Marlborough/Sudbury

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Current Edition - 7/26/24
Previous Edition - 7/19/24

HEADLINES

Chelmsford Historical Society Holding Classic Car Show

The Chelmsford Historical Society, in collaboration with Goonz Car Club Massachusetts, will be holding a classic car show on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 1-4pm.
All pre-1970 cars and trucks are welcome at the event. The show will feature the 1959 Raven, a custom car designed and built by Arthur Bentas in Chelmsford from 1950-1959. It has won numerous awards and was bought by Joe Germann in 2007 and restored in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary of winning the 1959 NHRA National Championship Custom Car Show Trophy.
The car show will be held rain or shine at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, located at 40 Byam Road, Chelmsford, MA. There will be food for purchase, music, games, a 50/50 raffle, and tours of the house.
13 the musical

13 The Musical (Jr) comes to Hudson July 26-27!

We all know how challenging puberty can be, but for 13 year old Evan Goldman, moving from New York City to small-town Appleton, Indiana as his parents split up and he plans his Bar Mitzvah is a LOT. He navigates the complicated social circles of a new school and meets new friends, learning lessons about growing up and teen drama.
Co-Director/Music Director Alyssa MacDonald and Co-Director/Choreographer Steven Yerardi lead this large and talented local cast ranging in age from 7-18.
Performances will be in the Paul "Skip" Johnson auditorium in Hudson High School, 69 Brigham St. Tickets are available online and at the door - $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Shows are scheduled for Friday July 26 at 7pm, and Saturday July 27 at 2pm and 7pm. Concessions and raffles will be available in the lobby.
Svt amara ifeji

“Outdoor Voices” Series to Feature Environmental Justice Leader Amara Ifeji


Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) is launching a new Outdoor Voices speakers’ series that features environmentalists who will share stories about their experiences in nature. These programs are open to the public, free of charge.
“The conservation movement often acts as if we all enjoy nature in the same way, and have the same access, but this is simply not true, ” said Sally Purrington Hild, Engagement and Events Manager for the organization.
The Outdoor Voices series kicks off on August 24 at Wolbach Farm in Sudbury. The program will feature Amarachukwu Ifeji, Director of Policy at the Maine Environmental Education Association.
Ms. Ifeji, who is of Igbo descent, will explore the history of the conservation movement in the United States, which has traditionally excluded people of color from outdoor spaces. She will share her personal experiences of environmental exclusion, discuss how she combats these injustices through environmental education, and highlight the critical importance of centering historically marginalized voices in environmental, climate, and conservation movements.
The August 24 program is co-sponsored by Professionals of Color in the Environment (POCIE), a statewide community that strives to dismantle barriers and advance racial equity within the environmental discipline.
Nia Keith, cofounder of POCIE and vice president for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice at Mass Audubon, will moderate a question-and-answer session at the conclusion of Ms. Ifeji’s presentation.
“Amara is a brilliant and poetic speaker who wowed a crowd of 185 guests at an SVT event this past spring,” said Cecil Hynds-Riddle, Director of Development at SVT. “Prepare to challenge your assumptions and think deeply about how conservation and social justice interact in our local community.”
Ms. Ifeji’s presentation will be held on Saturday, August 24, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Barn at Wolbach Farm, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury. The public is invited to attend this free event, but registration is required at www.svtweb.org/voices.
SVT is a nonprofit land trust that conserves natural areas and farmland in 36 communities around the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. The organization has protected more than 70 miles of trails and also hosts public programs on nature topics.
ABOUT SVT: SVT is a member-supported non-profit organization that works to protect natural areas and farmland in the 36 communities that surround the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. SVT, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury, MA 01776
Dsndp cleanliness drive july 14 2024 8

Global Nonprofit DSNDP Volunteers From Massachusetts participate in Cleanliness Drive!

On July 14th ,2024, Massachusetts State residents joined hands as dedicated volunteers of the global non-profit organization Dr. Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP), undertaking Adopt-A-Highway & Adopt-A-Visibility-Site clean-up drive in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) at (Adopt-A-Highway) 135 Eastbound side from Pond Rd. to Weston Rd, Wellesley, MA 02481 & (Adopt-A-Visibility-Site) at Gonzalez Lower Lot: Town of Dedham, 506 High St, Dedham, MA 02026.
In alignment with the motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family), DSNDP aims to foster a brighter future by advocating for cleanliness drives in collaboration with the US government by undertaking nationwide cleanliness drives since July 2022. These activities are executed under the guidance of the founders of the organisation Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and Dr. Shri Sachindada Dharmadhikari.
Earlier in Massachusetts, the organization also carried out other cleanliness activities such as Adopt-a-Visibility-Site, Adopt- a-Highway, across 3 cities involving a total of 67 volunteers who worked for around 85 volunteer hours and collected 28 bags of waste resulting in approx. 420 pounds of trash.
Within the North America continent, DSNDP continues to collaborate with 18 states and 73 cities across the United States for nationwide cleanliness drive including 23 different programs such as Adopt-Highway/Park/Beach/ Street/ River etc. During these cleanliness drives, DSNDP has successfully engaged 2109 volunteers, actively collecting more than 34000 pounds of trash, resulting in significant cost savings for the government. The organisation has received accolades from various state and county governments in the form of 53 certificates and 51 signboards within the nation.
The organisation is also involved in tree plantation across 15 states and 33 cities within the US. DSNDP is also involved in health initiatives such as the Women’s Cancer Awareness Conference successfully hosted in February 2023 and blood/ plasma donation drives in Canada and the United States in recent years. DSNDP also recently organised a Mega Cleanliness Drive and Tree Conservation Event across 21 locations simultaneously to celebrate Earth Day 2024.
For more information, please visit http://www.dsndp.com

“Outdoor Voices” Series to Feature Environmental Justice Leader Amara Ifeji

Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) is launching a new Outdoor Voices speakers’ series that features environmentalists who will share stories about their experiences in nature. These programs are open to the public, free of charge.
“The conservation movement often acts as if we all enjoy nature in the same way, and have the same access, but this is simply not true, ” said Sally Purrington Hild, Engagement and Events Manager for the organization.
The Outdoor Voices series kicks off on August 24 at Wolbach Farm in Sudbury. The program will feature Amarachukwu Ifeji, Director of Policy at the Maine Environmental Education Association.
Ms. Ifeji, who is of Igbo descent, will explore the history of the conservation movement in the United States, which has traditionally excluded people of color from outdoor spaces. She will share her personal experiences of environmental exclusion, discuss how she combats these injustices through environmental education, and highlight the critical importance of centering historically marginalized voices in environmental, climate, and conservation movements.
The August 24 program is co-sponsored by Professionals of Color in the Environment (POCIE), a statewide community that strives to dismantle barriers and advance racial equity within the environmental discipline.
Nia Keith, cofounder of POCIE and vice president for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice at Mass Audubon, will moderate a question-and-answer session at the conclusion of Ms. Ifeji’s presentation.
“Amara is a brilliant and poetic speaker who wowed a crowd of 185 guests at an SVT event this past spring,” said Cecil Hynds-Riddle, Director of Development at SVT. “Prepare to challenge your assumptions and think deeply about how conservation and social justice interact in our local community.”
Ms. Ifeji’s presentation will be held on Saturday, August 24, from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the Barn at Wolbach Farm, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury. The public is invited to attend this free event, but registration is required at www.svtweb.org/voices.
SVT is a nonprofit land trust that conserves natural areas and farmland in 36 communities around the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers. The organization has protected more than 70 miles of trails and also hosts public programs on nature
Nyara

The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children Is Seeking The Public’s Assistance In Locating Missing 14-Year-Old, Nyara Mitchell.

Nyara has been missing since June 22, 2024, from her home in Canton, Massachusetts. Nyara is described as 5’5”, weighs 170 lbs., and has brown eyes with black hair. Authorities believe that Nyara may be in Boston, Massachusetts area.
In an effort to bring more attention to Nyara’s case, her poster is being featured on the Ring’s Neighbors app as a part of a partnership between NCMEC and Ring. This feature reaches millions of users, providing real-time assistance in locating missing children.
If you have any information about Nyara or her disappearance, please contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Canton Police Department (Massachusetts) at 1-781-821-5090

The Merry Wives of Windsor coming to Concord July 20-27

 
Once again, The World’s A Stage Players, Concord Players’ Shakespeare Troupe, will stage a free production on the lawn of the Concord Free Public Library. The Merry Wives of Windsor will be presented on consecutive Saturdays and Sundays, July 20-27 at 5 PM.
One of Shakespeare’s funniest and most accessible comedies, The Merry Wives of Windsor is, in many ways, a thoroughly modern production. “I think of Merry Wives as a contemporary soap opera,” says Director Jim Porter. “Everything is just pitched a little higher, everything is a bit more over the top, it’s all very dramatic … which, of course, makes for great comedy.”
The two Merry Wives, played by Hannah Clifford (Mistress Ford) and Jacey Lynn Rutledge (Mistress Page) are simultaneously wooed by the arrogant yet oblivious Falstaff (played by Mike Haddad). Once they discover his brazen pursuit, they decide to have a little fun at his expense and go to extensive lengths to make him look like a fool.
“Hannah and I have several scenes where we team up to undermine Falstaff’s egotism and self-importance,” says Jacey. “Our characters know what’s going on. The audience knows what’s going on. But Falstaff has no idea, which is a lot of fun.”
Mike Haddad, a frequent performer and director with The World’s A Stage Players, turns Falstaff’s foibles into comic gold. “His cluelessness is what makes him fun,” says Mike. “He thinks he’s God’s gift to humanity, and assumes everyone else thinks so too. It’s a great role to play and a funny one to watch.”
The show features some of Shakespeare’s best wordplay. Shakespeare creates several hilarious characters with non-traditional and/or non-English accents – the French Doctor Caius (played by Andrew Harrington) struggles mightily with his English, while the Welsh parson Sir Hugh Evans’ (played by John Small, making his World’s A Stage Players’ debut) malapropisms add to the humor. Andrew’s real-life wife, Jasmine Yong Hall, plays the inn-keeper Mistress Quickly with a full-on cockney accent.
Merry Wives also features strong women characters, which creates a sense of female empowerment that feels distinctly feminist.
“One of the best things about the show is that the women are firmly in charge,” notes Director Jim Porter. “The men range from jovial to profoundly jealous to utterly moronic, but the women are smart, clever and very funny.”
As always, The World’s A Stage Players draws on a cast of both regulars, occasional returnees and newcomers. Returnees from last summer include Ava Enoch, Michael Jay, Darin Kimball and AJ Gaudreau, along with newcomer Cherry Lynn Zinger and Rutledge. Other familiar faces include Katie Speed, Mike Lague, Julian Willard, Kathleen O’Connor (who is also producing the show) and Ed Bernard. Ed and Andrew Harrington are the only two performers who have
appeared in every World’s A Stage Players’ production. “This is the first time in several years where my character is both alive and married at the end of the show,” says Ed, a Concord resident. “Usually, I’m either dead or alone or both.”
Performances are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 5 PM on the lawn of the Concord Free Public Library, with a rain venue at 51 Walden Street. There is also an indoor air-conditioned performance on Friday, July 26 at 7 PM.
Patrons are invited to bring blankets or chairs and sit on the lawn; a limited number of chairs will be provided. For more information, visit www.concordplayers.org.

BBB Scam Alert: Fake events & phone tickets

 
Many people are looking forward to fun festivals this summer. As usual, scammers are taking advantage of the building excitement. This time, they are cashing in with phony tickets—and even fake events.
How the scam works:
You see a fantastic deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat meals, craft beer or wine, or other fun activities.
When you click the social media link, it takes you to a professional website with fantastic pictures. You enter your credit card information to buy tickets and think you are all set. But before you buy, do a little research. Whether the event is non-existent, merely disappointing, or you just bought phony tickets, the result is the same: someone pockets your hard-earned money!
BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports from people who purchased fake tickets to actual events or events that have yet to materialize.
A customer in Memphis reported buying tickets for $220 for a concert: "I saw an offer for presale tickets for the group Khruangbin for a concert in May. I clicked on the links and it lead me to what looked like a legit site until I realized that they are a resellers site and had marked up the ticket prices tremendously. The prices were also in USD and the service charge was astounding. I contacted the company right away but they just dismiss and ignore. They are SCAMMERS and need to be off the market. They have scammed lots of people and it is very humiliating and stressful."
One consumer who purchased tickets to a fake beer crawl reported: “Reviews across multiple platforms make it clear that these events are at best extremely misleading or at worst canceled. No refunds are given, even when their inconsistent and mostly-unreachable customer service email address responds to confirm a refund will be provided.”
How to spot a fake festival:
*Research before you buy. Search online for the festival's name and ensure the name advertised matches the website. Scammers often use names that sound similar to those of real festivals.
*Check for (working) contact information. The festival website should have a real phone number and email address.
*Watch out for prices that sound too good to be true. There is no way a festival can offer tickets at extremely low prices without losing money. If the prices are much lower than elsewhere, it's likely a scam.
What can you do?
*Pay with a credit card. You can dispute the charges if the business doesn't come through. Be wary of online sellers that don’t accept credit cards.
*Look for secure sites. The website should begin with HTTPS (the extra “s” is for security) and have a lock symbol on the address bar.
*Avoid tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other free online listings.  Scammers are skilled at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts. Check out third-party ticket sites at BBB.org before making purchases.
For more information:
Read BBB's tips for buying tickets to an event. For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.
Riverfest 1

RiverFest Summer 2024
Explore our Local Rivers
Now through July 28

Celebrate our federally protected Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild & Scenic Rivers at RiverFest Summer 2024. Come to the riverbank by foot, or paddle, bring a picnic, and enjoy a day at the historic Old Manse (269 Monument Street, Concord, MA), Saturday, July 20 from 10am – 3pm.  Begin the day with outdoor yoga. Join local artists for plein air painting. Children will enjoy RiverFest Storytime. Have fun with arts and crafts by the river and play old fashioned yard games. Learn about who lives in our rivers through Mass Audubon’s hands-on explorations and how and why to protect our rivers. Also discover the history of our rivers. And become a Junior River Ranger. End the day with a guided walk through the pollinator gardens at the Buttrick House. There is something for everyone!
RiverFest is also offering walks, paddles, and talks in 9 communities from Lowell to Framingham this week through July 28!  Topics include history, nature, birds, wetlands wildlife and more.
For details and to see a full listing of Riverfest Summer 2024 events, visit www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org. These events are courtesy of the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord River Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council and our partners working to protect our rivers. All events are free and open to the public.
Rev. bruce

UCMH Welcomes Rev. Bruce Taylor as New Minister

HUDSON—The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson (UCMH) is pleased to welcome the Rev. Bruce Carey Taylor as our new Minister beginning July 1, 2024. Rev. Bruce attended the Andover Newton Theological School, and was ordained in 2009. As part of his pastoral education, Rev. Bruce ministered to the patient and staff population of Fletcher Allen Health Care Center in Burlington, Vermont, where he engaged hospital patients and their families in pastoral conversation and prayer as they faced serious illness, served as an on-call chaplain, and led televised, interfaith Sunday services in the hospital chapel. Rev. Bruce also developed adult RE curricula on Transcendentalism and Howard Thurman, the African American theologian and philosopher of radical non-violence whose ideas greatly influenced the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.
After his ordination, Rev. Bruce went on to serve as part-time minister for the First Parish Church in Billerica from 2010 to 2015, where, in addition to the traditional duties of ministry, he led a strategic planning effort for church growth. Rev. Bruce has also served as part-time minister for the Ashby First Parish Church, the First Universalist Society of Wakefield, the First Church of Leominster, and most recently the Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford. Outside the world of ministry, Rev. Bruce enjoys hiking in the White Mountains and nature photography, and has been a member of the Flute Orchestra of Groton Hill since 1988!
Rev. Bruce is on study leave during the summer months and looks forward to leading our worship services beginning in September.
The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson is devoted to love, peace, positivity, and inclusion.  In addition to Sunday services, UCMH offers inspiring and cultural activities for personal growth and development throughout the year.
Further information is available on UCMH’s website, Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson’s Facebook page, or by calling the church office at 978.562.9180

Stow Garden Club Holds Annual Meeting

Fourteen members of the Stow Garden Club enjoyed lunch al fresco at the home of Ruth Delmonico recently. Gifts were given to Diane Pellietier ( Past President), Jennifer Mandlebaum (Treasurer), and Eva Barstow (Secretary) for serving as officers of the club. Newly elected officers for the ensuing year include: Mary Staley and Gladys Beaudette, Co-Presidents; Ruth Delmonico, Vice President; Nancy Buck, Secretary. Committee Chairs are Susan Choyce and Ruth Delmonico, Civic Projects & Fundraising, which includes the Daffodil Sale in October. Publicity is handled by Susan Pauley, the Yearbook is created by Kirsten Berg-Sonne, the Garden Tour is arranged by Jai Gluckman-Thomas, Hospitality & the Annual Luncheon, Marge Alessio. Louise Peacock is the Scholarship Chair, which is given to a graduating senior in Stow, who is interested in furthering their education in horticulture, agriculture, or related subjects. Members discussed program plans and will finalize the calendar during the summer months. Meetings can consist of garden educational speakers, floral arrangements to take home, or trips to nearby gardens and arboretums. A local garden tour may be planned. The club recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion and is open to anyone in Stow or nearby towns. For membership details see the website www.stowgardenclub.org or contact Louise Peacock, Membership Chair.
 

Free Playgroups for Babies

First Connections is offering free playgroups this summer for babies and their caregivers, beginning the week of July 15. The groups will be facilitated by an early childhood educator, include free play and circle time, and take place at the following times:
Fridays at 10:30 at Maynard Library for 12-23 months
Thursdays at 10:00 at First Connections in Acton for 6-11 months
To register for either group, email Linda at lmatthews@jri.org. First Connections is the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care CFCE grant program serving all families with children age 0-6 in 11 towns. www.firstconnections.org
 

Shabbat on the Beach

B’nai Torah MetroWest (BTM) and Rabbi Emily Mathis warmly invite the community to our Shabbat on the Beach services at the Wayland Town Beach on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 6 pm.
B’nai Torah MetroWest (BTM), of Wayland, is excited to welcome Rabbi Emily Mathis to our community this July. Ordained at Hebrew College and a graduate of Brown University, Rabbi Emily spent seven years as the spiritual leader and pulpit rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in Peabody, in addition to serving communities across much of the Jewish spectrum as a rabbi and educator.
Bring a beach chair or blanket—and picnic dinner if you'd like—and get ready to enjoy a beautiful sunset service! All are welcome.
Additional Beach Shabbats will take place on August 2 and 16 at 6 pm.
BTM is an inclusive, Reform community, located in Wayland, MA. BTM, a successor of Congregation B’nai Torah, was established in June 2023 subsequent to the closure of Congregation B’nai Torah of Sudbury, almost 50 years after its founding. It is part of the Jewish Learning Collaborative of Metrowest (JLCMW), a Hebrew School that welcomes Jewish learners in grades Pre-K to Gr. 7 from area member synagogues and the greater community.
For additional information see bnaitorahmetrowest.org or contact bnaitorahmetrowest@gmail.com or 508•203•1833.
 

Summer Friday Nights Free program at Discovery Museum

 
Discovery Museum announced their popular Summer Friday Nights Free program has returned. Visitors can enjoy the Museum and Discovery Woods outdoor nature playscape with free admission from 4:30pm to 8:00pm every Friday night through August 30.
Advanced reservations are recommended and can be made 10 days in advance for a 4:30, 5:30, or 6:30 admission block. All visitors may stay until 8:00pm. Please visit  our website to make a reservation at www.discoveryacton.org.
Discovery Museum will gratefully accept non-perishable food items for Open Table and Acton Food Pantry in lieu of admission, though a food donation is not required for admission.
Thank you to the following local businesses that have made this summer’s free admission possible:
June 28 & July 5: Enterprise Bank
July 12: McGovern Subaru of Acton
July 19: McWalter Volunteer Insurance
July 26: TransAction Associates & Corporate Shuttles
August 2: Reliant Medical Group
August 9: Atrius Health        
August 30: Sutherland Realty Group/Keller Williams Realty Boston NW  
Free admission on Friday nights—every Friday during the summer, and the first Friday night of each month October through June—is part of the Discovery Museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers to experience the Museum.
 

Multigenerational Game Night at FPC

All are welcome to a multigenerational game night that takes place on the third Friday of the month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun!
The next Game Night will take place on Friday, July 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. FPC is a nut-free location. It’s located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.
 

Guest Table Community Dinner at FPC on July 12

Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on July 12. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome! There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted. FPC is a nut-free location.
FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you!
This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, Nashoba Valley Rotary, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.
 

The Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement - FPC Summer Service

For almost 3 years First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) has been in partnership with the seven local area churches known as the Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement (IPRR). The IPRR helps resettle refugees. Members of FPC’s Asylum Seekers Task Force will describe their success with two Afghan families, allowing them to gain full independence. They are now assisting a large extended family from Rohingya (formerly Burma) who had been living in exile in Bangladesh for many years before their recent move to Lowell.
The service will take place both in person and virtually on June 30 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for all in-person summer services. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.
First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow, MA 01775, 978-897-8149
Janet Beatrice, Publicist pr@fpc-stow-acton.org or 978-727-2762
 

Myles Above in Heaven - An intimate support group in the loss of a child

Feeling strength and love for grieving mothers.
Saturday, July 20th from 10:30am-12:30pm
Avidia Financial Center
The Community Room
17 Pope St
Hudson, MA
www.mylesabove.org, mylesaboveheaven@gmail.com
 

Letters to Publisher: Happy 4th Of July

 
It's independence day
And we'll all sing and dance
Today and we'll remember our
Loved ones who fought for

Our freedom and it
Came with
A heavy price
War is not pretty
nor is it nice

So let's take a minute
To remember our
Brave men and women
Who sadly passed away
Fighting for our freedom

And the fireworks
Has just begun and
The kids are having so
Much fun waving American flags
And while the adults have a few
Beers and
Hug and kiss each other
And everyone is full of love
So raise your glass or your can
Of beer and
Toast for the 4th of July
And it's a beautiful
And perfect day to
Celebrate our independence day
Fourth of July
Fourth of July

And this special day is
Forever inside our hearts
Our freedom
And liberty we won so let's
Get this party started
And we'll have so much fun and
We'll never forget our true hero's who
Died for this day so scream out loud
Happy 4th of July and
God bless you all and peace and love
To every American on our independence day.

David P Carroll
 

THANK YOU from the Maynard Jazz Fest Committee

On Saturday, June 15th, under a clear blue sky, over 600 people gathered throughout the day for the third annual Maynard Jazz Fest.  For 6 hours, the audience was entertained  by non-stop performances of over 70 musicians of all ages at Veterans Memorial Park in Maynard's Cultural District.  Maynard's own Amory's Tomb Brewing Co. was on site, and friendly cornehole competitions sprung up while the sidewalks were being adorned with chalk art. Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy the music and activities!
Listeners were entertained by a wide variety of talent and styles on the main stage featuring four professional jazz bands: Portrait in Jazz, The Gravel Project, Ayn Inserto Jazz Orchestra, and Latin Logic, and student musicians with the MHS Jazz Band, JazzHers, Interlude Music and the Marlborough High School Jazz Ensemble.
The MJF Committee would like to extend our gratitude to the Maynard Select Board, the staff at Town Hall, DPW and Joe Foster and Mark Currier, the Maynard Police Dept. and Officer Eric Davoll and Officer Leon Muraguri, the Maynard Fire Dept., and the Fowler School for their support in planning this event.  We are very grateful to our sponsors who made this FREE event possible: MA Cultural Council, Maynard Cultural District, Middlesex Savings Bank, Summer Street Properties, The Pesce Network Dunkin', Rise, Enterprise Bank, Smoothie King, Amory's Tomb, David French Music, Look Optical, Raspberry Beret, and Snazzy Signs.
 

Assabet Valley Mastersingers Announce 2024 Student Scholar Award Recipient

 
Northborough, MA - The Assabet Valley Mastersingers are thrilled to announce that Natalie McNeil, a senior from Algonquin Regional High School, is the recipient of the 2024 Student Scholar Award. Natalie has demonstrated an exceptional passion for choral music, a steadfast commitment to musical excellence, and has taken on significant leadership roles in various choral ensembles throughout her high school career. She plans to continue her musical journey by majoring in Music Education.
Natalie’s dedication to choral music and her leadership within the school’s music community have set her apart as a remarkable student. The Assabet Valley Mastersingers extend their heartfelt congratulations to Natalie and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. We look forward to seeing her flourish and create transformative musical experiences throughout her life.
The Assabet Valley Mastersingers Choral Scholar Award, supported by our raffle basket fundraising efforts, is presented annually to a local high school senior who has shown outstanding support for and participation in choral music. This award is aimed at encouraging students who plan to continue their choral music experiences in college.
About Assabet Valley Mastersingers:
The Assabet Valley Mastersingers is a distinguished choral ensemble dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of the region through exceptional choral performances and educational outreach. Our mission is to inspire and engage the community by sharing the beauty and transformative power of choral music.
For more information, please contact: Assabet Valley Mastersingers
Email: manager@avmsingers.org Website: www.avmsingers.org
Paddling on the sudbury river riverfest 2023

Celebrate our Local Rivers at RiverFest
July 6 – July 28

RiverFest Summer 2024 is your opportunity to explore our federally protected Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild & Scenic Rivers. In the MetroWest area, from Lowell to Framingham, three weeks of free events in 9 communities will be hosted on and along the rivers, highlighting what makes them unique and special.
This year’s events include family festivities at the Old Manse in Concord (July 20) and Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Sudbury (July 27), guided canoe & kayak trips, nature walks, history talks, bird watching, outdoor yoga, plein air painting, and even a walking book group stroll. Kids may especially enjoy events allowing them to explore the riverbanks or get an up-close look at some wildlife. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether young or old, adventuresome or more interest in a leisurely picnic along a river!
Please go to www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org to view a complete listing of RiverFest Summer 2024 events taking place from July 6-28.

Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club, Celebrating 59 Years – Summer Picnic

 
Acton, Ayer, Boxborough, Concord, Chelmsford, Littleton, Maynard, Groton, Harvard, Stow, Westford and Surrounding Towns – Celebrating more than 50 years of community building, the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club will host its’ summer picnic to welcome interested community members in learning more about the club as well as those looking to reconnect with established members. The picnic is being held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at the NARA PARK PATIO TENT - 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton, MA, 01720. Enjoy a potluck picnic, music, lawn games and other summer-time delights with the Neighbors - rain or shine under the Nara Park Patio Tent! Club members and guests interested in learning more about the Club are invited to this affair for neighborly conversation and enjoyment of summer picnic activities.
The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is excited to invite community members to join us in a variety of activities including Adventure Group, Game Night, Men’s Night Out, Ladies’ Night Out, Book Group, Wine Tasting, Lunch Bunch, dining in and out events, and special events.
Join our Facebook Page and visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more information on this and other events, as well as information on how to become a member of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors. We look forward to seeing you!
The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from our communities. Celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2015, we were originally known as the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton. More recently, we have been known as the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club. Discovering that established residents in our surrounding communities are also looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends, we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club in 2014.
Free 4th of july tours

Free Tours of  Sudbury's Historic Meetinghouse on July 4th

In conjunction with Sudbury's 4th of July parade, First Parish of Sudbury is offering FREE guided tours of the Meetinghouse!
Tours take place on July 4, 2024, at 10 am and noon at 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA.
You have driven past Sudbury's Historic Meetinghouse a thousand times. But you probably don't know who built it and when, why it is Sudbury's anchor to the past, why it was built on this hill, and what it looks like inside. Now you can learn all of that and more by taking a free tour of the historic Meetinghouse on Independence Day. On July 4, professional tour guide Aline Kaplan will take you on a tour of the meetinghouse, inside and out.
You will:
See hand-hews beams salvaged from the earlier, smaller, structure,
• See the Cole and Woodbury tracker-action pipe organ,
• Peer up into the clock tower and learn about the flatbed-striker clock that chimes the hours
• Sound the Holbrook bell that chimes the hours for Sudbury residents,
• Go into the Minister's original office,
• See the horse-and-buggy sheds,
• Walk through the Memorial Garden behind the building.

About Your Tour Guide:
Aline Kaplan, a resident of Sudbury for 38 years and a member of the First Parish of Sudbury, is a professional tour guide in Boston. She has been leading architectural and historical tours of the city since 2013 and has a voluminous knowledge of Boston's history. She brings her experience to the meetinghouse tours and will make the building come alive for you and your family. This is a great opportunity to show your children inside the building they have been looking at for years and teach them its importance to the town of Sudbury.

Reserve your spot and read more about the Meetinghouse's history at https://fpsudbury.org.
Contact 978-443-2043 or office@fpsudbury.org for further information.
Smile summer

SMILE Mass Continues Building Happy Memories One Summer at a Time
Non-profit brings accessible vacation opportunities throughout the season.


June 12, 2024 (SUDBURY, Massachusetts) – As a young mother to a child with severe disabilities, SMILE Mass founder Lotte Diomede quickly realized the world wasn’t built for children like her son, Nicholas. One day, Lotte tried to take Nicholas and his sister to their neighborhood park in Sudbury, MA, only to find that it didn’t have a swing that both kids were able to use. Her daughter Annabelle could enjoy the freedom of swinging high into the sky, while Nicholas had to watch from outside the fence of the playground. This life-changing moment sparked a determination in her and she approached the Parks and Recreation Department to see what could be done. Driven by a profound love for her children and a vision of inclusivity, she spearheaded an accessible playground project along with hundreds of other volunteers in the community and the first playground in MetroWest with a universal design, opening the door to simple joys and unforgettable moments for countless families.
Since that time, SMILE Mass (Small Miracles in Life Exist) “swung” into becoming a 501C3 non-profit organization that helps families raising children or adults with disabilities enjoy happy, healthy memories through education, vacation, and recreation experiences.  Though every season is vibrant and energetic for the MetroWest-based non-profit, the organization is at its most active during the late spring and summer seasons, when many of its programs are in full swing.
“Life memories are often made as the weather gets warmer and families vacation together,” explained Lotte.  “For those with a physically disabled family member, such a day can be far from relaxing, often filled with struggles and unexpected challenges due to the lack of accessibility to the beach and a consistent schedule. It was an extension of our playground project when we brought accessibility to the beach.”
Since its inception, SMILE Mass has donated more than 180 floating beach wheelchairs to public ponds and beaches throughout New England to make them more accessible to the disabled. The colorful chairs allow beachgoers with mobility disabilities to travel over the hot surface of the parking lot, roll seamlessly over the thick beach sand, and plunge right into the water like their typical friends and family. The chairs recline into three different positions and have two large wheels at the back and a smaller wheel in front allowing them to be pushed through the sand with relative ease. As a floating device, the chair can be immersed in the water and float gently with the tide. There isn’t a more relaxing way to enjoy a summer day than spending it on the beach.
Due to the overwhelming demand for the program, the organization launched the SMILE Mass Floating Beach Wheelchair Awards Program, which allows towns and cities to apply for their floating beach wheelchair. Officials associated with the city or town, or residents could apply for the award to make their beach location more accessible.
SMILE Mass recently presented new chairs to the towns of Newburyport, Amesbury, Manchester by the Sea, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society in Barnstable with additional chairs to be gifted to Easton, MA, Nahant, and Standish ME in the coming weeks.  Due to the success of the program, the town of Dennis added 20 new chairs to their beaches.
“We are grateful to beach and recreation director Dustin Pineau for being such an active proponent of accessibility. To say we have had success is an understatement – with the support of SMILE Mass, it is clear that the town of Dennis understands the importance of the program as they retire older chairs and consistently strive to make their fleet better.”
“We present the chairs surrounded by some excitement. It’s a big event when accessibility is introduced or expanded in an area, and the decision of the town or municipality to promote accessibility should be celebrated. People with disabilities have the same rights as others, and enjoying a day at the beach is not just a luxury but a right that anyone should be able to experience. We recently had wonderful events in Newburyport and Amesbury where a large contingent of townspeople with and without disabilities came to cheer on the town’s commitment to accessibility.” 
You can find a list of other participating beaches where the SMILE Mass chairs are located at https://smilemass.org/initiative/beach-wheelchairs/.
SMILE Mass also operates a free equipment loaner program for families with disabled family members who may be going on a day, week, or extended vacation. 
“The loaner program was started as an extension of the beach wheelchair program, explained Lotte. “Once word got out about the beach wheelchairs we were donating to public beaches, people started calling because they vacationed in an area that did not yet have one of the donated chairs.”
To help alleviate that issue, SMILE Mass started a loaner program out of Sudbury, Massachusetts. Families can borrow adapted equipment to take anywhere. The inventory includes floating beach wheelchairs, a bath chair with a back, a blue Freedom running stroller, a Hoyer lift, portable ramps and so much more. Any of these items can be borrowed to help families enjoy a day of recreation or a vacation away from home with the right amenities.
SMILE Mass also owns a fully accessible vacation home on the beautiful Truro beach in Massachusetts, providing families with disabled loved ones a much-needed break and an inclusive environment to create lasting memories. The handicap-accessible beachfront condo sits just 75 feet from the ocean and allows accessibility for any family traveling with loved ones with disabilities. The condo sleeps six, with a private beach, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a roll-in shower, adapted equipment with a universal design flair and all exterior doors have ramps to allow easy access for those
Club SMILE Mass, the organization’s fastest-growing program to date, consists of hybrid classes to stimulate clients with disabilities both mentally and physically. Classes include access to one-on-one gym and swim or small group classes, swimming classes at Atkinson Swimming Pool in Sudbury, and seven-day-per-week access to any LA Fitness in Massachusetts. The program also includes in-person social groups, including music therapy, book club, storytime, bingo, small group workout classes, bike evaluations via Zoom, and more. A physical therapist performs the bike evaluations. All trainers of Club SMILE Mass are specially trained to work with people with disabilities.
“We have received dozens of inquiries from families and organizations struggling with the lack of available services due to the labor shortage in the healthcare sector. These services were previously available to this vulnerable population but dried up during Covid,” continued Diomede. “Through Club SMILE Mass, we provide much-needed daily activities with a focus on movement. There are currently no existing clubs for someone with disabilities, which is a huge problem, and this is why Club SMILE Mass has become so popular.”
SMILE Mass plans to purchase land, which will be the home of “Club SMILE Mass, Community within a Community,” to help bring a sense of equity and inclusion to the severely disabled population in MetroWest.   “Our goal is to create a hub that becomes the leading source of a well-rounded program that takes clients after school age and well into adulthood. Our clients never age out of the program.”
“We have been working to reach an agreement with the owners of a property in MetroWest to complete the acquisition of the property. The property will allow us to bring our Club SMILE Mass program in-house and provide immediate relief to thousands of families in Massachusetts currently without services. This is why fundraising is especially critical,” explained Ms. Diomede.  Every dollar raised is something we didn’t have prior. Each donation will make a profound difference directly into the community
“This is our biggest undertaking yet,” continued Lotte. It is an opportunity for those who believe in equity and equality to resolve a national crisis following the pandemic. We are a grass-roots organization that receives no state funding. All our programs are made possible through grants, fundraising, annual sponsorships, and donations by those who know of all the good SMILE Mass does for the population of the disabled and their families.”
We rely on our existing donors, new donors, and sponsors to take us through each phase of the three-phase Capital Campaign. There is a donation level for everyone, regardless of your financial means.” To donate to the Capital Campaign or any of our programs, visit the SMILE Mass website at smilemass.org or call Lotte at 617-967-7755. 
About SMILE Mass: Small Miracles in Life Exist (SMILE Mass) is a 501 C3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping families raising children or adults with disabilities enjoy happy, healthy memories through vacation and recreation experiences. For more information, visit www.smilemass.org

Free Canning & Food Preservation Class

 
Come and learn how to save that harvest you work so hard for! You don’t grow your own produce? This class is still  for you! Join us  to learn the basics of: Water Bath Canning, Pressure Canning, Dry Canning, Dehydration.
Where: Hudson Seventh  Day Adventist Church
Date: July 28, 2024
Time: 2 PM
Place: 94 Marlboro Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Register now by emailing your name, email and/or phone number to: events.hudsonsda@gmail.com. Deadline for registering is July 21, 2024.

B’nai Torah MetroWest Welcomes Rabbi Emily Mathis

 
B’nai Torah MetroWest (BTM) is excited to welcome Rabbi Emily Mathis to our community this July! BTM members recently celebrated with a joyous gathering to welcome Rabbi Emily to the community.
“We are fortunate to have found a rabbi with so much experience and enthusiasm to lead our congregation as we begin the second year of B’nai Torah MetroWest. We are excited about the knowledge, creativity, and caring Rabbi Emily brings to the role of being our pulpit rabbi,” shares BTM Board President Amy Siegel.
Ordained at Hebrew College and a graduate of Brown University, Rabbi Emily spent seven years as the spiritual leader and pulpit rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom in Peabody, in addition to serving communities across much of the Jewish spectrum as a rabbi and educator. Prior to her work in Jewish settings, Emily directed programming in the fields of environmental education, urban gardening, and family literacy. In addition to her rabbinic work, she is a family herbalist, and can generally be found in the kitchen working on her next project and drinking coffee. She and her spouse, Hali Diecidue, live in West Newton with their three girls (24, 14, and 8) and one labradoodle.
"I'm looking forward to serving this congregation that has both a long history as a community and is also energized by the recent restructuring,"  Rabbi Emily expresses. “As with Jewish tradition, we are at our best when we can weave together the lessons of our collective wisdom with dedication to our evolution and an eye to the future. With this renewal, we have the opportunity to build a Jewish life that will be engaging for the diversity of families and individuals in our community."
Rabbi Emily will begin leading services with Shabbat on the Beach at the Wayland Town Beach on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 6 pm. The community is warmly invited to attend. Bring a beach chair or blanket—and picnic dinner if you'd like—and get ready to enjoy a beautiful sunset service filled with music and prayer.
Additional beach services will be held on Fridays, August 9 and 23 at 6 pm. The Wayland Town Beach is located at 25 Parkland Drive, Wayland.
BTM is an inclusive, Reform community, located in Wayland, MA. BTM, a successor of Congregation B’nai Torah, was established in June 2023 subsequent to the closure of Congregation B’nai Torah of Sudbury, almost 50 years after its founding. It is part of the Jewish Learning Collaborative of Metrowest (JLCMW), a Hebrew School that welcomes Jewish learners in grades Pre-K to Gr. 7 from area member synagogues and unaffiliated students from the greater community.
For additional information see bnaitorahmetrowest.org or contact btmadmin@bnaitorahmetrowest.org or 508•203•1833.

Open Archery Event

 
Sat, Jun 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 680 Hudson Rd, Sudbury, MA, 01776
Free and open to everyone 8 years of age and up
All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All equipment will be supplied, rainy day? Pop up shelters on the firing line.

15th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser

 
The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) of Marlborough is holding its 15th Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser on Friday, August 16th at Juniper Hill Golf Course in Northborough, MA. Tee time is 9:00 am. The tournament features top team prizes, longest drive, hole-in-one and numerous raffle prizes donated by local businesses.  The $150 registration fee includes golf, cart and dinner.

The ARC has been a vital part of the Metrowest area since 1972 and is recognized for 52 years of service to the community. Supporting our fundraising event helps us disrupt the cycle of addiction and provides services, support, and hope to individuals and families in the Metrowest region. For information about how to provide a sponsorship or register to golf in the tournament, call the ARC at 508-485-4357 or find more information at our website:  theaddictionreferralcenter.org/2024-golf/.

NRWA Eco-Adventure Summer Survival Fun Week
for 11 to 15 Year Olds

 
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) invites 11 to 15 year olds from all communities to participate in our Summer Survival Fun Week, a four-day program based at the NRWA River Resource Center, 592 Main Street (Rt. 119) in Groton, MA. This program will run from Monday June 24th through Thursday June 27th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day
We’ll venture into the woods, fields, and hills of Groton hiking, tracking, and building shelters. We’ll spend a full day canoeing on the Squannacook River.  During these adventures, participants will learn outdoor survival skills, study local plant and animal life, and engage in team building games.
All activities are guided by NRWA’s professional educators and naturalists, including Stacey Chilcoat, our River Classroom Director. If you love outdoor exploration, new challenges, and making friends, we hope you’ll join us.
The fee for this 4-day program is $300 per person for NRWA members and $330 per person for non-members; $150 per person deposit required.  Pre-registration is required; limited spaces available. Register online today at www.nashuariverwatershed.org, under Upcoming Programs. For more information, please contact Stacey Chilcoat, NRWA River Classroom Director, at (978) 448-0299, or email registration@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
The Nashua River Watershed Association is a non-profit environmental organization providing water and land protection, climate impact resiliency, and education programs to 32 communities in the Nashua River Watershed.  Learn more at: www.nashuariverwatershed.org.
Chichi enu

Acton to Host Free Concert Featuring Artist-In-Residence Chichi Enu

ACTON Town Manager John Mangiaratti is delighted to announce a special event, "Untold Stories," featuring artist-in-residence Chichi Enu on Friday, June 21, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the NARA Amphitheater.
This free concert is open to the public and promises an inspiring evening of music and storytelling.
Chichi Enu, an inspirational speaker, classical crossover singer, songwriter, and non-practicing attorney, will perform works by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ classical composers and mainstream artists, intertwined with inspiring stories of their journeys. Chichi’s own path to embracing her true self and focusing on her artistic talents serves as a testament to her empowering message.
"We are thrilled to host Chichi Enu and provide this enriching experience for our community," said Maura Haberman, Event & Program Coordinator. "Her performance will not only entertain but also inspire and encourage self-reflection and growth."
Acton's Economic & Community Development Director Julie Pierce said, "“This event is the latest in the public art initiatives of Acton’s Economic Development Office. Public art increases enjoyment of the area and serves as an invitation to visit all of the shops, recreational opportunities, cultural outlets and more in Acton. We are so excited to present this first of it’s kind event featuring a multilingual, interactive Opera Concert."
Event Details:
  • Date: Friday, June 21
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Location: NARA Amphitheater, 71 Quarry Road, Acton
  • Admission: Free, general admission, lawn seating. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs.
Additional Information:
  • Food and Beverages: A food vendor will be onsite offering grilled items, snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks.
  • Parking: Free onsite parking is available, including handicap parking. Please follow event parking signs.
  • Rain Plan: In case of rain, the event will be moved to Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St. Note that seating is limited at this venue and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Eco-Friendly Initiative: The event supports Acton's "Leave No Trash Behind" campaign. Attendees are encouraged to keep the park clean and eco-friendly.
Chichi Enu's journey from practicing law to becoming a celebrated performer is marked by her dedication to helping others trust their inner guidance and embrace their true selves. Her career breakthrough as Acton’s 2024 artist-in-residence includes several engagements, such as this Keynote Concert on June 21.
This event is made possible through the generous support of the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) Public Art Learning Fund, with funding from the Barr Foundation, and grants from the Acton-Boxborough, Concord, Stow, Westford, Littleton, and Hudson Cultural Councils, supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
For more information about this event and other upcoming events, please visit http://www.actonma.gov/business.

Multigenerational Game Night at FPC

 
All are welcome to a multigenerational game night that takes place on the third Friday of the month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun!
The next Game Night will take place on Friday, June 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. FPC is a nut-free location. It’s located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Frittatas at Guest Table in Stow

 
Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on June 14 at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy a meal in community with neighbors and friends. There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Frittatas will be served in June, along with roasted potatoes, garlic bread, salad, and dessert. Vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free versions will be available; meals are always nut-free as FPC is a nut-free location.
Guest Table is always looking for volunteers, so if you'd like to help out, visit https://tinyurl.com/GuestTableVolunteer.
This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, the Rotary Club of Nashoba Valley, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.
FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you!
Parish jazz band with sara beauvais singing a h

FPC Summer Jazz Service

Each summer, First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) offers a service led by its own Parish Jazz Band. This summer’s service will be focused on the blues (both the music and the feeling), featuring music from Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, and Duke Ellington, among others. The band’s leader, Michael Paladini, will deliver a homily on “The Paradox of Suffering”—why we need it, even though we try to avoid it.
FPC’s jazz service will take place both in person and virtually on June 16 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for all in-person summer services. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

2024 Summer Services at FPC

 
First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) begins its (mostly) lay-led summer services on June 16. These 12 services offer FPC’s typical diversity of content—from music to social action, from spiritual to just plain eclectic. Each Sunday service starts at 10 a.m. Unless otherwise specified, services will take place both in person and virtually. To access virtual services (except on July 7), visit tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. Childcare is available for every in-person service. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

June 16 “Annual Jazz Summer Service”
FPC’s own Parish Jazz Band, led by Michael Paladini, will offer a service focused on the blues, featuring music from Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, Duke Ellington, and others. Michael’s homily will be on “The Paradox of Suffering”—why we need it, even though we try to avoid it.

June 23 “Emily and Johann: A Dialogue”
FPC Music Director Chris Hossfeld will offer a service of music and poetry. The movements of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Partita No. 6 in E minor for keyboard will be played throughout the service, interspersed with poems by Emily Dickinson that highlight themes from the music.

June 30 “FPC’s Work with the Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement”
For almost 3 years, FPC has been in partnership with seven other local churches that work together to help resettle refugees. Members of FPC’s Asylum Seekers Task Force will describe its success with two Afghan families, allowing them to gain full independence.

July 7 “Weaving Our Lives: the UUA’s General Assembly Worship Service” (online only on Zoom; a link will be posted on FPC’s website)
FPC will offer a recording of the previous Sunday’s service at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly, which this year is being held virtually. It will reflect on the reality that we are all tangled up together in a great web of life that is woven with beauty and hardship, love and loss, thriving and struggle.

July 14 “Evolution”
FPC member Andy Derr will share his thoughts about science, laws, theories, and why probability leads him to conclude that evolution is correct. He will demonstrate probability by flipping a coin and showing the increasingly unlikely odds of what just happened.

July 21 “The Songs of Bruce Springsteen: A Ministry of Community and Redemption”
From his early years to the present, Springsteen’s songs and concerts have been a collaboration with fans to form a community in search of everyday salvation. Dave Sansone will connect those ideas with what we do here at FPC to engage folks who are in search of a home.

July 28 “Blessing of the Animals” (outside on the FPC grounds)
Join Susan Avery with your animal(s) or representations of them (photos, drawings, etc.) as we explore the power they have to lift our spirit. We’ll celebrate by collectively blessing each of them.
August 4 “Joint Summer Service” (at Littleton and online on Zoom)
First Church Unitarian of Littleton will host the 21st annual Joint Summer Service of the Bolton, Fitchburg, Harvard, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Marlborough/Hudson, and Stow/Acton Unitarian Universalist churches. Rev. Lara Hoke will lead the service.
August 11 Sermon Rerun: "Starstuff"
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum  (aka Rev. Cindy) will repeat an earlier popular sermon. This service from November 2018 explores the theology of Carl Sagan, who explained that we are all made of starstuff.

August 18 “#realtalkwithrayla!”
FPC’s Director of Religious Education Rayla Baldwin-Mattson tries to live as openly and honestly as possible. Rayla does this through storytelling and humor, often tagging things with #realtalkwithrayla! Come join Rayla on a fun journey through Rayla’s learning of some of life’s lessons!

August 25 “Eyes on the Prize: Traveling the Long-arcing Road towards Racial Justice”
While we live in the hope of one day achieving racial justice in our communities, in our country, and in the world, we know that the work is about an ongoing journey—a journey that we may not see in our lifetime. Through music, meditation, and the spoken word, members of FPC’s Racial Justice Task Force will explore how we keep our “eyes on the prize” while keeping up our courage, compassion, and commitment for the work of racial justice. 

September 1 - "Popcorn Theology (Choose Your Topic!)"
Come to FPC’s Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival the day before and find where you can vote on what this service will be! Then show up to the service to find out what movie the vote has been cast for. Will Rev. Cindy preach on the very silly Monty Python's "Life of Brian"? Will it be "The Grapes of Wrath," because it's so timely and applicable? Will it be on "Star Wars" because you know the force is with us?
Assabet school hero1 0524

ASSABET SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR HONORED


Virginia Simms George rarely talks about her historic role in the country’s civil rights movement.
But 64 years later, the Northborough resident is opening up about her experiences living in segregated Virginia and the risks she took to bring about change as one of the Richmond 34 – a group of college students who took part in a nonviolent sit-in that eventually led to the desegregation of the City of Richmond.
And as more people learn about her past, George is being recognized for her actions then, along with her years of mentorship and community service since.
George, of Northborough, the chair of the Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School Committee, was one of 75 individuals recently honored at the “Black Excellence on the Hill’’ recognition event at the State House.
Superintendent Ernest F. Houle said he is grateful that George has shared her knowledge, passion and expertise with the district.
"Through her unwavering dedication to fight for what’s right and her tireless commitment to community service, Ms. George is an inspiring role model for not only our students and faculty but community as a whole,” Houle said. “The district joins others in thanking her and applauding her for this long overdue recognition.’’
George was selected for her work in civil rights, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and service on the Assabet committee and for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.
She was nominated by state Rep. Kate Donaghue, who was unaware of George’s background in Richmond until she spoke with her to share the news of her nomination.
“It was just a real surprise to learn about the work she had done in the civil rights movement," Rep. Donaghue said. “I thought, ‘Wow, this is incredible.’’’
Rep. Donaghue also presented George with a citation from the House of Representatives.
Few people know the extent of her role, though George said it was never intentional to keep it quiet. She doesn’t like to talk about herself, and she didn’t fully understand the impact of her actions until 14 years ago when she attended a 50th anniversary recognition event at Virginia Union University, her alma mater.
“It was overwhelming to see what people were saying,’’ said George shortly after the reunion during an interview for the Civil Rights History Project, a joint effort of the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History & Culture. “They were calling us heroes. This group of 34 desegregated the City of Richmond. I was proud that I had made the decision to participate, and this was the result.’’
George was born and raised in Newport News, Va., and attended Virginia Union University at a time when nonviolent protests were spreading throughout the nation. On the morning of Feb. 22, 1960, students from the university marched into downtown Richmond to Thalhimers department store. Thirty-four of the students, including George sat down at the whites-only Richmond Room lunch counter and participated in a nonviolent sit-in. The 34 students refused to leave and were eventually arrested and charged with trespassing.
The students' arrests were appealed all the way to the Supreme Court, which in 1963 vacated the convictions in a major victory for civil rights advocates.
The group’s actions would lead to the eventual desegregation of Richmond as a whole. While other students continued their activism, George said her father insisted that she focus on her education.
After graduating from VUU with a degree in history, she worked as a human resources professional, as well as a teacher and counselor.
For the past 12 years, she has served as a member of the Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School Committee and is currently serving as Chair. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Association of Schools Committees and chair of Division X, focusing on inclusion, diversity and equity.
For the Town of Northborough, she serves as chair of the Personnel Board, a member of the DEI Committee and member of the Council on Aging. She has previously served as chair of the Community Affairs Committee and a member of the Library Trustees.
In 2012, she was honored with an Honorary Alumna Recognition Award from Alfred University, in Alfred, N.Y. -- her husband Fred George Jr.'s alma mater -- for her volunteer work in the university's Career Center and the Women's Leadership Center.
George said she was shocked to be honored at the State House and didn’t realize how much the recognition meant until the event.
“I never did what I did for recognition or awards,’ she said. “I did it because it was important to me and what I felt needed to be done. I never expected to receive any awards. This came to me unexpectedly but very much appreciated.’’
Now that the word is out, George said she is open to speaking about it more with the hope that her story could educate and inspire others to get involved and act.
Glenn Koocher, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, said George has taken the lead in advocating for issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion on a statewide level. Specifically, she has organized a special initiative to train School Committee members on DEI so they can pass on their knowledge at the local level.
Koocher said her involvement in civil rights gives her a unique perspective. He’s grateful she’s sharing her experiences and expertise.
“There are so many people in the civil rights movement who we never heard of that risked their person safety to affect social change," Koocher said. “She’s persistent without being obnoxious and she has been the conscience of the DEI movement among school board members to bring this issue to the forefront and keep it in there.’’

STATEWIDE AGAINST the TIDE ATHLETICS EVENT to SUPPORT BREAST CANCER PREVENTION

Join Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) in 2024 and swim, run or walk to support breast cancer prevention!
MBCC will host its special 25th Anniversary Cape Cod Against the Tide event at DCR’s Nickerson State Park on Saturday, June 8th in Brewster, MA. The weekend after, join MBCC at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park on Saturday, June 15th for Against the Tide’s 32nd year!
MBCC will also host a virtual event from June 8th to June 15th for those who would like to participate in Against the Tide and support the mission of cancer prevention from any location!
Events include USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim, 1-mile recreational and competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, USATF-Certified 5K and 10K runs, and a 3-mile fitness walk.
In-person participants will receive an event t-shirt, bib, and goodie bag. Prizes will be awarded for the top swim and run finishers of the in-person events. Prizes will also be awarded to the highest fundraising individuals at the in-person events.
Events can be enjoyed by adults and children of all ages and abilities. The in-person registration fee is $40 per person per athletic component and the virtual registration fee is $20 per person with the option to participate in one or more events virtually. Visit the MBCC event web page, mbcc.org/swim, to donate to the event and learn how to create or join a team and fundraise for breast cancer prevention.
The funds raised through Against the Tide help to support and expand our community education program Let’s Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposures, MBCC Webinar Series, and the newly-expanded student environmental health program, Let’s Talk Prevention: Actions You Can Take.
MBCC was founded in 1991 as a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy, and changes to public policy.
To learn more about all of the registration options, to join or create a team, and to donate, please visit the MBCC website at mbcc.org/swim or call 508-246-3047.

BIRDING by EAR, and WCLT ANNUAL MEETING!

Monday, June 10, 7 pm
Learn all about birdsong in a fascinating free presentation by Martha Gach, PhD, Conservation Coordinator and Regional Education Manager at Mass Audubon’s Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Why do birds sing, and when is the best time to hear them? How can we identify birds by their song? You’ll come away with an increased appreciation for the sounds of the season!
Free and open to the public.
Location: St. Luke's Parish Center, 1 Ruggles St. Westborough MA
Presentation will start at 7 pm; refreshments followed by the Westborough Community Land Trust Annual Business Meeting will take place after the presentation at about 8 pm.
Non-members are welcome to leave before the business meeting.
For questions, contact events@westboroughlandtrust.org

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2024 “Thunder Island”

When: July 15-19 from 6-8pm
Where: Hudson Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 94 Marlborough, Hudson
Cost: FREE for Children ages 5-12
For more information or to register, email hudsonSDAcommunications@gmail.com

FOOD DRIVE: June 8, 10am-4pm

The Marlborough Lions Club will be sponsoring a food drive and collection of non-perishable food, personal items, and funds to benefit the Marlborough Community Cupboard. The community is encouraged to shop at Price Chopper on this designated collection day and purchase a few extra items to be donated to support those in need across our city. The Lions will be set up outside the store, rain or shine, to collect your donations and deliver them to the food pantry.

INDIAN HERITAGE NIGHT at POLAR PARK

On Friday, June 7, 2024, the Worcester Red Sox will welcome the Rochester Red Wings at 6:45pm EST for Indian Heritage Night at Polar Park. The WooSox invite fans to enjoy various aspects of the Indian culture through music, cuisine, entertainment, and ceremonies. Gates open at 5:45 PM and pre-game recognitions will start at 6:15 PM.
On the DCU Plaza, fans can enjoy the sounds of Indian music provided by DJ Raunik as they enter the ballpark. Our on-field celebration of Indian culture will be initiated by a performance by Ekta Dance Academy. From June 7th – 9th, fans can indulge in a variety of authentic Indian cuisine provided by Northborough restaurant, Peppers.
The WooSox thank the India Society of Worcester (ISW) for their support in planning and promoting Indian Heritage Day. ISW strives to form an effective and cohesive group with the objective of retaining, facilitating, and fostering the cultural heritage of India. As one of New England’s most vibrant Indian associations, ISW adds to the cultural diversity of the region and symbolizes a glimpse into Indian heritage for the local Worcester community.
Operated entirely by volunteers that represent all regions of India, ISW will be recognized as the night’s Heart of Worcester.

HABITAT for HUMANITY NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS AWARDED CUMMINGS GRANT


Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The affordable housing organization was selected from a total of 715 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $50,000 this year for its work in Middlesex County.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (Habitat NCM), formed in 1987, builds and repairs affordable homes in thirty cities and towns along route 2 in north central Massachusetts.  The funds will be used to build new, deeply affordable, and energy-efficient homes and repair existing affordable homes for low-income families in Middlesex County.
“The need for affordable housing has never been greater”, states Carolyn Read, executive director of Habitat NCM. “This funding will help us to build more homes faster for families in western Middlesex county.”
The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties, plus six communities in Norfolk County: Brookline, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Quincy, and Wellesley.
Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
“Greater Boston is fortunate to have a robust, dedicated, and highly capable nonprofit sector that supports and enhances the community in myriad ways,” said Cummings Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes. “The entire Cummings organization is thankful for their daily work to help all our neighbors thrive.”
The majority of the grant decisions were made by nearly 100 community volunteers. They worked across a variety of committees to review and discuss the proposals and then, together, determine which requests would be funded. Among these community volunteers were business and nonprofit leaders, mayors, college presidents, and experts in areas such as finance and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).
“We believe strongly that grant decisions will be more equitable when made by a diverse group of community members,” said Vyriotes. “We’re incredibly grateful to the dozens of individuals who participated in our democratized philanthropic process.”
The Foundation and volunteers first identified 150 organizations to receive three-year grants of up to $300,000 each. The winners included first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings grants. Twenty-five of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected by a panel of community volunteers to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $1 million each.
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 49 different cities and towns.
Cummings Foundation has now awarded $500 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s 150 grant winners, plus nearly 2,000 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
About Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
Habitat NCM is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing decent and affordable homes for those who cannot qualify for conventional mortgages, as well as doing Critical Home Repairs throughout the 30-town region. Habitat NCM relies on volunteers to accomplish its mission and is supported only by local funding and donations.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, MA and has grown to be one of the largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities, in Marlborough and Woburn, and Cummings Health Sciences, LLC. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

ADDICTION REFERRAL CENTER AWARDED $60,000 CUMMINGS GRANT


The Addiction Referral Center is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The Marlborough-based organization was selected from a total of 715 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $60,000 over three years.
The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) has been a beacon of hope since its inception in 1972, offering support and guidance to those battling addiction and their families. Receiving this grant is a testament to our ongoing commitment to serving the community, allowing us to expand our reach and provide even more comprehensive assistance to those in need. With these funds, we can enhance our services, expand outreach efforts, and initiate new educational programs aimed at preventing addiction. These funds will empower us to enact meaningful change, offering a lifeline to those in need and fostering a brighter, more resilient community on the path to recovery.
The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties, plus six communities in Norfolk County: Brookline, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Quincy, and Wellesley.
Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
“Greater Boston is fortunate to have a robust, dedicated, and highly capable nonprofit sector that supports and enhances the community in myriad ways,” said Cummings Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes. “The entire Cummings organization is thankful for their daily work to help all our neighbors thrive.”
The majority of the grant decisions were made by nearly 100 community volunteers. They worked across a variety of committees to review and discuss the proposals and then, together, determine which requests would be funded. Among these community volunteers were business and nonprofit leaders, mayors, college presidents, and experts in areas such as finance and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).
“We believe strongly that grant decisions will be more equitable when made by a diverse group of community members,” said Vyriotes. “We’re incredibly grateful to the dozens of individuals who participated in our democratized philanthropic process.”
The Foundation and volunteers first identified 150 organizations to receive three-year grants of up to $300,000 each. The winners included first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings grants. Twenty-five of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected by a panel of community volunteers to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $1 million each.
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 49 different cities and towns.
Cummings Foundation has now awarded $500 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s 150 grant winners, plus nearly 2,000 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
To learn more about the services, programs, and mission of the Addiction Referral Center, please visit our website at theaddictionreferralcenter.org. Explore how we're making a difference in the community and how you can get involved. If you or someone you care about needs help with substance use disorder, call the ARC 508-485-HELP (4357). We're here to help.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, MA and has grown to be one of the largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities, in Marlborough and Woburn, and Cummings Health Sciences, LLC. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

SPRING ART FAIR AT 29 SUDBURY AGAIN THIS YEAR

Location: 29 Hudson Road, Sudbury
Date: Saturday June 8th
Time: 10am - 4pm, (rain date Sunday, June 9th)
Artists: We have a wonderful array of more than 35 local artists represented: painting, pottery, jewelry, fiber arts, greeting card artists, woodworking, mixed media, glass work, printmaking, metal work, soaps and lavender products, blacksmithing, and much more. Parking is available in the lot behind the plaza and there is overflow parking across the street behind Town Hall.
Live music will be provided again this year by Al Cath.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THIS GREAT EVENT!

“TRANSFORMATION” at FPC STOW

On Sunday, June 2, First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will hold a service on “Transformation.” Summer is a time of shifting, as school and church years end and begin. Right now, much of our society is also transforming, with new models emerging, and church life is no exception. During this service, FPC Minster Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum will talk about how we learn to embrace transformation and change. The service will also mark the completion of FPC’s first "First Chalice" class, for children in grades 2 to 4. Music will be provided by special guest Joe Jencks, a 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, award winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist based in Chicago. The service will take place both in person and virtually at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.