Following a formal ribbon cutting ceremony, the Acton Community Dog Park at 348 Main Street, Acton will be open to the public after 2 PM on Friday, June 5.  The handicapped-accessible park features separate, securely fenced areas for Small Dogs and All Dogs. Dogs must be supervised and are limited to two dogs per person. 

This opening marks a much-awaited milestone for the community, following years of planning and collaboration that began in 2017 and was made possible through generous funding provided by The Stanton Foundation, Acton's Community Preservation Act fund, and the general public. The park will be overseen through a partnership between Acton’s Recreation Department and Friends of Acton Community Dog Park.
Park hours are dawn to dusk. PARKING IS LIMITED and we expect many visitors in the first several weeks. If you are unable to access the park, please return another day or time.

For more information and to learn how you can participate in the park's future, visit www.actondogpark.weebly.com or https://www.facebook.com/ADPCActon

Attention Stow Senior Residents!   Check out the monthly activities offered at the Stow COA, 

We offer a variety of GAMES so pick the one that you enjoy!  Backgammon (Tuesdays,10 am), Bridge (Tuesdays, 1 pm), Poker (Tuesdays, 12 pm), Chess (Wednesdays at 10 am or Thursdays at 11), Scrabble (Thursdays, 10:30 am) and Chinese Mahjong (Fridays, 1 pm).

If CREATIVITY is more your thing, we have plenty of options!  Open Art (Mondays, 9:30). Quilting (Tuesdays, 9 am), Projects For Purpose (Wednesdays, 9 am), SFCOA Creators Club (Thursdays, 10 am) and Learn to Knit by appointment.

And there are no shortages of GROUPS!  Men’s Discussion Group (First Thursday at 10 am), Women’s Discussion Group (Second Monday at 1 pm), Veterans Social (Third Tuesday at 10 am), Genealogy (Fourth Tuesday at 1 pm) and Grief Discussion Group (every other Thursday at 1:30 pm).

Registration begins mind-month for the following month.  To register 1) Use MyActiveCenter https://myactivecenter.com/# 2) Call the COA at 978-897-1880 or 3) Come in-person during COA (509 Great Road, Stow) business hours (M-F, 8-3:30)

The Stow Friends of the Council on Aging (SFCOA) is looking for a volunteer to help them with publicity.  This would involve using Canva to create flyers for various events and other materials (such as updating their brochure.)   It would also involve creating a word document for inclusion in the Stow COA monthly newsletter, the Stow Senior Scoop. And of course, posting on social media and submitting articles to the local papers.   The SFCOA is the main fundraising organization for the Stow Council on Aging (COA).  We are a 501 (c) (3) all volunteer public charity, dedicated to helping our senior citizens lead an active life and stay independent as long as possible by supporting the COA.   Visit https://stowfriendsofthecoa.org/.  
If you are interested in volunteering, please email StowFriendsCOA@gmail.com. 

 

Maynard MA

Elise M. Albrittain: Associate in Science-Business Administration HONORS, Alicia Collentro: Associate in Science-Dental Hygiene HONORS,  Samuel R. Dunton: Associate in Science-Communications Transfer, Jessica L. Memmolo-Corsetto: Associate in Science-Dental Hygiene HIGH HONORS, Elijah D. Ortuno: Associate in Arts-Liberal Arts and Sciences HIGH HONORS,
Ashley M. Taylor-Dubois: Associate in Science-Dental Hygiene HIGHEST HONORS

Stow MA

Zheliang Liu: Associate in Science- Engineering Science- Mechanical Engineering Concentration HIGH HONORS, Jack Patrick Menadue: Associate in Science-Liberal Studies HIGH HONORS, Abigail Sullivan: Associate in Arts-Liberal Arts and Sciences HIGHEST HONORS, Zachery D. Tine: Associate in Liberal Studies-Information Technology Cyber Security Transfer HIGHEST HONORS

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, June 11th at 6:30 PM at The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Support Center at 145 Bolton Road in Harvard for an annual potluck. You must RSVP for this event to: Deb Oliva at dboliva@charter.net. Tell us what you’re bringing, whether it's an appetizer, main course, salad, or dessert. Guests are welcome and members who bring guests will be entered into a drawing for a prize.
WBN is a local, volunteer run networking group of women in small businesses, professional practices, non-profits and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education & networking.

 

• Battle of the Bands
  Friday, June 5 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM
  Under the Armory Canopy, 35 Washington Street, Hudson
  Donations accepted
• Acoustic Luncheon
  Sunday, June 28 | 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
  Under the Armory Canopy, 35 Washington Street, Hudson
  Tickets available now
•  

 

Whether your children are in grade school or high school, one year soon they'll be leaving for college or trade school. Now is the time to prepare.
A good way is by contributing to a 529 education savings plan. Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, accumulate with no federal income tax and can be withdrawn for qualified education expenses federally tax free.
The list of qualified expenses runs the gamut from tuition and housing to computers to student loan repayments.
Another benefit: As the account owner, you – not the beneficiary – control the account. For example, if you don't use all the funds, you can roll them to another family member's 529 plan.
Of course, there are specific guidelines to follow, which your financial advisor can help you navigate.
By the way, May 29 — "five, two, nine" — is Save for Education Day. It's a good day to commit, or recommit, to having a strategy to pay for education.
This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA.  Member SIPC.

 

The triangular stamps are good for 1-ounce First-Class Mail International postage

BOSTON —The U.S. Postal Service released its new Global Forever stamps today at the 2026 Boston World Exposition as part of the stamp show’s letter-writing theme day.

The stamps honor Postcrossing, which is a global project that enables participants to send and receive postcards from interested people around the world.

Since 2005, the Postcrossing website has inspired more than 800,000 people in more than 200 countries and territories to send more than 85 million postcards to eager recipients around the world. These four triangular stamps highlight the fun of receiving real, personalized mail, and also celebrate the role of Postcrossing in promoting greater understanding across countries and cultures.

“Postcrossing began with a simple idea: Receiving a postcard in the mail could brighten someone’s day. From that one great idea grew a worldwide community built around kindness, curiosity and human connection. But what makes Postcrossing remarkable is not simply the number of postcards exchanged. It’s what those postcards represent. Each one reflects time, effort and intention,” said Sheila Holman, the Postal Service’s vice president of marketing, who dedicated the stamps.

“I think these Postcrossing stamps are arriving at an especially important moment. While technology has transformed the ways in which people communicate, the desire for authentic connection hasn’t changed. There’s still a very human desire to reach out to one another to share experiences and to learn about people and places that are outside of our own personal worlds,” she said.

As Global stamps, the Postcrossing stamps may be used to send a postcard from the United States to any country to which First-Class Mail International service is available.

In addition to adding a fun touch to any postcard, these stamps are also an eye-catching way to spread the word about Postcrossing by using them on international letters. These stamps will have a postage value equivalent to the price of the single-piece First-Class Mail International 1-ounce machinable letter rate in effect at the time of use.

In short, these stamps are similar to Forever stamps, but for use on international letters and cards.
 

 

On Monday, June 1, at 10:30 a.m., state wildlife biologists will visit UMass Lowell to assess the health of five peregrine falcon chicks and fit them with ID bands before the birds fledge their nest atop the university’s Fox Hall, the city’s tallest building.
Also known as “duck hawks,” the birds are UMass Lowell’s real-life River Hawks – the namesake of the university’s athletic teams. Over the past 18 years, 49 peregrine chicks have been raised atop of Fox Hall. Birds hatched at UMass Lowell have grown and flown on to establish other nests across the Bay State and in New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New Jersey.

A pair of the majestic peregrines has called Fox Hall home since at least 2007 when they were discovered on the building’s roof by UMass Lowell employees. Working with wildlife biologists, the university then constructed the nest box to provide the birds with shelter from the elements – peregrines typically lay their eggs out in the open – helping the falcons to thrive for future generations.

The birds are monitored via webcam at www.uml.edu/falcons, which allows the public to follow them. Schoolteachers often use the birds’ story to help educate children about wildlife.

Wildlife biologists annually visit UMass Lowell as part of the university’s effort to help restore the local peregrine population. Previously an endangered species, the federally protected falcons are listed in Massachusetts as birds “of special concern.” Today, more than 44 nesting pairs have been identified in Massachusetts, according to state biologists.

 

• Summer Fun Inclusive Evenings – June 27, July 18, August 15
• Autism-Friendly Evening – October 10
• Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – December 12
• Sensory-Friendly Halloween – October 30 (this event is a Friday, not a Saturday)
• Inclusive Evening for Visitors 18+ – September 19

 

Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5
Monday A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Tuesday Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday Irish Session 7 - 10pm
*NEW! Thursday Game Night feat. the Crokinole Club 7 - 9pm
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
*NEW! Office Hours w Rep Kilcoyne's Team Every first Friday of the month at 10am

Saturday, June 6 at 11:30am | Veg Group: Herbs in the Kitchen
An introduction to herbal teas, medicinal herbs, and more presented by Mary Cody! Suggested donation: $5

Saturday, June 6 at 1pm | A Look Back: 50 Years in photography
This event is back by popular demand! You'll see an incredible slideshow of photos taken by Berlin's very own Marty Miller who has been a professional photographer for 50 years. Cost: Free!

Sunday, June 7 at 5pm | A Luminous Sound Bath Journey
As the world grows radiant with late-spring light, you are invited into a heart-centered immersion designed to awaken warmth, compassion, and inner brilliance. Led by Gina Cranford. Cost: $30 Register at 19Carter.org

Friday, June 12 at 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, June 13 at 1:30pm | How American Music Started
Join us for a presentation by Matt McConeghy as he shares a history of some notable New England neighbors who were Heroes of American Music. Suggested donation: $5

Sunday, June 14 at 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

FOOD PRESERVATION WORKSHOP June 6th, 11:30 at the Groton Grange, 80 Champney St., Groton, MA.  Learn to preserve your harvest or CSA Share. All methods, including fermentation. Interested children are welcome. FREE TO ALL.

 

BOSTON — The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC), under the direction of State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, is undertaking an enhanced intervention and enforcement effort. The annual Operation Safe Prom and Graduation initiative is designed to raise awareness of the dangers of underage drinking during high school prom and graduation season, to prevent tragedies.

"As the end of the school year approaches for our high school students across the state, Operation Safe Prom and Graduation helps remind students and parents about the real risks of underage drinking,” said Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the ABCC. “We hope by raising awareness, we can promote responsible choices for our state’s young people."

The initiative’s enforcement efforts focus primarily on suburban communities that are at risk of high rates of underage drinking. The program focuses on prevention, with investigators often calling the underage person’s parents when violations occur. ABCC officials say that most parents are unaware that their children are involved in the use of alcohol, and that intervention is a powerful tool toward family involvement in addressing the problem of underage drinking.

“Our goal with Operation Safe Prom and Graduation is to keep alcoholic beverages out of the hands of Massachusetts high school students to protect them and others in the community, while at the same time drawing attention to the dangers of underage drinking” said Jean Lorizio, Chair of the ABCC.  “We hope to spread awareness of the dangers of underage drinking, and the devastating consequences drinking alcohol could have for underage people and their loved ones.”

Massachusetts IMPACT impaired driving data shows that 10% of all traffic fatalities involve drivers under the age of 21. Massachusetts is among the top ten states for binge drinking, with more than 1 in 4 (27.75%) adults age 18 or older reporting they binged on alcohol in 2020. Among young people ages 12 to 20, 20.77% reported alcohol use in the past month and 11.81% reported binge alcohol use in the past month in Massachusetts. The national averages were 17.32% and 10.14%, respectively. One in three (33.86%) substance abuse treatment admissions among persons aged 12 and older in 2019 in Massachusetts were alcohol related.

 

Leominster, MA — Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is inviting residents throughout the region to turn unwanted vehicles into lasting community impact through the organization's vehicle donation program, Cars for Homes®.
Whether it's a car, truck, boat, motorcycle, RV, ATV, farm equipment, or other vehicle, donations help support Habitat's mission of building and preserving affordable housing opportunities for families and veterans throughout the 30 cities and towns served by the organization.
The process is simple, convenient, and free. Vehicles can be donated regardless of whether they are running, and towing is provided at no cost. Donors may also qualify for a tax deduction.
"We all have items that have outlived their usefulness in our lives," said Diana Sinkus, Community Outreach Coordinator of Habitat for Humanity NCM. "By donating a vehicle through Cars for Homes, community members can transform something they no longer need into affordable housing solutions, critical home repairs, and support for local veterans and families."
The Habitat for Humanity vehicle donation program has earned national recognition for its effectiveness. Forbes Advisor recently named Habitat for Humanity one of the top vehicle donation programs in the United States, citing the program's efficiency and impact.
Funds generated through vehicle donations help support Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts programs including: affordable homeownership opportunities, Critical Home Repair services for seniors, veterans, and low-income homeowners, Veterans Build initiatives, financial education and homeowner readiness programs, and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
In addition to supporting local families, vehicle donations provide environmental benefits. Many donated vehicles are recycled responsibly, helping reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, and decrease carbon emissions through steel recycling and parts recovery.
Donating a vehicle is easy: Start the donation process online or call 1-877-277-4344. Provide basic information about the vehicle. Schedule a free pickup. Receive a tax receipt after the vehicle is sold.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts accepts: cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, boats, Rvs, ATVs and UTVs, construction & farm equipment, and many other vehicles, running or not. Every vehicle donation helps local families achieve safe, decent, and affordable housing while strengthening communities throughout North Central Massachusetts. To learn more or begin a vehicle donation, call 1-877-277-4344 or visit Habitat's Cars for Homes program.
About Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Through affordable homeownership, critical home repairs, veteran housing initiatives, and community partnerships, Habitat helps families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
 

If so, as a care supporter of your loved one you might feel the need to reach out for some support for yourself.  NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental illness, is dedicated to improving the lives of those with mental illness and their families through support, education classes and advocacy at the state and local levels. Volunteers trained by NAMI now offer support groups and educational programs in communities across Massachusetts and they are free to all. Programs are offered in person and digitally via the Zoom format.

We facilitate a family group at CMSXfsg.com.  Our NAMI group meets once a month, every 2nd Thursday, from 7:15 pm – 8:45 pm on ZOOM and we are looking for new members. Our upcoming meeting is June 11th. Our group is small and allows for a more in-depth benefit to each of us. If you would like to attend or ask questions about the group please text or email above to reach  us. Dee – 978-697-3441 

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.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
The Sounds of Stow Chorus presents *Sail Away: Songs from the Salt Sea*
Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
Concert at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow. Tickets and additional information are available at http://soundsofstow.org

Friday, June 12, 5:30PM
Guest Table Community Dinner,
Please join us Friday, June 12 for our next community dinner. We offer options made use 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 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 emailfpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Friday, June 12, 7PM
Game Night
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

The Friends of the Hudson Public Library are hosting their 4th annual YART and Yard Sale on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (rain date will be Sunday, May 31 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm). This event is a fundraiser for programs and museum passes for the Hudson Public Library, while providing a shopping experience for the community and supporting our local artists and crafters.

Artists and craftspeople sell their handmade arts and crafts in their yard or driveway. Townspeople sell their secondhand goods in their driveway or yard. You can download a map to easily locate the sale locations at huds.pl, or pick up a map from the Hudson Public Library prior to the sale. 

The Middlesex Central Model Railroad Club is a non-profit educational and social organization located in the Cameron Senior Center at 20 Pleasant Street in the Town of Westford, MA.  Club members have constructed a permanent 20’ x 32’ multi-level HO scale model railroad featuring the Rutland Railroad from Rutland, VT to Bellows Falls, VT and intersecting with other New England railroads.
We are looking for individuals who are interested in model railroading.  If you are interested in train operations, electrical including wiring and DCC systems, landscaping, layout construction, track laying, train dispatching, or socializing – you should visit or join our club.
Our meetings are from 3:30-6:30 or later on Tuesday evenings.  We have a regularly scheduled business meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5:30-6:30. Usually, the 4th Tuesday of each month we conduct an official operating session which sometimes carries over to the next Tuesday.  It is best to contact us by email when you would like to visit as occasionally no one is available to be at the club on a Tuesday.
You can contact us at MCMRRC1@outlook.com or post on our Facebook page, Middlesex Central Model Railroad Club.

The Great Race
The Story of the Chinese Zodiac
by Reiko Ho

First produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.
Child's Play @ Theatre III in cooperation with the Acton Chinese Language School

Saturday, June 13, 2026 & Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 & Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 2 p.m.

Tickets $10+service charge per person in advance, $12 at the door.
Discounts available through Massachusetts Cultural Council's Card To Culture program.

Join our characters, Po Po and Kung Kung, as they celebrate Chinese New Year by making dumplings and sharing the story of The Great Race with their grandkids, Freddie and Ivy. The show weaves a family celebration with a re-telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore—the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac.

When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that there will be a Great Race. The first 12 animals to cross the mighty river will have a year named after them. This 12-year cycle will mark the passage of time. Which animals win the race? What are the traits that help them cross the river? The show features traditional Chinese movement, music, and martial arts.

This program is funded in part by grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, and Westford local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

NEW!!!!  The Stow Council on Aging is offering a weekly backgammon group for its senior residents on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM. All levels are welcome to attend. If you have a backgammon set, please bring it. If backgammon is not your game of choice, we also offer:

• Bridge on Tuesdays at 1 pm
• Chess on Wednesday at 10 or Thursday at 11
• Mahjong (Chinese) at 1
• Ping Pong by appointment and as advertised
• Poker on Tuesday at 12
• Pool/Billiards by appointment
• Scrabble on Thursdays at 10:30

We are always open to other game ideas too so please feel free to offer suggestions to COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov.

Want to stay informed of all that is happening at the Stow Council on Aging (COA)?  Subscribe to e-alerts.  Go to the town website at https://www.stow-ma.gov/list.aspx.  Click the “Notify Me Sign In” box and follow the prompts.  If you need assistance, please email COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Did you know that the Town of Maynard is rolling out a new curbside trash and recycling program beginning July 1? No more trash stickers on trash bags after June 30. Instead, you’ll use the current blue E.L. Harvey recycling cart, along with an E.L. Harvey-issued 35-gallon trash cart to be delivered in late June. Various options are available for residents who generate more or less trash and recycling.

Only households that subscribe to the new program will have their trash and recycling collected by the Town on/after July 1. Ensure that your trash and recycling continues to get collected by registering today! It takes less than five (5) minutes and there are three ways to register:

1) Use the QR code on the front cover of today’s Action Unlimited or on the large postcard received in the mail this week.
2) Go to the Town of Maynard’s website at https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov, then click on the Trash & Recycling button.
3) The Library, Council on Aging or Department of Public Works offer paper registration forms.

The links above also contain important background information, answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and dates of upcoming “Trash Talk” informational sessions or “Registration Help” sessions.

Please spread the word to neighbors, friends, and family who may not use the internet or receive Town Hyper-Reach alerts.

Still have questions after browsing the website or reading the postcard? Contact the Town’s Solid Waste Management Coordinator, Linde Ghere, at LGhere@townofmaynard.net.

As your new graduate prepares to step into the next chapter of life – whether that's more education or starting a career – one of the best things you can do is help them understand how to use credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards wisely.

Credit cards build credit history and earn rewards, but come with risks. If your graduate doesn't pay the full balance monthly, interest adds up fast. Teach them to pay off balances monthly and on time.

Debit cards draw directly from their bank account, naturally limiting overspending. However, they can trigger overdraft fees and don't help build credit.

Prepaid cards let them load money first and spend only what's available. There's no debt risk, but these cards typically don't build credit and may come with fees.

Each card serves a different purpose. Help your graduate understand the difference and develop good financial habits now. It's an investment in their financial confidence for decades to come.

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

After nearly five decades of artistic leadership, AVM will honor Dr. Robert P.Eaton’s final season while preparing for its landmark 50th year.

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) today announced that Artistic Director Dr. Robert P. Eaton has informed the Executive Board of his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 concert season, a year that will mark 49 years of choral excellence for the organization.

Founded in 1978, AVM has grown into a respected regional chorus known for performance excellence, innovative programming, and a deep commitment to community through song. Reflecting on his years with the organization, Dr. Eaton expressed profound gratitude for the dedication, passion, and commitment of the hundreds of singers, patrons, and supporters who have helped shape the AVM community, noting that the organization has “succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.”

As AVM prepares for this important transition, the Executive Board has formed a Search Committee to identify the organization’s next Artistic Director. The committee will lead the process of selecting a visionary artistic leader to guide AVM into its landmark 50th season and beyond.

The 2026–2027 season will embrace themes of optimism, hope, and light, offering audiences and singers alike an opportunity to celebrate both Dr. Eaton’s extraordinary legacy and the enduring power of music to enrich lives, strengthen community, and inspire future generations. AVM invites patrons, supporters, alumni, and the broader community to join in celebrating Dr. Eaton’s final season and in looking ahead to a vibrant new chapter in the organization’s history.

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 in the evening for decades. Now we are continuing weekly by remote videoconference, and our meetings are on Monday, subject to change to Thursday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

(Acton, MA) Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is looking for families in need of simple, decent and affordable homes currently under construction in Acton for occupancy in 2027. Habitat homes are not given away but sold at cost with a no-interest or low-interest mortgage. Homeowners work alongside Habitat volunteers and staff to help build the home.

Interested applicants must:
• currently live in substandard or inadequate housing,
• have a steady source of income,
• earn Between 30% & 60% of the median income for the area (ex. families of four with income less than approximately $49,620-$99,240 per year)
• be willing to help build their home and others.

This will be affordable homes compatible with the character of the town. Two units will be one bedroom, one bathroom and approximately 700 sq. ft. These units will be on the 1st story. The second unit will be 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom home on the 2nd floor and approximately 1100 sq. ft.

The units will meet the stretch energy code through increased external and internal insulation, Energy Star appliances and windows, and increased sealing. These homes will be financed through Habitat for Humanity with 20-30 year, no- or low-interest mortgages. The final price for the two-bedroom home will be approximately $247,000. The final price for each one-bedroom home will be approximately $207,000.

Less than perfect credit or lack of savings may not prevent qualification for a Habitat mortgage. Applications will be available June 4th and can be obtained at the Habitat ReStore in Leominster, at the Habitat office in Leominster and Acton or by request to hunter@ncmhabitat.org. Applications will be
accepted through August 4th, 2026

Contact Hunter Hatfield at 978-348-2749, Option 4, or email hunter@ncmhabitat.org for more information.

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts offers a hand up, not a handout, to hard-working, low-income families seeking affordable home ownership. Habitat NCM builds and repairs simple, decent houses with people in need, serving 30 towns and cities in North Central Massachusetts. Habitat also operates the ReStore in Leominster which raises funds through sales of discounted and recycled materials and furniture.

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.

Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
The Sounds of Stow Chorus presents *Sail Away: Songs from the Salt Sea*
Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

This lively and evocative concert brings together the Sounds of Stow Chorus, the Artemis Circle Choral Project, and acclaimed traditional musicians Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy for an afternoon inspired by the sea. Directed by Christina Kennedy, the program features folk traditions, choral works, and maritime music that capture the motion, mystery, adventure, and community of life on and around the water. Audience members will also have the opportunity to join in a spirited sea chantey singalong.

In keeping with the concert’s maritime theme, audience members will have the opportunity to support the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and conservation, through optional donations via QR code or in-person collection at the event.
Concert at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow. Tickets and additional information are available at http://soundsofstow.org

 

Come join us for the Fifth Annual Maynard Jazz Fest at Veteran’s Memorial Park, Maynard Mass. on Saturday June 13th from 12:30 to 5:00. Kicking the festival off will be The Gringo Kings, Boston’s Latin-Salsa Horn Band. Next up is Subject2Change, a six-piece jazz ensemble featuring horns and vocals. Capping off the festivities will be the high-energy stylings of trombonist Brian Thomas and the
BT All Stars. In between sets students from local high schools will entertain the crowd from our Education Side Stage. Local vendors will be present providing food and adult refreshments for purchase. Hope to see you there!

The Acton Community Chorus presents its Spring 2026 Concert: “Movie Night,” featuring iconic songs from iconic movies – from “Casa Blanca” to “Barbie” and many familiar films in between. The program includes “My Heart Will Go On,” “Both Sides Now,” “Danger Zone, “Bohemian Rhapsody," “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” and many other tunes dear to moviegoers of all ages.
Join fellow lovers of choral music on June 12 at 7:00pm or June 13 at 4:00 p.m. at the Dragonfly Theater of RJ Grey Junior High (16 Charter Road, Acton). Tickets are available at $25 for adults and free for students up to 12th grade. They may be purchased from the chorus website (www.ActonCommunityChorus.org/events).
Our music director, Lisa Cooper says that “Rehearsing the music for this concert has been so much fun.  We leave rehearsals with such iconic songs stuck in our heads, our hearts a little lighter. Singing together is one of the greatest joys of being human. We feel it each week when we gather and work toward a common goal.”
The community partner for this concert is Open Table, which provides culturally appropriate groceries and meals to families in Maynard, Concord, and other local towns. Concert goers are encouraged to bring a donation of cooking oil (plastic bottles, please)..
The Acton Community Chorus has brought music and friendship to the Assabet Valley Area since 1984. It is a nonprofit organization funded in part by grants from the Acton Boxborough, Concord, Littleton and Stow cultural councils which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus presents *Sail Away: Songs from the Salt Sea* on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow.
This lively and evocative concert brings together the Sounds of Stow Chorus, the Artemis Circle Choral Project, and acclaimed traditional musicians Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy for an afternoon inspired by the sea. Directed by Christina Kennedy, the program features folk traditions, choral works, and maritime music that capture the motion, mystery, adventure, and community of life on and around the water. Audience members will also have the opportunity to join in a spirited sea chantey singalong.
In keeping with the concert’s maritime theme, audience members will have the opportunity to support the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and conservation, through optional donations via QR code or in-person collection at the event.
Tickets and additional information are available at soundsofstow.org.

Stow will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade on May 25, 2026 beginning at 1:40 p.m. (parade departs at 2 PM).   Email the Veterans Outreach volunteer at veterans@stow-ma.gov or visit https://www.facebook.com/StowVeteransServices.

Maynard's Annual Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026. The parade will start at 11am from the Town Hall parking lot, then proceed down Main Street, to Summer Street, to Nason Street and end back at the Town Hall, approximately at 11:45am. There will be a stop at the bridge on Main Street for a short service as well as at Memorial Park. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be cancelled.

The First United Methodist Church of Hudson will be offering its FREE Pasta Friendship Dinner on Saturday, May 23rd, to be served at 5:00 pm.  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 https://hudsonfumc.org/.

BOSTON – This Mailbox Improvement Week (May 18-24, 2026), the United States Postal Service (USPS) is reminding Americans everywhere to inspect, maintain, and make any needed upgrades to their mailboxes to help keep the mail flowing. Through regular, simple mailbox maintenance akin to Spring Cleaning, customers can help their carriers ensure mail, packages, and special deliveries arrive on time, safely, and securely.

“Your mailbox is the gateway to connection, bringing everything from birthday wishes from loved ones to vital documents to your doorstep,” said Postmaster General David Steiner. “A well-maintained mailbox isn’t just about curb appeal; it’s a partnership in efficiency and precision, helping our carriers continue to deliver for you – every day.”

Each year, USPS designates the third week of May as Mailbox Improvement Week to encourage homeowners with box-on-post-delivery to examine and, where necessary, improve their mailbox appearance and functionality. Regular maintenance not only helps streamline postal operations but enhances the beauty and safety of entire neighborhoods.

Fix up your mailbox in a snap
The yearly initiative calls attention to the wear and tear that occurs, often without customers’ awareness. Some of the most common fixes homeowners may need to make include:
-Tighten Up: Check for and tighten any loose hinges on the door.
-A Fresh Coat: Brighten up a rusty or peeling mailbox with a fresh coat of paint.

• -Stand Securely: Ensure your mailbox post is secure and upright.
• -Be Seen: Make sure your house numbers are clear, visible, and easy to read.

Security is a shared mission
USPS partners with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to keep postal employees, the mail stream, and the American public safe through education, awareness, laws that protect our nation’s mail network. Here’s how you can help keep your mail safe:
 

• Don't Wait: Collect your mail promptly after delivery to prevent theft.
• Say Something: If you witness mailbox tampering, call the police immediately.
• To Report Mailbox Vandalism: Contact Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455.

LEARN MORE: How to Set Up & Mount a Mailbox at https://www.usps.com/manage/mailboxes.htm

FOOD PRESERVATION WORKSHOP June 6th, 11:30 at the Groton Grange, 80 Champney St., Groton, MA.  Learn to preserve your harvest or CSA Share. All methods, including fermentation. Interested children are welcome. FREE TO ALL.

State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg will return the Bronze Star Medal of Staff Sgt. Walter Frye Sr. to his son, Walter Frye Jr., an MBTA employee, during a special ceremony recognizing the veteran’s distinguished military service. Frye enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 20 and served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He served with the 999th Armored Field Artillery Battalion and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 1951 for his service during the Korean War. The medal was recovered by the Unclaimed Property Division and traced back to the Frye family as part of the Treasury’s ongoing efforts to reunite military honors with their rightful heirs.