Action Unlimited
Mac kid summer camp fair 1

Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on February 7

Local parents looking for information on summer camps and kids’ activities will find over 25 programs at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on Saturday, February 7. The Fair will take place at Orchard Church, 130 Littleton Rd (Rt. 110), Westford MA from 11 am to 1:30 pm.

Coordinated by Macaroni KID Lowell, the Summer Camp Fair is free to attend.  Families can gather information and talk with representatives from local and overnight camps, summer programs, and local schools offering year-round activities such as sports, STEM, coding, art and more. There will also be kids' activities and giveaways.

Camps exhibiting at the Summer Camp Fair include local favorites such as Good Pickin' Farm, Camp Massapoag, and Teamworks Adventure Camp as well as specialty and overnight camps such as Grotonwood, The Story School, Third Space Kitchen, and Camp Stonewall.  Macaroni KID Lowell also has an online Summer Camp Guide on its website (Lowell.MacaroniKid.com) as a resource for parents who cannot attend the Camp Fair.
For a list of camps attending the Fair, please visit Macaroni KID Lowell at https://lowell.macaronikid.com.  Exhibitor requests and other requests for information can be directed to barbarae@macaronikid.com or (978) 239-3038.
Ucc boxborough folk coffeehouse


7th Annual UCC Boxborough Folk Coffeehouse
Saturday, January 31, 7 – 9 p.m.
723 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough


Save the date! Nothing could be better than shaking off the dark winter chills and enjoying warm, gentle music in the Gathering Room at the United Church of Christ, Boxborough, with friends on a Saturday evening (7 - 9 p.m.).
The UCCB Music Committee invites you to enjoy the many talents of our community and perhaps offer some talents of your own in a traditional folk “coffeehouse” setting. This event is intended to slow us down, warm us up, and bring us together as appreciators of music.
Please contact Peter Senghas (pwsenghas@gmail.com) or Steve Griffin (sgri617@comcast.net) if you would like to participate or if you have a question about this event.

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA
19 Carter Street, Berlin

Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5

Monday: A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Turn off your TV and stop by for 2 hours of pleasant tea and pleasantries, pastries with good company, and no politics!
Tuesday: Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday: Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: Office Hours with Melissa (Director of the Berlin COA) 10 – 11am (Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday: Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday: Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Thursday: Afternoon Games 2 - 4pm
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 – 12pm

Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!
We frequently add new upcoming events :)

FEBRUARY 1-7, 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2pm | Music and Stories from Little House on the Prairie
Come enjoy the tunes Laura Ingalls Wilder loved and find out more about the music that was so popular with the pioneers. Cost: Free!

Monday, February 2, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Music Includes brings people of all abilities and identities together for inclusive, high-quality musical experiences. Join us in a safe, joyful space to share songs of all kinds. Select Mondays from Jan 19 - April 27.  Register at nacc.net. Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Monday, February 2, 7:30pm | Open Mic for Comics
Join us for our monthly, laid-back night of comedy brought to you by OMP Productions and the Carnival Personnel Podcast. Comics can sign up for a stand-up slot in advance by emailing openmicpain@gmail.com. Audience welcome! Ages 18+ Suggested donation: $5

Tuesday, February 3, 6pm | Book Launch: When Did We See You? A Lenten Reflection on Poverty and Wealth
Berlin resident Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Mae Magill invites us into an honest conversation about faith, money, and community, posing hard questions about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in an economically divided world. Cost: Free!

Saturday, February 7, 11:30am | Veg Group: Cooking with Plants!
This month guest speaker Tracy Zook will talk about plant foods and recipes especially delicious in February! Suggested donation: $5
Worcester chamber music society 2

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents February 1 Concert in Worcester

January 20, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th Season with a concert titled “Shadow & Light” at Assumption University’s Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall on February 1, which features distinguished guest artist Edwin Barker, former longtime principal bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A reception will follow the concert. Two talented female composers shine brilliantly on this concert, having emerged from the shadows of obscurity. Sofia Gubaidulina defied the Soviet authorities’ artistic demands and was virtually unknown in the West until the 1980s. Despite favorable comparisons to Ravel, Bloch, and Debussy, Rebecca Clarke languished in obscurity until only recently. Wildly popular in its time, Beethoven’s septet in some ways stole the spotlight, overshadowing in his lifetime what he considered some of his greatest works.
Sunday, February 1 @4PM
Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @3:30 PM
Program
Sofia Gubaidulina | Sonata for Double Bass and Piano
Rebecca Clarke | Piano Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven | Septet
Venues are handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/shadow-and-light/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.
Sudbury savoyards gondoliers logo

The Gondoliers Melts Boston’s Winter Chill
With Songs and Scenes of Venice
The Sudbury Savoyards present The Gondoliers;
or, The King of Barataria by Gilbert & Sullivan


SUDBURY, MA- JANUARY 2026- This February, The Sudbury Savoyards present Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers in their 65th year of bringing high-quality, grand-scale productions to the Boston area. The Sudbury Savoyards are “one of Sudbury’s most valuable cultural assets” with community theatrical portrayals lauded for their “top-notch vocal performances, fine music” and “great stage magic.” The Gondoliers boasts a principal cast of some of Boston’s top operatic talents working in tandem with a considerable community chorus, all accompanied by a full orchestra led by award-winning musical director Aldo Fabrizi.

The Gondoliers is a boisterous, musical comedy that combines the spectacle of Broadway with the grandeur of opera. Take a trip to 1750s Venice, brought to life with striking custom-built sets, historical costumes, and lively choreography. The wedding day of two handsome young gondoliers is thrown into chaos by the revelation that one of them is not a humble oarsman at all, but rather the heir of the immeasurably wealthy King of Barataria! The couples’ celebration is short-lived when it is revealed that the prince was wed in infancy to the beautiful daughter of the bumbling Duke of Plaza-Toro. This enduring satire of social class, political idealism, and romance is sure to delight seasoned Gilbert and Sullivan aficionados and newcomers alike.

Attendees to each matinee (February 21, 22, and 28) are invited to explore the stage after the performance. During these educational tours, visitors will meet actors and orchestra members while getting close-up views of the set and costumes. They will learn how The Sudbury Savoyards present "Gilbert & Sullivan on a Grand Scale."

Tickets to The Gondoliers range from $18 to $45 for general seating in the spacious, ADA-accessible Kirshner Auditorium Theatre at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School. With just one large-scale production each season, audiences will not want to miss this yearly treat from The Sudbury Savoyards. Tickets are available at the door or online at www.SudburySavoyards.org.

Location:Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, Kirshner Auditorium Theater390 Lincoln RD, Sudbury MA
New revival coffee house kathleen parks

New Revival Coffee House, First Parish Church Saturday, Jan. 31, 7:30PM
Fiddler, Singer and Songwriter Kathleen Parks

Kathleen is a founding member of Twisted Pine, an ensemble that exists “somewhere in the ether between bluegrass and jazz.” Kathleen’s own songwriting leans toward Pop, Folk, and classic Jazz, while her virtuosic fiddle reflects countless hours of festival jams with a blend of traditional and modern musical styles.

Her deep grounding in Celtic and American roots music blends with her love for pop songwriting, funk rhythms, soulful vocals, and groove-based improvisation, making every performance unexpected yet familiar: a musical journey from beginning to end.
Tickets are $20 in advance at eventbrite.com and $25 at the door. For ticket links see the New Revival Coffeehouse web page.  For more info about Kathleen, see kathleenparksmusic.com.

The New Revival Coffeehouse is located at the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow MA 01775.  Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30.
Doors open at 7 PM. Concert starts at 7:30.
Tickets are $20 in advance at Eventbrite.com and $25 on the day of the concert.  Doors open at 7:00 and the show begins at 7:30.
Ass. vall. camera club birds1

Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

HUDSON: On Wednesday, February 4, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Shawn Carey, wildlife photographer and teacher for Mass Audubon Society. His presentation will take you on a virtual field trip to the Falkland Islands off the southern coast of Argentina where you will find some of the islands’ amazing wildlife. The Falklands are home to at least five different species of penguins, other endemic birds, as well as various aquatic animals. Bird watchers and wildlife photographers are sure to enjoy this program!

As a member of several bird clubs, Shawn has gained extensive avian knowledge and serves on the Advisory Board of the Mass Audubon Society and its Bird Art Museum. He has been the chair of  the Mass Camera Naturalists and co-founded Migration Productions where he provides almost all of the digital photographs in their productions. Carey's work can be viewed at https://migrationproductions.com/ .
Currently, AVCC meetings are using a hybrid approach where members can come together 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 membership information, 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 followed by Shawn’s presentation at 7:30.

AVCC in-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson and are open to the public. The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts. During the second monthly meeting, a competition of members’ digital images is judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. Assabet Valley Camera Club, affiliated with both the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) and the Photographic Society of America (PSA), participates in inter-club competitions on regional, national and international levels.

AVCC welcomes anyone interested in learning more about photography as a visual art and its practical application as a science.  Members benefit from the hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. For more information, check out AVCC's website https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com//
Domestic violence roundtable1

Domestic Violence Roundtable Is Collecting Valentine Donations for Families Experiencing Domestic Violence


Each February, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable collects items for Valentine’s Day and fills gift bags for adults, teens, and children served by local domestic violence programs. The Valentine Bags are decorated by the children from Sudbury Extended Day.

Members of our local communities are cordially invited to participate in this collection again this year. We welcome your donations, and we cordially invite you to join us to help assemble the bags on February 3, 2026, at 3 PM at the Sudbury Grange, 326 Concord Road, Sudbury, next to Sudbury Town Hall. Free parking is available.

This is a great opportunity for civic organizations, workplaces, families, friends, and neighbors to contribute to the Roundtable collection and to help us make lives brighter for families affected by domestic violence. Small acts of kindness like the gift bags let families know they are supported and these gestures brighten their day.

Some examples of needed items are gift cards for CVS, Target, Market Basket, Gas Cards, and Dunkin in denominations of $5 & $10. For adults, teens and tweens some items could include full size bath products, socks, cosmetics, nail polish, hair products, journals, gloves/mittens, boxed candy, wash cloths, underwear, scarves. and small pouches that fit inside backpacks and purses. Items for children could include playing cards, educational materials, small toys, small stuffed animals, coloring books, underwear, socks and candy, crayons, pencils, markers, or matchbox cars. All donated items should be new. Please keep in mind that the gift bags will not hold larger items.

Donations may be left in the collection basket provided at Sudbury Wine and Spirits in the Rugged Bear Plaza Road, 410 Boston Post Road, Sudbury. The 2026 collection will start on January 13th and end on January 30th. Thank you for your consideration. For a complete list of suggested donations, please go to www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org.  If you have questions, please contact the Roundtable at info@dvrt.org.

Bid for a Cause: Hudson Art & Framing Hosts Online Auction to Benefit The Armory on the Assabet

 
HUDSON, MA –  January 8, 2026 – The Armory on the Assabet is pleased to announce the launch of the The Armory Online Art Auction, a benefit event organized by Hudson Art & Framing to support The Armory’s mission of preserving and growing its programming, events, and restoration efforts.
The auction is now live and will run through January 31, 2026, offering the community an opportunity to bid on an impressive collection of artwork donated by local and regional artists. Featured pieces include paintings, photographs, prints, and mixed media, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to The Armory on the Assabet.
In-Person Viewing and Special Reception
Art enthusiasts are invited to view the auction pieces in person throughout the month of January at Hudson Art & Framing, located at 18 Main Street, Hudson, MA. To celebrate the success of the auction and the artists’ contributions, a special reception will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 4–6 PM at Hudson Art & Framing.
How to Participate
Participants can view the artwork and register to bid online by visiting https://givebutter.com/c/UaVHkm/auction.
“This auction is a great example of what can happen when a community comes together to support something they care about,” said Tom Desmond, President and Founder of The Armory on the Assabet. “Hudson Art & Framing has gone above and beyond to make this happen, and the generosity of the artists donating their work is truly inspiring. Every bid helps us continue to grow and serve the community.”
Karen Nunley, a local artist and member of The Armory’s leadership team, added, “This auction is a chance to showcase the incredible talent in our region while supporting a space that means so much to so many. As an artist, it’s rewarding to know that my work—and the work of my peers—can contribute to something bigger. I hope people will come out, bid, and celebrate the arts with us.”
The Armory on the Assabet will serve as a vibrant hub for creativity, connection, and cultural enrichment. Proceeds from this auction will directly support restoration efforts, bringing us one step closer to transforming the vision of the Armory on the Assabet into a thriving community reality.
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.
Light and shadow2

Light and Shadow – Winter Art Show
January 6–February 27, 2026
Pompositticut Community Center, 509 Great Rd, Stow

The Stow Area Guild of Artists (SAGA) presents Light and Shadow, a winter exhibition exploring contrast, illumination, and atmosphere through a variety of artistic styles and media.
Free reception: Friday, January 23, 5–7 PM.
Featured artists include Sondra Albano, Shirley Beltz, Mary Coombs, Richard Fishman, Helen Rolfe Ham, Anne McKeag, Karen Roop, Kathy Sferra, Charlie Streff, and Anna Vanesyan.
Info: stow-artists.org
Free walk

Free Walk: Tree ID in Winter

Many of us can identify common trees by their leaves, but what about when the leaves fall off for the winter? On January 25, 1-3 pm, join the Westborough Community Land Trust to learn what other clues we can look for to tell our native trees apart. We'll look for clues like the tree’s shape, the color and texture of the bark, and the appearance of the buds that are forming for next spring. A walk in the wintry woods becomes more interesting when you can recognize the trees you see around you! Our walk leader will be Kyle Grendell, Westborough’s Tree Warden.
About 1-2 miles on uneven woodland terrain. Traction devices attached to boots are highly recommended.

The walk is free, open to the public, no reservation needed.
The location will be the Libbey-Wile Forest. Park at the end of Carroll Drive in Westborough, on one side of the street only. Trail map: https://westboroughlandtrust.org/maps/LW
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

CONCORD, MA – Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members. DVSN advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 partner communities.

The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The March 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on March 2 through
March 20: Monday and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.

DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow,Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

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.net
Habitat for humanity

Habitat for Humanity NCM Celebrates Home Dedication in Leominster

Leominster, MA – Thursday, January 8, 2026 — Due to inclement weather, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts rescheduled the Home Dedication Ceremony at 75 Tenth Street in Leominster for Thursday, January 8. During the ceremony, Habitat for Humanity NCM proudly presented the keys to Gwen and her family, officially welcoming them into their new home.
This home is the result of strong community partnerships and generous support. Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts expresses sincere appreciation to the many supporters who helped make this home a reality, including:
City of Leominster; North Central Massachusetts Housing Authorities; Amica; Law Office of Attorney David Rocheford; McCarty Companies; Brideau Energy; EXIT Assurance Realty; Architect Luke McKneally; Wells Fargo; City of Leominster Housing Department; City of Fitchburg Housing and Development; Adobe; Charlesbank Homes; MMBA; Whirlpool; North Central Massachusetts Community Foundation; IC Credit Union; and Granite City Electric.
A special thank you is extended to the students and instructors at Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation for their hard work and dedication, as well as Hannaford and AllTown Fresh for generously providing delicious treats for the celebration.
“Today is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” said Carolyn Read, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. “This home represents stability, hope, and opportunity for Gwen and her family, and we are deeply grateful to our partners, volunteers, and supporters who made this moment possible.”
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts offers a hand up, not a hand out to hard-working, low-income families seeking affordable homeownership. Affordable homes are built in partnership with families, donors, and volunteers who share our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
We wish Gwen and her family a lifetime of happiness and cherished memories in their new home.
Looking ahead, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts will begin construction on a multifamily home in Acton very soon. For more information or to learn how to get involved, please contact our office.

Nashoba Valley Neighbors Event on January 24

Looking for a fun evening?

Join the Nashoba Valley Neighbors for a wine tasting and warm winter meal, with lots of fun people interested in an evening out and a nice dinner at a local restaurant.  The NVN are joining a wine tasting at The Westford Wine & Spirits in Westford at 5 pm Saturday, January 24, and dinner at the nearby Evviva Trattoria at 6:30.  Please feel free to join us for either or both, but we ask that you respond by Thursday, January 22 at noon.

If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from such town as Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard, but we welcome any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more
Information.  We hope to see you!

Groton Grange Contra Dance February 7, 2026

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Dudley Laufman,  who  will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St.
Tom denney nature camp2

Tom Denney Nature Camp Register Now!

The camp in Bolton is for students entering Kindergarten through High School.
Activities include swimming, games in the fields and woods, arts & crafts, songs, tracking, hiking, campfires to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, building shelters, Animal Adventures, Predator and Prey, Amazon Adventure & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, nighttime activities on Thursday and dinner and s'mores, water guns, an adventure hike, team building activities & more.
Counselors-in-Training must be entering 9th grade or above and attend Orientation June 23-25 and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 29 – August 7, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
After Care is available until 4:30pm.
Campers from all towns are welcome!
See the website for more details and to register: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: bcttdnc@gmail.com (best means of communication) or 978-245-6929 (voice mail)
Andrew campanella

What Families in Massachusetts Should Know About Their School Options


By Andrew Campanella

All parents in Massachusetts and across America want their children to thrive in learning environments that reflect their diverse interests, talents, and individual challenges.

That’s why one in five parents last year enrolled at least one of their children in a new K–12 school. In fact, the process of moms and dads actively choosing how and where their children learn—often referred to as school choice—reached a five-year high in 2025.

Meanwhile, more than 60% of parents say they are likely to consider a new school for at least one of their children in 2026—suggesting another active year for families making enrollment decisions. What that means for your family depends, in large part, on where you live.

In Massachusetts, parents have more education options than they may realize. In addition to assigned traditional public schools, the Bay State has taken steps in recent years to give families more flexibility in choosing schools.

Within the public education system, tuition-free schooling options include charter schools (available in some areas), theme-based magnet schools (available in select communities), and full-time online schools with district approval. In some districts, parents may also be able to send their children to traditional public schools outside of their zones, if seats are available.

Parents can also consider private schools, which charge tuition and sometimes offer scholarships to help make private education more affordable. Finally, Massachusetts moms and dads have the freedom to educate their children at home, and some families pair homeschooling with learning pods or Montessori-style microschools.

If you want to explore these education options in advance of the 2026–27 school year, the time to begin that process is now. National School Choice Week begins January 25, with 265 school events across Massachusetts, including school fairs, open houses, parent nights, and information sessions.

Before starting your search, it can help to pause and write down your goals for your child and what you want in an ideal learning environment. Doing so helps center the process on what—and who—really matters: your daughter or your son. When possible, visit schools and schedule tours or meetings with staff. Research shows that parents who visit schools in person are twice as likely to enroll their children in a new school as parents who search without touring or visiting.

During those visits, ask questions. One of the most common mistakes parents make is accepting education jargon—of which there is plenty—at face value. If you do not understand a term, a reference to curriculum or instructional methods, or a school policy, ask for clarification until you do. You may also want to talk with other parents about their experiences, while keeping in mind that their perspectives are shaped by their own child’s unique needs.

And remember: you know your child better than anyone else. When it comes to your child’s well-being, you are the expert. Finding the right school is not about choosing what works for everyone—it’s about choosing what fits your daughter or son best.

To access a free guide to K–12 school choice options in Massachusetts, visit https://myschoolchoice.com/massachusetts.

Andrew Campanella is the CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the nonprofit organization that coordinates National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. He is also the author of The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Choosing the Right School for Your Child.

EVENTS AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH, 353 Great Road, Stow

 
Sunday Services: Sundays at 10 am: For more information about these services, or to
download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.

January 11: “The War on Empathy” - Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum - Rev. Cindy’s been planning this service since before the death of Charlie Kirk, who said, “I can't stand the word empathy, actually. I think empathy is a made-up New Age term that – it does a lot of damage."  Since then, the war on empathy has gotten stronger. What is empathy, and what is our faith’s relationship to this concept?

January 18: "Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday" - Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef - On this MLK Jr. Sunday, we'll explore the prophetic voices of the civil rights movement and what they can teach us about how to center love as we create an ever-widening circle of concern for our neighbors and our world.

January 25: “What’s in a Name?” - Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum and Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef - In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare writes, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” As our congregation considers a name change, and in a culture that is persecuting people who choose name change, we’ll look at the power of naming and being able to choose a name.

Friday, 1/9: Guest Table Community Dinner
Please join us Friday, January 9 for our next dinner. We offer options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.
Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Friday 1/9: Game Night, 7-9PM
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

Saturday 1/31: New Revival Coffee House
Fiddler, Singer and Songwriter Kathleen Parks
Doors open at 7 PM. Concert starts at 7:30.
Tickets are $20 in advance at Eventbrite.com and $25 on the day of the concert.  Doors open at 7:00 and the show begins at 7:30.
Sounds of stow calls for singers

Sounds of Stow Call for Singers!


Join the Sounds of Stow as we continue our fabulous 47th season! Our Spring Concert will
be Christopher Tin's 2020 "To Shiver The Sky," performed with a full orchestra, in
Littleton on Sunday April 19th, 2026.

Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals on Mondays
December 1st and December 8th, 2025, starting at 7:00 pm, and resume on Monday
January 5th, and January 12th, 2026 from 7-9:15. We rehearse at the First Parish
Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), and encourage all new singers to visit and
explore this special program!

Our April 19th, 2026 Spring concert, "Celestial Celebrations," will be the area premier of
Christopher Tin's "To Shiver the Sky," a magnificent and inspirational piece from 2020
which draws on the words and stories of 11 historical figures to tell the story of
humanity's dream of flight from the earliest myths to modern space exploration. Photos
and videos from the International Space Station and NASA's extensive library will
enhance the performance. The chorus and orchestra, under the direction of Barbara
Jones, will perform at the Littleton High School on Sunday April 19, 2026, where Tin's
"The Lost Birds" was performed in 2024.

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

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

Marlborough Historical Society presents:
Revolutionary War Cannon Display

Come and view this display and the
Historical information on Henry Knox and his journey

Friday, January 16   11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

Advanced Math and Science School, 201 Forest Street

Saturday, January 17 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.  The Solomon Pond Mall, lower level

Tuesday, January 20   11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Assabet Regional Vocational School

Thursday, January 22   11:00 A.M.  to 1:00 P.M.  Marlborough High School

Friday, January 23   11:00  A.M to 1:00 P.M. Marlborough Middle School

Prevent a Winter Blood Shortage: Give Blood or Platelets Now

 
Donors have chance to win trip to Super Bowl LX during National Blood Donor Month
Red Cross, Saquon Barkley huddle up for a lifesaving play in January

BOSTON, Jan. 5, 2026 — The American Red Cross is teetering on a blood shortage this winter, which could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now.

The Red Cross blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season when winter weather and packed schedules made it even tougher to ensure hospitals have the blood products needed for critical care. Without immediate action, doctors may have to make difficult decisions about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait. Donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed now.

Don’t wait – make an appointment to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

For the seventh year, the Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering in January for National Blood Donor Month to urge individuals to kick off 2026 with a blood donation. As a thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LX giveaway. The winner and guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Join a lifesaving team
The Red Cross and Pro Football Champion and blood donor Saquon Barkley are teaming up to remind donors that the best offense against a winter blood shortage is making and keeping blood donation appointments. The blood supply can drop quickly – now’s the time to get in the game and give blood or platelets.

"I gave blood once in college and that was the only time I had ever been asked to give, until the Red Cross reached out this fall,” said Barkley. “It was a no-brainer for me to give again. It only takes about an hour and once you realize in that short amount of time how much help it can bring – it’s a beautiful thing."

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 5-31:

Sudbury
1/8/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd
1/29/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd
Lincoln sudbury civic orchestra2

Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra Presents
“Calm and Storm” Concert


On Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM, the Lincoln-Sudbury Civic Orchestra (LSCO) presents its first orchestra concert of its 53rd season with its winter concert, “Calm and Storm” at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School.
Now in his third season, Alfonso Piacentini, a charismatic, young conductor and percussionist leads the all-volunteer community orchestra. Maestro Piacentini also serves under Benjamin Zander as an Assistant Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and its youth orchestra.
The program includes “William Tell Overture” by Gioacchino Rossini, Camille Saint-Saens’ “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso” for violin and orchestra, and the Symphony #7 by Ludwig van Beethoven. Each work on the program balance serenity and calm against excitement, agitation, and glory.
Violinist Michael Fisher, a rising star in Boston is the featured soloist in performance of the by the French composer Camille Saint-Saens.
The program opens with the “William Tell Overture” by Gioacchino Rossini. Since its premiere in 1829, the William Tell Overture has become one of worlds the most beloved and popular classical overtures. It unfolds as a musical adventure that outlines the libretto of the tale of William Tell, a hero, master archer and revolutionary. From its unexpected quiet opening, Rossini portrays gentle, graceful moments of melody with the rich harmonies, so characteristic of the early
Romantic era. The work oscillates between rustling wind of thunderstorms and the calm of the countryside, depicted in the beauty of the English Horn and Flute solos. Rossini uses one of the most recognized trumpet fanfares in all the classic literature. Used as the theme to the 1949-1957 television adventure drama, “The Lone Ranger,” it has long been associated with heroic acts and exploits.
To effectively interpret Saint-Saens’ “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso”, Mr. Fisher must capture both the calm, sensitive nature of the Introduction and, at times, the fierce, fiery, yet playful nature of the Rondo. Saint-Saens creates a superb vehicle for the violinist to show interpretive skill. From the tentative melodic lines of the Introduction, we hear the violinist implore the listener to explore the peaks and valleys of the violin’s soliloquy. And just as the soliloquy reaches its most poignant nature, we are thrust into the playful and energetic Rondo.
The 7th Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven is a favorite in classical symphonic literature. Many of Beethoven’s symphonies display this emotional journey between calm and storm, gentle and fiery, peaceful and powerful. However, the seventh symphony is one where we experience this contrast so effectively. All four movements are familiar to most ears, and the second movement displays Beethoven’s ability to tell an interesting story with a melodic line of one pitch, harmony changing underneath.
Korean American violinist Michael Fisher is praised for his colorful, characterful performances and his collaborative and leadership qualities. Currently based in Boston, Mr. Fisher is the appointed concertmaster of Benjamin Zander’s Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and will return to the New England Conservatory in pursuit of his Master of Music in Violin Performance.
An avid orchestral musician, Mr. Fisher is widely recognized for his role as a concertmaster. His 2024-25 season included multiple performances with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (including concert tours throughout Europe and Mexico), Carnegie Hall’s NYO-USA All-Star Alumni Orchestra, the NEC Chamber Orchestra, an invitation to the Aspen Music Festival as a Center for Orchestral Leadership Fellow, and invitations to masterclasses for Rainer Honeck, Guy Braunstein,
and Nathan Cole. In addition to his orchestral work, Mr. Fisher has performed numerous solo recitals through Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and was named Finalist of both the New York Classic Violin Competition (2024) and NFMC Young Artist Competition (2025).
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 inclement weather date is Friday, January 16 at 7:15 PM at LSRHS.
The LSCO will present its second full orchestra concert on Sunday May 31, 2026, featuring the music of American composers to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

About Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra
Founded in 1973, the LSCO is a The LSCO is a 501(c)3 organization of like-minded musicians dedicated to providing opportunities for talented students and supportive adults to perform orchestral literature of the great classical composers. The lives of hundreds of students and community musicians have been enriched by LSCO participation. Donations to LSCO are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Visit https://www.lscivicorchestra.org/support-lsco/. The orchestra is always looking for new players. Interested amateur musicians are welcome and encouraged to contact the orchestra leadership by email at lscivicorchestra@gmail.com. Visit LSCO on the web at https://lscivicorchestra.org. Listeners may join the LSCO Mailing list by sending an email to lsco.publicity@gmail.com.
LSCO is supported in part by grants from the Sudbury and Lincoln Cultural Councils, local agencies, which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

The Acton Community Chorus Presents Our Winter Concert, I Hear The Stars Still Singing

The Acton Community Chorus presents our winter concert,  I Hear The Stars Still Singing, a constellation of contemporary choral music contemplating the stars and the ways they guide our lives, featuring a multi movement work by Kenneth Riggs called "Starlight Songs", plus written works by other living composers such as J. Michael Saunders, Jacob Narverud, Susan LaBarr, and Victor C. Johnson. The concert will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 4pm at the Acton Congregational Church with an inclement weather date of Sunday, January 11th at 4pm. Tickets are available through the link on our website or at the door. There will be a reception following the concert.  Every year we seek out a community partner to support, and this season we are partnering with NAMI of Central Middlesex County. They will have volunteers in attendance to share the resources they have for individuals and families living with mental health conditions. The Acton Community Chorus is a nonprofit organization supported in part by grants from the Acton Boxborough, Concord, Littleton and Stow cultural councils which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a State agency.

The Acton Community Chorus invites all area singers to attend our Open Sing for our Spring 2026 Concert Movie Night. We will be featuring iconic songs from iconic movies including My Heart Will Go On, Both Sides Now, Danger Zone, Bohemian Rhapsody, (I've Had) The Time of My Life, and so many more! We will meet on January 26, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Faith Free Evangelical Church 54 Hosmer Street in Acton, MA. Please see our website www.actoncommunitychorus.org for more information about our vibrant choral group that has been bringing choral music and friendship to the Assabet Valley area since 1984!
Motor development babies3

Motor Development in Babies 0-18 Months

A free live webinar presented by pediatric physical therapist Christina Marinelli from Emerson Health, will be held via Zoom on Thursday, January 29, 1-2:00. Babies begin progressing both gross and fine motor skills from birth. They are the building blocks to your baby's ability to explore their environment as they grow. In this webinar, you will learn 1) what typical development looks like, 2) general tips and strategies to support baby's skill acquisition, and 3) helpful resources for continued learning. Time for questions will be allowed. To receive the link, email lmatthews@jri.org at First Connections.

Psychosis Program

"Psychosis Unveiled" is an in-person presentation for people living with symptoms of psychosis and those who love them. Join the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and speakers from the MA Psychosis Access & Triage Hub (M-PATH). Join us on Monday, January 26th, at the Edinburg Center, 205 Burlington Road, Bedford MA, rear entrance. The event kicks off at 6:30 PM with dessert & social time. At 7:00 PM the presentations begin. Learn more about the program and please RSVP here: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/psychosis. 

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 video conference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Nashoba valley chorale

NASHOBA VALLEY CHORALE 50TH ANNIVERSARY WINTER CONCERT

Program Highlights:
  • “Hallelujah!” The Nashoba Valley Chorale is celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season with a concert on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The performance will include music by Bach and Britten and will close with Beethoven’s magnificent Mass in C, featuring four professional vocal soloists and full orchestra. The concert’s repertoire “reflects the different aspects of our history and showcases where we are now,” says Anne Watson Born, the group’s musical director. 
Event Details:
  • January 18, 2026, 3pm at the Groton-Dunstable Performing Arts Center (344 Main St., Groton, MA) 

Ticket Information:The Nashoba Valley Chorale is well known throughout Central Massachusetts and draws singers from towns in the heart of Nashoba Valley, as well as from all over the metro-west Boston area and southern New Hampshire. For more information about the Nashoba Valley Chorale and our season concerts, visit https://nvcsings.org/
Wreaths across america1

Wreaths Across America

On a very cold morning many hardy people came out to  help with this project
The Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minutemen were there and added much to the event.
Thimble pleasures

Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild

The Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild has chosen Home Base as their Special Fundraiser for their biennial quilt show to be held March 14th and 15th at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. Home Base is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to healing the invisible wounds of war for veterans of all eras. Service members, military families and families of the fallen have access to world-class direct clinical care, wellness, education and research at no cost to them regardless of era of service, discharge status or geographical location. The program was founded by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston Red Sox.

Home Base was created in 2009 as a result of visits made to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after the 2004 and 2007 World Series. The players were deeply moved by their visit and sought to make a deeper committment to returning veterans and their families.

Home Base receives a significant portion of their funding through fundraising efforts and Thimble Pleasures hopes to be able to contribute greatly to these efforts. Guild members have been busy creating articles to be sold at a special table during the quilt show with all proceeds being donated to Home Base. These articles have been created using patriotic  and Red Sox fabric themes and include table runners, small quilts, cross-stitched Christmas ornaments, door decorations and pillows. This special fundraiser is being chaired by Pattie Trachimowicz and Linda Gosselin.

Pictured are a sampling of the articles that will be on sale as well as several of the guild members who have contributed to this effort.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts & Gillette Bring “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football Event to Inspire New Mentoring Relationships

 
BOSTON, FOXBORO, Mass. - On December 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) and Gillette partnered for a unique “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event that brought together youth, volunteers, and New England Patriot Quarterback and Gillette athlete Drake Maye, New England Patriots Wide Receiver and BBBSEM ambassador DeMario Pop Douglas and Patriots Hall of Famer Rob Ninkovich for a day of sports and community engagement. Held on the field at Gillette Stadium, the event highlighted the importance of mentorship, offering a fun opportunity for prospective volunteer mentors to get involved while making a lasting impact on local youth.
The event kicked off with a lively pep talk from BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O'Donnell and Pat the Patriot, the official mascot of the New England Patriots. This spirited opening set the tone for a day full of energy and connection. Ninkovich, Maye, and Douglas also joined the action, each participating as a "Big for a Day" to underscore the power of mentorship and encourage others to volunteer. The event marked Douglas’ official debut as a BBBSEM ambassador.
Over 25 current BBBSEM matches, along with youth on the organization’s waiting list to be matched with their mentors, took to the field for drills, skills clinics, and friendly flag football games. The day was designed to foster new connections and inspire potential Bigs to begin their own mentoring journeys.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Gillette and bring attention to the critical need for mentorship in our community,” said Mark O'Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “This event not only gave us the chance to showcase the power of mentorship but also provided an opportunity for new volunteers to experience firsthand how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.”
The event featured several key moments, including a speaking program, a skills clinic, and a series of flag football games, which gave participants the chance to demonstrate teamwork and leadership. The day concluded with a heartfelt recognition ceremony, thanking volunteers and mentors for their dedication to youth empowerment.
The BBBSEM event was one of ten flag football experiences happening across the country as part of a larger national partnership between men’s grooming brand Gillette and Big Brothers Big Sisters.Through this partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Gillette are coming together to bring more mentors into the lives of young men through the unifying power of sports.
BBBSEM continues to grow its impact, matching over 4,000 youth annually with caring adult mentors. The event underscored the organization’s mission to defend the potential of children and to create a community where every young person has access to the guidance and support they need to succeed. Mentorship is a necessity and through sports, connections across cultures and generations are made, helping to build a more unified, inclusive society.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child has the support of a caring adult mentor who can help them reach their full potential,” said O'Donnell. “Today, we’ve seen the impact that such mentorship can have, and we hope this event inspires even more people to step forward and become Bigs.”
For more information on how to volunteer, or to learn more about BBBSEM’s programs, visit www.emassbigs.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 76 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org..

Night Lights Voted #1 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Display in the Country!

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is thrilled to announce that Night Lights was named the winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. Thank you to our wonderful community for taking the time to help the Garden earn this national recognition. We look forward to the rest of this year's dazzling displays (tickets are still available) and hope you’ll join us in experiencing this award-winning event!
Visit https://nebg.org/ for more information.

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

We know it’s a big ask.
With the economy in flux, unemployment on the rise, grocery prices still too high, every dollar is being stretched as tight as possible.
But if you can spare a few dollars for the Beacon Santa, we will make sure the money goes to put a smile on a young child’s face.
Every dollar that you donate will help a family in need.
“Working overnight is great when you have small children who need you to be home during the day. But also impossible, with small children, when the other parent is gone on random military assignments and not home to watch them,” writes one mother of five young children.
All she wants is some money to take her children shopping for clothes.
“Although things are getting better and we are solely focused on improving our finances, for our children’s sake, the holidays fast approach and we cannot celebrate without help, so please choose our home, Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Groton Grange Contra Dance January 3, 2026

 
Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, January 3 ,2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold, who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St. 

HAPPY Holidays from Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

     The Fresh Start family would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.  Our shelves and stockroom and display areas are pretty well stocked now, thanks to donations from so many people in the area who responded to our specific requests for linens and kitchen items and furniture.
     At present what we need most is MONEY to pay our bills and to buy mattresses and to keep our truck fueled and maintained.  If you can help, please click on the link above and look for the big green DONATE button.  You can donate online with PAYPAL or with Venmo and you can always bring or send a check payable to Fresh Start Furniture Bank at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749.  Your donation is tax deductible.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.  We supply furniture and furnishings at no charge to prequalified clients coming out of homelessness.  Please help us to keep doing what we do so well.

Discovery Museum Announces Free Events for Visitors with Disabilities and their Families for January to June 2026

 
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 first 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.
January to June 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.
  • January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2
Special Evenings, Saturdays 5:00 to 8:00pm Museum is closed to the public. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at no cost.
  • Autism-Friendly Evening – January 10
  • Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – January 31
  • Inclusive Evening – February 28, March 21, May 16, June 27
  • Mask On, Play On! – April 11
  • Morning for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA visitors – date tba
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.

Red Cross Responds to Multiple Fires Across MassachusettsDuring Busy Holiday Weekend

 
BOSTON, December 2, 2025 – Volunteers and staff with the Red Cross of Massachusetts responded to multiple fires over the holiday weekend and continue into today with two large fires overnight in Holyoke.
Friday through Monday, volunteers responded to more than 15 home fires across Massachusetts. Volunteers responded to a gas leak in North Andover Monday, and at fires in Amherst, Chicopee, Framingham, Haverhill, Holden, Holyoke, Hyde Park, Mashpee, Milford, North Attleborough, Salem, Shelburne, Springfield, South Boston, West Springfield, and Waltham. In all, volunteers assisted more than 75 people, with more to be assisted following two fires in Holyoke overnight.
Red Cross volunteers respond to more than 700 fires annually in Massachusetts, distributing financial support to residents burned out of their homes. Volunteers supply the most important services – comfort. Volunteers help people cope with disaster through mental health services, advice on next steps and as neighbors who understand disasters.
The Red Cross is able to support our neighbors through the power of volunteerism and the generous support of financial donors.
For more information about volunteering, visit redcross.org/volunteer. To make a financial donation to support our work, visit redcross.org/donate.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Christmas eve candlelighting service

Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service

Join First Parish of Sudbury for a Christmas Eve Candlelighting Service on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 6 pm in the center of historic Sudbury.

We gather to light candles of hope and joy in the quiet dark, to sing the familiar carols, and to find modern meaning in this ancient and profoundly relevant story.
All are welcome!

First Parish is located at  327 Concord Road, Sudbury. Accessible parking is on site, and additional free parking is available across the street behind Sudbury Town Hall (322 Concord Road, Sudbury).

For additional information: See fpsudbury.org; email office@fpsudbury.org, or call 978-443-2043.
Lost in fog2

Lost in Fog – Photographing the Foggy Landscape
Assabet Valley Camera Club Program


HUDSON: On Wednesday, January 7, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Ed McGuirk, an award-winning landscape and nature photographer, who will show how to craft interesting landscape images using the element of fog. He will discuss how fog can create moods that add drama and emotion to one’s images. The program will cover the technical, creative and post-processing aspects of photographing foggy landscapes. You will learn about what causes fog and how to predict its appearance.

Ed, whose work concentrates on the wilderness landscapes of New England, has earned numerous photographic honors. His images have been featured in Outdoor Photographer and other publications. Visit Ed’s website www.edmcguirkphoto.com to check out his numerous “Image Galleries”.
Currently, AVCC meetings are using a hybrid approach where members can come together 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 membership information, 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 followed by Ed’s presentation at 7:30.

AVCC in-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson and are open to the public. The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts.  During the second monthly meeting, a competition of members’ digital images is judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. Assabet Valley Camera Club, affiliated with both the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) and the Photographic Society of America (PSA), participates in inter-club competitions on regional, national and international levels.

AVCC welcomes anyone interested in learning more about photography as a visual art and its practical application as a science.  Members benefit from the hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. For more information, check out AVCC's website https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com//
Free drive through nativity

FREE DRIVE THROUGH LIVING NATIVITY

Trinity Church at 14 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton is having a Drive Through Living Nativity on Friday and Saturday, December 12 and 13 from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Trinity Church parking lot.  Again, we have the opportunity to present the true Christmas story to our neighbors, family and friends at the drive through Live Nativity. Hundreds of people have heard the Christmas message at this event the several years, and we can’t wait to do it again! The sheep are coming and Daisy the donkey!

Give Blood or Platelets and Give Patients Time this Holiday Season

Amazon Gift Card or new long-sleeve tee for coming to give in December

BOSTON, Dec. 8, 2025 — Time is critical for patients this December. The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply steady over the busy holiday season. Types O positive, O negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now and in the coming weeks.
December is National Month of Giving, and your Red Cross blood or platelet donation can bring hope and healing. Create a new holiday tradition and help spread comfort and support lifesaving care. When the unexpected happens, it’s the blood products already on the shelves that matter.
Redefine the meaning of a gift bag; give something that means something and schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
For a limited time, those who come to give Dec. 8-18, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Those who come to give Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on December offers, see RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. If you’re unable to give, consider making a financial donation to support our lifesaving mission at redcross.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 8-31, 2025:

Marlboro
12/23/2025: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Rd W

Sudbury
12/11/2025: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd
12/24/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd



 

Wreaths  Across America

 
December 13,   10:00 A.M.  at the
Maplewood Cemetery
Pleasant Street in Marlborough

Come and participate in the distribution of wreaths to Veteran graves

Become a Tutor of English

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English? Since 1990 the library has been
training adults to become volunteer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutors.
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 profession. 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.

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 Teams, FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and
email as they “meet” with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection.
We still have learners who need our help.

Registration for tutor training is now open! Two sessions are currently scheduled:

- The January 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors are scheduled for five Wednesday
evenings, 6:00PM – 9:00PM. Dates are January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4. Only
the last session will be held in-person in the Wayland Library conference room. The
rest of the sessions will be held on Zoom. Pre-registration is required.

- The Spring 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors will meet on Monday mornings
9:00AM – noon on March 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6. Only the April session will be
held in-person at the library; all others will be on Zoom. Preregistration is required.
If you are interested in participating, wish to enroll or have questions, please contact Ginny Steel
and Jane Albert at esol@waylandlibrary.org

BEGINNING PAINTING CLASSES

Taught by local artist Judith-Grace Miller, these 6 week classes start the week of January 5 at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford and are perfect for beginners and those looking for a refresher working in oil or acrylic. We'll cover design and composition, value, color mixing and more to help you best express yourself as an artist. There will be weekly demos and plenty of personalized easel-side assistance in these small group classes. Choose from day or evening: Monday evenings Jan 5–Feb 9 from 6:30–8:30pm or Wednesday mornings Jan 7–Feb 11 from 10:30am—12:30pm. $275. Instructor will provide materials list upon registration. Register here https://parisharts.square.site/arts-in-the-loft

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.net

New Tutors Trained in Wayland Library’s ESOL Program

Immigrants in our area who want to improve their competency in English now have greater opportunities.  Fourteen generous and enthusiastic people have just completed a training course and are now certified to be tutors of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).  These recent “graduates” include seven from Wayland – Lois Bruss, Sue Feldman, Lidet Girma, John Mead, Dona Mitra, Clinton Savidge and Wendy Sobel; one from Sudbury – Carol Abbot; one from Natick – Ginit Marten; one from Acton – Louisa Chase, one from Wellesley – Jackie Leung: one from Waltham - Mimi Facher; one from Carlisle - Kathy Wasserman; and one from Marlborough - Luba Robidoux. These new tutors, like those who were trained last spring, and some who have been tutoring for years, work one-to-one with learners. Learners currently working with our tutors have come from many different countries, including Korea, Ukraine, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Latvia, Turkey and China.
Much tutoring is now done remotely, using whatever technology works for both tutor and learner, be it FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or simply phone and email.  Some tutor/learner pairs work in person, typically in a local library.
As usual, we can put all possible tutors to work with waiting learners.  The next two tutor-training courses have been scheduled: one starting in January and one starting in early March.  Tutors do not need to know another language, nor do they need to know every detail of English grammar.  For more information see the Wayland Library website.

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

t is a magical time of year – lights shining bright, ornaments glistening on Christmas trees, and Santa visiting throughout the area.

But for many people, the holiday magic is fraught with anxiety, and they have reached out to the Beacon Santa for help in providing a little Christmas cheer.

And so, we are reaching out – asking you to help us. Please consider donating this year – every little bit helps.

One mother writes that she is struggling to make ends meet, especially after her children’s father died in June. “I am worried that I will not be able to provide my children with a Christmas they deserve because there simply is not anything left for gifts and holiday extras after covering basic needs. I do my best to keep things stable for my children, but the holidays can be especially hard. Your generosity would make a world of difference for my children,” she writes.

One mother struggling to leave an abusive husband is asking for help for three of her five children this year. “I am hoping the holiday season with all its magic of Santa will bring them joy, laughter and smiles during this tough time. I don’t think I will be able to afford gifts under the tree this year and I don’t want to see disappointment and more sadness, so I am reaching out for help,” she writes.

The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.

Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.

A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
By mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643, Maynard, MA  01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate with Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Welcome to winter!  The volunteers at Fresh Start on Tuesday morning arrived with the first snow of the season.  Fortunately, it was not enough to necessitate closing.  We had four client visits scheduled but three cancelled because of the weather.   We met our new volunteer & administrative coordinator and look forward to working together.  As we worked, sorting linens, cleaning and testing lamps and small appliances, unloading and loading furniture, and entering items into inventory we shared thoughts about our Thanksgiving celebrations and the Patriots win.
Four (!) trucks arrived filled with linens and blankets and comforters  from the Hudson and Marlborough Lions Clubs who did a blanket drive for us.  Our crew couldn’t get through it all today to make an accurate count.  What a wonderful “Giving Tuesday” gift!

An inventory check showed some gaps in our supplies.  We need new bed pillows and mattresses and box springs for our clients.  Also rugs and dressers.  We seem to always be low on kitchen items like silverware, non-slotted spoons, measuring cups and spoons, strainers, vegetable peelers, tongs, can openers and whisks.

Please check our website to learn more about our organization and help us to help others.  We love cash donations to pay the rent and keep the truck fueled!  We accept small donations on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 until noon.  Furniture donations as well as household items can be brought on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30(furniture)and until noon for small items.  We are located at 16 Brent Drive in Hudson.  Check us out!
Caroling on the common

Caroling on the Common

Sunday, December 7th
4:00-6:00 p.m. | FREE; Registration NOT required!
Join us at the historic Village Hall on the Common for a beloved holiday tradition!
Framingham History Center’s annual “Caroling on the Common” returns this December with a festive gathering for the whole community.
In partnership with Voices of MetroWest, this FREE event invites you to sing along to popular holiday carols and enjoy hands-on holiday crafts inspired by winter holiday traditions from around the world.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the season with friends, family, and neighbors! Whether you’re here for the caroling, crafting, or general holiday cheer, there’s something for everyone at “Caroling on the Common”!
Admission is FREE and open to the public. All ages are welcome. Donations are welcome and help us continue to bring events like this to the community.
Holiday handbells

Holiday Handbells Candlelight Concert

On Friday December 12 at 7 p.m. The Sudbury Bellringers will present a fun and varied concert of seasonal music at Memorial Congregational Church. Children as well as adults of all ages are invited to come and relax while being inspired by some joyful music. Admission is free and the hour-long concert will be followed by refreshments. A voluntary goodwill donation will be accepted. MCC is located at 26 Concord Rd (across from the library) in Sudbury. For more information call Ann at 978-443-9237.