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State Agencies Announce Financial Education Grant Recipients
Massachusetts High Schools will use Funding to Host Financial Education Fairs for Students

BOSTON – The State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE), in partnership with the Division of Banks (DOB) and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), announced the 2025-2026 recipients of the Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant.

Following a competitive application process that concluded in November, the state agencies awarded grants to 92 schools, totaling $383,420.00. This funding will allow Massachusetts high schools and special education programs to host financial education fairs, known as Credit for Life Fairs, for their students.

Of the 92 recipient schools, twenty-four received funding as Seed Applicants and will host fairs for the first time.

For the third year, participating schools that have a large population of low-to-moderate income students will receive an additional $500. Twenty-five schools received this additional funding to bring much-needed financial education to students in the state’s most vulnerable communities.

“Credit for Life Fairs empower high school students with the tools they need to succeed,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “This year, we are supporting a record number of schools, helping young adults prepare to make informed financial decisions as they approach graduation and adulthood.”

“The Division of Banks is proud to support this initiative with another round of funding,” said Mary Gallagher, Commissioner of Banks. “With hands-on, high-quality lessons offered at these fairs, students can learn foundational financial management skills they can use into adulthood.”

“It is important for high school students to understand how to manage their personal finances so they can be successful in life,” said Layla R. D’Emilia, Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “Funding Credit for Life Fairs through these grants provides a fun, engaging, and productive environment for students to learn fiscal responsibility.”

Since 2015, over 65,000 Massachusetts students have attended Credit for Life Fairs. The Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant was established as an ongoing effort to strengthen access to financial literacy throughout Massachusetts. This financial education program is funded by the Division of Banks through a settlement over alleged unlawful lending practices.
Hudson Public Schools were awarded a $3200 grant.
 

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA
19 Carter Street, Berlin

 
Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5

Monday: A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Turn off your TV and stop by for 2 hours of pleasant tea and pleasantries, pastries with good company, and no politics!
Tuesday: Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday: Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: Office Hours with Melissa (Director of the Berlin COA) 10 – 11am (Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday: Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday: Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Thursday: Afternoon Games 2 - 4pm
Friday: Open Art Studio & Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday: Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday: Social 10am - 1pm
Office Hours w Senator Kennedy’s team Every second Wednesday of the month at 11am – 12pm

Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!

FEBRUARY 15-21, 2026

Sunday, February 15, 6pm – 8:30pm | Jazz Jam
Improvise in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Players & listeners welcome. Email Ken at ken@parrishworks.net with questions. Suggested donation: $5

Monday, February 16 | We are open on President's Day!

Tuesday, February 17, 2:15pm | Book Club: While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
Join 19 Carter's Book Club! All are welcome to stop by and join the discussion. For more info email Ann Ribbens: annri1951@yahoo.com. Suggested donation: $5

Tuesday, February 17, 7pm | Jazz Ensemble Workshop
We'll analyze, discuss and listen to various different jazz charts and improvise together as an ensemble! Class time will be split between instruction and playing.
Schedule:  6 two-hour sessions. Tuesdays:  7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Dates: Feb. 17, March 3, March 17, March 31, April 14, April 28
Cost: $150 for 6 sessions (Practical Music Theory book included). Scholarships available - if price is a barrier, call 978-415-0014 for more information. Learn more & register at 19Carter.org.

Friday, February 20, 6:30pm | Movie Night: Fantasia 2000
Tickets: $15 (includes pizza, popcorn, and salad!) Reserve tickets at 19Carter.org. Reservations required by 3:00 pm on the day of screening. Sponsored by Cordelia's Farm & Berlin’s Council on Aging. 
 
Coexisting with bears

Talk: Coexisting With Bears
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 1:30-2:30 pm

Did you know that there are black bears in Westborough? On Sunday, Feb. 15 at 1:30, join the Westborough Community Land Trust at a fascinating talk by Meghan Crawford, the Community Engagement Biologist at MassWildlife. Meghan will discuss black bear biology and research, and help us understand how to safely live alongside these gentle giants.
This slide talk is free and open to the public, no reservation needed.

Location: Tatnuck Bookseller meeting room, 18 Lyman St, Westborough, MA.
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Wakefield Blood Donor Wins Super Bowl Tickets and Travel
Lifelong New England fan rewarded for making a lifesaving gift

BOSTON (Feb. 4) — The first professional football game Eric Jellison attends in person will be Super Bowl LX, thanks to a blood donation he made earlier this month.

Eric has been a blood donor most of his life, but it was his donation on January 2 near his home in Wakefield that became a game-changer. Eric was randomly selected from a nationwide pool of donors to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX, along with tickets to the game and pre-game activities, the Super Bowl Experience and a $1000 gift card. The package was part of a partnership between the Red Cross and the NFL to thank football fans for giving the gift of life.

Eric, though, has an even bigger motivation for giving blood. He experienced a traumatic injury at a young age and needed blood transfusions. As soon as he was old enough to become a blood donor, he made a promise to continue giving blood with the Red Cross, an organization he credits for saving his life.

“If the simple act of donating blood did what it did for me,” Eric said, “how could I not pay it forward?”

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood. Donors of all blood types, especially those with types O, A negative and B negative blood and those giving platelets, are urged to give now to help people who rely on transfusions for medical care. 

Become a Tutor of English

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English?  Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools or the medical profession.  But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor.  Tutors often speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the challenges facing those who are adapting to ours.

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled.  ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on March 9.  The class will meet on five consecutive Monday mornings, 9-12.  The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the desire to share your knowledge of English.  The training is free, although it is necessary to purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they “meet” with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection.

For more information or to enroll in the tutor-training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.
Littleton susan harvey

Littleton's Susan Harvey to Speak on New England’s Economic Ties to theTransatlantic Slave Trade

Susan Harvey is a direct descendant of the Morse family, first settlers of Newbury in1635. Her interest in learning about the effects of the transatlantic slave trade on Newburyport and Massachusetts stems from her teaching United States History at Littleton High School in Littleton, MA, where she also resides. The research she conducted at the Newburyport Public Library Archival Center represents the core material used for her master's thesis in history from Fitchburg State University: Slavery in Massachusetts: A descendant of early settlers investigates the connections in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Mrs. Harvey believes we have been asking the wrong questions about slavery in New England because we had no slave plantations here as existed in the southern states. It is our economic ties to the transatlantic slave trade that implicates New England in the monumental tragedy that took the lives of millions of human beings and, in doing so, formed the basis of America's economy. She will discuss the ways in which New England facilitated and benefitted from the slave trade and how the trade led to the racism in America today.

As she approached the topic of northern slavery, her initial questions were: was my family involved in the slave trade, and if so, how? These are questions that people all over New England are beginning to ask themselves as new information comes to light and new scholarship on the topic of northern slavery is published.

Talk to be held Saturday, February 14, 11AM, in the Vestry at First Church Unitarian,19 Foster Street, Littleton, MA. To be followed by a  Bring Your Own Lunch. Sponsored by the Women's Alliance of First Church Unitarian, Littleton

Sculpt This Space
a Call for Art to Massachusetts sculptors

The West Concord Cultural District Committee is launching a new project.  After sponsoring murals, sidewalk decals, the Poetry Phone, the painting of signal boxes and Porchfest, we are issuing a Call for Art for our first sculpture project.  The winning piece will be on display for one year (with the option to be renewed) at Junction Park, which is near the corner of Main Street and Commonwealth Avenue.  Junction Park is steps away from the West Concord MBTA rail stop and beside the path of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.  With gardens tended by the local Green Thumbs gardeners and benches that invite walkers and riders to stop and rest, we hope that the sculpture will reflect the love of nature and the peace it brings while also inviting people to enter the park and our cultural district.
The Call for Art is open to all Massachusetts artists aged 18 and over, working individually or in teams.  The deadline for applications is April 3, with the intention that installation will be completed by late summer.  The artist will receive a $4000 stipend.  For project guidelines and application, please go to https://tinyurl.com/West-Concord-Sculpture.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

     Last Saturday was another bitterly cold day in Hudson; four hearty donors showed up and brought donations for our furniture bank - thank you!!  Most of our scheduled clients showed up to pick out and pick up furniture and furnishings for their new homes.
     At present we have only two rugs to give to clients so if you have extra rugs in good condition, please bring them to us.   We accept furniture and household items on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30 and non-furniture items also on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00-Noon. Check the link above for our location and lists of what we do and do not accept.  Donations do not need to be new but they do need to be in good condition (if you would not give it to a good friend, don’t give it to us!)
     Besides rugs, we are very low on bath towels and hand towels, bath mats, shower curtains, queen size sheets and COMFORTERS!!  Baby, it’s COLD outside!
     Also, we need roasting pans, baking pans, pie plates, serving bowls and platters and drinking glasses.
     Our website has more information on how to help; the green DONATE button will take you to a drop-down list showing Donate Items, Donate Funds, Shop Wishlists, Run a Drive and Donation receipts.
     Thank you for your help; Keep warm and safe!

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

STOW COA LOOKING FOR FITNESS INSTRUCTORS

The Stow Council on Aging has openings for fitness (movement) instructors to teach group classes. Specifically, at this time we are looking to replace a long-time instructor who was teaching Senior Aerobics and Stretch&Flex 3 days a week (M-W-F) year-round.  There are other opportunities for class offerings that can meet once or twice a week, morning, or afternoon, depending on instructor preference and room availability. Classes are 45-60 minutes long and typically focus on strength training, flexibility, and low-impact cardio, but other formats will be considered. Experience teaching older adults is required. Certifications or interest in obtaining certifications preferred. Liability insurance required.  Interested applicants should email the Office Manager at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov for more information.
February events at fpc

EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH


Our building at 353 Great Road, Stow is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is free parking.
Services every Sunday at 10AM
For more information about these services, or to download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.
Guest Table Community Dinner, Friday, Feb 13, 5:30PM
Please join us Friday, February 13 for our next dinner. We offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.
Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.
Game Night, Friday February 13, 7-9PM
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

Carnival Games - Winter Games Fest, Saturday, February 28, Noon to 4PM
Stow, MA, Saturday February 28th – An afternoon of indoor fun for the whole family will take place in Stow on Saturday February 28th from noon to 4 p.m. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will offer carnival games, face painting, and snacks and beverages. The carnival games take place from noon to 4pm.
Admission is free, carnival game tickets are $1 each, and the cost to play a game is 1 ticket.

We have over three dozen carnival games. including a life-size "whack-a-mole", pop bottle standup, plinko, life size tetris, and an "impossible" giant slidey puzzle. Many of the games are life size wooden games built by FPC members and youth. There are games with different levels of difficulty for kids from age 2 to adults young at heart. We will have stuffed animal prizes (every child goes home with at least 1 prize). Popcorn, cookies, lemonade and more will be available for purchase.

Parent/guardian supervision is required during the carnival games. Email dre@fpc-stow-acton.org with any questions about the event. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

HUDSON DEMOCRATS TO HOLD CAUCUS!

On Saturday, February 28 at 12:00pm, Hudson Democrats will convene at the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson, Knight Room, 80 Main St., Hudson to elect 11 delegates and 4 alternates to represent Hudson at the 2026 Massachusetts State Democratic Convention, to be held in person at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, on Friday, May 29th, and Saturday, May 30th. Individuals aged 16 and above who have registered or pre-registered as Democrats in Hudson may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Eligible voters not yet registered as Democrats may register at the caucus.

Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/massdems-convention. Doors and registration opens at 11:30am.

Those with questions or interested in getting involved with the Hudson Democratic Town Committee should contact Ellen Church at 
hudsonmadtc@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA

 
19 Carter Street, Berlin
Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!

FEBRUARY 8-14, 2026

Sunday, February 8, 2pm | Armchair Traveler: Riding the Rails from Worcester to San Francisco
Join Lee Tabor as he recounts a 4-day, 3-night trip on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and the legendary California Zephyr from Worcester to San Francisco! Cost: Free!

Monday, February 9, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Tuesday, February 10, 1:30pm | Chat with Public Health Nurses Susie + Sandi!
Stop by to chat with Public Health Nurses Susie Thompson and Sandi Richard over tea or coffee. All are welcome.
Friday, February 13, 7pm | Open Mic
Join our supportive and inclusive open mic! Hosts Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli will support with professional sound, a welcoming vibe, and a piano. Performers must sign up in advance by emailing LoriDiamondMusic@gmail.com. Sign up window opens 6pm the Wednesday before the event. Suggested donation: $5 

Saturday, February 14, 10am | Parody Playhouse
A dynamic music and movement program for ages 0-6 that supports early childhood development with parodies of iconic artists like The Beatles, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, and more! Suggested donation: $5

Saturday, February 14, 7:30pm | Rioflow Trio
Join us for a special Valentine's day concert celebrating the love of friendship, the earth and community featuring the Rioflow Trio! Enjoy Latin American grooves with styles such as bossa nova, Afro-Peruvian festejo, rumba flamenca, and Afro-Caribbean vibes. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door at 19Carter.org
Friends of emerson health2

Friends of Emerson Health's EmerSong Event

8th Annual EmerSong A Cappella Festival 
Saturday, March 7, 2026
2 Showtimes: 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
51 Walden Performing Arts Center, Concord, MA

The Friends of Emerson Health is proud to announce the return of EmerSong, an a cappella festival.

Gather your family and friends and buy your tickets today for this popular community event. Please consider making a donation or becoming an EmerSong Friend!

All tickets are $35. Proceeds support Behavioral and Mental Health services at Emerson Health.

Performers include:
BroadBand
Take Notes - Concord Carlisle High School
Peanut Butter & Jelly - Lexington High School
Radcliffe Pitches
Up the Octave - Brandeis University
The Works
sQ! - Tufts University

Seating is limited; all tables can seat up to four people. Drinks are available for purchase at the 7:30 PM show.

For more information, visit: EmersonHealth.org/EmerSong or email emersonauxiliary@gmail.com
Heritage chorale

Heritage Chorale 2026 Pops Concert on February 21

Join us for Heritage Chorale's 2026 Pops Concert, Page to Stage: A Literary Journey, on February 21 at 7pm at Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive in Framingham. This year's Pops Concert features a variety of songs from Broadway shows whose origins are from literature. Some may be familiar, such as Get Me to the Church on Time and The Impossible Dream, while others may be wonderfully new to the listener. Percussion, piano, and other instrumentation will add to the enjoyment of this musical adventure. For more details and ticket information, please visit www.heritagechorale.org.
Historian to speak

Littleton Historian to Speak at Women's Alliance Meeting

Littleton historian Susan Harvey will speak on New England’s economic ties to the transatlantic slave trade at the Women’s Alliance Meeting Saturday, February 14 at 11AM.
Mrs. Harvey believes we have been asking the wrong questions about slavery in New England because we had no slave plantations here as existed in the southern states. It is our economic ties to the transatlantic slave trade that implicates New England in the monumental tragedy that took the lives of millions of human beings and, in doing so, formed the basis of America’s economy. She will discuss the ways in which New England facilitated and benefitted from the slave trade and how the trade led to the racism in America today. As well, she explores her own family’s part in this history of northern slavery.
All are welcome to this insightful talk, held in the vestry at First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster Street, Littleton, MA. To be followed by a Bring Your Own Lunch. This meeting will be a hybrid meeting; if you can’t make it in person, contact Rochelle Chambless for a link to the online version of the meeting at rochellecham@gmail.com.
What behaviors tell us3

What Behaviors Tell Us: Understanding Your Child's Communication - Feb. 26

Please join First Connections for a free presentation by Concord Children's Center Educators on What Behaviors Tell Us: Understanding Your Child’s Communication on Thursday, February 26, 7-8:00 pm. Early childhood experts invite you to a warm and informative panel discussion exploring how young children use behavior to communicate their needs, emotions, and developing skills. Our panel will share real-life examples, practical strategies, and guidance to help families better understand what children are trying to “say” through their actions. You’ll learn what your child might be trying to tell you—and how to respond in ways that build connection (and maybe save your sanity). Come with your questions and leave with tools to deepen your understanding of your child’s world. Register to receive the zoom link by emailing Linda at lmatthews@jri.org. This program is funded by a grant from Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care.

Valentine's Family Karaoke Party
Friday, February 13, 5-8PM

Join us the 2nd annual Valentine's Family Karaoke Party Join us for a night of making music and making friends! There will be pizza and baked goods (including vegan and gluten-free options), non-alcoholic beverages, candy and prizes in several categories (Best Solo, Best Duo, Best Group, Best Love Song, Best "You Done Me Wrong" Song) Bring your voice and come join the fun from 5 to 8pm, Friday, February 13, 2026, First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster Street, Littleton. We had so much fun last year, we had to do it again! $5 per person/$20 per family, Cash and Venmo accepted. Parking available on street, behind the fire department, and at the Castle in the Trees Playground parking lot on King St.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
www. Freshstartfurniturebank.org

 Are you enjoying the arctic blasts?  It is certainly making things challenging for everyone!  At Fresh Start, we closed a couple weeks ago due to the extreme cold. But last Saturday, with the temperature still below 10°, we were open and donors came to us with their furniture and household goods.  The donor intake crew took turns unloading donor items and ducking inside to get warm.

We need:
-Rugs
-Pristine or new Mattresses
-Table Lamps
-Kitchen Starter Sets (cutting boards, can openers, slotted spoons, colanders, etc)
-Shower curtains and rings
-Towels

     We also can use more volunteers, especially those who are bilingual. We are having volunteer Open house dates on March 14 and 19th at 11 AM to see our facility and to fill out paperwork.
      Thank you for helping us to help others!
Old north church

Get a Sneak Peek of America’s 250th Exhibit at Old North Church Historic Site This February School Vacation
Opens Saturday, Feb. 14 to Saturday, Feb. 21

BOSTON – Step into the story that launched a revolution. During February School Vacation Week, Old North Church Historic Site invites students, families, and history lovers to be among the first to experience new additions to its exhibit celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. As the nation looks ahead to July 4, 2026, there’s no better place to explore the origins of American independence than the site where Paul Revere’s famous “one if by land, and two if by sea” lanterns were hung.
Located in the heart of Boston’s North End, Old North offers a fun, immersive, and educational vacation-week experience. Visitors can explore the soaring 18th-century church, discover new semiquincentennial content, and connect classroom lessons to the real places where history happened.
Designated a Site of Conscience by the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience in 2023, Old North Church Historic Site brings Revolutionary-era history together with stories that inspire curiosity, conversation, and civic engagement  — making it an ideal School Vacation destination for learners of all ages.
The historic site, which is typically closed to the public during the winter season, will be open Feb. 14 through Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m (open 12:30 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15). Families can take advantage of a $10 combo ticket, which includes admission to the church, an immersive audio guide, and a self-guided tour of the historic crypt, where more than 1,100 people are buried. Tours of the Bell Chamber and the Balcony will also be offered periodically throughout the day. For more information, visit: www.oldnorth.com

Newly Reinstalled Modern & Contemporary Art Galleries to Open with Well Known & Never Before Seen Artworks

Free, open to the public, & on view at the Davis Museum on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
WELLESLEY, MASS. (February 2026) - In spacious, newly-reinstalled galleries on the fifth floor of the Davis Museum at Wellesley College, the public is invited to see modern and contemporary works of art by well-known artists Willem de Kooning, Lee Krasner, Daniela Rivera, Horace Pippin, and Judith Rothschild, among others, beginning Feb. 6. The galleries have been closed for several years, but now the 2,606-square-foot space will house some notable works as well as some never-before-seen works that are coming out of storage to hang in the larger galleries longterm.
“To select works for the top floor installation, I reviewed over 900 works – mainly paintings and sculptures – in the permanent collection, created over the last century, emphasizing some classics and favorites, but also trying to bring forth things that had never been placed on view, like a fantastic and critical vision of the modern department store by Irving Norman, or a glazed ceramic vessel by studio potter (and former Dadaist) Beatrice Wood,” said James Oles, Adjunct Curator of Latin American Art and Associate Teaching Professor in Art, who curated the new gallery spaces known as Harold and Estelle Newman Tanner Gallery and Lawrence and Ina Lee Brown Ramer Gallery.
Among the paintings and works of art that Dr. Amanda Gilvin, the Davis’s Interim Co-Director, Sonja Novak Koerner ‘51 Senior Curator of Collections and Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, most looks forward to seeing are: Irving Norman’s Labyrinth (1955); Sonia Delaunay-Terk’s Electric Prisms, (1913) and Judith Rothschild’s Curious Personage (ca. 1947-49). Notable works by artists Olga Albizu, Theo van Doesburg, Roland Dorcely, Yvette Mayorga, László Moholy-Nagy, Magdalene Odundo, and Adrian Piper will also be on view.
The newly reinstalled galleries, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, reflect how faculty teach art across the disciplines at Wellesley College. Instead of a chronological organization, the sections address themes that emerge from the college’s curriculum and the collection’s strengths: Modern Fragments, The Label, An Eye for Materials, Plane and Grid, Dream and Gesture, and Contemporary Art.
In Modern Fragments, select paintings and sculptures suggest just a few of the ways that artists reacted to the radical upheavals that characterized the modern age. A Label reminds visitors to read texts that they encounter in museums critically. Artworks in An Eye for Materials share nothing beyond an experimental embrace of materials.
“From the start of this project I wanted to involve students,” Oles said, adding the project’s four student employees wrote wall labels for the galleries and learned about the curatorial process. “They wrote (and signed!) many of the object labels, including those for our 1966 painting by Willem de Kooning, where they came up with three very different interpretations.”
The Davis Museum’s collection is especially strong in post-World War II abstraction from the Americas. Plane and Grid features artists whose primary focus was on precision and calculation, and on grids and systems as governing structures. Meanwhile, Dream and Gesture unlocks personal, emotional, and even unconscious forces. The artists featured in Contemporary Art all remain active in the art world, and the selected works all entered the collection in the past 15 years. They reveal the Museum’s expanding aspiration to represent voices from the entire globe, as well as from diasporic communities in the United States. These contemporary works challenge standard narratives while also forging connections with objects elsewhere in the collection, from all periods.
The gallery restoration was made possible with funds from the Mellon Endowment for Academic Programs, Helyn MacLean Program Fund for Contemporary and South Asian Art, Amos W. Stetson Fund, Mary Tebbets Wolfe ’54 Davis Museum Program Fund, and Wellesley College’s Friends of Art. A label writing workshop with Juening Mao ‘26, Elle Scheffel ‘26, Ruofan Wang ‘27, and Alesia Zhou ‘26, received the generous support of the Art Department.
The Davis Museum is free and open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 781-283-2051 or visit https://www1.wellesley.edu/davismuseum/visit/directions.

YOUTH PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW – “HELP WANTED”

Minute Man Air Field’s Youth Aviation Leadership Program currently has over a dozen youth involved running ground and safety operations for Young Eagles rallies, cultivating leadership skills, and progressing their aviation journeys. This program has a continued need for adult volunteers to help with event coordination and communications. No aviation experience necessary! If you’re interested, please email youngeagles@eaa196.org, or better yet, drop into ‘Hangar Talk’ on the first Saturday at 9am in the Chapter Pilot Lounge for a snack and conversation.
Hudson high school drama2

Hudson High School Drama Society Presents Mamma Mia January 30-31

"Honey, Honey," you do NOT want to say this weekend's show is "Slipping Through My Fingers!" HHS students perform Mamma Mia, a fun ABBA song-filled romp about Sophie, a young woman getting married in the Greek village where her single mom raised her, who has invited her 3 possible dads!
Whether you are a "Dancing Queen" or a "Super Trouper" - you will laugh, cheer, and enjoy each widely recognized tune. You know the "Winner Takes It All" so don't miss out on music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (with some songs by Stig Anderson) of the famous band ABBA.
Hudson High's actors will dazzle in this light-hearted and sweet production. The show is led by Director KG Spungen, Musical Director Parker Eastman, and Choreographer Rachel Shaw .

Shows are scheduled for Friday January 30 at 7pm, Saturday January 31 at 2pm and 7pm. All shows will be in the Paul "Skip" Johnson auditorium at Hudson High School, 69 Brigham Street in Hudson.

Tickets are not a lot of "Money, Money, Money" - only $15 (adults)/$10 (students & seniors) cash at the door or purchased ahead of time at //our.show/MammaMia2026. "Take A Chance On Me" and we will see you there! 
First parish church2

EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH

Our building at 353 Great Road, Stow is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is free parking.
Services every Sunday at 10AM
For more information about these services, or to download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.
  • “What’s in a Name?” January 25: - Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum and Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef - In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare writes, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” As our congregation considers a name change, and in a culture that is persecuting people who choose name change, we’ll look at the power of naming and being able to choose a name. 


New Revival Coffee House, Saturday, Jan. 31, 7:30PM
Fiddler, Singer and Songwriter Kathleen Parks
Kathleen is a founding member of Twisted Pine, an ensemble that exists “somewhere in the ether between bluegrass and jazz.” Kathleen’s own songwriting leans toward Pop, Folk, and classic Jazz, while her virtuosic fiddle reflects countless hours of festival jams with a blend of traditional and modern musical styles.

Her deep grounding in Celtic and American roots music blends with her love for pop songwriting, funk rhythms, soulful vocals, and groove-based improvisation, making every performance unexpected yet familiar: a musical journey from beginning to end.
Tickets are $20 in advance at eventbrite.com and $25 at the door. For ticket links see the New Revival Coffeehouse web page.  For more info about Kathleen, see kathleenparksmusic.com.

The New Revival Coffeehouse is located at the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow MA 01775.  Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30.
Guest Table Community Dinner, Friday, Feb 13, 5:30PM
Please join us Friday, February 13 for our next dinner. We offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.
Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Game Night, Friday February 13, 7-9PM
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

Carnival Games - Winter Games Fest, Saturday, February 28, Noon to 4PM
Stow, MA, Saturday February 28th – An afternoon of indoor fun for the whole family will take place in Stow on Saturday February 28th from noon to 4 p.m. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will offer carnival games, face painting, and snacks and beverages. The carnival games take place from noon to 4pm.
Admission is free, carnival game tickets are $1 each, and the cost to play a game is 1 ticket.

We have over three dozen carnival games. including a life-size "whack-a-mole", pop bottle standup, plinko, life size tetris, and an "impossible" giant slidey puzzle. Many of the games are life size wooden games built by FPC members and youth. There are games with different levels of difficulty for kids from age 2 to adults young at heart. We will have stuffed animal prizes (every child goes home with at least 1 prize). Popcorn, cookies, lemonade and more will be available for purchase.
Parent/guardian supervision is required during the carnival games. Email dre@fpc-stow-acton.org with any questions about the event. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Myles Above in Heaven Time Change

Time change for mother’s grief support group, Myles Above in Heaven, that is held at the Hudson library on the 3rd Saturday of each month.  Meetings will now begin at 11am and go to 1 pm.  The meetings previously started at 10:30am.
Threenagers2

"Threenagers" Live Webinar February 12

Ellie Springer, M.Ed., will present a live webinar through First Connections in Acton about "Threenagers." Around age 2 1/2-3, children's behavior becomes newly challenging and parents may wonder, "Who is this child?" Three year olds begin to fiercely assert their independence, while at other times cling to adults and want help with tasks they have been able to do on their own for months. They can have BIG emotions that change all the time, shifting from gleeful to devastated to furious within minutes. If you have a child in this stage, or about to enter it, join us to learn what is typical at this stage, how to support your child through it, and how to make life a little smoother for your family. To receive the Zoom link for this program being held on Thursday, February 12, 7-8:00 p.m., email Linda at lmatthews@jri.org.   This is a free program funded by the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care.
Assabet valley mastersingers2

Please Join the Assabet Valley Mastersingers for Our Second Formal Concert of Our 2025-2026 Season: “Lest We Forget”


Shrewsbury, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) is thrilled to announce its March
2026 concert in Shrewsbury, which features James Whitbourn’s “Annelies”, a composition
based on Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. This performance will stand as a tribute to
Holocaust survivors honoring voices of resilience, memory, and hope.

Event Date: March 8th, 2026
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center (378 Main Street), Shrewsbury, MA
Artistic Director: Dr. Robert Eaton
Soprano: Jess Huetteman

About the Event
“Annelies” is a 75-minute choral work for soprano soloist, choir and instrumentalists that was composed by British composer James Whitbourn. The libretto is compiled and translated by Melanie Challenger from The Diary of Anne Frank. Movements from Annelies were first performed at the National UK Holocaust Memorial Day in Westminster Hall in London in January of 2005 and the world premiere of “Annelies” was given on April 5th, 2005 at the Cadogan Hall,
London.
The piece is divided into fourteen movements and there will be no intermission during this performance. In addition to choral and soprano soloist scoring, the instrumental portion is scored for both larger full symphony orchestra and a smaller chamber version. AVM will perform the version scored for a full orchestra which is rare. The last time the work was publicly performed was in 2022 by Princeton Pro Musica.
James Whitbourn passed away in early 2024 and “Annelies” remains one of his most renowned compositions. In fact, a recording by the Westminster Williamson Voices in 2014 was nominated for a Grammy award under the Best Choral Performance category, which was one of four Grammy nominations for Whitbourn during his lifetime. This performance of “Annelies” is enriched by remarks from Holocaust survivors, honoring their voices and enduring resilience.

Ticket Information:
● General Admission: $25.00
● Senior/Student Price: $20.00
● Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult.

Tickets can be purchased online at .https://www.avmsingers.org/events/lest-we-forget.
AVM is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program, which grants EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders access to steeply discounted tickets from a variety of arts, humanities, and science organizations across the Commonwealth. Cardholders may order up to four tickets online by applying the promo code MASSCTOC and selecting manual payment type. The same discounted costs, $5.00 for general or $4.00 for senior/student admission, are payable at the concert for preordered, or onsite-requested CTOC tickets
Annual free family concert

Worcester Chamber Music Society
Presents Annual Free Family Concert March 8


January 15, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) is thrilled to present its Annual Free Family Concert on March 8, 2026, with a performance at 3:00pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.  Neighborhood Strings students will perform at the beginning of the concert. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
This year’s Family Concert is brought to you by the letter F. An afternoon of fairy tales, fables, family, friends, and fun is sure to delight the children in your lives (as well as your inner child). Four hands on one piano provide the musical setting for Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite. Navok’s Beauty and the Beast is the world premiere of a fantastic musical retelling of the classic fairy tale. Be sure to reserve your seats early because this one-time-only concert will reach capacity soon.
Sunday, March 8 @3PM
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
Generously sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank, Cornerstone Bank, Fidelity Bank, Unibank, and Country Bank. This concert is also funded in part by grants from the Shrewsbury Arts Council and the Worcester Arts Council, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Program
A special performance by Neighborhood Strings Maurice Ravel | Mother Goose Suite
Lior Navok | Beauty and the Beast  – world premiere performance

Featuring WCMS musicians:
Peter Sulski, violin
Mark Berger, viola
Ariana Falk, cello
Randall Hodgkinson, piano

With guests:
Lilit Hartunian, violin / Leslie Amper, piano
Venue is handicapped accessible.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Reserve early, since this event typically sells out quickly.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/fairy-tales-and-fables/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

Boston CASA Seeks Volunteers to Advocate for Foster Youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties

Virtual information session to take place on January 27 for those interested in joining the spring training cohort
BOSTON, Mass. (January 22, 2026) – Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is issuing an urgent call for volunteers to advocate on behalf of children in the foster care system. Currently, only 15% of eligible foster youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties have access to a CASA — a trained, court-appointed volunteer who provides consistent, one-on-one support and helps shape critical legal and life decisions.
“Imagine facing judges, rotating caseworkers, and endless transitions as a child, without one adult focused solely on what's best for you," said Nicole Stewart, Executive Director of Boston CASA and a former foster youth. "That's what foster youth experience. A CASA changes that equation. We're looking for volunteers prepared to show up consistently, advocate fiercely, and be the person a child can count on."
With virtual information sessions beginning January 27, Boston CASA encourages compassionate adults across the region to attend an upcoming session to learn how they can make a life-changing difference for a child.

What CASAs Do
Unlike mentors or service providers, CASAs are appointed by a judge to focus solely on the best interests of a child in foster care. Each CASA is matched with one child or sibling group and builds a consistent, trusted relationship by meeting with them regularly and staying involved for the duration of the case.
CASAs collaborate with teachers, doctors, foster parents, attorneys, and caseworkers to ensure the child’s needs are met, advocating for essential services, educational support, healthcare access, and permanent housing. They often become the one consistent adult in a child’s life, helping navigate a complex and ever-changing system.
CASAs are asked to commit at least 18 months to the role. Initial training requires 30 hours, with 12 hours of ongoing education each year. Once assigned to a case, volunteers typically dedicate 10 to 15 hours per month to their CASA work.

Why It Matters
The need is urgent:


According to a national study, 92% of judges say CASAs improve outcomes for children, and 83% say CASAs help ensure children receive essential services. But when a youth has a CASA, they are more likely to succeed in school, access vital services, and secure a stable, permanent home.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Have a deep desire to make a difference in a child’s life
  • Be 21 years or older
  • Commit to at least 18 months of service
  • Ability to meet with youth 1-2 times a month at their home or in community
  • Approach difficult situations with compassion and diplomacy
  • Keep personal beliefs separate from their advocacy role


Children in foster care come from all backgrounds, and Boston CASA is committed to building a volunteer community that reflects that diversity. While all are welcome to apply, we’re especially seeking volunteers who speak additional languages, identify as people of color, are men, or are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Your lived experience can make a powerful difference in a child’s life.

Upcoming Info Sessions
Attending an information session is required to apply for the organization’s next volunteer training cycle, which begins in the spring. These sessions will give you an overview of the organization and our work, the application and interview process, as well as more details about the training required to become a CASA.

Sessions will be held virtually on Zoom:
  • Tuesday January 27 12-1:00pm (Last info session before the March training)
  • Tuesday February 10 5:30-6:30pm


Sign up for an upcoming information session HERE. Research shows that just one consistent adult can change a child’s trajectory. For more information or to register for an info session, visit: https://bostoncasa.org/
Nashoba symphonic band

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND FEATURES TRUMPET RHAPSODY

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey continues its 10th Anniversary season on Saturday, February 7th at 2 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 in Bolton MA (GPS says Green Road). The concert is entitled “On Your Toes,” with most of its selections related to forms of dance.

The program opens with the ragtime dance, Ragged Rozey by veteran band composer Karl L. King, and continues with Warren Benson's haunting Solitary Dancer, and the captivating Italian Polka by Sergei Rachmaninov, scored by Erik Leidzen for the world-famous Goldman Band.

The featured work on the program is the Rhapsody for Trumpet and Wind Orchestra by Armenian composer, Alexander Arutiunian, performed by the NSB first chair trumpet player, Joseph Cosgrove.

The second half of the program opens with Choreography by Robert Sheldon. Sheldon's Wolves of Nashoba, commissioned by NSB, was premiered in May of 2025.
The program concludes with a rousing set of Symphonic Dances from Jerry Bock's timeless “Fiddler on the Roof.”

For further information, contact David Bailey (baileydavidwayne@gmail.com),
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School. It is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.

All Nashoba Symphonic Band events are free and open to the public.  
Hudson cultural council qr

Hudson Cultural Council Seeks New Members


HUDSON: The Hudson Cultural Council, appointed by the town’s Select Board, is looking for new members to help support the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences in our community. The Council’s Mission is to promote Hudson’s diverse heritage and to enhance cultural opportunities by supporting activities that enrich the lives of Hudson residents of all ages. The function of the board is to review grant applications and to award funds for projects that take place in Hudson and the surrounding area.
Following local and state guidelines the HCC recently awarded 17 grants totaling $23,247 to area organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of MetroWest, Symphony Pro Musica, the Hudson Cultural Alliance/Armory on the Assabet as well as to municipal agencies that include the Library, Division of Recreation, Public Schools and Health Department. Visit www.hudsonculturalcouncil.org or scan the QR code for details.
The Council meets five or six times a year during the evening with its next meeting scheduled for March 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. All are welcome to attend the meeting which will be posted on the town website.
Ready to join the Council? Please fill out an interest form  via this link or pick one up at the Town Clerk’s office.  As a voting member, you will share your ideas and knowledge to help shape and enrich Hudson’s vibrant cultural scene.
Email the council at hudsonculturalcouncil@gmail.com with any questions about becoming a member.
Maynard winter celebration!

Maynard Cultural Council and Maynard Business Alliance Sponsor the 
Third Annual Maynard Winter Celebration!
Ice Carving Demonstration, Free Kids’ Movie, Crafts, Food, and Fun!


Maynard, MA…Residents of Maynard and neighboring towns are invited to a celebration of all things winter on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Veterans Memorial Park in Maynard with a movie beginning at 12:30 PM and outdoor activities beginning at 2:00 PM.

Families will enjoy a free, special showing of Happy Feet at Maynard Fine Arts Theatre sponsored by Smith & Finley Homes.  After that, the afternoon is full of crafts, events and refreshments for people of all ages to enjoy.   The featured event of the afternoon will be an ice sculpting demonstration in Memorial Park.  Previous years have revealed some friendly penguins and polar bears breaking through the ice; what visitors will this year’s sculpture bring?  Come and find out!

Bens’ Raclette will be on hand to please the palate, along with El Huipil who’ll be there with churros and hot chocolate.  Hearty chili from Maynard Village Pizza will warm the chill, while Amory’s Tomb will pour you a cold one or offer cozy comfort with mulled cider. (Food and drink will be available for purchase.)

A winter-themed craft at Felixology will also include hot chocolate in the snug, comforting atmosphere that comes with being surrounded by books, books, books. And who can get enough books? Nobody! That’s why the Maynard Public Library will be holding a storytime with Casey.

The afternoon is free for everyone, so come enjoy the brisk January air, warmed by the company of friends and neighbors.

For more information and a full schedule of events visit: DiscoverMaynard.com

Free Pasta Friendship Dinner at
Hudson First United Methodist Church

 
The First United Methodist Church of Hudson will be offering its FREE Pasta Friendship Dinner, prepared and served by our local Boy Scouts, Troop 2, on Saturday, January 24th, at 5:00 pm.  We are so pleased to have the Boy Scouts, who meet at this church, wishing to serve the Hudson community in this way.  This is one of our most asked for meals and everyone loves the spaghetti, meatballs and sausage served with salad, drinks and desserts!

Invite family, friends and neighbors for an evening of great tasting food, laughter and fellowship.

Friendship Dinners are served the fourth Saturday of every month and are free and open to everyone.

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

LWV Acton Area launches ‘Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative’ Fund


League of Women Voters - Acton Area (includes Hudson & Stow) announces the establishment of the Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative Fund in honor of Marge’s passionate commitment to social justice. This multi-year initiative, funded by a generous bequest at her death in December 2022, will continue her commitment to social justice via annual events, public forums, speaker series, and other community building programs.
Margaret (Marge) Kennedy was a long-time League member who served in almost every leadership position, although her greatest satisfaction came from her commitment to educate about the needs of the oppressed and build a sense of belonging in our community.
In addition to her commitment to the League, she actively supported other organizations that promoted affordable housing, meeting basic needs, combating domestic violence and intolerance, and ensuring rights for everyone in our communities.
The League will launch this important initiative by hosting a forum entitled “Restoring the Promise, A Discussion About Immigration Policy and the Path Forward.” It will be led by immigration attorney Antonio Massa Viana who writes, “‘Restoring the Promise’ is a nonpartisan, community-based discussion . . . that invites participants to reflect on the impact of current immigration policies, the ways immigration has shaped our nation, and the constitutional questions that affect both non-citizens and U.S. citizens alike.” It will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 2 to 3:30 PM EST at the Acton Town Hall, Rm 204.  The event is free and open to the public.  It will be televised on Acton TV or you can participate interactively via Zoom. The link and more information about Atty Viana and the forum’s agenda will be shared closer to the date, so keep watching this space!
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state and national government. The League develops positions on issues, but does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. In addition to our long tradition of providing important voter information services, we strive to raise awareness and provide accurate information on social issues such as Immigration Reform to equip voters to make informed choices when voting.
Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information about the League and how to become a member.

STOW VETERANS GRAVES COMMITTEE - NOTICE OF VACANCY (Two Members)

The Town of Stow is seeking applications to fill two vacancies on the Veterans Grave Committee.
Duties: Support Memorial Day Parade planning as required, including attending planning meetings, usually two (2) per year. Coordinate support from Stow Fire Department (Color Guard) and Police Department (traffic control) and Boy and Girl Scouts and consult with Veterans Agent.
Qualifications: Registered voter, with preference given to honorably discharged veterans.
Term: Appointment by Select Board, each for one-year term ending June 30, 2026.
Application: The Select Board will accept applications until the positions are filled.

If you are interested, please use the application form on the Town of Stow website (https://www.stow-ma.gov/897/Volunteer-Openings-and-Committee-Vacanci), found on the Board and Committee Vacancies page. Questions may be directed to the Select Board office at selectboard@stow-ma.gov or by calling 978-897-4515.
Worcester chamber music society 2

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents February 1 Concert in Worcester

January 20, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th Season with a concert titled “Shadow & Light” at Assumption University’s Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall on February 1, which features distinguished guest artist Edwin Barker, former longtime principal bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A reception will follow the concert. Two talented female composers shine brilliantly on this concert, having emerged from the shadows of obscurity. Sofia Gubaidulina defied the Soviet authorities’ artistic demands and was virtually unknown in the West until the 1980s. Despite favorable comparisons to Ravel, Bloch, and Debussy, Rebecca Clarke languished in obscurity until only recently. Wildly popular in its time, Beethoven’s septet in some ways stole the spotlight, overshadowing in his lifetime what he considered some of his greatest works.
Sunday, February 1 @4PM
Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @3:30 PM
Program
Sofia Gubaidulina
| Sonata for Double Bass and Piano
Rebecca Clarke | Piano Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven | Septet
Venues are handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/shadow-and-light/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA
19 Carter Street, Berlin

Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5

Monday: A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Turn off your TV and stop by for 2 hours of pleasant tea and pleasantries, pastries with good company, and no politics!
Tuesday: Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday: Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: Office Hours with Melissa (Director of the Berlin COA) 10 – 11am (Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday: Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday: Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Thursday: Afternoon Games 2 - 4pm
Friday: Open Art Studio & Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday: Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday: Social 10am - 1pm
Office Hours w Senator Kennedy’s team Every second Wednesday of the month at 11am – 12pm

Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!
We frequently add new upcoming events :)

FEBRUARY 1-7, 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2pm | Music and Stories from Little House on the Prairie
Come enjoy the tunes Laura Ingalls Wilder loved and find out more about the music that was so popular with the pioneers. Cost: Free!

Monday, February 2, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Music Includes brings people of all abilities and identities together for inclusive, high-quality musical experiences. Join us in a safe, joyful space to share songs of all kinds. Select Mondays from Jan 19 - April 27.  Register at nacc.net. Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Monday, February 2, 7:30pm | Open Mic for Comics
Join us for our monthly, laid-back night of comedy brought to you by OMP Productions and the Carnival Personnel Podcast. Comics can sign up for a stand-up slot in advance by emailing openmicpain@gmail.com. Audience welcome! Ages 18+ Suggested donation: $5

Tuesday, February 3, 6pm | Book Launch: When Did We See You? A Lenten Reflection on Poverty and Wealth
Berlin resident Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Mae Magill invites us into an honest conversation about faith, money, and community, posing hard questions about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in an economically divided world. Cost: Free!

Saturday, February 7, 11:30am | Veg Group: Cooking with Plants!
This month guest speaker Tracy Zook will talk about plant foods and recipes especially delicious in February! Suggested donation: $5
Ucc boxborough folk coffeehouse

17th Annual UCC Boxborough Folk Coffeehouse

Saturday, January 31, 7 – 9 p.m.
723 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough

Save the date! Nothing could be better than shaking off the dark winter chills and enjoying warm, gentle music in the Gathering Room at the United Church of Christ, Boxborough, with friends on a Saturday evening (7 - 9 p.m.).
The UCCB Music Committee invites you to enjoy the many talents of our community and perhaps offer some talents of your own in a traditional folk “coffeehouse” setting. This event is intended to slow us down, warm us up, and bring us together as appreciators of music.
Please contact Peter Senghas (pwsenghas@gmail.com) or Steve Griffin (sgri617@comcast.net) if you would like to participate or if you have a question about this event.
Mac kid summer camp fair 1

Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on February 7

Local parents looking for information on summer camps and kids’ activities will find over 25 programs at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on Saturday, February 7. The Fair will take place at Orchard Church, 130 Littleton Rd (Rt. 110), Westford MA from 11 am to 1:30 pm.

Coordinated by Macaroni KID Lowell, the Summer Camp Fair is free to attend.  Families can gather information and talk with representatives from local and overnight camps, summer programs, and local schools offering year-round activities such as sports, STEM, coding, art and more. There will also be kids' activities and giveaways.

Camps exhibiting at the Summer Camp Fair include local favorites such as Good Pickin' Farm, Camp Massapoag, and Teamworks Adventure Camp as well as specialty and overnight camps such as Grotonwood, The Story School, Third Space Kitchen, and Camp Stonewall.  Macaroni KID Lowell also has an online Summer Camp Guide on its website (Lowell.MacaroniKid.com) as a resource for parents who cannot attend the Camp Fair.
For a list of camps attending the Fair, please visit Macaroni KID Lowell at https://lowell.macaronikid.com.  Exhibitor requests and other requests for information can be directed to barbarae@macaronikid.com or (978) 239-3038.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meetings

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.net

Free Help Filing Your Taxes

 
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. You don't need to be an AARP member to use the service. Since 1968, Tax-Aide has helped over 82 million taxpayers receive all the credits and deductions they're entitled to. Our volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.  We can prepare and e-file both Federal and state tax returns.

Every year, from early February to mid-April, our volunteers take appointments at host sites around the country. Check with your local senior center or use the AARP Tax-Aide Service Locator Tool at aarp.org/money/taxes to find a site near you. 

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

Happy New Year!
     Fresh Start Furniture Bank in Hudson served 596 families in 2025!  That’s almost 600 families who had been homeless and not only found housing through agencies but were given everything they needed to make those homes warm and welcoming.  Everything from bed and bath linens to silverware, dish sets, and small appliances to rugs, couches, dressers, dining tables and chairs - all at no cost to them and through the generosity of donors like you!  A lot of donors showed up today and a Girl Scout troop assembled and donated dozens of kitchen starter sets for our clients.
     We are always looking for more volunteers; Fresh Start Furniture Bank is a warm and welcoming and rewarding place to work.  Take a look at our website (above)and join the family!  You’ll be happy that you did!
     Donations of household items (linens, small appliances, kitchenware, lamps, etc.)can be brought to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-noon.  Furniture can be accepted on Thursday mornings from 8:30-10:30 and household items until noon.  Donated items do not need to be new but they need to be in good shape.  If you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to our clients!
     You will find lists of most needed items on our website, and links to Amazon and Target Wishlists under Other Ways to Donate.
     Let’s make it a happy new year for more families!  Thank you!
Sudbury savoyards gondoliers logo

The Gondoliers Melts Boston’s Winter Chill
With Songs and Scenes of Venice
The Sudbury Savoyards present The Gondoliers; or, The King of Barataria by Gilbert & Sullivan


SUDBURY, MA- JANUARY 2026- This February, The Sudbury Savoyards present Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers in their 65th year of bringing high-quality, grand-scale productions to the Boston area. The Sudbury Savoyards are “one of Sudbury’s most valuable cultural assets” with community theatrical portrayals lauded for their “top-notch vocal performances, fine music” and “great stage magic.” The Gondoliers boasts a principal cast of some of Boston’s top operatic talents working in tandem with a considerable community chorus, all accompanied by a full orchestra led by award-winning musical director Aldo Fabrizi.

The Gondoliers is a boisterous, musical comedy that combines the spectacle of Broadway with the grandeur of opera. Take a trip to 1750s Venice, brought to life with striking custom-built sets, historical costumes, and lively choreography. The wedding day of two handsome young gondoliers is thrown into chaos by the revelation that one of them is not a humble oarsman at all, but rather the heir of the immeasurably wealthy King of Barataria! The couples’ celebration is short-lived when it is revealed that the prince was wed in infancy to the beautiful daughter of the bumbling Duke of Plaza-Toro. This enduring satire of social class, political idealism, and romance is sure to delight seasoned Gilbert and Sullivan aficionados and newcomers alike.

Attendees to each matinee (February 21, 22, and 28) are invited to explore the stage after the performance. During these educational tours, visitors will meet actors and orchestra members while getting close-up views of the set and costumes. They will learn how The Sudbury Savoyards present "Gilbert & Sullivan on a Grand Scale."

Tickets to The Gondoliers range from $18 to $45 for general seating in the spacious, ADA-accessible Kirshner Auditorium Theatre at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. With just one large-scale production each season, audiences will not want to miss this yearly treat from The Sudbury Savoyards. Tickets are available at the door or online at www.SudburySavoyards.org.

Location:Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, Kirshner Auditorium Theater390 Lincoln RD, Sudbury MA

Performances:
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 22, 2026, 1:30 PM
Friday, February 27, 2026, 7:30 PM
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 1:30 PM & 7:30 PM
New revival coffee house kathleen parks

New Revival Coffee House, First Parish Church Saturday, Jan. 31, 7:30PM
Fiddler, Singer and Songwriter Kathleen Parks

Kathleen is a founding member of Twisted Pine, an ensemble that exists “somewhere in the ether between bluegrass and jazz.” Kathleen’s own songwriting leans toward Pop, Folk, and classic Jazz, while her virtuosic fiddle reflects countless hours of festival jams with a blend of traditional and modern musical styles.

Her deep grounding in Celtic and American roots music blends with her love for pop songwriting, funk rhythms, soulful vocals, and groove-based improvisation, making every performance unexpected yet familiar: a musical journey from beginning to end.
Tickets are $20 in advance at eventbrite.com and $25 at the door. For ticket links see the New Revival Coffeehouse web page.  For more info about Kathleen, see kathleenparksmusic.com.

The New Revival Coffeehouse is located at the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow MA 01775.  Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30.
Doors open at 7 PM. Concert starts at 7:30.
Tickets are $20 in advance at Eventbrite.com and $25 on the day of the concert.  Doors open at 7:00 and the show begins at 7:30.
Ass. vall. camera club birds3

Penguin Adventure
Falkland Islands

Assabet Valley Camera Club Program


HUDSON: On Wednesday, February 4, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Shawn Carey, wildlife photographer and teacher for Mass Audubon Society. His presentation will take you on a virtual field trip to the Falkland Islands off the southern coast of Argentina where you will find some of the islands’ amazing wildlife. The Falklands are home to at least five different species of penguins, other endemic birds, as well as various aquatic animals. Bird watchers and wildlife photographers are sure to enjoy this program!

As a member of several bird clubs, Shawn has gained extensive avian knowledge and serves on the Advisory Board of the Mass Audubon Society and its Bird Art Museum. He has been the chair of  the Mass Camera Naturalists and co-founded Migration Productions where he provides almost all of the digital photographs in their productions. Carey's work can be viewed at https://migrationproductions.com/ .
Currently, AVCC meetings are using a hybrid approach where members can come together either in person or via Zoom. If you are interested in attending the program, contact AVCC at avcc.digital@hotmail.com a few days prior to the meeting to request a link to the event or to let us know you will be attending in person. Guests are welcome to attend up to two consecutive club meetings prior to becoming a member. For membership information, go to https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com/Club/MembershipInfo.aspx .The club’s Zoom room opens at 7:00 PM with a brief business meeting at 7:15 followed by Shawn’s presentation at 7:30.

AVCC in-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson and are open to the public. The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts. During the second monthly meeting, a competition of members’ digital images is judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. Assabet Valley Camera Club, affiliated with both the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) and the Photographic Society of America (PSA), participates in inter-club competitions on regional, national and international levels.

AVCC welcomes anyone interested in learning more about photography as a visual art and its practical application as a science.  Members benefit from the hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. For more information, check out AVCC's website https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com//

SFCOA FUNDRAISER - SHOP LOCAL

Resale Shop on 2/10/26 from 9 am - 1 pm at the Pompo Community Center
Who doesn't love a bargain!  Shop local and support Stow’s senior residents.  Household goods, home decor and MUCH more! Too many items to list something for everyone at bargain prices. The Thrift Shop & Gift Shop will also be open. Visit https://stowfriendsofthecoa.org/ for more information.

Bid for a Cause: Hudson Art & Framing Hosts Online Auction to Benefit The Armory on the Assabet

 
HUDSON, MA –  January 8, 2026 – The Armory on the Assabet is pleased to announce the launch of the The Armory Online Art Auction, a benefit event organized by Hudson Art & Framing to support The Armory’s mission of preserving and growing its programming, events, and restoration efforts.
The auction is now live and will run through January 31, 2026, offering the community an opportunity to bid on an impressive collection of artwork donated by local and regional artists. Featured pieces include paintings, photographs, prints, and mixed media, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to The Armory on the Assabet.
In-Person Viewing and Special Reception
Art enthusiasts are invited to view the auction pieces in person throughout the month of January at Hudson Art & Framing, located at 18 Main Street, Hudson, MA. To celebrate the success of the auction and the artists’ contributions, a special reception will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 4–6 PM at Hudson Art & Framing.
How to Participate
Participants can view the artwork and register to bid online by visiting https://givebutter.com/c/UaVHkm/auction.
“This auction is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together to support something they care about,” said Tom Desmond, President and Founder of The Armory on the Assabet. “Hudson Art & Framing has gone above and beyond to make this happen, and the generosity of the artists donating their work is truly inspiring. Every bid helps us continue to grow and serve the community.”
Karen Nunley, a local artist and member of The Armory’s leadership team, added, “This auction is a chance to showcase the incredible talent in our region while supporting a space that means so much to so many. As an artist, it’s rewarding to know that my work—and the work of my peers—can contribute to something bigger. I hope people will come out, bid, and celebrate the arts with us.”
The Armory on the Assabet will serve as a vibrant hub for creativity, connection, and cultural enrichment. Proceeds from this auction will directly support restoration efforts, bringing us one step closer to transforming the vision of the Armory on the Assabet into a thriving community reality.
About The Armory on the Assabet
The Armory on the Assabet is a leading arts and cultural organization dedicated to enriching the Hudson, and Metrowest communities through diverse artistic expressions and cultural experiences. Serving as a hub for creativity and collaboration, the Armory hosts a wide range of events, performances, and educational programs aimed at fostering community engagement and cultural appreciation. Committed to inspiring and uniting people through the power of the arts, the Armory on the Assabet is steadfast in its mission to be a cornerstone of cultural life in the Hudson area. For more information, please visit ArmoryOnTheAssabet.org.
Light and shadow2

Light and Shadow
Winter Art Show
January 6–February 27, 2026
Pompositticut Community Center, 509 Great Rd, Stow

The Stow Area Guild of Artists (SAGA) presents Light and Shadow, a winter exhibition exploring contrast, illumination, and atmosphere through a variety of artistic styles and media.
Free reception: Friday, January 23, 5–7 PM.
Featured artists include Sondra Albano, Shirley Beltz, Mary Coombs, Richard Fishman, Helen Rolfe Ham, Anne McKeag, Karen Roop, Kathy Sferra, Charlie Streff, and Anna Vanesyan.
Info: stow-artists.org
Free walk

Free Walk: Tree ID in Winter

Many of us can identify common trees by their leaves, but what about when the leaves fall off for the winter? On January 25, 1-3 pm, join the Westborough Community Land Trust to learn what other clues we can look for to tell our native trees apart. We'll look for clues like the tree’s shape, the color and texture of the bark, and the appearance of the buds that are forming for next spring. A walk in the wintry woods becomes more interesting when you can recognize the trees you see around you! Our walk leader will be Kyle Grendell, Westborough’s Tree Warden.
About 1-2 miles on uneven woodland terrain. Traction devices attached to boots are highly recommended.

The walk is free, open to the public, no reservation needed.
The location will be the Libbey-Wile Forest. Park at the end of Carroll Drive in Westborough, on one side of the street only. Trail map: https://westboroughlandtrust.org/maps/LW
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org