert of the 2025-26 Season on Sunday, December 7th at 2 pm in the auditorium of the Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (GPS Green Road), Bolton MA. Admission is Free!

The concert features three performing groups comprised of members of the Nashoba Symphonic Band. The NSB Clarinet Choir will play the Overture to Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Mozart's Divertimento No.14 and Christmas Day, a medley of familiar carols by British composer, Gustav Holst. The Trombone Ensemble offers several selections, including music by Mendelssohn, Weber and Scott Joplin. Rounding out the program will be the NSB Chamber Players with Tower Music by Massachusetts-born Alan Hovhaness and Robert Nagel's Serenade for Winds.

Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music and supported, in part, by the kind grants of cultural councils in Bolton, Lancaster, Stow, Clinton, Ashby and Lunenberg, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Navigating the fourth trimester

Navigating the Fourth Trimester

This free workshop offers a supportive place for expectant parents to explore the physical, emotional and relational challenges that accompany the first 3 months after birth. In this program you will learn evidence-based strategies for adjusting to life with a newborn, coping with challenges related to sleep and feeding, managing changes in your relationships, and nurturing your own wellbeing during this transformative time. Join First Connections for this interactive in-person session facilitated by lactation counselor and infant sleep consultant Mary Beilman and Emily Fiorini, LMHC, who specializes in infant and parent mental health. Helpful postpartum community resources will be included. Free for the birthing person and one support person. Register through Emerson Health's Steinberg Wellness Center in Concord through this link: https://emersonhealth.jotform.com/253204506617048. This program will take place on Wednesday, December 3 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Fresh start furniture bank1

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

When Coast Guard veteran Aris Lopez finally gained custody of his two kids, their new apartment was empty. No beds, no table, no couch.
That changed when they came to Fresh Start Furniture Bank. Thanks to supporters like you, his family received beds, a sofa, a dining set, and essentials that turned their space into a real home. Imagine that: your generosity helped a veteran and his children step into their new life together with hope.
Every week, we serve local families rebuilding after homelessness, domestic abuse, military service, or other hardships. Furniture is donated, but getting it to families takes real resources: fuel for our truck, warehouse space, and dedicated staff and volunteers.
At present we are low on can openers, 60W light bulbs, twin & full blankets, serving utensils & non-slotted spoons, cutting boards, dish towels, rugs, dressers, mattresses & box springs, silverware, serving platters, bed frames with headboards, and couches and love seats.  You can bring non-furniture donations on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and furniture and household items on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30.
Your gift restores dignity, comfort, and stability.
Help local families take their next step forward by clicking on the QR code below.  Thank you!
FreshStartFurnitureBank.org
16 Brent Dr, Hudson, MA
Maynard clinton elks

Maynard-Clinton Elks Christmas Tree Sale

The Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks is selling Christmas trees again this year. Hours are:
Mondays-Fridays: 4:00 PM-7:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Trees go on sale Friday, November 28th

The Maynard-Clinton Elks is located at 34 Powder Mill Rd, Maynard, MA  01754.
If you have any questions, please call 978-897-9892.

St. Paul's Advent Fair

 
Saturday, December 6, 2025
ADVENT FAIR
9am to 2pm
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 100 Pine Hill Road, Bedford, MA

On Saturday, December 6, from 9:00am to 2:00pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will hold its annual Advent Fair. The Fair features gifts, crafts, food, and holiday cheer for all ages, with all proceeds benefitting the work and ministries of the church.

A sampling of the many items available:
  • Gorgeous gift baskets for every occasion and budget
  • Handmade crafts and decorations made by St. Paul’s talented parishioners
  • Silent Auction featuring handmade gifts, concert and theatre tickets, and one-of-a-kind items
  • Raffle for a compilation of gift certificates from dozens of local restaurants and businesses
  • Country Kitchen with homemade marinara sauce, baked goods, breads, cheese, baked beans, and more
  • Cookie Walk featuring delicious homemade holiday cookies for gifting or eating
  • Outreach items including sculpture, scarves, and coffee from Haiti, and cards from Heifer International
  • White elephants
  • Snack bar serving breakfast and lunch


St. Paul’s is a fully-accessible church located at 100 Pine Hill Road in Bedford, MA. For more information, please call the church office Tuesday through Friday, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, at 781-275-8262, or visit www.stpaulsbedford.org.
Holiday book sale

Holiday Book Sale – Friends of the Bedford Free Public Library

Friends of the Bedford Free Public Library Holiday Book Sale
Saturday, December 6th & Sunday, December 7th
1 pm – 4 pm each day
Thousands of like new and gently used books, games, puzzles, CDs, and DVDs for sale
Great finds for yourself and for those on your gift giving list!
Bedford Free Public Library
7 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA

Call for Artists for Holiday Show in Stow

SAGA (Stow Area Guild of Artists) is sponsoring an indoor holiday fair of handmade art and still has a few 8x8 foot spaces available. The art fair runs Sat. Dec. 13 - 10-4 and Sun. Dec. 14 12-4 at the Pompo Community Center in Stow.  Booth fee is $50 for non-SAGA members and $35 for members.  No commissions from the artists. You will be with painters, photographers, potters, jewelers and other talented artisans. Deadline for signing up is 11/22.  If interested please go to  https://www.stow-artists.org and complete the contact form on the join us tab.
Angels in the light

"Angels in the Light"

A candlelight ceremony in the loss of a child.....

Sunday December 14th - 6:30pm
First Congregational Church
675 Old Post Rd
N. Attleboro, MA

Music, vocalist, readings, speaking your child's name, fellowship
Please bring a 5x7 photo of your child........

www.mylesabove.org 

Dudley Laufman’s Happy Holidays HoeDown

It is with great pleasure that Groton Grange #7, with The Contra Banditos, host a One Time Holiday Contra Dance Extravaganza. We will be honoring our internationally celebrated 95 year old Barn Dance Caller, the "one and only", Mr. Dudley Laufman (read his Wikipedia page). The dance will be held December 6th, 7:30 to 10:30 PM, at the Groton Grange #7, 80 Champney St, Groton. All ages, beginner and experienced dancers, are invited. Dudley Laufman will be the caller. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $6 per person; family maximum is $20. PARK ON GRANGE SIDE OF CHAMPNEY ST. ONLY.

We Need Armistice Day, Not Veterans Day

Armistice Day recognizes Peace. Veterans Day recognizes war, sacrifice, and militarism. We need to change Veterans Day back to its original designation - Armistice Day.
The Great War (World War I) concluded November 11, 1918, with an end of hostilities between the Central Powers and the Allied Powers. The first Armistice Day was celebrated exactly one year later to commemorate Peace and World War I veterans. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it: “a day to be dedicated to the cause of World Peace and to be thereafter celebrated through the exercise of good will and mutual understanding.” In 1938, Congress made it a national holiday.
President Eisenhower, following WWII and Korea with pressure from Veterans groups, changed the name in 1954. Veterans Day has become largely ceremonial and patriotic emphasizing military pride and sacrifice. Armistice Day was recognized with ringing church bells and speeches calling for Peace. Groups reflected on the costs of war and advocated for international cooperation.
Changing back to Armistice Day doesn’t mean disrespecting veterans. In fact, many veterans support the idea — believing that the best way to honor them is to prevent future wars. As veteran and historian Howard Zinn once said: “Another Memorial Day. Another war. Yes, let's honor those who died in the nation's many wars. But if we do not want to keep adding to the soldiers' graves, let's also ask why they died.” (2005)
This country spends an extraordinary amount of money on war making. And, it has been in perpetual war since Eisenhower’s renaming. Changing the holiday back to Armistice Day might help us recognize the need for diplomacy over war and shift our focus to creating Peace and abandoning warfare.
I encourage local churches to ring their bells eleven times at 11:00AM every November 11th to commemorate the end of The Great War and to support Peace in our badly fractured world.

Willard Hunter
Veterans For Peace
US Navy 1968-1972

= = == = == = =
Citation (APA style):
Wilson, W. (1919, November 11). Proclamation 1872—Armistice Day, 1919. The American Presidency Project. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-1872-armistice-day-1919

Announcements from Concord Council on Aging

Techniques for Pain Relief, Fitness Tracking & Core Strengthening - Sunila Varghese, PT
Tuesday, November 25th at 1:00 PM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We invite you to join Physical Therapist Sunila Varghese of Eden Home Health Care for a friendly, hands-on session to help you move with less pain and more confidence. In this session, Sunila will:
• Introduce nerve flossing techniques, a gentle method to improve nerve movement and reduce pain
caused by common conditions such as sciatica, piriformis syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and more;
• Guide you through pelvic muscle strengthening exercises, tailored for core strength and balance; and
• Perform leg strength & endurance test. The test is used as one indicator in assessing fall risk in older
adults. People with lower scores may be at a higher risk for falls. This test also tracks your fitness levels
over time, so you can see your progress and stay motivated.
Whether you’re coping with aches or want to feel steadier, stronger, and more in tune with your body, this talk
offers practical, caring strategies just for you. Space is limited. Please call the COA to save your spot at 978-318-3020.

FREE Home Safety Assessment for Concord Senior Residents
When it comes to aging safely and comfortably in your own home, proactive planning makes all the difference. Lifelong Concord resident Dominic Ingegneri is eager to share his 40+ years of
construction man management expertise to Concord residents aged 60+ and help them plan for a future of aging securely and safely at home. Dom will visit your home to provide helpful insights and current perspectives on the latest accessibility offerings, evaluate your specific needs, and offer expert recommendations at no cost and with no obligation. To schedule a visit, please contact the Concord COA at 978-318-3020. Dom is available most weekdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This Home Assessment service is a volunteer initiative provided for Concord seniors through its Council on Aging. The volunteer is solely responsible for his assessment and recommendations.

Concord Friends of the Aging Holiday Cheer Luncheon
The Concord Friends of the Aging will be hosting their Holiday  Luncheon on Wednesday Dec. 3rd at 12:00 PM at the Nashawtuc Country Club. The meal includes a traditional roast turkey dinner with salad, coffee, tea, and a delicious dessert. Nashawtuc is handicapped accessible. Please reserve by Tuesday Nov. 25th by calling the Friends at 978-341-8853. Registration is limited to 170 guests. Van transportation is available by calling the COA at 978-318-3020 after you
Concord park seniors2

Concord Park Residents Make and Deliver Blankets for Rainbow Babies at Emerson Hospital

Concord, MA – Members of the Concord Park assisted living community came together and crafted blankets for distribution to newborn, rainbow babies born at the Clough Birthing Center at Emerson Hospital. This project brought Concord Park community members together to bring warmth to these bundles of joy that came after a previous pregnancy or infant loss.

All residents were welcome to join the Concord Park Executive Director, Natasha Heimrath and, EnrichedLife Director, Meagan Mulroy, who offered a space for residents to come together and learn how to knit, braid, and build some fabric art. No experience necessary. Mulroy had a plan for those new to blanket making, “I researched some creative ways to construct blankets. With the help of Programming Assistant, Tom Miller, we taught the residents how to tie or braid the blanket material together.”

Veteran knitters joined those new to the craft for over six months of weekly meetings to work on their projects. In September, on National Good Neighbor Day, the residents and associates visited Emerson Hospital to deliver 20 blankets to the Clough Birthing Department.

On National Good Neighbor Day, Rainbow babies represent hope and a new beginning after previous pregnancy or infant loss. More projects will, no doubt, come together in the future as contact information was exchanged between Concord Park and the hospital. Concord can look forward to more shared warmth across town.

Concord Park offers Independent Living, Assisted Living and a state-of-the-art Compass Memory Support Neighborhood® featuring innovative, research-based programming for those with memory loss. Concord Park is a Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMASS) community managed by Senior Living Residences of Braintree, MA. Learn more at
www.ConcordPark.org.

Heritage Chorale Fall Concert on November 23

The box office is now open for the Heritage Chorale's November 23rd 4pm performance of Mozart's Requiem. Also on the program are selections from Handel's Ode for St. Cecilia's Day. The acoustics are fabulous at St. Mark's School in Southborough, the venue for this production. The concert hall is beautiful, the seating is particularly comfortable, and of course, the music will be spectacular! The first half of the concert will feature selections from the Handel piece, a joyous celebration of the patron saint of music. Then following a brief intermission, the Chorale, four professional soloists, and orchestra will perform Mozart's Requiem. Visit www.heritagechorale.org to reserve tickets and learn more about the concert and soloists. Pre-concert ticket purchases are discounted, but tickets will also be available at the entrance to the concert hall on November 23rd.
Heritage chorale fall concert

CONCORD CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PRESENTS: MUSICAL STORYTELLING WITH SCHUMANN

 
Interactive Family Concert Inspires Imagination and Celebrates the Importance of Childhood Memories
CONCORD, MA – The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) invites families to a delightful and participatory concert, "Musical Storytelling with Schumann," a featured event in the CCM Family Series. The performance will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM.
CCM piano faculty member Kitty Cheung-Evans will perform Robert Schumann’s beloved Kinderszenen, or “Scenes from Childhood” (1838). Inspired by Clara Schumann’s reflection that these pieces "belong only to us," this unique concert prompts listeners—both children and adults—to create their own visual and emotional stories based on movement titles like “Dreaming” and “Of Distant Lands.”
Why This Work Is Important: This concert demonstrates why the work of CCM is important by using the universal language of music to bridge generations and foster creativity. It’s an ideal introduction to classical music for young people, offering tangible ways to connect with musical interpretation and storytelling. The participatory format transforms passive listening into an active, imaginative experience.
Admission is FREE for all students 18 and under ($10 for General Admission).
Music and transformation

Witness the Power of Music & Personal Growth at Concord Conservatory's "Music & Transformation" Concert on Nov 21


About "Music & Transformation"
Jackson Carruthers and Sarah Whitney will perform and discuss how a single musical idea evolves and expands, mirroring our own personal paths in life and learning. Making this program extra special is an appearance by talented CCM students Henry Ziulkowski and Abigail Kirincich! Together, they will show how a single musical idea evolves and expands, much like our own personal paths from novice learning to expertise. Through discussion and live performances, Jackson vividly illustrates how music transforms in real-time and over the course of time, offering an enriching and relatable experience for all.
The Artists
  • Jackson Carruthers (Pianist & Speaker): CCM Faculty member and a highly trained pianist (DMA) and dedicated improviser celebrated for his versatility across classical, gospel, jazz, and pop.
  • Sarah Whitney (Guest Violinist): Praised by the Washington Post for her "marvelous violin acrobatics," she is an innovative artist and a founding member of the string quintet SYBARITE5, having performed at venues like Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
We would be thrilled if you could help us share the story of this inspirational concert with your audience.
A fresh take on jerry garcia

A Fresh Take on Jerry Garcia: An Interview with Matt Turk of Deadgrass


The Bedford Cultural District’s New Song Music Series will welcome Deadgrass to Bedford Town Hall on November 15. Led by multi-instrumentalist Matt Turk and Grammy Award winner C Lanzhom, the group reimagines the music of Jerry Garcia on the instruments that first inspired him. We recently sat down with Matt Turk to learn more about Deadgrass and their music.

When did you become interested in the music of Jerry Garcia?
I discovered the Grateful Dead and Europe ‘72 when I was about 12 and fell in love with the live album. The themes of the lyrics intrigued me. Garcia was singing about the mystery of life,  the passage of time, characters in the fold and the beauty of time fading away mixed with something that's elusive and eternal. These were all themes that enchanted me at that early, younger, more innocent age.
My young adult life changed when I started working with Pete Seeger and traditional music. Folk music came into my life, and Pete became a mentor and friend for 25 years.

How did Deadgrass come together?
When Peter Shapiro opened Garcia’s in Port Chester, New York, I played there once a month for a short while to celebrate Old & In the Way and Jerry’s acoustic music.
I’d invite different musicians to immerse ourselves in the craft. One of the guys I invited was my old friend, the wonderful musician C. Lanzbom. A couple of weeks after he showed up to sit in and jam, he said, “Do you want to make this a band?”
I thought that was a great idea, and we’ve been partners for seven years. Together, we expanded the repertoire beyond Old & In the Way to include the Jerry Garcia Band, the Grateful Dead, and other acoustic and folk material.

What might surprise audiences at a Deadgrass performance about Jerry Garcia’s music?
Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter wrote songs that are like master puzzles we unlock as listeners and participants. It’s a very rich and satisfying experience with a very light touch.
It’s a joyful thing to listen to Deadgrass, experience Jerry Garcia’s music, and go to a little gorgeous place for a while.

Why do you think Jerry Garcia’s music continues to resonate after all these years?
I think he was nonjudgmental and also not a know-it-all. He leaves space for the listener. Jerry created, with Robert Hunter, what has become in my opinion the American songbook.

When Deadgrass performs, do you try to replicate Jerry’s sound or make it your own?
We definitely make it our own, but we can’t do that without having experienced it in its original form. We’re inspired by the instruments that inspired Jerry. So we include the electric guitar, which is disruptive to the bluegrass canon. We also have mandolin, banjo, upright bass, and fiddle, and multiple singers, like the Grateful Dead.

How would you describe a Deadgrass performance to someone seeing you for the first time?
I think it’s a very joyful, satisfying experience for people to come and hear the music. Many are deeply connected to it - it’s the soundtrack of their lives. We bring a unique perspective because the musicians, apart from myself, are extraordinary improvisers and incredible players.

What do you hope audiences take away from a Deadgrass performance?
I hope they take away a sense of a new experience with an old friend — a celebration of something they love and enjoy. Something evergreen that puts a smile on their face when they think, “That was a great show. Those are great songs. What a great band — and what great respect for Jerry Garcia and all the people he worked with.”

What would you like readers to know about Deadgrass and the music of Jerry Garcia?
For folks who are familiar with Old & In the Way, Jerry’s Jug Band days, the Grateful Dead, and the Jerry Garcia Band, we celebrate that. Our music is a kind of string band adventure that involves a lot of improvisation while honoring the songcraft and the hallowed nature of a great musician. Jerry really cared about playing and presenting the music — and that’s where we’re coming from.
For folks who know less, or don’t know anything at all, come get exposed to this intergenerational, multi-century experience of what I consider to be the American songbook.
Thank you so much for your time, Matt.
It’s been a pleasure — thanks for having me!

Buy tickets for Deadgrass and upcoming performances at newsongbedford.org. New Song is a volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District, made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: Red Heat Tavern, Bedford Florist & Gifts, FYZICAL® Therapy & Balance Centers - Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, and the Mass Cultural Council.
Concord orchestra december concerts

Concord Orchestra December Concerts

The Concord Orchestra presents “Folk Roots” at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6 at the Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden. The orchestra, conducted by Music Director Zeke Fetrow, performs a program of Zoltan Kodaly’s Dances of Galanta, Nino Rota’s Concerto for Bassoon, Johannes Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, and Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. Richard Svoboda joins the orchestra to perform Nino Rota’s Concerto for Bassoon  A pre-concert talk  is scheduled for 7:15pm on Saturday. Tickets for adults and seniors are $25. Admission for youth under 18 is free.
Zoltan Kodaly composed the Dances of Galanta in 1933, based on folk melodies he heard in his youth.
An ethnomusicologist as well as a composer, Kodaly visited remote villages in Hungary to collect folk songs.  Johannes Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5  is one of a  set of 21 lively dance tunes based mostly on Hungarian themes, completed in 1879.

Nino Rota (1911–1979) completed the Concerto for Bassoon in 1977.  Rota is best known as a film composer, producing greater than 150 scores.  His score for Godfather Part II won the Academy Award in 1974.  In addition to his works for film, he wrote ballets, operas, symphonies, chamber music, and concertos.  The Concerto for Bassoon begins with a Toccata and Recitativo, and its finale is a light-hearted set of variations on a theme.

Bassoon soloist Richard Svoboda has been the principal bassoonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Boston Symphony Chamber Players since 1989.  He is currently on the faculties of the New England Conservatory of Music and the Tanglewood Music Center, taught for many years at the Sarasota Music Festival, and has given master classes throughout the world.

Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring was originally music for a ballet composed for 13 instruments.  The version performed is for full orchestra.  According to Copland, the ballet tells the story of “a celebration of the first settlers in springtime around a newly-built farmhouse in Pennsylvania in the early 19th century.”
Acton lions ski skate gear sale

Acton Lions to Host Annual Ski, Skate & Gear Sale

The Acton Lions Club will once again host its long-running Ski, Skate & Gear Sale, a community tradition now in its 45th year.
Residents are encouraged to check their basements, garages, closets, attics and kids’ rooms for equipment to consign or even donate, and to spread the word to friends and neighbors.
The sale provides an opportunity to purchase new or gently used skis, skates, snowboards, winter sports gear, and related equipment at very affordable prices.
The event will take place at Conant Elementary School, 80 Taylor Road, Acton.
Drop-off / Consignment:
• Friday, November 21: 6:30–8 p.m.
• Saturday, November 22: 8–10 a.m.
Sale Hours:
• Saturday, November 22: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Sunday, November 23: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Payout / Item Pick-Up:
• Sunday, November 23: 3–5 p.m.
Consignors will receive 70% of the sale price for items sold. Any unsold items not picked up by 5 p.m. on November 23 will be considered a donation.
Proceeds support charitable causes at the local, national, and even international levels, last year the Acton Lions donated back over $60,000.  And to date, the Acton Lions have contributed over $600,000 to the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund (MLERF).
For updates, follow the Acton Lions Club on Facebook at facebook.com/ActonLionsClub

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents “Baroque on Fire” December 4 in Princeton and December 5 in Worcester

November 5, 2025   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th Season with a concert titled “Baroque on Fire” at Princeton’s First Congregational Church on December 4 and at Museum of Worcester on December 5.  A reception will follow each concert.
The annual WCMS Baroque holiday concert brings the fire this year, with virtuosic turns from well-known composers. That fire settles to a warm glow, inviting our audience to settle in for a musical winter evening.
Thursday, December 4 @7:30PM Friday, December 5 @4PM
First Congregational Church Museum of Worcester
14 Mountain Road, Princeton 30 Elm Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM
Program
Francesco Geminiani | Concerto Grosso #1, after Corelli, in D major, Op. 5
Jean-Philippe Rameau | Fifth Concert in d minor, from Piéces de clavecin en concerts
Domenico Scarlatti | Sonata in d minor K141
Georg Philipp Telemann | Fantasy #1 in B-flat major, TWV 40:14–25 9
Michael Praetorius | Selections from Dances from Terpsichore
Antonio Vivaldi | Concerto for two violins in A minor from L’Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 8

Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians: Krista Buckland Reisner and Rohan Gregory: violin,  Peter Sulski: viola,  Ariana Falk: cello.
With guests: Tracy Kraus: flute, Alex Vavilov: viola, Moises Carrasco: double bass, John McKean: harpsichord/
All venues are handicapped accessible.Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/baroque-on-fire/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624
Spm launches 43rd season

SPM Launches 43rd Season with a Tribute to America’s 250th Anniversary

Symphony Pro Musica is proud to announce the opening concert of its four-part season honoring America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, a celebration of the nation’s spirit through the power of classical music.

Concert Series I will be held on Saturday, December 6th at 7:30pm at Hudson High School, Hudson MA, and on Sunday, December 7th at 3:00pm at Mill Pond School in Westborough, MA.   There is a free, pre concert talk 45 minutes before the performance at each event and an after concert reception.
Central to the program is a performance William Grant Still’s Symphony No. 5, entitled “The Western Hemisphere”.  SPM’s tribute is inspired by the hope and vision embodied in Still’s music—a call to move toward a future guided by compassion and fairness. William Grant Still, widely regarded as the first African-American composer to craft a truly American classical sound, is celebrated for his heartfelt melodies, vibrant rhythms, and vivid tone painting. This performance marks SPM’s inaugural presentation of a Still composition.

Complementing Still’s inspirational work are two masterpieces by Johannes Brahms: the stirring “Tragic Overture” and the iconic Piano Concerto No. 2. The latter is often cited as one of the five greatest piano concertos ever written, renowned for its depth, virtuosity, and emotional resonance.
Joining SPM for Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is acclaimed young American pianist Clayton Stephenson, praised by Gramophone Magazine for his “extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts” and interpretations that are “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive.” Stephenson’s artistry promises to bring new life to this beloved work, offering audiences an unforgettable experience.

For tickets and more information about the concert:  https://www.symphonypromusica.org/programs/2025-26-concert-i
For more information about SPM: https://www.symphonypromusica.org/ or call 978-562-0939.

Concord Council on Aging announces Thanksgiving Luncheon

Thanksgiving Luncheon at Concord Carlisle High School Saturday, November 22nd – Doors Open at 11:30 AM.
The Concord Carlisle High School students invite all seniors from Concord and Carlisle for a delicious complimentary Thanksgiving meal on Saturday, November 22nd at Concord Carlisle High School from Noon to 2:00 PM. This delicious turkey meal, including traditional Thanksgiving fixings, will be served by the CCHS students. Limited COA van transportation is available. Please call the COA by Wednesday, November 12th to sign up, and let them  know if you need a van ride.
Concord alcott toastmasters 2

Concord Alcott Toastmasters Celebrates Distinguished Club Status with Ice Cream Social Open House


The Alcott Toastmasters Club invites the local community to celebrate its recent achievement of Distinguished Club status at a special Ice Cream Social on Monday, November 10, from 7–9 PM at 62 Monument Square, Concord. The event is free and open to the public.

Guests will enjoy ice cream, inspiring member stories, and a fun, interactive activity called Jenga Table Topics—a lighthearted way to practice impromptu speaking. Participation is optional, and no prior speaking experience is required.

“Our club worked together as a team to earn the Distinguished Club award from Toastmasters District 31, which covers Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island,” said Dora Farkas, Alcott Toastmasters Vice President of Membership. “It’s a wonderful recognition of how our members support one another’s growth and celebrate each other’s progress.”

Alcott Toastmasters provides a supportive space for anyone wishing to build confidence, improve communication, and develop leadership skills.

Where: 62 Monument Square, Concord
When: Monday, November 10, 7–9 PM
Admission: Free | Free parking available nearby

For more information or to RSVP, visit https://tinyurl.com/yeyuwxk6

Bedford's Veterans Day Ceremony

 
Bedford's Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11 starting at noon at Veterans Memorial Park, 160 Great Road (next to Bedford Funeral Home). Join us in honoring our veterans who served in war and in peacetime. Attendees can remember special veterans by placing flags on the Veterans Memorial Wreath of Honor. Contact Paul Purchia (781-275-2464) for more information. Note: In case of heavy rains, the outside ceremony will be canceled and moved to the Bedford High School auditorium starting at 12.
Oars giving back tuesday

OARS Giving "Back" Tuesday

When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 5-7PM
Where: Nashoba Brook Bakery, 152 Commonwealth Ave #3, Concord, MA 01742

Description: Instead of asking for donations on Giving Tuesday, OARS 3 Rivers is giving back. Join us for an evening of snacks, drinks, and community at Nashoba Brook Bakery, and meet the OARS team!
This event also launches our December theme, "Clean up Your Assabet," and kicks off a year of exciting events to honor OARS’ 40th anniversary. Come celebrate with us and get your special “Clean up Your Assabet” T-shirts before they run out! For more information, and to register for this free event, visit oars3rivers.org/events/event/clean-up-your-assabet/
Carlisle production of how to succeed

Carlisle Production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

The Savoyard Light Opera Company is proud to present How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, the musical and comedic satire of corporate culture and the ruthless pursuit of success. Can the Voice of a Book tell you all you need to know about getting to the top of the executive ladder? A young window washer hopes so, in this rags-to-riches story, set in 1961. Memorable characters, a funny story line, and satisfying classic Broadway numbers will keep you wildly entertained, while you contemplate all that has changed - and not changed - about power dynamics and ambition.

The stage director is Kendra Thyne, with music direction by Barry Singer and choreography by Amy Nosowitz. The talented near-professional cast hails from far and wide. All parts require auditions. How to Succeed features former news correspondent, and host of Phantom Gourmet, Dave Robichaud as the Voice of the Book. The Savoyard Light Opera Company has presented quality musicals with live orchestras in Carlisle since 1988.

Performances of How to Succeed will be Fridays November 14 & 21 at 7:30 PM, Saturdays November 15 at 7:30 PM and 22 at 4:00 PM; and Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 PM, at the Corey Auditorium on Church Street, Carlisle, MA.  Ticket prices for all performances are $28 for adults and $22 for seniors & students. For tickets, visit the website at www.savoyardlightopera.org.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Carlisle Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Do things “by the book” and order your tickets today!

Bedford Garden Club November Meeting

Bedford Garden Club November meeting is Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at  the First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 The Great Road, in Bedford,  9:30 am: Social period. 10 am:  meeting.

Our guest speaker will be Gretel Anspach on Native New England Flora
Gretel  is a Master Gardener and will focus on the native plants of New England. These plants are easier to maintain, better able to withstand New England weather, and may offer better resistance to deer and rabbits.
According to Gretel, you will reduce your workload while creating a paradise for the native birds and pollinators.

Gretel is Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society and a Lifetime Master Gardener with the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association (MMGA), which honored her in 2016 with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Her primary interest and focus always is the science behind horticulture and creative tablescapes.

Please visit our website for more information about Gretel at:
https://www.bedfordgardenclub.org/event/

The public is invited free of charge, and you get coffee.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

The first day of November was sunny but cold and blustery as we greeted donors and clients.  We received some wonderful donations:  chairs, a couch or two and tables.  A young man from Marlborough was one of the last donors of the day.  He brought a dining table to donate.  He told me that his Dad had made the table, and it was beautiful.  He said that his Dad died in an accident and that he taught his children to give back whenever they could.  The young man had recently learned about Fresh Start and he was so happy to donate the table to someplace that helped those in need, to someplace that was a non-profit and would not sell the table but would give it to a family in need.  Bless that man and his father!
     We can use more couches and love seats and dressers.  In the kitchen department, we need cutting boards, colanders, measuring cups & spoons, can openers, baking pans and cookie sheets.  We can always use linens, toddler beds and bedding. Shower curtains, liners and rings are always in demand and in low supply.
     Check our website for updates on most-needed items and for our hours and location.  We accept furniture donations on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30 and household items until noon on Saturdays and from 9 to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We provide furniture and furnishings to pre-qualified individuals and families at no charge to them.  It is truly a Feel Good place!

The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division Calls for Red Kettle Volunteers and Donations Across the State

 
Volunteers needed to bring joy to families in need this holiday season

CANTON, MASS. (November 3, 2025) – With the holiday season approaching, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is kicking off its annual Red Kettle Campaign across the Commonwealth, and volunteers are urgently needed in nearly every region.
As more families across Massachusetts face economic hardship, inflation and housing costs heading into the holidays, the need for The Salvation Army's services continues to grow. The organization serves as a critical safety net, providing Christmas gifts and food, offering emergency assistance with bills, and providing shelter to those without a home. All Red Kettle proceeds support The Salvation Army's work with individuals and families right in the communities where donations are collected. On average, volunteer bell ringers raise enough money to provide nearly 250 meals to children and families in their respective towns. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Give With JOY.”
“Each act of generosity, large or small, helps The Salvation Army make the season brighter for families across Massachusetts,” said Major Elijah Kahn, General Secretary of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. “Our volunteers and donors embody the spirit of the holidays and make it possible for us to bring joy where it’s needed most.”
The first local Red Kettle campaigns of 2025 kick off across the state in November. Areas with upcoming campaign launches that are in need of volunteers and support include: the Merrimack Valley, Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts (Hyannis, Fall River, and New Bedford), the North Shore (Newburyport, Salem, and Lynn), MetroWest, Mass Bay/Boston, the Route 2 area (Athol, Greenfield, and Fitchburg), as well as Western (Springfield and Pittsfield) and Central Massachusetts (Milford and Worcester).
The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is working to raise more than $2.3 million through this year’s Red Kettle Campaign to support critical year-round social services. Donations can be made in person at a Red Kettle or virtually.
To volunteer at a Red Kettle or donate online, visit salvationarmyma.org/redkettle.

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army helps more than 28 million people in nearly every zip code in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from substance abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at our more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country. In 2024, Forbes ranked The Salvation Army 6th in its list of America’s Top 100 Charities. And in 2021, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked The Salvation Army 2nd on its list of “America’s Favorite Charities.” For more information about supporting The Salvation Army or your local service centers, visit salvationarmyma.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.

How Open Table Food Pantry is Dealing with SNAP Disappearance

 
Dear Open Table Community,
As the government shutdown continues, over 41,000 households in our service area stand to lose their SNAP benefits in the coming days. For some, this loss comes on top of month-long furloughs and work without pay requirements. We know this strain will push many members of our community into a desperate situation. We are already seeing the impact; over the past week the number of new clients that signed up for Open Table more than tripled.
In the face of these unprecedented challenges, we want you to know that Open Table is ready. Our shelves are stocked, our meals are prepared, and our doors are open to those who needs us.
We know you want to help, and as demand rises, we’ll need your support more than ever. Here’s how we can meet the moment together:
Make a financial gift to help offset rising costs: https://www.opentable.org/give-now/
Donate non-perishable food to keep our pantry full: https://www.opentable.org/donate-groceries/
Join our giving activities to lift up neighbors in need: https://www.opentable.org/donation-activities/
Support Open Table Today!
Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry, no matter what lies ahead. Thank you for standing with us and for your continued compassion and support.
With gratitude,

Alexandra DePalo
Executive Director
Barbara Fisher
Chair, Board of Directors

Ticket Scalping

 
by Penny Isaac
In 1976 fans could see Bruce Springsteen for the low price of $8 (about $44 in modern day prices) and in 1988 they could see him for only $22.50 (about $60.84 in modern day prices). In 2024 this price changed so much that fans paid anywhere from $59.50 to $399 on the primary market and up to $5,000 on the resale market. This turn of events left many to wonder, what changed? The answer may seem obvious, inflation prices are going up after all, but inflation is actually not the problem here. The true problem behind concert ticket prices is ticket scalpers.
Concerts saw their first rise in scale thanks to The Beatles in 1965 and since then have taken off in size and popularity. This rise in popularity has only further increased after the pandemic as we worked as a community to come closer and get back to a new sense of normality. Although the growth in community has generally impacted positively on the music industry and music fans, not all aspects of the concert’s growth have had a positive impact. The main problem with this growth comes with the growth of ticket scalping.
When an artist decides on a venue, the artist, and their team work together with the venue to agree on a ticket price and ticket quantity before sending the tickets off to the venue’s contracted ticket selling company, like Ticketmaster or Fair AXS. The ticket company will then send out the tickets through presale and primary sale until the tickets get sold out. Once the tickets are sold out, any remaining tickets will be sent to the secondary market, which is where problems occur.
During primary sale ticket scalpers, often called brokers, will buy as many tickets as they can, often using bots that have been made unlawful under the BOTS Act 2016 to bypass ticket limits. Once the brokers have as many tickets as they can buy they often use manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics like advertising lower prices and then upping the price during checkout or affiliating themselves with the venue, artist, team, or ticket selling website to sell the tickets at inflated prices. The price increase in the resale market is often so dramatic that the price of a resale ticket can get up to 20 times the original face value of the ticket.
The ticket scalp problem has affected the resale market in horrible and manipulative ways. Most ticket selling platforms don’t offer refunds, so the resale ticket market was designed as a way for fans to sell tickets to fans for an event they are no longer able to attend. The creation of the secondary market also allowed fans to find tickets if they missed the primary market and, in some cases, allowed them to explore cheaper options. As more and more ticket scalpers begin to show up on the secondary market, they are corrupting the ideas that the secondary market was built on and inflating the prices unjustly in the process.
The problem of ticket scalping has grown so significantly that in 2024 alone the resale market brought in about 3.4 billion dollars in sales and this problem doesn’t just affect the fans, but the artists too. With the modernization of music and the use of online platforms, artists are getting paid less and less in comparison to the money they use to make from vinal, CD, and cassette tape sales. Many artists rely on concerts to make their living and thus it is their right to set the concert ticket prices. If an artist decides they want their ticket to be $800 that is between them and the venue but instead that money is going to someone who has no affiliation with that artist’s music and decisions.
Nevertheless, there is now a solution: The current federal government along with Massachusetts government are taking a stand. In Massachusetts there are laws in place making the use of or selling of automated ticket buyer, bots, illegal along with requiring a license for a person to sell any tickets to a concert. This law also contains strict rules on the maximum price of fees on tickets, refunds and when they must be issued, marketing and how to accurately disclose price information, along with strict fines and even jail time for violations.
On a federal level there are currently two bills stuck in the Senate. The first bill is called the Transparency In Charges for Key Events Ticketing Act (TICKET Act). The TICKET Act passed the house of representatives on April 29th, 2025, and is currently in the senate waiting for floor consideration as of September 16th, 2025. The TICKET Act is a bill that contains strict procedures on the price and advertisement of tickets, refunds, and the rights of the Federal Trade Commission to investigate. This bill, if passed, would require honest advertising, itemized breakdowns in the price, refunds, and full clarity of what the ticket includes.
The Fans First Act is a bill currently in the house of representatives and was introduced in senate on December 7th, 2023. This bill contains all the main ideas ad the TICKET Act but adds additional conditions like strengthening the BOTs Act and adding more extreme fines, gives the buyer venue information, protects fan bases and fan websites, requires proof of purchase, and a study to be released on year after the bill is put into action. The study must contain information on the secondary market, how brokers bypass rules and regulations, fraud tickets, price increases due to brokers, and the relationships between primary sellers and venues/artists. This bill generally just goes into more detail than the TICKET Act and adds more conditions to protect music fans in particular from scalpers.
For the past month I have been studying the secondary ticket market and how brokers have impacted it in a negative way for my high school civics project. What I found is that this problem has affected so many more people than I could’ve imagined. From a survey I took from Parker Charter Essential School, a local middle and high school in Massachusetts, 42.5% of people said that they couldn’t attend their favorite artist’s concert due to the price. Ticket scalping has turned from a minor inconvenience to a huge problem in just a few years and the solution to this problem is within reach with the TICKET Act and the Fans First Act. This problem can affect anyone who likes a certain artist. So, even if it doesn’t affect you , it likely affects someone you know like a friend of family member. Due to this I would highly recommend that you call your local and federal senate representatives and urge them to vote yes on the TICKET Act and bring attention back to the Fans First Act. It is the opinion of over 260 artists that “predatory resellers should not be more profitable than the people dedicating their lives to their art,” so let’s change that by passing these Acts!

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2025 discoverstem

DiscoverSTEM 2025 Open House


Friday, Nov 7 from 6pm-8:30pm at Acton Boxborough (AB) Regional HS 
Come explore a FREE, hands-on AB STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math) event at ABRHS from 6:00–8:30 PM! Perfect for students in grades 7–12, families, and the whole community. DiscoverSTEM shows how science, technology, engineering, art (creativity + innovation) and math connect to everyday life.

Join us for an inspiring night of innovation and discovery! About 50 exhibitors—including engineers, scientists, innovators, and tech enthusiasts—team up with student volunteers to showcase cutting-edge products, services, inventions, and ideas while sharing their passion for STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math).

STEAM Exhibits and Highlights
DiscoverSTEM 2025 features Boston Dynamics’ robotic dog, Qualcomm computing innovations, Haartz advanced materials, SolidWorks 3D design, Pedal Power E-bikes, UMass Lowell Sports Engineering, HearSmart Audiology, Acton Lions Eye Care, and Tufts University Veterinary Science. Explore the future of sustainability and clean energy action with EnergizeActon.org, EcoQuiet Lawn Care, Trashology and National Grid and see Acton Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, plus the science of induction cooking (with s’mores samples). Don’t miss Acton Police and Fire Technology, the Physics of Driving with Drive In Control, meet a USAF Space Pioneer, explore Minuteman Tech + Trade connections and check out digital accessibility with Open Door Theater. Experience eye-tracking with iMotions and the Re-Visioning of Kelley’s Corner featured in the book Cognitive Architecture. Learn from local authors about social media algorithms and see robotics inventions like the Roomba, and much more!

High School Student Volunteers Needed!
Earn volunteer service hours while helping exhibitors and engaging with the community.
Online Silent Auction
Bid *online* pre and at the event to support AB STEAM Clubs. The online auction goes live October 28 through November 8 at noon.

Come see, learn, and get inspired!
This community-powered event is supported by AB STEAM volunteers, the Acton-Boxborough School District and our Boston-area business and community partners & sponsors.
Thanks to all of our sponsors and supporters. DiscoverSTEM PLATINUM Sponsors include Qualcomm, Solidworks, Acton Ford, Northern Bank, Acton Lions Club and Huntington Learning Center of Acton.

Visit absteam.org/discoverstem for event and exhibitor details, to volunteer, and for a full list of sponsors + supporters.

The Winter Holiday Breakfast Returns to Bedford – December 14, 2025

 
The Rotary Club of Bedford is delighted to announce the return of a beloved community tradition: the Winter Holiday Breakfast, taking place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bedford High School.

This festive fundraiser is all about bringing neighbors together to celebrate the season and support the work of the Rotary Club of Bedford Foundation. Proceeds from last year’s breakfast helped make a lasting impact in our community, funding local projects such as:
  • Youth Scholarships
  • Equipment for the Lane School Science Center
  • Hope for the Hungry Meal Packing Event
  • Alarms for Seniors through the Bedford Fire Department


We also funded several international projects, including a clean water initiative in Kenya and a project supporting medical transportation in rural Ghana.

For just $10, this year's guests will enjoy a hot pancake breakfast with eggs, sausage, bagels, and all the fixings. Children can visit with Santa Claus, create seasonal crafts, and experience a celebration that recognizes all winter holidays—from Christmas and Hanukkah to Kwanzaa, Diwali, and the New Year.
“This event is about more than pancakes—it’s about community spirit,” said Club President Tom Pinney. “We’re excited to bring families and friends together in a way that celebrates our diversity while raising funds to support important causes.”

The Rotary Club of Bedford is also inviting local businesses and organizations to become event sponsors. Sponsorship not only helps strengthen community programs but also offers an opportunity to connect with hundreds of families who attend this cherished holiday tradition.
This year, we’re excited to add a festive entertainment program to make the event even more joyful and memorable. We are seeking community members and local groups who would like to share their talents—whether musical, theatrical, comedic, or otherwise—with the community. Details on how to sign up will be forthcoming.

The Winter Holiday Breakfast promises something for everyone: delicious food, festive entertainment, creative activities, and the chance to kick off the holiday season surrounded by community.
The Rotary Club warmly invites all families, friends, and neighbors to join in this joyful tradition.
For more information, visit https://bedfordmarotary.org/page/winter-holiday-breakfast.
Mcc music faculty to perform

MCC Music Faculty to Perform as Part of “World of Music”


As part of the Fall 2025 “A World of Music” concert series, the Middlesex Community College music department will perform. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 7 at MCC’s Concert Hall in Bedford.

“I always enjoy these faculty performances where my colleagues and I get together to rehearse and perform a varied program for an audience of our students and the general community,” said Carmen Rodríguez-Peralta, Chair of Music. “This concert will include colorful music from Europe, Japan, and the United States – including a jazz selection. We all look forward to performing on November 7!”
Rodríguez-Peralta, pianist, will be joined by Raley Beggs, guitarist; Todd Brunel, clarinetist; Orlando Cela, flutist; and Daniel Fridley, bass singer, to perform a variety of chamber music. Works by Franz Schubert, Eric Ewazen, John Dowland, and Tōru Takemitsu, along with a jazz improvisation, will be performed.

“Working together with Middlesex Community College faculty presenting this concert is an immense source of inspiration and joy this Fall,” Beggs said. “Offering the full spectrum of guitar's capabilities and alongside some of New England's most talented musicians, everyone is sure to find music that resonates the strings of their imagination just as it has my own!”

“Teaching students of a variety of backgrounds and goals is a thrilling experience at Middlesex,” Fridley said. “Getting to work with my wonderful colleagues to make music together – sourcing inspiration from a variety of styles and genres ourselves – is inspiring. This recital gives us all a chance to connect with audiences, sharing music that has intrigued and inspired us, and working together in joyful ensemble!”

An additional upcoming “A World of Music” performance in Bedford a Student Recital at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 8. MCC will welcome the Lowell Chamber Orchestra (LCO) for a second time this season at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13 at MCC’s Richard and Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center in Lowell.

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

Tot Shabbat Dance Party & Dinner

Join Kerem Shalom of Concord for a fabulous and fun Tot Shabbat dance party and dinner on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5:45 pm.

We will share blessings, embrace the joy and sweetness of Shabbat, offer prayers for peace and healing, enjoy a special story, and conclude with blessings over juice and challah. BYO bear or another cuddly friend to dance with!

Tot Shabbat will be led by: Molly Bajgot, Rabbi Darby Leigh, and Nancy Kaplan.
Read more/RSVP: https://keremshalom.org/upcoming-events/tot-shabbat-dinner/
Deadgrass

Deadgrass Reimagines the Music of Jerry Garcia at Bedford Town Hall


BEDFORD, Mass. — The Bedford Cultural District’s New Song Music Series is thrilled to welcome Deadgrass—five accomplished musicians who explore the music of Jerry Garcia on the instruments that first inspired him—to Bedford Town Hall on Saturday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m.

Deadgrass brings together a powerhouse lineup of artists whose collective experience spans genres and stages around the world:
  • Matt Turk, a multi-instrumentalist, has performed and recorded with Pete Seeger and opened for major artists including Judy Collins.
  • C Lanzbom, a Grammy Award–winning guitarist, has shared performing, producing, and engineering credits with legends such as Bruce Springsteen.
  • Dave Richards, a bassist currently performing in Hamilton on Broadway, has appeared at venues ranging from the Hollywood Bowl to Austin City Limits.
  • Boo Reiners, a versatile banjo player, has collaborated with artists including Phil Lesh and Steve Martin.
  • Kensuke Shoji, a Berklee-trained fiddler, has performed with Alex Hargreaves, Maria Muldaur, and many others.


Critics have praised Deadgrass for both artistry and authenticity. NYS Music described their sound as “improv-laden… phenomenal chops… refreshing and fun,” while The Daily Item noted, “Anyone who loves the Dead… will have a spectacular night.” The Gazette heralded the band’s live show for “inspiring music fans to get up and dance.”

Watch Deadgrass perform “Midnight Moonlight” on YouTube: bit.ly/4owpzau

Tickets are available at newsongbedford.org. The concert will be held in the Reed Room at Bedford Town Hall, 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, and will feature a newly upgraded sound system. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for refreshments and community connection, with the music beginning at 7:30 p.m.

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

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
92nd boxborough merrie christmas fair

Join the Fun at the 92nd Boxborough Merrie Christmas Fair!

The holidays are coming — and so is Boxborough’s favorite tradition now in year 92! The Merrie Christmas Fair at the United Church of Christ (723 Massachusetts Ave.) returns on Saturday, November 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop locally and support your neighbors along the way.
You’ll find something for everyone: handmade gifts and crafts, sparkling jewelry, cozy knits, delicious baked goods, and beautiful holiday greens. Browse Attic Treasures for special finds, let the kids enjoy their own craft and gift area, and stop by the Sugar Plum Café for coffee and treats while holiday music fills the air.
Santa Claus will be mingling with fairgoers young and old  — have your camera ready!
The Silent Auction is back and full of opportunities to delight .  Shop online at https://auctria.events/UCCBSilentAuction2025 from November 12–22. Bid on wonderful donations from local businesses and neighbors.
This year, 10% of proceeds will support the Acton Food Pantry Building Fund, helping expand services for families in need.
It’s a morning full of laughter, community, and holiday cheer — don’t miss it! Questions? Call (978) 263-7387 for more information.

Concord Women’s Chorus Presents
‘Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season’

 
Usher in the season with celebrated choral music
CONCORD, MA Issued October 27, 2025... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents the holiday season concert “Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season,” on Saturday, December 6, 4 pm, at a new venue, Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord.  The performance is conducted by CWC Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank, accompanied by Simon Andrews, piano.

“Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season,” features a glorious program of music, including Dan Forrest’s luminous “Lux: The Dawn from on High,” a multi-movement work scored for women’s chorus, piano, violin, and cello. Other favorites include Ruth Morris Gray’s jazzy, percussion-driven “What Child Is This” and “Siyahamba,” Forrest’s warm and inclusive “Shalom,” and Elaine Hagenberg’s heartfelt “O Come, Emmanuel.” At the conclusion of the concert, the audience will be invited to join a festive, traditional (and really fun!) carol singalong. The program features some of Boston's finest professional instrumentalists, including Anne-Marie Chubet, violin (Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra, Director, Boston College Baroque Ensemble); Andrew Koutroubas, cello (Boston Early Music Festival, Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra); Gary Fieldman, djembe (Portland Symphony, ME, and Springfield Symphony, MA).

Concord Women’s Chorus is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power of women’s voices through song, hailing from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices.  Acclaimed conductor Jane Ring Frank was recently awarded Choral Arts New England’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for her expertise at a ceremony where CWC performs under her direction, and in her honor.

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.

Tickets to “Radiant Light” are $30 adults, free for children under 12, available at simpletix.com/e/radiant-light-a-celebration-of-the-season-tickets-240537. Seating is limited; early purchase is recommended.  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.
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.
 

Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks Annual Turkey Drive

 
Each year, as Thanksgiving approaches, Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks proudly continues its long-standing tradition of giving back through its Annual Turkey Drive supporting the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. What started years ago as a small company initiative has grown into a community effort that helps ensure local families can enjoy a warm and plentiful holiday meal.

The Turkey Drive is a true team effort, with Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks employees, customers, and local partners all pitching in to donate turkeys, canned goods, and other Thanksgiving essentials. The company collects and delivers the donations directly to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, where they're distributed to families across the region in time for the holiday.

"For us, this tradition is about more than just providing food, it's about sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving," said Derek Vacca -General Manager of Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks. "We're incredibly thankful for our customers and our community, and we want to do our part to help ensure everyone can celebrate the season surrounded by good food and good company."

Over the years, the annual Turkey Drive has become one of Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks' most meaningful community initiatives. The team takes pride in knowing their efforts bring comfort to local families-extending the same warmth they provide through their heating and cooling services to those in need.

The Merrimack Valley Food Bank plays a vital role in fighting hunger across the region, and contributions from community partners like Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks help make their mission possible. Each turkey and each donation adds up to hundreds of meals shared, stories told, and memories made.

As this year's holiday season approaches, Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks encourages others to join in - by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Together, these small acts of generosity make a lasting impact, helping ensure that no table is left empty on Thanksgiving Day.

For Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks, it's more than just a turkey drive - it's a celebration of community, compassion, and the true spirit of giving.

Holiday Artisans Fair in Concord

 
The annual Holiday Artisans Fair will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Road, Concord, MA. The event will be held indoors, rain or shine. This popular juried fair has taken place for over 55 years and will offer a wide variety of handmade works by fine artists, photographers, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, florists, specialty food providers and other artisans. A curated boutique of women’s vintage clothing and accessories and holiday decorations will add much interest to your shopping experience. Great browsing and shopping for adults and children. Special food will be served all day on site.  Proceeds go to charitable non-profit organizations.
Concord alcott toastmasters

Concord Alcott Toastmasters Invites Community to Fall Open House on October 27

The Alcott Toastmasters Club will host its Fall Open House on Monday, October 27, from 7–9 PM at 62 Monument Square in Concord. The event is free and open to the public.
Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about Toastmasters, an international organization that helps people develop public speaking and leadership skills in a supportive environment. The evening will include light refreshments, member stories about their personal growth through Toastmasters, and a fun interactive activity called Jenga Table Topics—a lighthearted way to practice impromptu speaking. Participation is optional, and no prior speaking experience is required.
“Before joining Toastmasters, I was so shy I hesitated to answer questions on Zoom,” said Dora Farkas, Alcott Toastmasters Vice President of Membership. “When I finally visited, I discovered a warm, encouraging community where everyone starts from where they are. That’s what we want guests to experience at the Open House.”
Looking to speak with confidence in meetings or presentations? Toastmasters offers a supportive way to build leadership skills while mastering clear and persuasive communication. The Alcott Toastmasters Open House is the perfect opportunity to experience this firsthand.
Where: 62 Monument Square in Concord
When: Monday, October 27th, 7-9 pm
Free parking is available on the street and nearby public lot. For more information or to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/mrxuse2x