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Marlborough/Sudbury

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Current Edition - 9/18/26
Marlborough/Sudbury
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 - 8/21/26

HEADLINES

Get Ready for the Second Annual Maynard Country Musicfest on Saturday, September 19, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Memorial Park.

This year's headliner is Houston Bernard, the 2024 Country Act of the Year at the New England Music Awards. We are also excited to welcome special guest Whitney Doucet, who has performed a duet with Keith Urban, opened for several country music stars, and performed with her band on the side stage before Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Dan + Shay.

The day will be filled with fun activities, including blacksmith and roping demonstrations, line dancing lessons with Miss Tricia and her dancers, and a Best Dressed Contest. Food trucks will be on-site, and adult beverages will be available from Barrells & Vines and Amory’s Tomb Brewery. You can also browse several craft vendors lined up on Summer Street.

Thank you to the Maynard Cultural District and our generous business sponsors for making this event possible: Smith & Finley Homes, MacDonald Development, Summer Street Properties, The Capital Group, and Middlesex Savings Bank.

A special thank you also goes to our Country Musicfest Committee for all their hard work in putting this event together.

We hope to see you on September 19 at Maynard Memorial Park!

RANDALL LIBRARY MOVIE MATINEE
September 21, 2026 1:00 PM

The Randall Library Friends join in Stow’s Good Neighbor Week with a showing of “Steel Magnolias” on Monday, September 21. Movie begins at 1:00 PM.

“Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”

Steel Magnolias is a story about the strength and tenderness of Southern women who hold one another up through life’s sweetest moments and its hardest heartbreaks. The film centers on a tight-knit group of women in a small Louisiana town who gather regularly at Truvy’s beauty salon; a place where gossip, laughter, and emotional support flow as freely as hairspray. As the women navigate everyday life (marriages, family tensions, career changes, and personal reinvention) their bond deepens.

This is a feel-good movie with both tears and joy. It features a stellar ensemble, but Dolly Parton steals the show. Join your neighbors at the Randall Library to see this great movie.  [Rated PG; Run time: 1 hour 57 minutes]

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc.
Presents: The Deep Sky Extravaganza Star Watch!

Where: at the Stow Minute Man Airfield in Stow
When:   Friday, October 9th from 7:00 PM until 9:30 PM
             Rain date: Saturday, October 10th

Come join us beneath the dark October sky for an evening of stargazing and telescope viewing! With the Moon nearly absent from the sky, October 9th offers excellent conditions for exploring dark sky objects of the heavens. Take in diverse objects like galaxies, globular clusters, planetary nebulae and remnants of exploding stars! See the distant Andromeda Galaxy, colorful double stars, and Saturn with its magnificent rings! The Draconids Meteor Shower will be peaking that night, so keep an eye overhead for an occasional bright meteor or dramatic fireball streaking across the sky! Whether you’re an experienced skywatcher or have never looked through a telescope before, come see for yourself just how much of the universe is available to you overhead. In conjunction with our usual visual scopes, check out our newest digital imaging system, a Seestar 50, which may even let us see a real live supernova!  Clear Skies and hope to see you there!
Our rain date will be the next evening, October 10th just in case!
Here is a link to the SAS website and more information on the Star Watch: https://skylight.kantbelievemyeyes.com/star-night-minute-man-airfield/
If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone ill, we ask that you refrain from attending. 

Friends of the Hudson Public Library's Annual "Lobster and Meat Shoot" Fundraiser

Get your friends and your snacks packed! The Friends of the Library is excited to announce its upcoming Lobster and Meat Shoot fundraiser on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at the VFW, 3 Palmieri Drive, Hudson, with proceeds directly supporting the library’s community programs, workshops, and museum passes.

The game of "shoot" is similar to bingo, but with playing cards. Multiple games are played and the prizes are fresh lobsters or premium steaks! This event is an enjoyable evening for friends and family to come together, win delicious prizes, and support a vital community hub. A cash bar and 50/50 raffle tickets will be available.

Participants must be present to win. Attendees are encouraged to bring a cooler to transport their winnings home.

For more information, to volunteer, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact hudsonmalibraryfriends@gmail.com.

About Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Hudson Public Library through fundraising, volunteer services, and advocacy. By funding critical resources, children's literacy programs, and community events, the Friends help ensure the library remains a vibrant center for learning and connection. 

35 Seasons, One Timeless Tradition: Tickets Now on Sale for
Commonwealth Ballet's The Nutcracker

Kick off the holiday season with the magic of The Nutcracker and celebrate Commonwealth Ballet's 35th Anniversary Season: Tradition & Transformation.
This beloved holiday tradition features beautiful dancing, stunning costumes, enchanting sets, and memorable performances for audiences of all ages. From playful mice and cheerful Polichinelles to sparkling Snowflakes and the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers, The Nutcracker offers holiday wonder for families and arts lovers alike.
As Commonwealth Ballet marks 35 seasons of inspiring audiences through tradition, innovation, and artistic excellence, this year's performances are not to be missed. Learn more about the anniversary season here.
Performances: November 27-29 and December 18-20
Venue: Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, Weston, MA

Free Parking

Tickets are on sale now! Purchase tickets https://www.commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker and use promo code EB26 by October 1 for 20% Early Bird savings (excluding shortened sensory and family-friendly matinee on November 27th at 1pm)

Worcester Chamber Music Society Present
November Concerts in Harvard and Worcester

September 3, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society begins its 21st Season with a concert titled “Autumn Winds” at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard on September 25 and at Assumption University in Worcester on September 26. The chamber music ensemble opens the season with three pieces written in three centuries. Mozart and Brahms each composed works in their masterful styles that display the virtuosity of the hornist and clarinetist for whom they were written. Dohnányi’s Sextet showcases both instruments in a work that nods to Brahms while delighting in its own eccentricity and sass.
Friday, September 25 @7:30PM Saturday, September 26 @7:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church* Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
9 Ayer Road, Harvard 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM
Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K.407/386c
Johannes Brahms | Clarinet Trio, Op. 114
Ernő Dohnányi | Sextet, Op. 37
*9/25 performance is funded in part by the Shirley Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/autumn-winds/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

Massachusetts Patients, Survivors & Caregivers Will Travel to Nation’s Capital to Urge Congress to Make Cancer a National Priority 

Over a Dozen Local Advocates to Call on Congress to Increase Cancer Research and Prevention Funding and Improve Access to Clinical Trials
BOSTON – September 11, 2026 – Next week, more than 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from all across the nation will travel to Washington, D.C., as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)’s annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Among these will be over a dozen cancer advocates from every corner of Massachusetts.
Every person attending will bring a unique story: one will share her journey of being widowed shortly after her marriage when her husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Another will speak of being a young professional, beginning a career in cancer research. Others will tell lawmakers about their ongoing cancer battles or proud stories of survivorship.
These stories will be shared with members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and urge lawmakers to pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (CTMA).
 In the last 30 years, substantial and steady increases in federal cancer research funding have fueled discovery and innovation that has led to a 34% decline in cancer mortality rates. Advocates will remind lawmakers that this incredible momentum in the fight against cancer is fueled by sufficient funding at key agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 The advocates will also call on Massachusetts lawmakers to support the bipartisan Clinical Trial Modernization Act, or CTMA. This legislation would make it easier for all people with cancer to participate in clinical trials, including those in underrepresented populations, like rural residents, older adults, certain racial and ethnic groups, and those with limited incomes. The passage of CTMA is crucial to ensure more patients—regardless of their economic means or their geographic location—have a chance to enroll in clinical trials, ultimately giving more people a better chance in the face of a cancer diagnosis.
Aquarium

Aquarium Offering Discounted Tickets for Homeschooling Families
Special ticket Prices Available Every Tuesday through Dec. 22

BOSTON, MASS. (September 2026) – The New England Aquarium is offering discounted admission this fall for homeschooling families to experience its educational programs and exhibits.

Every Tuesday through December 22, 2026, homeschool families have access to special ticket prices: $12 for children and $21 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Aquarium’s Reservations Department at 617-973-5206 daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. More information is available on neaq.org.

Included in admission, the Aquarium offers a variety of programs, presentations, and feedings each day:
 
  • Guests can stop by an interactive educational space on the third floor called the Exploration Station, which offers both guided and self-led themed activities. Families can engage with sensory activities, pretend to be an Aquarium veterinarian, and spend some down time reading books.
  • Join an educator along the exhibit path for an up-close experience with one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. Learn more about jellies, local turtle species, or axolotls during animal encounters happening daily at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
  • Aquarium guests can enjoy daily presentations with the penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and residents of the Giant Ocean Tank, including Myrtle the green sea turtle. Full schedule available here.

The Aquarium also has a host of fun and educational activities on its website that can engage young learners before or after a trip to the Aquarium. The activities help visitors explore the Aquarium more deeply, encourage content learning, and improve science skills as well as support math and literacy development.

ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.

Become a Tutor of English
Sign Up for the Fall Class!

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

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

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

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they meet with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection. For more information or to enroll in the tutor training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Latest Release of Unclaimed Property Listings
Over 50,000 Names Added to Unclaimed Property List 

BOSTON - Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg has announced the latest grouping of names added to the state’s list of unclaimed property owners. Over 50,000 new properties worth millions of dollars are owed to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. This newly released list includes only individuals and businesses with unclaimed property over $100.

“Did you know there is $3.4 billion in unclaimed property here in Massachusetts?” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “Check the list, go online, or call our office to begin the process, because some of it could belong to you.”

Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. Last year, Treasury processed over 118,000 claims and returned $237 million in property to its rightful owners.

Treasurer Goldberg urges all citizens to check www.findmassmoney.gov for a complete list of over 10 million properties or call our live call center at 1-888-344-MASS (6277).

The full list of the new individuals, businesses, and nonprofits added to the unclaimed property list will be published in the Boston Globe on September 13th and in the Boston Herald on September 20th. In addition, the list of names will be published in regional and local papers in following weeks.

The Treasury releases an updated list of unclaimed property assets every six months as the new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit for a person to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

Native Plant Trust Announces “Plants: Solos for Native Species” on September 26
Registration for Fall and Winter Programs Open Now

WAYLAND, MA — Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants, announced its lineup of Fall and Winter
Programs, and a special fall collaboration with Boston Dance Theatre.
Saturday, September 26 Boston Dance Theatre will present “Plants: Solos for Native Species.” Throughout the day, visitors will experience immersive dance performances at different locations within Garden in the Woods, Native Plant Trust’s renowned botanic garden, featuring solo works inspired by individual native plant species. Four solo performances will loop throughout the day in differentlocations in the Garden. The event is free with Garden admission.
“Boston Dance Theatre’s Plants: Solos for Native Species transforms the Garden into both stage and subject, allowing us to encounter our native landscape through a completely new lens, inviting us to see our surroundings differently,” said Sara O’Brien, Director of Public Programs at Native Plant
Trust. “Boston Dance Theatre is known for bringing contemporary dance into conversation with the
world around us, and these intimate solo performances give individual native species a remarkable new presence. Connecting people more deeply to native plants is central to our mission, and art has a unique ability to inspire the curiosity, wonder, and sense of connection that spurs us to champion the well-being of our native landscapes.”
Plants: Solos for Native Species is just one of the fall and winter classes and events focused on native plants now open for registration. Tim Johnson, CEO of Native Plant Trust, notes: “The way we think about our gardens and landscapes is changing. Increasingly, people want to understand not simply
what to plant, but how their choices affect biodiversity, water, wildlife, climate resilience, and the
larger ecosystems around them. Our education programs meet that curiosity with the depth of science
and horticultural expertise that has defined Native Plant Trust for generations. By making that knowledge accessible—from advanced botany and conservation to practical ecological gardening—we
can help people turn their own landscapes into part of a much larger conservation effort.”

For more information and registration for programs, please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

ABOUT NATIVE PLANT TRUST
For over a century, Native Plant Trust has been leading the movement to conserve native plants in the
wild and use them in designed spaces. We do this to increase the beauty and resilience of New England
and the planet. From our base in Massachusetts, staff and trained volunteers work throughout New
England each year to monitor and protect rare and endangered plants, collect and preserve seeds to
ensure biological diversity, detect and control invasive species, conduct research, and offer a range of
educational programs. We welcome visitors from all over the world to Garden in the Woods, our
renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham, MA. We also operate a nursery at Nasami Farm
in western Massachusetts and manage six sanctuaries in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that are
open to the public. Please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.
Minuteman march

“Minute Man March” Walk in Concord to Support Critical Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities in 45 Middlesex Communities
Event to Include Mile Walk and Outdoor Celebration

WHAT: The Minute Man Arc is hosting its 22nd annual “Minute Man March” to support its many programs throughout Middlesex County for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The inclusive and accessible one-mile lap through Concord center will raise money for early intervention, day habilitation, employment services, and other opportunities for the more than 1,400 individuals served by Minute Man Arc. The walk will conclude with an outdoor celebration, where participants can enjoy music, food, games, and enter to win a variety of prizes.
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026  9:45 to 11:00 a.m. (celebration immediately following)
WHO: State Senator and Minute Man Arc Board Member Jamie Eldridge (confirmed)
State Representative Danillo Sena (invited)
Al Frugoli, interim CEO, Minute Man Arc
Minute Man Arc Board Members
Children, adults, and families served by provider organizations

WHERE: Alcott School, 93 Laurel Street, Concord, MA 01742

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton for decades. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday evenings by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.
Postpartum 1

Free Postpartum Documentary Screening

On Wednesday, September 23, 6:30-8:30, there will be a free screening of the first major documentary on postpartum depression which will be held at Goodnow Library in Sudbury. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring two participants in the documentary, group facilitator Heather O'Brien, LICSW, and group participant Veronica Greene. Kaitlyn Richer, CNM and Emily Fiorini, LMHC, will also be on the panel and questions/comments from the audience will be welcomed. "More Than Blue" was produced by Dr. Lee Cohen from Mass. General Hospital's Center for Women's Mental Health, featuring voices from First Connections' Emotional Wellbeing After Baby Support Group in Acton and other participants who have navigated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We invite the public to join us as the film works to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and emphasize the vital importance of comprehensive mental health care during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Registration is recommended but not required on the Goodnow Library calendar: https://goodnowlibrary.org/events. 
Pies

Apple Pie Sale Returns to UUCAV

Stow, Mass., September  - Fall is just around the corner, which means it’s apple pie season at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV, formerly First Parish Church of Stow and Acton)! Our volunteers will soon be hard at work picking, prepping, and baking our famous homemade apple pies. Sales begin September 19 and will run every Saturday and Sunday through October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to noon – or until we’re sold out, so be sure to come early!
Each 3 lb. pie is $20, and mini pies are $10. You’ll find the apple pie stand right out front at 353 Great Road in Stow, on Route 117 near the Route 62 intersection. Visit https://uucav.org/news for more information.
Special thanks to Shelburne Farm of Stow for generously donating the apples for the pies
Yard sale

Community Yard Sale at UUCAV

Stow, MA, Sept. 19 – Looking for new treasures? On Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., a community yard sale will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV). With multiple sellers and tables, you’ll find a wider variety and number of items in one place than you’d find at a typical household yard sale. Items are likely to include household wares, artwork, ceramics, toys, sports equipment, and one-of-a-kind items. You’ll also find apple pies, since it happens to also be the first day of UUCAV’s annual homemade apple pie sale – the pie sale starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until noon or until all the day’s pies are sold. The yard sale will be held in the church parking lot, unless it rains, in which case it will be held indoors. UUCAV is located at 353 Great Road, Stow.
Singers tune up

Singer’s Tune-Up Workshop at UUCAV


Stow, Mass., Sept  – Come be re-energized, refresh your singing skills, and add a few new tools to your singing tool kit. Soprano Jessica Tunick-Berens will lead a Singer’s Tune-Up Workshop at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV) on Saturday, September 26. The focus is on learning to care for your voice, avoiding over-tiring vocal practices, breathing well and effectively to support pitch, and creating uniform vowel production.

Jessica brings a broad range of musical experience, performing music including Medieval chant, experimental music, standards, folk, Balkan, musical theater, and opera. She has performed at many varied venues such as the Greek Theater, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, Christchurch in Dublin, UMass Boston, and Helmut List Halle in Graz, Austria. Jessica is a graduate of the California Institute of the Arts and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in vocal performance, and is a Transformational Voice Institute certified voice teacher.

All are welcome to attend! Suggested donation is $20. Visit https://tinyurl.com/uucavsing to register and reserve your spot!

The workshop will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in the Assabet Valley (UUCAV), located at 353 Great Road in Stow, Massachusetts. The building at UUCAV is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.
Safe communities

Building Culturally Safe Communities Together

Join The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable for our KICKOFF program, joined by the Massachusetts Women of Color Network. We will explore how race, gender, class, immigration status, disability, sexuality, and community reputation can affect a survivor’s experience of domestic and sexual violence and their ability to seek safety and support.This program will take place on Monday,September 28,2026 at 7PM on Zoom.

Participants will consider how community leaders, service providers, organizations, and residents can create more culturally responsive and survivor-supportive communities—and how all of us can better respond when someone discloses abuse.

This presentation will be led by Kishana Osei, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Women of Color Network (MAWOCN), and the Overnight Residential Counselor at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. With a profound commitment to the field of anti-violence work, she brings over 15 years of experience in advocacy, direct services for survivors, housing advocacy, program development, and a Bachelor’s’ degree in business management. Kishana openly identifies as a survivor of domestic violence and other injustices, and states that her personal experiences led her to this work, where she has found joy, healing, and purpose.

Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vALjt4TOQ0GjFvOE2X_K1g#/registration

Become a Tutor of English
Sign Up for the Fall Class!

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

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

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

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they meet with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection. For more information or to enroll in the tutor training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.
 

Sudbury Valley Trustees to Host 3rd Annual Beer in the Barn Fundraiser

Friday, September 25, 2026
6:30-9:00 pm
The Barn at Wolbach Farm

Purchase Tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/beer-in-the-barn

Join SVT for our third annual Beer in the Barn fundraiser! We'll serve craft beer from Amory’s Tomb Brewing Company, assorted non-alcoholic drinks, and classic hot dogs from Ye’ Olde Farm Stand with picnic side salads. The Red Horse Old Time Duo will play live fiddle and mandolin music for some good old toe-tapping fun!

A Beer in the Barn Ticket includes: One beer or one flight trio. Not a beer fan? There will be plenty of other non-alcoholic beverage options offered;
Two hotdogs with all the fixin's. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available; Generous appetizers and snacks; and
Live music by the Red Horse Old-time Duo.
Additional drink tickets and hot dogs are available for purchase at the door.

And, for the second year in a row SVT will once again host the exciting Masskrugstemmen, or Steinholding Competition, popular in Bavaria, Germany. This activity was a huge hit last year! The U.S. Steinholding Association has designated SVT’s Beer in the Barn event as an official qualifying competition location for the Massachusetts Steinholding State Championships to be held in Boston later this fall. Feeling strong? Grab a partner for some friendly competition and hold your beer stein high for a good cause! Each attempt is $10/try. Proceeds benefit SVT. The top two winners receive prizes and will be entered into the State Championships. Who will win this endurance challenge?

Purchase your tickets today at https://events.humanitix.com/beer-in-the-barn! A portion of every Beer in the Barn ticket sold helps support SVT's mission to protect natural areas and farmland in the 36 communities that surround the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers.
 

CCHS Class of 1986 Reunion!

Let’s Get Together Again!
On Saturday September 19, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 pm the CCHS Class of 1986 will host a reunion. It will be at Nosh at 97 Lowell Road Concord, MA.
For questions and RSVP please contact Mardi Bartkus Hutchinson at mardihut19@gmail.com
 

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

New Class at Fivesparks! Photographing and Capturing the Beauty of Flowers and Gardens

 
When: October 17, 24, 31, and November 10
Where: Fivesparks, 7 Fairbank St, Harvard, MA, 01451

Would you like to elevate your flower photos from nice snapshots to gorgeous images that you'll treasure forever? Come learn a set of simple techniques for taking stunning flower and garden photos. ALL cameras, phones, and experience levels welcome! We'll photograph real flowers and experiment with backgrounds, lights, reflectors, diffusers, Lensball, special effect attachments for your phone, and more. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful images you can create! Four Saturday mornings starting October 17.  Learn more and register at
https://www.fivesparks.org/event/photographing-and-capturing-the-beauty-of-flowers-and-gardens/2026-10-17/
Nature program

Free Nature Program September 27, Westborough

Sunday, September 27, 2026, 1:30-3:00 pm
Gilmore Pond Sensory Trail Grand Opening
Join the Westborough Community Land Trust on Sunday, September 27 at 1:30 to celebrate the completion of the All-Persons Sensory Nature Trail at the Gilmore Pond Woodland Park. We have undertaken a multiyear project to make the trail around Gilmore Pond accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Come see the result of that effort: A trail that can be enjoyed by the visually impaired as well as those with limited mobility, which now includes multiple stations with audio content dedicated to the history and nature of the surroundings. Local and State officials are expected for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by guided tours of the trail showcasing its features and discussing the local flora and fauna. Meet at the Gilmore Pond Trail Entrance, GPS address approximately 19 Quick Farm Rd. Westborough. Please park on only one side of the road, and respect the neighbors. Free and open to the public.
Trail map: https://westboroughlandtrust.org/maps/UJ
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org
Freedoms way 2

Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area Launches 2027 Partnership Grant Program; Allocates $100k in Support of Creative Programs & Projects


DEVENS, MA, September 8, 2026 – Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area is pleased to announce the launch of its Annual Partnership Grant Program on October 1, 2026. Designed to provide strategic investments in the natural, cultural, and historical resources that enhance the region’s sense of place, $100,000 has been set aside for this funding cycle.

Reimbursable matching grants of up to $5,000 are available to eligible non-profits, municipalities, state agencies, and public academic institutions. Applications are accepted, reviewed, and awarded on a rolling basis from October 1st, 2026 through April 15, 2027, or until the allocated funds have been committed.

The Freedom’s Way Partnership Grant Program supports a variety of creative programs and projects, diverse in scale and scope, that align with the following funding opportunities: 
 
  • Storytelling  
  • Education, Interpretation & Curation 
  • Community Planning & Resource Conservation  
  • Historic Preservation 
  • Regional Cultural Events  
  • Freedom’s Way 250 

Prospective applicants are encouraged to arrange a time to discuss their program or project prior to the submission of an online application by sending an email to grants@freedomsway.org.

Since its inception, the Freedom’s Way Partnership Grant Program has awarded 270 grants totaling over $391,000 within the Heritage Area’s 45 communities. More than $4.9 million in cash and in-kind match has been generated, leveraging Heritage Partnership funds received through the National Park Service by 13:1.

For more information, including program guidelines, application materials, and past project descriptions, visit freedomsway.org/grants.   

The Marlborough Historical Society Presents
The Underground History at Blackstone National Park

This event will be held on September 22, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. at the Peter Rice Homestead,  377 Elm Street (parking across the street in the lot)

The presenter, Susan Franz, holds a master’s degree from Clark University and has taught at several local colleges.   She played a key role in gaining National Park Service recognition for Underground Railroad locations in the  Blackstone River Valley and designed an exhibit on the Underground Railroad for state parks in Massachusetts.

Susan also teaches courses on the abolition and Underground Railroad periods for the WISE program at Assumption College.

This event is free and refreshments will be served.
 

Join Us for the Community High Holiday Programs & Services

The Chabad Center of Sudbury invites the community to join us for the many High Holiday Programs, Services and Celebrations for all ages and backgrounds which are open to all.

Join us for the Community High Holiday Services for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur which are friendly, welcoming and meaningful, and also include a separate children's program. You can see more details and the full schedule on our website at www.chabadsudbury.com/hh26

Join us for Shofar & Tashlich at the Grist Mill on Sunday Sep 13th at 4:30pm for this beautiful annual tradition and gathering.

For Pre Rosh Hashanah, we are hosting a fun kid-friendly Jewish New Year Fair featuring a Shofar Factory, Challah Baking, Arts & Crafts and more on Sunday morning Sep 6th. More info at www.chabadsudbury.com/jnf26

We will also be hosting a Ladies Challah Bake on Tuesday Sep 8th at 7pm. More info at www.chabadsudbury.com/RHChallah

More info is available on our website for all of these events and more, including the Rosh Hashanah Dinner, Classes and other events, and there you can RSVP.

You may also call 978-443-0110
 

1st ANNUAL
“HOMECOMING SUNDAY”

at First United Methodist Church, Hudson

Come one, come all!  Sunday, September 13th from 11:00am – 4:00pm  “Homecoming Sunday” (formerly our Block Party), marks the beginning of our Fall worship  season as we welcome our neighbors from the Hudson community and surrounding towns to celebrate this ALL FREE fun afternoon.

Our choir is returning and we are planning a new “event” which will begin with our worship service at 11:00am.  The afternoon is FREE for everything which includes food, Animal Adventures (with some very interesting creatures).  We’re delighted to have a return guest appearance from Tony Funches, great singer from one of the most successful vocal groups of the early Rock ’n Roll era “The Platters”.

You’ll enjoy listening to his singing old standards and newer tunes. Then stay to “make your own” ice cream sundaes with popular toppings and as the day winds down you’ll listen to a most talented vocalist from our church, Chris Jordan, singing popular songs (he may take requests too!)  Invite your friends and neighbors to come by for a relaxing time of song, fun, food, and entertainment.

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

Power of the Practice, an Immersive Exhibition by Artists Margie Breault and Mickey Lee Voas

Coming to the Marlborough Public Library, with a public reception on Tuesday, September 29 from 5–7 PM. The exhibition combines photography, poetry, sound and meditation to explore what becomes visible when people intentionally return to themselves through practice.
The project began with participants being photographed before and after a bioscalar energy activation. Their reflections from the experience were then transformed into individual poems, creating a body of work that holds both the visible and internal sides of transformation.
The exhibition was first installed at Worcester's Jean McDonough Arts Center, where hundreds of people have already moved through and experienced the work, and it has since been featured by Artscope Magazine on its social media channels.
You can see photographs of the JMAC installation here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XvXKGW4-L4h2PsAVZXQIJ9BUxgfFG7dH?usp=sharing
The Marlborough reception will include a live reading of the poetry supported by sound beginning at 5:30 PM, along with the full exhibition and recorded meditation experience.
Event details and registration:
https://events.humanitix.com/the-power-of-the-practice-reception-marlborough-public-library  

Temple Emanuel of Marlborough

150 Berlin Rd. Marlborough, MA 01752
High Holidays 2026/5787 Schedule of Services

Erev Rosh Hashanah - Friday, September 11, 7:30 pm.
Rosh Hashanah, 1st day - Saturday, September 12, 10:00 am.
Rosh Hashanah, 2nd day – Sunday, September 13, 10:00 am Torah Study.
Kol Nidre - Sunday, September 20, 7:30 pm.
Yom Kippur Morning service with Yizkor- Monday, September 21, 10:00 am.
Yom Kippur Afternoon service followed by Neilah and pot luck break fast – Monday, September 21, 5:00 pm.
Tickets are not required for non-members.
There is a suggested $90 donation per adult, but any amount is appreciated. We look forward to welcoming our friends and community. Please mail checks to:
Temple Emanuel   PO Box 596   Marlborough, MA 01752

Now Enrolling Hebrew School
  • Small Hebrew school classes grades K – 8
  • Professional, experienced staff of educators
  • Education is made accessible to all learners, including students with IEPs and 504s


We welcome families of all Jewish backgrounds into our warm family environment.
For more information, please contact Arlene Lemieux, Director of Education, at (508) 733-6521.

Temple Emanuel of Marlborough is an unaffiliated traditional egalitarian synagogue. We are a small, friendly, welcoming congregation open to individuals and families at all stages of their Jewish journey.

CCHS Class of 1986 Reunion!

Let’s Get Together Again!
On Saturday September 19, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 pm the CCHS Class of 1986 will host a reunion. It will be at Nosh at 97 Lowell Road Concord, MA.
For questions and RSVP please contact Mardi Bartkus Hutchinson at mardihut19@gmail.com

Wayside Quilters Guild Biennial Quilt Show:
The Art of the Quilt

‘The Art of the Quilt’, Wayside Quilters Guild biennial quilt show, will be held on Saturday September 26th (10am-5pm) and Sunday September 27th (10am-4pm) at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, 390 Lincoln Rd, Sudbury, MA. Enjoy a feast of visual delight with about 100 quilts on display, and learn the stories of each quilt. Shop the boutique of handmade quilts and crafts, attend quilting demonstrations, buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a beautiful queen size quilt ‘Sea Breeze’ and several small quilts. Winners will be drawn on Sunday September 27th. There will also be a quilt scavenger hunt for children. Admission is $10, and free for children under 12 years old. The quilt show supports the guild’s local community outreach quilt donations, speakers and workshops. The Wayside Quilters Guild website is www.waysidequilters.org and email address is info@waysidequilters.org.
Kristens ride 3

Kristen’s Ride Returns September 13:
A Community Tradition of Riding, Remembering and Giving Back


LITTLETON, MA – The Hoenshell family invites the community to join the 16th Annual Kristen’s Ride on Sunday, September 13, 2026, a day of motorcycles, family, friendship and giving back. Whether you ride, attend the cookout, sponsor the event or simply want to support a great cause, everyone is welcome.
The day begins at O’Neil Cinemas, 1208 Constitution Ave., Littleton, with registration at 9:00 a.m. and kickstands up at 10:00 a.m. Riders will take part in a 75-mile police-escorted ride through Littleton and surrounding communities, with a midway bathroom stop in Westminster, before finishing in Ayer.  The ride concludes at the Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club, 255 Snake Hill Road in Ayer where riders, families and community members will gather from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a cookout featuring food, music, raffles, a cash bar, face painting and a bounce house for children.
The cost is $25 per rider, including a T-shirt while supplies last and admission to the cookout. Non-riders can attend the cookout for a $25 donation, and children under 12 are free.

From a Family’s Fight Against Cancer
Kristen’s Ride began in 2008, shortly after the Hoenshell family learned that their nine-month-old daughter, Kristen, had been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that develops in muscle tissue. In Kristen’s case, the cancer was located in her eye. She underwent surgery followed by 43 weeks of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation. Kristen completed treatment in March 2009 and has remained in remission since March 2010.
The first ride was organized to help the family manage the financial challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis. As Kristen recovered, however, the event evolved from helping one family to helping others. The Hoenshell family chose to “pay it forward,” turning the support they received into an ongoing commitment to families and communities affected by cancer.
Although the ride has not been held every year, including several years when COVID and other circumstances forced the family to pause, the mission has continued. In 2026, the community will come together for the 16th Kristen’s Ride.

Remembering Frank
Kristen’s Ride took on an even deeper meaning in 2016 when the family lost Francis “Frank” Hoenshell, Kristen’s father and a co-founder of the ride. Frank died of cancer on March 26, 2016, at just 47 years old.
Frank was a lifelong Massachusetts resident, a carpenter and successful small-business owner, and an avid motorcyclist. But to those who knew him, his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was known as a hardworking, humble and generous man who believed in perseverance, helping others and putting family first. As his family often says, Frank was “a Husband first and a Daddy always.”
After his passing, the family chose to continue Kristen’s Ride in his honor and carry his values forward through helping others. That decision led to the creation of the Frank Hoenshell Memorial Scholarship.

Continuing Frank’s Legacy
The scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors in Littleton and surrounding communities who demonstrate personal growth, resilience, hard work and a commitment to helping others. Over the past 10 years, Kristen’s Ride supporters have helped award $1,000 scholarships to 47 graduating high school seniors.
For the Hoenshell family, the scholarship is a meaningful way to keep Frank’s memory alive while helping young people pursue their goals and make a difference in their community.
Today, the scholarship is one part of Kristen’s Ride’s broader nonprofit mission, which includes supporting cancer research, helping local families affected by cancer and providing scholarships to graduating seniors.

A Tradition That Continues
Nearly two decades after that first ride, Kristen’s Ride has become a community tradition built on gratitude, remembrance and giving back. Each year, riders, sponsors, volunteers, families and friends come together not only to raise money, but to honor loved ones who have been lost, celebrate those who have overcome cancer and support families still facing the disease.
What began with one family’s difficult journey has grown into an opportunity to help others.
The Hoenshell family hopes the community will join them on September 13 to ride, remember, celebrate and give back. Motorcycle riders, families, friends and community members are all invited.
For registration, donations, the complete ride route and additional information, visit KristensRide.com.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Join us for the Fabulous 48th Season of the Sounds of Stow!

Selections focus on “Connections”, both musical and thematic, promoting visions of hope and shared humanity.
Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals, Monday evenings August 31, September 7, and September 14 at the First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9:15. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers.
Sunday, November 22, 2026, our season opens with Maurice Durufle's much beloved "Requiem".  Stylistic traditions and techniques spanning centuries are evident in this piece, composed in 1947, which is mainly contemplative, but breaks into memorable dramatic renderings of appropriate texts. Barbara Jones directs the chorus, accompanied by organ, strings, trumpets, harp and timpani, in the beautiful Salem Covenant Church just east of Worcester.
Building on the great success of Christopher Tin’s “To Shiver The Sky” (April, 2026), we eagerly anticipate performing his “The Drop that Contained the Sea” on April 11, 2027.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus is a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly encourage Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! We hope to see you this month!

For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email
soundsofstow@gmail.com

Eastern Mass Hawk Watch 2026 Annual Meeting

When: Friday September 11th at 7pm
Where: Middlesex Community College, Bedford MA Campus.  591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730.

The 2026 Eastern Mass Hawk Watch annual meeting will be Friday, September 11th at 7pm. We will gather at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA. The meeting will take place in the Cafe East section of the Campus Center. Please find a detailed campus map and driving directions on our website here: https://massbird.org/emhw/annual-meeting/
2026 marks 50 years of Eastern Mass Hawk Watch. We'd like to extend the invitation to our meeting to the public and welcome all who are interested in learning more about hawkwatching and our organization. The annual meeting is the traditional kick-off to the Fall hawkwatching season in Massachusetts - it won't be long before the first kettles of Broad-wings gather over the skies of New England!
Our keynote speaker this year is Mark Wilson, Wildlife Photojournalist and Teacher Naturalist, presenting his Ten Wild Photos, Ten Wild Stories talk: a unique slide program that explores some of Mark’s best wildlife photos taken over 30 years in some surprising places. Mark will present ten select images. Each image will be discussed in-depth as to how and why it was made. Supporting photos will help explain. Topics of discussion will include photo techniques, equipment, ethics and natural history, and staying comfortable and healthy in harsh environments. Aspiring beginner photographers and traveled veterans alike will find inspiration to assess and improve their own work. Non-photographers get to peek under the lens cap and see how a pro comes up with knock-out photos.
Mark Wilson was a staff photographer for the Boston Globe for 23 years. During those years he also wrote regular columns on photography and birds for the Globe. His wildlife photos have appeared in a wide variety of publications including National Geographic (Oct. 1992 cover, bullfrog). Mark and Marcia Wilson work as a team in the field, exploring remote areas that few people get to visit. In 2001 they completed a 19-day canoe trip down a North Slope River in Alaska’s Arctic Refuge. That trip is the basis for a chapter Mark wrote for the book Arctic Wings.
The meeting is free and open to the public (donations appreciated). A social hour with beverages, appetizers and snacks starts at 6pm, followed at 7pm by a brief business meeting and the keynote presentation. The business meeting will review EMHW Watch Sites and how you can visit or participate this upcoming migration season! We’ll also have the return of our famous raffle, including many raptor-related and birding items and some fantastic photography. Join us for a great evening!

If you are interested in contributing raffle items, refreshments, or helping EMHW with the meeting, please let us know at e.masshawkwatch@comcast.net and we'll be in contact!
For complete information, including directions to the location in Bedford (plenty of free parking), visit the Eastern Mass Hawk Watch web site at massbird.org/EMHW.
Plight of loyalists

The Plight of Loyalists Program at Fort Devens Museum September 19


Join us at the Fort Devens Museum at 1:00 PM on September 19th to learn about a different aspect of Revolutionary America with “I Have Scarcely a Mouthful of Bread for Myself or My Children”: The Plight of Loyalists on the Eve of Independence. This lecture, presented by historian Alexander Cain, examines the often-overlooked experiences of American Loyalists from New England and New York during the Revolutionary War. It examines how unwavering loyalty to the Crown led to the loss of homes, freedom, and security for numerous families. Drawing on original petitions and firsthand accounts, the presentation traces the harrowing flight of Loyalists from so-called "patriot" mobs and Committees of Safety. The discussion further explores the severe hardships endured by Loyalist families, including those from Massachusetts, who sought refuge with the British army in Canada, facing starvation, violations of civil liberties, and exile. The lecture also highlights the resilience that enabled these individuals to persevere in the face of such adversity.
Alexander Cain, JD, has authored numerous research articles and presentations on the American Revolution, including the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and the experiences of New England and New York loyalist refugees during the Burgoyne Campaign. In addition, he has published two books: We Stood Our Ground: Lexington in the First Year of the American Revolution and I See Nothing but the Horrors of a Civil War: The Loyalists of McAlpin’s Corps of American Volunteers. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast Historical Nerdery (historicalnerdery.com). Currently, he is in the process of writing his upcoming book, “For God’s Sake, Fire!” - The Massachusetts Militia System on the Eve of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which is anticipated to be released in 2027. Alex is also the Executive Director of Apprenticeship Pathways at North Shore Community College in Danvers, Massachusetts. He leads an educational initiative that introduces high school students and incumbent workers to apprenticeship opportunities in Allied Health.
The Fort Devens Museum is open from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday September 19th with the program at 1:00 PM. The museum is located on the 3rd floor of 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA and is wheelchair accessible. This program is free and open to the public with donations appreciated. Thank you to the Ayer Cultural Council, part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more information email info@grotonhistory.org

As Fall Term Begins, Treasurer Goldberg and ABCC Launch "Operation Safe Campus"
An Effort to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms Among College Students

 
BOSTON — The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC), under the direction of State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, has launched Operation Safe Campus. The annual program is designed to target underage drinking on college campuses and in surrounding communities to keep alcoholic beverages out of the hands of underage students and prevent tragedies. This initiative begins each year when students return to colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts.
"As we begin the new school year, Operation Safe Campus reminds college students, servers and sellers alike of the real risks of underage drinking," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the ABCC. "We want to increase awareness and promote responsible choices, to protect kids and their families from experiencing serious consequences."
The enforcement efforts focus primarily on liquor stores in college communities where underage individuals often attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages with false identification, have adults buy alcoholic beverages for them, or have it delivered by way of delivery apps. Additionally, efforts focus on bars that have been known to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.
The program focuses on front-line 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.
In 2025, the ABCC Safe Campus program found approximately 104 minors in possession, transporting, or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages, 10 adults procuring alcohol for minors, and 250 individuals in possession of false identification. Approximately 38 cases of beer and 40 bottles of alcohol were confiscated by Investigators, preventing delivery to approximately 550 underage individuals. In 2025, bars and liquor stores were charged with approximately 200 counts of sale to underage persons.
Since 2005, these programs have resulted in the following cumulative results: 14,500 minors in possession or transporting alcoholic beverages; 3,700 adults procuring alcohol for minors; 2,500 individuals in possession of false identification; and approximately 6,600 cases of beer and 5,600 of alcohol were confiscated, preventing delivery to an estimated 86,200 underage individuals.
Annually, approximately 1,519 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking, and 14 percent of college students meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. In Massachusetts alone, the overall annual cost of alcohol abuse by youth is estimated at $1.4 billion.
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.

The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends Join Forces to Help Save Lives

BOSTON, Aug. 24, 2026 — The American Red Cross urges people to celebrate the power of kindness by making an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets. Every donation is critical to helping prevent the next blood shortage.
The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends are partnering in September to remind donors that comfort and care are always better when shared. Just one blood or platelet donation can help more than one patient enjoy a happier future. As a thank-you, those who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will get an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.
Thanks to the generosity of thousands of people who rolled up a sleeve this summer, the blood supply continues to recover from critically low levels. As we enter September, the blood supply remains vulnerable — especially as we approach new seasonal challenges such as back-to-school activities that can cause donors to be less available to give, and the ongoing potential for tropical systems in the Atlantic, which can further threaten the blood supply by disrupting blood drives. By making and keeping appointments now, donors can help the Red Cross ensure lifesaving blood products are on hand wherever they are needed, including communities where donations may not be possible due to severe summer weather and natural disasters.
One small act of kindness can travel far. Spark joy and book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Marlborough & Sudbury Sept.1-20:

9/15/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd
9/19/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Marlborough Library, 35 W Main St

Middlesex County 4-H Fair from August 28-30

The Middlesex County 4-H Fair is from August 28-30, 8am-6pm, except for Sunday, when it closes at 4pm. The fairground is located at 55 South Chelmsford Road, Westford. There is parking at the fairgrounds, as well as additional parking with a free shuttle that drops off at the gate.
The fair is family-friendly and geared towards kids, but is enjoyable for all ages. There is livestock which includes horses, goats, dogs, cows, chickens, rabbits, and sheep.  The animals are shown by 4-H youth, who compete for ribbons and also to entertain the public.
The showing class is where animals are displayed and are judged on how well they handle and how they look. Some of the highlights in livestock are the horse shows, rabbit races, the chicken poop bingo and dog agility.
In addition to livestock, 4-H members are also judged on various projects, which are displayed in the Static Barn. Examples of projects include: arts and crafts, home-grown produce, photography, bee and maple products, and a wide variety of posters - just to name a few.
One of the most popular activities is the hay ride, which allows people to see the whole fair while riding a tractor. There are also various shows and performances, corn husking and a watermelon eating contest, bouncy house, and lots of fair food.
4-H youth help run parts of the fair, and it is not uncommon to see them as you walk around. The fair happens once a year, but 4-H members spend all year working on their projects, taking care of, and training their animals. These 3 days of the fair allow the pubic to see all their hard work.
There is enough at the fair that you will not get bored, but it isn’t large like the Topsfield or BigE fair. The fair has been relatively unchanged since its founding in 1956. We like to stick to the roots of what a county fair really is.
4-H is a youth organization founded in 1902, with 6 million youth nationwide and 5,148 in Massachusetts. Although the roots of 4-H are in agriculture, it has expanded to a wide range of interests including STEM education. 4-H focuses on developing skills like public speaking, record keeping, leadership, and working on year long projects with animals or plants which teaches patience and hard work.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

The Women's Business Network (WBN) Hosts Best Practices for Use of AI in Your Business

The Women's Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 pm at Holy Trinity Parish (St. Theresa Church) church hall, 15 Still River Road in Harvard MA. We will have a presentation by Leia Owen, Marketing and Business Consultant, who will break down some of the most common AI tools and features available to businesses, as to what they’re actually good for, and where you still need a human in the driver’s seat. 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. Guests welcome. 

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOSTS MIDDLESEX DISTRICT ATTORNEY CANDIDATE FORUM

With the September 1st state primary fast approaching, Middlesex County voters can hear directly from the two Democratic candidates vying to lead the county’s District Attorney office. Incumbent District Attorney Marian Ryan and challenger David Solet, a former longtime prosecutor in the office, appeared recently at a candidate forum taped at NewTV’s studios in Newton. The tape of the forum is online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA.

The forum was organized by a coalition of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and local League of Women Voters chapters – including the Westford League – in coordination with NewTV, Newton’s local media outlet. Following League practice, the forum was structured around a series of moderated questions submitted by community members in advance, with both candidates having equal time to respond and lay out their vision for the office.

Since there is no candidate for District Attorney on the Republican primary ballot, the winner of the Democratic primary will be the presumptive next District Attorney.

As chief prosecutor for Middlesex County, the DA decides whether to bring charges, prosecutes criminal cases, and works with police during investigations, with a duty to pursue fair outcomes, not just convictions.

The taped forum is now online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA, giving voters time to watch it before heading to the polls in the state primary election on Tuesday, September 1. Registered Democrats, as well as unenrolled voters (aka “independent” voters) and those enrolled in political “designations” who choose the Democratic ballot, can vote in this race.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information, go to https://lwv.westford.org/.
Hab hum 2026 gala2

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell Hosts 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala to Raise $150,000 for Affordable Housing

Concord, MA — September 18th, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell will host its 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala on Friday, September 18, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA. This signature fundraising event aims to raise over $150,000 in support of affordable housing initiatives across 16 towns in Greater Lowell.

Guests will enjoy a formal evening featuring a seated dinner, music, and silent and live auctions. Beyond a memorable night out, it’s also an opportunity to connect with community leaders, business professionals, and neighbors who share a passion for making a difference. Funds raised will directly support Habitat’s mission to build, rehabilitate, and repair safe, affordable homes for low-income families in the region.

“Our community is facing a real housing crisis,” said Sheilagh Carlisle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. “This Gala isn’t just a night out—it’s a way to come together and do something meaningful. Every ticket, every donation helps a local family build a stable home and a better future. When we invest in our neighbors, we strengthen the entire community.”

This year’s Gala comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell has expanded its building efforts from one home per year to four, with projects underway in Westford, and Concord. In Concord, HFHGL has been progressing on a new development called Assabet River Homes in partnership with the Concord Housing Development Corporation and with $1 million committed from the Concord Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. The project will create three new homeownership opportunities, with foundations currently being installed. The total project cost is
estimated at $2.1 million, and the organization is actively seeking $1 million in additional funding to support these early stages, making the Gala critical to advancing the project.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.lowellhabitat.org/gala.
Aquarium turtles

New England Aquarium Returns Four Rehabilitated Sea Turtles to the Ocean in Fifth Beach Release of the Season


Kemp's ridley sea turtles “Lucky” and “Dumpling” to be tagged for post-release monitoring

BOSTON, MASS. (Aug. 20, 2026) – Four Kemp's ridley sea turtles are back in the ocean off Cape Cod, Mass., after the New England Aquarium released them Wednesday evening following months of specialized treatment. The Aquarium has now released 38 rehabilitated turtles this summer.
Staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., treated the hypothermic turtles for a variety of life-threatening medical conditions, including pneumonia, dehydration, and trauma, after they washed onto the shores of Cape Cod in November and December 2025. Aquarium veterinarians cleared the turtles–named “Dumpling,” “Jumble,” “Lucky,” and “Old English”–to return to Nantucket Sound from West Dennis Beach following eight months of care. Dumpling received treatment for severe pneumonia and flipper swelling, while Jumble, Lucky, and Old English underwent surgery for bacterial infections in their joints.
“As the season winds down, these later releases mark a special milestone in our rescue and rehabilitation program,” said Adam Kennedy, Director of Rescue and Rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium. “The turtles heading home have undergone some of the most rigorous treatments, with each patient representing months of recovery. It's a moment worth marking in the broader effort to conserve sea turtles for generations to come.”
Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are endangered, facing threats including climate change, ocean pollution, and degradation of their habitats. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts help to conserve the species.
Scientists from the Aquarium’s research arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, will be using tagging technology to monitor two of the turtles, “Lucky” and “Dumpling.” The tags applied to the turtles’ shells collect information about the animals’ behavior, habitat use, and survivorship, which helps inform sea turtle conservation and protection efforts, especially in New England where little is known about these species. This season, the team is using a combination of satellite tags for real-time data and acoustic tags for longer-term tracking; some of the turtles will be added to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Tracker for the public to follow their journey. This sea turtle work is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Permit Number ES69328.
During the 2025 cold-stunning season, which ran from early November to late December, the Aquarium treated nearly 500 live sea turtles, most of them Kemp’s ridleys, that were rescued from Cape Cod beaches by staff and volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Getting these turtles back to full health requires a collaborative effort among biologists, veterinarians, and researchers. A few turtles remain at the Aquarium's Quincy facility, continuing treatment until they are medically cleared to return to the ocean.
Aquarium staff, volunteers, and interns have a tradition of naming the turtles receiving long-term care, with this year’s theme being font-inspired names.