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Current Edition - 4/24/26
Stow/Maynard
Just click below on the paper you want to read. You can read life-size by clicking on the four corner box bottom right, then turn pages with mouse at corners just like you would if paper!

Current Edition - 4/17/26

HEADLINES

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Upcoming EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH


of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow MA 01775.

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.

Join worship by Video: https://tinyurl.com/fpcstow
Meeting ID: 999 7077 0266
Passcode: 01775
Join worship by phone: (929) 205-6099 (long distance rates will apply)
FPC now has a closed captioning option with online services. If the Closed Captioning option is not turned on, you can use the button at the bottom of your screen to request the host turn it on.
Saturday, May 2, 1-4pm
Ice Cream Social
Fundraiser to Support Asylum Seekers
FPC's Supporting Asylum Seekers Task Force is hosting an ice cream sundae fundraiser. Come to the "Cream Ice Social" on Saturday, May 2nd 1-4pm in Fellowship Hall and build yourself a Resistance Sundae!

All proceeds will go to helping our neighbors who are seeking asylum. In the past, funds have been used to assist with rent, food, moving costs, lawyers' fees, driving lessons, car insurance, and clothing. Please spread the word as the needs are significant at this time.

Give what you can - suggested donation $8.00 per person, $25 per family.
 
Our mission is to help those who are in need, who are seeking asylum or refuge, and who hope to build their lives locally.

Friday, May 8, 5:30PM
Guest Table Community Dinner,
Please join us Friday, May 8 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 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 emailfpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.
Attendees at the swl dvrt libations and donations

Spirits of Maynard Hosts Complimentary Wine and Beer Tasting for the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable’s Shower for Safety

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable cordially invites the public to a free wine and beer tasting to support its annual Shower for Safety The wine and beer tasting will be held at Spirits of Maynard, Plaza, 4 Digital Way, Suite 3, Maynard, MA on Friday evening, May 1, 2026, 6:30-8:30 PM. Light refreshments will be provided by the Roundtable. There will also be a brief presentation by a survivor.
Please bring a new, unwrapped housewarming gift to the event. Families transitioning from shelters appreciate gifts of new household items to help them establish their new homes. These generous donations will be collected and given to the clients of area Domestic Violence Programs who will be setting up new homes.
Requested items include: twin size sheets and pillowcases, twin blankets, twin comforters, bed pillows, bath towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, and small kitchen appliances.
Gift cards for Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreen’s, Market Basket, Hannaford and Stop gift cards  ($10-$50) are also welcome. To make a cash donation, please visit the Roundtable website at https://www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org. or mail a check to the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable, P.O. Box 543, Sudbury, MA 01776. Please indicate that the donation is for Shower for Safety. Thank you.

Free Friendship Dinner at
Hudson First United Methodist Church

On Saturday, April 25th, at 500pm, the First United Methodist Church of Hudson will be offering its FREE Friendship Dinner, prepared and served by our marvelous kitchen cooking staff.  The menu this month features Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast, mashed potatoes and carrots, salad and dessert.  Our dinners have been a staple in the Hudson and surrounding communities, for many years…a true testament to how popular and delicious they are so we have a reputation to live up to!  Enjoy eating your meal in our dining room or ask for your dinner to go.  Please put this in your calendars and plan on dining with us soon!
Bring your family or come solo, invite some 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

A Walk on the Cider Mill trails April 26

On Sunday, April 26, 9-10:30 am, join Trust Director Mark Minnucci, for a hilly walk on beautiful Cider Mill Conservation Land. Park on Kirsi Circle, (between #16 and #18) in Westford, MA.
Sponsored by the Westford Conservation Trust and Westford Climate Action
No registration is required for these walks. All walks will run rain or shine. Well-behaved dogs on leash welcome. Trails are not suitable for strollers. Poison Ivy may occur along the trails; long pants and socks are recommended. Maps of all these areas are available at the Trust's website.

Sounds of Stow Open Rehearsals:
Mondays April 20 & 27

The Sounds of Stow Chorus invites singers in all voice parts to join them for open rehearsals
for our June 7 concert, Sail Away: Songs from the Salt Sea.
The program, directed by Christina Kennedy, is a lively and evocative journey across the sea— featuring folk traditions and choral works that capture the motion, mystery, and spirit of life on and in the water. The Sounds of Stow Chorus will be joined by The Artemis Circle Choral Project for a shared program of rich and varied repertoire.
We are also delighted to welcome guest musicians Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy, who will offer their own sets of traditional music and lead the audience in a spirited sea chantey singalong.
This concert will support a nonprofit organization connected to ocean, coastal, or environmental stewardship (to be announced).
We welcome singers who are able to learn the music, blend with their section, and enjoy making music in a focused, collaborative setting.
Open Rehearsals (Come Sing With Us!) at First Parish, 353 Great Road, Stow
Monday, April 20 at 7:00 PM Monday, April 27 at 7:00 PM
These rehearsals are a chance to experience the ensemble, meet the singers, and explore the repertoire before committing.
Regular rehearsals continue on Monday nights through the concert date of June 7, 2026.

Financial Focus: Emergency Funds Offer Breathing Room When it Matters

Life has a way of surprising us, whether it’s a blown tire, a broken appliance or an unexpected medical bill.

With no savings to fall back on, even a small emergency can become a big one.

That’s why an emergency savings fund matters.

You don’t need thousands of dollars on day one. Just begin with a simple goal, like saving $500 by a certain date.

Even that small cushion can help you weather sudden expenses and keep you from relying on credit cards or highinterest loans that you'll need to pay off later.

Instead, look for money you can redirect without major sacrifice. Set up a small automatic transfer each payday or cancel a subscription you never use. Or save part of your annual tax refund, if you receive one.

Put the money in a separate savings account that’s easy to access and earns a little interest.

Progress is what counts. Start small, keep going and give yourself a safety net for when you need it.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA. (978) 841-5800. Member SIPC

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 in the evening for decades. Now we are continuing weekly by remote videoconference, and our meeting has recently changed to Monday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

Volunteers needed to give a hand up
to incarcerated people

 
Volunteers are sought to mentors a public speaking program in a prison in Shirley. Volunteers must be comfortable speaking in front of a group, willing to enter a prison with a team, and able to commit to two to four visits a month on a weeknight.
To explore prison volunteering, you can make one visit to a prison Toastmasters program, following a brief background check. You will know immediately if prison volunteering is for you, no obligation. This profound, memorable volunteer opportunity provides a connection beyond class, race and education.
Have a look at https://tinyurl.com/MAprisonvolunteer. For more information, email susan dot tordella at g mail dot c o m to set up a brief phone call.

Editor- the gmail address is purposefully scrambled to prevent fishing.  TYVM

Student Highlights Benefits of Community Colleges

 
In honor of Community College Month, Middlesex Community College is highlighting an outstanding student’s MCC experience in his own words. Business student Heet Shah, from India and now living in Lowell, is an active member of the college community who is taking advantage of the many opportunities and experiences Middlesex offers that he believes will make a positive impact on his future.
I chose to start my education at Middlesex Community College during a major transition in my life. I had just moved to the United States from India and was adjusting to a completely new environment, academic system, and way of life. MCC made that transition manageable. It was close to home, and at the time, I did not have a car, so even walking a few miles to campus never felt like a barrier.
Financially and logistically, it was also the right decision. The availability of free tuition and the MassTransfer pathway gave me a clear starting point while keeping long-term opportunities open. From the beginning, I approached MCC as a place where I would fully take advantage of every opportunity available.
That mindset quickly turned into action. One of the biggest impacts MCC has had on me is the opportunities it opened beyond the classroom. Through MCC, I traveled and gained exposure to environments I had never experienced before. I visited New York City and explored the financial district, attended the Two-Year Bridge Symposium where I engaged with firms like EY and KPMG, and participated in the MIT PATH fintech conference in Atlanta.
I also competed at DECA conferences, including traveling to Kentucky, where I applied my knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences gave me exposure and confidence beyond a traditional classroom.
Alongside these experiences, I focused on building academic and professional skills. I worked as a bank teller at a local bank, developing attention to detail and customer service skills, while also working late-night shifts at Bowlero during my early transition period.
On campus, I served as an Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) tutor and contributed to the CircleIn platform, supporting students while engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning tools. This led to my involvement in AI initiatives through the MIT PATH collaboration, where I worked with MCC Assistant Dean Peter Shea and Professor Vikram Sharma on projects exploring the intersection of AI and education. I also completed certifications in fintech, machine learning, and financial systems, and will continue this learning through the Massachusetts Municipal Finance Fellowship in Summer 2026.
My involvement in student organizations has been a major part of my journey. As Treasurer of the Business and Economics Club, I helped grow the organization into one of the most active clubs on campus. While my role focused on financial management, I also contributed to organizing events and supporting operations.
Through DECA, I took on a coordinator role, managing budgets, mentoring students, and organizing preparation sessions and competitions. I also co-founded the AI Club to create opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies. In addition, I organized professional development workshops, invited guest speakers, and collaborated with faculty and external professionals to create opportunities for students.
These efforts have been recognized through several accomplishments. I earned a gold award in Corporate Finance at the DECA regional competition and was selected as a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, been on the Dean’s List every semester, and am part of the Commonwealth Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa. I was also a part of the “I Am MCC” campaign, highlighting student experiences and impact. I have also been nominated for multiple commencement-related awards and advanced to the final stages of selection for the Celebrations Speaker.
After graduating from MCC, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to continue my education in finance, potentially combining it with data science. I have already been accepted into University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of California Irvine, and I am awaiting additional decisions.
My long-term goal is to begin in investment banking, pursue graduate studies, and eventually work in quantitative finance and fintech. At the same time, I want my success to go beyond personal growth and contribute back to the communities that supported me.
More than anything, MCC has given me a strong foundation, a support system, and a sense of direction. I am especially grateful for mentors like Professor Vikram Sharma, along with many others who believed in me and pushed me to grow. MCC has given me exposure, confidence, and opportunities that would have taken me much longer to find on my own.
As I move forward, I will always carry this experience with me. MCC is not just where I started, it is what made everything that comes next possible.
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NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND 10TH ANNIVERSARY


The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey, will celebrate its 10th Anniversary with two concerts on Friday, May 1st at 7 pm, and Sunday, May 3rd at 3 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (GPS Green Road) in Bolton MA. All concerts are free!
Friday's concert is an evening of chamber music performed by small groups of NSB members. The NSB Clarinet Choir will perform a setting of J.S. Bach's Toccata and Fugue in d-minor and the familiar opus 46, no.6 Slavonic Dance by Antonin Dvorak; the Trombone Choir plays selections by Handel, Susato, George Gershwin and George M. Cohan; and the Chamber Players, Concertino for Wind and Brass Quintets by Robert Washburn.
Sunday's full Nashoba Symphonic Band Concert "Celebration" features works meant to fit our "Anniversary" spirit, including the rousing On the Square March by Frank Panella, the satirical Polka from Shostakovitch's ballet, The Age of Gold, the rhythmic Dancing at Stonehenge by Anthony Suter and H.Owen Reed's spectacular Mexican Folk Symphony, La Fiesta Mexicana.
In its ten year history, The Nashoba Symphonic Band has played over forty full band and chamber concerts, performing more than 300 individual compositions, including last season's commissioned work, The Wolves of Nashoba. The band's membership includes
students, parents, teachers and performers from the Nashoba School District and 23 surrounding communities.
The Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music. 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.
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NY Times Bestselling Author Michael Tougias to Speak on Extreme Survival

Author Michael Tougias will be giving a slide presentation on his book Extreme Survival: Lessons From Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds.  This event will be held at Sudbury Grange, 326 Concord Road, Sudbury on Wednesday evening, May 6, 2026, at 7 PM. This free program is being presented by the Friends of the Goodnow Library and is made possible by a generous bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library. Free parking is available behind Sudbury Town Hall, and the venue is handicapped accessible.

In his book, Extreme Survival, Tougias shares what he has learned about decision making under pressure and the mindsets and techniques survivors used to channel their energy into proactive decisions that saved their lives.  He demonstrates that the same techniques can help anyone be more resilient when feeling overwhelmed or facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge in their personal or professional life. The methods shared can also be used by anyone who has an important goal. They provide inspiration and step by step practices to overcome obstacles and achieve a person's full potential.

Tougias uses slides from some of the survival events to give the audience an edge-of-your-seat experience that also provides useful techniques that we can all use when faced with adversity or aspire to achieve a difficult goal.

The author has interviewed over 100 people who survived against all odds, and has researched many historical figures who have achieved the near-impossible. He supplements their stories with a handful of first person accounts from some of the toughest survivors in history. Some of the survivors from history include John McCain, Mary Rowlandson (captive during King Philip's Indian War), Howard Blackburn, Captain Bligh, Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, mountainman Hugh Glass, Admiral Byrd, Shackleton, WWII pilot James Whittaker, Teddy Roosevelt, JFK (PT109), USS Indianapolis survivors, and many more from mountain climbers to early explorers of the new world.

Tougias has written seven survival and rescue books and Extreme Survival is the culmination of his life's work of interviewing and researching the toughest survivors over the past three decades. He has earned critical acclaim and literary awards  for his 30 bestselling non-fiction narratives.  Some of his books include The Finest Hours (now a Disney movie), A Storm Too Soon, Overboard and The Waters Between Us.   He is also author of books for middle readers in his "True Rescue Series" with MacMillan Publishing.  www.michaeltougias.com

Middlesex Community College and Empowered Hosted by Meg Ryan Examine Pathways to Economic Mobility and Workforce Success

 
Los Angeles, CA - As the landscape of higher education shifts toward skill-based outcomes, Middlesex Community College joins “Empowered hosted by Meg Ryan” to explore how community colleges serve as essential hubs for regional workforce development and equitable career access.
The upcoming segment, scheduled to film on April 22, 2026, focuses on the structural role of community colleges within the American educational system. Production will take place at the Middlesex Community College campuses in Bedford and Lowell, Massachusetts, documenting the institutional frameworks designed to align student learning with the immediate needs of the regional economy. The program investigates the transition toward integrated career pathways, including dual enrollment for high school students and specialized career embedded options like "Learn & Earn" and Apprenticeships. By documenting the coordination between academic instruction and local industry requirements, the series provides Public Television viewers with a comprehensive look at how accessible education serves as a primary driver for professional advancement and financial stability.
“Now more than ever, community colleges are in a unique position to prepare the workforce with highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced professionals,” said Phil Sisson, Middlesex Community College’s President. “Understanding the importance of career-integrated learning, Middlesex Community College leverages our leadership within our communities by forming valuable partnerships with organizations and companies throughout our service area and the broader Commonwealth. To respond directly to their needs, MCC implements relevant internship, apprenticeship and hands-on opportunities to train our students for these in-demand roles. Combined with industry-driven curriculum and immersive clinical and laboratory experiences, MCC integrates career-focused learning into all our programs, ensuring students become productive and successful members of their communities and workplaces.”
Maintaining a robust local economy requires an adaptable educational infrastructure that can respond to the evolving demands of modern industry. Middlesex Community College has addressed these needs by implementing corporate training partnerships that provide students with practical, hands-on experience while they complete their studies. The segment examines how these programs reduce traditional barriers to entry for underrepresented groups and provide a flexible alternative to high-cost four-year institutions. Furthermore, the documentary explores the impact of free community college initiatives and how they contribute to a more equitable distribution of opportunity across the Commonwealth.
This educational approach focuses on meeting students at their current stage of life, whether they are recent high school graduates or adult learners seeking to pivot into new sectors such as biotechnology or advanced manufacturing. Beyond technical proficiency, the documentary emphasizes the mentorship and holistic support services that ensure students can navigate their academic journey while balancing external responsibilities. By focusing on these functional solutions, the segment aims to inform the public about the strategic importance of community-based learning in fostering a resilient and skilled workforce. The project provides an educational overview of how modern institutions are effectively bridging the gap between education and the workforce to ensure long-term regional prosperity.

Friends of the Bolton Public Library to hold Spring Book Sale

The Friends of the Bolton Public Library will hold their semiannual book sale on Saturday, May 2nd, from 8:30am - 3pm. No rain date. Location is the Houghton Building, 697 Main Street, Bolton, MA. There will be over 5,000 books, sorted before and after each sale, and not picked over. The sale also includes puzzles, CDs, and DVDs.
The book sales are the Friends’ largest fundraisers. Proceeds from the sales support programming, events, museum passes, and Wowbrary for the Bolton Public Library.
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Navigating the 4th Trimester

A free workshop for expectant parents to explore the physical, emotional and relational challenges that accompany the first 3 months after birth will be held on Monday, May 4, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Emerson Wellness in Concord. This is a free program open to all expectant parents and their support person. You will learn evidence-based strategies to support your postpartum journey and create a personal postpartum plan that includes strategies for adjusting to life with a newborn, coping with challenges related to lack of sleep and feeding, managing changes in your relationships, and nurturing your own wellbeing during this informative time. Join us for this interactive session facilitated by lactation counselor and infant sleep consultant Mary Beilman, who draws from over 20 years supporting new parents; and Emily Fiorini, LMHC, who specializes in infant and parent mental health and is First Connections' program director. Helpful postpartum community resources are included. Register here: https://bit.ly/3XYQMHQ
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Infrared Photography: Processes, Exploration, and Experiences
Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

HUDSON: On Wednesday, May 6, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Frank Jansen, a photographer who enjoys interpreting the world through the infrared spectrum, exploring dimensions of light beyond visible perception. Frank is committed to the photographic community, actively sharing his experimental processes with likeminded photographers. Check out his website https://frank-jansen-photo.com/

Infrared photography captures light outside the visible spectrum creating surreal effects and otherworldly scenes. Frank will guide us through the process from start to finish. Join us for this unique program.

Currently, AVCC meetings are using a hybrid approach where members can meet 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 a description of full membership benefits, please 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. Frank’s presentation will begin at 7:30.

AVCC in-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson. 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 to become members. Photographers benefit from the club's  hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. Check out the AVCC website at https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com/

The Nightflies (Music of Steely Dan)
Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center
82 Main Street, Maynard, MA
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 at 8:00PM

(Maynard, MA) - THE NIGHTFLIES return to Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center in Maynard, MA on Saturday, May 2, 2026, promising a fun energetic night of Steely Dan music. Audiences can expect favorites from Can't Buy a Thrill, Countdown to Ecstasy, Pretzel Logic, Katy Lied, The Royal Scam, Aja, and Gaucho—plus selections from Donald Fagen’s acclaimed solo effort, The Nightfly.

Doors open at 7:00PM. This is an All-Ages show. Tickets are $24-$34 online with "choose-your-own" reserved table seating or standing room. There will be a large dance floor and a full bar. Attendees are invited to BYO snacks/food (no outside drinks). The Nightflies have a history of selling out venues, so advance ticketing is recommended. Advance tickets are available at https://sanctuarymaynard.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=861. If not sold out, tickets will be available at the door for $26-$36.
The Nightflies have been entertaining audiences since their debut show in 2023, selling out venues in the MetroWest and Boston areas, and performing at private parties. What began as an informal get-together of 10 talented musicians—playing for the love and challenge of the intricate arrangements of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker of Steely Dan—became a high energy, danceable party of Steely Dan music. Their name is a nod to the 1982 standard-bearer Donald Fagen solo album, The Nightfly. They perform an ambitious medley of recognizable, danceable, foot-tapping 70s–80s radio hits, plus a few Becker/Fagen deep cuts.
Band members include Lori Zuroff, Marcia J. Macres, and Tess Ferraiolo on lead and background vocals, Barry Silverman on keyboards, Gary Jenkins on bass, Paul Greenspan and Mickey Roache on guitars, Bob Adams and Mark Seibel on saxophones, and Jon Golden on drums/percussion. These musicians come from various Massachusetts towns including Acton, Boxboro, Carlisle, Methuen, Saugus, Sudbury, and Westford, MA.

The Nightflies are available for private parties, corporate events, and venues in the Boston and Merrimack Valley areas. For booking, please contact Marcia J. Macres (marcia@macres.com).

LIVE VIDEO sampling from our December 2025 show at The Burren in Somerville - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnK3Fa3pzLc
LIKE NIGHTFLIES FACEBOOK PAGE at https://www.facebook.com/thenightfliesband/

Spring Fling Thrift

The West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Mass Ave., Acton will have a Pop-Up Thrift from 12pm-3pm during the WAVMA Spring Fling (a West Acton Annual Village Event) on May 9th. The Pop-Up Thrift is a weekly event on Thursdays 3-5:30 but due to popular demand, we are adding this special Pop-Up!
In addition to the Thrift, there will be information & a promotion to raise funds for our Historic Steeple Project. Visit our website www.westactonbaptistchurch/org for more information & history on the historic steeple.
3D Widgets will also be for sale.

Stow Council on Aging is Here for Our Senior Residents!

 
ATTENTION STOW SENIOR RESIDENTS! The Stow Council on Aging is here for our senior residents!  The COA provides support by being a resource of information on elder affairs, providing social activities, offering outreach services and helping Stow seniors remain in their homes as long as safely possible.

Five things to know about the COA:
1. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm (excluding holidays.)
2. Residents can schedule an appointment with our Outreach staff for a one-on-one meeting.
3. A monthly newsletter is mailed to every household in Stow on the last Friday (sometimes Saturday) of the month as an insert in the Action Unlimited.
4. There’s something for everyone!  We offer a variety of movement options, many social, recreational and creative opportunities, and off-site activities. Residents are encouraged to share their ideas.
5.    Transportation services are available Monday through Friday (8:30 am – 2:30 pm) in Stow, the abutting towns and Concord, Marlboro and Sudbury for medical appointments.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.stow-ma.gov/292/Council-on-Aging or email the Office Manager at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov.

Mark Your Calendar!
Maynard Community Gardeners Plant Sale May 16th
(Wanted: Your Surplus Plants!)

 
The Maynard Community Gardeners Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 16th in the Maynard Elks parking lot at 34 Powdermill Road in Maynard, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  This is a great opportunity to choose from a wide variety of plants that flourish locally, at bargain prices!  Flowers, vegetables, hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, and shrubs will all be available in an assortment of heights, types, and colors. There will also be a small area with deeply discounted garden-related items.  Come early for the best selection!  The plant sale will be held rain or shine.

All plants at the sale are either donated by members/non-members who want to share their abundance or provided by Stow Garden Center. If you would like to donate excess or unwanted plants, please contact Lizza Smith at lizza@kw.com.  If you need assistance with digging the plants, please let us know in your email. We are especially interested in perennials that are native to our region and/or pollinator friendly.

Maynard Community Gardeners is an organization of seasoned and novice gardeners who make it their mission to beautify our small town. All funds raised at the plant sale go directly to MCG’s ongoing efforts, including the many flower planters along the sidewalks and in public spaces downtown, the beautiful flower-filled alleyway off Nason Street, the seasonally changing downtown triangle, and Maplebrook Park. Your plant donations are what make the MCG Plant Sale and its proceeds possible, bringing beauty and joy to all who live in and visit Maynard!

Friends of the Bolton Public Library to Hold Spring Book Sale

The Friends of the Bolton Public Library will hold their semiannual book sale on Saturday, May 2nd, from 8:30am - 3pm. No rain date. Location is the Houghton Building, 697 Main Street, Bolton, MA. There will be over 5,000 books, sorted before and after each sale, and not picked over. The sale also includes puzzles, CDs, and DVDs. The book sales are the Friends’ largest fundraisers. Proceeds from the sales support programming, events, museum passes, and Wowbrary for the Bolton Public Library.

STOW’S MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

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

Sounds of Stow Open Rehearsals:
Mondays April 20 & 27

 
The Sounds of Stow Chorus invites singers in all voice parts to join them for open rehearsals for our June 7 concert, Sail Away: Songs from the Salt Sea.
The program, directed by Christina Kennedy, is a lively and evocative journey across the sea— featuring folk traditions and choral works that capture the motion, mystery, and spirit of life on and in the water. The Sounds of Stow Chorus will be joined by The Artemis Circle Choral Project for a shared program of rich and varied repertoire.
We are also delighted to welcome guest musicians Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy, who will offer their own sets of traditional music and lead the audience in a spirited sea chantey singalong.
This concert will support a nonprofit organization connected to ocean, coastal, or environmental stewardship (to be announced).
We welcome singers who are able to learn the music, blend with their section, and enjoy making music in a focused, collaborative setting.
Open Rehearsals (Come Sing With Us!) at First Parish, 353 Great Road, Stow
Monday, April 20 at 7:00 PM
Monday, April 27 at 7:00 PM
These rehearsals are a chance to experience the ensemble, meet the singers, and explore the repertoire before committing.
Regular rehearsals continue on Monday nights through the concert date of June 7, 2026.

Help Hope Bloom in Spring: Give Blood or Platelets with Red Cross

 
Come to give by April 12 for an exclusive tee; $15 e-gift card April 13-30

BOSTON, April 10, 2026 — In April, the American Red Cross asks people to keep patients top of mind by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. The need for blood doesn’t take a spring break, and acting now can ensure blood is available in the coming weeks at medical centers. Regular donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to make days brighter this spring for those in need.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross celebrates the kindness of blood donors and those who volunteer their time. There is no substitute for blood — volunteer donors are essential to patient care. Blood Program Leaders and Blood Donor Ambassadors are the heartbeat of our work at blood donation centers and community blood drives.

Join the celebration of saving lives! Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Maynard
4/20/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks #1568, 34 Powder Mill Rd


Upcoming EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow MA 01775.

 
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.

Join worship by Video: https://tinyurl.com/fpcstow
Meeting ID: 999 7077 0266
Passcode: 01775
Join worship by phone: (929) 205-6099 (long distance rates will apply)
FPC now has a closed captioning option with online services. If the Closed Captioning option is not turned on, you can use the button at the bottom of your screen to request the host turn it on.

Friday, May 8, 5:30PM
Guest Table Community Dinner,
Please join us Friday, May 8 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 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 emailfpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Transgender Rights 2026 Forum

 
Sunday April 19, 1:30-3:30
FPC Fellowship Hall
Free and Open to the Public

Come learn how anti-trans laws in the US are impacting lives of transgender and non-binary folks and their loved ones, causing people to change states and even leave the country. Hear what our Mass legislators have been doing to protect trans rights, and potential future improvements.

Topics:
  • Adult Bathroom Bans & Healthcare
  • Youth: Medical Care, Schools, Sports, Forced Outing
  • Identity Documents & Discrimination
  • Risks to Educators, Medical Professionals, Medical Centers
  • Relationship and Parental Recognition
  • Supporting Trans Safety


We are inviting questions and suggestions in advance - email them to lgbtqevents@fpc.groups.io

Come hear Senator Jamie Eldridge and a panel of experts and neighbors including:

Kelly Jenkins Schutzberg (Kelly’s Quest)
Skylar Kergil - singer/songwriter
A UU Pink Haven representative
Rebecca Minor - therapist and author of “Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Did Not Expect This”

Trek Reef, First Parish Intern Minister, will MC the event.

Rebecca Minor will be available for book signing (with extra copies for sale)

Annual Celebration of Hope Benefit to Support Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc.

CONCORD, MA - Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is hosting their annual Celebration of Hope Benefit fundraiser on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at The Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA for brunch   from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a sumptuous meal in rustic elegance in support of DVSN’s vital work. This year’s event celebrates hope, collaboration, and community”.  Tickets are $95 per person which covers the food, drinks, dessert, décor, and programming. Tickets can be purchased at DVSN.org/Benefit2026.

This year’s Celebration of Hope Benefit will be hosted by DVSN board members Tina Fico and Erick Gordy and feature award-winning journalist and author Dan Murphy as the Keynote Speaker. Dan has reported for ESPN for more than a decade where he currently covers stories at the intersection of sports and larger societal issues on ESPN’s investigative reporting team.  Dan co-authored “Start By Believing…the Brave Women Who Stopped a Monster”, a thoroughly researched and reported account of the fight to bring serial sexual abuser Larry Nassar to justice.  His work has won a Peabody Award, an IRE Sports Investigation of the Year Award, and the EVAWI National Media Award, among others.  He lives in Cambridge, MA.

Primarily serving communities in Central Middlesex County, DVSN provides a confidential Help Line staffed with well-trained volunteer advocates working closely with community service providers, police departments, courts, hospitals, and schools, as well as other community organizations and businesses, to provide support, resources, risk assessment, safety planning, and training to clients, community partners, and the public.  To learn more about domestic violence and the various ways you can support DVSN, visit DVSN.org.  “We hope you can join us on May 2nd," invites Jacquelin Apsler, DVSN’s Executive Director, "Your generosity helps to transform lives!"

The Barn at Gibbet Hill is a tastefully restored 100-year-old barn overlooking rolling hills of conservation land.  It is a popular and picturesque event venue at the foot of Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA that can support 220 people and includes a large all-season deck. More information and photos can be found at BarnAtGibbetHill.com.

Given the enormous success of two previous brunch events at The Barn at Gibbet Hill, DVSN decided to host a third brunch fundraiser at this exceptional venue.  A mid-morning brunch allows attendees to enjoy the tranquil beauty of The Barn at Gibbet Hill’s surroundings in the glow of natural daylight.

For more information about DVSN or to reserve tickets today, visit DVSN.org or call 978-318-3421.
Hats in bloom
ArtSpace Presents “Hats in Bloom”, an Exhibition of Artworks Inspired by Sculptural Hats
Maynard, MA — ArtSpace’s Barbara Erwin Gallery is pleased to announce Hats in Bloom, a unique exhibition that invited artists to begin not with a blank canvas, but with a hat. Featuring the imaginative designs of ArtSpace member and milliner Denise Shea of Denishé Hats, the exhibition explores how unexpected objects can ignite artistic creativity across a wide range of media.

To begin the creative process, twenty-one ArtSpace artists selected one of eight Denishé hats as their inspiration for a new artwork. Sometimes called “fascinators,” Shea’s hats are known for their sculptural forms, playful details, and whimsical personalities. Some artists echo the hats’ shape, while others draw from their color, texture, or the narratives they suggest. The resulting artworks reflect a rich diversity of interpretations through paintings, photography, ceramics, handmade books, collage, and prints. Displayed together, the hats and artworks present a compelling visual dialogue and a testament to creative transformation through craftsmanship and imagination.  

Hats in Bloom is on view April 10-May 28, 2026. The ArtSpace Barbara Erwin Gallery is located at 15 Nason Street, Maynard, MA. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 10am-3pm, Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 12-5pm. More information about ArtSpace programs and membership can be found at artspacema.org.
Post road carpet acton celebration1
Caption: New businesses open all the time. What is truly remarkable are the ones that stick around for many years. Last Friday, April 10, we got to celebrate the 50th birthday of Post Road Carpet Acton. Sam Paolini ran his very first ad in the Action back 50 years ago while in his West Acton location. He credits Action for help building it to the size it is now. Over the years, Joe Paolini, his son, started working at the store and later, grandson Trevor Neal continued the family tradition at the new location on Rte 2A. Present at the celebration included family members (including great grandchildren) , past employees, vendors, and more. It was a great opportunity for Sam to see how many lives were effected by his hard work.

Financial Focus: Sustainable Investing Means Investing with Purpose


When you think about investing, you probably want your money to grow — but maybe you also want it to do some good.

That’s where ESG investing can be of interest. ESG looks at three key areas:
  • “E” stands for environment. It looks at how companies handle climate impact and natural resources.
  • “S” is for social factors, including product safety and the wellbeing of a company’s workers.
  • G” is governance, which considers a company’s ethics and transparency and how responsibly it is run.


At its core, sustainable investing is about aligning investments with personal values while still focusing on long-term financial outcomes.

You may wonder whether investing sustainably means sacrificing returns. A study by New York University found that investing in companies with strong ESG practices does not inherently diminish returns — and these investments often perform better over time.

But quality still matters here. Focus on wellrun, financially strong companies to help you build more stable, longterm results, whether you choose ESG investing or something else.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA. (978) 841-5800. Member SIPC

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts ReStore in Leominster Expands Donation Area to Concord and Westford

Leominster, MA – Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is proud to highlight its ReStore location in Leominster and announce an expansion of its donation pickup services to include Concord and Westford.
The Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used items to the public at affordable prices. Proceeds from every purchase directly support Habitat’s mission to build and repair homes for local families in need of safe, affordable housing.
Shoppers at the ReStore can find a wide variety of items, including furniture, appliances, home décor, building materials, tools, cabinetry, lighting, and more. Inventory is constantly changing, making each visit a unique opportunity to discover high-quality items at a fraction of retail cost.
The ReStore also welcomes donations from individuals, businesses, and contractors. Accepted items include:
  • Gently used furniture (sofas, tables, dressers, bed frames)
  • Appliances in good working condition
  • Cabinets, countertops, and building materials
  • Tools and hardware
  • Home décor and household items
Donation pickups are available for larger items, making it easy for community members to give back while decluttering their homes. With the recent expansion into Concord and Westford, more residents can now conveniently schedule donation pickups and support Habitat’s work in North Central Massachusetts.
“Our ReStore is more than just a store—it’s a way for the community to come together to support affordable housing,” said a representative from Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. “Every donation and every purchase helps us build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.”
The ReStore is located at:
650 North Main Street
Leominster, MA
To schedule a donation pickup or learn more:
📞 Call: 978-227-5556
🌐 Visit: www.restorencm.org
📧 Email: donations@restorencm.org
Store hours and additional information are available on the website.

Celebrate 50 Years of Song — Tickets Now on Sale for Nashoba Valley Chorale’s Golden Anniversary Gala

Arlington, MA — April 8, 2026 — Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable evening as the Nashoba Valley Chorale celebrates its 50th Anniversary Gala—a joyful night of music, connection, and community. Tickets are now on sale, and availability is limited.
 Hosted at the stunning Arlington Town Hall, this special event brings together past and present members, conductors, music lovers, and the broader community for a one-of-a-kind celebration. With capacity for up to 300 guests, early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
 Guests will enjoy: 
  • A vibrant live concert showcasing Nashoba Valley Chorale’s legacy
  • Food and beverages, including a cash bar
  • A fun, interactive sing-along featuring music by Handel and Queen
  • A chance to reconnect with friends, alumni, and former conductors
  • Silent Auction
  • Recognition and gratitude to our Founders
  •  
  • A Celebration of Anne Watson Born, our beloved Music Director’s 20 years with us
  •  
  • An Honor to Shawn McCann, collaborative pianist for 20 years of amazing work
For 50 years, the Nashoba Valley Chorale has welcomed singers of all backgrounds, offered an inclusive, non-auditioned environment and made choral music accessible to all. This Gala is both a celebration of that mission and an invitation to experience it firsthand.
 Secure your spot today and be part of this milestone celebration.
 Tickets are available now at: www.nvcsings.org
Assabet valley mastersingers

Please Join the Assabet Valley Mastersingers for Our Third and Final Formal Concert of Our
2025-2026 Season: “The Time Has Come”

Northborough, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) is thrilled to announce its May 2026 concert in Northborough, which features music by the composers: Ēriks Ešenvalds’ TheTime Has Come, Randall Thompson’s The Peaceable Kingdom, Margaret Bonds’ Credo and Jake Runestad’s The Hope of Loving. This is a stirring season finale that calls for unity and renewal through a powerful blend of voices, words, and music.

Event Date: May 9th, 2026
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett Street, Northborough, MA 01532
Artistic Director: Dr. Robert Eaton   Featuring a String Quartet

Ēriks Ešenvalds, born 1977 in Latvia, has become one of the world’s most sought after and performed choral composers. His works have been performed by many of the major symphonies, including the BSO, and some of the finest choral ensembles have premiered his works. “The Time Has Come” was premiered in November 2015 and is based upon text drawn from Nelson Mandela’s inaugural speech.
Margaret Bonds was a pioneering Chicago-born composer and pianist whose work bridged the
worlds of classical music, the African American spiritual tradition, and the literary voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Credo, completed in 1965, sets the celebrated prose poem of the same name by W.E.B. Du Bois, originally published in 1904 and later used as the preface to his 1920 autobiography Darkwater.
Jake Runestad has emerged as one of the most frequently performed composers of his generation, described by American Public Media as a "choral rockstar" and by the Chicago Tribune as "one of the best of the younger American composers." The Hope of Loving was commissioned by Seraphic Fire and completed in 2015. It is a setting of mystical love poetry drawn from Daniel Ladinsky's collection Love Poems from God.
Randall Thompson was one of the most beloved and widely performed American choral composers of the twentieth century. He was a native of New York City, studied at Harvard, and taught at Princeton, Harvard, and the University of Virginia. The Peaceable Kingdom was first performed in 1936 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Nearly a century after its premiere, the work remains profoundly relevant, reminding listeners of the enduring human longing for justice, peace, and harmony.

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/the-time-has-come 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.
Emerson health run2

Emerson Health Run~Walk for Cancer Care

Emerson Health will host the 27th Annual 5k Run~Walk for Cancer Care on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Nara Park in Acton. The morning kicks off with registration at 8:00 a.m., the Kids One Mile at 9:00 a.m., and the 5k Run~Walk at 9:30 a.m., followed by a post‑race brunch and live music at 10:00 a.m. Every registration helps support local cancer care, and community members are encouraged to form teams with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Participants can also donate in honor of someone special as Emerson works toward its goal of raising $125,000 to provide care until there is a cure for cancer. To learn more or register, visit EmersonHealth.org/5k or email runwalk@emersonhosp.org. More than 75 volunteers are needed to make race day a success; those interested can contact Lisa at LOsgood@emersonhosp.org.

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 in the evening for decades. Now we are continuing weekly by remote videoconference, and our meeting has recently changed to Monday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

 It feels like spring!  Time for some spring cleaning?  Fresh Start can use what you don’t need and we are always grateful to receive new items from donors.  Several of our donors use their Kohls Cash or Target coupons to purchase items for our clients from the wish list on our website.
     At present we have an extreme need for pristine mattresses (no stains or rips),  kitchen tables with removable legs (not pedestal tables), queen fitted sheets, all sizes of comforters, pot holders and dish towels.
     Please help us to give our clients what they need to make their new housing into a comfortable home.  We are always grateful for gift cards (Target, Amazon, JobLot, etc.)to give to our clients for any extras they need.
     See our website above for more information about us and for our location and hours when we accept donations.
     Thank you for helping us to help others!  

Native Plant Trust Celebrates Native Plant Month, Announces Trillium Week, Performance of Unfurling with Boston Dance Theater

 
Wayland, MA – April is National Native Plant Month, following a bipartisan resolution first passed by the U.S. Senate in 2021 and repeated annually, including this year. The designation encourages all Americans to understand, plant, and preserve native flora, which are essential to maintaining biodiversity, supporting pollinators, and preserving ecosystem health.
On Saturday, May 2, Native Plant Trust will offer a special evening at Garden in the Woods, beginning with a walk through the gardens, followed by a performance of Unfurling, an original work by Boston Dance Theater. Following the performance, visitors will be invited to join Unfurling’s creative team for a discussion about the intersection of artistry, creation, and the natural world featuring BDT Founder and Co-Artistic Director Jessie Stinnett, Choreographer Kim Rachochia, sound artist Skooby Laposky, and Native Plant Trust Senior Horticulturist David Falk.
According to its creators, Unfurling is a site-responsive performance created by the artists of the Boston Dance Theater in collaboration with visual artist Kim Radochia. Drawing inspiration from the quiet resilience of plant life and the writings of indigenous botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, the work invites audiences into a shared sensory experience of movement, sound, and sculptural installation. Dancers will move through the space like tendrils of growth, attuning to one another, the land, and the invisible networks that sustain life. Unfurling asks us to notice what is overlooked and to sense our place within a living, interdependent world.
Trillium Week takes place May 3–9 at Garden in the Woods. This vibrant seasonal event, now in its eleventh year, features guided tours (free with Garden admission) and educational opportunities such as “The Native Plant Trust Trillium Collection: An Inside Look,” which highlights the ecological significance and beauty of spring ephemerals—especially the iconic trillium. “Trilliums are arguably the most distinctive flowers in the forests and wetlands of New England,” notes Johnson. “Add to that their natural rarity and status as a harbinger of spring, and it is hard to imagine a better ambassador for New England's plants. Trillium Week offers a rare opportunity to see the many color forms of all three New England species—Trillium erectum, Trillium grandiflorum, and Trillium cernuum—in a single location tucked under the canopy of towering hardwoods at Garden in the Woods.” Tour times and event details can be found on our website.
Native Plant Trust named Skooby Laposky its 2025 Visiting Artist, and he returns for a live performance during Twilight Trilliums, the signature event of Trillium Week. Laposky is a multidisciplinary artist and sound designer whose work—featured in Fast Company and The Boston Globe—translates natural systems into immersive sonic landscapes. Twilight Trilliums, a one-night-only event, takes place on Friday, May 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Garden in the Woods. Guests will experience a world-premiere sound installation,created by Laposky specifically for the occasion and inspired by the spring bloom and surrounding forest. Tickets to Twilight Trilliums are $50 and include Garden admission and refreshments.
Native Plant Trust's newly released spring/summer course catalog offers a robust lineup of in-person and online offerings, from hands-on workshops to special events and lectures. For tickets, registration, and additional information, visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

U.S. Navy Sailor from Massachusetts Will be One of the First Faces the Artemis II Crew Will See Upon Their Return to Earth

The first face the Artemis II crew will see upon their return to Earth will be the face of a U.S. Navy sailor.
Chief Hospital Corpsman Vlad Link, from Chelsea, Massachusetts, is a member of the dive medical team that will open the Orion capsule upon its return to Earth, make initial medical assessments of the Artemis II crew, and assist them out of the capsule safely and efficiently.
Link has 18 years of experience in dive medicine.

“I have been exposed to the Navy since I was a young teenager, and I’m proud to represent both my family and hometown,” Link said. “Contributing our efforts to NASA and the Artemis II mission is something we take great pride in as part of that legacy.”

Rotary Event - Dine and Dance with the Dulcetones

It’s May - Let’s groove together! On Friday, May 1,from 6:00 -10:00pm, the Rotary Clubs of Acton-Boxborough and Nashoba Valley invite you to their dinner dance fundraiser, Bid for Brighter Futures. Welcome the warm weather with a dining and dancing good time that will help local and national charities. Win-win!
What entertainment? After a sumptuous buffet, you’ll groove to the Dulcetones, a fantastic and popular offshoot of the local group Bare Hill Band. Their blend of 60s-80s rock, folk rock,R&B, and Motown will pull you onto the dance floor and put you into a springtime mood.
What else? Great on-site raffle prizes and silent auction. An online auction that opens on April 17 offering even more treasures. Find it at bidforbrighterfutures.com.
Why come. All of the above, plus the knowledge that you are providing help to Domestic Violence Services Network for troubled families, Danny’s Place for teens, the Special Olympics for special athletes, and more.
Tickets and details? Tix are $60 at bidforbrighterfutures.com. Location is the Boxboro Regency, 242 Adam’s Place, Boxborough MA, 6:00-10:00pm. Questions? Call 617-834-1615
April spring reflections concert

Back by Popular Demand
A Spring Concert with The New England Conservatory

In response to audience requests and the popularity of our winter concert, the Friends of the Goodnow Library have added a spring concert to the Sunday Afternoons Cultural Program series. Welcome spring with another free uplifting musical experience.
Please join the Friends on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 3 PM at First Parish Church, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, for Spring Reflections: An Afternoon with Bach, Ravel, and Schumann. The concert will feature performers from the New England Conservatory of Music. The performance will include Dylan Cohen (viola), Sofia Skoldberg (violin), Eric Schindler (cello), and August Baik (piano). These young musicians have received standing ovations for their performances. Don’t miss out on a very special concert experience.

Seating will be first come, first served. Free parking is available at First Parish Church or across the street behind Sudbury Town Hall.

In the event of inclement weather, please check www.friendsofgoodnow.org for updates.
This program is made possible by a generous bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library.

Concord Conservatory of Music Launches New State-of-the-Art Media Lab with Music Production Workshops

CONCORD, MA — The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is proud to offer two 4-week intensive Media Project Workshops this spring designed to introduce students of all ages to the world of digital music production and sound design. The workshops will take place at CCM’s brand-new, state-of-the-art Media Lab located at 15 Junction Square Drive.
As the music industry continues to evolve, CCM is expanding its curriculum to provide the community with the technical skills required for modern music creation. These workshops offer a "test drive" of the full-season Media Lab programs, giving students hands-on experience with professional-grade software like GarageBand.
Spring Workshop Offerings:
  • Fun with Music Making (Ages 8–13): A high-energy, low-pressure introduction to custom beats and sound design.
  • My First Song in GarageBand (Ages 13–Adult): A deep dive into the role of a Music Producer, taking students from a blank screen to a polished original track.
Both workshops are taught by esteemed Composition, Music Theory, and Piano Instructor Manuel Garcia-Baro. No prior experience is required, making these programs accessible to anyone curious about the intersection of technology and art.
Registration is now open online. Space in the Media Lab is limited to ensure personalized instruction.

Boxborough Minutemen 2026 Patriots’ Day Activities

   On Monday April 20, the Boxborough Minutemen Company will convene at 6:30 a.m. outside the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road, to commemorate the events of the original Patriots’ Day. The Museum is located at the edge of Boxborough’s Old Town Center Historic District where some of the original Minutemen from what became Boxborough mustered on April 19, 1775.
   The list of company officers is confirmed by a drumhead election. This is an old tradition whereby minutemen company members indicate their approval by tapping on the company bass drum. The company cannon is fired to announce that the company is ready to meet the enemy. There is a short march to Boxborough North Cemetery for a commemorative musket volley after which the names of men from Boxborough who joined in the battle on April 19, 1775 are read out.  At 7:30 a.m., the Boxborough Minutemen Company will take a bus to Concord where it will march in the anniversary parade.
  The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company. For information please contact Captain Rich Grady at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org or Lieutenant Tim Blankenship at lieutenant@boxboroughminutemen.org

Theatre III Presents Nice Work If You Can Get It

Theatre III presents Nice Work If You Can Get It, with music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin and book by Joe DiPietro; inspired by Material by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse.

A fun and joyous comedy musical, Nice Work If You Can Get It thrusts us into a light-hearted version of the Prohibition era, complete with bootleggers, socialites, chorus girls, and a vice squad, all set to the amazing songs of George and Ira Gershwin. Highlights from the score include “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Sweet and Low Down,” “Delishious,” and the title song.

Evening Performances: Saturday, May 2; Friday, May 8; Saturday, May 9; Friday, May 15; & Saturday, May 16 (7:30pm). Matinees: Sunday, May 3 & Sunday, May 10 (2pm).
Tickets available at www.theatre3.org - in advance: $28 + online surcharge; at the door: $30. Discounts for senior citizens, students, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Card To Culture program. (See website for details.) Theatre III is located at 250 Central St., Acton, MA.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com 

Stow COA Volunteer Drivers Needed

The Stow Council on Aging provides seniors (60+) and people with disabilities support by being a source of information on elder affairs, providing social activities, outreach services, and helping the senior population of Stow remain in their homes as long as safely possible.  We have tested a loosely termed “mobile” friendly program at the end of 2025.   Volunteer drivers are paired with an eligible senior resident to take them shopping or deliver groceries.  Although the COA van can provide this service, there are situations where the one-to-one support works best.  Volunteer drivers are also needed as many seniors have medical appointments outside of our service area or hours and often do not have a financially viable transportation option.      If you are interested in volunteering, complete the application available on our website.  Email the Office Manager at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov with any questions.

Help Katie with Her Senior Project!

Global Goods is a nonprofit based in Maynard supporting education globally and locally. We love having students get involved with us, and Katie has been an amazing intern with us since her freshman year at Maynard High School. Now as a senior at Maynard High School, she has been working all year on her senior project with a culminating keystone project.  As she plans to study health in college and is a Global Scholar, she has combined her interests with an idea to collect medicines and health related items for both a school in Guatemala and a foundation in Bali. Learn more about what you can do to help by visiting globalgoods.org, or following @MedicineFromTheSkyMaynard on Instagram.

Follow-up to Panel Discussion on “Barriers to Town Meeting Participation for People with Disabilities”

The League of Women Voters – Acton Area hosted a Zoom webinar on March 19, 2026, to inform voters with disabilities of their rights and municipalities of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Many people with disabilities face barriers to participating in Town Meeting. The webinar explored these challenges and shared practical strategies to remove obstacles and increase participation. It aimed to equip participants with knowledge and tools to foster inclusivity and strengthen their community’s democratic process.
The panelists reviewed key ADA requirements for accessible public meetings, explained how individuals can request reasonable accommodations, and outlined the steps municipalities must take to comply with the law.
Moderator and League member Mary Ann Ashton opened the session and introduced the panelists: Jeff Dougan, Assistant Director for Community Services at the Massachusetts Office on Disability; Wanjiku Gachugi, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Town of Acton and the town’s ADA Coordinator for Town Meeting; and Jo-Ann Berry, Town Moderator for the Town of Acton and Director of the League of Women Voters–Acton Area.
To request accommodations for a Town Meeting, contact your town’s ADA Coordinator by email (start with the Town Manager/Administrator, or Town Clerk for contact information), ideally at least two weeks in advance. The coordinator will then engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations.  Panel members shared various ways towns have successfully removed barriers, including using accessible venues, offering virtual options, hiring sign language interpreters, and providing closed captioning and large-print materials to name a few.
If you are a person with a disability, or a community member committed to ensuring every voice is heard, and were unable to attend the webinar, you can view the recording on our website at lwv-Actonarea.org.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that promotes informed and active participation in government at all levels. While the League takes positions on issues, it does not support or oppose political candidates or parties. It has a long tradition of providing voter information services, including programs like this webinar. Learn more at lwv-actonarea.org.
This event is part of the Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative. Margaret “Marge” Kennedy was a longtime member, leader, and advocate for social justice. Her generous bequest supports ongoing efforts to advance equity through events, public forums, and other community programs.