Action Unlimited

Summer Events Series at The Armory on the Assabet

 
Live music, historical programming, and community gatherings coming to Hudson this season
The Armory on the Assabet Announces Summer Events Series in Hudson, MA Featuring Music, History, and Community Programming
HUDSON, MA — The Armory on the Assabet is excited to welcome the community to its summer events series, a dynamic lineup of programming designed to bring people together through music, history, and hands-on cultural experiences. Throughout the summer, the Armory will host events ranging from live performances and community gatherings to historical reenactments and interactive workshops, mostly taking place under the Armory Canopy at 35 Washington Street in Hudson. These programs reflect the Armory’s ongoing commitment to creating accessible, engaging opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, learn, and enjoy shared experiences in a vibrant community setting.
June Events:
  • Battle of the Bands
    Friday, June 5 | 4:00 – 6:30 PM
    Under the Armory Canopy, 35 Washington Street, Hudson
    Donations accepted
  • Acoustic Luncheon
    Sunday, June 28 | 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
    Under the Armory Canopy, 35 Washington Street, Hudson
    Tickets available now
The Armory on the Assabet invites the community to take part in a vibrant summer season that highlights local talent, historical storytelling, and meaningful public programming for all ages.
For more information about events, tickets, or participation, please contact The Armory on the Assabet.
About The Armory on the Assabet
The Armory on the Assabet is a leading arts and cultural organization dedicated to enriching the Hudson, and Metrowest communities through diverse artistic expressions and cultural experiences. Serving as a hub for creativity and collaboration, the Armory hosts a wide range of events, performances, and educational programs aimed at fostering community engagement and cultural appreciation. Committed to inspiring and uniting people through the power of the arts, the Armory on the Assabet is steadfast in its mission to be a cornerstone of cultural life in the Hudson area. For more information, please visit ArmoryOnTheAssabet.org.

Is a Family Member Living with a Mental Health Challenge?

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

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

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts Encourages Community Members to Donate Vehicles and Help Local Families Build Strength, Stability, and Self-Reliance

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

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.

Groton Grange Food Preservation Workshop June 6

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

Treasurer Goldberg and ABCC Launch "Operation Safe Prom and Graduation"
An Effort to Raise Awareness and Keep High School Students Safe

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

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

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

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

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

Worcester Native Earns Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal

By Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Ojeda, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, recently received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for service with their previous command.
Ojeda earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for serving as the senior enlisted advisor of Shock Trauma Platoon in Combat Logistics Battalion at the 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. Additionally, Ojeda served as the career counselor leading petty officer for the 2nd Medical Battalion and raised the retention rate from 70% to 90%. Today, Ojeda serves as a hospital corpsman at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Pendleton, California.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Worcester.

"Being a sports player and a prior Navy Junior ROTC cadet has taught me the importance of discipline, accountability and trust," Ojeda said. "It is important to have the discipline to show up on time and put fort 100% effort, even when I don't feel like it at times. Accountability is important because I have to be accountable for my actions since they affect the team's success or failures. Lastly, I need to trust the sailors to the right and left of me to do their job."

June 2026 Events at 19 Carter
19 Carter St, Berlin

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

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

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

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

Friday, June 12 at 7pm | Open Mic
Join our supportive and inclusive open mic! Hosts Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli will support with professional sound, a welcoming vibe, and a piano. Performers must sign up in advance by emailing LoriDiamondMusic@gmail.com. Sign up window opens 6pm the Wednesday before the event. Suggested donation: $5   

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

Sunday, June 14 at 6pm - 8:30pm | Jazz Jam
Improvise in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Players & listeners welcome. Email Ken at ken@parrishworks.net with questions. Suggested donation: $5

Free Events for Visitors with Disabilities and their Families at Discovery Museum

 
Especially for Me events offer free Museum access and dedicated hours for families that would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience.
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced upcoming dates for the second half of 2026 for the Especially for Me series of free events for families and groups with members who may have a disability, including sensory sensitivities, visual impairments, learning differences, and/or hearing loss.
The popular events offer accommodations that increase access to and enjoyment of the Museum’s ADA-compliant facilities. Because admission is free, families may come and go based on their needs without concern for cost. Visitors also have the chance to meet others in similar circumstances, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and judgement by others often described by families dealing with special needs. A medical diagnosis is not required to attend.
All Especially for Me events are free to attend, but preregistration is required. Dates and registration links can be found online at http://bit.ly/EspeciallyforMe.
June to December 2026: Especially for Me Event Schedule
Inclusive Afternoons: Tuesdays 1:30 to 4:30pm Museum is open to the public, but lower visitation is expected. June 2, September 15, October 6, November 17, December 1
Special Evenings: Saturdays 5:00 to 8:00pm Museum is closed to the public. Dinner, including gluten-free option, is provided.
  • Summer Fun Inclusive Evenings – June 27, July 18, August 15
  • Autism-Friendly Evening – October 10
  • Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – December 12
  • Sensory-Friendly Halloween – October 30 (this event is a Friday, not a Saturday)
  • Inclusive Evening for Visitors 18+ – September 19
Discovery Museum’s campus is ADA-compliant and all exhibits are accessible, designed according to Universal Design principles to be both aesthetically pleasing and usable by the widest possible range of people, without regard to age or ability.
Special resources are always available including noise-reducing headphones, a Social Story and Sensory Map (both online and on-site; available in eight languages), and a designated “Take a Break” space. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters may be requested during registration. Parking is always free and dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at all evening events.
Especially for Me is part of the museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers—financial, developmental, or cultural—to experience the Museum.
Especially for Me is made possible by DCU for Kids, with additional support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Wildlife Biologists to Visit Falcon Chicks Hatched at UMass Lowell

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

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

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

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

U.S. Postal Service Issues Postcrossing Stamps
The triangular stamps are good for 1-ounce First-Class Mail International postage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northborough Art Guild's Annual Art Show

The Northborough Art Guild's Annual Art Show will be held on June 13 and 14th from 10 to 4:00 both days with floral arrangements by the Northborough Garden Club. It will be held at the Historical Society building, 52 Main Street, Northborough.  Admission is free and the Historical Museum will be open also.

For information and application, e-mail:    dalyford@hotmail.com.  For non-members, a $10.00 fee for each of 3  paintings exhibited.

The Friends of the Hudson Public Library's YART/Yard Sale 2026

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

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

Now Is the Time to Go Electric

With local gas prices climbing toward $4.50 a gallon, the financial case for making the switch to an electric vehicle has never been stronger. Charging an EV at home on Eversource East costs the equivalent of just $2.80 per gallon – saving drivers roughly 38% per mile. And the savings don't stop at the pump. Because EVs eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, and complex exhaust systems, they cost 30–50% less to maintain over their lifespan than gas-powered cars. All told, drivers can expect around $4,000 in total cost-of-ownership savings over the first five years.
Whether you're looking to purchase or lease, now is a great time to lock in immediate, predictable savings. Register for our online webinar on June 17, 2026, 7–8pm: www.bit.ly/EV-101 – hear directly from EV drivers, get your questions answered, and take the next step toward going electric.
Wildlife out your window

Author Talk: “Wildlife Out Your Window”
And Westborough Community Land Trust Annual Meeting

Monday, June 8, 2026, 7:00-9:00 pm
Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Road, Westborough MA

*NOTE CHANGE IN LOCATION FROM PAST ANNUAL MEETINGS*

In this fun and fascinating presentation, learn about the wild animals of Westborough from Brad Timm, author of Wildlife Out Your Window and America is Wild! Brad is a wildlife biologist passionate about education and conservation. He has conducted wildlife research in the northeastern U.S. for 20 years. Brad has M.S. & Ph.D. degrees in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a B.S. degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Rhode Island. Brad is the Founder and Executive Director of the Northeast Wildlife Team (NEWT), an organization focused on educating the public about the wonderful wildlife of the Northeast. Brad will have signed copies of both his books available for purchase at the reduced price of $20 (cash, check, or Venmo preferred).
This program is free and open to the public. Presentation will start at 7 pm; refreshments and WCLT Annual Business Meeting will follow the presentation at about 8 pm. Non-members are welcome to leave before the business meeting.
For questions, contact events@westboroughlandtrust.org
World ocean day

New England Aquarium to Celebrate World Ocean Day with Free Programming and Shuttles on Sunday, June 7

Public invited to meet scientists, conservationists, artists, and Indigenous culture bearers during day-long waterfront event

BOSTON, MASS. (May 20, 2026) – The New England Aquarium is celebrating World Ocean Day with free activities for the public to learn about the ocean and take action to protect it.
People of all ages are invited to Central Wharf on Sunday, June 7, for a day of special educational programming along Boston's waterfront. This year's celebration features opportunities to meet scientists face-to-face, encounter a 43-foot inflatable humpback whale, explore the connection between Indigenous fishing practices and Boston Harbor's ecosystem, and engage with a striking climate art installation.
As part of its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity on Boston's downtown waterfront, the Aquarium is again partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston to provide free shuttles to Central Wharf from the Berkshire Partners Blue Hill Club in Dorchester and the Yawkey Club of Roxbury. Pre-registration is required; interested participants should contact their local Boys & Girls Club for timing and availability.
Guests can participate in free activities between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the Aquarium in the Harbor Terrace Tent and on the Aquarium’s front plaza. Educational opportunities will be available inside the Aquarium for guests who purchase tickets. World Ocean Day is also a Boston Family Days Sunday, so students who live in Boston and their families can utilize this program for free entry to the Aquarium. Full programming details can be found on the Aquarium’s website neaq.org.
World Ocean Day programming is, in part, thanks to event sponsors: the Lowell Institute, the Barr Foundation, and WBZ-TV CBS Boston.
The Aquarium’s summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Tickets for Aquarium admission can be purchased in advance at neaq.org. 

Habitat for Humanity Seeks Families for New Homes in North Central Massachusetts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Assabet Valley Mastersingers Announces Planned Artistic Director Retirement at Conclusion of 2026–2027 Season

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

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

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

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

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

Free Pasta Friendship Dinner at
Hudson First United Methodist Church

The First United Methodist Church of Hudson will be offering its FREE Pasta Friendship Dinner on Saturday, May 23rd, to be served at 5:00 pm.  This is one of our most asked for meals and everyone loves the spaghetti, meatballs and sausage served with salad, drinks and desserts!
Invite family, friends and neighbors for an evening of great tasting food, laughter and fellowship.
Friendship Dinners are served the fourth Saturday of every month and are free and open to everyone.

First United Methodist Church is located over the hill, off the Hudson Rotary, at 34 Felton Street.
More information is available at 978-562-2932 or at our website https://hudsonfumc.org/.

Summer Passes Available for Outdoor Summer Concert Series in Berlin, MA

 
Summer passes are still available for 19 Carter’s 6th Annual Outdoor Summer Concert Series running Saturdays, 7pm – 9pm, from June 20th to August 15th (excluding July 4th) at 19 Carter Street, Berlin, MA.

Purchase a summer pass at 19Carter.org to gain access to all 8 concerts for $175. Individual tickets are also available: $25 in advance/$30 at the door, $5 for students and FREE for kids! Visit 19Carter.org.

Kicking off the series on June 20th, Southern Rail will excite the audience with stunning bluegrass harmonies and sparkling banjo, guitar and mandolin. On June 27th, Swing 440 will bring the tradition of Gypsy jazz to life with tunes that are sure to get audiences dancing!

Crocodile River Music will perform on July 11th bringing folks from Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and the United States together to present African art, music, and culture for an evening of movement and joy!

On July 18th, Moe Dixon will be joined by Seth Asser and Gary Brown for an evening of inspiring original songs and inventive ukulele playing. Hailing from all corners of New England, the Nolan Slate Sextet will keep it real on July 25th with arrangements of your favorite jazz artists from the bebop tradition.

Mark Russell & Friends will perform covers of Sting, Stevie Wonder, and other favorites on August 1st and the Rioflow Trio, an instrumental trio led by the incredible Carlos Odria, will perform Latin American grooves on August 8th.

Lastly, Northborough-based Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli with special guest Anelise will share contemporary “music that seeps into the soul” on August 15th.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Camp Middlesex – Celebrates 85th

In honor of its 85th anniversary, Camp Middlesex in Ashby, MA will hold a celebration on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1031 Erickson Road, Ashby.

Since 1941, Camp Middlesex has offered a traditional camping experience where laughter, singing, and camp cheers are the priceless sounds of happy youth on a summer night.

A range of program offerings that include archery, crafts, theater, outdoor living skills, low ropes, cooking lessons, rocketry, woodworking, sports, horseback riding and much more, give campers the opportunity to have fun and gain new skills.

Outings on the weekends, Wednesday night Band Concert, Thursday night dances, bonfires, and different themes for every week, all add to the camping experience.

To commemorate the 85th anniversary, a celebration will be held on camp grounds from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Activities will include crafts, live music, lawn games, tours, lunch, and time with friends!   Pre-registration is required by May 23, 2026, and found on-line at
https://www.campmiddlesex.com/events/85th-celebration/

For interested campers, an Open House is scheduled for Sunday, May 31,2026, from 12:00 – 3:00 PM.
Tom denney camp counselors2

The Tom Denney Nature Camp in Bolton is Accepting Applications for Counselors

Camp runs June 29 – August 7 and staff is there weekdays from 8:45am-4:30pm, and until 6pm on Thursdays.
Staff Orientation is June 23-25, 9am-3pm.

Counselor:
• High School junior or older
• $15/hour
• Like nature and being outside
• Desire to work with children
• Be able to maintain a safe camp environment
• Skills: Strong leadership and organizational skills, responsible, good morals, patience, compassion, ability to remain camper focused, creativity, and a positive attitude
• Lifeguard certification a plus (you have time to take a course before camp starts)
First come first served, so get your application to us as soon as possible

Counselor-in-Training:
• If you’re entering 9th grade or above, you can be a counselor-in-training and earn volunteer and leadership hours while having fun!

About the Camp:
Kindergarten – 9th grade campers:
Games and activities in the fields, woods and pond!
Swimming, Kayaking, Arts & Crafts, Water Gun Fun, Hiking, Tracking, Shelter Building, Campfires to cook hot dogs and marshmallows, Ponding (catch and release frogs and fish), Predator and Prey (an all-camp tag game), The Amazing Race (group challenges), exotic and local animals from Animal Adventures, middle school campers stay late to have fun in the dark on Thursdays, & more!

See the website for more details: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: bcttdnc@gmail.com (best means of communication) or 978-245-6929 (voice mail)
Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TomDenneyNatureCamp?tn-str=k*F) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJOxnTetaE1/)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

The month of May brings change. Outside, the weather is warming up. Inside, students are nearing the end of the school year, and adults are looking forward to summer trips on the horizon. These changes bring a list of things to do, from spring cleaning to packing for trips or summer camps. One thing that should not be left off that list is taking care of your mental health.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is important to take care of throughout the year. However, it’s easy to forget sometimes. This month serves as a reminder to not only take care of your own mental health, but to also check in with others. It’s hard to know what someone else may be going through if you don’t ask.
Mental health is a term that covers a broad range of things. One of the goals of this awareness month is to decrease the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. A great way to do this is by educating yourself about mental illness and related topics. Most of the stigma comes from a lack of knowledge leading to an overwhelming belief in the myths surrounding them. By learning what’s true versus what’s false, we can help decrease the stigma.
Another facet of mental health that faces a lot of myths is suicide. It’s a topic that more people need to be educated on as well. It’s not unpredictable or unpreventable. Oftentimes, those considering suicide give some sign of their intention, either verbally or behaviorally. Asking someone you think could be considering suicide if they are, does not put the idea in their head. Learning those warning signs and speaking up when you think someone may be considering suicide could save a life.
Mental health is too large of a topic for us to ignore. Becoming educated about it is an important first step. For a list of warning signs for suicide as well as risk factors, visit The Jason Foundation’s website at www.jasonfoundation.com. The Jason Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth and young adult suicide. On their website, you can also find training modules, materials, and locate your closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office, all at no cost to you. Don’t let a lack of knowledge stand in the way of helping someone.

Mallory Wire
Division Director
The Jason Foundation, Inc.

Treasurer Goldberg to Return Bronze Star Medal to Family of Decorated Massachusetts Veteran

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

Groton Grange Food Preservation Workshop June 6

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

Give Your Mailbox a Spring Makeover: The United States Postal Service Celebrates National Mailbox Improvement Week

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

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

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

Fix up your mailbox in a snap
The yearly initiative calls attention to the wear and tear that occurs, often without customers’ awareness. Some of the most common fixes homeowners may need to make include:
-Tighten Up: Check for and tighten any loose hinges on the door.
-A Fresh Coat: Brighten up a rusty or peeling mailbox with a fresh coat of paint.
  • -Stand Securely: Ensure your mailbox post is secure and upright.
  • -Be Seen: Make sure your house numbers are clear, visible, and easy to read.


Security is a shared mission
USPS partners with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to keep postal employees, the mail stream, and the American public safe through education, awareness, laws that protect our nation’s mail network. Here’s how you can help keep your mail safe:
 
  • Don't Wait: Collect your mail promptly after delivery to prevent theft.
  • Say Something: If you witness mailbox tampering, call the police immediately.
  • To Report Mailbox Vandalism: Contact Postal Inspectors at 1-877-876-2455.

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

Give Your Stuff Away Day Celebrated by Local Ecovillage

Sawyer Hill EcoVillage observes environmental holiday by reducing, reusing

BERLIN, MA -- Sawyer Hill EcoVillage will celebrate Give Your Stuff Away Day (an international environmental holiday) on Saturday, May 16, 2026.  Residents will give away toys, clothes, books, media, computer gear, sports equipment, housewares, furniture, and much more -- just as in a multifamily yard sale, but all free.  Giveaway hours will be 9 am to 1 pm.

Residents will lay out giveaway items in several designated areas outdoors; other possessions are off-limits. If it rains lightly or rain is threatening, we'll consolidate items in sheltered areas -- under canopies or an open porch roof, or inside one of the neighborhood Common Houses. (If heavy rain or severe thunderstorms are expected, a rain date may be posted on the webpage at http://mosaic-commons.org/gysa-2026 .)

Service animals are welcome, but pets must be left at home. Masking is also welcome (and if the event must be moved indoors, encouraged).

To find out how to reach Sawyer Hill EcoVillage, see http://sawyerhill.org/directions .

Give Your Stuff Away Day began in Rochester, NY, and has expanded gradually to other cities and countries.  This is the ecovillage's sixteenth consecutive year of participation.
Fpc merger

First Parish Church of Stow and Acton and Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson to Merge

Two local Unitarian Universalist congregations have decided to collaborate and create something new and stronger. Both congregations have a long tradition of working on social justice issues in the community and are open and welcoming of people from all religious faiths and backgrounds. Both churches have rich and long histories going back to the founding of their communities.  On May 3rd, the congregations took a historic and important vote to formally merge as of July 1.

The two congregations have names that represent earlier mergers, and the new name will continue and broaden that tradition. Since both churches draw members from communities across the Assabet River valley, it seemed natural to name the combined church after this river that is important to us all.  Members now come from not just our historical towns of Acton, Stow, Hudson, and Marlborough, but most of the surrounding towns in the Assabet Valley.

In the year ahead, you will see new services and activities coming from this combined congregation. The historic First Parish of Stow and Acton church building will be our home base for the activities and traditions of both congregations on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. Watch for announcements and please come and join us for Sunday services, religious education, spiritual and community programs, music and special concerts, and special times.

We will now be known as the Unitarian Universalist Church in the Assabet Valley. The combined congregation is based at 353 Great Road in Stow. You can find us on social media at both of our current sites until July 1st!  http://www.fpc-stow-acton.org and ucmh.org

For more information, contact Rev. Cynthia Landrum at 517-897-9565 or minister@fpc-stow-acton.org

Indoor Yard Sale - All Items Free

Trinity Church, 14 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., Bolton, will be hosting an  indoor yard sale on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 from 9:00AM - Noon.  All items are free. Household goods, toys, books, movies, sporting goods, clothing, more. Enjoy free refreshments as well.  www.trinitybolton.org

America at 250 – Of Thee We Sing

The Heritage Chorale has created an inspiring program of music for its 2026 spring concert, with tributes to iconic symbols of America, including Randall Thompson's Testament of Freedom--a setting of passages from the writings of Thomas Jefferson.
We hope you’ll join the Chorale at 4:00 pm on Sunday, May 31 at the Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive in Framingham as we honor this special anniversary. True to the Chorale’s performance goals, the program is unique and varied, featuring pieces that span more than 200 years of American music. From Chester, the work of the first American choral composer, William Billings (1746–1800), to Take Care of This House by one of the 20th century’s most renowned composers, Leonard Bernstein, and from anthems to cantatas, this May’s concert will be a treat for the listener. The program also includes the world premiere performance of local composer Leonardo Ciampa’s Helen Keller Cantata, a passionate framing of her words. The piece is dramatic and poignant, a not-to-be-missed musical experience. Tickets may be purchased online in advance at www.heritagechorale.org or at the door.
Lincoln sudbury civic orchestraxia

Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra Features LSRHS Students in
An American Musical Experience Concert


On Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM, the Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra (LSCO) concludes its 53rd season of five concerts with the spring program “An American Musical Experience” at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School.
Featured soloists for the program are graduating seniors at LSRHS: cellist Andrew Xia and flutist Maria Huang take the solo position for performances of Cello Concerto in D Minor by Eduardo Lalo, and the Poem for Flute and Orchestra by Charles Griffes.
Celebrating the 250th anniversary year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Maestro Alfonso Piacentini conducts the program also featuring works by American composers Leonard Bernstein, Ferde Grofe, John Williams, Edward MacDowell, Scott Joplin, and a new work by Sudbury resident and LSCO Managing Director William J. Nicholson, Jr.
The orchestra will perform “West Side Story Selections” by Leonard Bernstein, a tribute to composer John Williams including excerpts from Jaws, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Superman, Harry Potter, and ET. Edward MacDowells “Hamlet and Ophelia” and the last movement of Ferde Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite “Cloudburst” are featured.
Two works by Sudbury resident William J. Nicholson, Jr appear on the program: Nicholson’s arrangement of Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag”, and his “American Heritage Suite”, celebrating great American songs “Wayfarin’ Stranger”, “John Henry”, “Comin’ Round The Mountain”, Shenandoah”, and “American the Beautiful”.
Soloist Andrew Xia has been a cellist since the age of nine, and studies with Ying-jun Wei. He is principal cello of the LSRHS school orchestra and plays in the Rivers Youth Symphony and New England Conservatory Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. He will attend Case Western Reserve University, where he plans to study biochemistry, continue his cello study at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and play in the Case University Circle Orchestra.
Soloist Maria Huang has been playing flute for ten years, studies with Ann Bobo and plays in the LSRHS concert and the Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensembles at the New England Conservatory. She played in the Massachusetts Eastern District Music Festival honor ensembles throughout high school. She recently premiered a piece by NEC composer Matthew Tirona at the Seminar on Contemporary Music for the Young at the Rivers School Conservatory. She will be attending the University of California Los Angeles.
Admission to the concert is a suggested donation of $25 per adult. Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School is located at 390 Lincoln Rd in Sudbury. The concert will also be livestreamed on Sudbury TV. Go to sudburytv.org, Scroll down on the Main page to the Live Stream section and click on Watch Now for the Educational Channel.
The LSCO Chamber Players gave three successful concerts in its second season. Performances for the Sudbury and Wayland Councils on Aging, and for the Sudbury Meetinghouse series at First Parish of Sudbury featuring members of the orchestra and guests in small ensemble performances.
Memorial day parade sudbury

Memorial Day Parade in Sudbury—A Hometown Tradition

Sudbury’s Memorial Day Parade and Program take place on the last Monday in May. In 2026, the date is May 25. Come, view the parade or march with us as we visit Sudbury’s War Memorials. Honor an outstanding Sudbury citizen serving as Parade Marshal. Hear the Sudbury Ancient Fyfe and Drum Companie play and the Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute fire musket salutes.  

The Parade and Ceremonies honor veterans of all wars that involved Sudbury residents starting with King Philip’s War of 1676 through the 21st Century.  During these Memorial Day events, we especially remember men and women who lost their lives in service of their country. The observance is planned by the Town’s Memorial Day Committee. New members are welcome to join to help plan the 2027 event.  For information, see https://sudbury.ma.us/memorialday/ .

The 2026 Parade Marshall is a longtime Sudbury resident, Mr. Ken Hiltz. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy through the Delayed Entry Program in 1979, prior to graduating from Lincoln Sudbury High School in 1980.  While in high school he distinguished himself as captain of both the football and lacrosse teams.   During his Naval Service, Mr. Hiltz was assigned to sea duty on the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), where he was aboard in March, 1984, during a significant incident involving contact with a Soviet submarine off the coast of Korea. He served until his honorable discharge in 1984 at the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.   His awards and decorations include the Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Humanitarian medal with cluster, Navy Battle “E” Ribbon (Second Award), and the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with two clusters.

All veterans are invited to join in the line of march at Rugged Bear Plaza. The parade starts at 9:30am. Uniforms are not required. Civilian clothes which respect the dignity of the occasion (dark slacks, white dress shirt, and hat that identifies your branch of service or veterans’ organization are appropriate). Transportation will be provided for those who wish to participate but feel they are not capable of marching along.

During the program at Grinnell Park, the Ancient Fyfe and Drum Companie will perform musical selections followed by musket salutes. Leah Larson, a Lincoln-Sudbury High School student, and Hannah Fidler, a Curtis Middle School student, will sing the National Anthem. The Thursday Garden Club will dedicate a new pollinator garden. Parade Marshall, Ken Hiltz, will be recognized and deliver remarks. Girl Scouts will sing “My Country ‘tis of Thee”, and The United Native American Council will perform a ceremony of peace. The Council has performed this ceremony for over 30 years during the Sudbury Memorial Day program.  Finally, the names of Sudbury veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day are read aloud. Taps will be played by U.S. Navy Captain (Retired) Paul Mawn.

After the program, activities begin at Heritage Park. The Sudbury History Center and the Hosmer House will be open for visitors.   Both locations have displays and shops related to Sudbury’s history. The Hosmer House parlor will have a display recognizing Town employees, committee members, and school staff who passed away in 2025.

The schedule for Memorial Day in Sudbury is at:
https://sudbury.ma.us/memorialday/2026/05/08/memorialdayparade2026/

Marlborough Historical Society Event

MARLBOROUGH MEN Who Fought IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR

Presented by John Gately at the Marlborough Historical Society, 377 Elm Street, Marlborough.

May 26, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.

Available parking across the street.  This event is free and open to the publi

Help Create a Safe New Home for Survivors of Abuse

Spring is a time of renewal and new growth, a time for starting over, and planting seeds for the future. It is also the time for the Shower for Safety.

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable cordially invites you to participate in its Annual Shower for Safety. You can help families transitioning to a new home by donating new household items or gift cards. All gifts collected will be donated to clients of area Domestic Violence Agencies.

The Shower for Safety will be held from Friday, May 1, 2026, through Sunday May 17, 2026. New unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at Spirits of Maynard, 4 Digital Way, Suite 3, Maynard, MA or at Sudbury Wine and Spirits, 410 Boston Post Road, Rugged Bear Plaza, Sudbury, MA.

Requested new items include: diapers, twin size comforters, sheets and pillowcases, bed pillows, towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, small kitchen appliances, pots and pans, bakeware, personal care items, and other household items for kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms.

Gift cards for the following are also welcome: Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreen’s, Market Basket, Hannaford, Stop and Shop ($10-$50).
For questions or further information, please contact the Roundtable at infodvrt@gmail.com.

You can help change the lives of families affected by domestic violence. We would appreciate your support.

Shir Joy Chorus Spring concert: May 17

Shir Joy Chorus Spring concert: May 17, 7 pm at Congregation B'nai Shalom in Westborough. Everyone is welcome, and tickets are available in advance or at the door for $20. For more information, go to https://www.shirjoychorus.com/ .

Our theme this time includes songs from the stage and screen written by Jewish composers. 

The repertoire includes:
  • Fiddler on the Roof medley
  • Tonight from West Side Story
  • Little Shop of Horrors
  • I Got Rythym
  • Over the Rainbow
  • and more!

The Armory on the Assabet and Hudson Cultural Alliance Present “Rock the Arts” on May 16

 
HUDSON, MA May 8, 2026 — The Armory on the Assabet is proud to partner with the Hudson Cultural Alliance, Inc. to present Rock the Arts, a special community arts event taking place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Hudson Elks Lodge in Hudson, Massachusetts.
As part of the Hudson Cultural Alliance Summer Series, Rock the Arts will bring together live music, youth art, and community celebration in one afternoon event. Guests will enjoy a live performance from Disco Lemonade, followed by a showcase featuring artwork created by children and teens from across the region.
The event will also feature food from the Kith & Kin food truck and a full cash bar available on site. Organizers encourage attendees to purchase tickets early, as ticket sales are limited.
“This event is a celebration of creativity and community,” said organizers from The Armory on the Assabet and Hudson Cultural Alliance. “We are proud to create opportunities that spotlight local artistic talent while bringing people together through music and the arts.”
Tickets for Rock the Arts are $20 per person.
Event Details
  • Rock the Arts
  • Saturday, May 16, 2026
  • 1:00 PM
  • Hudson Elks Lodge
  • 99 Park Street, Hudson, MA 01749
Limited tickets are available. For more information and ticket details, please visit: Rock the Arts | Armory On The Assabet 

Declaring Independence: Then and Now    
Saturday, May 16 1:00 - 2:00 pm
First Parish Church, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury Center

 
As part of the Sudbury 250 Day events on Saturday, May 16 the Sudbury Historical Society, in partnership with Freedom's Way National Heritage Area, will present Declaring Independence: Then and Now, an award-winning performance that brings the words and ideas of 1776 to life through readings of the Declaration of Independence and first-person perspectives from living history reenactors.

Narrated by Andrea Roessler of the Sudbury Historical Society, this thought-provoking program, tailored to Sudbury’s own historical records, depicts how residents of communities in Massachusetts debated the idea of declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776 and invites the audience to reflect on what independence meant then and what it means today.

Historical reenactors include Dr. Anthony Howes of Framingham, an authority on the famous How family associated with the Wayside Inn. Howes will represent Ezekiel How, Innkeeper and a Lt. Colonel, who led his militia unit to the battle in Concord on April 19, 1775.  Hartley Johnson of Sudbury, a direct descendant of Walter Haynes, one of Sudbury’s original settlers, will represent the 11 members of the Haynes family who also marched to Concord and fought in the Revolution.

Benjamin Morse of Natick will portray the Reverend Jacob Bigelow, pastor of the Westside Meetinghouse – now First Parish Church/Sudbury Meetinghouse- where he blessed the troops of Captain John Nixon as the men were called to muster in 1775 and where he read the Declaration of Independence to Sudbury’s inhabitants for the very first time on June 10, 1776.

Kathy Lague of Sudbury will represent Mrs. Thankful Berry Nixon, the wife of Captain Nixon who led his company from Nobscot to the battle in Concord and then later at Bunker Hill.  Author Jane Sciacca of Wayland is an authority on Experience Wight Richardson, a Sudbury mother and patriot who feared for her son, Josiah Richardson, Jr. as he went off to fight that fateful day in April of 1775.

Capitalizing on Sudbury's unique zip code of 01776, Sudbury 250 Day will be a day of family friendly events celebrating independence from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm in the historic Town Center.  Enjoy militia reenactments and encampment, fife & drum and colonial music, a Town Crier, tours of historic town center buildings, period dancing, a quilt show, vendor market, food trucks, and the Knox cannon firing, among other events.

The Sudbury History Center and Museum located in the circa 1720 Loring Parsonage, the 1723 Old Burying Ground/Revolutionary Cemetery, the Town Pound, Hearse House and the Hosmer House will be open for tours throughout the day. Attendance is free and no reservations are required.

For the full schedule of events and parking information: http://sudbury.ma.us/250 or sudbury01776.org

T-shirt Design Contest!

The Tom Denney Nature Camp is holding a design contest for our camp T-shirt. Design a nature-themed T-shirt and send in your entry by Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 5:00pm. Entries will be voted on by the staff, and if yours is chosen then it will be printed on the T-shirts. Here is a link with more information: https://www.tomdenneynaturecamp.org/tee-shirt-design-contest.

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents High Five Concert June 13

 
May 8, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Join Worcester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) for their annual summer concert on June 13, 2026 at Brooks Concert Hall, College of the Holy Cross in Worcester at 7:30 PM.
It might be the beginning of summer, but there’s a midsummer vibe to this concert of quintets, provided by lightness and lyricism that wind through the music. Creativity, color, and conviviality abound, making this a delightful lift into your summer. This evening event will take place at Brooks Concert Hall, which is located at the College of the Holy Cross, and features music by Felix Mendelssohn and Antonín Dvořák.
Though now thought of as a strong work from Mendelssohn’s later life, his String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major was not published during his lifetime because he did not feel it was worthy enough to be printed. Despite the composer’s seeming personal negativity about the work, he did feel it was a good musical exercise if not his most capable representation of “art.” Still, written during a sabbatical from his Leipzig Conservatory while holidaying in Frankfurt, it was composed during a time – and imbues a sense – of “happy days.”
Czech composer Dvořák is regarded as perhaps the most adaptable composer of his time, frequently employing and amplifying the sounds, rhythms, and styles of his homeland. This second Piano Quintet in A major is representative of his ability to rethink his work; unhappy with the first version, he destroyed the manuscript shortly after its debut, only agreeing to revise the composition fifteen years later after obtaining a friend’s copy of the score. 
Saturday, June 13 @7:30PM
High Five
Brooks Concert Hall
College of the Holy Cross
1 College Street, Worcester
Program
Mendelssohn | String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 87
Dvořák | Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op. 81
Venue is air conditioned and handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/summer-concert-high-five/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.
Project bread 2

Project Bread’s 58th Walk for Hunger To Raise $1 Million as Food Insecurity Reaches Crisis Levels Across Massachusetts


BOSTON – On Sunday, May 3, nearly 4,000 participants gathered on Boston Common and joined virtually from across the country and around the world for Project Bread’s 58th Annual Walk for Hunger, the nation’s oldest continually running pledge walk. Walkers representing 216 towns across Massachusetts, along with participants from 23 U.S. states and five countries, united to take action for the 40% of Massachusetts households experiencing food insecurity. Donations are still coming in but the event is well on its way to hitting the goal of raising $1 million in support of statewide efforts to end hunger in the Commonwealth.
This year’s Walk comes at a critical inflection point for food security in Massachusetts. Forty percent of state households are experiencing food insecurity, amid historic cuts to SNAP over the last year that are forcing more families to make impossible choices between food and other basic needs. Against that backdrop, The Walk served as both a fundraiser and a rallying cry, drawing first-time participants alongside advocates who have walked for decades.
During the Opening Ceremony on the Boston Common Main Stage, Project Bread CEO Erin McAleer presented the prestigious Patrick Hughes Award for Social Justice to Jean McMurray, recently retired CEO of the Worcester County Food Bank. McMurray was honored for more than 30 years of advocacy and partnership advancing systemic solutions to hunger across Massachusetts and her ongoing work as advisor to the Make Hunger History Coalition.
The Walk featured a family-friendly, fully accessible 3-mile loop on Boston Common, with live entertainment, local food vendors, a cooking demonstration, and inclusive programming with ASL interpretation. Walkers were cheered on by family and friends throughout the festive route, which highlighted ways to get involved in the fight to end hunger.
Now in its eighth consecutive year, the Commonwealth Program welcomed 68 community-based organizations that fundraised as part of a joint initiative, retaining 60 percent of all funds they raised to support their own anti-hunger work while contributing to The Walk’s statewide goal.
Funds raised through The Walk support Project Bread’s year-round work to connect families to food when there’s nothing left at home, make sure kids have enough to eat, and guides everyday people through moments of crisis. Funds also support long-term solutions to ending hunger permanently. Fundraising for The Walk for Hunger continues. Visit www.projectbread.org/walk to donate or start a personal fundraiser.
People experiencing food insecurity should call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline (1-800-645-8333), which provides confidential, free assistance getting connected to a variety of food resources in 180 languages and for the hearing impaired. Counselors can pre-screen families and help them to apply for SNAP. Learn more at projectbread.org/get-help.
Boston world expo

BOSTON 2026 WORLD EXPO STAMP SHOW

When: May 23-30, 2026
Show Floor Hours: 10AM to 6PM (Sat-Fri) & 10AM to 3PM (Sat 5/30)
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer
Street, Boston, MA 02210 in the Seaport District
Price: Free

Explore global and US history, one tiny painting at a time! Boston 2026 World Expo brings the global stamp community to Boston for eight days from May 23-30th, 2026. Held once every ten years, the event showcases world-class exhibits, dealers, presentations, and first day of issue ceremonies, all part of America’s 250th anniversary in the heart of one of America's most historic cities.

Spanning 352,000 contiguous square feet and sponsored by the US Postal Service, the exhibition will feature a comprehensive international experience, including a large dealer marketplace, an extensive array of foreign post offices, and a chance to talk with philatelic societies from around the world. At the heart of the expo will be a prestigious competitive exhibition with approximately 4,000 frames of exhibits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), complemented by a special Court of Honor exhibition and a major literature competition.

Beyond exhibits, Boston 2026 will host hundreds of meetings, roundtable discussions, and presentations across 40 meeting rooms supporting education, collaboration, and international exchange. Signature events, including a large opening ceremony and a closing awards dinner, will create a unique and memorable experience for exhibitors, delegates, and visitors. History buffs, art lovers, ephemera and mail artists, scout troops, and youth groups are all welcome free of charge.

See Boston2026.org website for information on attending dealers and post offices, exhibit and event listings, volunteer opportunities, scout merit badge workshops, and much more.

Outdoor Summer Concert Series in Berlin, MA

Presenting a sixth summer of outdoor music, 19 Carter will offer eight fabulous
concerts taking place Saturday evenings from 7 - 9 pm from June 20th to August 15th
(excluding July 4th) at 19 Carter Street, Berlin, MA. Tickets are available now at
19Carter.org – $175 for a Summer Pass; individual tickets $25 in advance or $30 at
the door, $5 for students and FREE for kids.

The concert series offers an array of marvelous musicians presenting a range of genres
spanning from bluegrass to jazz to African music & dance and more! See the full
lineup below:

June 20th – Southern Rail (Bluegrass)
June 27th – Swing 440 (Gypsy Jazz)
July 11th – Crocodile River Music (African Music & Dance)
July 18th – Moe Dixon w/ Seth Asser & Gary Brown (Folk/Blues/Country)
July 25th – Nolan Slate Sextet (Jazz)
August 1st – Mark Russell & Friends (Rock/Pop/Blues/Jazz)
August 8th – Rioflow Trio (Latin-infused Jazz/Salsa)
August 15th – Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli with special guest Anelise (Folk/Gospel/Soul)

19 Carter is partnering with local breweries and wineries for select concerts. These
onsite partners include Clover Road Brewing Company of Hudson; Dirigible Brewing
Company of Littleton; and IEMMALLO Wine of Ashland.

This year’s summer concert series is sponsored by Clinton Savings Bank, North
Brook Alpaca Farm, Cordelia’s Farm, Golden Skep Farm, the Berlin and Bolton
Cultural Councils (local agencies funded by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency)
and S. Elaine McDonald from REMAX Executive Realty.

For more information, check out our website at 19Carter.org or email us directly at
info@19carter.org. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @19CarterCommunity

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

FREE Children's Activities

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Hudson First United Methodist Church
Annual Ladies Tea with Live Entertainment

 
Oh Saturday, May 9th, at 1:00pm, First United Methodist Church United Women of Faith, is hosting it Annual Ladies Tea.   All mothers and those who “have been like a mother”, are invited to spend a delightful afternoon, enjoying tea and light refreshments while watching a live performance presented by the Delvena Theater Company.

“THIRTEEN THINGS ABOUT ED CARPOLLOTI”

The Delvena Theatre Company will be presenting “Thirteen Things About Ed CarpolottI” for the Hudson Women’s Club at the First United Church, 34 Felton Street, Hudson.

“Thirteen Things About Ed Carpolloti” is a play about the widow of a wheeler-dealer contractor, who discovers that her husband, Ed, has left her in debt to the banks, her family and the mob.  As she struggles to escape her creditors and understand how her husband could have left her in such pain and doubt, a mysterious list of “Thirteen Things” embarrassing to Ed is offered to her if she can come up with $1 million in two days.  Then an intriguing web of events enter into this amusing and touching story with a surprise ending!  

Actress, Lynne Moulton, will be featured in this one-woman show.  Lynne has performed several roles for Delvena Theatre including her IRNE nominated Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Sissy in Piece of My Heart and also for numerous other theatre companies in the New England area.  She received her acting training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art under the direction of Sir Robert Palmer and at Trinity Rep Conservatory.  
The Delvena Theatre Company was founded in 1992 and has performed at various venues, most often at the Boston Center for the Arts.  The company was nominated for five Independent Reviewers of New England awards.  Its production of 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' was on Theatre Mirror's Best List for acting, directing and production.  Presentations of 'Anna Weiss' and 'Beyond Therapy' were included on Theatre Mirror's best play list and 'Blue Heart' was placed on Aisle Say's best list.
First United Methodist Church is located over the hill off the Hudson Rotary at 34 Felton Street.
Give your stuff away

Give Your Stuff Away Day Celebrated by Local Ecovillage:
Sawyer Hill EcoVillage observes environmental holiday by reducing, reusing


BERLIN, MA -- Sawyer Hill EcoVillage will celebrate Give Your Stuff Away Day (an international environmental holiday) on Saturday, May 16, 2026.  Residents will give away toys, clothes, books, media, computer gear, sports equipment, housewares, furniture, and much more -- just as in a multifamily yard sale, but all free.  Giveaway hours will be 9 am to 1 pm.

Residents will lay out giveaway items in several designated areas outdoors; other possessions are off-limits. If it rains lightly or rain is threatening, we'll consolidate items in sheltered areas -- under canopies or an open porch roof, or inside one of the neighborhood Common Houses. (If heavy rain or severe thunderstorms are expected, a rain date may be posted on the webpage at http://mosaic-commons.org/gysa-2026 .)

Service animals are welcome, but pets must be left at home. Masking is also welcome (and if the event must be moved indoors, encouraged).

To find out how to reach Sawyer Hill EcoVillage, see http://sawyerhill.org/directions .

Give Your Stuff Away Day began in Rochester, NY, and has expanded gradually to other cities and countries.  This is the ecovillage's sixteenth consecutive year of participation.
Help create a safe new home

Help Create a Safe New Home for Survivors of Abuse

Spring is a time of renewal and new growth, a time for starting over, and planting seeds for the future. It is also the time for the Shower for Safety.

The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable cordially invites you to participate in its Annual Shower for Safety. You can help families transitioning to a new home by donating new household items or gift cards. All gifts collected will be donated to clients of area Domestic Violence Agencies.

The Shower for Safety will be held from Friday, May 1, 2026, through Sunday May 17, 2026. New unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at Spirits of Maynard, 4 Digital Way, Suite 3, Maynard, MA or at Sudbury Wine and Spirits, 410 Boston Post Road, Rugged Bear Plaza, Sudbury, MA.

Requested new items include: diapers, twin size comforters, sheets and pillowcases, bed pillows, towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, small kitchen appliances, pots and pans, bakeware, personal care items, and other household items for kitchens, bathrooms, or bedrooms.

Gift cards for the following are also welcome: Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreen’s, Market Basket, Hannaford, Stop and Shop ($10-$50).
For questions or further information, please contact the Roundtable at infodvrt@gmail.com.

You can help change the lives of families affected by domestic violence. We would appreciate your support.

Against the Tide Athletic Fundraising Events to Support Breast Cancer Prevention

 
Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) invites you to participate in the 2026 Against the Tide Swim, Run, Walk to support breast cancer prevention!
The 34th Annual Hopkinton event will take place at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton, MA on June 20th, 2026. The following week, the 27th Annual Cape event will be held at DCR’s Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA on June 27th, 2026.  
In-person events include USATF-Course-Certified 5K and 10K runs, USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim, 1-mile recreational and competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, and a 3-mile fitness walk.
If you are unable to join us in person, participate from wherever you are in virtual Against the Tide between June 20th and June 27th. 
In-person participants will receive an event t-shirt and goodie bag. Prizes will be awarded for the in-person top swim and run finishers, as well as for the highest fundraising team and the three highest fundraising individuals.
“I’m excited to see the incredible energy that participants bring to the 2026 Against the Tide events,” said Cheryl Osimo, MBCC’s Executive Director. “Each year, this event reminds us how powerful our community can be when we come together for prevention. Whether you join us in Hopkinton, on Cape Cod, or virtually, please know that your participation truly makes an impact.”
Against the Tide can be enjoyed by adults and children of all ages and abilities. To register, create or join a team, and to donate, go to mbcc.org/against-the-tide. You can also register in person the morning of the event.
The in-person registration fee is $40 per participant per event.  The virtual registration fee is $20 per person for one or multiple events.  
Against the Tide is a major fundraising event for MBCC, whose mission has been dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research, advocacy, and changes to public policy since its founding in 1991. MBCC’s free online educational materials and webinars are made possible through fundraising events and the generosity of donors.