A turkey drive can fill one table for one night. But a family that just lost SNAP benefits, or a patient managing diabetes without a working stove, needs something that lasts longer than a holiday meal. As you plan your holiday giving coverage, please consider including Project Bread, the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts, which works year-round to help residents afford and access healthy food with dignity.

The need is steepening. In 2025, 40% of Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank, including approximately 1 in 2 Black and Latino/a households. Massachusetts SNAP enrollment has already fallen by 196,000 people, including nearly 70,000 children, under new federal rules and another round of changes took effect Oct. 1.

Rather than handing out a single meal, Project Bread connects people with resources to buy their own food or find reliable no-cost food nearby:

-A phone call. Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333) is the only comprehensive food assistance information and referral service in Massachusetts. In 2025, the Hotline received 20,383 calls, with counselors assisting in more than 180 languages, and completed 3,779 SNAP pre-screens and 510 SNAP applications over the phone.
-A prescription. Through the nonprofit’s Health Care Partnerships program, Project Bread works with MassHealth and health care providers to treat food insecurity as a health issue. Since its 2020 pilot, the program has connected more than 25,000 patients with grocery store gift cards, nutrition counseling, cooking classes and the kitchen essentials holiday food drives often overlook. In 2025 alone, that support included more than $3.4 million in grocery store gift cards and nearly $1.2 million in kitchen supplies and appliances. A new five-year report found 93% of participants reported improved health, along with lower A1C (blood sugar) levels and fewer emergency room visits. One health care partner reported $10.35 million in annual savings across 1,600 patients.
-A lunch tray. Since Project Bread led the Feed Kids Coalition’s successful push for permanent School Meals for All in Massachusetts, it continues to support school and summer meal programs statewide. On an average day in October 2025, 588,669 kids ate school lunch.
-A seat at the table. Through the Make Hunger History Coalition, Project Bread is uniting more than 700 partners to make Massachusetts the first state to permanently end hunger. Its Council of Experts with Lived Experience helps shape that work.

“The holidays put food at the center of our lives, which is why this season can be so hard for families struggling to afford groceries,” says Erin McAleer, Project Bread CEO. “With federal cuts reaching Massachusetts households now, a gift to Project Bread does more than fill a plate for one night. It helps a parent connect to SNAP, a patient get the food their doctor prescribes and a child eat at school every day. That’s how we move from getting people through the holidays to ending hunger for good.”

Donate. Readers can learn more and donate at www.ProjectBread.org.

Get help. Residents who need help affording food can call the FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

October 21, 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. 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. Saint- Saëns’ Quartet No. 2 is rhythmically dynamic, jaunty in tone, energetic, and exuberant.
Sunday, November 8 @4:00PM
Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @3:30PM
Program
Bohuslav Martinů | Three Madrigals, H.313 
Ludwig van Beethoven | Cello Sonata in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2
Camille Saint-Saëns  | Piano Quartet in B-Flat Major, Op. 41
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

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey, will present its first concert of the 2026-27 Season “Masquerade” on Sunday, November 1st at 2 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (12 Green Road GPS), Bolton MA. The concert is free and open to the public – the hall is accessible to one and all.

The concert is (still) in the Halloween mood and opens a Waltz, a Mazurka , and a Galop from the Masquerade Suite, by Armenian composer, Aram Khachaturian, followed by the chilling Dance of the Skeletons, the soundtrack of a 1901 silent cartoon. The featured work on the first half will be a remarkable work by Barbara York, Encountering Baba Yaga, with alto saxophone soloist, Andy Kern. It will be remembered that the Baba Yaga was a witch in Slavic and Russian folklore who live in a house built on fowl's legs, and flew about in a giant mortar.

The second half of the concert opens with Night On Bald Mountain by Modeste Moussorgsky which many will recognize from the Disney film Fantasia. The program will conclude with a setting of themes from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Friends of Music and supported in part by grants from the Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster. And Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.

 

The Harvard Lions are selling fresh oranges and grapefruit. Treat your family to great fruit while at the same time benefiting Lions charities and families in need! We offer

Florida Royal Ruby Red grapefruit -- Sweet, thin-skinned and seedless, the flavor is reminiscent of refreshing red grapes and sweet nectarines.
California Navel oranges – Easy peeling with the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Seedless and packed with Vitamin C.
Grapefruit, oranges and ‘mixed’ are available in 20 lb. boxes ($42) or 10 lb. boxes ($22) each.  Order online through November 13 and have the fruit delivered to your home in Ayer, Bolton, Boxborough, Devens, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Littleton, Maynard, Shirley or Stow by a Harvard Lion on December 12. No need to be home for delivery. If outside our delivery area, we welcome your order and can arrange for you to pick up your order on December 12 in Harvard.
The direct link to purchase for the Harvard Lions local delivery is here: https://lions-citrus-sale-109284.square.site/.
We are also offering gift boxes that will ship anywhere in the Continental US. Here is the order site: https://ifundraise.com/616524
More details on the citrus sale can be found at www.harvardlions.com or email harvardlionsfruitsale@gmail.com.

The Trinitarian Congregational Church will be hosting its 55th annual Antiques Show on Friday and Saturday, November 6th and 7th, at the TriCon Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord, from 10-5 on Friday and 10 - 4 on Saturday.

The Antiques Show raises monies to support mission and outreach efforts. All proceeds to the church, from entry fees, dealer rents, and café sales, are given away to outreach organizations that support hunger initiatives, domestic violence agencies, preschool and early education scholarships, veterans' needs, and the LGBTQ+ community.  Offering fine antiques, furniture, glassware, prints, jewelry, art work, and more(!), 3 floors of quality dealers are on hand to greet the over 800 customers who come back year after year. Our building is fully accessible.

The TriCon Café is a hit every year, offering freshly made sandwiches and soups and a place to sit so you can make a day of shopping and lunch.  We also sell many homemade desserts, including pies (sliced and whole), cookies, and other yummy baked treats.

The entrance fee is $10 per person (children free).  Look for our $1 off coupon/ad on social media, some area stores, and in local papers

The Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks invites the community to an evening of fun, music, and giving back at a charity Music Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, November 21, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Lodge, located at 34 Powdermill Road in Maynard.
Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Admission includes one bingo card for each of the four rounds of Music Bingo. Additional cards will be available for purchase at the event.
Guests can also try their luck with an assortment of raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. Attendees who bring items to donate will receive a free raffle ticket as a thank-you for their generosity. Suggested donations include full-sized toiletries, new socks, new washcloths, and coffee gift cards just to name a few.
All proceeds will benefit Veteran Pathways of New England, an organization dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk veterans on their journey toward stability, healing, and independent living. Through this fundraiser, the Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much in service to our country.
Advance admission can be prepaid through Venmo at @blproia. For verification, the last four digits of the associated phone number are 0060.
Gather your friends, enjoy a fun night of music bingo, and help make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
For more information, please contact Barbara Proia, Loyal Knight and Veterans Committee Chairperson, at 978-337-0060.

Sounds of Stow’s 48th season under the direction of Barbara Jones focuses on music of “Connections”– past to present, culture to culture, voice to voice. The opening concert –2:00 pm, Sunday Nov. 22, connects an early Baroque motet by Padre Martini with the major feature, Maurice
Durufle’s “Requiem” (1947). Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord, MA provides the appropriately beautiful space for this belovedand moving setting of the requiem text, which draws on traditional chant melodies, flavored by harmonies that evoke music by compatriots Debussy and Faure.

Our season continues with further exploration of Christopher Tin’s exciting works, with “The Drop that Contained the Sea”, on Sunday, April 11, 2027 at Littleton High School. New singers are welcome to join us for an amazing adventure into evocative and joyous music that connects the water cycle to music rooted in many cultures. (see website for details.) The season concludes with “Hearts Full of Hope," a program about the courage to hope, the strength we find in one another, and the possibility of creating a more compassionate world, on June 6, 2027, in Stow.

For further information and tickets, visit www.soundsofstow.or or email info@soundsofstow.org. Sounds of Stow is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as administered by the local cultural councils of Stow, Acton-Boxborough, Bolton, Carlisle and Hudson.

WBN hosts our "She Means Business" event on Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 pm at St. Theresa Church (Holy Trinity Parish), 17 Still River Road in Harvard. Guests welcome! Members will sell their wares and share their business stories. Members may set up a table display starting at 5:30 pm and must RSVP if setting up a display. Guests welcome, but only members may set up a display. Contact Deb Oliva at dboliva@charter.net to RSVP and for more information. WBN is a local, volunteer run networking group of women in small businesses, professional practices, non-profits and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education & networking.

From special Boston Bruins experiences for young fans to flight lessons, a Vermont getaway, and more, the Buck Off Cancer online silent auction offers something special for everyone while continuing Jessica Halliday’s legacy.

Hockey fans won’t want to miss two special Bruins-related prizes, including an opportunity to watch the Boston Bruins play and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for children ages 6–12 to high-five the players as they head onto the ice!

The auction also features a wonderful variety of prizes, including professional teeth whitening, a charming Vermont house stay, flight lessons, dance lessons with Fox Ballroom Dance, and much more.

Everyone is welcome to participate, even if they were unable to attend the fundraising event. By placing a bid, participants can enjoy the chance to win a memorable experience while supporting a meaningful cause.

Online bidding closes Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.
To view the prizes and place your bids, visit:
https://givebutter.com/c/BOC-2026/auction

Buck Off Cancer is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting cancer research, cancer care, and equestrians with cancer. Through this mission, Jessica Halliday’s family continues her legacy of helping others facing cancer and making a difference in the lives of those who need support.

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.

ATTENTION STOW RESIDENTS! The Stow COA is offering a new Seated Strength class! Seated Strength is taught by Karen Galligan, owner of Knuckle Bump Fitness and a Rock Steady Boxing instructor. Classes are held Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. (Class Fee: $3 per class) Seated Strength is a welcoming, beginner-friendly fitness class designed especially for people who spend most of their day sitting or who feel hesitant about standing exercises. This class is perfect for anyone who is just beginning their fitness journey, has limited mobility or balance concerns, or wants to improve strength in a supportive, low-pressure environment. No special equipment or experience is needed. Just come as you are, work at your own pace, and build strength, confidence, and mobility, one seated step at a time. To register, call the COA at 978-897-1880, stop by during business hours, or register online through MyActiveCenter: https://myactivecenter.com/

The Maynard Food Pantry will once again be providing Thanksgiving dinner baskets to families in need within our community this holiday season.

In the past, families, organizations, groups and companies have generously donated dinner baskets consisting of a frozen turkey or canned ham together with a combination of bagged potatoes, fresh squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, canned or fresh vegetables, apples, oranges, fruit juice, packaged rolls and packaged desserts. Thinking about a family of 6 when putting together the basket is a good guide.

We would greatly appreciate similar donations this year so that the Maynard Food Pantry can provide these wonderful gifts to our client families.  In previous years, we have been able to provide approximately 85-90 dinner baskets to local families in need.

If you would like to donate a Thanksgiving dinner basket or a quantity of one of the above-referenced items, please contact Mary Brannelly by email at mjtbrannelly@comcast.net  no later than Friday, November 13, 2026 for drop off instructions.  Also feel free to send along a note if you need additional information.

The Maynard Food Pantry is always appreciative of cash donations that are used to purchase food to keep the Food Pantry stocked, especially as we have been seeing a significant increase in the number of families in need of our services over the past months.  Checks can be made payable to the "Maynard Food Pantry" and may be sent c/o PO Box 55, Maynard, MA 01754.  Thank you and enjoy your Holiday!

Joe Jones, Roomba’s inventor, will recount the robot’s tortured genesis and autograph copies of  his new book, "Dancing with Roomba," at Randall Library.

Solar panels will improve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs for food pantry
Concord and Maynard, MA (October 14, 2026) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, today announced that it has received a grant of up to $179,400 from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources’ Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP) to install a 55-kW rooftop solar panel system on its Annex Building.
“Open Table is thrilled to receive this grant and become a more energy efficient organization,” said Open Table’s Executive Director, Alex DePalo. “This is an incredible opportunity for us to both reduce hunger, and reduce our carbon footprint.”
The new rooftop solar system will be installed at the Maynard food pantry’s Annex Building on Main Street in Maynard. Once installed, the system will generate 100% of the electricity needed to operate the building and reduce annual electrical bills by $8,000-$10,000. As a result, more resources can be used for Open Table to meet its mission to fight food insecurity in MetroWest.
“I was incredibly happy to see Open Table receive a Low-Income Services Solar Program Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER), to install a 55-KW rooftop solar system at Open Table’s Maynard Annex Building. This grant will reduce energy costs and build energy resilience for the non-profit, which is a leading organization in combating food insecurity for the district that I represent,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge.
Open Table works in 21 municipalities across the Metrowest area to provide healthy food that respects the dignity and diversity of those in need. The organization's strategic mission works to address both short- and long-term food injustices by breaking down barriers to food access caused by transportation, stigma, and bias. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to social justice and ensuring that people from all backgrounds and walks of life do not go hungry.
LISSP helps nonprofit organizations reduce operating costs and strengthen community resilience by providing funding for solar and energy storage systems. Grants are available to nonprofits that provide critical community services and support Environmental Justice (EJ) communities across Massachusetts.
The Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP) was enacted by the legislature in 2022 with the aim to support the green transition for non-profits that serve low-income and environmental justice communities. Bringing solar directly to the facilities of organizations that provide critical services in communities builds resiliency, reliability, and sustainability for non-profits. Importantly, solar systems also reduce energy needs and utility costs, freeing up additional funds for non-profit’s mission-driven services. The program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) through its Powering Community Services with Solar initiative and is administered by the Center for EcoTechnology. 

Date: Tuesday, October 27th
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: West Concord MBTA to East Acton Village Green
Join the Minuteman Bike Share for another Trek or Treat! Wear your best costume and bike two miles along the Bruce Freeman from West Concord to East Acton, stopping for treats along the way! Enjoy free rentals from the Minuteman Bike Share and fun activities at the end. For more information on this event, email sustainability@actonma.gov.

On Saturday, October 24th you're invited to Felixology at 2 Walnut St. in Maynard for a Crow Crawl & Rookery Rave. Start at Felixology beginning at noon to pick up your Trinket Trail information and get your starting trinkets. Get creative with your Crow Crawl attire and come dressed as a crow, or in all black gothic, Victorian, Steampunk, dark academia, or fantasy fashion.

From Felixology, form a Scatter and follow the Trinket Trail from 12-4pm to different Crow's Cache locations throughout downtown Maynard. Collect Trinkets at each Crow's Cache, including Secondhand News, Kind Goods, The Sea Cauldron, and Sugar Snap. Trinkets will be free or for a nominal charge, with more expensive trinkets available at some locations. Be sure to snap some selfies at each location and post them on your socials.

Roost back at Felixology to "cache-in" or trade your Trinkets at a rousing, rolicking Rookery Rave from 4-7pm. This Corvid Celebration includes Crow Crafts, discounts and specials, Trinket Trading, refreshments, and entertainment.

For more information contact Felixology at 978-298-5716, felixology8@gmail.com, or visit felixology.com

For many people, fall brings open enrollment, the period to choose your medical and workplace benefits for the year ahead.

While it may be easy just to renew last year’s choices, that might be a costly mistake. Your employer’s plans, providers or costs may have changed. And your own circumstances might be different.

Here are a few tips for navigating open enrollment.

Many employers offer more than one health, dental or vision option. Check the differences in provider networks, prescription coverage and monthly premiums.

Next, take advantage of flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). These let you use pretax dollars for eligible medical expenses.

And finally, check the insurance options. There may be a base level of life insurance, with the option to buy more. Make sure you have enough coverage to protect your loved ones.

Taking a fresh look helps ensure your benefits match your family’s needs for the coming year.

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

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.

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