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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

Soup’s On!!
at
First United Methodist Church of Hudson

Members of First United Methodist Hudson are excited to be hosting our SEVENTH ANNUAL “Soup’s On” event, on Saturday, October 17, at 5:00 pm.  We will be serving several different homemade soups, stews, chowders, and chili recipes, plus a variety of delicious desserts!

There is no charge for your selections; however, free will donations will  help fund the church’s rising heating costs will be gratefully accepted.

We hope that you will join us!  Invite your friends and neighbors. Anyone familiar with the dinners held at FUMC will know that we have some very talented cooks! 

First United Methodist Church is located just off the Hudson Rotary at 34 Felton Street.
More information is available at 978-562-2932 or at www.hudsonfumc.org.

Fall Book Sale - Friends of the Bolton Public Library

Anticipating a cozy fall and winter of reading, puzzles, music, and movies? Stock up at The Friends of the Bolton Public Library semiannual book sale, taking place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Houghton Building, 697 Main Street in Bolton, MA. Our  well-organized selection of good quality used books, puzzles, CDs, and DVDs are for sale, with most items $1-$3. Sale proceeds support the Bolton Public Library’s programming, events, museum passes, and Wowbrary newsletter, including the ever-popular children’s summer reading program.

In Harmony Against Hunger
A Cappella Benefit Concert

Come enjoy a lively hour of a cappella singing with Women of Note at a family-friendly benefit concert, “In Harmony Against Hunger,” Oct. 11, in Marlborough, MA. Hosted by St. Stephen Lutheran Church, all proceeds from the concert will benefit the church’s local food pantry. Free admission with non-perishable food items. Monetary donations are also welcome! Come on down…our chords will ring and your heart will sing! Sunday afternoon, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m., at 537 Bolton St., Marlborough, MA.
Women of Note is a chapter of Harmony, Inc., non-profit and educational women’s singing organization. Members, all ages, are welcome! Rehearsals run Monday evenings from 7 - 9:30 p.m., at Baptist Churches of New England HQ Building, 87 Lincoln St., Northborough, MA. To learn more, visit: www.womenofnote.org
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Marlborough Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Operation elf

Meet Operation ELF! Helping Kids in Need this Holiday Season


Operation ELF (Everyone Loves Families) has delivered hope at the holidays for at-risk children for over 25 years. Last year, over 1,800 children, who otherwise wouldn’t receive any gifts, had their personal wishlists answered by neighbors across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The need continues to grow. Some of our 18 trusted agency partners have already asked if we can increase the number of children we sponsor - and we need help to make sure each child’s wish is granted.

To make the holiday season a time of surprise for children and help parents make ends meet, Operation ELF matches children’s lists with people who find joy in the holiday season by sponsoring a child or children. Every child’s wish list is unique. The shelters and agencies we work with ask for the wishes of the children in their programs, ranging from infants to teens. While the identities are entirely confidential, sponsors receive age, gender, sizes, favorite colors, even the characters that delight them - Spiderman, Bluey, and Lilo & Stitch are always popular. Older kids may hope for the latest trending accessory, a soccer ball or basketball, or a clothing brand that seems out of reach. Requests always include warm winter clothing.

Operation Elf makes it easy to help. Sign up to sponsor one or more children and drop off unwrapped gifts at an Operation Elf host location, including:
Andover, Ashland, Bolton, Bourne, Canton, Framingham, Natick, Needham, Reading, Rockland, Saugus, Shrewsbury, Stow, Sudbury, Wakefield, Watertown, Westford, and Worcester, and Dunbarton NH.  We are seeking volunteers to be drop-off hosts, especially in Acton, Chelmsford, Concord, Carlisle, and Watertown.

Operation ELF also accepts financial donations.  Every dollar is spent on gifts. In mid-December, neighbors from across Massachusetts come together to pack up and deliver all the gifts to the agency partners who deliver them with dignity.

To be a sponsor and learn about donating and vounteering, please visit operationelf.org or write info@operationelf.org

A Cuba Benefit Concert with Sol Y Canto

A fundraiser for desperately needed aid for the Cuban people.

The United Church of Christ of Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Ave., is sponsoring a benefit concert for the people of Cuba, featuring the Pan-Latin ensemble, Sol y Canto. The concert will take place on Sunday, October 25th, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 3:30 PM. Proceeds from the event will benefit the congregations of the Second Baptist Church in Santiago de Cuba, the Baptist Church of Mariana in Baracoa, and neighboring communities. Tickets are $30 per person, $10 for youth/students, plus a small ticketing fee ($35 at the door).

To make a donation or to purchase tickets, go to: 2026 Cuba Benefit Concert: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-cuba-benefit-concert-with-sol-y-canto-tickets-1991776395817

What's happening in Cuba?
Cuba is facing the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in its modern history. Longstanding U.S. sanctions, compounded by recent restrictions on fuel imports, have severely strained the country's economy. Across the island, residents endure power outages lasting up to 20–22 hours a day, disrupting nearly every aspect of daily life. The prolonged blackouts have paralyzed public transportation, suspended garbage collection, and forced the closure of schools and businesses, while inflation and chronic shortages have left many families struggling to obtain basic necessities, including food, medicine, and other essential household goods.

Sol y Canto, an award-winning Pan-Latin ensemble known for its vibrant concerts and critically acclaimed music that blends diverse Latin American styles. Come and enjoy the sounds of this exhilarating band while helping the people of Cuba.

Furnishing Hope Walk

Join us for the inaugural Furnishing Hope Walk presented in partnership with Avidia Bank! A community celebration of hope, generosity, and the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
Since 2013, Fresh Start Furniture Bank has been proud to serve as the longest-running furniture bank in the Hudson and Marlborough area, helping thousands of individuals and families transform empty spaces into homes. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, volunteers, donors, and partners, we've been able to provide beds for children, tables for family meals, dressers, couches, kitchen essentials, and so much more, all at no cost to our neighbors facing difficult circumstances.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, October 18. Rain or shine.
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Hudson Rail Trail: 157 Washington Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Route: Enjoy a scenic 5K out-and-back walk along the Hudson Rail Trail. All ages and abilities are welcome!
Refreshments: Water and light snacks will be available following the walk.
T-Shirt Deadline: Raise $100 or more by September 20 to earn your Furnishing Hope Walk T-shirt.
Fundraising Prizes: Awards will be presented to the top three individual fundraisers and the top team.
Here is a link to the event page for online registration: https://givebutter.com/furnishinghopewalk2026

Gleason Public Library Announces Online "Treasures" Auction

CARLISLE, MA — The Gleason Public Library Endowment Trustees and a dedicated team of community volunteers are excited to announce the upcoming Gleason Public Library Endowment Treasures Auction.
This event features a spectacular array of items, including original paintings, prints, professional photography, unique textile art, sports items, and exclusive service offerings. Whether you are shopping for a unique holiday, wedding, shower, anniversary, or birthday gift—or looking to discover a new treasure for your own home—there is truly something for everyone.
Bidding opens online on Sunday, October 11th and runs through Sunday, October 18th.
To complement the online bidding, the community is invited to a free, festive in-person event on Sunday, October 18th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The celebration will take place at the white building at Clark Farm, 185 Concord Street, Carlisle.
Attendees will have the opportunity to view the auction items live while enjoying a performance by a live jazz band, complimentary refreshments (while they last), and fun family activities (weather permitting).
All proceeds support the Gleason Public Library Endowment, helping ensure the library remains a vibrant, well-resourced hub for the community.
Help support our beloved library by sharing this event with family, friends, and neighbors! For more information, to preview items, or to register to bid, please visit www.gleasonlibrary.org.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton 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.

Fire Prevention Week:
Red Cross Offers Ways to Help Keep Loved Ones Safe and Reduce Your Risk of a Home Fire

 
BOSTON, Oct. 5, 2026 — During Fire Prevention Week ─ October 4-10 ─ the American Red Cross of Massachusetts offers steps you can take to help prevent a fire in your home and keep your loved ones safe.

“Across the country, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year and most of these are home fires. Here in Massachusetts, our disaster teams have responded to 567 fires since the beginning of 2026,” said Holly Grant, regional executive for the Red Cross of Massachusetts. “These fires are devastating for the people involved. But there are steps everyone can take which will help not only help prevent a fire from starting but also help keep everyone safe should an emergency occur.”

FIRST: STEPS TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE ─ check out the 10 steps below to learn what you should do:
HAVE A PLAN You may have less than two minutes to escape from a burning home. Draw up a household fire escape plan and practice it twice a year. Everyone in your household should know two ways to escape from each room in your home. Decide where to meet once you get outside. Select a meeting spot at a safe distance away from your home, such as a neighbor’s home or landmark like a specific tree in your front yard, where everyone knows to meet. Get out and stay out. Never go back inside for people, pets or things. Time your fire drill and find out how long it took everyone to get out. If a fire starts in your home, get out safely, then dial 911.
SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES Smoke alarms can cut your risk of dying in a fire nearly in half.  Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. In addition to testing your alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Identify two exits from every room. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 

The 2026 Brigham Trust Grant Cycle is Now Open

The trustees of the Marlborough Brigham Family Trust are pleased to announce the opening of this year’s grant cycle. Marlborough non-profits and non-profit organizations in surrounding communities that directly benefit the Marlborough community seeking financial support for programs and activities are invited to apply for up to $6,000 for these programs and activities.
The Board of Trustees is encouraging nonprofit applicants to bring forward challenging, innovative ideas and programs for funding. Applicants must also include proof of their 501(c)(3) non-profit status, even if you have done so with previous applications. Trustees will screen applications and identify those most aligned with the spirit of the trust for follow-up. Potential recipients may be requested to submit project/activity budgets, copies of 990 forms, and board of directors/leadership information, and may be asked to participate in an interview with the trustees.
Awards will be announced in November 2026 and distributed in the first week of December 2026.
Click HERE to apply by the deadline of 11:30 PM, Friday, November 6, 2026: https://www.brighamtrust.org/index.html
FRIENDLY REMINDER: If you were a 2025 grant recipient, your grant impact statement must be submitted to be considered eligible for a 2026 grant. Please email your impact statements prior to the November 6th deadline.
The Marlborough Brigham Family Trust is a local non-profit organization that helps other non-profit organizations in the greater Marlborough area fund projects and programs important to these organizations and the community.

Help Light the Town Purple to Commemorate
Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This is a profoundly distressing time both for people who are being mistreated by their intimate partner and for the local programs that are supporting them. Major cuts in both Federal and State funding have had a serious impact on agencies providing services to those affected by domestic violence.
Adding to that already difficult reality, anticipated reductions at the federal level in the country’s safety net programs AND the ripple effects of ICE’s activity throughout Greater Boston are greatly increasing the anxiety of many of our already vulnerable neighbors who are navigating life with an intimate partner – or ex partner -- that mistreats them.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for our community to come together and stand in solidarity with survivors and their families. Once again, the Roundtable cordially invites community members to shine purple lights in their neighborhoods by adding purple lights to indoor lamps, porches, or outside house lights. Invite your friends and neighbors to join you and shine a light in the darkness. Won’t you join our efforts! Together, we can create a sea of purple lights that symbolizes our community's commitment to fostering safety and healing.
For your convenience, purple light bulbs will be available at Ace Hardware, 70 Andrew Ave., Wayland and Aubuchon Hardware, 505 Boston Post Road (Shaw’s Plaza, Sudbury. The bulbs fit regular sockets. Thank you to Ace Hardware in Wayland and Aubuchon Hardware in Sudbury for stocking the purple light bulbs.
The traumas of domestic violence are harmful and long lasting, and the Roundtable continues to seek community support in building awareness of the signs and causes of relationship violence and sources of possible support and safety. We continue to work toward the creation of a more caring and equitable society that does not tolerate violence or any person’s domination of another, be it in relation to gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, geographic region, or economic status. If you are concerned you or someone in your life might be experiencing relationship abuse, local support can be found on the Roundtable website at www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org. If you are interested in learning more about the Roundtable and volunteering opportunities, please email the Roundtable at infodvrt@gmail.com

New Tech, Smaller Footprint: What's Next in Home Clean Energy

You don't need a full roof or a garage full of equipment to start cutting your home energy use. A new wave of compact, accessible clean energy tech is changing what's possible – even for renters and apartment dwellers.
Join us online on October 14th at 7:00 PM for Emerging Clean Energy Tech, a free webinar featuring Amanda Barker of Green Energy Consumers Alliance. She'll walk through three practical innovations reshaping home energy:
  • Balcony solar — plug-in panels that generate power without a full installation
  • Window heat pumps — efficient heating and cooling that fits in a standard window
  • Battery storage & more — smart ways to store energy and stay resilient during outages
Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or just curious about what's coming next, this session will help you understand which options make sense for your space and budget.
Register free: bit.ly/clean-energy-tech

Meet Operation ELF! Helping kids in need this holiday season

Operation ELF (Everyone Loves Families) has delivered hope at the holidays for at-risk children for over 25 years. Last year, over 1,800 children, who otherwise wouldn't receive any gifts, had their personal wishlists answered by neighbors across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The need continues to grow. Some of our 18 trusted agency partners have already asked if we can increase the number of children we sponsor - and we need help to make sure each child's wish is granted.

To make the holiday season a time of surprise for children and help parents make ends meet, Operation ELF matches children's lists with people who find joy in the holiday season by sponsoring a child or children. Every child's wish list is unique. The shelters and agencies we work with ask for the wishes of the children in their programs, ranging from infants to teens. While the identities are entirely confidential, sponsors receive age, gender, sizes, favorite colors, even the characters that delight them - Spiderman, Bluey, and Lilo & Stitch are always popular. Older kids may hope for the latest trending accessory, a soccer ball or basketball, or a clothing brand that seems out of reach. Requests always include warm winter clothing.

Operation Elf makes it easy to help. Sign up to sponsor one or more children and drop off unwrapped gifts at an Operation Elf host location, including:
Andover, Ashland, Bolton, Bourne, Canton, Framingham, Natick, Needham, Reading, Rockland, Saugus, Shrewsbury, Stow, Sudbury, Wakefield, Watertown, Westford, and Worcester, and Dunbarton NH.  We are seeking volunteers to be drop-off hosts, especially in Acton, Chelmsford, Concord, Carlisle, and Watertown.

Operation ELF also accepts financial donations.  Every dollar is spent on gifts. In mid-December, neighbors from across Massachusetts come together to pack up and deliver all the gifts to the agency partners who deliver them with dignity.

To be a sponsor and learn about donating and vounteering, please visit operationelf.org or write info@operationelf.org

Fresh Start Furniture Bank Needs Your Donations!
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

 Today was a busy day for donations, mostly in the last hour that we were open!  A wonderful couple from Westborough brought two carloads, which was 6 or 7 cartloads of donations, “leftovers” from their semiannual church fair.  They have been doing this for long enough so that they know what we take and know the expected condition of donations.  Lamps, kitchenware, appliances, linens, artwork, all in wonderful condition.  Bless them!
     At present we have a high need for towels, comforters & shower curtains.  Also cereal bowls and drinking glasses.  In the furniture category we need queen and full-sized beds, dressers and coffee tables.
     Help us if you can!  Spread the word!  We are a non-profit run by volunteers and we give hope and happiness to a lot of families who are struggling to make a house into a home.  See our website for our address and hours.  Small items may be donated on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9-noon and furniture can be donated on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30.
    Thank you!

The Women's Business Network (WBN) Hosts "Say Yes, Even When You're Afraid"

 
The Women's Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, October 8 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 Elaine Freitas, Photographer, on "Say Yes, Even When You're Afraid", a conversation about courage, growth, and how some of the best things in life can begin on the other side of fear. 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. Contact Deb Oliva for more information at dboliva@charter.net.

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.

All Are Invited to a Free Informational Webinar:
9 Massachusetts Ballot Questions – Vote Yes or No?

 
The League of Women Voters – Acton Area will host a webinar featuring the 9 questions on the Massachusetts State Election ballot on Wednesday October 7, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT on Zoom. The event is free and open to the public.

Plain language explanations. Pros and Cons. Supporters and Opposition. Financial Impact. Learn what it means to vote “yes” or to vote “no” on each of the ballot questions:

Question 1: Expanding the Public Records Law
Question 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
Question 3: State Primary Elections
Question 4: Election Day Registration
Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate
Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund
Question 7: Single Family Homes
Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
Question 9: Firearms Regulation

Don't miss this opportunity to get the information you’ll need to make informed choices when you vote on the 9 ballot questions. Register today for the webinar link, https://tinyurl.com/LWVAA-BallotQuestions,  and be prepared for when you go to the polls on November 3rd.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state, and national government. It has a long tradition of providing important voter information services, such as this webinar. Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information.

Postal Service Recommends 2026 Holiday Mailing And Shipping Dates

 
BOSTON — Today, the U.S. Postal Service announced the recommended mailing and shipping dates for the 2026 holiday season.

For expected delivery before Dec. 25, the Postal Service advises customers to send mail and packages by the following dates:

2026 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)

USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 17
First-Class Mail: Dec. 17
Priority Mail: Dec. 18
Priority Mail Express: Dec. 19

For a complete list of suggested dates to send packages to military or international addresses, the Postal Service recommends visiting the USPS holiday shipping page beginning mid-Oct.

During the holiday season, customers should always plan to mail and ship packages early to ensure arrival by Dec. 25.

For tips on mailing and shipping preparation, ordering free shipping supplies, packaging guidelines (including restricted and prohibited item information), and Post Office location hours, visit usps.com or the USPS YouTube channel.

Information to help customers prepare for the busy holiday season can be found on the USPS Holiday Newsroom at usps.com/holidaynews.

Worcester Chamber Music Society Revives
“Café Concert” Series October 22 in Worcester

September 24, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 21st Season with a revival of their “Café Concert” series at Nuovo Restaurant in Worcester on October 22.  Dinner will be served first followed by the hour-long concert.

Take this opportunity to experience a full chamber music performance in an intimate setting over a convivial meal at Worcester’s Nuovo Restaurant. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a WCMS concert in a relaxed atmosphere, whether you’re a dedicated chamber music enthusiast or discovering chamber music for the first time.

The program begins with the opening movement of J.S. Bach’s Trio Sonata No. 4, built on the “royal theme” given to the composer by King Frederick II of Prussia in a sort of musical gauntlet challenge. W.A. Mozart’s Flute Quartet was a lively commissioned work for an amateur flutist who, despite his apparent wealth, failed to pay the writer appropriately. Beethoven’s Serenade is atypical not only in that it persists in feeling happy and bright, but that it also was specifically written to feature both flute and violin, rather than one or the other.

Thursday, October 22 @8:00PM
Nuovo Restaurant
92 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester
Dinner @6:30 PM
Program
Johann Sebastian Bach | Largo from The Musical Offering, BWV 1079
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Flute Quartet in D major, K.285
Ludwig van Beethoven | Serenade for flute, violin, and viola, Op. 25

Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians:
Krista Buckland Reisner, violin
Peter Sulski, viola
Joshua Gordon, cello
With guest Tracy Kraus, flute
All venues are handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/cafe-concerts/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624

Forty-One Percent of Greater Lowell Nonprofits Unable to Meet Community Demand, New GLCF Survey Shows

Federal cuts, state budget pressures, and private funding competition create perfect storm for nonprofits serving vulnerable populations.
Nearly half of Greater Lowell’s nonprofits report they cannot meet existing community needs with available resources, according to a new survey released by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. The finding underscores an urgent crisis facing the region’s nonprofit sector as federal funding shrinks, state budgets tighten, and competition for private donations intensifies.
The Summer 2026 survey of 75 nonprofit organizations reveals a sector under acute pressure, with nearly three-quarters reporting cautious to very concerned outlooks for the coming year.

BY THE NUMBERS:
41%  |  Cannot meet existing community demand
85%  |  Report foundation/private grant funding more competitive than ever
75%  |  Express cautious to very concerned outlook for next 12 months
52%  |  Report increased staff workload/stress
49%  |  Struggling with increased administrative burden

“These numbers tell a story about the limits of nonprofit resilience,” shared Jennifer Aradhya, VP Marketing, Programs & Strategy, GLCF. “Organizations are doing everything right—applying for grants, building individual donor programs, forming partnerships, stretching budgets. But they’re hitting a ceiling. When demand is rising and every funding source is tightening simultaneously, no amount of innovation can fill the gap.”
While the Greater Lowell Community Foundation continues to expand unrestricted grantmaking and coordinate funder response to this crisis, immediate support is urgently needed. GLCF’s Resilience and Care Fund provides rapid-response grants to nonprofits serving vulnerable populations facing urgent basic human needs—food, housing, fuel assistance, immigrant support, health and mental health services, and more.
GLCF is planning a year-end distribution to nonprofit partners, ensuring that funds raised now will reach organizations serving our most vulnerable residents at a critical moment. The more we raise, the more we can distribute.
“While these funds will be quickly distributed to address immediate needs, there is more to do,”     said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “I encourage you to help grow our community’s resilience by adding your own contribution. Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens the safety net that catches our neighbors when they fall—and will be distributed directly to nonprofit partners working on the front lines this year.”

To learn more and contribute to GLCF’s Resilience and Care Fund, visit: https://www.glcfoundation.org/resilience-and-care-fund/.
Monsterbash

Join Us for Spooky Fun at Monsterbash!


Acton, MA: Get ready for a hauntingly good time at Monsterbash, the exciting Halloween celebration geared for elementary aged children promises thrills, chills, and unforgettable memories! This spooktacular event will transform the amphitheater stage into a whimsical wonderland filled with Halloween-themed games, lively entertainment by Crystal Entertainment (DJ Blacklight Dance Party!), and plenty of opportunities for festive fun. Whether you or your child is wearing the most creative costume, indulging in tasty treats, or participating in exciting activities like the mummy wrap or flashlight candy hunt, Monsterbash has something for everyone. Join us for a night of eerie excitement and create lasting memories as we celebrate all things Halloween!
Mark your calendars for this not-so-scary frightfully fun evening on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park.  “This event has been going strong since it started 20 years ago” said Maura Haberman, the event and program coordinator at Acton Parks and Recreation.
Grab your broomsticks and prepare for a variety of spine-tingling entertainment! Enjoy the fun music and Halloween themed games like our signature activity: the mummy wrap. We promise there won’t be any “boos” in the audience (unless they're from the ghouls on stage)!
Wear your best Halloween gear for our epic costume contest! Categories include “Best Classic Monster,” “Funniest Getup,” and “Most Creative Costume.” Winners will snag a prize and a certificate and the ever-coveted title of Monsterbash Costume Champion! Our panel of esteemed (and slightly spooky) judges will be looking for originality, creativity, and how well your costume fits the theme. Bonus points if you can make the judges chuckle—or scream in delight!
Indulge in complimentary light refreshments and cauldron punch while it lasts. Boston Event Specialist will have a variety of treats available for purchase. Trust us, there’s no trick when it comes to these treats!
Calling all ghouls, kids and families!  Monsterbash loves a good crowd so we have tickets that can be purchased in advance on EventBrite.  The admission to this good time is $10 per person for all in attendance over age 2 not including any credit card fees. The more attendees, the merrier—and that includes all the little monsters who love to trick or treat! Don’t forget to bring your flashlight and loot bag for our flashlight candy hunt!
If you have any questions or need to clarify something, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact our friendly Monsterbash team via email at recreation@actonma.gov or call us at (978) 929-6640. We’re here to help, and we promise to respond faster than a ghost at a haunted house! We can’t wait to see you at Monsterbash for a night filled with frightful fun and festive cheer! Whether you come for the costumes, the entertainment, or simply to enjoy the spooky atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to grab your tickets early and invite your friends and family to join in on the celebration. Let’s make this Monsterbash one to remember!
The Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park is located at 71 Quarry Road.  Parking is free.  Admission is $10 per person for all ages over 2 and can be purchased in advance via EventBrite or you may purchase at the gate (credit card only). Gates will open at 5:30 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. event start time. This event is hosted by the Acton Parks and Recreation Department. Visit us at: actonma.gov/events
Domestic violence

Shine a Light on
Domestic Violence Vigil

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this year the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable will once again be partnering with the Sudbury United Methodist Church to shine a light on the issues related to domestic and break up violence.

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Roundtable and the Sudbury United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury will host a Shine a Light Vigil at 7.00 pm.  The indoor event will focus on remembering those who have lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year and recognizing those surviving abuse today. There will also be a call to action as we work to prevent abuse in our communities. A survivor will speak, and there will be musical interludes. Community leaders from Sudbury, Wayland, and Lincoln will also be participating in the program.

At a time when budget cuts to life-saving programs are continuing to happen, and survivors are increasingly worried about their safety, it is even more important for our communities to stand up and show support for those who are being affected. Please join the Roundtable for this very important community event.

For more information about domestic violence please go to https://www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org or contact the Roundtable at infodvrt@gmail.com. 
Avc october 7

“Salute to New England Photographers: The Sequel”

Assabet Valley Camera Club Program


HUDSON: On Wednesday, October 7, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host a program that features a compilation of digital images submitted to the New England Camera Council, an umbrella organization representing 55 camera clubs across the six states in the Northeast. Established in 1937, NECCC supports and connects local photography clubs.

Barbara Rozavsky, an Event Coordinator for New England Camera Club Council, will present a slide show she created from a wealth of images submitted to the council’s interclub competitions. Each themed segment of the program is accompanied by music that reflects its photographic content. The public is invited to attend in-person or via Zoom.

AVCC is a Hudson-based photography club that began in 1985 with a handful of people who shared a common interest and now has 60 members who hail from over 15 communities in the surrounding area. In-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson.

The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts.  During the second monthly meeting, a competition of members’ digital images is judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. October’s subjects are Nature and an Open category.

Assabet Valley Camera Club, affiliated with both the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) and the Photographic Society of America (PSA), participates in inter-club competitions on regional, national and international levels.

Currently, AVCC meetings are using a hybrid approach where members can meet either in person or via Zoom. If you are interested in attending the program, contact AVCC at avcc.digital@hotmail.com a few  days prior to the meeting to request a link to the event or to let us know you will be attending in person. Guests are welcome to attend up to two consecutive club meetings prior to becoming a member. For a description of full membership benefits, please go to: https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com/Club/MembershipInfo.aspx  The club’s Zoom room opens at 7:00 PM with a brief business meeting at 7:15. This month’s presentation  will begin at 7:30.

AVCC welcomes anyone interested in learning more about photography as a visual art and its practical application as a science.  Photographers benefit from the club's  hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. Check out the AVCC website at https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com/ .

“The Chosen” Now Showing at First United Methodist Church, Hudson

Following every Sunday morning service, starting October 4th, the First United Methodist Church, Hudson invites the local community, and surrounding towns, to the showing of “The Chosen”, starting with Season 1. The event will begin at 12:30 PM downstairs in Lamson Hall providing attendees an opportunity to watch the groundbreaking historical drama.  Seasons 1 thru 5 runs for 40 weeks.

Created and directed by Dallas Jenkins, “The Chosen” has captured a global audience of over 300 million viewers all over the world.
Come to watch as many episodes as you wish; you don’t have to watch all of them to follow the series.  There is no charge and all are welcome.                               

We are located at 34 Felton Street, just over the hill, off the Hudson Rotary.    
More information is available at 978-562-2932

Fixit Clinic and Sustainable Sudbury to Hold Repair Event
Free Repair Service is Offered for Small Appliances, Clothing, Jewelry

 
Sudbury, MA: Environmental organizations Fixit Clinic and Sustainable Sudbury announce they will be jointly holding a repair event at the Goodnow Library on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 2pm to 4pm. The event will be held in conjunction with the Goodnow Library "Find Your People" fair.

Local residents are invited to bring items that need repair or mending, such as small household appliances, clothing, jewelry, bicycles, lamps and wiggly, wooden chairs.

Please RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/FixitClincRSVP.
The event will be held in the Goodnow Library (21 Concord Road, Sudbury) Conference Room. It is open to both Sudbury residents as well as residents of surrounding towns.

The repair services are provided without charge. Attendees may be required to purchase materials and parts required to complete repairs.

Fixit Clinic teaches basic repair skills using a person's own broken items. By sharing these skills, the organization enables consumers to extend the life of many household items, contributing to sustainability.

Sustainable Sudbury is a volunteer-led non-profit based in Sudbury, Massachusetts dedicated to raising environmental awareness and sponsoring sustainable, earth-friendly activities in our community and beyond.
Monsterbash

Join us for spooky fun at Monsterbash!

Acton, MA: Get ready for a hauntingly good time at Monsterbash, the exciting Halloween celebration geared for elementary aged children promises thrills, chills, and unforgettable memories! This spooktacular event will transform the amphitheater stage into a whimsical wonderland filled with Halloween-themed games, lively entertainment by Crystal Entertainment (DJ Blacklight Dance Party!), and plenty of opportunities for festive fun. Whether you or your child is wearing the most creative costume, indulging in tasty treats, or participating in exciting activities like the mummy wrap or flashlight candy hunt, Monsterbash has something for everyone. Join us for a night of eerie excitement and create lasting memories as we celebrate all things Halloween!
Mark your calendars for this not-so-scary frightfully fun evening on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park.  “This event has been going strong since it started 20 years ago” said Maura Haberman, the event and program coordinator at Acton Parks and Recreation.
Grab your broomsticks and prepare for a variety of spine-tingling entertainment! Enjoy the fun music and Halloween themed games like our signature activity: the mummy wrap. We promise there won’t be any “boos” in the audience (unless they're from the ghouls on stage)!
Wear your best Halloween gear for our epic costume contest! Categories include “Best Classic Monster,” “Funniest Getup,” and “Most Creative Costume.” Winners will snag a prize and a certificate and the ever-coveted title of Monsterbash Costume Champion! Our panel of esteemed (and slightly spooky) judges will be looking for originality, creativity, and how well your costume fits the theme. Bonus points if you can make the judges chuckle—or scream in delight!
Indulge in complimentary light refreshments and cauldron punch while it lasts. Boston Event Specialist will have a variety of treats available for purchase. Trust us, there’s no trick when it comes to these treats!
Calling all ghouls, kids and families!  Monsterbash loves a good crowd so we have tickets that can be purchased in advance on EventBrite.  The admission to this good time is $10 per person for all in attendance over age 2 not including any credit card fees. The more attendees, the merrier—and that includes all the little monsters who love to trick or treat! Don’t forget to bring your flashlight and loot bag for our flashlight candy hunt!
If you have any questions or need to clarify something, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact our friendly Monsterbash team via email at recreation@actonma.gov or call us at (978) 929-6640. We’re here to help, and we promise to respond faster than a ghost at a haunted house! We can’t wait to see you at Monsterbash for a night filled with frightful fun and festive cheer! Whether you come for the costumes, the entertainment, or simply to enjoy the spooky atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to grab your tickets early and invite your friends and family to join in on the celebration. Let’s make this Monsterbash one to remember!
The Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park is located at 71 Quarry Road.  Parking is free.  Admission is $10 per person for all ages over 2 and can be purchased in advance via EventBrite or you may purchase at the gate (credit card only). Gates will open at 5:30 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. event start time. This event is hosted by the Acton Parks and Recreation Department. Visit us at: actonma.gov/events

Still River Music Launches Inaugural Season

HARVARD, Mass. — Still River Music, a new non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community connection through music, is proud to announce its inaugural programs for Fall 2026.

Founded on the belief that shared artistic experiences deepen our sense of belonging, Still River Music fosters meaningful encounters with music within the communities of MetroWest Boston. Programming is designed to foster an intimate, welcoming space for neighbors to gather, reflect, and connect.

“Our mission is to craft meaningful musical experiences that truly enrich daily life,” said Kevin Moll, Founder and Executive Director. “We want music to be a living, breathing part of our local community—a source of inspiration, comfort, and shared human connection right in our backyard.”

The Fall 2026 season features three concerts encompassing music from medieval chant to folk song, a lecture on music and citizenship, and a launch party in early October. The season launches on September 26 with an afternoon concert at the architecturally stunning St. Elizabeth’s Chapel in Sudbury, and continues with presentations at three venues in Harvard: Fivesparks, the Harvard Historical Society, and the Harvard Public Library. All events are free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended.

To learn more about upcoming events or to support the initiative, visit still-river-music.org.

Is Your Child Struggling with Behavioral Challenges?

This fall, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and NAMI MASS will be offering a very special education program ~ NAMI “BASICS” designed for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental health issues and behavioral challenges. The class will help families cope with the impact these disorders have on the child and the entire family. The program is free to all and led by trained NAMI volunteer teachers who are themselves parents of children living with these difficulties.

The course consists of six (6) classes, each lasting 2 ½ hours. The class will be held in Bedford MA starting Tues Oct. 6th at 6:15 pm - 8:45 pm. and ends on Nov 17th. The program helps parents understand the illnesses that are causing behavioral difficulties, and the critical role families play. NAMI Basics bridges the gap. It provides help that can’t be found in a doctor’s office. Join us and obtain the tools needed that will greatly assist you in making the best decisions possible for the care of your child.

For registration and details call: Dee - 978.697.3441 cell, Brian 617-257-1767, or Lisa – 978.869.1242.
Call soon as the class is limited.

All Are Invited to a Free Informational Webinar:
9 Massachusetts Ballot Questions – Vote Yes or No?

 
The League of Women Voters – Acton Area will host a webinar featuring the 9 questions on the Massachusetts State Election ballot on Wednesday October 7, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT on Zoom. The event is free and open to the public.

Plain language explanations. Pros and Cons. Supporters and Opposition. Financial Impact. Learn what it means to vote “yes” or to vote “no” on each of the ballot questions:

Question 1: Expanding the Public Records Law
Question 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
Question 3: State Primary Elections
Question 4: Election Day Registration
Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate
Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund
Question 7: Single Family Homes
Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
Question 9: Firearms Regulation

Don't miss this opportunity to get the information you’ll need to make informed choices when you vote on the 9 ballot questions. Register today for the webinar link, https://tinyurl.com/LWVAA-BallotQuestions,  and be prepared for when you go to the polls on November 3rd.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state, and national government. It has a long tradition of providing important voter information services, such as this webinar. Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information.

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.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces $1 Billion Saved by BabySteps Families
Thousands of Families Taking the Next Step Toward Saving for their Children’s Future

 
BOSTON – September marks College Savings Month, an annual opportunity for families to take a closer look at how they are preparing for the rising costs of post-secondary education. For many families, a 529 account can be an important part of the strategy. That is certainly the case for families enrolled in BabySteps, who have just reached a huge milestone: $1 billion invested in their BabySteps funded accounts.

BabySteps, a program started by State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, jumpstarts families on the pathway to saving for future educational expenses by providing them with a $50 seed deposit when they open a MEFA U.Fund 529 account within one year of their child’s birth or adoption.

“BabySteps provides children with a strong start by jumpstarting investment in their futures, while also wrapping financial education around them and their families,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “It is so exciting to see this ongoing level of commitment, ensuring these kids get a real chance at college, vocational/technical training, or other post-secondary opportunities, which result in a better future.”

BabySteps funded 529 accounts allow families to save for a wide range of educational expenses, including for traditional four-year colleges, community colleges, or vocational or technical programs. Money in 529 accounts can also be used towards expenses such as books, computers, and apprenticeship supplies.  And, account holders may be able to transfer unused 529 funds to an eligible family member or roll them over to an ABLE or Roth IRA account.

“One of the greatest gifts BabySteps can give families is time,” said Alayna Van Tassel, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Empowerment. “By helping families invest early in their children’s futures, they have more flexibility when students are getting ready for college, vocational school, or another path.”

Research shows that children’s savings accounts provide multiple positive impacts on account holders and their families.  Starting to save early through programs such as BabySteps can result in improved financial and educational outcomes, including higher math scores, higher graduation rates and reduced student loan debt for college graduates.
Davis museum 3

Davis Museum at Wellesley College Reunites Century-Old Antioch Mosaics and Artifacts from Four U.S. Museums


New exhibition brings together roughly 140 rarely seen objects and archival film with three years of research into the colonial-era excavation that dispersed them: Opening Sept. 25, 2026

WELLESLEY, MASS. (September 2026) — A new exhibition at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College brings into focus the ancient Greco-Roman city of Antioch. Opening on September 25, 2026, this free exhibition invites everyone to view objects reunited from American museums while examining how a 1930s archaeological excavation shaped what museum curators and historians know — and do not know — about the past.
Excavating Antioch: The Archaeology of an Ancient City explores Antioch-on-the-Orontes, now Antakya, Türkiye, across two periods: the ancient city from its founding in 300 B.C.E. through the 12th century, and the 1930s excavation that shaped the formation of museum collections in the United States and Europe.
The exhibition brings together more than 140 artifacts — including mosaics, sculpture, architectural fragments, ceramics, lamps, and other objects of daily life — drawn from six U.S. museums: Baltimore Museum of Art, Davis Museum at Wellesley College, Dumbarton Oaks, Harvard Art Museums, Princeton University Art Museum, and Worcester Art Museum. Together, these works illuminate the architecture, artistic production, and everyday experiences of one of the ancient Mediterranean’s most significant cities. 
Excavating Antioch: The Archaeology of an Ancient City will be on view at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts from Sept. 25, 2026 through May 30, 2027. The exhibition is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ABOUT THE DAVIS MUSEUM
A vital resource for communities on the Wellesley College campus and beyond, the Davis Museum is one of the oldest and most acclaimed academic fine art museums in the United States. Its signature Rafael Moneo building houses collections that span the history of art worldwide, from antiquity to the present. Guided by commitments to diversity and inclusion, excellence and innovation, and access for all, the Davis is at the core of Wellesley’s liberal arts mission of educating women to make a difference in the world. With exceptional encyclopedic holdings, rotating special exhibitions, and enriching public programs, the Davis warmly welcomes all visitors, including scholars and students of all ages.  For visitor information: https://www.wellesley.edu/davismuseum/visit/directions.  

Princeton, MA:  “Small Works & Holiday Marketplace”

Come make your holiday shopping more meaningful by supporting local artists! Members of Princeton Arts invite you to come browse, shop, and enjoy hundreds of their handmade items. Peruse creative, unique, yet affordable small wall art in many media, as well as tables overflowing with jewelry, cards, prints, ornaments, fabric items, original books, bags, ceramics, wooden items and so much more! Don’t miss out on this amazing annual holiday marketplace!

Fridays, November 13 & 20,  6-8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays, November 14 & 15 and 21 & 22,  10 AM-4 PM

Location:  206 Worcester Road, Princeton Senior & Community Center, Princeton MA

The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows. 
Sea turtles 2

In Last Release of the Season, New England Aquarium Returns Final Two Rehabilitated Sea Turtles to the Ocean

BOSTON, MASS. (Sept. 16, 2026) – In its final release of the season, the New England Aquarium returned two endangered sea turtles to Massachusetts waters following nine months of intensive rehabilitative care.
A small crowd gathered along West Dennis Beach on Tuesday to bid farewell to the animals as they entered Nantucket Sound. “Young Frankenstein” and “Shelley Volante,” Kemp’s ridley sea turtles who received font-inspired names, stranded on the shores of Cape Cod in December 2025, suffering from life-threatening medical conditions related to hypothermia. They were the last two turtles remaining at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., from the 2025 cold-stunning season.
The Aquarium created individualized care plans for the turtles during their rehabilitation process. “Young Frankenstein” was diagnosed with hypoxic brain injury, which is a neurologic disease that occurs when the brain does not get enough oxygen to function properly. In July after seven months of dedicated care that included hundreds of hours of rehabilitative treatment and a regimen of steroids, antibiotics, and gastrointestinal medications, Aquarium veterinarians decided to pursue hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Advanced Veterinary Specialty Center of New England. The twice-weekly medical treatments involved placing the turtle in an oxygen chamber where the air pressure is two to three times higher than normal. The high level of oxygen helps heal injured brain tissue. After two weeks of treatments, “Young Frankenstein” made remarkable progress and was medically cleared to return to the wild.
“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used in sea turtles for other ailments, but this is the first documented use for treating hypoxic brain injury in them,” said Dr. Melissa Joblon, Director of Animal Health at the New England Aquarium. “It was remarkable to see the drastic improvement in Young Frank’s ability to navigate and forage for food, even after just two treatments.”
“We’re thrilled to see this turtle respond so well to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Watching a patient recover and return home is exactly why we do what we do,” said Dr. Stephanie Kube, a board-certified veterinary neurologist and owner of Advanced Veterinary Specialty Center in Walpole, Mass.
The second sea turtle released, “Shelley Volante,” had severe sepsis, bone infection, and inflammation of the muscle and fat, which required advanced imaging for diagnosis and surgical joint debridement. After aggressive treatment, the turtle was deemed healthy and ready to be released.
During the 2025 cold-stunning season, which occurred 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. Biologists and veterinary staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital collaborate to provide medical and rehabilitative care to the turtles for a variety of health conditions from pneumonia and dehydration to trauma.
Aquarium staff are now preparing for the next cold-stunning season, which will arrive this fall once the water temperature in Cape Cod Bay reaches 55 degrees. 

MetWinds to Debut New Music Director Gabe Southard at 56th Season Opening Concert
Fall concert “There’s a First Time for Everything”set for Nov. 1 in Lexington

 
LEXINGTON, MA Metropolitan Wind Symphony (MetWinds), the Greater Boston area’s premier community wind ensemble, opens its 56th season this fall with the debut performance of its new Music Director Dr. Robert “Gabe” Southard. Southard leads the 60+ member ensemble in concert on Sunday, November 1, 3 pm, in a performance fittingly titled “There’s a First Time for Everything,” at the Scottish Rite Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. A free pre-concert lecture begins at 2:30 pm.
Southard was selected as MetWinds’ new music director after a season-long search in which six finalists each guest conducted the ensemble in concert. He joined the faculty of Gordon College in 2022 as Associate Teaching Professor of Music, where he conducts the Gordon Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band. He previously served as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Hope College in Michigan, leading the Winds and Brass area and the Instrumental Music Education area, and earlier held posts as Wind Symphony conductor and flute instructor at the University of Michigan-Flint.
Regarding his appointment, Gabe said he is “looking forward to starting work with the MetWinds, continuing the group’s reputation for excellence, and bringing some new and exciting program ideas!”
Southard’s first program with MetWinds universally embraces the theme of beginnings. “There’s a First Time for Everything” celebrates the debut works of some of the concert band repertoire’s most significant voices, including John Mackey, Frank Ticheli, and Dana Wilson, each represented by the very first piece they wrote or arranged for band. Another work reaches back to Gustav Holst’s “First Suite in E flat,” the piece widely credited with establishing the wind band as a serious concert ensemble alongside the orchestra.
The full program includes Adam Gorb’s “Awayday”; Holst’s “First Suite in E flat for Military Band” (edited by Colin Matthews); John Mackey’s “Strange Humors”; Dana Wilson’s “Piece of Mind”; John Stevens’ “Benediction”; and Frank Ticheli’s “Postcard.”
Single tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $5 for students, and free for children under age 5, available on Eventbrite.
MetWinds participates in the Card to Culture Program. EBT, WIC and Health Connector cardholders who show their EBT, WIC or Health Connector card at the door pay only $2 per adult or $1 per child (age 5+). Children under age 5 are free. There is no admission limit per cardholder.Free parking is available on site, and the Scottish Rite Museum is barrier-free for easy access.

For tickets and more information, visit metwinds.org, and follow MetWinds on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

Love to Sing? Come Join Us!

Shir Joy Chorus is holding open rehearsals from 6:30-8:30 on Sunday, Oct 4 and Monday, Oct 12th, at Congregation B'nai Shalom at 117 East Main St, Westborough. Anyone aged 14+ interested in potentially joining the chorus is welcome to experience a rehearsal firsthand. 
More information at https://www.shirjoychorus.com/

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.