The Stow Council on Aging is here to provide support to seniors by being a resource of information on elder affairs, providing social activities, outreach services, and helping the senior population of Stow remain in their homes as long as safely possible.  One way we meet this mission is to share volunteer opportunities with Stow's senior residents.  For more information email COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov.

COA BOARD
The COA Board serves as an advisory group to the COA Director. The seven-member Board is currently full; however, we always welcome new Associate Members. The Board meets once a month at 10 am on the second Thursday.

SFCOA BOARD
The Stow Friends of the Council on Aging is a 501(c)(3) all volunteer public charity, dedicated to helping Stow’s senior residents.  Our mission is to support the COA by raising funds and helping to make our community aware of the valuable work of the COA. . The Board meets once a month at 10 am on the second Tuesday.

You're invited to the Maynard Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11th.  The parade will step off from the Town Hall at 11:00 am and proceed down Main Street to Summer Street where the service will be held at Memorial Park, reform after the service to Nason Street, and Main Street to end at the Town Hall.  There will be 2 Medals of Liberty presented, 1 POW award, and 1 other special honor will be given.  In case of rain, the full service will be held at the Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks, 34 Powder Mill Rd., starting at 11:00.  If you would like to march in the parade, please be at the Town Hall parking lot by 10:45 am. If you have any questions, you can call Kim at 978-897-9907, or email Brenda at bsullivan@maynard.k12.ma.us

Community invited to an evening of bowling, arcade fun, raffles and a silent auction in support of
people living with cancer

The community is invited to come together on Wednesday, October 21, for a special Buck Off Cancer fundraiser honoring Jessica Halliday and the caring spirit she shared with so many. The event will take place from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at Apex Entertainment Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts, bringing people together for an evening of fun with a meaningful purpose.
Founded by Jessica Halliday, Buck Off Cancer carries forward a mission rooted in compassion,
encouragement and practical support for people affected by cancer. The fundraiser helps support cancer
research and cancer care, while also assisting equestrians living with cancer. For members of the
equestrian community, cancer can bring not only medical challenges but also financial pressures and
difficult choices. Buck Off Cancer seeks to help meet those needs and offer hope when it is needed most.
A motto that continues to inspire: Jessica’s motto was, “Be who you needed when you were younger.” Those words reflect the generosity and understanding she wanted to offer others. She was known for encouraging her riders before they headed out on their cross-country courses with a familiar send-off:
“3, 2, 1, have a great ride.”
That simple phrase offered encouragement at an important moment—and now serves as a reminder of the warmth, confidence and support Jessica gave to those around her. The October fundraiser is an
opportunity for friends, supporters and the wider community to celebrate her legacy by helping others
face their own difficult journeys.
An evening with something for everyone: Guests can enjoy bowling, arcade fun, and food that are all included with admission. Pick-a-prize raffles will offer more chances to participate, and the silent auction will kick off that evening. Every ticket purchased and every bid or donation helps carry Buck Off Cancer’s mission forward.Those who cannot attend may still take part by purchasing pick-a-prize raffle tickets or visiting the Buck Off Cancer Facebook page to bid on online silent-auction prizes.

Event details
What: Buck Off Cancer fundraiser honoring Jessica Halliday on her five-year Angelversary
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Apex Entertainment Center, Marlborough, Massachusetts
Admission: $30 in advance; $35 at the door
Activities: Bowling, arcade fun, food included with admission, pick-a-prize raffles and the launch of
a silent auction
Online participation: Pick-a-prize raffle tickets and silent-auction bidding through the Buck Off
Cancer Facebook page

By gathering for an evening of community and remembrance, supporters can help turn Jessica Halliday’s spirit of encouragement into meaningful support for people living with cancer. In her words, the goal is to be the person someone else needs—and to keep offering hope, one person and one act of kindness at a time.
For online raffle tickets and silent-auction information, visit the Buck Off Cancer Facebook page.

ATTENTION STOW RESIDENTS! The Town of Stow is hosting an evening open house, STOWcase, to showcase some of the programs, services, businesses, and organizations that make Stow a great community.  Residents of all ages, including seniors, families, and children, are invited to attend this fun community event. Each resident will receive 25 complimentary raffle tickets at check-in to enter drawings for a variety of prizes.  Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about local programs, services, and activities available throughout the community. Local vendors and artists will also be on hand with items available for purchase. The evening will feature a variety of performances and entertainment throughout the event. The event has a Halloween theme, so children, and children at heart, are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the evening! 

Looking for friendship and good conversation?  The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club would like to invite you to connect with our members on Saturday November 7th at our Fall Potluck Dinner and Game Night in Acton.  We will meet at the Village of Nagog Woods Clubhouse, 102 Nonset Path, Acton from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM to enjoy friends, games, food, and beverages.  Everyone is bringing a favorite appetizer, meal, or dessert to share. If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org.

Our ongoing public events are Lunch Bunch, Movie Night, Book Club, Dinner Group, Trivia Nights, Summer Picnic, Wine Tastings, as well as Men's and Ladies Night events.

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard.  Originally called the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton, and then the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club, in 2014, we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club to reflect our current members and their interests.  Our club welcomes any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more information, as well as information on how to become a member of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club.  We look forward to seeing you!

The Concord Band will perform its Fall Concert on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 7pm, at the Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden Street in Concord. MA. Music Director James O’Dell will lead the Concord Band in its program presentation of “Scenes”, named after the suite, Scenes from "The Louvre", written for band by composer Norman Dello Joio. Dello Joio adapted his original score from a television documentary, depicting five classic artworks from the museum's famous collection. In keeping with this theme, the Concord Band will also perform composer Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Additional featured pieces include Of Sailors and Whales by W. Francis McBeth, inspired by Herman Melville's iconic novel, Moby Dick; Iditarod by Robert Buckley, which evokes the epic adventure of the Alaskan dog sled race; and Ireland: Of Legend and Lore by Robert W. Smith. A multimedia presentation will accompany the music.  The Concord Band invites concert-goers of all ages to hear the music inspired by the art, and to see the art that inspired the music.
Admission is free and open to the public.  A $20 per person donation is requested.  Complimentary light refreshments will be served at a reception following the concert.  To learn more about the Concord Band, visit www.concordband.org and on Facebook.
Concord Band’s 2026-2027 Concert Season dates, 51 Walden Performing Arts Center:
§  Saturday, November 7, 1pm – Bandemonium!  Children’s Concert
§  Saturday, December 12, 7pm – Holiday Pops
§  Saturday, March 6, 7pm – Winter Concert
§  Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10, 7pm – Two evenings of Swing Dance
§  Wednesdays, June and July, 7:15pm – Summer Concerts at 51 Walden and outdoors at the Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, MA

Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) will host its annual Light in the Darkness Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Fairbank Community Center, 40 Fairbank Rd., Sudbury. Held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month each October, the Vigil commemorates the lives lost in Massachusetts to domestic violence in the past year.

Community members will read each victim's story as their lives are represented by the reader, a rose, and a candle that is lit in their memory. This year's keynote speaker will be District Attorney Marian
Ryan, who has created multiple best-in-class crime prevention programs and is a leader in domestic violence prevention and prosecution.

"While the Vigil is a solemn occasion," says DVSN Executive Director Jacquelin Apsler, "It is also a night of hope. By publicly standing together to witness and commemorate, we build awareness and show the survivors in our communities that we believe their stories and support their journeys."

The public is invited to attend this free event. A light supper will be served following the ceremony. For more information regarding DVSN’s Candlelight Vigil, visit DVSN.org/Vigil or call 978-318-3421.

The third annual Boston MetroWest Mid-Autumn Festival brought together approximately 700 attendees for an afternoon cultural fair and evening performances celebrating Chinese culture and community connections across MetroWest.
The festival was founded in 2024 by Yvette Fang, Chair of the Concord Carlisle Chinese Club Board of Directors. What began with more than 300 attendees has grown into a regional collaboration among six community organizations: Acton Chinese American Civic Society, Concord Carlisle Chinese Club, Chinese American Association of Sudbury, Weston Westar, Jasmine Cultural Arts Foundation, and Wayland Chinese American Association.
This year’s celebration featured food, crafts, family activities and more than 100 performers presenting music, dance and other cultural programs.
State and local leaders also participated, including Massachusetts State Senator Jamie Eldridge, State Representative Simon Cataldo, Massachusetts AAPI Commissioner Gary Yu, Acton Select Board Chair Alissa Nicol and Vice Chair David Martin, Qian Ge, Co-President of the New England Chinese American Alliance, Lu Lai, Producer at EATV, and Shaw Yang, a board member of the Concord Carlisle Chinese Club.
Several guests, including Jamie Eldridge, Simon Cataldo, Gary Yu, Alissa Nicol, David Martin, Qian Ge and Shaw Yang, joined a traditional Chinese dragon dance.
One lighthearted cultural quiz also connected Chinese legend with American history. Guests were asked whether the Apollo 11 astronauts had actually been told to look for Chang’e and the Jade Rabbit when humans first landed on the moon in 1969. Most guessed false. The answer was true.
The festival continues to grow as a shared MetroWest tradition, bringing together families, community organizations and local leaders through culture, music and celebration.
Looking ahead, four additional community organizations have already expressed interest in joining next year’s celebration. The 2027 festival is expected to take place around the Mid-Autumn Festival, in September or October, with details to be announced. Community members are invited to stay tuned and join the celebration. Opportunities will also be available for sponsors, performers and volunteers.

 

A fundraiser for desperately needed aid for the Cuban people.

The United Church of Christ of Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Ave., is sponsoring a benefit concert for the people of Cuba, featuring the Pan-Latin ensemble, Sol y Canto. The concert will take place on Sunday, October 25th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 3:30 PM. Proceeds from the event will benefit the congregations of the Second Baptist Church in Santiago de Cuba, the Baptist Church of Mariana in Baracoa, and neighboring communities. Tickets are $30 per person, $10 for youth/students, plus a small ticketing fee ($35 at the door).

To make a donation or to purchase tickets, go to: 2026 Cuba Benefit Concert: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-cuba-benefit-concert-with-sol-y-canto-tickets-1991776395817

What's happening in Cuba?
Cuba is facing the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in its modern history. Longstanding U.S. sanctions, compounded by recent restrictions on fuel imports, have severely strained the country's economy. Across the island, residents endure power outages lasting up to 20–22 hours a day, disrupting nearly every aspect of daily life. The prolonged blackouts have paralyzed public transportation, suspended garbage collection, and forced the closure of schools and businesses, while inflation and chronic shortages have left many families struggling to obtain basic necessities, including food, medicine, and other essential household goods.

Sol y Canto, an award-winning Pan-Latin ensemble known for its vibrant concerts and critically acclaimed music that blends diverse Latin American styles. Come and enjoy the sounds of this exhilarating band while helping the people of Cuba.

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

 

Boston- State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg announced today that the Massachusetts Unclaimed Property Division (UCP) team returned $975,554 in unclaimed property to Massachusetts residents while at The Big E in Springfield. Throughout the 17-day event, UCP connected with attendees, helped people search for unclaimed funds, and assisted individuals in taking the steps needed to claim money that belongs to them. The $975,554 returned at The Big E is almost double what was returned last year at the same event, highlighting the Treasurer’s ongoing commitment to making sure unclaimed property is reunited with its rightful owners.

“We use every avenue possible to help Massachusetts residents find the money that belongs to them,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “Returning almost a million dollars at the Big E is a perfect example, and it was great to see so many people connect with our team to help them claim what is rightfully theirs.”

The Treasurer and the UCP team are constantly working across Massachusetts to return unclaimed money to residents. Through outreach events like The Big E and the team’s year-round efforts, the program continues to help people discover and recover funds they may not have known were waiting for them. In FY 2026, Treasury processed over 118,000 claims and returned over $226 million in property to its rightful owners, the most ever returned.

Treasurer Goldberg urges all citizens to check www.findmassmoney.gov for a complete list of over 10 million properties or call the live call center at 1-888-344-MASS (6277). There is no time limit for a person to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity.

 

October 7, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 21st Season with a concert titled “Exuberant Voices” at Assumption University in Worcester on November 8.  A reception will follow the concert.

Martinů’s Three Madrigals are a complex blend of the English madrigals and energetic Bohemian and Moravian folk music that he loved. Notable 20th century Czech composer Martinů fled the German invasion of France in 1941 by moving to the United States, eventually spending influential time in Massachusetts and teaching at the Berkshire Music School. Beethoven’s Cello Sonata No. 5, written after a three-year hiatus from composition, marked a radical stylistic departure from his earlier works and ushered in his late style. Marking the beginning of his late creative period, this piece was written in a most challenging time for Beethoven, largely characterized by profound deafness. Saint- Saëns’ Quartet No. 2 is rhythmically dynamic, jaunty in tone, energetic, and exuberant; the composer wrote this during a particularly banner year of personal highs, which included his marriage and the birth of his son, André.

Sunday, November 8 @4:00PM
Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @3:30PM
Program

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

This concert will also be presented by the Icon Museum and Study Center in Clinton at 7:00PM on November 6. Tickets and information are available at iconmuseum.org.
All venues are handicapped accessible.

 

• Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove. Use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
• Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of three feet around the stove.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire ─ pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains ─ away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen.

• Never leave a fire burning in the fireplace unattended. Make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep embers in the fireplace.
• Space heaters: It's critical to keep at least three feet of space around all heating equipment, and never leave space heaters unattended. 
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface, such as a ceramic tile floor. Don’t place it on rugs and carpets, or near bedding and drapes. And keep children and pets away from the heater.
• Plug space heater power cords directly into outlets — never an extension cord. Turn it off every time you leave the room or go to sleep.

 

DEVENS, MA — October 7, 2026 — Get ready to sip, savor, socialize, and support a great cause! Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts will host its annual A Toast to Hope fundraising event on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, Massachusetts.
A Toast to Hope is one of Habitat NCM’s most anticipated fundraising events of the year, bringing together local restaurants, breweries, distilleries, beverage companies, businesses, community supporters, and Habitat friends for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, fun, and fundraising.
“A Toast to Hope is about so much more than food and beverages,” said Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts Community Outreach Coordinator Diana Sinkus. “It’s about bringing our community together to celebrate the difference we can make when we all raise a glass—and raise some hope—for local families.”
Guests will have the opportunity to sample an exciting variety of food and beverages from local restaurants, caterers, breweries, distilleries, wineries, beverage companies, and specialty vendors, while enjoying an evening of networking, laughter, and community spirit. From savory bites and sweet treats to craft beverages and cocktails, there will be something for everyone to discover and enjoy.
More Than an Evening Out - Proceeds from A Toast to Hope directly support Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts’ mission to provide affordable homeownership opportunities and Critical Home Repairs for local families and homeowners.
Habitat NCM serves 30 communities from Acton to Athol, working alongside families and volunteers to build affordable homes and complete critical repairs that help homeowners remain safe, secure, and able to stay in their homes.
The organization’s work is made possible through a combination of volunteers, donors, community partners, corporate sponsors, and fundraising events like A Toast to Hope.
“Every ticket, every sponsorship, every donated product, and every volunteer hour helps us continue building homes and repairing homes right here in our own communities,” said Sinkus. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helps make this event—and our mission—possible.”
EVENT DETAILS
A Toast to Hope 2026
📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026
🕖 7:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m.
📍 Devens Common Center
31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA
🎟️Tickets: $35 advance / $40 at the door
Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, contact:
Diana Sinkus, Community Outreach Coordinator, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
978-348-2749           diana@ncmhabitat.org

A Jewelry Sale will be held at the Acton Senior Center, located at 30 Sudbury Road Rear, on WedneaConcord Piecemakers Quilt Guild will hold its biennial quilt show at St.Matthews  church on Friday October 16th 10-6 and  Saturday, October 17th 10-4.  St. Matthews is located in Acton on 435 Central St. There are over 120 quilts in a variety of artful styles on display for your enjoyment. There also is a beautiful raffle quilt waiting for some lucky winner.  This show includes various demonstrations, fabric and thread vendors, fat quarters, nickel squares, a boutique, raffle baskets, a variety of cookies, and on-site sewing machine repair specialist, as well as an expert at sharpening your scissors.

Our venue is Handicap accessible with free parkingsday October 21st, 9 am - 2 pm, and Thursday October 22nd, 9 am - noon.
A wide variety of jewelry, including designer, boutique, and costume jewelry, will be available. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Acton Council on Aging. Proceeds from sales will be used to fund programs and events at the Acton Senior Center.

A Jewelry Sale will be held at the Acton Senior Center, located at 30 Sudbury Road Rear, on Wednesday October 21st, 9 am - 2 pm, and Thursday October 22nd, 9 am - noon.
A wide variety of jewelry, including designer, boutique, and costume jewelry, will be available. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Acton Council on Aging. Proceeds from sales will be used to fund programs and events at the Acton Senior Center.

 

Donations accepted through November 1
            
ACTON, MA – Discovery Museum will host a free-of-charge pop-up clothing shop, called “Bessie’s Closet,” November 6 - 8, 2026. Donations of new or gently used clean clothing in any size are being collected through November 1. A collection box is located in the Museum’s lobby.

Bessie’s Closet will be open to all on Friday, November 6, 3:30pm – 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday, November 7 and 8, 10:00am – 3:00pm.

Museum admission is not required to shop but is also not included.

Bessie’s Closet began as a staff-led initiative in 2022. More than 17,000lbs of clothing have been collected and redistributed since then.

Volunteer opportunities are available through the Museum’s website at https://www.discoveryacton.org/

On Tuesday, October 20, at 11 AM in the Natick Community Senior Center, 117 East Central Street, Natick, and on Wednesday, October 21, at 1 PM in the Stow Council on Aging, 509 Great Road, Stow, TakeCHARGE Ambassador Adam Gross, BCPA, founder of Peak Health Advocates, will present the “5 Steps to Safer Health Care” of the TakeCHARGE Campaign.

TakeCHARGE, a national campaign developed by Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy, is not about your health, it is about your health care. It provides a 5-month step-by-step pathway to controlling important parts of your health care experiences.

“We know that health systems’ staff are overworked and stressed,” says Pulse president Ilene Corina. “They can’t prevent every bad outcome. So it’s up to us to take responsibility for whatever we can. The TakeCHARGE Campaign provides the tools to do that. We are delighted that Adam Gross will bring them to these communities.”

The upcoming TakeCHARGE presentation events are free, but you must register. Visit the Natick Community Senior Center website at https://www.natickma.gov/786/Community-Senior-Center and the Stow Council on Aging website at https://www.stow-ma.gov/292/Council-on-Aging for more information.

To learn more about Peak Health Advocates, please visit https://peakadvocates.com.
To learn more about TakeCHARGE, please visit https://takecharge.care.
To learn more about Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy and become a member, please visit https://pulsecenterforpatientsafety.org.
#takecharge  #pulse  #pulsecpsea  #5Steps  #patientsafety

Anticipating a cozy fall and winter of reading, puzzles, music, and movies? Stock up at The Friends of the Bolton Public Library semiannual book sale, taking place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Houghton Building, 697 Main Street in Bolton, MA. Our  well-organized selection of good quality used books, puzzles, CDs, and DVDs are for sale, with most items $1-$3. Sale proceeds support the Bolton Public Library’s programming, events, museum passes, and Wowbrary newsletter, including the ever-popular children’s summer reading program

Members of First United Methodist Hudson are excited to be hosting our SEVENTH ANNUAL “Soup’s On” event, on Saturday, October 17, at 5:00 pm.  We will be serving several different homemade soups, stews, chowders, and chili recipes, plus a variety of delicious desserts!

There is no charge for your selections; however, free will donations will  help fund the church’s rising heating costs will be gratefully accepted.

We hope that you will join us!  Invite your friends and neighbors. Anyone familiar with the dinners held at FUMC will know that we have some very talented cooks! 

First United Methodist Church is located just off the Hudson Rotary at 34 Felton Street.
More information is available at 978-562-2932 or at www.hudsonfumc.org.

ATTENTION STOW SENIORS! We’re excited to bring back our fiber arts group. Bring the project you’re working on, start something new, or just join us for the company. All skill levels are welcome! Email Gigi at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov to indicate your day and time preference so that we can select a time that will allow for the greatest participation. Right now, Mondays at 1 pm looks good!

A fundraiser for desperately needed aid for the Cuban people.

The United Church of Christ of Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Ave., is sponsoring a benefit concert for the people of Cuba, featuring the Pan-Latin ensemble, Sol y Canto. The concert will take place on Sunday, October 25th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 3:30 PM. Proceeds from the event will benefit the congregations of the Second Baptist Church in Santiago de Cuba, the Baptist Church of Mariana in Baracoa, and neighboring communities. Tickets are $30 per person, $10 for youth/students, plus a small ticketing fee ($35 at the door).

To make a donation or to purchase tickets, go to: 2026 Cuba Benefit Concert: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-cuba-benefit-concert-with-sol-y-canto-tickets-1991776395817

What's happening in Cuba?
Cuba is facing the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in its modern history. Longstanding U.S. sanctions, compounded by recent restrictions on fuel imports, have severely strained the country's economy. Across the island, residents endure power outages lasting up to 20–22 hours a day, disrupting nearly every aspect of daily life. The prolonged blackouts have paralyzed public transportation, suspended garbage collection, and forced the closure of schools and businesses, while inflation and chronic shortages have left many families struggling to obtain basic necessities, including food, medicine, and other essential household goods.

Sol y Canto, an award-winning Pan-Latin ensemble known for its vibrant concerts and critically acclaimed music that blends diverse Latin American styles. Come and enjoy the sounds of this exhilarating band while helping the people of Cuba.

 

Join us for the inaugural Furnishing Hope Walk presented in partnership with Avidia Bank! A community celebration of hope, generosity, and the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
Since 2013, Fresh Start Furniture Bank has been proud to serve as the longest-running furniture bank in the Hudson and Marlborough area, helping thousands of individuals and families transform empty spaces into homes. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, volunteers, donors, and partners, we've been able to provide beds for children, tables for family meals, dressers, couches, kitchen essentials, and so much more, all at no cost to our neighbors facing difficult circumstances.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 18. Rain or shine.
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Hudson Rail Trail: 157 Washington Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Route: Enjoy a scenic 5K out-and-back walk along the Hudson Rail Trail. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Refreshments: Water and light snacks will be available following the walk.
T-Shirt Deadline: Raise $100 or more by September 20 to earn your Furnishing Hope Walk T-shirt.
Fundraising Prizes: Awards will be presented to the top three individual fundraisers and the top team.
Here is a link to the event page for online registration: https://givebutter.com/furnishinghopewalk2026

 

CARLISLE, MA — The Gleason Public Library Endowment Trustees and a dedicated team of community volunteers are excited to announce the upcoming Gleason Public Library Endowment Treasures Auction.
This event features a spectacular array of items, including original paintings, prints, professional photography, unique textile art, sports items, and exclusive service offerings. Whether you are shopping for a unique holiday, wedding, shower, anniversary, or birthday gift—or looking to discover a new treasure for your own home—there is truly something for everyone.
Bidding opens online on Sunday, October 11th and runs through Sunday, October 18th.
To complement the online bidding, the community is invited to a free, festive in-person event on Sunday, October 18th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The celebration will take place at the white building at Clark Farm, 185 Concord Street, Carlisle.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view the auction items live while enjoying a performance by a live jazz band, complimentary refreshments (while they last), and fun family activities (weather permitting).
All proceeds support the Gleason Public Library Endowment, helping ensure the library remains a vibrant, well-resourced hub for the community.
Help support our beloved library by sharing this event with family, friends, and neighbors! For more information, to preview items, or to register to bid, please visit www.gleasonlibrary.org.

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

BOSTON, Oct. 5, 2026 — During Fire Prevention Week ─ October 4-10 ─ the American Red Cross of Massachusetts offers steps you can take to help prevent a fire in your home and keep your loved ones safe.

“Across the country, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year and most of these are home fires. Here in Massachusetts, our disaster teams have responded to 567 fires since the beginning of 2026,” said Holly Grant, regional executive for the Red Cross of Massachusetts. “These fires are devastating for the people involved. But there are steps everyone can take which will help not only help prevent a fire from starting but also help keep everyone safe should an emergency occur.”

FIRST: STEPS TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE ─ check out the 10 steps below to learn what you should do:
HAVE A PLAN You may have less than two minutes to escape from a burning home. Draw up a household fire escape plan and practice it twice a year. Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home. Decide where to meet once you get outside. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as a neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet. Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things. Time your fire drill and find out how long it took everyone to get out. If a fire starts in your home, get out safely, then dial 911.
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES Smoke alarms can cut your risk of dying in a fire nearly in half.  Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. In addition to testing your alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Identify two exits from every room. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 

Learning has always been part of Lowell’s story.

From its roots in the American Industrial Revolution to generations of newcomers who have shaped the city, Lowell has continually evolved as a place where knowledge, opportunity, and community come together. Necessitated by change, Lowell progressed from its textile manufacturing heritage into a diverse center of higher education, technology and the arts. Its vibrant immigrant communities shape its cultural identity, while the college, university, libraries, national park, civic and cultural institutions drove innovation and community renewal.

Today, the Lowell City of Learning https://www.lowellcityoflearning.org/ partnership is building on that legacy by strengthening lifelong learning opportunities and connecting the people and organizations that make them possible. Developing Lowell as a City of Learning promotes community engagement, long-term sustainability, economic development, resiliency, and the city’s national and global reputation as a place where education, in all its forms, is the key to a vibrant, and equitable community. Today, this development is more important than ever as we live in a complex, fast-changing world where social, economic and political norms are constantly changing.

In December 2025, this work was internationally recognized as the City’s application was accepted thereby becoming the first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO https://www.uil.unesco.org/en) designated Learning City in the United States. This designation is an amazing milestone affirming Lowell as a city of lifelong learning. Moreover, Lowell is now a partner in a global network with some 425 other such cities striving to facilitate the tenets of lifelong learning for a more connected, resilient, and equitable future.

This is a proud achievement for the City and the region as such accomplishments lift us all up. The work of lifelong learning, by definition, never stops because neither does the need for continuous improvement and growth. Together we make this happen.

On October 10th at 10:30 the City will recognize this proud achievement with a flag-raising at City Hall. Come join in the celebration.

 

BOSTON, Oct. 5, 2026 — During Fire Prevention Week ─ October 4-10 ─ the American Red Cross of Massachusetts offers steps you can take to help prevent a fire in your home and keep your loved ones safe.

“Across the country, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year and most of these are home fires. Here in Massachusetts, our disaster teams have responded to 567 fires since the beginning of 2026,” said Holly Grant, regional executive for the Red Cross of Massachusetts. “These fires are devastating for the people involved. But there are steps everyone can take which will help not only help prevent a fire from starting but also help keep everyone safe should an emergency occur.”

FIRST: STEPS TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE ─ check out the 10 steps below to learn what you should do:
HAVE A PLAN You may have less than two minutes to escape from a burning home. Draw up a household fire escape plan and practice it twice a year. Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home. Decide where to meet once you get outside. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as a neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet. Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things. Time your fire drill and find out how long it took everyone to get out. If a fire starts in your home, get out safely, then dial 911.
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES Smoke alarms can cut your risk of dying in a fire nearly in half.  Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. In addition to testing your alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Identify two exits from every room. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 

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

CARLISLE, MA — The Gleason Public Library Endowment Trustees and a dedicated team of community volunteers are excited to announce the upcoming Gleason Public Library Endowment Treasures Auction.
This event features a spectacular array of items, including original paintings, prints, professional photography, unique textile art, sports items, and exclusive service offerings. Whether you are shopping for a unique holiday, wedding, shower, anniversary, or birthday gift—or looking to discover a new treasure for your own home—there is truly something for everyone.
Bidding opens online on Sunday, October 11th and runs through Sunday, October 18th.
To complement the online bidding, the community is invited to a free, festive in-person event on Sunday, October 18th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The celebration will take place at the white building at Clark Farm, 185 Concord Street, Carlisle.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view the auction items live while enjoying a performance by a live jazz band, complimentary refreshments (while they last), and fun family activities (weather permitting).
All proceeds support the Gleason Public Library Endowment, helping ensure the library remains a vibrant, well-resourced hub for the community.
Help support our beloved library by sharing this event with family, friends, and neighbors! For more information, to preview items, or to register to bid, please visit www.gleasonlibrary.org.

 

Join us for the inaugural Furnishing Hope Walk presented in partnership with Avidia Bank! A community celebration of hope, generosity, and the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
Since 2013, Fresh Start Furniture Bank has been proud to serve as the longest-running furniture bank in the Hudson and Marlborough area, helping thousands of individuals and families transform empty spaces into homes. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, volunteers, donors, and partners, we've been able to provide beds for children, tables for family meals, dressers, couches, kitchen essentials, and so much more, all at no cost to our neighbors facing difficult circumstances.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 18. Rain or shine.
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Hudson Rail Trail: 157 Washington Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Route: Enjoy a scenic 5K out-and-back walk along the Hudson Rail Trail. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Refreshments: Water and light snacks will be available following the walk.
T-Shirt Deadline: Raise $100 or more by September 20 to earn your Furnishing Hope Walk T-shirt.
Fundraising Prizes: Awards will be presented to the top three individual fundraisers and the top team.
Here is a link to the event page for online registration: https://givebutter.com/furnishinghopewalk2026

A fundraiser for desperately needed aid for the Cuban people.

The United Church of Christ of Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Ave., is sponsoring a benefit concert for the people of Cuba, featuring the Pan-Latin ensemble, Sol y Canto. The concert will take place on Sunday, October 25th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 3:30 PM. Proceeds from the event will benefit the congregations of the Second Baptist Church in Santiago de Cuba, the Baptist Church of Mariana in Baracoa, and neighboring communities. Tickets are $30 per person, $10 for youth/students, plus a small ticketing fee ($35 at the door).

To make a donation or to purchase tickets, go to: 2026 Cuba Benefit Concert: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-cuba-benefit-concert-with-sol-y-canto-tickets-1991776395817

What's happening in Cuba?
Cuba is facing the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in its modern history. Longstanding U.S. sanctions, compounded by recent restrictions on fuel imports, have severely strained the country's economy. Across the island, residents endure power outages lasting up to 20–22 hours a day, disrupting nearly every aspect of daily life. The prolonged blackouts have paralyzed public transportation, suspended garbage collection, and forced the closure of schools and businesses, while inflation and chronic shortages have left many families struggling to obtain basic necessities, including food, medicine, and other essential household goods.

Sol y Canto, an award-winning Pan-Latin ensemble known for its vibrant concerts and critically acclaimed music that blends diverse Latin American styles. Come and enjoy the sounds of this exhilarating band while helping the people of Cuba.

• Liabilities: Will your family need to pay off a mortgage, credit cards, car loan or other debt?

• Income: Will your family need to replace your income for a period of years?
• Final expenses: Do you have the resources to cover funeral and burial expenses?
• Education needs: Do you need to put children through a private school or college?