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Current Edition -9/04/26
Stow/Maynard
Just click below on the paper you want to read. You can read life-size by clicking on the four corner box bottom right, then turn pages with mouse at corners just like you would if paper!

Current Edition - 8/28/26

HEADLINES

Kristens ride 3

Kristen’s Ride Returns September 13: A Community Tradition of Riding, Remembering and Giving Back

LITTLETON, MA – The Hoenshell family invites the community to join the 16th Annual Kristen’s Ride on Sunday, September 13, 2026, a day of motorcycles, family, friendship and giving back. Whether you ride, attend the cookout, sponsor the event or simply want to support a great cause, everyone is welcome.
The day begins at O’Neil Cinemas, 1208 Constitution Ave., Littleton, with registration at 9:00 a.m. and kickstands up at 10:00 a.m. Riders will take part in a 75-mile police-escorted ride through Littleton and surrounding communities, with a midway bathroom stop in Westminster, before finishing in Ayer.  The ride concludes at the Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club, 255 Snake Hill Road in Ayer where riders, families and community members will gather from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a cookout featuring food, music, raffles, a cash bar, face painting and a bounce house for children.
The cost is $25 per rider, including a T-shirt while supplies last and admission to the cookout. Non-riders can attend the cookout for a $25 donation, and children under 12 are free.

From a Family’s Fight Against Cancer
Kristen’s Ride began in 2008, shortly after the Hoenshell family learned that their nine-month-old daughter, Kristen, had been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that develops in muscle tissue. In Kristen’s case, the cancer was located in her eye. She underwent surgery followed by 43 weeks of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation. Kristen completed treatment in March 2009 and has remained in remission since March 2010.
The first ride was organized to help the family manage the financial challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis. As Kristen recovered, however, the event evolved from helping one family to helping others. The Hoenshell family chose to “pay it forward,” turning the support they received into an ongoing commitment to families and communities affected by cancer.
Although the ride has not been held every year, including several years when COVID and other circumstances forced the family to pause, the mission has continued. In 2026, the community will come together for the 16th Kristen’s Ride.

Remembering Frank
Kristen’s Ride took on an even deeper meaning in 2016 when the family lost Francis “Frank” Hoenshell, Kristen’s father and a co-founder of the ride. Frank died of cancer on March 26, 2016, at just 47 years old.
Frank was a lifelong Massachusetts resident, a carpenter and successful small-business owner, and an avid motorcyclist. But to those who knew him, his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was known as a hardworking, humble and generous man who believed in perseverance, helping others and putting family first. As his family often says, Frank was “a Husband first and a Daddy always.”
After his passing, the family chose to continue Kristen’s Ride in his honor and carry his values forward through helping others. That decision led to the creation of the Frank Hoenshell Memorial Scholarship.

Continuing Frank’s Legacy
The scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors in Littleton and surrounding communities who demonstrate personal growth, resilience, hard work and a commitment to helping others. Over the past 10 years, Kristen’s Ride supporters have helped award $1,000 scholarships to 47 graduating high school seniors.
For the Hoenshell family, the scholarship is a meaningful way to keep Frank’s memory alive while helping young people pursue their goals and make a difference in their community.
Today, the scholarship is one part of Kristen’s Ride’s broader nonprofit mission, which includes supporting cancer research, helping local families affected by cancer and providing scholarships to graduating seniors.

A Tradition That Continues
Nearly two decades after that first ride, Kristen’s Ride has become a community tradition built on gratitude, remembrance and giving back. Each year, riders, sponsors, volunteers, families and friends come together not only to raise money, but to honor loved ones who have been lost, celebrate those who have overcome cancer and support families still facing the disease.
What began with one family’s difficult journey has grown into an opportunity to help others.
The Hoenshell family hopes the community will join them on September 13 to ride, remember, celebrate and give back. Motorcycle riders, families, friends and community members are all invited.
For registration, donations, the complete ride route and additional information, visit KristensRide.com.

Wayside Quilters Guild Biennial Quilt Show:
The Art of the Quilt

‘The Art of the Quilt’, Wayside Quilters Guild biennial quilt show, will be held on Saturday September 26th (10am-5pm) and Sunday September 27th (10am-4pm) at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, 390 Lincoln Rd, Sudbury, MA. Enjoy a feast of visual delight with about 100 quilts on display, and learn the stories of each quilt. Shop the boutique of handmade quilts and crafts, attend quilting demonstrations, buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a beautiful queen size quilt ‘Sea Breeze’ and several small quilts. Winners will be drawn on Sunday September 27th. There will also be a quilt scavenger hunt for children. Admission is $10, and free for children under 12 years old. The quilt show supports the guild’s local community outreach quilt donations, speakers and workshops. The Wayside Quilters Guild website is www.waysidequilters.org and email address is info@waysidequilters.org.

CCHS Class of 1986 Reunion!

Let’s Get Together Again!
On Saturday September 19, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 pm the CCHS Class of 1986 will host a reunion. It will be at Nosh at 97 Lowell Road Concord, MA.
For questions and RSVP please contact Mardi Bartkus Hutchinson at mardihut19@gmail.com

As Fall Term Begins, Treasurer Goldberg and ABCC Launch "Operation Safe Campus"
An Effort to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms Among College Students

 
BOSTON — The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC), under the direction of State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, has launched Operation Safe Campus. The annual program is designed to target underage drinking on college campuses and in surrounding communities to keep alcoholic beverages out of the hands of underage students and prevent tragedies. This initiative begins each year when students return to colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts.
"As we begin the new school year, Operation Safe Campus reminds college students, servers and sellers alike of the real risks of underage drinking," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the ABCC. "We want to increase awareness and promote responsible choices, to protect kids and their families from experiencing serious consequences."
The enforcement efforts focus primarily on liquor stores in college communities where underage individuals often attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages with false identification, have adults buy alcoholic beverages for them, or have it delivered by way of delivery apps. Additionally, efforts focus on bars that have been known to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.
The program focuses on front-line prevention, with investigators often calling the underage person’s parents when violations occur. ABCC officials say that most parents are unaware that their children are involved in the use of alcohol, and that intervention is a powerful tool toward family involvement in addressing the problem of underage drinking.
In 2025, the ABCC Safe Campus program found approximately 104 minors in possession, transporting, or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages, 10 adults procuring alcohol for minors, and 250 individuals in possession of false identification. Approximately 38 cases of beer and 40 bottles of alcohol were confiscated by Investigators, preventing delivery to approximately 550 underage individuals. In 2025, bars and liquor stores were charged with approximately 200 counts of sale to underage persons.
Since 2005, these programs have resulted in the following cumulative results: 14,500 minors in possession or transporting alcoholic beverages; 3,700 adults procuring alcohol for minors; 2,500 individuals in possession of false identification; and approximately 6,600 cases of beer and 5,600 of alcohol were confiscated, preventing delivery to an estimated 86,200 underage individuals.
Annually, approximately 1,519 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking, and 14 percent of college students meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. In Massachusetts alone, the overall annual cost of alcohol abuse by youth is estimated at $1.4 billion.
Massachusetts IMPACT impaired driving data shows that 10% of all traffic fatalities involve drivers under the age of 21.
Massachusetts is among the top ten states for binge drinking, with more than 1 in 4 (27.75%) adults age 18 or older reporting they binged on alcohol in 2020. Among young people ages 12 to 20, 20.77% reported alcohol use in the past month and 11.81% reported binge alcohol use in the past month in Massachusetts. The national averages were 17.32% and 10.14%, respectively.
One in three (33.86%) substance abuse treatment admissions among persons aged 12 and older in 2019 in Massachusetts were alcohol related.
Plight of loyalists

The Plight of Loyalists Program at Fort Devens Museum September 19

Join us at the Fort Devens Museum at 1:00 PM on September 19th to learn about a different aspect of Revolutionary America with “I Have Scarcely a Mouthful of Bread for Myself or My Children”: The Plight of Loyalists on the Eve of Independence. This lecture, presented by historian Alexander Cain, examines the often-overlooked experiences of American Loyalists from New England and New York during the Revolutionary War. It examines how unwavering loyalty to the Crown led to the loss of homes, freedom, and security for numerous families. Drawing on original petitions and firsthand accounts, the presentation traces the harrowing flight of Loyalists from so-called "patriot" mobs and Committees of Safety. The discussion further explores the severe hardships endured by Loyalist families, including those from Massachusetts, who sought refuge with the British army in Canada, facing starvation, violations of civil liberties, and exile. The lecture also highlights the resilience that enabled these individuals to persevere in the face of such adversity.
Alexander Cain, JD, has authored numerous research articles and presentations on the American Revolution, including the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and the experiences of New England and New York loyalist refugees during the Burgoyne Campaign. In addition, he has published two books: We Stood Our Ground: Lexington in the First Year of the American Revolution and I See Nothing but the Horrors of a Civil War: The Loyalists of McAlpin’s Corps of American Volunteers. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast Historical Nerdery (historicalnerdery.com). Currently, he is in the process of writing his upcoming book, “For God’s Sake, Fire!” - The Massachusetts Militia System on the Eve of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which is anticipated to be released in 2027. Alex is also the Executive Director of Apprenticeship Pathways at North Shore Community College in Danvers, Massachusetts. He leads an educational initiative that introduces high school students and incumbent workers to apprenticeship opportunities in Allied Health.
The Fort Devens Museum is open from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday September 19th with the program at 1:00 PM. The museum is located on the 3rd floor of 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA and is wheelchair accessible. This program is free and open to the public with donations appreciated. Thank you to the Ayer Cultural Council, part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more information email info@grotonhistory.org

Eastern Mass Hawk Watch 2026 Annual Meeting

When: Friday September 11th at 7pm
Where: Middlesex Community College, Bedford MA Campus.  591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730.

The 2026 Eastern Mass Hawk Watch annual meeting will be Friday, September 11th at 7pm. We will gather at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA. The meeting will take place in the Cafe East section of the Campus Center. Please find a detailed campus map and driving directions on our website here: https://massbird.org/emhw/annual-meeting/
2026 marks 50 years of Eastern Mass Hawk Watch. We'd like to extend the invitation to our meeting to the public and welcome all who are interested in learning more about hawkwatching and our organization. The annual meeting is the traditional kick-off to the Fall hawkwatching season in Massachusetts - it won't be long before the first kettles of Broad-wings gather over the skies of New England!
Our keynote speaker this year is Mark Wilson, Wildlife Photojournalist and Teacher Naturalist, presenting his Ten Wild Photos, Ten Wild Stories talk: a unique slide program that explores some of Mark’s best wildlife photos taken over 30 years in some surprising places. Mark will present ten select images. Each image will be discussed in-depth as to how and why it was made. Supporting photos will help explain. Topics of discussion will include photo techniques, equipment, ethics and natural history, and staying comfortable and healthy in harsh environments. Aspiring beginner photographers and traveled veterans alike will find inspiration to assess and improve their own work. Non-photographers get to peek under the lens cap and see how a pro comes up with knock-out photos.
Mark Wilson was a staff photographer for the Boston Globe for 23 years. During those years he also wrote regular columns on photography and birds for the Globe. His wildlife photos have appeared in a wide variety of publications including National Geographic (Oct. 1992 cover, bullfrog). Mark and Marcia Wilson work as a team in the field, exploring remote areas that few people get to visit. In 2001 they completed a 19-day canoe trip down a North Slope River in Alaska’s Arctic Refuge. That trip is the basis for a chapter Mark wrote for the book Arctic Wings.
The meeting is free and open to the public (donations appreciated). A social hour with beverages, appetizers and snacks starts at 6pm, followed at 7pm by a brief business meeting and the keynote presentation. The business meeting will review EMHW Watch Sites and how you can visit or participate this upcoming migration season! We’ll also have the return of our famous raffle, including many raptor-related and birding items and some fantastic photography. Join us for a great evening!

If you are interested in contributing raffle items, refreshments, or helping EMHW with the meeting, please let us know at e.masshawkwatch@comcast.net and we'll be in contact!
For complete information, including directions to the location in Bedford (plenty of free parking), visit the Eastern Mass Hawk Watch web site at massbird.org/EMHW.

Exciting Opportunity for Stow Senior Artists!

Calling Stow Senior Artists!
The Stow Council on Aging has been invited to submit an original artwork by one of our seniors for display at Middlesex Superior Court, as part of their grant-funded Community Art Program.
  • Theme: "Community"
  • Medium: Pencil, watercolor, or oil on paper/canvas
  • Size: 11" x 14", unframed (digital copies accepted)
  • Drop-off deadline: September 15, 2026, at the COA
  • Required: A card with the artist's name, the work's title, and a brief description
  • Selection: The COA team will choose their favorite piece to submit
  • Celebration: The chosen artist will be honored in November alongside other artists, guests, court staff, judges, and community members
Please contact Kathleen or Tanya at 978-897-1880 with questions about this exciting opportunity

The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends Join Forces to Help Save Lives

BOSTON, Aug. 24, 2026 — The American Red Cross urges people to celebrate the power of kindness by making an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets. Every donation is critical to helping prevent the next blood shortage.
The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends are partnering in September to remind donors that comfort and care are always better when shared. Just one blood or platelet donation can help more than one patient enjoy a happier future. As a thank-you, those who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will get an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.
Thanks to the generosity of thousands of people who rolled up a sleeve this summer, the blood supply continues to recover from critically low levels. As we enter September, the blood supply remains vulnerable — especially as we approach new seasonal challenges such as back-to-school activities that can cause donors to be less available to give, and the ongoing potential for tropical systems in the Atlantic, which can further threaten the blood supply by disrupting blood drives. By making and keeping appointments now, donors can help the Red Cross ensure lifesaving blood products are on hand wherever they are needed, including communities where donations may not be possible due to severe summer weather and natural disasters.
One small act of kindness can travel far. Spark joy and book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Maynard & Stow Sept.1-20:

9/11/2026: 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Dept of Fire Services/MA Firefighting Academy, #1 State Road
9/16/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks #1568, 34 Powder Mill Rd
Come play

Come Play in the Dirt with Iron Work Farm!
Monday (Labor Day), September 7,
9 a.m to 1 p.m.

Come play in the dirt with the Iron Work Farm!  Volunteers are needed to dig through the “tailings” from the recent driveway project at the Faulkner Homestead, 5 High Street.  Led by Kimberley Connors of Archaeology Outreach, participants will sift and examine the leftover dirt pile in a hunt for significant artifacts from 325+ years of South Acton history.  Sign up at forms.gle/vA1Sn151xMz3EjjDA.   For info email: dig@archeducation.org.

Summer Events Series at The Armory on the Assabet
Shoestring Film Festival

The Armory on the Assabet Summer Events Series in Hudson, MA Featuring Music, History, and Community Programming

Shoestring Film Festival
August 30, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Maynard Fine Arts Theater, 19 Summer Street, Maynard, MA
Independent film showcase featuring shorts, animation, and original storytelling

STOWcase 2026

ATTENTION STOW BUSINESS OWNERS AND STOW RESIDENTS! STOWcase 2026 (an evening open house to showcase some of what Stow has to offer its residents), is taking place on Thursday, October 22 from 6 to 8 pm at Center School.  We are delighted to invite Stow business owners and Stow residents to participate in this well-attended town-wide event! STOWcase attracts hundreds of residents, giving you a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business, sell merchandise and connect with residents. There is NO registration fee, however a donation for the raffles is required.  To apply please visit https://www.stow-ma.gov/994/STOWcase.  If you have any questions, please email stowcase@stow-ma.gov.

UCC Boxborough Invites You to Welcome Sunday!

On Sunday, September 13th at 9:30AM, the United Church of Christ in Boxborough invites you to Welcome Sunday!  We’ll worship outdoors on the lawn (weather permitting) and then enjoy good food, fun games, and great music. It will be great to see old faces and new!
We are the big white church in the center of town. 723 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough.  www.boxboroughucc.org

Stow Garden Club BYO Picnic Lunch

The Stow Garden Club invites you to join us for our BYO Picnic Lunch on Wednesday, Sept 2nd at 12:30. Meet us at the Town Center Park Gazebo on 323 Great Road in Stow. Bring a picnic lunch and, if possible, a lawn chair. Beverages will be provided. Come chat about Fall Gardening! 

STUFF A POLICE CRUISER FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT THE MAYNARD FOOD PANTRY

Please participate in the Stuff a Cruiser Food Drive to benefit the Maynard Food Pantry on Saturday, September 19, 2026 between 10 AM – 1 PM at the Maynard Market Basket parking lot, 129 Parker Street, Maynard!  This wonderful food drive is being sponsored by the Maynard Police Department, Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley and the Maynard Public Schools.

Whether you are shopping at the Maynard Market Basket or just want to drop a food donation off on that Saturday, September 19th, there will be police cruisers in the parking lot to accept your food donations.  Please do not donate perishable food items (refrigerated or frozen) or glass items.  It will be a great way for everyone (young and older) to do good at a fun event!

Maynard Food Pantry most needed items include: beef stew, Progresso soups (specifically Italian Wedding, Split Pea, Chicken Noodle, Chicken & Rice, Lentil, Minestrone), Sloppy Joe or Corned Beef cans, cereal bars/granola bars, individual juice boxes, individual cereal boxes.

The Maynard Food Pantry is very grateful for the support of the Maynard Police Department, Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley, the Maynard Public Schools and the Maynard Market Basket for coordinating this effort!

Maynard Democratic Town Committee 2026 State Primary Endorsements

In May 2025 the Maynard Democratic Town Committee voted to change its bylaws to allow endorsements of political candidates prior to the state’s primary elections. 2026 is our first year and we are excited to announce the following.

The Maynard Democratic Town Committee is endorsing the following candidates because we feel they best represent our values and desires for the state and the nation.

Senator Edward Markey for US Senate from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
https://www.edmarkey.com

Jonathan Paz, candidate for US House of Representatives to represent the Fifth District of Massachusetts
https://www.pazforthepeople.com

September 1, 2026 is Massachusetts State Primary Day, please go to Maynard elections for voting information: https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/170/Elections

Randall Library Friends Recognized for Gift to Library

The Randall Library Friends’ (RLF) successful Revitalize Randall campaign resulted in the gift of indoor and outdoor furniture for the Randall Library, valued at more than $214,000. Stow’s Select Board formally accepted this gift at their July 2026 meeting.
At that meeting, the Select Board presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Randall Library Friends. The Select Board recognized the extraordinary generosity and steadfast commitment of the RLF to the Town of Stow and expressed their appreciation to every member, volunteer, donor, and supporter of the Friends. The citation reads, in part, “Your generosity has left a lasting legacy for our community, and we thank you for helping make the new Randall Library a place where everyone belongs.”
Lisa Lavina, President of the Friends, accepted the certificate. Lisa reflected on the recognition: “This Certificate of Appreciation belongs to everyone who contributed to Revitalize Randall. The Friends appreciate the enormous support from this community and we look forward to hosting some exciting events at Randall in the near future.”
Revitalize Randall was a four-year campaign to raise the funds needed to secure new furnishings for the renovated Randall Library. It was organized and conducted entirely by volunteer efforts. Contributions exceeded $206,000. Nearly all of the donations came from individuals or businesses in Stow, a testimony to the special regard Stow holds for its library.
The Randall Library Friends coordinated this fundraising effort as part of its mission to promote and support the Randall Library. The Friends provide funds and resources needed for Randall Library’s many programs for children and adults, passes to museums and other cultural attractions, and public access to a copy machine.
To read the full text of the Select Board’s commendation and to learn more about the Randall Library Friends, visit www.RandallFriends.org.

Financial Focus:
Build Confidence in Your 401(k) Decision

 
Many people have a 401(k), or other workplace retirement plan, but aren’t sure what to do next.

You don’t need to have it all figured out, but a little curiosity goes a long way.

Here are some questions to get started. Check available plan resources or ask your plan administrator or a financial professional:
  • Is there an employer match, and how much do I need to contribute to get all of it?
  • Do I have the option to make Roth contributions?
  • What kind of investments are in the plan, and how are they different?


And keep two simple ideas in mind:
  • First, try to contribute at least enough to get the full employer match available under your plan, or you'll be leaving money on the table.
  • Second, start as early as you can, even if the amount feels small. Having more time to invest can increase the potential benefits of compounding.


You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to get started.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA. Member SIPC
Hab hum 2026 gala2

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell Hosts 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala to Raise $150,000 for Affordable Housing

Concord, MA — September 18th, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell will host its 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala on Friday, September 18, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA. This signature fundraising event aims to raise over $150,000 in support of affordable housing initiatives across 16 towns in Greater Lowell.

Guests will enjoy a formal evening featuring a seated dinner, music, and silent and live auctions. Beyond a memorable night out, it’s also an opportunity to connect with community leaders, business professionals, and neighbors who share a passion for making a difference. Funds raised will directly support Habitat’s mission to build, rehabilitate, and repair safe, affordable homes for low-income families in the region.

“Our community is facing a real housing crisis,” said Sheilagh Carlisle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. “This Gala isn’t just a night out—it’s a way to come together and do something meaningful. Every ticket, every donation helps a local family build a stable home and a better future. When we invest in our neighbors, we strengthen the entire community.”

This year’s Gala comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell has expanded its building efforts from one home per year to four, with projects underway in Westford, and Concord. In Concord, HFHGL has been progressing on a new development called Assabet River Homes in partnership with the Concord Housing Development Corporation and with $1 million committed from the Concord Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. The project will create three new homeownership opportunities, with foundations currently being installed. The total project cost is
estimated at $2.1 million, and the organization is actively seeking $1 million in additional funding to support these early stages, making the Gala critical to advancing the project.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.lowellhabitat.org/gala.

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOSTS MIDDLESEX DISTRICT ATTORNEY CANDIDATE FORUM

With the September 1st state primary fast approaching, Middlesex County voters can hear directly from the two Democratic candidates vying to lead the county’s District Attorney office. Incumbent District Attorney Marian Ryan and challenger David Solet, a former longtime prosecutor in the office, appeared recently at a candidate forum taped at NewTV’s studios in Newton. The tape of the forum is online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA.

The forum was organized by a coalition of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and local League of Women Voters chapters – including the Westford League – in coordination with NewTV, Newton’s local media outlet. Following League practice, the forum was structured around a series of moderated questions submitted by community members in advance, with both candidates having equal time to respond and lay out their vision for the office.

Since there is no candidate for District Attorney on the Republican primary ballot, the winner of the Democratic primary will be the presumptive next District Attorney.

As chief prosecutor for Middlesex County, the DA decides whether to bring charges, prosecutes criminal cases, and works with police during investigations, with a duty to pursue fair outcomes, not just convictions.

The taped forum is now online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA, giving voters time to watch it before heading to the polls in the state primary election on Tuesday, September 1. Registered Democrats, as well as unenrolled voters (aka “independent” voters) and those enrolled in political “designations” who choose the Democratic ballot, can vote in this race.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information, go to https://lwv.westford.org/.
Womens business

The Women's Business Network (WBN) Hosts Best Practices for Use of AI in Your Business

The Women's Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 pm at Holy Trinity Parish (St. Theresa Church) church hall, 15 Still River Road in Harvard MA. We will have a presentation by Leia Owen, Marketing and Business Consultant, who will break down some of the most common AI tools and features available to businesses, as to what they’re actually good for, and where you still need a human in the driver’s seat. WBN is a local, volunteer-run networking group of women in small businesses, professional practices, non-profits and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education & networking. Guests welcome. 

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.

Middlesex County 4-H Fair from August 28-30

The Middlesex County 4-H Fair is from August 28-30, 8am-6pm, except for Sunday, when it closes at 4pm. The fairground is located at 55 South Chelmsford Road, Westford. There is parking at the fairgrounds, as well as additional parking with a free shuttle that drops off at the gate.
The fair is family-friendly and geared towards kids, but is enjoyable for all ages. There is livestock which includes horses, goats, dogs, cows, chickens, rabbits, and sheep.  The animals are shown by 4-H youth, who compete for ribbons and also to entertain the public.
The showing class is where animals are displayed and are judged on how well they handle and how they look. Some of the highlights in livestock are the horse shows, rabbit races, the chicken poop bingo and dog agility.
In addition to livestock, 4-H members are also judged on various projects, which are displayed in the Static Barn. Examples of projects include: arts and crafts, home-grown produce, photography, bee and maple products, and a wide variety of posters - just to name a few.
One of the most popular activities is the hay ride, which allows people to see the whole fair while riding a tractor. There are also various shows and performances, corn husking and a watermelon eating contest, bouncy house, and lots of fair food.
4-H youth help run parts of the fair, and it is not uncommon to see them as you walk around. The fair happens once a year, but 4-H members spend all year working on their projects, taking care of, and training their animals. These 3 days of the fair allow the pubic to see all their hard work.
There is enough at the fair that you will not get bored, but it isn’t large like the Topsfield or BigE fair. The fair has been relatively unchanged since its founding in 1956. We like to stick to the roots of what a county fair really is.
4-H is a youth organization founded in 1902, with 6 million youth nationwide and 5,148 in Massachusetts. Although the roots of 4-H are in agriculture, it has expanded to a wide range of interests including STEM education. 4-H focuses on developing skills like public speaking, record keeping, leadership, and working on year long projects with animals or plants which teaches patience and hard work.
Aquarium turtles

New England Aquarium Returns Four Rehabilitated Sea Turtles to the Ocean in Fifth Beach Release of the Season


Kemp's ridley sea turtles “Lucky” and “Dumpling” to be tagged for post-release monitoring

BOSTON, MASS. (Aug. 20, 2026) – Four Kemp's ridley sea turtles are back in the ocean off Cape Cod, Mass., after the New England Aquarium released them Wednesday evening following months of specialized treatment. The Aquarium has now released 38 rehabilitated turtles this summer.
Staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., treated the hypothermic turtles for a variety of life-threatening medical conditions, including pneumonia, dehydration, and trauma, after they washed onto the shores of Cape Cod in November and December 2025. Aquarium veterinarians cleared the turtles–named “Dumpling,” “Jumble,” “Lucky,” and “Old English”–to return to Nantucket Sound from West Dennis Beach following eight months of care. Dumpling received treatment for severe pneumonia and flipper swelling, while Jumble, Lucky, and Old English underwent surgery for bacterial infections in their joints.
“As the season winds down, these later releases mark a special milestone in our rescue and rehabilitation program,” said Adam Kennedy, Director of Rescue and Rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium. “The turtles heading home have undergone some of the most rigorous treatments, with each patient representing months of recovery. It's a moment worth marking in the broader effort to conserve sea turtles for generations to come.”
Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are endangered, facing threats including climate change, ocean pollution, and degradation of their habitats. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts help to conserve the species.
Scientists from the Aquarium’s research arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, will be using tagging technology to monitor two of the turtles, “Lucky” and “Dumpling.” The tags applied to the turtles’ shells collect information about the animals’ behavior, habitat use, and survivorship, which helps inform sea turtle conservation and protection efforts, especially in New England where little is known about these species. This season, the team is using a combination of satellite tags for real-time data and acoustic tags for longer-term tracking; some of the turtles will be added to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Tracker for the public to follow their journey. This sea turtle work is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Permit Number ES69328.
During the 2025 cold-stunning season, which ran from early November to late December, the Aquarium treated nearly 500 live sea turtles, most of them Kemp’s ridleys, that were rescued from Cape Cod beaches by staff and volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Getting these turtles back to full health requires a collaborative effort among biologists, veterinarians, and researchers. A few turtles remain at the Aquarium's Quincy facility, continuing treatment until they are medically cleared to return to the ocean.
Aquarium staff, volunteers, and interns have a tradition of naming the turtles receiving long-term care, with this year’s theme being font-inspired names.

Spiritual Growth and Community Center Comes to Stow

The Spiritual Growth and Community Center (SGCC) is the outreach program arm of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley, located in Stow, MA. Founded at the Unitarian Church of Marlboro and Hudson (UCMH) in 2008, the SGCC moved to its new home in Stow following UCMH’s merger with the First Parish Church of Stow & Acton in 2026.

For over seventeen years, the SGCC has been living its mission, providing the Assabet Valley region with high-quality, inspirational programs, classes, and events to awaken curiosity, joy, compassion, and personal growth for the mind, body, and spirit.

To welcome SGCC to Stow, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV) is offering a startup special: from now through September 30, 2026, all of our recurring programs are free (except for materials cost, and beverages for Pub Theology). All are welcome! Unless otherwise stated, all events will take place at UUCAV, 353 Great Road in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.

The SGCC is run by our SGCC Director, Cynthia Menard, and the SGCC Committee, a Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley. For more information on joining the committee or hosting an event, contact Cynthia Menard at sgcc@uucav.org. For a listing of programming offerings, to register for upcoming events, or just to learn more about SGCC, visit our website at www.uucav.org/sgcc.

Apple Pie Sale Returns to UUCAV

Fall is just around the corner, which means it’s apple pie season at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV, formerly First Parish Church of Stow and Acton)! Our volunteers will soon be hard at work picking, prepping, and baking our famous homemade apple pies.

Sales begin September 19 and will run every Saturday and Sunday through October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to noon – or until we’re sold out, so be sure to come early!

Each 3 lb. pie is $20, and mini pies are $10. You’ll find the apple pie stand right out front at 353 Great Road in Stow, on Route 117 near the Route 62 intersection.

Special thanks to Shelburne Farm of Stow for generously donating the apples for the pies.

Minuteman Senior Services is Seeking Volunteer Meals on Wheels Drivers

For 50 years, Minuteman Senior Services has provided older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers with the information and assistance they need to make informed decisions about their care and support. The need for volunteer meal drivers is growing as more older adults depend on home-delivered meals to remain safely and independently at home. Just a few hours of your time each month can help ensure that local seniors receive nutritious meals and the social connection that comes with a friendly visit.
We are seeking caring volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound older adults from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekdays. Volunteers can choose to serve once a week or twice a month. Mileage reimbursement is available. This simple commitment can have a lasting impact on the life of an older adult in your community. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 781-221-7093 or email volunteer@MinutemanSenior.org.
Assabet valley

Member Showcase Presentation
Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

HUDSON: On Wednesday, September 2, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) kicks off its new club year with a Member Showcase where photographers will present a series of images they took over the summer based on a theme or a variety of subjects. The public is invited to join in-person or via Zoom.

AVCC is a Hudson-based photography club that began in 1985 with a handful of people who shared a common interest and now has 60 members who hail from over 15 communities in the surrounding area. In-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson.

The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts.  During the second monthly meeting, a competition of members’ digital images is judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. September’s subjects are Monochrome and an Open category.

Assabet Valley Camera Club, affiliated with both the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) and the Photographic Society of America (PSA), participates in inter-club competitions on regional, national and international levels.

Currently, AVCC meetings are using a hybrid approach where members can meet either in person or via Zoom. If you are interested in attending the program, contact AVCC at avcc.digital@hotmail.com a few  days prior to the meeting to request a link to the event or to let us know you will be attending in person. Guests are welcome to attend up to two consecutive club meetings prior to becoming a member. For a description of full membership benefits, please go to:  https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com/Club/MembershipInfo.aspx  The club’s Zoom room opens at 7:00 PM with a brief business meeting at 7:15. This month’s presentation  will begin at 7:30.

AVCC welcomes anyone interested in learning more about photography as a visual art and its practical application as a science.  Photographers benefit from the club's  hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. Check out the AVCC website at https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com/  or scan the QR code.

Local Residents Named to
Simmons University Dean's List

 
BOSTON, Mass. (Grassroots Newswire) August 13, 2026 - The following local residents were named to the 2026 spring semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston.
  • * Rowan Ignacio, Maynard 
  • * Carly Rieter, Maynard


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.

About Simmons University
Located in the heart of Boston, Simmons is a respected private university offering nearly 50 majors and programs for undergraduate women and graduate programs open to all on campus, in blended formats or entirely online, in nursing and health sciences, business, communications, social work, public health, library and information science, and more. Founded in 1899, Simmons inspires a culture of education, connection, and action through high-impact learning with engaged faculty, an immersive community that forges lifelong networks, and career-centered programs that accelerate professional success. The result is a Simmons experience that prepares graduates to thrive as they launch and advance in their careers. For more information, please visit www.simmons.edu.

Free Chicken BBQ Friendship Dinner at
Hudson First United Methodist Church

The First United Methodist Church invites you to our Friendship Dinner on Saturday, August 22nd at 5:00 pm.  Now that summer is in full swing, we’ll be enjoying BBQ style eating, with Grilled chicken, salad, drinks and dessert!   The cooking will be done outside but dining will be inside Lamson Hall so we won’t have to deal with mosquitoes or bees!!

Invite family, friends and neighbors for an evening of great tasting food, laughs and fellowship.
Friendship Dinners are served the fourth Saturday of every month and are free and open to everyone.

First United Methodist Church is located over the hill, off the Hudson Rotary, at 34 Felton Street.
More information is available at 978-562-2932 or at our website http://www.hudsonfumc@gmail.com
Steampunk4

Steampunk Stroll & Soiree with FelixOddiTEA at the Maynard Sidewalk Sale on August 22nd


Felixology Bookshop in downtown Maynard has an epic day of events planned on Saturday August 22nd. The quiet streets of Maynard will transform into something extraordinary. From 10am to 4pm, Felixology at 2 Walnut St. will become the heart of a full day of oddities, tea, music, creativity, bargains, and adventure. The day's events include:

FelixOddiTEA: Felixology will host Professor Krumpp's Cabinet of Curiosities, a pop-up museum of curiosities, oddities, and ephemera. Behind our secret bookshelf door we will have a crafting speakeasy where you can Make Your own Mini Cabinet of Curiosities for $25, including access to the all-day tea buffet. The tea will consist of a buffet of various teas, both caffeinated and non-caffeinated, hot and iced, as well as sweet and savory treats. Seating will be outside in our pop-up tea garden. There is a tea-only ticket price of $15 and participants will receive a 20% discount on Felixology's packaged teas.

Steampunk Stroll and Photo Scavenger Hunt: Guests are invited to take a self-guided stroll through historic Maynard and the first annual Downtown Sidewalk Sale (10am to 3pm). Felixology will have a variety of maps available highlighting historic sites, businesses, and restaurants.Guests will be able to participate in a Selfie Scavenger Hunt by taking photos at various locations around Maynard. Show us your photos at Felixology and post the pics on your socials for some swag and discounts. Felixology will host our own Steampunk Photo Station.

Diabolis In Musica: The Medieval Steampunk band Diabolis In Musica will perform periodically throughout the day at Felixology.

Hudson Mudworth Thinks of Something Author Event: Chris Beatrice, author and illustrator of the Steampunk kids' book Hudson Mudworth Thinks of Something, will be signing copies of his book and riding his penny farthing.

Downtown Maynard Sidewalk Sale and Farmer's Market: Downtown Maynard will become the site of the first annual Sidewalk Sale! There will be bargains, events, and excitement. Be sure to check out the anniversary party for Secondhand News and the Witch Bells Making Workshop at The Sea Cauldron. Felixology will have tons of discounts, specials, and discounts all day. And don't forget the Maynard Farmer's Market at Mill & Main from 9am-1pm.

S.T.E.A.M. City Fundraiser: FelixOddiTEA is more than just a pleasant Saturday, it's a fundraiser for S.T.E.A.M. City Corporation, an educational non-profit teaching science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Additional support for the event is provided by the Maynard Cultural Council and the Mass Cultural Council.

Details at a Glance: In a world that often feels too ordinary, FelixOddiTEA offers a rare invitation; spend a day among curiosities, music, tea, and good company. Come curious, leave enchanted.

Saturday, August 22, 10am-4pm
Felixology, 2 Walnut St, Maynard, MA
FelixOddiTEA, Cabinet Workshop and Tea Buffet: $25 (12-4pm)
Tea Only: $15 (11:30am-4:30pm)
Steampunk attire is encouraged but not required. Come as you are, or come as the eccentric inventor, explorer, or time traveler you've always wanted to be. Look for our Curious Crier for announcements and directions. But beware, he's very curious!

For More Information: felixology.com        felixology.square.site
Learn More

Financial Focus:
Building Your Child’s Education Fund, One Step at a Time

College costs can feel overwhelming — four years at a public university run around $120,000 according to the College Board 2025. But you don't need a perfect plan to get started.

There are savings accounts specifically to save for education. Many offer tax advantages and don't require a minimum opening deposit.

One type of account is a 529 college savings plan, and it's a smart choice for many. Earnings grow tax free, and distributions for qualified education expenses are federally tax free. And anyone — including grandparents — can contribute.

One easy way to save is to set up automatic contributions and let time do the heavy lifting.

When your expenses change – such as the end of daycare costs — redirect that money toward your education fund. Tax refunds and bonuses help, too.

Just don't let college savings crowd out your retirement fund. Loans exist for college but not for retirement.

It's never too early to begin saving for your child's education.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA. Member SIPC

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents “Autumn Winds”
September 25 in Harvard and September 26 in Worcester

August 18, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society begins its 21st Season with a concert titled “Autumn Winds” at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard on September 25 and at Assumption University in Worcester on September 26.  A reception will follow each concert.
The chamber music ensemble opens the season with three pieces written in three centuries. Mozart and Brahms each composed works in their masterful styles that display the virtuosity of the hornist and clarinetist for whom they were written. In 1782 shortly after his marriage, Mozart composed his Horn Quintet for friend Joseph Leutgeb; Leutgeb played a natural horn which, unlike modern French horns, lacked valves, relying instead on a variety of crooks and hand-stopping techniques to play the instrument’s full range. In 1891, Brahms wrote his Clarinet Trio for Richard Mühlfeld, whose fine musicianship inspired Brahms to begin composing again after an intentional retirement. Dohnányi’s Sextet showcases both instruments in a work that nods to Brahms while delighting in its own eccentricity and sass. In 1935, Dohnányi wrote this piece during a long illness.

Friday, September 25 @7:30PM Saturday, September 26 @7:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
9 Ayer Road, Harvard 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM

Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K.407/386c
Johannes Brahms | Clarinet Trio, Op. 114
Ernő Dohnányi | Sextet, Op. 37

Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians:
Krista Buckland Reisner and Rohan Gregory, violin
Mark Berger, viola
Peter Sulski, viola
David Russell, cello
Joshua Gordon, cello
Randall Hodgkinson, piano
With guests Gary Gorczyca, clarinet; Clark Matthews, French horn
All venues are handicapped accessible.

Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/autumn-winds/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624

The GFWC Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is Now Accepting Crafters’ Applications for the 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair.

Event: Northboro Junior Woman’s Club 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair
Date: Saturday, November 7,2026
Time: 9:00AM-3:00PM
Place: Robert E. Mexican Middle School,  145 Lincoln Street, Northboro, MA

Jurying Information: This is a juried show requiring that all items are handmade. Please visit NJWC’S website for applications and more show details. www.northborojuniors.org/craft-fair.html

The Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization that has been active in Northboro for over 40 years. They support community projects in Northboro as well as internationally. The Harvest Fair is the club’s major fundraiser.

Native Plant Trust Launches Restoration Accelerator™ to Address Growing Shortage of Locally Adapted Native Seed

Regional initiative expands capacity to produce, process, and store locally adapted seed needed for ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

WAYLAND, MA — As climate change fuels increasingly severe storms, flooding, drought, wildfire, and habitat loss across the United States, demand for native plants and seed for ecological restoration has reached unprecedented levels. To help address a critical shortage of locally adapted, locally grown native seed throughout the Northeast, Native Plant Trust has launched the Restoration Accelerator™, a regional initiative designed to expand the production, processing, and storage of native seed for habitat
restoration, conservation, and horticultural use.
“Restoring ecosystems at scale begins with seed,” Native Plant Trust CEO Tim Johnson said. “By investing in the infrastructure, partnerships, and scientific expertise needed to expand native seed
production, we are helping ensure that future generations inherit landscapes that are healthier, more
diverse, and more resilient than those we see today.”
Native plant communities form the foundation of healthy ecosystems, supporting pollinators and wildlife, protecting water quality, storing carbon, stabilizing soils, and helping landscapes withstand environmental change. Yet even as demand for native plants grows, the supply of locally adapted seed has struggled to keep pace.
“As the pace of ecological change increases, preserving local adaptation is increasingly important for building resilience in ecosystems. We will not win this battle by simply introducing more plants from the south. The flora of the Northeast will adapt, and we can support this process by ensuring all the pieces remain in place. Gardens, designed spaces, and restoration projects all help shepherd the ecosystems in which we live into the future by valuing the use of locally adapted native plant material,” says Uli Lorimer, Director of Horticulture at Native Plant Trust.
The need is urgent. A 2023 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that ecological restoration in the 21st century will be required at a scale never before seen, as native plant communities face mounting threats from climate change and environmental degradation. At the same time, restoration practitioners, conservation organizations, government agencies, and commercial growers across the country face a well-documented shortage of native seed, often using seed mixes with non-native species designed for different regions and lacking transparency about seed origins.
The Restoration Accelerator™ builds upon more than three decades of the Native Plant Trust's
nationally recognized expertise in seed banking, conservation, and native plant propagation. Based at
Nasami Farm, the organization's nursery in western Massachusetts, the program coordinates with seed
users and native plant and seed producers in Massachusetts to better understand needs and match
production to demand, offering seed and plant production services to restoration practitioners (i.e.,
seed users) on a contract basis. Those services include wild seed collection, nursery production, and
seed increase, and providing services to both new and experienced growers, including training and
consultation, wild-sourced starter seed, plugs for increase plots, seed processing services, and climate-
controlled seed storage. The facilities include a dedicated seed-processing building and a storage facility equipped with a cold-dry room and a long-term storage freezer, enabling growers to clean, process, and safely store large quantities of seed while maintaining viability and quality.

For more information about the Restoration Accelerator™, please contact ra@nativeplanttrust.org.
Stamp

Postal Service to Issue Commemorative Stamp for U.S. Coast Guard Academy Milestone

The U.S. Postal Service will release a new commemorative stamp celebrating the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. This special issue continues the long-standing postal tradition of honoring the nation's premier military service institutions.

The first-day-of-issue unveiling ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Forever stamp is free and open to the public. News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtag #USCoastGuardStamp.

Saturday September 12, 2026 at 10AM at the Connecticut Maritime Heritage Festival, Custom House Pier at Waterfront Park,1 Waterfront Park St., New London, CT 06320. Attendees are encouraged to register at: https://www.usps.com/uscoastguardstamp/

The stamp art features photographs of the USCGC Eagle, the Coast Guard Academy’s primary training vessel since 1946, and USCGC Bertholf, a Legend-class national security cutter whose missions include maritime drug interdiction and securing the maritime border. Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed this stamp with photographs courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Project bread 3

Senate Candidates Seth Moulton, Joe Tache and John Deaton Join Project Bread Forum on Hunger and Federal SNAP Cuts

Nonpartisan Event Puts Positions on the Record Ahead of Sept. 1 Primary and November Election

EAST BOSTON, Mass. – On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Project Bread and the Make Hunger History Coalition hosted a nonpartisan forum at the nonprofit's East Boston office, inviting all announced candidates for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts to answer questions on food insecurity, federal nutrition programs and their policy plans for addressing hunger.

Participating candidates Seth Moulton (D), Joe Tache (PSL) and John Deaton (R) responded to a series of questions in a rotating order, with no direct debate format between them. The forum was intended to elevate food security as an electoral issue and put candidates' positions on record for voters.

“Federal cuts to SNAP this past year have made it harder for eligible residents to access the program,” says Erin McAleer, CEO of Project Bread. “Project Bread and the Make Hunger History Coalition bring together partners from all walks of life across this state with one goal: permanently ending hunger in Massachusetts. To get there, we need the political will, and we need our leaders actively talking about and addressing hunger.”

Food insecurity in Massachusetts has reached 40% of households, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank, with roughly 1 in 2 Black and Latino/a households struggling to get enough to eat. Nearly 62,000 Massachusetts children have lost SNAP benefits since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's passage last July, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

SNAP is a proven economic driver: every dollar in benefits generates up to $1.80 in local economic activity, and more than 1 million Massachusetts residents rely on it, most of them children, seniors or people with disabilities.

Project Bread's Make Hunger History Coalition unites more than 700 partners around one goal: making Massachusetts the first state to permanently end hunger. The forum aimed to build political accountability on that goal ahead of the Sept. 1 primary and November general election.

People experiencing food insecurity should call or text Project Bread's toll-free FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential assistance connecting callers to food resources, including SNAP benefits, in more than 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. For more information, visit: www.projectbread.org/get-help.

Join us for the Fabulous 48th Season of
the Sounds of Stow!

Selections focus on “Connections”, both musical and thematic, promoting visions of hope and shared humanity.
Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals, Monday evenings August 31, September 7, and September 14 at the First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9:15. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers.
Sunday, November 22, 2026, our season opens with Maurice Durufle's much beloved "Requiem".  Stylistic traditions and techniques spanning centuries are evident in this piece, composed in 1947, which is mainly contemplative, but breaks into memorable dramatic renderings of appropriate texts. Barbara Jones directs the chorus, accompanied by organ, strings, trumpets, harp and timpani, in the beautiful Salem Covenant Church just east of Worcester.
Building on the great success of Christopher Tin’s “To Shiver The Sky” (April, 2026), we eagerly anticipate performing his “The Drop that Contained the Sea” on April 11, 2027.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus is a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly encourage Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! We hope to see you this month!

For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email
soundsofstow@gmail.com

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.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank Needs Your Donations
www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

   With some hot summer days behind us and some still to come you might not be thinking of blankets and comforters.  However, Fresh Start has a massive need for all sizes of blankets and comforters right now.  We also always need shower curtains and liners and hooks.  A lot of our clients move into a new home and find there is no curtain in the shower.
     For kitchenware we need measuring cups, both for dry and liquid, and measuring spoons.  Also cutting boards and drinking glasses.
     Finally, we are currently low on tables & chairs and end tables.
      Please check our website (above) for more information, for our location in Hudson and for our hours.  We accept donations in good (not necessarily new)condition on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9-noon for household items and on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30 for furniture and until noon for household items.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.

An Evening with Julie Carrick Dalton, Author of “The Forest Becomes Her,” at Discovery Museum September 23

Acton, MA – Discovery Museum will host local author Julie Carrick Dalton to discuss her acclaimed new novel, The Forest Becomes Her, on Wednesday, September 23, 7:30pm. The novel is set in Concord, MA. The event is free with pre-registration.
In a fireside chat with Discovery Museum CEO Marie Beam, Julie will discuss the novel's themes of environmental loss, grief, resilience, and our enduring connection to forests. Together, they'll explore a question that feels more urgent than ever: If today's children never develop a meaningful relationship with nature in the first place, what do we risk losing—not only environmentally, but culturally and emotionally?
This event is for adults only. Space is limited. Museum exhibit galleries will be closed. Light refreshments will be served.

What: An Evening with Julie Carrick Dalton, author of The Forest Becomes Her
When: Wednesday, September 23, 7:30pm
Where: Discovery Museum, 177 Main Street, Acton, MA
Cost: FREE
Registration: Required in advance at https://bit.ly/DaltonSept2026; space is limited
Who: Adults only
Heritage chorale

Heritage Chorale Open Rehearsals and Auditions

Sing with Us!
Announcing Open Rehearsals for the Chorale's 90th season on two Tuesdays, September 8 and 15. Open Rehearsals give potential new members a chance to sing with us and audition after the rehearsal if they are interested in chorale membership. You can experience the energy, talent and dedication of Heritage Chorale singers, our inspired music director Steven Lipsitt, and expert accompanist Leona Cheung. We are proud to uphold the tradition of choral excellence established so many years ago in Framingham, MA.

We rehearse at Scott Hall, 24 Vernon Street, Framingham on Tuesday evenings from 7:15-9:45pm. Performing three concerts a season (September through May), we often include a professional orchestra and soloists. Our November concert will feature Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass.

For more information about rehearsals, auditions, membership, and Covid precautions, please see www.heritagechorale.org and click on "Sing With Us."

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

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

The 40-hour, 3-week training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic
violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The September/October 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on
September 28 through October 16.

Week 1: Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
Week 2: Monday and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
Week 3: Tuesday* and Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
*Due to the Monday, Oct. 12, holiday.

For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.
DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

Family Friendly Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival

Begun as a labor of love and becoming a local tradition, the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival returns for its fifth consecutive year on Saturday, September 5 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV, formerly First Parish Church of Stow and Acton). The festival will include local craft beer brewers, food trucks, live music, and a separate, dedicated children’s area with games and crafts.

General admission is $10 suggested donation per person, with those 12 and under admitted free. Drink tickets for beer or hard cider are $6, and soft drinks and bottled water will be available at food trucks.

The festival will take place rain or shine in Stow Town Center at 353 Great Road. The facilities at UUCAV are wheelchair accessible with accessible parking. For more information, email craftbeerfest@uucav.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @AssabetCraftBeer.

STOW COA LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO PICK UP FOOD DONATIONS

The Stow COA is looking for volunteers to pick up food donations each week from local Stop and Shop stores.  With everything becoming more expensive, this service is greatly needed and appreciated by so many of our residents, so we want to keep it going!  An overview of what this volunteer opportunity entails is provided below.
This volunteer opportunity requires arriving at the store around 7 am to gather, pack and load about 20 banana boxes (weigh between 20 to 50 pounds) and a half-dozen milk crates in your vehicle.  
  • The boxes are then brought to the rear entrance of the COA (located at the Pompo Community Center) where other volunteers will assist with unloading and ultimately arranging the donations in the COA Food Program.
  • This volunteer opportunity typically takes about an hour and a half.
  • Training will be provided.
  • A volunteer application must be completed and processed.


If you are unsure whether this is for you, a ride along with a current volunteer can be arranged.  Email COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov if interested or for more information. Thanks for considering!

Exciting Opportunity for Stow Senior Artists!

Calling Stow Senior Artists!
The Stow Council on Aging has been invited to submit an original artwork by one of our seniors for display at Middlesex Superior Court, as part of their grant-funded Community Art Program.
  • Theme: "Community"
  • Medium: Pencil, watercolor, or oil on paper/canvas
  • Size: 11" x 14", unframed (digital copies accepted)
  • Drop-off deadline: September 15, 2026, at the COA
  • Required: A card with the artist's name, the work's title, and a brief description
  • Selection: The COA team will choose their favorite piece to submit
  • Celebration: The chosen artist will be honored in November alongside other artists, guests, court staff, judges, and community members
Please contact Kathleen or Tanya at 978-897-1880 with questions about this exciting opportunity