Action Unlimited

Annual Shofar & Tashlich Ceremony

The Chabad Center of Sudbury invites you to join us for the annual Shofar & Tashlich Ceremony at the historic Grist Mill at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury.
The popular annual ceremony which draws a beautiful and diverse crowd, will include the traditional Shofar Blasts, the Tashlich Ceremony, Rosh Hashanah Refreshments and a little more inspiration!
RSVP Helpful for Planning but not required.
The event is open to anyone from the community and no affiliation is required.
Thursday, Oct 3rd 5:00pm
72 Wayside Inn Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
For info on the rest of our High Holiday Programs & Services please visit www.chabadsudbury.com/hh24
The Tashlich Ceremony is a beautiful Rosh Hashanah ceremony that is done by a body of water at which we "spiritually" cast off our negative actions and reflect on making a new start for the new year.

Jewish New Year Fair & Family Fun Day

You are invited to join us for an amazing Family Fun Day in honor of the upcoming holiday of Rosh Hashanah & the Jewish New Year!
Enjoy Challah Baking, Arts & Crafts, a Petting Zoo, Fun with Honey, a Bounce House, Shofar Making, Face Painting & More!
Sunday Sep 29th 3pm - 5pm in our huge outdoor tent at the Chabad Center of Sudbury, 100 Horse Pond Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
RSVP at www.chabadsudbury.com

Community Yard Sale (with Apple Pies!) at FPC on Sept. 21

Looking for new treasures? On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., a community yard sale will be held at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). With multiple sellers and tables, you’ll find a wider variety and number of items in one place than you’d find at a typical household yard sale. Items are likely to include household wares, artwork, ceramics, toys, sports equipment, and one-of-a-kind items. You’ll also find apple pies, since it happens to also be the first day of FPC’s annual homemade apple pie sale – the pie sale starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m. or until all the day’s pies are sold. The yard sale will be held in the church parking lot, unless it rains, in which case it will be held indoors. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow.

Cornerstone Congregational Church Blood Drive-Please Donate

October 11th, 9a.m. to 2p.m., 32 Graniteville Rd., Westford, MA 01886
Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Westford to schedule an appointment. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.

Crafters Wanted

Do you have a small business where you build, bake, create beautiful items from scratch?
Here's a place to be seen and sell your creations! St. Nicholas' Annual Christmas Craft Fair (formerly St. Anthony's) will take place at Derosier Hall at 33 Chapel Street in Shirley, across from St. Anthony Church on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 9am-4pm.
This is the 19th year of this well-loved craft fair and we'd love to have you participate.
Deadline for applications is October 6. A registration form to apply for one or more spots and other information can be found at www.nashobacatholic.org/annual-craft-fair. For more information, email Marianne Cooper at faithformation@nashobacatholic.org or call 978-772-0727.

Friends of the Bolton Public Library to hold Book Sale

The Friends of the Bolton Public Library will hold their semiannual book sale on Saturday, October 26th from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be no Rain Date. Location is the Houghton Building, 697 Main St. There are over 5,000 books sorted and “not picked over.” Puzzles, CDs and DVDs. The book sale is the Friends' largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the sale support programs, events, museum passes, and our online newsletter, “ Wowbrary.”

Friends of Acton COA Fundraiser: Save the Date!

Jewelry Sale. October 16, 2024
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Time: 9:00am- 2:00pm
Where: Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Rd Rear, Acton, MA 01720
Event Details: found here https://friendsofactoncoa.com
The proceeds from the jewelry sale will be used to fund programs and events at the Acton Senior Center. See you there!

Littleton Country Fair

The Littleton Country Fair offers something for everyone on Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 am to 2 pm, at 19 Foster St. in Littleton. Come early for the best selection of famous homemade jams, jewelry and crafts; and recycled treasures at the massive yard sale. Families will enjoy free crafts, face painting and can touch a real fire truck. Spend a day not a fortune.
The Country Cafe serves homemade food starting with scones and coffee at 10 am. New this year is a full BBQ menu of chicken, pork and beef with all the sides. Gluten free cornbread and baked goods, and vegan Tuscan Bean soup are on the menu. Free admission and parking For information, contact fair@fculittle.org. Hosted by First Church Unitarian of Littleton.
Donations from the community for the yard sale will be accepted Friday, Oct.4, 4-6 pm, and 8-10 am before the sale on Oct. 5. NO TVs, car seats or computer monitors accepted. All contributions are tax-deductible, to benefit First Church Unitarian of Littleton, which awards 10 percent of income to a Littleton non-profit. Email questions to fair@fculittle.org. Hope to see you there, to continue a tradition that dates to the 1890s.

7th Annual Lobster and Meat Shoot Fundraiser

The Friends of the Hudson Public Library is pleased to present its 7th Lobster and Meat Shoot fundraiser. It promises to be an entertaining and exciting evening. The game of “shoot” uses playing cards. It is similar to Keno or bingo and you have the opportunity to win prizes of fresh lobster and steak!
The Lobster and Meat Shoot will take place at the VFW Hall, 3 Palmieri Drive, Hudson, on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be a cash bar, basket drawings, and a 50/50 cash raffle. Each year, new faces who have heard about the good times from others show up for the fun and excitement. So, gather friends and family and enjoy the night while supporting a great cause – the Hudson Public Library.
Funds raised from this event will be used to augment the work of the Friends which support passes to farms, museums, zoos, and other venues. The Friends also purchase equipment and support the summer reading programs.
Admission to the VFW Hall is free, and card sets for the games will be sold at the door. The lobster and meat prizes are “top shelf.” Remember – you can’t win if you don’t play. See you on September 28th!

Stow Republican Town Committee Meeting

SRTC is meeting Monday September 30th at 7pm in room 122 at Pompositticut Community Center 509 Great Rd. Agenda items include November Elections, Town Events, Updates on MAGOP, Recruitment Opportunities. We look forward to meeting all town Republican and Conservative minded residents. Any questions please email StowMAGOP@Outlook.com or checkout our Facebook page www.facebook.com/StowMARepublicans

Free Walk: Wildlife of the Meadows

On Sunday, October 6, 1-3 pm, come spend some time with the Westborough Community Land Trust, appreciating and identifying the wildflowers and insects in the meadows at Westborough’s Zwicker Farm open space area. If we are lucky, we will see dragonflies gathering to migrate. Walk leader Garry Kessler is an experienced naturalist and nature photographer.
Walk length less than one mile on mostly level meadow and woodland terrain.
Free, open to the public, no reservation needed.
Location: Zwicker Farm Conservation Area. The entrance is across the street from 27 Belknap Street, Westborough. Park in a row along the left side of the open field.
Check www.WestboroughLandTrust.org for weather cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Change is Coming: A Musical Equinox Celebration

"Change is Coming: An Equinox Celebration," a service of peace with readings and music, takes place in the sanctuary at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 5 p.m. The theme will be a prayer for peace and justice in the world. This vesper service will feature the bass clarinet ensemble Improbable Beasts and the FPC Choir. All are welcome! FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Autumn Poetry – FPC Sunday Service

The Autumnal Equinox takes place on Sept. 22 at 8:44 a.m. Just an hour and a quarter later, you can enjoy some autumn poetry at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist. The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum will draw on her past study of literature to express the beauty and glory of fall through poetry. All are welcome to this relaxing service, which takes place both in person and virtually on Sept. 22 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.

Community Yard Sale (with Apple Pies!) at FPC on Sept. 21

Crafts & Play for Kids in Grades K-5

Children in grades K to 5 are invited to First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) in Stow for a night of crafts, snacks and fun on Friday, Sept. 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday Friends (formerly known as 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.
This month is our first session for the 2024-2025 season, and we will be meeting monthly through May 2025. On September 20, we'll be focusing on welcoming new members with a variety of fun group games. We'll have time for active play in Fellowship Hall after our snacks. We'll finish with flashlight hide-and-seek in our slightly spooky sanctuary.
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.

Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest Celebrates 80 Years of Empowering Youth at Annual Gala & Auction

This year marks a monumental milestone for the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest as they celebrate their 80th anniversary of serving and empowering youth in the MetroWest community through quality afterschool programming that is accessible to all. To commemorate this incredible achievement, the organization will host its annual Gala & Auction on Thursday, October 17th, 2024, at The Verve Hotel in Natick. Presented by the TJX Companies, Inc., the Annual Gala & Auction is more than just a fundraiser; it's a vibrant celebration of the positive impact BGCMW has had on countless children and families of Marlborough, Hudson & Framingham over the past eight decades. This signature event serves as a crucial fundraising cornerstone, allowing BGCMW to continue providing over 6,200 local youth aged 6 to 18 with safe spaces and transformative opportunities each year. Guests will have the chance to actively participate in BGCMW's legacy by bidding on an array of silent and live auction items including luxury getaways, unique home goods, and exciting family experiences. For the third year in a row, a jewelry pull raffle will feature a stunning piece, graciously donated by Wright Jeweler & Design. Even if you can't attend in person, you can still bid on incredible items from the comfort of your home. The proceeds from the auction will help fund vital programs at BGCMW like Money Matters, Friday Fun Nights for teens and support the cost of buses that make sure the youth can safely get from their school to the Club every day of the week. Tickets for the Gala & Auction are now available for $150 per person and include dinner. Secure your spot and be part of a night that promises to be both memorable and impactful! You can register for free to participate virtually in the auction or you can buy tickets and contribute to the success of this vital fundraiser by visiting www.bgcmetrowest.org/gala or call the Resource Development office at (508) 485-4912. The Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest relies on events like the Annual Gala & Auction to sustain their afterschool and summer programs, fostering character development, health & fitness, technology skills, artistic expression, and athletic achievements in our community's youth. This event represents our unwavering commitment to shaping responsible, caring, and productive citizens – the leaders of tomorrow.

Attention Stow residents!

The Stow Council on Aging offers bridge (not duplicate bridge) on Mondays at 1 PM.
Currently there are 4 regulars who play every Monday, but we would like to expand this group.
We play a friendly game with NO criticism about your play. Advice or input is available upon your request.
If you want to play, we’d love to have you so consider adding bridge to your social activities.
If you are new to bridge or used to play (you would be surprised at how fast the game comes back to you), please email Gigi at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov as we have some wonderful teachers available.
There are several ways to register:

Using MyActiveCenter https://myactivecenter.com/#
Calling the COA at 978-897-1880
Come in person to the Pompo Community Center

Assabet Valley Mastersingers Welcomes Mike Ring as New General Manager

Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mike Ring as its new General Manager, effective September 1, 2024.
Mike Ring joins AVM with a distinguished background as both a pianist and a composer, with experience spanning classical and electronic music. His impressive track record includes notable achievements in music and a strong reputation for his organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal skills.
As the new General Manager, Mike will bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the AVM Administrative Team. His strong oral and written communication abilities, combined with his deep passion and curiosity for the arts, will be instrumental in furthering the mission and vision of Assabet Valley Mastersingers.
“We are excited to welcome Mike Ring to our team,” said Pat Keefe, Executive Board Chair of Assabet Valley Mastersingers. “His diverse musical background and exceptional skill set will be invaluable as we continue to grow and engage with our community.”
Mike Ring’s appointment represents a significant step forward for Assabet Valley Mastersingers, and the organization looks forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in his new role.
For more information about Assabet Valley Mastersingers and upcoming events, please visit www.avmsingers.org or contact Tricia Campero at tcampero@avmsingers.org.

Acton Woman's Club October 19 Pie Sale!

It's time again! The ovens will be baking soon for The Acton Woman's Club's Autumn Bake Sale! Saturday, October 19, starting at 9 am outside the Clubhouse at 504 Main St, until noon or when we are sold out.
Fresh pies are often snatched up to go into the freezer for Thanksgiving, so pies sell out quickly. Don't miss out. Proceeds support high school scholarships.
During the sale, you might like a tour of the antique Clubhouse [ask for Marge or Brenda]. Not only can you experience a gracious living room furnished with antiques, you may want to consider using the house for your next party or private event. And coming by for a visit on a
fine fall day during our bake sale would be a wonderful time for you to also go inside the building and find out how lovely it is...So come along, check out the beautiful space, and buy something scrumptious for your upcoming party or just for you! The Acton Woman' Club has room for more members, especially if you like to bake or organize events! The Acton Woman's Club is a great way to make new friends! More information: www.theactonwomansclub.org

Acton and Boxborough Democrats to Hold 37th Annual Picnic and Food Drive on September 15th

Boxborough, MA: On Sunday, September 15, the Boxborough and Acton Democratic Town Committees will host their 37th annual picnic and food drive. Local elected officials as well as candidates for elected office are expected to attend.
The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road, Boxborough. The committees invite everyone interested in local politics, good food, and meeting their neighbors to join them. The suggested contribution is $10 per person or $20 per family. Guests are also invited to help support the Acton-Boxborough Food Pantry by bringing a non-perishable food donation to the picnic.
Local activists, elected officials, and candidates for state and local office often attend this event – don’t miss your chance to talk to them! For questions or to RSVP, please contact the Boxborough Democratic Town Committee Chair Abby Reip at boxborough.dtc@gmail.com.

Silent Movie – The Mark of Zorro

This 1920 silent Western film starring Douglas Fairbanks will be shown on Sunday, September 22 at the Shanklin Music Hall, 130 Sandy Pond Road, Groton MA starting at 2:30 PM. Musical accompaniment will be provided by a Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that was originally installed in Boston’s Metropolitan Theatre (presently the Wang Theater at the Boch Center) in 1930. The Shanklin Music Hall was designed and built specifically for the Wurlitzer to give the audience an unparalleled concert experience. Chris Eliot, awarded 2009 Organist of the Year by the American Theatre Organ Society, will perform. This event is sponsored by the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of the American Theatre Society, a non-profit established to preserve and encourage appreciation of the great American Theatre Organs from the days of the silent movies. Tickets are available online at www.WurlitzerPops.org. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for those 18 and under.

Myles Above in Heaven Support Group Meeting

(Intimate support group in the loss of a child)
Saturday, September 21st, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Avidia Financial Center
The Community Room
17 Pope Street, Hudson, MA

Applications Open for Hudson Cultural Council Grants

The Hudson Cultural Council is now accepting online applications from organizations, schools and individuals for grants which support community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs.The council is made up of volunteers, appointed by the Hudson Select Board,whose mission is to “support Hudson’s diverse heritage and enhance cultural opportunities by supporting activities that enrich the lives of Hudson residents of all ages.”The Hudson Cultural Council strives to achieve this mission through the funding of local programs with grants subsidized by the Mass Cultural Council and the Town of Hudson. Preference is given to grants serving Hudson residents and to programming by Hudson-based organizations and institutions. The online application window is open from September 1 through October16 with grant decisions made in late fall. The HCC considers funding grants that meet their guidelines https://www.hudsonculturalcouncil.org/guidelines and are submitted through the Mass Cultural Council website https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program/application-process/

NRWA New Staff Announcement

The Nashua River Watershed Association welcomes new staff members advancing water protection, climate resilience, environmental education, and engagement programs. Seen here left to right: Ryan Hennrikus, Sara Singh, Chris Fournier, Paulina Torres, and Utkir Adkhamov. The NRWA thanks the Organizational Fund for Non-Profits at the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts for supporting the technology needs of this new staff.

The challenges facing today’s kids: Free sessions offer solutions

Research shows that American kids today are more likely to be anxious or depressed than American kids from a couple of decades ago. It also shows an alarmingly widening gender gap in academic achievement: the boys are getting left in the dust. This is not because girls are doing better (although they are), but primarily because boys are doing worse. Yet girls have their own challenges. While alcohol and drug use among boys has remained stable or even dropped over the last 40 years, use among girls has soared. As if these challenges weren’t enough, any parent today knows that guiding kids safely through the obstacles of social media and video games is an exhausting and uphill climb.
Dr. Leonard Sax will share evidence-based insights and research-backed solutions related to these topics and more in a series of informational sessions titled Improving the Odds for Our Kids and hosted by Mt. Calvary Church in Acton, MA, in September. A physician, psychologist, and author of the New York Times bestseller The Collapse of Parenting, Dr. Sax has spoken about topics relevant to raising and working with today’s youth at more than 500 schools, juvenile correctional facilities, communities of faith, and other venues around the world.
“I’m really excited to be bringing Dr. Sax and his message to the greater Acton community,” says Kerry Evans, one of the event organizers and a Harvard resident. “I first read his book Boys Adrift when my teenage sons were little, and it left a huge impression on me. It changed the way I raised my kids.”
“As a grandmother raising two grandchildren with ADHD, I’m excited to hear Dr. Sax’s evidence-based advice for guiding our kids to become capable, confident adults,” adds co-organizer Dawn Phelan, who is planning to attend all sessions.
But the sessions aren’t just for parents and grandparents. Educators, medical professionals, and anyone interested in supporting kids will find them relevant.
“I first heard Dr. Sax interviewed as a guest on a podcast, and I was really interested in what he had to say about the importance of ‘rites of passage’ for girls and boys on their journey to becoming healthy women and men,” says Acton resident Naomi Veeder. “Even though I don't have children of my own, I have nieces, nephews and friends' children that are in my life and that I care deeply about, and so I'm looking forward to hearing more from him on how I can support them on their journey to adulthood.”
The sessions take place Friday and Saturday, September 27 and 28 and are free and open to the public. However, because space is limited, the organizers suggest that people register ahead of time to reserve their spot. For more information and to register, visit www.mtcalvaryacton.org/improvingtheodds. If you have questions, email workshops@mtcalvaryacton.org or call (978) 263-5156. Mt. Calvary is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA. Parking (including handicap) is available behind the church, off Prospect Street. Parking attendants will direct attendees to overflow parking options.

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. Presents:

A Star Watch at the Stow Minute Man Airfield. Friday, September 13th from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM. SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. Last chance to see the jewels of summer! This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring the Milky Way in all its glory! See M13 - the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, M57 - the Ring Nebula in Lyra, as well as the famous Dumbbell Planetary nebula, M27. See a host of beautiful double stars and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon! If you come early, you will get a peek at Venus, and if you stay late, you may get a peek at Saturn! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects. There will also be a bright overhead pass of the International Space Station (brighter than Venus!) at 7:20PM. 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 the day of our event. If we do cancel on Friday, we will try again the next night (Saturday), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

Concord Conservatory’s Ukelele Tasters Dates

Two Free and Fun Ukulele Classes on September 16 and 18th.
Adults, you can discover the joy of playing the ukulele—one of the most infectious and fun instruments! This year, the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) will host two Ukulele Tasters. Choose the time that fits your schedule and join us on Monday, September 16th, from 6:15 – 7:15 pm at the HarveyWheeler Community Center in their Clock Tower Room in Concord, or on Wednesday, September 18th, from 7:00 – 8:00 pm at KJ's Caffè in Acton, located at 145 Great Road. On Wednesday, you can make it a full evening by enjoying dinner at KJ's Caffè before the event. They will open exclusively for attendees at 6:00 pm, outside their regular hours, offering you the opportunity to purchase and savor something from their excellent menu. We're grateful for their support in making this a special experience. After an hour, you’ll fall in love with playing this happy and cool instrument and will want to join a class with your new friends. CCM faculty member Aaron Jay Myers will guide you and have you strumming along in no time. You’ll learn how to hold the ukulele and learn basic chords. You’ll end up playing a foot-tapping song by the end of the ukulele taster. Ukuleles will be available to use for the evening, but bring your own if possible. Sign up in advance at ConcordConservatory.org or just show up at CCM for an entertaining evening. After the Taster, you’ll jump at the chance to join a ukulele group class. CCM offers the Ukulele Crash Course for beginners on Mondays during the afternoon and in the evening and the Ukulele Club on Tuesday evenings for those already more familiar with the instrument. These classes begin on September 23 and 24. For information on the full list of CCM offerings, visit ConcordConservatory.org, email info@concordconservatory.org, or call (978) 369-0010. The Concord Conservatory of Music is the area’s nonprofit community music school, located at 1317 Main Street within the West Concord Union Church on the 2nd floor. Financial assistance is available.

Electronic Recycling and Document Shredding Event

Help Save Our Planet and Protect Your Identity. On Saturday, Sept 28, from 9 – 1, Memorial Congregational Church is hosting its fall electronic recycling and document shredding event. The event is open to all communities and will be held rain or shine. At the electronics recycling truck, prices vary from $25-50 for a TV, $15 for a computer, $15-25 for a computer monitor, or $5 for a box of electric cords. Workers will remove the items from your vehicle and place them in the recycling truck which is operated by a state-licensed electronic recycling company who will properly dispose of all items.They will accept ANYTHING WITH A CORD OR BATTERY (including washing machines, air conditioners, etc.) as well as any type of battery, printer ink cartridges, and toner cartridges. The fee for shredding is just $9 per copy paper box or brown grocery bag, and a worker will remove your boxes or bags of documents from your car and shred the documents as you wait. The truck is equipped with closed-circuit TV so you can actually watch the shredding if you wish. MCC is located at 26 Concord Road, just across from Goodnow Library in Sudbury. For more information, please emailrecycling@MCCSudbury.org or call 978-443-3885.

Friends of Hudson Senior Center Annual Fall Fair

Mark Your Calendar - November 2, 2024.
Exciting News from HUDSON: The Friends of the Hudson Senior Center are thrilled to announce the upcoming Annual Fall Fair on Saturday, November 2nd. The fair will run from 9 am to 2 pm at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church St in Hudson, Mass. Free parking is available, and the venue is handicap accessible. The fair offers something for everyone, including Handmade Quilts, Beautiful Knit and Crochet items, a Christmas Craft Room, Costume and Vintage Jewelry, and a new addition of a 6' Christmas Tree adorned with handmade ornaments crafted by volunteers. Don't forget to visit the Gift Shop on the 2nd floor, which has been restocked over the past year and is now open five days a week for your shopping convenience. A big thank you to all the volunteers who contribute their time working in the shop and other volunteers who donate their beautiful handiwork. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria at 11 a.m., with Bake tables offering a variety of treats, including our famous homemade apple pies. This year, three popular raffles will return: $500 Visa Gift Card, Calendar Raffle, and the Annual Quilt Raffle. Special recognition goes to the Senior Center Silver Threads Quilting Group for donating a stunning handmade quilt, measuring 98" x 98", perfect for a queen or king-size bed. The exquisite Blazing Star pattern quilt, in shades of blues and beige, will be on display at the Hudson Senior Center beginning in September. Ticket pre-sales will start on September 2nd and available for purchase at the Hudson Senior Center. Quilt is on full display in our function hall. Stay updated on Fair details by following us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofHudsonSeniorCenter.
Support our fundraising efforts by contributing themed gift baskets for the raffle or donating gift cards. This year, raffle baskets and individual gift card raffles will be consolidated in the pool room for easier selection. Drop off your donations with the receptionist during operating hours, Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, until the specified date in October. Please label your donation with your name, contact information, and specify it as a contribution for the fair. The Fair is a welcome event in the Hudson community, promising a day of fun for all. We can't wait to see you there! Kindly note that we accept only Cash or Checks, and it's advisable to bring a bag for your purchases. For inquiries: friendsofhudsonseniorcenter@gmail.com

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday September 15 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Bob Lucas at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org, or 978-263-1540.
The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775. You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.
Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including marching in parades, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to town organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.
All are welcome to come and make new connections with others. For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.

Scarecrow Contest in Acton

Enter the “Stand Up to Stigma” Scarecrow Contest to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Central Middlesex. Bring your $25 donation to Cucurbit Farm at 32 Parker St. in Acton and pick up your scarecrow starter frame. Then drop off your family friendly scarecrow at the farm stand. Individuals, organizations, and businesses are invited to participate. The scarecrows will be on display for the month of October, and the public is invited to cast their vote for the winning entry. Our goal is 100 scarecrows along the fence and many conversations about mental health! Additional info at namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/scarecrow-contest2024.

New England Chapter, North American Rock Garden Society Invites Avid Gardeners to free program

The New England Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society will host a guest speaker, Adam Wheeler, Production and Horticulture Manager of Broken Arrow Nursery in Hamden, Connecticut, on Saturday, September 14 at 10:30 am. Avid gardeners in the region are cordially invited to attend the free program at the Reuben Hoar Library, 35 Shattuck Street, Littleton. Conversation and refreshments are available at 10:30, with the talk following at 11 am in the Sturtz Room. Adam’s topic is “Half-Sized Plants for Half-Sized Places.” He will also bring along a selection of plants for sale that can happily be planted in the fall. Adam is an engaging speaker, having worked at destination nursery Broken Arrow for two decades. He loves to share his passion for plants through photography and educational outreach. Guests are invited to bring a bag lunch and remain for the annual Seedling Sale at 1 pm. Society members will bring seedlings they have grown this season. Donors get to make a choice first. They may buy one plant for every 10 that they bring before non-donors begin choosing. The first-round price is $2 per plant; when buying slows down, the price drops to a dollar and then to free. Very special, higher-value plants may be raffled off. Please join your fellow gardeners for this fun, educational event! For more information, contact Priscilla Williams, Publicity Chair, 978-660-3492

Teen Voting to Open for Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award, Sept. 1-20

Hey MA Teens! Voting will open for the MA Teen Choice Book Award (MTCBA) on September 1! Young people from across Massachusetts are invited to vote for their top teen book from a list of nominees until Sept. 20, 2024. This is the only award in the Bay State that invites students in grades 7-12 to vote for their top new books.
The list of nominees has been curated by a committee of public librarians, school library media specialists and educators. The top teen choices will be announced in October 2024.
“There are two ways for teens to cast their votes - they can vote directly using our digital ballot (available at https://www.mateenchoicebook.org/home) or they can cast a paper ballot at any participating library” said Suzanne Larson, committee chair and high school library media specialist at Seekonk High School in Seekonk, MA. “We encourage school and public libraries interested in participating to create displays and ballot boxes by using MTCBA resources, also available on the award website.” (https://www.mateenchoicebook.org/home)
The 2024 Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award Nominees are:

Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed - Salter, Dashka *
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow - Katouh, Zoulfa
Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico - Suggs, Christine *
Bianca Torre is Afraid of Everything - Winans, Justine Pucella *
Bittersweet in the Hollow - Pearsall, Kate
Blue Lock, Vol. 1 - Kaneshiro, Muneyuki *
Breathe and Count Back From Ten - Sylvester, Natalia
Give Me a Sign - Sortino, Anna *
Just Do This One Thing For Me - Zimmerman, Laura
Money Out Loud - Anat, Berna *
Promise Boys - Brooks, Nick *
Rez Ball - Graves, Byron *
The Search for Us - Boyer, Susan Azim *
This is Our Place - Martin, Vitor *
Threads That Bind - Hatzopoulou, Kika
Throwback - Goo, Maureen *
Warrior Girl Unearthed - Boulley, Angeline
Well, That Was Unexpected - Sutanto, Jesse *
Where You See Yourself - Forrest, Claire *
The Wicked Bargain - Novoa, Gabe Cole *
Your Lonely Nights are Over - Sass, Adam

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

Free Event – 2nd Annual Family Fun Day – Saturday September 7th

You are invited to attend our second annual Family Fun Day, a fun-packed event for the entire community. Events will begin at 10am and conclude by 1pm. Location:The Lutheran Church of the Savior, 426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA. To celebrate the end of summer, we are offering:- Outdoor Games for all ages- Indoor (air-conditioned) Games- Face Painting- Burgers, Dogs and fixings- Ice cream- Refreshments. The event is open to everyone and reservations are not required. Bring the whole family and come join us.

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. Presents: A Star Watch at the Stow Minute Man Airfield

Friday, September 13th from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM. SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. Last chance to see the jewels of summer! This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring the Milky Way in all its glory! See M13 - the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, M57 - the Ring Nebula in Lyra, as well as the famous Dumbbell Planetary nebula, M27.See a host of beautiful double stars and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon! If you come early, you will get a peek at Venus, and if you stay late, you may get a peek at Saturn! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects. There will also be a bright overhead pass of the International Space Station (brighter than Venus!) at 7:20PM. 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 the day of our event. If we do cancel on Friday, we will try again the next night (Saturday), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

First Open Rehearsal Upcoming

Many people get a boost from singing, whether by yourself in the shower, bringing down the house at karaoke, singing at school, or singing the anthem at a game. Singing in a chorus is a great way to engage your body and mind, all while having a good time with friends and engaging with your community. To these ends, we hope you will try out the Acton Community Chorus, now in its forty-first season, under the leadership of the fun and gregarious music director, Lisa Cooper, accompanied on the piano by the talented Ed Rosser. This fall we will prepare a concert called “This Land Was Made for You and Me,” songs of unity, equality, and finding common ground. Songs will include a new arrangement of “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Adam Podd, “Equality is in the Air We Breathe” by Gwyneth Walker, “America, the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward, and “Give Me Your Tired Your Poor” by Jay Rouse. Experience how music can unite us despite our differences and inspire us to move toward a more equitable future. No audition is required. Rehearsals are every Monday night, with a performance in January. Our first open rehearsal is on September 9th, 2024, at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 54 Hosmer Street, Acton (the chorus is not affiliated with the church). For more details, please visit our website at www.ActonCommunityChorus.org. We hope to see you there!
About Acton Community Chorus:
The Acton Community Chorus (ACC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing beautiful choral music to area communities since 1984. We have singers from Acton, Bedford, Boxboro, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Framingham, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Leominster, Lincoln, Littleton, Lowell, Marlboro, Maynard, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Stow, Westford, and other nearby towns. Acton Community Chorus is a proud member of the Central Massachusetts Choral Consortium: http://masschoral.org/

Popcorn Theology (You Choose the Topic!)-FPC Summer Service

Come to the Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival on Aug. 31 and vote on what the next day’s
Sunday service will be at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC)! (We call it “popcorn theology.”) Show up to the Sept. 1 service to find out which movie the vote has been cast for. Will Rev. Cindy preach on the very silly Monty Python's "Life of Brian"? Will it be "The Grapes of Wrath," because it's so timely and applicable? Will it be on "Star Wars" because you know the force is with us? Or will we
explore the too-real dystopia of "The Hunger Games"? Your votes will decide. And yes, we plan to have popcorn!
The service will take place both in person and virtually on Sept. 1 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional.
Child care is available for all in-person summer services. 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.

Eyes on the Prize: Traveling the Long-Arcing Road Towards Racial Justice

While we live in the hope of one day achieving racial justice in our communities, in our country, and in the world, we know that the work is about an ongoing journey—a journey that may not be completed during our lifetime. Through music, meditation, and the spoken word, members of
the Racial Justice Task Force for First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will explore how we keep our “eyes on the prize” while keeping up our courage, compassion, and commitment for the work of racial justice.
The service will take place both in person and virtually on Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for all in-person summer services.
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.

Free Music Series at Kimball Farm Westford

Friday, August 23 at 6:00pm
Kimball Farm, 400 Littleton Road (Rt. 110) Westford
All shows are 6-8pm and take place on the outdoor stage behind the batting cages. There is no admission fee and space is limited and first come, first served. Snacks and cold drinks (including craft beer) available at the Outdoor Tap Shack!

Friends of Hudson Seniors

About Us
The Friends of Hudson Seniors are an independent, non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to raising funds for improvement and for renovations of the Hudson Senior Center. Formed in 1980, the "Friends" institute fundraising projects for items not provided for by the Town of Hudson or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For example, the Friends purchase the Center's buses, office equipment and fund building renovations, social activities, education for staff and more. Popular events such as the Annual Senior Fair and Psychic Fair are just a couple of successful fundraising projects. Suppers, fairs, raffles, & dances held by the group are an ongoing commitment to continue the growth of programs and services at the Senior Center.
Meetings are held at the Senior Center on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 AM. Those motivated in helping support the endeavors and goals of the “Friends” are welcome to attend. Perhaps you are interested in helping out with our activities or maybe you have some new exciting ideas to share. There is no age limit. Dues are $7.00 yearly. If you would like to get involved with the Friends Organization and help our senior center, please come to the next meeting - the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 9:30 AM. I guarantee you will enjoy the company and have a great time. Please contact the Hudson Senior Center (978) 568-9638 if you are interested and need more information or visit the Friends website at https://sites.google.com/view/friendsofhudsonseniors/home.

Hudson Senior Center Luncheon

Hudson Appliance is sponsoring a FREE luncheon at the Senior Center Tuesday, Sept 10th, from12 noon to 1pm. This luncheon will include: your choice of a grilled hamburger, cheeseburger or hot dog, and will be accompanied with potato salad, coleslaw, chips, water and dessert. Please call 978-568-9638 to sign up for this. We want to thank Hudson Appliance for this generous event and the volunteers who will be grilling and serving the food. Please let us know at the time of sign up your meal choice. Limit of 50 people. ~ Sign up beginning Wednesday, August 21st.

Comedy Night in Littleton

Start the new season off on a high note. Sit down for some epic stand-up comedy. On Friday night September 6, a trio of comedians will entertain you at the Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St. First up: Mark Shea and John Kelly, who will likely share their experiences with road trips gone wrong, social commentary, relatable medical experiences, and personal foibles that will make you laugh at them and, gently, at yourself. Both are experienced performers at clubs, on campuses, and at community events. The headliner is Frank O’Donnell, who was inducted into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. The honor finds him in stellar company, including his close friend, writer Danny Smith of “Family Guy.” Frank has written for comics like Bob Hope and Jay Leno. Frank’s passion, besides comedy, is a foundation he started, The Keri Anne O’Donnell Memorial Fund. The foundation commemorates his daughter Keri, a dancer and performer, who died in an auto accident. It provides scholarships for students of performance who need a financial hand up. You never know what Frank will talk about: weight loss (and gain), shows gone very, very wrong, and maybe what it is like to be the quiet kid who made everybody laugh. There may be an extra treat: the church’s pastor is Reverend Jen Munroe Nathans, a friend of Frank’s and a seasoned comic herself with experience at Chicago’s famous Second City in her resume. Tickets are $15 until September and $20 thereafter, including at the door if the event isn’t sold out. Get your tickets by calling the church office at 978 486 3245. The fun begins at 7 pm; doors open at 6:30. This is a great way to kick off the fall school-and-overwhelming-calendars season with good hearty laughs, which are actually healthy. Imagine that: something fun that’s actually good for you. Join us!

Join in Joyous Song!

Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to their Open Rehearsals, August 26, September 2 and 9; First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9 pm.
Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers. Our 46th season opens with “Baroque Brilliance: 1685 — It was a Very Good Year!” , 2:00 November 24 at Maynard High School. We open with Giovanni Gabrieli’s stunning “Jubilate Duo” for double chorus and brass, then feature the three great Baroque composers all born in 1685 — Scarlotti (two beautiful motets), Handel (delightful and sensuous selections from Solomon); and Bach’s profound “Gerechte kommt um”, closing the program with his familiar “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. All are accompanied by full orchestra. Once again we have been invited to sing in three performances of “Christmas Magic” with the Vista Philharmonic at the spectacular, world-class performance venue, Groton Hill Performance Center. What a wonderful way to welcome the holiday season, and to experience the Gabrieli and other popular favorites from the stage of this extraordinary hall! “Romantic Riches: music by Mendelssohn and Brahms” explores the emotional depths of these great composer, including Mendelssohn’s Psalm 42 and Brahms’ motets, Nanie and Schicksalslied, again with full orchestra. Concert is April 13 at Littleton High School. The season closes June 1 with “A Garden of Song”, featuring music by diverse composers such as Sarah Quartel, Elaine Hagenberg, Melanie DeMore and others. We are 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 need some strong Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Artistic Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email info@soundsofstow.org.

Plymouth Church Fall Fair

Come and Enjoy!
White Elephant Tag Sale
Baked Goods & Lunch
Jewelry, Crafts, Gifts & More!
September 28
10 am to 2 pm
The Plymouth Church in Framingham, 87 Edgell Road, Framingham, MA

Hudson Fire Department Receives $65,029 Federal Grant to Upgrade Equipment

Chief Jamie Desautels shares that the Hudson Fire Department has received a $65,029 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant to upgrade equipment and significantly improve firefighters' ability to keep the community safe.
Hudson Fire will use the grant to replace aging fire fighting hoses and nozzles. The new equipment will improve fire suppression response by allowing more water flow with less pressure, reducing strain on firefighters and making it easier to target and control the fire.
"Most of our fire fighting hoses have been in service for more than 25 years, with some up to 40. The National Fire Protection Association recommends that fire fighting hoses be removed from service and replaced after 10 years. We are grateful to FEMA for this funding as it will help us address long-overdue upgrades.
"I also wish to recognize Deputy Fire Chief Brian Harrington for his perseverance in obtaining this grant," Chief Desautels said. "In a department our size grant funding has a tremendous impact, and through Deputy Chief Harrington's efforts we will be better able to protect the community."
On July 12, FEMA awarded $324 million in AFG grants to municipalities nationwide to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters against fire-related deaths and hazards. The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations.
According to FEMA, 2,300 people died in home fires in the United States in 2023, including 85 firefighters. Through the AFG grants, recipients will be able to fund critically needed resources to better equip and train emergency response personnel, enhance operational efficiencies, foster communications interoperability between emergency responders and support community risk reduction and resilience.

24th Annual Block Party at First United Methodist Church

Sunday September 8th, the congregation at First United Methodist Church invites Hudson and surrounding communities to its 24th Annual Block Party Celebration held outdoors.
Our schedule of FREE Outdoor events will include:
10:45am - HYMN SING…come sing your old favorites with us.
11:00am - OUTSIDE WORSHIP – we invite you to help beautify our stage/altar by bringing a plant, such as mums, for the altar..(take home at day’s end.) Events will begin following Worship.
NOON - HOT DOGS SERVED ALL DAY. Provided by Agape café and the United Methodist Women’s group.
* Enjoy music by one of the original ‘PLATTERS”, Tony Funches, deemed one of the most successful vocal groups of the early Rock ‘n Roll era.
* “Flippo” the Entertainer; juggler, magician and balloon artiste´
* Make your own Sundae with Trombetta’s homemade ice cream
* Close-Up Magician, (Eddy Raymond)
* Animal Adventures
* Popcorn and Cotton Candy all day.
*Kids games with prizes.
Come spend the day with us enjoying a relaxing day of song, fun, food, and entertainment. Invite your friends and neighbors. All of the day’s events are FREE and open to the public. First United Methodist Church is located over the hill, just off the Hudson Rotary at 34 Felton St. More information is available at 978-562-2932, www.hudsonfumc.org

Supporting Someone with a Mental Health Condition?

The Family to Family course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful to you. This is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course for family members and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The class is taught by NAMI trained family members. The NAMI Central Middlesex local affiliate will host two sessions of the course this fall. The first will meet in person in Winchester on Saturdays from 9:00-11:30 am, starting September 14th. The second course will be available via Zoom, meeting on Tuesdays from 6:30-9:00 pm, starting September 24th. Learn more and register at: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses.

Lobster and Meat Shoot Friends of the Hudson Public Library

The Friends of the Hudson Public Library is pleased to present its 7th Lobster and Meat Shoot fundraiser. It promises to be an entertaining and exciting evening. The game of “shoot” uses playing cards. It is similar to Keno or bingo and you have the opportunity to win prizes of fresh lobster and steak! The Lobster and Meat Shoot will take place at the VFW Hall, 3 Palmieri Drive, Hudson, on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be a cash bar, basket drawings, and a 50/50 cash raffle. Each year, new faces who have heard about the good time from others show up for the fun and excitement. So, gather friends and family and enjoy the night while supporting a great cause – the Hudson Public Library. Funds raised from this event will be used to augment the work of the Friends which support passes to farms, museums, zoos, and other venues. The Friends also purchase equipment and support the summer reading programs. Admission to the VFW Hall is free, and card sets for the games will be sold at the door. The lobster and meat prizes are “top shelf.” Remember – you can’t win if you don’t play. See you on September 28th!

Join in Joyous Song!

Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to their Open Rehearsals, August 26, September 2 and 9; First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9 pm. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers. Our 46th season opens with “Baroque Brilliance: 1685 — It was a Very Good Year!” , 2:00 November 24 at Maynard High School. We open with Giovanni Gabrieli’s stunning “Jubilate Duo” for double chorus and brass, then feature the three great Baroque composers all born in 1685 — Scarlotti (two beautiful motets), Handel (delightful and sensuous selections from Solomon); and Bach’s profound “Gerechte kommt um”, closing the program with his familiar “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. All are accompanied by full orchestra. Once again we have been invited to sing in three performances of “Christmas Magic” with the Vista Philharmonic at the spectacular, world-class performance venue, Groton Hill Performance Center. What a wonderful way to welcome the holiday season, and to experience the Gabrieli and other popular favorites from the stage of this extraordinary hall! “Romantic Riches: music by Mendelssohn and Brahms” explores the emotional depths of these great composers, including Mendelssohn’s Psalm 42 and Brahms’ motets, Nanie and Schicksalslied, again with full orchestra. Concert is April 13 at Littleton High School. The season closes June 1 with “A Garden of Song”, featuring music by diverse composers such as Sarah Quartel, Elaine Hagenberg, Melanie DeMore and others. We are 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 need some strong Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Artistic Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email info@soundsofstow.org

First Connections Offers a Free Live Webinar

First Connections invites parents and caregivers to a free live webinar about talking to young children about race and racism in age-appropriate ways. We teach children to recognize colors and to categorize objects by similarities and differences, but when a child remarks on someone's skin color, eye shape, or other physical characteristics, many caregivers feel embarrassed and don't know what to say, because we were taught not to talk about race. We now know that talking explicitly with children about skin color, race, ethnicity and discrimination is the best way to prevent them from absorbing the racist ideas prevalent in our culture and media. But it's hard to know where to start and what to say. If you're wondering how to have these conversations with your children, join Ellie Springer, M.Ed., for a discussion with tips about how to talk about race and racism with young children, receive information on quality children's books on this topic, and recommended websites for further adult learning. This program is appropriate for parents of babies through elementary school. Please join us on Thursday, August 22, 7-8:30 p.m., and bring your questions. First Connections is the local CFCE through the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care, providing free playgroups, new parent support, parenting topics and resources to families with children age 0-6. To receive the link for this program, email lmatthews@jri.org.