Stow, Mass., Aug. 17 – Join us on August 17 at 10 AM with your animal(s) or representations of them (photos, etc.) as we explore the power they have to lift our spirit and bring us joy. We’ll celebrate by collectively blessing each of them. We will also acknowledge our pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

The service this week will take place outside on the grounds at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Feel free to bring a blanket or chair. There will not be a virtual service available this week. Childcare is available. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. The facilities are wheelchair accessible with accessible parking. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

 

WHAT: The New England Aquarium is hosting a book signing for Charlesbridge Publishing’s recently published Turtles Heading Home! by Liza Ketchum, Phyllis Root, and Jacqueline Briggs Martin. The new book follows the efforts of Massachusetts conservationists as they rescue critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, provide rehabilitation, and release them back to their ocean home. The Aquarium’s year-round Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation work to save and protect cold-stunned sea turtles is featured throughout the book, along with imagery captured by the Aquarium’s photographer, Vanessa Kahn. The book is geared towards 6–9 year olds, and  readers will walk away from the book knowing more about the rescue efforts necessary to save the species from the impacts of changing ocean temperatures.
The authors will hold a brief talk at the start of the event to welcome attendees and provide an overview of the book. Books will be available for purchase on-site.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 6 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: In person at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre lobby, 1 Central Wharf, Boston.
HOW: No registration or tickets are needed—attendees are welcome to arrive and enter the theater lobby freely.
WHO: 

• Liza Ketchum is the author of seventeen books for young people, including The Life Fantastic and The Last Garden. Her books have appeared on the ALA’s Best Book lists and the New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing. She and her husband divide their time between Vermont and Massachusetts. Www.lizketchum.org
• Jacqueline Briggs Martin is the author of over twenty picture books for children, including award-winners Snowflake Bentley, a Caldecott medal winner, and Creekfinding: A True Story, recipient of the Green Earth Award for Environmental Writing for Children and a Riverby Award. Jacqueline lives in Iowa with her husband. www.jacquelinebriggsmartin.com
• Phyllis Root is the author of fifty books for children, including Big Belching Bog; Plant a Pocket of Prairie; One North Star; Big Momma Makes the World, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner; and The Lost Forest, a National Outdoor Book Award winner. Phyllis resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. www.phyllisiroot.com

ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England Aquarium  is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 50 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.

ABOUT CHARLESBRIDGE: Charlesbridge publishes high-quality books for children, with a goal of creating lifelong readers and lifelong learners. Our books encourage reading and discovery in the classroom, library, and home. We believe that books for children should offer accurate information, promote a positive worldview, and embrace a child's innate sense of wonder and fun. To this end, we continually strive to seek new voices, new visions, and new directions in children's literature.

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

“Moments in Time and Place” a collection of oil paintings by Judith-Grace Miller will be on display for the month of August at the Munroe Gallery, located on the 2nd floor of the Concord Free Public Library. Opening reception will be Thursday, August 7 from 5-8pm. These colorful paintings will take you back to magical summers at the beach, fresh lobster rolls, and basking in the sun with family and friends. The paintings will range from seascapes, figurative works, and architecture to local scenes painted en plein air. The event is free and open to the public. The Concord Free Public Library is located at 129 Main St, Concord, MA. Learn more at www.judymillerartist.com

 

Wayland, MA – Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization dedicated exclusively to native plants, proudly announces the celebration of its 125th anniversary. As part of this milestone, the organization will honor acclaimed climate scientist Dr.Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown,with its prestigious Founders’ Medal at a gala in Boston this fall. This 125th anniversary marks both a historic legacy and a bold vision for the future—one grounded in the belief that native plants are essential to solving the climate and biodiversity crises.
The 125th Anniversary Gala will take place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter in Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to honoring Dr. Foley, Native Plant Trust will recognize longtime supporters Abby and Peter Coffin for their extraordinary contributions to the organization’s mission. The Coffins embrace the principles of Native Plant Trust with inspiration, sincerity, and generosity of spirit. Together, they are tireless advocates for protecting and conserving the land and waterways of our nation. The evening’s theme, “Sowing the Seeds for Our Future,” reflects Native Plant Trust’s enduring commitment to ecological resilience through native plant conservation. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase at: www.NativePlantTrust.org/gala
“As we mark 125 years of conservation, the stakes have never been higher: One in five native plant species in New England is now rare or endangered,” notes Tim Johnson, CEO of Native Plant Trust. “Our response must match the scale of this ecological emergency. Let this milestone serve as a rallying cry for urgent, science-based action. In just the past 50 years, we’ve lost over 30 percent of plant biodiversity globally. Native Plant Trust has shown that coordinated, data-driven efforts can reverse that trend. But we need more hands, more support, and more resolve to meet the next century’s challenges. The next 125 years will depend on our collective will to protect land, invest in science, and restore balance to the natural world.”
ABOUT NATIVE PLANT TRUST
For over a century, Native Plant Trust has been leading the movement to conserve native plants in the wild and use them in designed spaces. We do this to increase the beauty and resilience of New England and the planet. From our base in Massachusetts, staff and trained volunteers work throughout New England each year to monitor and protect rare and endangered plants, collect and preserve seeds to ensure biological diversity, detect and control invasive species, conduct research, and offer a range of educational programs. We welcome visitors from all over the world to Garden in the Woods, our renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham, MA. We also operate a nursery at Nasami Farm in western Massachusetts and manage six sanctuaries in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that are open to the public. Please visit NativePlantTrust.org.

CONCORD,MA – The Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members.  DVSN provides emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 member communities.
The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at the Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.
The September 2025 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on September 8 to September 26; Monday and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.  for those who decide to activate as Advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training at the completion of the classroom segment. 
The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided.  For more information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to training@dvsn.org . Applications are due no later than Friday, August 29, 2025.
To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.
DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

 

The Silver Club of the Uxbridge Senior Center is planning some trips that anyone is welcome to join. Upcoming is a trip to Washington,DC from July 25-28. Three nights lodging, 3 dinners and 3 breakfasts as well as a comprehensive tour of the city and time at the Smithsonian museums are included.
There will be a 3 day trip to New York City from August 16-18. It includes 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and 2 nights lodging as well as a harbor cruise and lots of touring with a step-on guide to see all the sights of this exciting city.
From Sept. 14-20 there is a trip to Charleston, SC planned including 10 meals, a guided tour of the city, a tour of a historic plantation, a harbor cruise, a visit to Middleton Place, a visit to the Charleston Tea Garden along with a trolley tour, a tour of an historic home, and more.

Please call Sue at 508-341-0797 for more information. The bus will leave from the Millbury Park and Ride in Millbury.

Please join the Acton Commission on Disabilities in celebrating the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Sunday, July 27th (11 am to 2 pm ... rain or shine)

NARA Park 25 Ledge Rock Way (Lower pavilion) (wheelchair accessible)

We will provide sandwiches and flavored seltzer water

Acton residents can reserve a free, accessible ride there and back by calling 978-844-6809

OPEN  TO  ALL

 

BOXBOROUGH, MA – Open Door Theater of Acton and Think Outside the Vox (Vox) are proud to present the fourth annual Ask Me Fair - a living library experience designed for families and open to all. This is a free event on Saturday, July 19th from 2:30-4:30PM at Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough, MA, with support from the Mass Cultural Council and the Acton-Boxborough Community Compass (formerly AB United Way).

Ask Me Fair was founded by President of Open Door Theater and Vox co-founder Sam Gould after her daughter was the target of anti-semitism by a classmate in 2019. Now in high school, she still witnesses racist, ableist and anti-semitic displays in the hallways. “We conceived this open forum of curiosity and exchange of ideas together, because once you meet someone, it is more difficult to dehumanize them,” says Gould. “The feedback from the participants is overwhelmingly positive and has inspired some children to explore other cultures, such as taking a class in ASL or joining a club or affinity group.”

This year’s presenters are a diverse group of adults who have different disabilities, cultural backgrounds and professional experiences as artists, musicians, activists, advocates and scientists. Together, presenters and attendees will engage in small group discussions to explore intersectionality and foster curiosity and community.

Accessibility features of this free event includes ASL Interpreters, closed captions, audio description, sighted guides, and braille materials. The venue has wheelchair-accessible entrances and bathrooms. FREE to attend with refreshments and prizes provided. Pre-registration requested at tinyURL.com/AskMeFair2025.

About Open Door Theater:
Open Door Theater has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved audiences and participants to enjoy live theater for over 45 years. They’ve produced high-quality productions that feature crew and actors who are Deaf, disabled, Autistic, neurodiverse, Blind and/or have mobility and cognitive challenges. OpenDoorTheater.org. IG: @AccessibleTheater
About Think Outside the Vox:
Think Outside the Vox (VOX) is an arts accessibility nonprofit that trains and facilitates Deaf, Blind and disabled professionals to develop and diversify the voices of accessibility in the arts. Vox collaborates with theaters, museums, cultural institutions and arts organizations to improve their accessibility practices, remove barriers and amplify Disability Justice & Joy in these spaces. Visit ThinkOutsideTheVox.org. IG: @Think_Outside_The_Vox

 

Do you have pictures of the former Beef & Ale? If so, the owners of Dunkin would love to see them. They are looking for pictures of the former restaurant to showcase in the new Dunkin space.
If you have pictures, please send them to feedback@stow-ma.gov and we will forward them along to Megan and Mark.

 

Looking to add a canine member to your family?

Join Save A Dog on Saturday, July 19, from 10 am to 12 pm at our “Meet and Greet” adoption event at Wag N’ Wash, 1173 Main Street in West Concord. Meet the adorable dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes and speak directly with staff who can introduce you and tell you more!

Information about Save A Dog’s adoptable dogs (and cats!) can be found on the website: www.saveadog.org. Potential adopters are encouraged to fill out an online adoption application beforehand which helps streamline the adoption process and find the best match for you and your household.

Now in its 27th year of rescue, Save A Dog has found loving, forever homes for nearly 9,000 homeless pets through its Sudbury shelter and network of dedicated foster homes,

See you Saturday!

Crossroads Community Church is a brand-new church in Boxborough, MA, located at 60 Codman Hill Road. We’re passionate about building meaningful connections—not just within our church, but throughout the community.
In that spirit, we’re excited to invite adults ages 55 and up to our Seniors Breakfast on Saturday, July 12 at 9 AM. This free event is a great opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast, meet new friends, and help strengthen the fabric of our local community.
We hold regular worship services every Sunday at 10 AM and Wednesday at 7 PM, and we love creating spaces for connection and encouragement throughout the year.
Registration is free but required. You can sign up by scanning the QR code or calling our office at (978) 844-1646.
We can’t wait to welcome you!

The Stow COA is always looking for volunteers. Complete a volunteer application (available as a pdf on our website https://www.stow-ma.gov/council-aging/pages/volunteer or hard copy at the Pompo Community Center), and return it to the Volunteer Coordinator (in person, by mail, or email to COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov).
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AT MINUTEMAN WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE COA –
Minuteman Senior Services is looking for Meals on Wheels Drivers and Dining Coordinators & Assistants The COA works closely with Minuteman as they provide congregate meals at and deliver meals-on-wheels (MOW) from Pompo every Tuesday and Thursday. Minuteman is looking to increase its volunteer pool of MOWs Drivers and Dining Coordinators & Assistants,  More information can be found on the Minuteman website: https://minutemansenior.org/join-our-team/volunteer-opportunities/.
COA JOB OPPORTUNITY –
The Stow COA is seeking a full-time van driver.  The full job description can be found here: https://www.stow-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif11851/f/uploads/senior_van_driver_06_27_2025.pdf. 

The Stow Council on Aging (COA), is continuously sharing information of interest to our senior residents.  As part of this effort, we want to let you know how you can receive such information. Let us know what other ways we can share information. Send an email to COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov.

We publish a monthly newsletter, The Stow Senior Scoop.  The Stow Senior Scoop is delivered to every household in Stow as an insert in the Action Unlimited on the last Saturday of the month. An electronic copy is available on our website and additional paper copies are available at the COA and around town.

We post information on the town website https://www.stow-ma.gov/council-aging.

We issue “News and Announcements” periodically via the website.  If you subscribe to e-alerts, you will receive an email alerting you.

We maintain a confidential database including emails for residents that we have interacted with or attended one of our activities.  We use that information to send targeted emails.

We utilize electronic mediums such as Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor.

We submit information to “The Independent of Stow and Bolton” (formerly the Stow Independent) and “The Action Unlimited.”

 

HUDSON, MA – June 26, 2025 – The Armory on the Assabet is delighted to announce the upcoming Jane Austen Garden Party, an enchanting celebration of literature, history, and recreation, as part of the "Arts Around the Armory" summer series. Taking place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 3 PM under the Armory canopy and along the Assabet River, this event offers a unique opportunity to step back into the Regency era.
Adding to the ambiance, guests will be welcomed by “Lady Maria Chaffington,” Jane Austen’s dear friend, portrayed in a lively reenactment by Donna Chaff. Chaff, a talented pianist, will incorporate music into her performance, playing songs from the Jane Austen family songbook. Her reenactment will be interwoven with engaging talk and musical interludes, offering attendees an unforgettable glimpse into the wit and charm of Austen’s worldGuests will also enjoy a variety of engaging period activities, including Regency-era lawn games such as croquet, skittles (lawn bowling), and The Graces, a game designed to refine coordination and comportment for women of the time. Archery, a favored sport for women during the Regency era, will be a featured highlight. A professional archer will give a brief demonstration before inviting attendees to try their hand at the sport themselves, alongside the other delightful games.
“The Jane Austen Garden Party is an opportunity to bring the elegance and culture of Austen’s world to life,” said Tom Desmond, President and Founder of the Armory on the Assabet. “It’s a chance for our community to gather, celebrate history, and enjoy a unique and immersive experience that connects us to the arts in meaningful ways.”

Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 3 PM to 5 PM
Location: Under the Armory Canopy and along the Assabet River, 35 Washington Street, Hudson, MA
Tickets: $25 for adults, $15 for children aged 13 and under
Tickets are on sale now, and space is limited. Proceeds from the event will support future programming and community enrichment at the Armory on the Assabet.
Sponsored by Trisha and Tom Desmond, this event continues the "Arts Around the Armory" mission of celebrating creativity and fostering cultural appreciation in the Hudson community.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit ArmoryOnTheAssabet.org or contact Leah Leahy at Leah@lioralanemarketing.com.
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.

The Stow Council on Aging (COA) is seeking advertisers for its monthly newsletter. The Stow Senior Scoop is the Stow COA monthly newsletter. The Stow Senior Scoop is often the first place our senior residents turn to when looking for services related to their needs.  Further, staff encourage our residents to support our advertisers.

The Stow Senior Scoop is mailed as a monthly insert in the Action Unlimited to every household which includes our seniors.  Copies are also available at other local establishments in Stow (e.g. the Town Building and the Post Office).  Advertising in the Senior Scoop allows your ad to be read by all those recipients!

Becoming an advertiser is easy but don’t delay as space is limited! Contact the COA Office Manager at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov for more details.

Open artist reception is Wednesday July 9th, 5:30 to 8:00 pm, at the Pompo Community Center, 509 Great Road, Stow. Beside meeting the Stow Area Guild of Artists, enjoy the exhibit of their art.  The exhibit will be on display through September 2025.  Light refreshments will be served.  Featured this week is 'Tribute to Donald', Acrylic on canvas, by Charlie Streff.

 

Exclusive sunglasses for those who come to give July 1-14
Type O blood donors especially urged to give now

BOSTON, June 23, 2025 — As the busy Fourth of July holiday week gets closer, the American Red Cross asks donors to celebrate by making a blood or platelet donation appointment to help power the blood supply through mid-summer. While all blood types are needed, donors with type O blood are most urgently needed.
 
Making and keeping donation appointments now is critical to ensuring blood products are available for all patients – including those in trauma situations that may require several lifesaving transfusions – in the weeks to come. Type O negative blood is often reached for in emergencies when there isn’t time to match a patient’s blood type. Type O positive is the most common blood type, so it’s important to keep type O blood and all blood types on hand at hospitals for people facing both chronic illness and sudden, life-threatening conditions.

Don’t wait – add a blood or platelet donation appointment to your summer calendar today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. 

The Red Cross and goodr are joining forces in July to remind donors they’re just the type patients can count on. All who come to give July 1-14, 2025, will get an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while supplies last. Donors can personalize their one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker! For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/goodr.

Or, those who make it in to give by June 30, 2025, will get a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered to win one of two $7,000 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 24-July 14
Chelmsford
7/2/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Elks Lodge, 300 Littleton Road
7/12/2025: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Aldersgate United Methodist, 242 Boston Rd.
North Chelmsford
7/11/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Chelmsford American Legion, 90 Groton Road
Sudbury
6/26/2025: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd
7/1/2025: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd
Westford
7/2/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., First Parish Church, 48 Main Street

 

 

The Salvation Army’s summer camp is accepting campers from across Massachusetts
SHARON, Mass. (June 2025) – As the school year winds down, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is accepting campers for fun and engaging summer activities. Each summer, nearly 1,200 youth attend Camp Wonderland, located on picturesque Lake Massapoag in Sharon, and there are still open slots for the seven weeks of overnight camp, beginning June 23 and costing as little as $50 a week on average.
For over a century, The Salvation Army’s Camp Wonderland has provided families who may not otherwise be able to afford overnight camp a safe place for their children at little or no cost. On 110 acres, the camp offers young people access to nature, recreation, swimming, arts, crafts, music, STEM activities and sports. Summer camp activities include archery, arts and crafts, boating, swimming, and more. Over the summer, campers will meet new friends, try new things, and sing silly songs around the campfire, all while taking a break from screens and experiencing a strong sense of community.
Right now, there are open enrollment slots for youth ages 6 to 12 from the Merrimack Valley, Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts (Hyannis, Fall River, and New Bedford), the North Shore (Newburyport, Salem, and Lynn), MetroWest, Mass Bay/Boston, the Route 2 area (Athol, Greenfield, and Fitchburg), as well as Western (Springfield and Pittsfield) and Central Massachusetts (Milford and Worcester).
This year marks Camp Director Jen Forster’s 30th year working at Camp Wonderland. Having attended the camp herself from the age of 6, she has made it a lifelong commitment to give children a summer to remember.
Camp Wonderland sessions run through August 12. To learn more and register for a session, visit: www.campwonderland.org.
 

Join Project Bread in Summer Eats Awareness Week: June 23–27

BOSTON – Summer Eats – the Massachusetts Summer Food Service Program – is kicking off across the Commonwealth, providing free meals to all kids and teens, ages 18 and under. In 2024, more than 2.8 million meals were served across over 1,450 sites statewide through the Summer Eats program. During Summer Eats Awareness Week, Project Bread is encouraging community members to help spread the news about this free program statewide, with free promotional materials available online.

Throughout the school year, children in Massachusetts rely on free school meals to meet most of their daily nutrition needs. Summer Eats closes the gap when the school year ends, helping to ensure children and teens continue to grow, learn and thrive over school vacation. On an average day in July 2024, 70,000 kids ate at least one Summer Eats meal.

Participating meal providers operate and staff meal sites, often in conjunction with activities and educational programming at schools, libraries, local park and recreation areas, and more. Kids and teens are required to eat onsite at most Summer Eats sites. Grab & Go meals are available in select rural communities. All are welcome. No registration or ID is required. In 2024, more than 2.8 million meals were served across over 1,450 sites statewide through the Summer Eats program. Another summer food resource is SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), which is a federal food benefit providing additional funding for groceries for low-income families with school-aged children.

For more than 20 years, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and statewide food security nonprofit Project Bread have partnered to support communities in offering Summer Eats meals to children in Massachusetts. Throughout the school year, the nonprofit and DESE also partner to expand access to and participation in school meal programs. This year, Project Bread has granted a total of $236,482 to Summer Eats sponsors statewide for their program development and capacity-building, such as equipment to transport meals or increase kitchen efficiency and meal quality, as well as staffing support and items to enhance site engagement, outreach and promotion efforts​.

“We hear from families all the time who are finding ways to stretch their budgets during the summer months, who are unsure about what resources are available to them, and who are just trying to put food on their tables each day,” says Erin McAleer, President & CEO of Project Bread, the leading food security organization in Massachusetts. “Food is not a luxury. The Summer Eats program is a vital resource that makes sure that every child can have their basic need of hunger met and can simply focus on learning, growing, and enjoying summer fun.”

Summer is better with full bellies and big smiles. For more information about Summer Eats, including meal site locations, visit www.projectbread.org/summer-eats, text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304, or call 1-800-645-8333 for help in any language. A personal contribution to support Summer Eats can be made at www.projectbread.org/donate.

About Project Bread
Project Bread connects people and communities in Massachusetts to reliable sources of food while advocating for policies that make food more accessible—so that no one goes hungry. Summer Eats is one of the many nutrition programs they support. Any resident of Massachusetts struggling to afford food or worrying they might run out before they have money to buy more can call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline for help in 180+ languages (1-800-645-8333) or send a confidential chat on www.gettingsnap.com for compassionate, personalized assistance. Counselors are available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is also a dedicated line

On the last Thursday of the month, the Stow COA shows a recent box-office hit on the big screen in our function room.  We have the popcorn, candy and drinks covered but are looking for someone to assist with the movie choices.  Our criteria is simple: current, less than 2 hours long, and not too racy or scary!  Interested volunteers should contact Jayne at COA2@Stow-MA.gov.

Free 6-Week A Cappella Experience
Women of Note, award-winning a cappella chorus, invites women of all ages, backgrounds and voice ranges to participate in Summer Sing, a free 6-week experiential learning program to discover what four-part a cappella harmony is all about. The program runs Monday evenings from June 23 through August 4, from 7-8:30 p.m., at Baptist Churches of New England headquarters, 87 Lincoln St., Northborough, MA.
Summer Sing provides an opportunity for all participants, whether seasoned singers or beginners, to develop or enhance their vocal skills. Attendees can refine their vocal technique, expand their range, and develop better control over their voices.
This program is being offered to the public as a commitment-free opportunity for women of all ages -- including mothers and daughters, friends, neighbors or other family members -- to experience the joy and fun of singing close, four-part a cappella harmony.
Women of Note is a 10-time international medalist chorus with Harmony, Inc., international, non-profit and educational singing organization for women. Members from all walks of life hail from 26 towns throughout east central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
To learn more, email: summersing@womenofnote.org or visit: www.womenofnote.org

The First United Methodist Church of Hudson, 34 Felton Street, will be offering a FREE B-B-Q Friendship Dinner, rain or shine, on Saturday, June 28th served at 5:00 pm on our back lawn.   Come and enjoy classic summer favorites;  burgers, hot dogs, salads, dessert and watermelon.
Put this in your calendars and plan on enjoying some delicious summer eats.  Invite your friends and neighbors.   Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.   Dinner will be served inside
if it rains.

Friendship Dinners are served the fourth Saturday of every month and are free 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.org

Sign Up for Children’s Summer Lunch Program 
Fuel Up for Summer Program Provides Weekly Lunch/Snack for Children
Concord and Maynard, MA (June 11, 2025) – Open Table, the MetroWest charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, is bringing back its Fuel Up for Summer program, which provides daily nutritious lunch and snacks for children over the summer months. Families can sign up for the program now and begin receiving kids’ meals along with their weekly food pantry distribution beginning the week of June 23.
Parents can sign up online or by phone to participate in the summer program, then pick up as many as three lunch packs a week for each child along with the rest of their groceries. Summer lunch packs are healthy and convenient and include both a sandwich or wrap in both meat and vegetarian options, as well as vegetable sticks or side salad. The lunches can be supplemented with the traditional Open Table Kids’ Bags, which include salty and sweet snacks, easy to prepare light meals, and drink boxes. All options are peanut-free.
Kids’ packs are available starting June 23 for pick up at:
Open Table: 33 Main Street, Maynard
Tuesdays: 3:00 to 6:30 pm
Thursdays: 1:00 to 4:30 pm
To guarantee availability, kids’ lunch packs must be reserved in advance by Monday at noon for the week of pick up. No photo ID or proof of financial need is required.
Sign up at: https://www.opentable.org/kids/
Call: (978) 369-2275
Email: orders@opentable.org
“Every week, hundreds of local families rely on Open Table for the food they need. The summer months can be especially difficult for families who depend on school lunches, and we are happy to help relieve some of that stress,” said Alexandra DePalo, executive director, Open Table. “This year brings new challenges and great uncertainty for Open Table, but we remain committed to serving our neighbors in need.”

Caption: The Open Table Fuel Up for Summer program provides free, healthy lunches for kids.
Find out more: Open Table Kids’ Program
About Open Table
Open Table is a 501(c)(3) established in 1989. Its mission is to address hunger in the local community by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity and diversity of those served. For more information, visit: www.opentable.org

Maria Had a Little Llama is a gorgeous children's bilingual picture book by Angela Dominguez. Through a twist on the familiar Mary Had a Little Lamb nursery rhyme, the book takes you on a journey through the colorful visual landscape of Peru. Each page contains both English and Spanish text, and there are details depicting life in Peru throughout, without being visually overwhelming. It is the perfect book to introduce children to Spanish language because of the familiar nursery rhyme format. The book was a recipient of the 2014 The Pura Belpre Award given to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work celebrates Latino culture through an outstanding work of literature for children.

Celebrate the culture of Peru with Felixology at the Inti Raymi festival on Sunday, June 29th. Inti Raymi is the Peruvian Festival of the Sun on what is the shortest day of the year there. The festival appeals to the Sun God, Inti, to bring back the sun. Though it is our longest day of the year, our Summer Solstice, we could definitely use some more sun this year!

The highlight of the Inti Raymi Festival will be a lively performance by New Inca Son playing music of the Andes from 11am-1pm.

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

One aspect of men’s health that isn’t commonly discussed is mental health. While mental health in general is not talked about enough, men’s mental health is given even less attention. To be truly healthy, one needs to focus on both their physical and mental health.
In youth suicide (ages 12-24), males are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than their female peers. That number does not decrease with age either. It is a prevalent issue within our communities that should be given the attention it deserves. A lot of good can be done by normalizing conversations around mental health, rather than trying to keep it silent.
We can help by simply talking more openly about mental health with friends, family, and coworkers. Sometimes, all someone needs is the opportunity to share what they’re going through. Be the person to give them that opportunity. Familiarizing yourself with resources available for mental health can also be helpful. That way when those conversations do unfold, you’re informed of ways others can receive help they need.
The biggest difference we can make is by creating everyday environments that feel safe and supportive, spaces people feel comfortable opening up when they’re ready. Don’t be afraid to speak up so that others who need to might as well. Many mental health struggles are faced in silence, and the easiest way to break the silence is by speaking up. It takes a lot of mental strength for someone to talk about what they may be dealing with. Recognizing that will help others gain the courage and strength to speak up as well.
Mental health is often a battle we can’t see. That’s why learning how to offer support, have intentional conversations, and truly listen when others open up to you can make a huge difference in the lives of those around you. You never truly know what is going on in someone’s mind, but speaking up opens the possibility for others to do so as well.
For more information on resources, order materials, access training, or to find a Jason Foundation Affiliate Office near you, visit www.jasonfoundation.com. The Jason Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention of youth suicide through education and awareness. Together, we can fight the Silent Epidemic that is youth suicide. Don’t be afraid to have hard conversations. Stay informed so that when those hard conversations happen, you’ll be prepared to help in any way you can.

American Councils international student exchange program is seeking local families to host students from a variety of countries.  Basketball-loving Shakarim, scholarly and self-motivated Danniiar, and outgoing, family-oriented Rafia are just a few of our amazing international high school students.

Won’t you consider opening your home to a young scholar who has completed a rigorous application process and has earned a spot in a local school? You do not need to have children to host, just a spare bed, a caring environment, and a readiness to learn and exchange ideas.

American Councils does important work in creating bridges of understanding between cultures. Its programs have a lasting impact. To set up a time to chat with a local coordinator, please email Julie at jwelchbucceri@gmail.com. Visit https://inbound.americancouncils.org or call (202) 833-7522.

The COA provides support to its senior residents by:

• being a resource of information on elder affairs
• offering social activities
• assisting with outreach services

There are several ways residents can stay informed about what the COA has to offer:

• Visit our website https://www.stow-ma.gov/council-aging and be sure to sign-up for e-alerts
• Read our monthly newsletter, the Stow Senior Scoop. A paper copy is included as an insert in the Action Unlimited on the last Friday (sometimes Saturday) of the month. An electronic copy is posted on our website.
• Follow-us on Facebook and Instagram (Stow Council on Aging)

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

On Wednesday, June 18th at 7:00pm you are cordially invited to a wonderful evening Concert by the Lancaster Thayer Academy of New England Youth Ensemble.

This ensemble performs at near professional level of playing and all are
welcomed to enjoy this entertaining evening.  Please come to listen and support these talented young musicians.
The concert will be held on the upper level church sanctuary.  We have a huge parking lot with Handicapped parking at the upper level. A good will offering will be taken and light refreshments will be served in Wesley Hall following the performance. Please put this in your calendars. We look forward to greeting you!

First United Methodist Church of Hudson
Over the Hill, off the Hudson Rotary at 34 Felton Street
(978) 562-2932
Rev. Chris Jones, Pastor

 

To have a new kitchen installed and ready for Thanksgiving 2025, you'll need to start planning and executing the project well in advance. Here's a general timeline and steps to consider:
1. Initial Planning & Budgeting (Now - June 2025):

• Define Your Needs & Wants: Consider your cooking style, storage needs, and preferred aesthetic. Do you entertain frequently? How much counter space do you require? What appliances are essential?
• Set a Realistic Budget: Kitchen remodels can range widely in price depending on the scope of the project, materials chosen, and whether you DIY or hire professionals. Establish a budget early and stick to it as much as possible.
• Research & Inspiration: Gather ideas from magazines, websites like Houzz, and showrooms. Save photos of kitchens you love to communicate your style to designers or contractors.
• Timeline Considerations: Factor in the time needed for design, material selection, ordering, demolition, construction, and installation. Major renovations (moving walls, altering layouts) take longer than simple replacements. 

2. Design & Material Selection (June - July 2025):

• Consult with a Kitchen Designer: A professional can help you create a functional and beautiful design that meets your needs and budget.
• Choose Cabinets, Countertops, Appliances, and Fixtures: Select materials that fit your style, budget, and durability requirements. Consider lead times for ordering these items.
• Finalize the Design and Obtain Quotes: Get detailed quotes from contractors for the demolition, construction, and installation work based on your finalized design. 

3. Hiring Contractors & Permitting (August 2025):

• Select a Reputable Contractor: Check reviews, ask for references, and ensure they are licensed and insured.
• Obtain Necessary Permits: Your contractor should handle this process, but ensure all permits are in place before work begins. 

4. Demolition & Construction (September - October 2025):

• Demolition: This can be disruptive, so plan accordingly. Ensure proper disposal of old materials.
• Construction: This phase includes plumbing, electrical work, framing, and drywall installation. Ensure these are completed according to code and specifications. 

5. Installation & Finishing (October - November 2025):

• Cabinet Installation: This is a crucial step. Check for proper leveling and alignment.
• Countertop Installation: Ensure the countertops are installed correctly and sealed properly.
• Appliance Installation: Verify that all appliances are installed and functioning correctly.
• Backsplash, Flooring, and Painting: Install these finishing touches to complete the kitchen remodel. 

6. Final Walk-Through & Clean Up (Mid-November 2025):

• Thorough Inspection: Do a final walk-through with your contractor to address any remaining issues.
• Deep Cleaning: Clean the entire kitchen thoroughly to prepare for Thanksgiving cooking. 

7. Enjoy Your New Kitchen for Thanksgiving! (Late November 2025)
Tips for a Successful Project:

• Communicate Regularly: Maintain clear communication with your contractor and designer throughout the project.
• Be Flexible: Expect some unexpected delays or issues. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed.
• Document Everything: Keep records of contracts, permits, invoices, and design plans. 

By starting early, planning diligently, and communicating effectively, you can increase the likelihood of having a beautiful and functional new kitchen ready for your Thanksgiving celebrations in 2025. 

LINCOLN, Mass. – A new outdoor exhibition that explores relationships between the natural world and ideas of home will open Thursday, June 5, at The Trustees’ deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln. Nature Sanctuarywill feature new site-responsive commissions and loans by six contemporary women artists.
The featured artists in Nature Sanctuary are Venetia Dale, Kapwani Kiwanga, Joiri Minaya, Zohra Opoku, Kathy Ruttenberg, and Evelyn Rydz. Dale and Rydz are both Massachusetts-based artists, continuing deCordova’s support of artists from the region.
“Nature Sanctuary offers our public a way to experience deCordova’s art and landscape as deeply interconnected. The artworks respond to and emphasize their ecological surroundings and make us more aware of the ways humans shape and protect the natural environment,” shares Sarah Montross, Museum Director and Chief Curator of deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum.
The exhibition is framed by deCordova’s past as a family home as well as its present-day integration within The Trustees, Massachusetts’ largest and the nation’s first conservation and preservation nonprofit.
Spanning the Sculpture Park’s front lawns and beyond, the new installations express refuge, care, and the shared protective relationships between humans and the natural world. The artists respond to past, present, and future ramifications of ecological change, as well as histories of land use and the movement of people, plants, and animals across homelands. Their projects reveal contradictions inherent to a “nature sanctuary” and expose how protecting the natural world has been used, at times, to justify the exclusion or displacement of living beings.
The exhibition will also broaden ecological awareness of deCordova’s landscape, which is home to diverse flora and fauna, including nesting hawks, snapping turtles, and monarch butterflies. Public programming and interpretation will focus on connections between art and place. Nature Sanctuary will be on view through Fall 2026.

'Summertime' is the theme of the summer art exhibit by Stow Area Guild of Artists (SAGA). The show will be hung July 8th and run through September.  An open reception to meet the artists is on Wednesday July 9th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the Stow Community Center/ Fire Station (Pompo School) on Rt 117 in Stow.  Light refreshments will be served. Come see the talent of the SAGA artists.  Featured this week is 'Strawberries and Sugar', oil on wood by Magdalene Teigen Story.

HARVARD, Mass. – Fruitlands Museum in Harvard has reopened for the 2025 with a new exhibition focusing on the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Shakers in America, drawing from one of the oldest and largest repositories of Shaker archival material which is maintained by The Trustees of Reservations.
“a good many hands” Shaker Communities Woven through Word, Image & Object is now open to the public in the Seasonal Gallery at Fruitlands. Fruitlands sits just four miles from the site of the Harvard Shaker Village, first settled in 1781 and closed in 1918. Fruitlands Museum’s founder Clara Endicott Sears acquired many Shaker objects from the village, opening the first Shaker museum at Fruitlands in 1922. Those objects were entrusted to The Trustees when it acquired Fruitlands in 2016.
Fruitlands Museum is open May 1-Nov. 2 on Thursdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, the museum is open holiday Mondays – Memorial Day, Labor Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance to the museum buildings is included in the admission to Fruitlands.

Stow will receive a visit from one of our Massachusetts literary greats on June 14, 2025.  Emily Dickinson, THE BELLE OF AMHERST, will appear in a one-woman show and talk about her life and times in Amherst, Massachusetts.  The one-act play will be performed in the Great Hall at the First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow, Massachusetts.
This Emily is Stow’s own Kathleen Mary Mulligan who grew up in Stow and graduated from Nashoba Regional High School in 1978. Kathleen created the production after she was invited to bring it to The American University in Beirut (Lebanon).  “My director Norm Johnson and I traveled there in October 2019.  It was the most unusual opening night I have ever had: a revolution started on that night—and sadly, the remaining three performances had to be canceled!”
This writer had the opportunity to attend the show recently and gives it a four-star rating.  Due to the logistics of offering this production, tickets will only be sold at the door.  Ticket price is $15.00, cash or check only. The doors open at 7 o’clock and the show starts at 7:30. There is limited seating.

  The Missions & Outreach Ministry at ACC is thrilled to announce a new tradition at Acton Congregational Church — our First Annual Handmade Harvest Market @ ACC! Located in the heart of Acton, MA, this event brings together a variety of talented artisans and enthusiastic shoppers for a wonderful day of creativity and community.
What: A juried handmade craft fair celebrating creativity, community, and craftsmanship
Where: Acton Congregational Church, Acton, MA
When: November 1, 2025 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Vendor Application Deadline: June 15, 2025
  We're seeking artisans and crafters with high-quality, original handmade goods to apply for a spot at this juried market. The Handmade Harvest Market Committee will thoughtfully review all applications to ensure a vibrant and diverse selection of vendors.
  All proceeds from this market will benefit the outreach programs of Acton Congregational Church. Join us in making the Handmade Harvest Market at ACC a creative, meaningful, and memorable event!
  Applications can be submitted by using the button below or the following URL::
https://tinyurl.com/HHMVendor42025