Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The affordable housing organization was selected from a total of 715 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $50,000 this year for its work in Middlesex County.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (Habitat NCM), formed in 1987, builds and repairs affordable homes in thirty cities and towns along route 2 in north central Massachusetts.  The funds will be used to build new, deeply affordable, and energy-efficient homes and repair existing affordable homes for low-income families in Middlesex County.
“The need for affordable housing has never been greater”, states Carolyn Read, executive director of Habitat NCM. “This funding will help us to build more homes faster for families in western Middlesex county.”
The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties, plus six communities in Norfolk County: Brookline, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Quincy, and Wellesley.
Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
“Greater Boston is fortunate to have a robust, dedicated, and highly capable nonprofit sector that supports and enhances the community in myriad ways,” said Cummings Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes. “The entire Cummings organization is thankful for their daily work to help all our neighbors thrive.”
The majority of the grant decisions were made by nearly 100 community volunteers. They worked across a variety of committees to review and discuss the proposals and then, together, determine which requests would be funded. Among these community volunteers were business and nonprofit leaders, mayors, college presidents, and experts in areas such as finance and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).
“We believe strongly that grant decisions will be more equitable when made by a diverse group of community members,” said Vyriotes. “We’re incredibly grateful to the dozens of individuals who participated in our democratized philanthropic process.”
The Foundation and volunteers first identified 150 organizations to receive three-year grants of up to $300,000 each. The winners included first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings grants. Twenty-five of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected by a panel of community volunteers to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $1 million each.
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 49 different cities and towns.
Cummings Foundation has now awarded $500 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s 150 grant winners, plus nearly 2,000 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
About Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
Habitat NCM is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing decent and affordable homes for those who cannot qualify for conventional mortgages, as well as doing Critical Home Repairs throughout the 30-town region. Habitat NCM relies on volunteers to accomplish its mission and is supported only by local funding and donations.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, MA and has grown to be one of the largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities, in Marlborough and Woburn, and Cummings Health Sciences, LLC. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on June 14. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome! There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted. FPC is a nut-free location.
FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you!
This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, Nashoba Valley Rotary, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.

The Flower Ceremony, sometimes called Flower Communion, is a 51-year-old Unitarian Universalist ritual where everyone is invited to bring a flower to Sunday service that goes into a group bouquet. The flowers represent the glorious diversity of humanity, so it's particularly appropriate that this is celebrated in the midst of Pride Month, as our beautiful LGBTQ+ diversity is part of what we celebrate in the rainbow of flowers that are gathered. On Sunday, June 9, First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will hold its annual Flower Ceremony. Please bring a flower to share.
FPC’s annual church picnic will follow the service – if you wish to join us, pack a lunch and picnic blankets or folding chairs. Lawn games are also welcome! This year, the picnic might take place at the park next door; visit fpc-stow-acton.org for details as the date approaches.
The service will take place both in person and virtually on June 9 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

The Town of Acton is proud to announce a fun-filled Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4, 2024. The activities begin at 7:00 P.M. with a free concert featuring Best Friends Girl - #1 Tribute to The Cars at 7:00 P.M. Immediately following the concert, enjoy a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 P.M. Complimentary shuttle buses will begin at 5:00 P.M. that will take guests to and from NARA from designated off-site parking lots with bus stops located along Nagog Park Drive. Food Vendors will also be onsite starting at 5:00 P.M. It is highly recommended that guests opt to take the 10-minute lighted Town Forest Trail located at the end of Nagog Park Drive to access the park entrance. This is the best way to enter and exit the park during high-traffic times. This event is open to the general public and there is no admission fee. Donations are greatly appreciated and are needed to help cover defray overhead expenses. Upon entry, please note that all bags are subject to search. Entrance to the park will take place at two locations: the lower bus drop-off area on Ledge Rock Way and the other entry via the Town Forest footpath onto Quarry Road/NARA upper parking lot. On the other end at Nagog Park Drive, there will be designated bus stops along Nagog Park Drive for pick-up and drop-off. There will be a variety of food vendors including food trucks with traditional BBQ, Thai, Italian, Indian Cuisine, ice cream, carnival food, and more. No alcohol or outside grills will be permitted on park grounds or tailgating in any parking areas within Nagog Park. NARA picnic areas are not available on this day for gatherings. On July 4, the beach parking lot will be open for beach season passholders, handicap parking, and special permit parking. Beginning at 5 P.M. all cars will be directed to park at Nagog Park Drive. The free concert from 7:00-9:30 P.M. features Best Friends Girl – The #1 Cars Experience! Best Friends Girl recreates the timeless hits of The Cars spanning a 35-year career, with over 23 million albums sold and more than 22 songs on the Billboard Top 100.” A spectacular fireworks show will be shot off by Pyrotechnico at 9:30 P.M. The fireworks can be viewed from all areas of the 40+ acre NARA site. The Town of Acton is honored to support the exciting fireworks display and celebratory event, and our many local business sponsors who made this great concert happen. If you get hungry or thirsty starting at 5 P.M. there will be plenty of food choices. Vendors accept cash and most accept credit cards or Venmo. The Town of Acton would like to thank our many event supporters as of May 24th who make all our summer events including July 4th possible. Please visit www.acton-ma.gov/events for more information on this event or other upcoming events all summer long! NARA Park is located off Rt. 27 at 25 Ledge Rock Way in Acton. Handicap parking is available onsite for all events. Please follow event parking signs for off-site parking on Nagog Park Drive located on Route 2A/119 near Nagog Pond as parking is limited at NARA. You can easily access the park by taking the 10-minute trail walk through the Town Forest Trail located at the cul de sac near 125 Nagog Park Drive. This trail will enter the upper sports fields at NARA Park. There is no fee to park for these events. We are proud to promote in 2024 Leave No Trash Events and promote being eco-friendly. There is no rain date for this event. For more information, visit: www.acton-ma.gov/events.

A support group for mothers in the loss of a child....

Saturday June 15th
10:30am-12:30pm
Avidia Financial Center - The Community Room
17 Pope St
Hudson,MA

Celebrate with us as we perform hits from the last 40 years on Saturday, June 1 at 7pm and Sunday, June 2 at 4 pm at the Nashoba Brooks School, Tucker Auditorium, 200 Strawberry Hill Road, Concord, MA. Tickets can be purchased on our website www.ActonCommunityChorus.org or at the door. This season, we are excited to partner with Open Table’s Food Pantry to collect 40 bottles of cooking oil at our concerts. This is a high demand item, so please help by bringing a bottle to donate. Don’t miss this wonderful community event!

Senior Minister, Reverend Ginger Bove, leads a study of Words of Life: Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments Today by theologian and pastor Alexander Hamilton.  We delve into the commandments in their historical context, consider the meaning of each commandment in Hebrew, unpack how Jesus reinterpreted them and how they might relate to our lives today.   All are welcome to join us for community and lively conversation. The study runs from May through July, on Tuesdays 10-11 AM.  To sign up or learn more, please call the Church office at 978-779-6427 or email us at admin@firstparishofbolton.org.

Please consider donating them to the Stow Friends of the COA (SFCOA). Clothing donations (which can include other soft goods such as accessories, shoes, linens etc.) can be brought to the Stow Council on Aging Monday through Friday between 8 am and 3:30 pm (except holidays).
Your donations will be used to benefit Stow’s senior residents.  Donations may be distributed to residents directly or used for fundraising initiatives.
Thrift Shop
The Thrift Shop offers a wide selection of new, like-new, and gently used clothing. There is something for everyone – women and men, adults and kids, casual and fancy!  We are always receiving new items so stop in often.  You can’t beat the prices!!  Stop in for some great finds all while supporting Stow’s senior residents.  The Thrift Shop (located at Pompo Community Center, 509 Great Road) is currently open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am until 12 noon.  Other days will be added as we secure additional volunteers.
Epilepsy Foundation New England Clothing Drive
Clothing that is not suitable for or does not sell at the Thrift Shop is bagged and collected until our next Clothing Drive.
Textile Recycling
Items that cannot be used are bagged and deposited in the Textile Recycling bin located in the Pompo parking lot.  Note:  The funds received from the textile recycling program are NOT allocated to the SFCOA; they are collected by the Town of Stow.
The SFCOA is a 501 (c) (3) all volunteer public charity, dedicated to helping our senior residents lead an active life and stay independent as long as possible. Their continuing mission is to support and expand the work of the COA in providing services to senior residents of the Town of Stow by raising funds and helping to make our community and its leaders aware of the valuable role the Council on Aging plays in our town. Funding supports the Community Outreach Program, Fuel Assistance Program, Senior Van Program, Senior Picnic, Bridges Together Program, Craft Classes, Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Fitness Programs and so much more. Thank you for your support!

On Sunday, June 2, First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will hold a service on “Transformation.” Summer is a time of shifting, as school and church years end and begin. Right now, much of our society is also transforming, with new models emerging, and church life is no exception. During this service, FPC Minster Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum will talk about how we learn to embrace transformation and change. The service will also mark the completion of FPC’s first "First Chalice" class, for children in grades 2 to 4. Music will be provided by special guest Joe Jencks, a 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, award winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist based in Chicago. The service will take place both in person and virtually at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

National PTSD Awareness Month, which takes place each June, ushers in an array of awareness campaigns run for the benefit of PTSD Survivors. PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs in people after they have experienced a particularly traumatic event like war, violent physical/sexual/verbal assault, accidents, and so forth. Symptoms include depression, anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, insomnia, disturbing thoughts, and much more. Many people recover from PTSD after a few days, weeks, or months. Yet, for others, the recovery road might mean one year or more. This mental disorder is treatable, but due to the lack of knowledge about it, as well as the stigma attached to seeking mental help, many choose to ignore the problem and suffer through it.
Some studies suggest that suicide risk is higher among those who experienced trauma due to the symptoms of PTSD. A study from the National Comorbidity Survey, a national representative sample, showed that PTSD alone was significantly associated with suicidal ideation or attempts. A later study by the Canadian Community Health Survey data also found that respondents with PTSD were at a higher risk for suicide attempts. Among people who have had a diagnosis of PTSD at some point in their lifetime, approximately 27% have also attempted suicide. Another large-scale survey found that 24% of military personnel diagnosed with PTSD had experienced suicidal thinking within the past year.
According to the Journal of Emergency Services, a silent crisis is happening worldwide. First responders are quietly suffering because of the stigma surrounding the utilization of mental health services. First responders are approximately ten times more likely to have suicidal ideations and/or attempt suicide compared to the CDC national average.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free resource, available 24 hours a day for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. 988 offers a free 24/7 text line where trained counselors support individuals in crisis.
The Jason Foundation is another available resource. The Jason Foundation offers the First Responders Training Module: Addressing Suicide with Youth in the Community and Within the Profession. The goal of this training is to provide First Responders with the knowledge, skills, and resources to enable them to be better able to recognize the signs of concern and elevated risk factors for suicidal ideation in youth within their community, as well as in co-workers and fellow first responders. The training is free and can be found online at www.jasonfoundation.com under the How To Get Involved tab.

6 Bridges Gallery presents “Formations: Clay, Stone, Time,” an exhibit of ceramics by Jeanne D’Amico, photographs by Julie L’Heureux, and sketches by Natalie MacKnight.
The exhibit will be on view at 6 Bridges Gallery, 77 Main Street, Maynard, from May 22 through June 22, 2024. It will also be hosted online at 6 Bridges Gallery. A reception will be held on June 8, 5:00–7:00 PM.
Ceramic artist, Jeanne D’Amico, makes functional pieces: tea bowls, mugs, bowls, vases and plates for everyday use. Working with clay on the wheel requires being present with continuous movements and decisions. Occasionally, while throwing one piece, suddenly the clay veers off in another direction. The change could be caused by an unintended hand movement or a change in the consistency of the clay. By choosing to continue in the new direction, a bowl might instead become a vase or a platter. Most times, Jeanne finds that the new piece is infinitely better than the one she had in mind. In addition, the piece often leads to ideas for new functional work.
Digital photographer Julie L’Heureux specializes in still life, landscapes, and portraits. She has a profound fascination for the enduring presence of rock formations and the enigmatic Petrified Forest. Her photography transcends mere representation, capturing fleeting moments set against the timeless backdrop of nature’s sculptures. Each image she creates is more than meets the eye; it is a canvas where light, shadows, color, and clarity are orchestrated to craft an illusion that stirs the realms of our imagination. Utilizing her camera, expert lighting, and the transformative powers of digital tools like Lightroom and Photoshop, L’Heureux invites viewers to explore the juxtaposition of the fleeting and the eternal which is central to her thematic focus on the Petrified Forest and the rock formations, while still capturing the artistic process and vision. Natalie MacKnight is known for her energetic black and white gouache paintings of boulders and stone walls. In this exhibit, she presents a series of sketches in graphite, charcoal and pencil. MacKnight is one of the many artists displaced when her previous studio building shut down. Working in her home studio, she decided to set aside painting for a bit and focus on sketching. Sketching became an exploration of stone vs. the elusive nature of time:  Boulders and stone walls sit in the forest, patiently and determinedly waiting, while ever-shifting light and foliage flutter around them. MacKnight hopes these sketches will prompt the viewer to embrace the lightness in their own world.
For more information about the exhibit, please visit 6 Bridges Gallery, Facebook, and Instagram.

"The Friends of the Hudson Public Library are hosting the 2024 YART and Yard Sale on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (rain date  is Sunday, June 2 from 9-1). The YART and Yard Sale is an opportunity for artists, craftspeople, and townspeople to sell their handmade and secondhand goods from their Hudson yard or driveway.  There is a $20 fee for this fundraiser.  Your address and a short description of what you are selling will be posted on our event map.  Prior to the event, maps will be available to download at  huds.pl, or you can pick up a paper copy from the Hudson Public Library.  To register your address for this event, go to huds.pl/yar t24.  Thank you for your support."

First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will hold a special Sunday service celebrating its religious education program, to include recognition of graduating high school seniors “bridging” to adulthood. The service will also feature our annual “RE Extravaganza”! The service will take place both in person and virtually on May 19 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

The Hudson Land Trust has scheduled the first of two sessions to provide information about identifying and controlling invasive plants commonly found in Hudson. We will be meeting from
1-3  pm  on  Sunday,  May  19th.  As  part  of  the  CISMA  (Cooperative  Invasive  Species Management Area) grant which we received we will be providing introductory training for volunteers and landowners who want to learn more about invasives and how to remove them.

We will meet in the parking lot for the Assabet River Nature Trail off of Chapin Road. Please wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, hard-soled shoes and gloves. We will have some tools and gloves available. If you have loppers or a hand-saw, please bring that with you. We will have water and snacks available. For more information please email us at contact@hudsonlandtrust.org.

A jewelry sale will take place during the annual plant sale at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The jewelry will be available indoors and will include everything from fun costume bracelets and necklaces to vintage treasures, such as silver earrings and chains, signed pins, and more. The plant sale will include a selection of perennials, ground cover, herbs, annuals, shrubs, small trees, and garden-related items. The plant and jewelry sales will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the church parking lot and Community Room, respectively. To get to the Community Room, go through the main entrance (not the sanctuary entrance), take a left, and go through the second door on the right. Proceeds benefit the church. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. For more information, visit
www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

Excitement is in the air for this upcoming Quilt Show! And what could be more beautiful than a room filled with hand crafted quilts?! Catch the enthusiasm and attend this local Quilt Show being held May 18 & 19 at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road (route 40) in North Chelmsford, MA. Show hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The show features over 100 Traditional, Modern, and Art quilts made by members, a Members Boutique, Silent Auction of Mini Quilts, Themed Raffle Baskets, Quilting Demonstrations, and More! Show Vendors are Bits ‘n Pieces Quilt Shop of Pelham NH and blade sharpener National Sharpening Company. This year, our Charity Quilt Raffle will benefit Lowell Transitional Living Center.
Admission is $10 and free for children under 12; cash or check only as we are unable to accept credit or debit cards. Building is wheelchair accessible with plenty of free parking.
The group's Quilt Shows are held every two years and are always a highlight of Guild programming. If you are in the area, this show is a “must see” event!
For more information, visit  www.chelmsfordquiltguild.com

What if you received a knock on your door tonight and were told you had to leave? You had no more than a month to do so, and you could only take what was not nailed down. Eighty Massachusetts families faced that predicament on March 25, 1942. The Ammo Dump: A Taking of Heritage tells their story.
Join us at 1:00 on May 18 at the Fort Devens Museum for an afternoon of local lore and history with the authors of The Ammo Dump. Co-authored by Maynard historian Paul Boothroyd and his sons Paul Boothroyd, Jr. and Todd Boothroyd, the book explores the U.S. Army's seizure by eminent domain of some 3,100 acres of land spanning Maynard, Stow, Sudbury and Hudson in the spring of 1942.
At the breakout of World War II, the U.S. government required four square miles to create an ammunition depot. The purpose was to create this munitions storage at a distance from Boston harbor, so that if German battleships appeared off the Massachusetts coast, the munitions facility would be too far inland to be shelled from the sea. An extensive network of railroad tracks and widely spaced 'bunkers' (earth-covered warehouse buildings) would hold munitions until ships docked at harbor to take on supplies for transportation to Europe. Eminent domain was ordered, and the land taken, forever.
However, that's only the surface of the tale...
Explore the who, how, and why. Learn about close-knit families in Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, and Hudson, Massachusetts, who lost their farms, their livelihoods. They not only had to find new places to live and work, they had to deal with the loss of all they had built.
The Fort Devens Museum is located at 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA, on the third floor and is wheelchair accessible. The museum is open on May 18 from 10 AM to 3 PM with the program at
1:00.  This event is free and open to the public with donations gratefully accepted. Thanks to the
Harvard Cultural Council. More information at www.fortdevensmuseum.org.

Many families struggle to offer their children the joyful birthday celebrations they deserve. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) and FPC volunteer staff are offering 3 free parties, to occur between July 2024 and June 2025, to families that might not otherwise be able to have a party for a child. The youth at FPC have helped build a party “escape room” chest that’s available for birthday rentals. The parties are best suited for children and youth between 8 and 17. This includes the use of FPC’s Vestry, including tables and chairs for up to 20 people (though the escape adventure is recommended for 5 to 10 participants), and access to a small kitchen. The parties also include an FPC volunteer who will open and close the building and act as “games master” for the escape adventure. Pirate-themed Escape Room in a Chest: ● 12 puzzles to solve (suited to ages 8 to adult) ● A 60- to 90-minute adventure (approximately) ● Teams of 5 to 10 people Typical Party ● 2 hours total ● Up to 90 min in Escape Game ● Remainder of time in Vestry Cafe for any food, cake and beverages you bring. The value of the party is $300 ($250 rent and $50 sexton fee). Low-income families and foster families are encouraged to apply using the URL below. At least one adult must be present throughout the party. Tinyurl.com/FPCpiratebday Applications will be reviewed by FPC’s minister. Requests will be accepted until May 30. Recipients of the parties will be contacted by June 10, 2024. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

On Friday, April 5, Middlesex Community College’s Prepare to Attend College (PAC) graduation ceremony celebrated students and honored their success. During the ceremony, graduates reflected on their experiences, received certificates, and had a potluck lunch and sang a celebratory song. Sedighe Rostamiozemchelouei, from Iran and now living in Stow, graduated from MCC’s PAC Two course. Rostamiozemchelouei felt grateful about joining the program after her friend recommended it. “Throughout this experience, I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge,” Rostamiozemchelouei said. “The teachers at MCC are amazing. They are helpful and have made learning fun. It has been a journey of growth and learning for me and opened new possibilities so I am excited to see where this journey will take me.” Rostamiozemchelouei and PAC One student Mariam Ababri spoke at the graduation. Both students talked about how the PAC program helped them feel more confident with their English skills. They were glad to learn about American culture and meet their classmates. Ababri, from Morocco and now living in Dracut, was thankful for the experience. In particular, she was appreciative of class instructor Faithe MacElliott’s teachings. “I have much more confidence with talking to others,” Ababri said. “I would not be in this position if it were not for my brilliant teacher believing in me.” After the PAC graduates spoke, MacElliott gave the graduates their certificates. “Our classroom is often the first opportunity students have to make friends in a new country. These connections can help them better understand cultural differences through shared experiences in a new environment,” MacElliott said. “As time goes by, students gain confidence speaking in front of others. At the end of most classes, we break into smaller groups, which gives students an opportunity to discuss any topic while practicing their pronunciation and language structures.” In addition, MacElliott introduces students to college resources such as the Academic Center for Enrichment for tutoring, building study skills and additional English practice. The college also offers access to on-campus services such as the libraries and food pantries. As the course finishes, MCC’s academic advisors visit to speak to graduates about continuing their education with various options, including enrolling in credit classes. The PAC program is a part of MCC’s English Learner Institute (ELI) which offers non-native English speakers the opportunity to improve their English skills. The PAC program runs three times a year and learners complete it in eight-weeks. It is free, flexible and split into two levels. “I cannot wait to see what they do next,” said Katy Gentile, MCC’s Assistant Director of Corporate Education and Training. “Watching how proud each student was to receive the certificate, come together to sing a graduation celebration song, and then spend time eating the food they brought for a potluck lunch, was absolutely amazing and uplifting.”

Get outside on nature trails! Earn prizes! For all ages!
Fun challenge sponsored by the Bolton Conservation Trust & Trails
Instructions:
1. Get started: Pick up a book at the Bolton Public Library
2. Go explore nature: Get out on the conservation trails and find the stamps (hints for the locations can be found at https://www.boltonconservationtrust.org/get-outside-go-explore)
3. Claim your prize: Find us at our trails booth at Backyard Bolton at the end of the summer and show us your book and earn prizes: adventure backpacks for kids and tote bags for adults
For more information: info@BoltonConservationTrust.org
If you want to get your kids outside and in nature this summer, then check out the Tom Denney Nature Camp at https://www.tomdenneynaturecamp.org/. Spots are still available.

(to Benefit the Many Charities of the Rotary Club of Marlborough Foundation)
Wednesday May 22, 5-8pm Hellenic Hall at the Greek Church Cashman Street, Marlboro
Fun for the whole family!
Enjoy a casual and fun evening of good food and Italian music with family and friends. Featuring antipasto, pasta, meatballs, sausage, bread, desserts. Cash Bar for beer and wine.
Tickets $10. (General admission), $7. (Over 62 & under 10 years)

The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson (UCMH) is pleased to announce a new art installation on its front lawn facing Main Street in Downtown Hudson. The concept is the culmination of a conversational brainstorm between Rev. Alice Anacheka-Nasemann and local artist and UCMH member Elisa Abatsis, who is responsible for the creation of the giant rainbow heart that stands as the centerpiece. “I tried to approach it as a sacred act,” Ms. Abatsis says of the work. “I listened to love songs throughout most of the construction process. As I worked to strengthen and stabilize the sculpture (definitely a challenge with a shape as top-heavy as a heart), I thought about the values that strengthen and stabilize our community.” Rev. Alice was instrumental in compiling the love-themed quotes that adorn the array of nearly 150 heart-shaped yard signs that surround the sculpture. They are from writers, from religious prophets and scriptures, from ministers, from musicians, from poets, from philosophers, from

world leaders, and from justice and peace activists. “My goal was to provide a depth and breadth of quotes that make us ponder, inspire us to open our hearts to Love, help us understand the link between Love and justice, and demonstrate how Love is central within all world religions and cultures,” says Rev. Alice. There was a shared congregational effort to put together the yard signs, to prep and paint the driveway in a brilliant rainbow, and to create the welcome posters. “Though there is certainly value in artistic subtlety, I wanted to make something decidedly unsubtle,” Ms. Abatsis says of the project. “I kept imagining small children riding in the back seats of cars, looking out the window as their parents drive down Main Street. I wanted to make something that communicated joy, love, and unconditional acceptance to them just as clearly as it does to adults.” The public is *very* welcome to come walk the Rainbow Driveway and read love quotes. We hope they will be inspired to go Share the Love within the larger community. * * * The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson is devoted to love, peace, positivity, and inclusion. In addition to Sunday services, UCMH offers inspiring and cultural activities for personal growth and development throughout the year. Further information is available on UCMH’s website, Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson’s Facebook page, or by calling the church office at 978.562.9180.

Celebration of Hope Benefit
Saturday, May 18th, 11:00am-2:00pm
The Barn at Gibbet Hill
Enjoy Brunch in the Rustic Elegance and Celebrate...
Hope, Connections, & Community Partnerships
Tickets $100 per person (Ticket price covers the cost of brunch, drinks, dessert, entertainment, and rental fees)
To Reserve Tickets: Visit DVSN.org/Benefit2024 or call 978-318-3421 for more information. Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal: $100,000

Saturday, May 11th from 8:30 PM until 10:30 PM
SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. It’s galaxy season! This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring the Virgo supercluster of galaxies, as well as other deep sky wonders like the double galaxy M51, the Sombrero galaxy and the planetary nebula and galaxy pair of the Owl Nebula and M108! See a host of beautiful double stars and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects. There will be a bright overhead pass of the International Space Station (bright as Venus) at 9PM. Don’t miss it!
Masks are not required but will be available. If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone ill, we ask that you refrain from attending.
The weather caused us to cancel our last event, so be sure to check before you come. A cancellation notice will be posted on our website www.sasobservatory.org by 3:00 PM that day. If we do cancel on Saturday, we will try again the next night (Sunday), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

Sunday, May 19, 1:30-3:30 pm

Identifying Wildlife Using Apps

Do you ever notice interesting plants, animals, insects, or birds, and wish you knew what they were? Field guide books are still a great way to identify native creatures, but phone apps are becoming increasingly popular. On Sunday, May 19, at 1:30 pm, join the Westborough Community Land Trust for a quick course on using wildlife apps! On this walk, led by WCLT’s Sharon Dankwardt, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using apps, and learn how to use some of the most popular apps to identify practically any native creature you can find! Before coming to the walk, please download at least one of the following apps to your phone: SEEK, INaturalist, Merlin (for bird ID), and Plantnet (for plant ID). If you don’t know how, come early and you can do it with assistance at the start of the walk. Free, open to the public, no reservation needed.

The hike will be held at the Libbey-Wile Forest. Park along one side of Carroll Drive in Westborough and meet at the trail entrance at the end of the road, near 5 Carroll Drive.

Check w w w.Westboroug hLand Tr ust.org for weather cancellations.

Trail map: https :/ / westboroug hlandtr ust.or g / maps / LW

For questions contact: events @westboroug hlandtr u st.org

An intimate support group in the loss of a child.

Saturday May 18th
10:30am-12:00pm

The Community Room
Avidia Financial Center
17 Pope St, Hudson, MA

WHAT: Join OARS to unveil our beautiful new rain garden at the Marlborough Senior Center! Enjoy the flowers with us and learn about the ecosystem and aesthetic benefits of rain gardens as the Mayor of Marlborough, Christian Dumais, officially opens the rain garden.
WHO: Matt Brown, Executive Director and Heather Conkerton, Ecological Restoration Coordinator of OARS; Christian Dumais, Mayor of Marlborough; Tedd Scott, Interim DPW Director; and Trish Pope, Director of Marlborough Senior Center.

WHEN: Monday, May 6 from 11 AM to Noon

WHERE: Marlborough Senior Center, 40 New Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.

WHY: To educate and help protect communities from flooding and drainage problems through nature- based solutions that protect our watershed from pollutants carried by stormwater in alignment with OARS’ mission to protect, improve, and preserve the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers and watershed for all people and wildlife.

May 11 – In a family-friendly show that will have your toes tapping, Vinny Pendergast and the Sons of Blarney will perform classic Irish tunes in Stow on Saturday, May 11, at 7 p.m. This lively, energetic 5-member band consists of lead singer Vinny Pendergast (originally from County Mayo, Republic of Ireland) on vocals and guitar; Steve Brown on penny whistle and bones; Paula Cookson Luria on percussion; Paul Luria on banjo, mandolin and harmonica; and John Sullivan on bass, guitar and octave mandolin. Vocals are by all. These seasoned musicians have performed extensively in Massachusetts and beyond. Their music will have you singing along and maybe even dancing. The Sons of Blarney will bring a tear to your eye and a smile to your face. This is a benefit show for an area family seeking asylum; suggested donation per adult is $20 with no donation requested for children. Tickets are required and can be ordered at tinyurl.com/SonsOfBlarney. Doors open 6:30 p.m., and the concert will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. The concert will take place at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Rd., Stow.

Stow, Mass., May 10 – Children aged 4 to 11 are invited to First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) in Stow for a night of crafts, snacks and fun on Friday, May 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Club UU is FPC’s monthly, nonreligious drop-off kid's club. It's led by a minimum of three adults, and typically between 7 and 9 kids attend. We focus on building social connections between children through creative crafts, fun games and group decision making. Newcomers from the community are always welcome and are invited to bring a friend. In May, the theme
will be mindfulness, with some Zentangle, kids’ yoga, and active movement games. As always,
we'll end with flashlight hide-and-seek. Club UU will take a break after this, but it’s expected to return on Sept. 20. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Please drop children off and pick them up in the church Vestry. To get to the Vestry, go through the main entrance (not the sanctuary entrance), take a left, and go to the end of the hallway. For more information, call 978-897-8149. FPC’s facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Stow, Mass., May 5 – The Morning Star Singers, a group of indigenous women who are hand drummers and singers, will be welcomed by First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) for an outdoor Sunday service about building community and beginning reparations. The Morning Star Singers seek to preserve and continue the beautiful tradition of women’s singing in native culture. For this service, they are planning on wearing red in remembrance of missing/murdered indigenous women and two-spirit individuals. Attendees are invited to join them in wearing red. The service will be held on May 5 at 10 a.m. on the lawn behind the church; come through the atrium doors and head through doors directly across. In case of rain, it will be held in Fellowship Hall (go through atrium doors and turn right). FPC is hoping to stream the service online if possible. Please check Sunday service listings at www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services for updated information. Child care is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, call FPC Admin Meg at 617-291-3351 or visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow.

STOW: Thinking about biking this summer?  Enjoy the beauty of Stow and surrounding communities while supporting conservation in Stow.  SCT’s Bike for the Woods will be August 11 (please note the earlier date).  For more information, visit bikeforthewoods.org. To register early, visit bikereg.com/stow-bike-for-the-woods.

West Acton Baptist Church will be holding a Flea Market May 11th from 12 noon to 3:00 in the parking lot, 592 Mass Ave. during the West Acton Merchants Village Association Spring Fling.  Spaces available for a small donation. Limited number of tables, first come, first served.
Slated to date: Acton Police Dept with Zane their comfort dog! Handmade Greeting cards, Vintage used jewelry & the church membership will be offering vintage teacups for sale. Contact church office 978-263-5902 or wabcadmin@verizon.net.

Stow, Mass., April 27 – The critically acclaimed a cappella quartet Windborne will perform songs drawn from centuries of world music, from labor and civil rights struggles as well as modern folk compositions, at the New Revival Coffeehouse in Stow on Saturday, April 27. NPR called them “The best musical discovery of the year…stunningly powerful. Windborne sets a new bar for harmony singing today!”
Tickets are $20 in advance at tinyurl.com/WindborneMusic and $25 at the door. Doors open at 7pm. and the concert begins at 7:30pm. Masks are optional. The New Revival Coffeehouse is located at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow. For questions, call 978-274-2593 or email coffeehouse@fpc-stow-acton.org

Joy Bible Study invites area women to attend our annual Spring Luncheon
Date: Wednesday, May 8
Time: 9:45-11:45
Acton Joy Bible Study is a friendly community of women from different denominations who  desire to study the Bible, share laughter, develop lasting friendships, and share personal  insights. It has been meeting for 41 years.
The Spring Luncheon includes personal testimonies from two of our members, worship through  music, and announcement of our next study beginning September 2024. The morning  concludes with a complimentary luncheon provided by our members. Come see what we are all  about!
We meet at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 54 Hosmer St, Acton, MA  www.joybiblestudy.com

A “Free Sale”, an indoor yard sale event, will be held at Trinity Church Congregational at 14 Wattaquadock Hill Rd. in Bolton on May 11th from 9AM -12PM. Household goods, toys, books, movies, sporting goods, clothing, decorations, and more. All items are free. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as well.

STOW: Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski is pleased to announce that the Town of Stow has received $500,000 in grant funding from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division for the Randall Library building decarbonization renovation project. The $500,000 in funds will be used to aid the Randall Library renovation project and transform the building into a fossil-free space. The renovation will include the installation of an all-electric HVAC system to support both the addition and the renovation of the existing building, with the aim to lower the Town’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.

DOER staff selected grant applications to fund based on a number of factors, including energy impacts, emissions reductions, utility incentives, reasonable budget, efficacy of measures in terms of energy savings per DOER investment, and previous grant awards. DOER also looked favorably on projects that exhibit innovation and consistency with the Commonwealth’s stated clean energy priorities.

“We are very grateful for this funding, which will help us to meet our goal to make the Randall Library a space that is free from fossil-fuels,” said Town Administrator Dembkoski. “This renovation works alongside the Town’s actions to meet our greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to a sustainable future.”