Action Unlimited

Annual Celebration of Hope Benefit to Support Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc.

 
CONCORD, MA - Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is hosting their annual Celebration of Hope Benefit fundraiser on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at The Barn at Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA for brunch   from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a sumptuous meal in rustic elegance in support of DVSN’s vital work. This year’s event celebrates hope, collaboration, and community”.  Tickets are $95 per person which covers the food, drinks, dessert, décor, and programming. Tickets can be purchased at DVSN.org/Benefit2026.

This year’s Celebration of Hope Benefit will be hosted by DVSN board members Tina Fico and Erick Gordy and feature award-winning journalist and author Dan Murphy as the Keynote Speaker. Dan has reported for ESPN for more than a decade where he currently covers stories at the intersection of sports and larger societal issues on ESPN’s investigative reporting team.  Dan co-authored “Start By Believing…the Brave Women Who Stopped a Monster”, a thoroughly researched and reported account of the fight to bring serial sexual abuser Larry Nassar to justice.  His work has won a Peabody Award, an IRE Sports Investigation of the Year Award, and the EVAWI National Media Award, among others.  He lives in Cambridge, MA.

Primarily serving communities in Central Middlesex County, DVSN provides a confidential Help Line staffed with well-trained volunteer advocates working closely with community service providers, police departments, courts, hospitals, and schools, as well as other community organizations and businesses, to provide support, resources, risk assessment, safety planning, and training to clients, community partners, and the public.  To learn more about domestic violence and the various ways you can support DVSN, visit DVSN.org.  “We hope you can join us on May 2nd," invites Jacquelin Apsler, DVSN’s Executive Director, "Your generosity helps to transform lives!"

The Barn at Gibbet Hill is a tastefully restored 100-year-old barn overlooking rolling hills of conservation land.  It is a popular and picturesque event venue at the foot of Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA that can support 220 people and includes a large all-season deck. More information and photos can be found at BarnAtGibbetHill.com.

Given the enormous success of two previous brunch events at The Barn at Gibbet Hill, DVSN decided to host a third brunch fundraiser at this exceptional venue.  A mid-morning brunch allows attendees to enjoy the tranquil beauty of The Barn at Gibbet Hill’s surroundings in the glow of natural daylight.

For more information about DVSN or to reserve tickets today, visit DVSN.org or call 978-318-3421.
Heat pumps

Go Heat Pump: Incentives & Quotes Explained
Learn, ask questions, and find out how incentives can help you make the switch


You may have heard more people in Massachusetts talking about heat pumps—and for good reason. Heat pumps are an efficient, all-electric system that can heat and cool your home while lowering emissions and improving comfort year-round.
Here’s why heat pumps are gaining popularity across Massachusetts:
Heating and cooling in one efficient system
Heat pumps provide both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. They’re highly efficient, even in cold New England temperatures, and can help lower your energy use.
Lower emissions and a cleaner energy future
Heating with fossil fuels is one of the largest sources of climate pollution in Massachusetts. Switching to heat pumps helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint and supports the state’s transition to clean electricity.
Comfort, safety, and better indoor air quality
Heat pumps don’t burn fuel inside your home, which means no on-site combustion and fewer indoor air pollutants. They also provide steady, even heating and cooling.
Incentives can cover thousands of dollars
Programs like Mass Save offer generous rebates, 0% interest financing, and support to help make heat pumps more affordable. Additional programs through organizations like the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center may also be available.
Curious if heat pumps are right for you
Join our webinar to learn how heat pumps work, compare costs, explore available incentives, and learn how to get quotes from trusted installers.
April 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Register: bit.ly/heat-pumps-101
Together, we can create more comfortable homes and a cleaner energy future for our communities.
It can't happen here

Reading of Sinclair Lewis’ It Can’t Happen Here
Planned for April 30

In 1935, Sinclair Lewis looked at the situation in Europe and the popularity of Louisiana politician Huey Long, and published a novel, It Can’t Happen Here, a cautionary tale on authoritarianism and the rise of fascism in America.  A year later, Lewis and John Moffitt adapted the novel into a play with the same title.  Since then, a reading version of the play, first created for radio, has been developed.

That reading, It Can’t Happen Here, will be produced Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m. in the Sudbury Meetinghouse at First Parish in Sudbury.

Linda Hench, wife of Representative Carmine Gentile, is spearheading the effort.

“A friend in the Berkshires is coordinating an effort to present this reading in as many communities as possible.  I wanted to bring it to Sudbury,” Hench said.  “The play runs about 2 hours, but we are just doing Part 1 which runs about an hour, and then we will have a discussion,” facilitated by Katina Fontes, a Goodnow Library trustee and the owner of Athina Books.

The reading is open to the public and admission is free.

The event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Sudbury, First Parish of Sudbury UU, Sudbury Meetinghouse and Athina Books.

It Can't Happen Here is a dystopian novel by Sinclair Lewis that follows the election as President of Berzelius "Buzz" Windrip, a populist U.S. Senator who turns America into a fascist dictatorship. Through the eyes of Vermont newspaper editor Doremus Jessup, the story depicts the rapid dismantling of democracy, the rise of a brutal paramilitary force (the Minute Men), and the subsequent suppression of civil liberties, leading to the imprisonment of critics.

John and Owen Taylor Grave Rededication

John and Owen Taylor Grave Rededication hosted by the Willie Grout Camp #25 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. This event will take place April 26th at 10AM at the Immaculate Conception Cemetary in Marlborough. John Taylor was a member of the 33rd Massachusetts Infantry, and Owen Taylor was a member of the 28th Massachusetts Infantry
New england folk festival

New England Folk Festival April 24-26, 2026

The New England Folk Festival Association (NEFFA) is a non-profit educational and cultural organization promoting folk arts and traditions in New England and elsewhere. Every April, for 8 decades,  NEFFA runs the New England Folk Festival which blends dance, music, crafts, family activities, and food. The 2026 Festival is on April 24-26 at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA 01752 

The Festival is unique because not only are there concerts and performances, but there are also opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage directly with music, dance, and folk arts culture. There is music everywhere!  You will find jam sessions, instrument workshops, group singing (sea shanties!), and  traditional music throughout the Festival. The Festival is also known for its varied social dance program, which includes: Contra and Traditional Square Dance, International Folk Dance, Waltz, English Country, Scandinavian, and more. There are plenty of introductory workshops, and sessions geared towards intermediate and advanced dancers.

NEFFA is offering special reduced rate  “Festival Sampler Tickets” to introduce the festival to a wider audience. 
Please spread the word!  The NEFFA Sampler tickets ($10; kids under 8 are free) are a great way to explore some of what the New England Folk Festival has to offer. Shop at the Festival Marketplace, watch traditional dances from around the world, and experience folk music, relax with your kids in the Family Activities Area, then enjoy a snack from the food vendors while watching traditional Morris dance performances. Sampler tickets admission will be available on Saturday April 26th from 11AM-4PM  and all day Sunday April 26th. More information at  https://www.neffa.org/festival-sampler/

Thrifting Market at Memorial Church in Sudbury April 23-25

 
On Thursday April 23 from 5-8, Friday April 24 from 9-5 and Saturday April 25 from 9-1 Memorial Congregational Church is holding its semi-annual Thrifting Market where we sell gently used clothing, shoes, accessories and linens. There will be lots of clothing for people of all ages. All items are carefully organized making shopping very easy. Good quality clothing at rock bottom prices! Pay with cash, check or Venmo!

On Saturday you will find even more bargains as all items will sell at half price!

Memorial Church is located at 26 Concord Rd (across from Goodnow Library) in Sudbury. For questions or additional information, please call 978-443-3885.

MUSICIANS OF THE OLD POST ROAD Presents
Ben Franklin's Musical Curiousity

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 4:00 pm
Museum of Worcester, Worcester, MA
and live-streamed at www.oldpostroad.org 
Sunday, May 3, 2026, 4:00 pm
Shirley-Eustis House, Boston, MA
In-person Audience Tickets $10-$55, kids come free with an adult
Virtual Audience Tickets: $35 individual, $70 family, $10 students
Two-time winner of the Noah Greenberg Award from the American Musicological Society, Musicians of the Old Post Road concludes its 37th season in May with Ben Franklin’s Musical Curiosity. This program explores the founding father’s musical relationships and confluences here in our fledgling Republic and abroad in Paris, where he served as ambassador to France.
These performances will be united with the historic venues of the Museum of Worcester and Boston’s Shirley-Eustis House, where Franklin was a frequent visitor. Built in 1747 by Royal Governor William Shirley, this “country estate” served as a hub for colonial elites, also hosting such notable figures as George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. This will be the ensemble’s first time performing at this location, which was selected specifically for its unique connection to Benjamin Franklin and the important people and events of the American Revolution.

Single In-Person Tickets are $55 general admission, $50 seniors, $35 for under 35. Kids 18 and under are free with an adult. Day-Of-Concert Rush Tickets (students and EBT Card holders only) are $10, availability permitting. Virtual single tickets and virtual subscriptions are also available.
For more information, visit www.oldpostroad.org, email musicians@oldpostroad.org, or call 781-466-6694.

U.S. Navy Sailor from Massachusetts Will be One of the First Faces the Artemis II Crew Will See Upon Their Return to Earth

 
The first face the Artemis II crew will see upon their return to Earth will be the face of a U.S. Navy sailor.
Chief Hospital Corpsman Vlad Link, from Chelsea, Massachusetts, is a member of the dive medical team that will open the Orion capsule upon its return to Earth, make initial medical assessments of the Artemis II crew, and assist them out of the capsule safely and efficiently.
Link has 18 years of experience in dive medicine.

“I have been exposed to the Navy since I was a young teenager, and I’m proud to represent both my family and hometown,” Link said. “Contributing our efforts to NASA and the Artemis II mission is something we take great pride in as part of that legacy.”

Native Plant Trust Celebrates Native Plant Month, Announces Trillium Week,
Performance of Unfurling with Boston Dance Theater

 
Wayland, MA – April is National Native Plant Month, following a bipartisan resolution first passed by the U.S. Senate in 2021 and repeated annually, including this year. The designation encourages all Americans to understand, plant, and preserve native flora, which are essential to maintaining biodiversity, supporting pollinators, and preserving ecosystem health.
On Saturday, May 2, Native Plant Trust will offer a special evening at Garden in the Woods, beginning with a walk through the gardens, followed by a performance of Unfurling, an original work by Boston Dance Theater. Following the performance, visitors will be invited to join Unfurling’s creative team for a discussion about the intersection of artistry, creation, and the natural world featuring BDT Founder and Co-Artistic Director Jessie Stinnett, Choreographer Kim Rachochia, sound artist Skooby Laposky, and Native Plant Trust Senior Horticulturist David Falk.
According to its creators, Unfurling is a site-responsive performance created by the artists of the Boston Dance Theater in collaboration with visual artist Kim Radochia. Drawing inspiration from the quiet resilience of plant life and the writings of indigenous botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, the work invites audiences into a shared sensory experience of movement, sound, and sculptural installation. Dancers will move through the space like tendrils of growth, attuning to one another, the land, and the invisible networks that sustain life. Unfurling asks us to notice what is overlooked and to sense our place within a living, interdependent world.
Trillium Week takes place May 3–9 at Garden in the Woods. This vibrant seasonal event, now in its eleventh year, features guided tours (free with Garden admission) and educational opportunities such as “The Native Plant Trust Trillium Collection: An Inside Look,” which highlights the ecological significance and beauty of spring ephemerals—especially the iconic trillium. “Trilliums are arguably the most distinctive flowers in the forests and wetlands of New England,” notes Johnson. “Add to that their natural rarity and status as a harbinger of spring, and it is hard to imagine a better ambassador for New England's plants. Trillium Week offers a rare opportunity to see the many color forms of all three New England species—Trillium erectum, Trillium grandiflorum, and Trillium cernuum—in a single location tucked under the canopy of towering hardwoods at Garden in the Woods.” Tour times and event details can be found on our website.
Native Plant Trust named Skooby Laposky its 2025 Visiting Artist, and he returns for a live performance during Twilight Trilliums, the signature event of Trillium Week. Laposky is a multidisciplinary artist and sound designer whose work—featured in Fast Company and The Boston Globe—translates natural systems into immersive sonic landscapes. Twilight Trilliums, a one-night-only event, takes place on Friday, May 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Garden in the Woods. Guests will experience a world-premiere sound installation,created by Laposky specifically for the occasion and inspired by the spring bloom and surrounding forest. Tickets to Twilight Trilliums are $50 and include Garden admission and refreshments.
Native Plant Trust's newly released spring/summer course catalog offers a robust lineup of in-person and online offerings, from hands-on workshops to special events and lectures. For tickets, registration, and additional information, visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

 It feels like spring!  Time for some spring cleaning?  Fresh Start can use what you don’t need and we are always grateful to receive new items from donors.  Several of our donors use their Kohls Cash or Target coupons to purchase items for our clients from the wish list on our website.
     At present we have an extreme need for pristine mattresses (no stains or rips),  kitchen tables with removable legs (not pedestal tables), queen fitted sheets, all sizes of comforters, pot holders and dish towels.
     Please help us to give our clients what they need to make their new housing into a comfortable home.  We are always grateful for gift cards (Target, Amazon, JobLot, etc.)to give to our clients for any extras they need.
     See our website above for more information about us and for our location and hours when we accept donations.
     Thank you for helping us to help others!

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
Emerson health run1

Emerson Health Run~Walk for Cancer Care

Emerson Health will host the 27th Annual 5k Run~Walk for Cancer Care on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Nara Park in Acton. The morning kicks off with registration at 8:00 a.m., the Kids One Mile at 9:00 a.m., and the 5k Run~Walk at 9:30 a.m., followed by a post‑race brunch and live music at 10:00 a.m. Every registration helps support local cancer care, and community members are encouraged to form teams with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. Participants can also donate in honor of someone special as Emerson works toward its goal of raising $125,000 to provide care until there is a cure for cancer. To learn more or register, visit EmersonHealth.org/5k or email runwalk@emersonhosp.org. More than 75 volunteers are needed to make race day a success; those interested can contact Lisa at LOsgood@emersonhosp.org.
Assabet valley mastersingers

Please Join the Assabet Valley Mastersingers for Our Third and Final Formal Concert of Our
2025-2026 Season: “The Time Has Come”

Northborough, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) is thrilled to announce its May 2026 concert in Northborough, which features music by the composers: Ēriks Ešenvalds’ TheTime Has Come, Randall Thompson’s The Peaceable Kingdom, Margaret Bonds’ Credo and Jake Runestad’s The Hope of Loving. This is a stirring season finale that calls for unity and renewal through a powerful blend of voices, words, and music.

Event Date: May 9th, 2026
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Algonquin Regional High School, 79 Bartlett Street, Northborough, MA 01532
Artistic Director: Dr. Robert Eaton   Featuring a String Quartet

Ēriks Ešenvalds, born 1977 in Latvia, has become one of the world’s most sought after and performed choral composers. His works have been performed by many of the major symphonies, including the BSO, and some of the finest choral ensembles have premiered his works. “The Time Has Come” was premiered in November 2015 and is based upon text drawn from Nelson Mandela’s inaugural speech.
Margaret Bonds was a pioneering Chicago-born composer and pianist whose work bridged the
worlds of classical music, the African American spiritual tradition, and the literary voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Credo, completed in 1965, sets the celebrated prose poem of the same name by W.E.B. Du Bois, originally published in 1904 and later used as the preface to his 1920 autobiography Darkwater.
Jake Runestad has emerged as one of the most frequently performed composers of his generation, described by American Public Media as a "choral rockstar" and by the Chicago Tribune as "one of the best of the younger American composers." The Hope of Loving was commissioned by Seraphic Fire and completed in 2015. It is a setting of mystical love poetry drawn from Daniel Ladinsky's collection Love Poems from God.
Randall Thompson was one of the most beloved and widely performed American choral composers of the twentieth century. He was a native of New York City, studied at Harvard, and taught at Princeton, Harvard, and the University of Virginia. The Peaceable Kingdom was first performed in 1936 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Nearly a century after its premiere, the work remains profoundly relevant, reminding listeners of the enduring human longing for justice, peace, and harmony.

● General Admission: $25.00
● Senior/Student Price: $20.00
● Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.avmsingers.org/events/the-time-has-come AVM is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program, which grants EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders access to steeply discounted tickets from a variety of arts, humanities, and science organizations across the Commonwealth. Cardholders may order up to four tickets online by applying the promo code MASSCTOC and selecting manual payment type. The same discounted costs, $5.00 for general or $4.00 for senior/student admission, are payable at the concert for preordered, or onsite-requested CTOC tickets.

Celebrate 50 Years of Song — Tickets Now on Sale for Nashoba Valley Chorale’s Golden Anniversary Gala

Arlington, MA — April 8, 2026 — Don’t miss your chance to be part of an unforgettable evening as the Nashoba Valley Chorale celebrates its 50th Anniversary Gala—a joyful night of music, connection, and community. Tickets are now on sale, and availability is limited.
 Hosted at the stunning Arlington Town Hall, this special event brings together past and present members, conductors, music lovers, and the broader community for a one-of-a-kind celebration. With capacity for up to 300 guests, early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
 Guests will enjoy: 
  • A vibrant live concert showcasing Nashoba Valley Chorale’s legacy
  • Food and beverages, including a cash bar
  • A fun, interactive sing-along featuring music by Handel and Queen
  • A chance to reconnect with friends, alumni, and former conductors
  • Silent Auction
  • Recognition and gratitude to our Founders
  •  
  • A Celebration of Anne Watson Born, our beloved Music Director’s 20 years with us
  •  
  • An Honor to Shawn McCann, collaborative pianist for 20 years of amazing work
For 50 years, the Nashoba Valley Chorale has welcomed singers of all backgrounds, offered an inclusive, non-auditioned environment and made choral music accessible to all. This Gala is both a celebration of that mission and an invitation to experience it firsthand.
 Secure your spot today and be part of this milestone celebration.
 Tickets are available now at: www.nvcsings.org

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts ReStore in Leominster Expands Donation Area to Concord and Westford

Leominster, MA – Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is proud to highlight its ReStore location in Leominster and announce an expansion of its donation pickup services to include Concord and Westford.
The Habitat ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used items to the public at affordable prices. Proceeds from every purchase directly support Habitat’s mission to build and repair homes for local families in need of safe, affordable housing.
Shoppers at the ReStore can find a wide variety of items, including furniture, appliances, home décor, building materials, tools, cabinetry, lighting, and more. Inventory is constantly changing, making each visit a unique opportunity to discover high-quality items at a fraction of retail cost.
The ReStore also welcomes donations from individuals, businesses, and contractors. Accepted items include:
  • Gently used furniture (sofas, tables, dressers, bed frames)
  • Appliances in good working condition
  • Cabinets, countertops, and building materials
  • Tools and hardware
  • Home décor and household items
Donation pickups are available for larger items, making it easy for community members to give back while decluttering their homes. With the recent expansion into Concord and Westford, more residents can now conveniently schedule donation pickups and support Habitat’s work in North Central Massachusetts.
“Our ReStore is more than just a store—it’s a way for the community to come together to support affordable housing,” said a representative from Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. “Every donation and every purchase helps us build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.”
The ReStore is located at:
650 North Main Street
Leominster, MA
To schedule a donation pickup or learn more:
📞 Call: 978-227-5556
🌐 Visit: www.restorencm.org
📧 Email: donations@restorencm.org
Store hours and additional information are available on the website.

Thrifting Market at Memorial Church in Sudbury April 23-25

 
On Thursday April 23 from 5-8, Friday April 24 from 9-5 and Saturday April 25 from 9-1 Memorial Congregational Church is holding its semi-annual Thrifting Market where we sell gently used clothing, shoes, accessories and linens. There will be lots of clothing for people of all ages. All items are carefully organized making shopping very easy. Good quality clothing at rock bottom prices! Pay with cash, check or Venmo!

On Saturday you will find even more bargains as all items will sell at half price!

Memorial Church is located at 26 Concord Rd (across from Goodnow Library) in Sudbury. For questions or additional information, please call 978-443-3885.

April 28 Marlborough Historical Society Event

What do the common British soldier and the American Revolution have in common with the City of Marlborough? Come learn more about the British soldier in the American Revolution by Author Don Hagist, managing editor of the Journal of the American Revolution and the consultant for the PBS Documentary “The American Revolution”.

April 28th at 6PM at the Marlborough Public Library. Hosted by the Marlborough Historical Society.

Don N. Hagist is managing editor of Journal of the American Revolution (allthingsliberty.com). His historical studies focus on presenting an accurate picture of individual soldiers and their families, especially those of the British army who served in America. This research is done using exclusively primary sources, mostly from archives in North America and Europe. He is a consultant for the PBS documentary The American Revolution produced by Ken Burns, and has written several recent books including Noble Volunteers: the British Soldiers who fought the American Revolution (Westholme, 2020), The Revolution’s Last Men: The Soldiers behind the Photographs (Westholme, 2015) and These Distinguished Corps: British Grenadier and Light Infantry Battalions in the American Revolution (Helion, 2022). Don is an engineer for a major medical device manufacturer, and also writes for several well-known syndicated cartoonists.

There will be a very brief annual meeting before the presentation.
April spring reflections concert

Back by Popular Demand
A Spring Concert with The New England Conservatory

In response to audience requests and the popularity of our winter concert, the Friends of the Goodnow Library have added a spring concert to the Sunday Afternoons Cultural Program series. Welcome spring with another free uplifting musical experience.
Please join the Friends on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 3 PM at First Parish Church, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, for Spring Reflections: An Afternoon with Bach, Ravel, and Schumann. The concert will feature performers from the New England Conservatory of Music. The performance will include Dylan Cohen (viola), Sofia Skoldberg (violin), Eric Schindler (cello), and August Baik (piano). These young musicians have received standing ovations for their performances. Don’t miss out on a very special concert experience.

Seating will be first come, first served. Free parking is available at First Parish Church or across the street behind Sudbury Town Hall.

In the event of inclement weather, please check www.friendsofgoodnow.org for updates.
This program is made possible by a generous bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library.

April 2026 Events at 19 Carter in Berlin
Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info! 

 
Saturday, April 11 & April 25 at 10am | Parody Playhouse
A dynamic music and movement program for ages 0-6 that supports early childhood development with parodies of iconic artists like The Beatles, Whitney Houston, and more! Every 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month. Suggested donation: $5

Saturday, April 11 at 7:30pm | The Drake Equation Concert
Enjoy unique melodies with a blend of different styles including bluegrass, Americana, and more! The band features Kathleen Parks (fiddle), Dan Bui (mandolin), and Paul Dilley (bass), all widely respected for their musicianship. Tickets: $25 in advance / $30 at the door. Purchase at 19Carter.org. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Sunday, April 12 at 2pm | A look back: 50 years in photography
Join us for an incredible slideshow of photos by Berlin's very own Marty Miller who has been a professional photographer for decades. Cost: Free!

Sunday, April 12 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

Monday, April 13 at 7pm | Adult Improv Workshop
Led by Meredith Charles (owner of Drama Out of the Box), this workshop is designed to challenge and inspire participants to stretch their brains and limits. A great class for both seasoned performers and those new to the world of theatre! Cost: FREE! Sponsored by the Berlin Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Registration strongly encouraged. Register at 19Carter.org

Tuesday, April 14 at 7 - 9pm | SoulCollage® Workshop
Join us for this expressive arts practice that develops creativity and intuition, encourages self-discovery, and provides personal guidance! Led by Janet Perlmutter, a licensed psychotherapist and SoulCollage® facilitator. Cost: $25 (materials included) Register at 19Carter.org

Friday, April 17 at 6:30pm | Movie Night: Little Women (2019)
Writer-director Greta Gerwig has crafted a film that draws on both the classic novel and the writings of Louisa May Alcott, and unfolds as the author’s alter ego, Jo March, reflects back and forth on her fictional life. Sponsored by Cordelia's Farm & Berlin’s Council on Aging. Tickets: $15 (includes pizza, popcorn & salad) at 19Carter.org. Reservations required by 3:00 pm on the day of screening.

We are OPEN on Patriots' Day!

Concord Women’s Chorus Presents
‘A Light Exists in Spring’

 
Usher in springtime with celebrated choral music

CONCORD, MA Issued March 26, 2026... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents its spring concert “A Light Exists in Spring,” on Saturday, May 9, 4 pm, Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm St., Concord. The performance is conducted by CWC Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank, accompanied by Simon Andrews, piano, together with guest instrumentalists Jennifer Slowik, oboe, Sandi-Jo Malmon, cello, and Beth Welty, violin.

CWC celebrates the return of the light with Beth Denisch’s “The Tree House,” commissioned in 2017 and set for chorus, oboe, cello, and piano. A work of nuance and utter beauty, Denisch has set three of poet Kathleen Jamie’s works – where landscape meets musical language. This wholehearted program is sure to delight, and honors works by women, including Melissa Dunphy’s “Grown Wild,” Emma Lou Diemer’s “Hope is the Thing,” Tara Traxler’s “Birds of Passage” and more.


Concord Women’s Chorus is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power of women’s voices through song, hailing from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices.
CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us. CWC’s Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank is the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner presented by Choral Arts New England.
Concord Women’s Chorus participates in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a barrier.  CWC offers two discounted $10 tickets per EBT Cardholder.
Tickets to “A Light Exists in Spring” are $30 adults, free for children age 12 and under, available at simpletix.com/e/a-light-exists-in-spring-tickets-256987. Seating is limited; early purchase is recommended. This concert is supported in part by grants from the Concord and Carlisle Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

For more information, or to join Concord Women’s Chorus, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.

Assabet Valley Chambersingers 2026 Sing into Spring Concert!

 
Assabet Valley Chambersingers Present: “Sing Into Spring: Songs for all Creation”
Marlborough, MA — The Assabet Valley Chambersingers proudly presents Sing Into Spring: Songs of all Creation, a captivating choral concert to be held on Sunday, April 12th, 2026, at 3:30 PM at First Church in Marlborough Congregational, 37 High St., Marlborough, MA. This uplifting and diverse program is offered as a “Pay What You Wish” event, made possible in part by a generous grant from the Marlborough Cultural Council, supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Under the artistic direction of Dr. Robert Eaton, the program will feature an eclectic selection of choral works designed to entertain, inspire, and provoke reflection. The program will include 17th century madrigals, Frank Tichelli’s Earth Songs, as well as Bob Chilcott’s We Are and Harry Belafonte’s Turn the World Around!

The Assabet Valley Chambersingers is a 20-voice ensemble drawn from the Assabet Valley Mastersingers that specializes in performing a diverse repertoire such as unaccompanied and accompanied madrigals, motets, Broadway show tunes, and vocal Jazz standards from various eras. Founded in 1989 as a civic outreach initiative, the Chambersingers have frequently performed at notable venues like Tower Hill Botanic Gardens, Notre Dame Du Lac, Friends of the Marlborough Library, and First Night Worcester. Additionally, they have participated in charitable events in Shrewsbury, Northborough, Westborough, Marlborough, and have brought their music to Assisted Living Communities throughout the region.

For more information, visit https://www.avmsingers.org/chambersingers or email manager@avmsingers.org. Join us as we “Sing Into Spring”—a concert to uplift the spirit and celebrate the season!
Jazz vocalist amandacarr2

Concord Band Presents Jazz Vocalist Amanda Carr and a New Composition at Spring Pops

Jazz singer Amanda Carr, an audience favorite, returns for the Concord Band’s annual Spring Pops concert on Saturday, April 11, 7:00 PM at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord. The program features Ms. Carr and her fresh interpretations from the Great American Songbook and New York themed songs. Another special highlight is Lilly’s Story, the premiere of a unique composition inspired by a 12-year-old from Brockton, named Lilly, and her family.
Ms. Carr will perform Cheek to Cheek by Irving Berlin, as well as Cole Porter’s Night and Day and Anything Goes.  Amanda also performs vocals on Billy Joel’s New York State of Mind, and a song that Amanda wrote called Maybe.  With five jazz vocal recordings, Ms. Carr continues to perform as a solo artist and guest host. A true collaborator, Amanda Carr is a coach for vocal students while still writing and composing music.
The Concord Band collaborated with Sing Me A Story, an organization that commissioned Boston Conservatory student composer, Luciano Lopez-Parnetti, to present Lilly’s Story, a new composition that celebrates Lilly’s love of family, food and music.  In her story, Lilly imagines a world where differences are not questioned, but embraced.  Lilly’s personal narrative is reflected in Lopez-Parnetti’s intriguing composition through a harmonically rich wall of sound, punctuated rhythms and overlapping patterns.  A remarkable photo montage, created by Lilly herself, will be on display at the concert. The montage explores what it feels like when others make assumptions about her mixed identity, and the challenges of not always feeling fully seen or understood. Both Lilly’s family and composer Lopez-Parnetti will attend the premiere performance.
Continuing with the New York theme, the Concord Band will evoke the vibrant and frenetic energy of New York City with Warren Barker’s New York: 1927, together with selections from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story.  The Band also will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with composer Clare Grundman’s classic work, Spirit of ’76.
The Concord Band’s Spring Pops concert, conducted by Music Director James O’Dell, will be open seating at the 51 Walden Performing Arts Center in Concord, 7:00 PM, Saturday, April 11th.  The audience is invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments in the lobby at intermission and after the concert.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under, and can be reserved at www.ticketstage.com/concordband 

Skate4Charity 4th Annual Tournament to Benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank

Skate4Charity founded by two friends James Pijewski and Steve Molloy is hosting its 4th annual charity Ice Hockey tournament April 11th at 11am at the The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, 191 Hartwell Rd. Over three years the charity has raised over $137k and last year alone the charity raised over $60k to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank. This year they have decided to support the Greater Boston Food Bank again, who are the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. Last year, they distributed 117 million pounds of nutritious food to people who struggle to have enough to eat in the Eastern Massachusetts area and surrounding communities. Every $1 donated helps to provide 2 healthy meals to neighbors in need.

Event will be held 11am-3pm and there will be food, games, raffles and prizes. Beverages provided by Idle Hands Craft Ales. Watch 4 co-ed teams face off, and help support a great cause, all spectators welcome. Donations are accepted day of and at this link: https://my.gbfb.org/Skate4Charity2026
If you donate after seeing this article please put “action unlimited” in your donation comment.

Shout out to our sponsors for this year's event: Torii Homes, Law Office of Susan E. Zak, Maynard Motors, A&M Roofing, Dynamik Sports and Idle Hands Brewery. If you would like more information follow us on instagram or Facebook @skate.4.charity

Project Bread’s 58th Annual Walk for Hunger Opens Registration

 
Community Fundraiser Returns to the Boston Common Sunday, May 3

BOSTON – Registration is now open for Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger, the organization’s signature community fundraiser and one of Massachusetts’ most enduring anti-hunger events, turning compassion into action. Set for Sunday, May 3 on the Boston Common, the one-day celebration will bring together thousands of walkers for a family-friendly 3-mile loop featuring food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Now in its 58th year, the Walk for Hunger remains a beacon of hope for local families, raising $1 million to support Project Bread’s proven, statewide approach to advancing food security and ensuring access to nutritious food for children and families across Massachusetts.
Like-minded anti-hunger organizations are also invited to participate through Project Bread’s co-fundraising program, The Commonwealth. Participating nonprofits can form teams to raise funds for their own missions while contributing to Project Bread’s broader statewide impact.
Ready to get involved? Register to walk in-person or virtually,  start a personal or team fundraising page, or make a donation at projectbread.org/walk. For more information, email walk@projectbread.org.

The GFWC Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is Now Accepting Crafters’ Applications for the 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair.

 
Event: Northboro Junior Woman’s Club 49th Annual Harvest Craft Fair

Date: Saturday, November 7,2026

Time: 9:00AM-3:00PM

Place: Robert E. Mexican Middle School,  145 Lincoln Street, Northboro, MA

Jurying Information: This is a juried show requiring that all items are handmade. Please visit NJWC’S website for applications and more show details. www.northborojuniors.org/craft-fair.html

The Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization that has been active in Northboro for over 40 years. They support community projects in Northboro as well as internationally. The Harvest Fair is the club’s major fundraiser.
Stories of the old burial ground 2

Revolutionary War Epitaphs: Stories of the Old Burying Ground

In an area full of memorable places, the Old Burying Ground offers a uniquely evocative experience. Add to that a touch of melancholy, with the sense of time passing and fallen heroes honored…  One-hundred-and-five Revolutionary War Minutemen from Groton are interred within its intimate grounds, where generations of family names are etched into the lichened, moss-covered stones.

Cemetery Commissioner Don Black, will lead a tour of Groton’s Old Burying Ground on Saturday April 18 (rain date, Sunday; in the event of inclement weather then too, the event moves into the Legion Hall), from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the first of several free public events celebrating the War for Independence, hosted by the Groton History Center.

Refreshments and amenities at the Legion Hall. Look for the Revolutionary War cannon, pride of the Groton Myseum, on display out front. Bonnie Carter and her grandson Devin will be on hand to share the cannon’s story – its capture from the British Warship Diana and centuries-long sojourn here.

Groton stands on the threshold of history. Few know this as well as Don Black, who has long served on the Park Commission, and is Chairman of the Commemoration and Celebration Committee for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. A font of knowledge, with a charming low-key delivery, Mr. Black has many stories to tell. When pressed for details about the cemetery tour, though, he smiled and said he likes to keep some things a surprise.

For information about the GHC, visit www.grotonhistory.org. Regular office hours at the Boutwell House, 172 Main Street, are Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with extended hours for drop-in visits and house tours (no appointment necessary) until 4 pm on Fridays. (For questions, email info@grotonhistory.com, or call 978-448-0092.)

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. We have been continuing weekly on Thursdays by remote videoconference. Our meeting day is currently subject to change. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Experience honk

Three Final Chances to Experience HONK! March 27-29 in Acton


Open Door Theater proudly presents HONK!, a musical telling of “The Ugly Duckling” story. HONK! is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his siblings, and others are quick to notice and point this out. Ugly is kind-hearted, awkward and innocent, and his journey of self-discovery is the heart of the show. This messaging supports the mission of Open Door Theater and will resonate with audiences now more than ever. Like Open Door Theater, HONK! has the audacity to assert that the default state of community should be inclusion and that “fowl” behavior will no longer be tolerated.
Open Door’s cast will present 3 final performances March 27-29, 2026 at the Dragonfly Theater at RJ Grey Jr. H.S, 16 Charter Rd, Acton. All performances are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation, open captioning, and audio-description. Tickets are $20 at www.OpenDoorTheater.org. Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Over its 45-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved audiences and participants to enjoy live theater.
Performances: 
  • Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Saturday March 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described


Sponsored in part by the Community Foundation for Metrowest, Astra Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Middlesex Savings Bank, Main Street Bank, Acton Lions, AB Community Compass and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Ayer, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, Stow, Sudbury and Westford.
First church marlboro

FIRST CHURCH IN MARLBOROUGH 2026 SPRING RUMMAGE SALE

Women’s Fellowship of First Church in Marlborough, Congregational, UCC will hold its annual Spring Rummage Sale Friday night, April 17, from 5:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. and Saturday morning, April 18, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon.
Saturday will be a $5.00 Bag Sale. Fill a paper grocery bag (provided by Women’s Fellowship) and pay just $5.00 for everything in it. There will be clothing for adults and children, shoes, purses, tote bags, kitchenware, bedroom and bathroom linens, home décor, knickknacks, toys, games, puzzles, and miscellaneous items. Stop by and look around. You may find something you sorely need or desperately want.
Have fun shopping for some amazing bargains!!
First Church, 37 High St. (at the corner of Bolton St./Rte. 85 and High St.) above Union Common in downtown Marlborough. Parking is free. There is a small lot on the church property and a municipal lot next to the church.

Skate4Charity 4th Annual Tournament to Benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank

Skate4Charity founded by two friends James Pijewski and Steve Molloy is hosting its 4th annual charity Ice Hockey tournament April 11th at 11am at the The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, 191 Hartwell Rd. Over three years the charity has raised over $137k and last year alone the charity raised over $60k to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank. This year they have decided to support the Greater Boston Food Bank again, who are the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. Last year, they distributed 117 million pounds of nutritious food to people who struggle to have enough to eat in the Eastern Massachusetts area and surrounding communities. Every $1 donated helps to provide 2 healthy meals to neighbors in need.

Event will be held 11am-3pm and there will be food, games, raffles and prizes. Beverages provided by Idle Hands Craft Ales. Watch 4 co-ed teams face off, and help support a great cause, all spectators welcome. Donations are accepted day of and at this link: https://my.gbfb.org/Skate4Charity2026
If you donate after seeing this article please put “action unlimited” in your donation comment.

Shout out to our sponsors for this year's event: Torii Homes, Law Office of Susan E. Zak, Maynard Motors, A&M Roofing, Dynamik Sports and Idle Hands Brewery.
If you would like more information follow us on instagram or Facebook @skate.4.charity
Camera club april 1st 1

Refresh Your Basic Editing Skills
Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

HUDSON: On Wednesday, April 1, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Hazel Meredith, award-winning photographer and sought-after teacher, speaker, and competition judge. She began teaching in 2007 and now does seminars at camera clubs and conferences across the U.S. – both in-person and virtually. Hazel is the recipient of the Ashbrook Award for Digital Imaging Instruction from the Photographic Society of America. Check out her website Meredith Images - Photography | Training | Workshops .
                   
Whether you are a seasoned pro or new to Photoshop, join us to see how Hazel demonstrates simple modifications that will make your images stand out. Easy adjustments for contrast, shadows, highlights, clarity, cropping and more will improve your photos. As an active camera club judge, she often comments on simple fixes that will improve an image’s score. Hazel will demonstrate in Photoshop, but the same techniques apply in almost any editing program.

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

AVCC in-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson. The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts.  During the second monthly meeting, a competition of members’ digital images is judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. 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 to become members. Photographers benefit from the club's hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. Check out the AVCC website at https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com/

Recognizing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence

 
On Wednesday, April 15th from 7-8:15 PM, the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable is hosting Recognizing and Responding to Teen Dating Violence.  While it seems like spotting abuse in a dating relationship should be easy, controlling and manipulative behavior often appears to be kind, loving and even surprisingly vulnerable at first glance.

Designed for parents/guardians, and people in youth facing roles,  this workshop will focus on identifying signs of abuse, and building skills on supporting teens who are experiencing unhealthy or abusive relationships.

This program will be facilitated by Roundtable board member Sydney Carter, Manager of Prevention and Education Programs at REACH Beyond Domestic Violence. Registration for this event is required, and can be completed here.

For more information, please visit www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org or email infodvrt@gmail.com.

Join A Community Conversation About Reducing Domestic Violence in Our Communities

The White Ribbon Group, a subcommittee of the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable, is excited to announce its spring community conversation and educational offering. “Speaking Out for Good” is an interactive community education event, focused on engaging MetroWest community members in dialogue around our part in reducing domestic violence and how it impacts us all. The event will take place on Tuesday, March 31st at 7 p.m., in the Goodnow Public Library in Sudbury.
“Speaking Out for Good” will continue to focus on connecting with community members, discussing our roles in addressing domestic violence, masculinity and the threads that bring us together. Attendees will join us for a viewing of “Understanding and Preventing Relationship Violence.” This short video is brought to us in collaboration with the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund and will provide a shared starting point for the evening’s interactive conversation. Together we will have the opportunity to engage in organized breakout groups, conversation prompts and community dialogue, led by public health and community engagement leaders. Through a series of questions and prompts, the group will dig deep into what draws us to this crucial topic and provide support and insight into how we can better address the community’s needs.
"We are thrilled to be hosting “Speaking Out for Good” and look forward to rich conversation, the opportunity to connect and learn what draws us all to helping reduce domestic violence,” said J Verhoosky, Director of Youth & Family services for the Town of Wayland and White Ribbon Group member. "This event provides a much needed platform for community members to discuss a variety of paths that have brought us together, action steps to reduce violence, and identify a variety of ways to take action within the region.
“We hope you can join us and be a part of this enriching dialogue!”

Key Details:
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Location: Goodnow Public Library, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury
The White Ribbon Group is a local initiative focused on engaging men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. White Ribbon groups began in Canada in response to the Montreal Massacre, where 14 women were killed by a man. It operates in collaboration with the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable. This aligns with the broader international White Ribbon Campaign, which aims to encourage men to speak out against violence against women and girls and promote healthy, positive attitudes and behaviors. The White Ribbon Group works to foster a community environment free from violence by educating and empowering individuals of all genders, challenge gender-based violence and embrace healthy masculinity.
For more information on the Domestic Violence Roundtable, visit www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org. For more information on the White Ribbon Group, email whiteribbon.dvrt@gmail.com.

Marlborough Historical Society March Event

  On March 24 at 6:00 P.M.at the Marlborough Public Library, the Marlborough Historical Society will present “The Declaration of Independence: Pathway to Our Precious Freedoms”   This will be presented by the Honorable Dennis J. Curran (Justice Massachusetts Superior Court (Ret)).

The Declaration of Independence is America’s birth certificate.  This year we celebrate America’s birth 250 years ago.  Its influence has been explosive, galvanizing peoples through out the world to assert their independence, inspiring civil rights movements, and sparking a recognition of individual rights.  Over half of the countries represented at the United Nations have a foundational document they call a declaration of independence.

It has been called the ‘the noblest, happiest page in mankind’s history.’   And its words, “When in the Course of Human Events…” are both eloquent and moving.

Discover 13 facts you never knew about the world changing document, and its missing draft, penned by Thomas Jefferson.

This event is open to the public and free, don’t miss it

19 Carter, Berlin, MA

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

Scholarships Available

The Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT) is offering two scholarships of $1000 each, to be awarded to the winners of its annual Earth Day Scholarship Essay Contest. Contest opened March 1, and the submission deadline is midnight on April 12, 2026. Open to graduating Westborough High School seniors, and to graduating seniors who reside in Westborough but attend a different high school. To apply, students can get the essay details and application from the Westborough High School guidance office as of March 1 OR online on the Westborough Community Land Trust website (westboroughlandtrust.org/#scholarship).
For questions contact: scholarship@westboroughlandtrust.org.

CONCERT FEATURES THREEPENNY MUSIC

The Nashoba Symphonic Band Chamber Players and Clarinet Choir will present their Spring Concert on Saturday, April 4th at 2 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (Green Road GPS) in Bolton. Admission is FREE.
The program includes music by Gordon Jacob and a setting of Grieg's Holberg Suite, played by the NSB Clarinet Choir. A Clarinet Choir (by the way) includes a full complement of clarinet varieties: Eb Soprano, the well-known Bb, Eb Alto, Bb Bass, and great-big Bb Contra-bass clarinets
The featured work is Kurt Weill's own setting of music from his Threepenny Opera in a chamber music setting. Performed by the NSB Chamber Players, the suite of 'songs' captures the mood of pre-war Berlin. And, yes folks, it includes what you will recognize as “Mack the Knife.”
Nashoba Symphonic Band will continue its season on May 1 with another small ensemble program and on May 3rd with the full Symphonic Band Concert featuring the classic band work, La Fiesta Mexicana.
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of The Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music and is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.

NASHOBA VALLEY CHORALE CONCERT

Program Highlights:
Nashoba Valley Chorale, in collaboration with the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra, proudly presents Masterwork: Bruckner's Te Deum on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 3:00, conducted by Anne Watson Born, Nashoba Valley Chorale's Music Director, and Jonathan Colby, Artistic Director of the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Te Deum brings 180 musicians together joined by four guest soloists.
The concert will take place in the beautiful Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Other works will include Brahms' Academic Festival Overture with Sir Malcom Sargent choral finale; Wagner's Elsa's Procession To The Cathedral; Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture; and Bruckner's Os Justi and Locus Iste.

Event Details:
Date:     Sunday, March 29, 2026
Time:     3:00 PM
Place:    Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA
Tickets:  $25 Adults/Seniors if purchased online ($30 if purchased at the door)
               $5 Children under age 18

The Nashoba Valley Chorale is well known through 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 Nashoba Valley Chorale, visit https://nvcsings.org/

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents
“La Fête Française” April 10 & 12, 2026

March 13, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th season with performances of a concert titled “La Fête Française” in Fitchburg on April 10 and in Worcester on April 12.
Grab your beret and a warm croissant and get in the spirit of this French-themed program that puts the harp front and center. Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro was commissioned to showcase the innovations by a French harp-making company. Typically a deliberate and decidedly slow composer, Ravel wrote this piece in a mere 3 days.
Delicate, light, and charming, Saint-Saën’s Fantaisie is virtuosic for both harp and violin. The famous composer created this sparkling musical pas-de-deux for 2 sisters, succeeding in crafting a single-movement piece that feels light and improvised.
Chausson’s Piano Quartet is unmistakable in its French Romanticism, lyrical, bouyant, and lush. Remarkably, he never intended to be a composer; he studied and became a lawyer, though with no real interest in it he dabbled in several other occupations and art forms before landing at the Paris Conservatory where he studied music.
Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians: Krista Buckland Reisner: violin, Rohan Gregory: violin, Peter Sulski: viola, David Russell: cello, Randall Hodgkinson: piano
Friday, April 10 @7:30PM Sunday, April 12 @4PM
Fitchburg Art Museum Shapiro Hall, Joy of Music
185 Elm Street, Fitchburg 1 Gorham Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @3:30 PM

Reception to follow immediately
The April 10 concert is  funded in part by the Gardner  and Lunenburg Cultural Councils, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Venue is handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/la-fete-francaise/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.
Weston ma walk2

WESTON, MA WALK

SATURDAY, April 25th– The Walk 'n Mass Volkssport Club invites walkers to complete a 5km or 10km (3.1 or 6.2 mile) walk route in Weston, MA. This is a walk-at-your-own pace, just-for-fun event “in your own backyard.”

The start point is the Weston Public Library, 87 School Street, Weston,MA 02493. Register and begin walking between 10:30-12:30. Finish by 4 p.m. There is a $4 participation fee per person. Donations are accepted. The 5km and 10km routes are on mostly flat and paved surfaces.The trail would be doable for strollers but difficult for wheelchairs due to the trail through the woods, a short grassy path, and uneven pavement in some places.

The 10km route consists of the 5km route with 2 loops branching off the 5km route. Except for one stretch of the 10km route following a trail through some woods and another short, steep path joining the rail trail, both routes are on sidewalks and the rail trail passing some historic buildings, residential areas with large homes and tree-filled spaces. Both the 10km and 5km routes continue and exit onto Concord Rd to complete the route through the center of Weston.

Walkers will pass the fieldstone First Parish Church and the Colonial Revival-style Weston Town Hall, a fire station built in 1914 the town’s original library built in 1899 and now the home of Weston Art & Innovation Center as well as the Weston Media Center.

Volkssporting events sponsored by Walk 'n Mass Volkssport Club promote fun, fitness and friendship through non-competitive walking and biking. There is also an achievement awards program through the American Volkssport Association (AVA). For further information contact Marianne at (339)-204-3700. You may also contact www.walknmass.org for this event and future events.

Concord Conservatory of Music Issues Call to Artists for 20th Anniversary Public Art Project, Pianos on the Town

Pianos on the town

CONCORD, MA — In celebration of its 20th anniversary and two decades of bringing music to the heart of the community, the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) announces Pianos on the Town, a vibrant public art initiative arriving this spring. CCM is now inviting local and regional artists to submit original design proposals to transform upright pianos into unique, playable works of art.

The artist-designed pianos will be installed in high-traffic outdoor locations throughout Concord and West Concord, where community members of all ages are encouraged to stop, play, and enjoy the experience. The public exhibition will run from May 30 through June 27, 2026. A full map of piano locations and a schedule of pop-up CCM performances will be released in May 2026.

Produced in partnership with the internationally recognized arts organization Sing for Hope, Pianos on the Town brings together visual art and live music to foster creativity, accessibility, and community connection. The project will launch with a communitywide unveiling on May 30, 2026, marking the official debut of the painted pianos across town.

“For twenty years, CCM has been dedicated to the belief that music should be accessible to everyone,” said Kate Yoder, Executive Director and Founder of CCM. “Pianos on the Town is a joyful expression of that mission—an open invitation for people to pause, listen, and play, while celebrating the extraordinary talent of our local artistic community.”

Artist Submission Details
CCM seeks bold, imaginative, and durable designs that reflect the character, history, and spirit of Concord. Selected artists will receive a stipend and the opportunity to showcase their work in one of the town’s most visible and engaging public settings. Eight to ten designs will be selected.

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
  • Launch Day Celebration: May 30, 2026
  • Exhibition Dates: May 30 – June 27, 2026
  • Guidelines and How to Apply: Artists may submit proposals through the Sing for Hope digital application portal now open to the public.
Adjudication Process
Submitted designs will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of local artists, business leaders, and community stakeholders. Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic merit, durability for outdoor display, and alignment with the project’s goal of encouraging public engagement and community connection.  If you would like to apply and have questions, please contact Sara Seng at Sseng@ConcordConservatory.org.
Fresh start furniture 2

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

All of us Fresh Start volunteers were wearing our green on Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day! We are hoping to see some donations come in today. At present, we are in need of pristine mattresses, and new or gently used towel sets, queen size sheets sets, and shower curtains. We are also low on couches now. We would love to hand out gift cards to our clients for them to pick up things they need for their homes. If you can donate gift cards from Target, Amazon, or Job Lot, that would be great. Last week I entered 51,000 items into our inventory!!  This number system was set up shortly after the pandemic.  We inventory all of our furniture, artwork, lamps, appliances, dishes, and rugs.
     Look at our website for more details. You can bring donations to us at 16 Brent Dr. in Hudson on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from nine to noon, Household items only ( no furniture).  Saturdays, you can bring furniture between 8:30 and 10:30, and other household goods from 8:30 to noon.
     Thank you for your help!

Easter Festivities

 
Maynard – Fire Safety Easter Egg Hunt taking place at the Maynard Fire Department on Saturday, 3/28 from 11:30AM - 1PM. FREE – Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.

Acton/Boxborough – ABFN Spring Fling and Egg Hunt at Boardwalk Campus Playground, 73 Spruce Street, Acton on Saturday, 3/28 from 10 – 11:30AM. Register at www.abfamily.org.

Concord – Annual Concord Rec Egg Hunt at Emerson Park Track, Concord on Friday, 3/27 from 5 – 6PM.

Bedford – Bedford Family Connection Spring Egg Hunt at Davis Elementary School Gymnasium on Saturday 3/28 from 10 – 11AM. Register at bfctoday.org. Free for members, small fee for nonmembers.
-Easter Egg-Stravaganza at The Lutheran Church of the Savior, 426 Davis Road, Bedford on Saturday 3/28 at 10:30AM.

Stow – Stow Lions Easter Bunny Breakfast at Center School in Stow on Sunday, 3/29 from 8AM – to 12:30PM.

Sudbury – Easter Egg Olympics at United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury on Saturday, 3/28 from 2 – 3PM.

Chelmsford – Easter Egg Hunt at Aldersgate UMC, 242 Boston Road (Rt. 4), Chelmsford on Saturday 4/4 from 10 – 11:30AM.



Egg Your House, Relay For Life Fundraiser - Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 4th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  We will go to Maynard, Acton, Concord, and Stow.  You must order them by March 25th.  Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form.  Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.

Keep the Blood Supply Stable: Give Blood or Platelets with Red Cross

 
Free A1C testing on successful donations, $15 Amazon Gift Card by email for coming to give in March

BOSTON, March 9, 2026 — This March, the American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply steady headed into spring.

Some parts of the nation are still clearing snow, but the threat of severe spring weather is already growing. Now is the time to book a blood or platelet donation appointment to help prevent any future disruption to patient care.

Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made March 1-31, 2026 (one result in 2026). Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2026, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Details on both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/March.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 14-31:

Sudbury
3/19/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd
3/30/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Sudbury, 162 Landham Rd

The Silver Club of the Uxbridge Senior Center 3 Day Trip to Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard

The Silver Club of the Uxbridge Senior Center will be taking a 3 day trip to Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard from July 28-30 with a pick up at the Millbury Park and Ride. The cost is $439 and includes the bus, hotel, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, the ferry ride to Martha's Vineyard, and guided tours of Hyannis, Sandwich, and the outer Cape (including stops in Provincetown and Chatham). Please call Sue at 508-341-0797 for more information. 
American art at 250

American Art at 250: Masterworks of a Nation

Please join The Friends of the Goodnow Library in celebrating America's extraordinary artistic legacy as we commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary with a curated exploration of the masterworks that have defined our cultural identity. From the luminous landscapes of the Hudson River School to the bold innovations of Abstract Expressionism, this program showcases the diverse voices and revolutionary spirits that have shaped American art across two and a half centuries. Discover how American artists have continuously redefined not only our visual culture, but art itself on the world stage.

This program will take place on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 3 PM in the Community Meeting Room of the Goodnow Library, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA. Admission is free due to a generous bequest from the estate of Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library. Seating is first come, first served, and free parking is available at the library. In case of inclement weather, please check www.friendsofgoodnow.org for updates.

The presenter, Jane Oneail, is the founder of Culturally Curious, a company that curates and presents art appreciation programs. Jane holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state's most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art where she held the role of Senior Educator. Jane has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University. The Friends of Goodnow are delighted to have Jane return to Sudbury. She is a very popular and personable presenter, and her art programs are always well received.

From Gas to Induction:
Cleaner Cooking for Your Home and Climate
Learn, Ask Questions, and Find Out How Incentives Can Help You Make the Change

 
You may have heard more people talking about switching from gas to induction cooking—and for good reason. Induction cooktops offer a cleaner, safer, and more efficient way to cook, while helping reduce indoor air pollution and supporting your home electrification journey.
Here’s why induction cooking is gaining popularity across Massachusetts:
Cleaner and healthier indoor air
Gas stoves release pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and methane into your home. Induction cooktops produce no on-site emissions, helping create a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
Faster, safer, and more efficient cooking
Induction uses magnetic technology to heat your cookware directly, making it faster than gas and traditional electric stoves. The surface stays cooler, reducing burn risks and improving safety.
Save energy and reduce emissions
Induction cooktops are highly efficient, using less energy and supporting Massachusetts’ transition to cleaner electricity. They’re an important step toward an all-electric, climate-friendly home.
Incentives can help lower the cost
Massachusetts and local programs offer rebates and incentives that can make switching to induction more affordable than you might expect.
Curious if induction is right for you?
Join our free webinar to learn how induction works, compare costs, explore available incentives, and hear answers to common questions from local experts.
March 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Register: bit.ly/cleaner-cooking
Together, we can create healthier homes and a cleaner energy future for our communities.
Sudbury author joseph sidari

SUDBURY AUTHOR WINS 
INTERNATIONAL WRITING CONTEST 
 Upcoming Hollywood Awards Event 


HOLLYWOOD, CA - Sudbury, Massachusetts author Joseph Sidari is a winner in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest earning him a trip to Hollywood for a week-long master-class workshop, an awards event and his winning story will be published in the international bestselling anthology, L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 42.

Joseph Sidari lives in the Boston suburbs with his wife and a delightfully spoiled labradoodle named Chloe, who takes him for walks twice a day. As a practicing physician, he works hard caring for his patients while trying to kill off his protagonists. He is a current member of the Grub Street Writers Group of Boston and a former member of the Spacecraft Writers’ Group.
He's been a lifelong fan of reading speculative fiction, but only started writing it after flipping his bicycle during triathlon training. Typing at his computer felt like a less risky hobby, so that summer, with his wrist on the mend, he wrote a novel. Then another. On his third attempt, he found an agent who suggested that writing short stories could help build his reputation while the book was being shopped around. The manuscript never sold, but he realized short stories were fun, too. Since then, he has earned multiple honorable mentions in the Writers of the Future contest and two Silvers, while publishing several short stories—though not enough to “pro out."
The Contest, one of the most prestigious writing and illustrating competitions in the world, is currently in its 43rd year and is judged by some of the premier names in speculative fiction.
Following the 1982 release of his internationally acclaimed bestselling science fiction novel, Battlefield Earth, written in celebration of 50 years as a professional writer, L. Ron Hubbard created the Writers of the Future (writersofthefuture.com) in 1983 to provide a means for aspiring writers of speculative fiction to get that much-needed break. Due to the success of the Writers of the Future Contest, the companion Illustrators of the Future Contest was inaugurated five years later.
In the 42 years of the Writers of the Future Contest, there have been 571 winners and published finalists. The past winners of the Writing Contest have published 2,000 novels and nearly 6,300 short stories. They have produced 36 New York Times bestsellers, and their works have sold over 60 million copies. 
For more information about the Contests, go to www.WritersoftheFuture.com.

59th Annual Ham & Turkey Raffle
At Stony Brook Fish & Game

(128 Lowell Road – Westford) Sunday March 29th – 1PM
20 Easter Hams and 20 Turkeys raffled on a spin wheel
*Sirloin Strips, Prime Ribs and others are also being raffled off. Raffle tickets on sale at the event! $1500 Cash drawing as well! (Drawing tickets on sale now – see any Stony Brook member) Open to the public.
Food and beverages will also be available.

Hudson Historical Society High Tea

Step back in time with us for an unforgettable afternoon at an 18th century tea.
Join us on Saturday, March 21st from 2 PM to 4 PM as we welcome special guests— “Mistress Abigail and Mistress Christine,” bringing to life 18th century life and fashion of an 18th century lady. Come and see what's under those beautiful colonial dresses. Enjoy period charm, lively conversation, and colonial-inspired refreshments. This event celebrates our 250th celebration—perfect for the 250th celebration of our country.
Tickets are $20 per person.
Contact Mistress Christine for more information and tickets.
cwdimare@gmail.com or 978-424-4668