Action Unlimited

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.

Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra Transforms into Public Charity

 
The Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra (LSCO), the community orchestra in residence at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School since 1973, transformed its organization in the summer of 2025. With the enthusiastic support of LSRHS administrative leadership and music faculty, the LSCO formally incorporated as a public charity in Massachusetts and completed all the state and federal filings to be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization.

Because of its new formal status, the LSCO formed a board of directors to manage the governance of the organization, maintains a rigorous schedule of board meetings to formalize orchestra policy and artistic plans. Managing Director William Nicholson continues in his vital role of planning and coordinating with Music Director Alfonso Piacentini, now in his third year leading the orchestra. The board works closely with Nicholson and Piacentini to continue to create a welcoming environment for orchestra members and to elevate its mission to bring great classical music to Sudbury and surrounding communities. Also central to the success of the orchestra is the concertmaster Chris Brainard, who plays a critical role in preparation of the parts and supplementing rehearsals for the four string sections.

The LSCO has enjoyed the warm and welcoming relationship with LSRHS for over 50 years. At the end of the 2024-2025 season, orchestra leadership initiated the difficult process of incorporating and formalizing the financial operation separate from the school.

The orchestra seeks and receives annual support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council local councils in Sudbury and Lincoln. Now that the group is a formal public charity, it can apply for grants from foundations and from individuals to cover and increased operating budget. Individuals can make federally tax-deductible donations to the orchestra.

Individuals can donate to LSCO by mailing a personal check or online at the orchestra website. Personal checks can be mailed to Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra, PO Box 178, Hudson, MA 01749. To donate online via Paypal, visit https://www.lscivicorchestra.org/support-lsco. All donations will be acknowledged in writing by the orchestra treasurer in time for filing federal tax returns.

Since 1973, the LSCO has provided opportunities for talented students and supportive adults to perform orchestral literature of the great classical composers. LSCO has provided playing opportunities for over 500 student musicians and given over thirty student and adult concerto artists an opportunity to show their skills and love of classical music. Membership is open to the community regardless of town of residence. The orchestra rehearses every Tuesday evening from 7:30 – 9:30 PM in the large ensemble room at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (LSRHS), 390 Lincoln Rd in Sudbury. Visit the orchestra web site at https://www.lscivicorchestra.org. Musicians interested in joining LSCO should contact the membership coordinator by email at lscivicorchestra@gmail.com, or use the Contact Us link at the orchestra web site.
Stow holiday art fair2

Stow Holiday Art Fair December 13th, 14th

The 2nd Annual SAGA (Stow Area Guild of Artists) Holiday Artisan Fair is at the Pompo Community Center, 509 Great Road, Stow. About 20 local artists will be offering a wide range of work that includes paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, culinary hand forged blades, handmade dolls, cards and much more.

The fair will be open Saturday, December 13th from 10AM to 4PM and Sunday, December 14th form 12 noon to 4PM. FREE parking and FREE admission
Be delighted and impressed by the incredible talent right here in our own community! Buy from painters, photographers, potters, jewelers, and more — all coming together for one festive holiday shopping experience filled with creativity and cheer.

WCMS Performs 12/4 in Princeton & 12/5 in Worcester

 
Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “Baroque on Fire”

Program
Francesco Geminiani | Concerto Grosso #1, after Corelli, in D major, Op. 5
Jean-Philippe Rameau | Fifth Concert in d minor, from Piéces de clavecin en concerts
Domenico Scarlatti | Sonata in d minor K141
Georg Philipp Telemann | Fantasy #1 in B-flat major, TWV 40:14–25 9
Michael Praetorius | Selections from Dances from Terpsichore
Antonio Vivaldi | Concerto for two violins in A minor from L’Estro Armonico, Op. 3 No. 8

When & Where: Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 PM
First Congregational Church
14 Mountain Road, Princeton

Friday, December 5 at  7:30 PM
Museum of Worcester
30 Elm Street, Worcester

Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to the performance
Post-concert reception for all

How: Adult $31-40, Senior $29-38, College Students $10
EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free

Information and tickets for these concerts are available on the ensemble’s website, www.worcesterchambermusic.org, or by calling the office at (508) 926-8624.
Holiday pet photos save a dog

Holiday Pet Photos at
SAVE A DOG!
Saturday, December 6th
10 am – 2 pm

Join the holiday fun at Save A Dog on Saturday, December 6, from 10 am to 2 pm, and have your dog’s photo taken with your choice of Santa, Frosty the Snowman, or with you and your family!
No appointment is necessary. Pricing is $20 for one dog per photo, or $25 for two dogs in the same photo. And the best photos will be conveniently emailed to you.
While you’re there, stop in and shop our retail store and holiday boutique for gifts, toys, Save A Dog logo clothing, and homemade dog treats.
All proceeds support the ongoing rescue and adoption work of Save A Dog, now celebrating 27 years of finding loving forever families for nearly 9,000 homeless dogs and cats through its Sudbury shelter and network of dedicated foster homes. 

Shortage of rural vets endangering the nation's food supply
By Justin Welsh

 
America is facing a food system shortage. Livestock veterinarians are the new endangered species. Farmers are losing access to the experts they need to keep our food supply safe.
More than 500 U.S. counties across 46 states are federally designated veterinary shortage areas. Just 1.3% of registered veterinarians specialize in food animal practice. This frontline workforce is fraying at a time when U.S. farms produce over 94% of all red meat and poultry Americans consume.
Addressing this growing concern will require sustained industry investment in education that makes veterinary careers more accessible, in recruitment efforts that prioritize rural areas, and in hands-on training that adequately prepares the next generation.
Food animal veterinarians are the unsung heroes of American agriculture. They inspect livestock, administer vaccines, and provide critical guidance on herd health. They support the viability of family farms, local economies, and the safety of the food on our tables.
Yet the United States has lost 90% of food animal veterinarians since the 1950s. And the number of these critical vets continues to decline.
For one, the cost of veterinary education is prohibitive. New graduates leave school with an average debt load of about $150,000. For those called to food animal practice, that financial burden is often compounded by lower pay than they could expect to earn in clinics that focus on companion animals.
Then there's the nature of the work. Rural veterinarians have to travel long distances to reach clients and face physical strain from handling large animals. They're often on call both nights and weekends.
The result is a dwindling workforce.
For farmers, this creates impossible choices: delay care or watch helplessly as animals suffer and operations become less productive. These aren't just emotional losses. They threaten the survival of farms and ranches.
The consequences ripple outward to grocery stores and dinner tables. When veterinary oversight is compromised, it becomes harder to contain the spread of foodborne pathogens. Roughly 9 million Americans fall ill from contaminated food each year -- a number that could soar if we fail to restore the frontline of livestock care.
The shortage could also limit our ability to tackle emerging diseases in animal populations, which often spread quickly through supply chains, and in some cases, jump to humans. Early detection and response require having trained veterinarians on the ground.
There are several things we can do to help overcome this challenge.
Loan repayment and scholarship programs are already making an impact. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program offers up to $40,000 per year for students who commit to working in shortage areas after graduation. My employer, Merck Animal Health, has awarded scholarships and grants to veterinary students, which totaled over $1.5 million in 2024 alone. In July, the company partnered with the Farm Journal Foundation to expand its online educational hub, which features learning modules designed to help students succeed in veterinary careers.
There's room for more public- and private-sector initiatives like these.
Recruitment strategies also need to evolve. Students from rural backgrounds are more likely to return to and serve their home communities. Veterinary schools must do more to identify and support these students.
Equally important is improving the training of future veterinarians. Increasing access to hands-on, experiential, and virtual learning can equip students with the skills they need to succeed.
Revitalizing rural veterinary care isn't just about filling vacancies -- it's about ensuring the vitality of communities and protecting our food supply. By investing in the next generation of livestock veterinarians, we can do just that.
Justin Welsh, DVM, is the executive director of U.S. livestock technical services at Merck Animal Health. This piece originally ran in the Oklahoman.

Sudbury Historical Society Open House

The Sudbury Historical Society invites everyone to the Sudbury History Center and Museum, 288 Old Sudbury Road (next to Town Hall),  on Saturday, December 6th,  Sunday, December 7th, and Saturday, December 13th between 11:00am to 3:00pm to learn about town history, buy local items from the 01776 Gift Shop, enjoy free kids activities, and donate common household goods to Gifts of Hope Unlimited! Holiday merchandise such as Sudbury ornaments will be available. Bring a donation for Gifts for Hope and receive 10% off your gift shop purchase! Everything from bags, cleaning supplies, detergent, foil, kitchen items, paper products, soap, sponges, utensils, and wipes will be accepted and appreciated.

Hosmer House Opening in Sudbury

The Sudbury Historical Commission cordially invites you to join us as at the Historic Hosmer House, 299 Old Sudbury Road, for our annual holiday celebrations on Saturday, December 6th, from 11:00am to 3pm, Sunday, December 7th from 11:00am to 3:00pm and Saturday, December 13th from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Please bring you friends, family and children to experience the charm of this beautifully preserved Town owned landmark which will be fully decorated for the Holiday season. We want to thank the many Sudbury organizations who have helped to decorate Hosmer House using the theme this year of PEACE. Enjoy guided tours, learn about the house's rich past and connect with fellow community members during this Holiday season. Refreshments will be served. Parking is available behind Town Hall and handicapped parking is available along the driveway.

The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division Calls for Red Kettle Volunteers and Donations Across the State

 
Volunteers needed to bring joy to families in need this holiday season
CANTON, MASS. (November 3, 2025) – With the holiday season approaching, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is kicking off its annual Red Kettle Campaign across the Commonwealth, and volunteers are urgently needed in nearly every region.
As more families across Massachusetts face economic hardship, inflation and housing costs heading into the holidays, the need for The Salvation Army's services continues to grow. The organization serves as a critical safety net, providing Christmas gifts and food, offering emergency assistance with bills, and providing shelter to those without a home. All Red Kettle proceeds support The Salvation Army's work with individuals and families right in the communities where donations are collected. On average, volunteer bell ringers raise enough money to provide nearly 250 meals to children and families in their respective towns. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Give With JOY.”
“Each act of generosity, large or small, helps The Salvation Army make the season brighter for families across Massachusetts,” said Major Elijah Kahn, General Secretary of The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. “Our volunteers and donors embody the spirit of the holidays and make it possible for us to bring joy where it’s needed most.”
The first local Red Kettle campaigns of 2025 kick off across the state in November. Areas with upcoming campaign launches that are in need of volunteers and support include: the Merrimack Valley, Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts (Hyannis, Fall River, and New Bedford), the North Shore (Newburyport, Salem, and Lynn), MetroWest, Mass Bay/Boston, the Route 2 area (Athol, Greenfield, and Fitchburg), as well as Western (Springfield and Pittsfield) and Central Massachusetts (Milford and Worcester).
The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is working to raise more than $2.3 million through this year’s Red Kettle Campaign to support critical year-round social services. Donations can be made in person at a Red Kettle or virtually.
To volunteer at a Red Kettle or donate online, visit salvationarmyma.org/redkettle.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army helps more than 28 million people in nearly every zip code in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from substance abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at our more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country. In 2024, Forbes ranked The Salvation Army 6th in its list of America’s Top 100 Charities. And in 2021, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked The Salvation Army 2nd on its list of “America’s Favorite Charities.” For more information about supporting The Salvation Army or your local service centers, visit salvationarmyma.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.
Filmmaking at umbrella arts

Filmmaking at The Umbrella Arts Center, Concord

CONCORD, MA - Teaching middle-schoolers to make movies is a recipe for successful creative collaboration, according to freelance filmmaker and educator Tom Flint. “Making films is where kids are at right now,” said Flint, who leads filmmaking workshops for about 30 11- to 14-year-olds at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord.

Flint’s designed and directed a series of three, free moviemaking courses for middle-school students at The Umbrella, as part of Arts Elevate, a pilot project supported by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF). In addition to helping them discover the fun and accessibility of moviemaking, Flint’s workshops were also formulated to have a positive impact on students’ health and wellness.

“I enjoy engaging with kids at this age to introduce them to the medium of film, so they can see where it may take them in terms of story-telling and creative problem-solving,” said Flint, adding “It may not always be easy. The kids are being challenged – filmmaking is really difficult.”

Launched this fall, GLCF’s pilot project, titled Arts Elevate: Embedded Community Artists for Youth Wellness in Greater Lowell, placed four artists in 12-week residencies at nonprofit organizations in Lowell, Groton, Acton and Concord (at The Umbrella Arts Center), explained Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy. The Arts Elevate initiative was developed for Greater Lowell with lead funding from the Barr Foundation through its Creative Commonwealth Initiative.

“As adolescents report rising levels of stress and isolation, we needed to create timely and accessible pathways to wellness,” said Aradhya. “Arts Elevate recognizes that when young people engage in creative expression, they discover who they are and how they belong. Tom’s workshops at The Umbrella Arts Center demonstrate how powerful these creative opportunities can be for middle-schoolers navigating this critical developmental period,” she said.

Located in downtown Concord, The Umbrella Arts Center is a nonprofit regional multi-disciplinary arts center, serving Concord and surrounding towns, according to Rebecca Campbell-McGonagle, Education Program Manager. Flint’s film workshops are geared toward students in grades 6 through 8 and provide iPads to shoot their movies. “We wanted very much for these workshops to NOT be too advanced, technologically, for the students,” stressed Campbell-McGonagle.

Flint’s workshops include Hands-On Moviemaking I and II, and Reel Adventures. All filmmaking workshops will culminate in a mid-December Red-carpet Screening Premiere, when students, parents and guests gather to view all films created as part of the program.

The concept of experimentation and documentation, with an eye toward expanded programming, is one key element of the Arts Elevate pilot, said GLCF’s Aradhya. “This pilot program is much more than just four embedded-artist programs. We’re documenting what works, what challenges arise, what outcomes we’re seeing. We’ll then create a toolkit that will help other organizations replicate this model,” she explained.

For more information about The Umbrella Arts Center, visit: https://theumbrellaarts.org

For more information about the Greater Lowell Community Foundation Arts Elevate program, or to support this initiative, visit: https://www.glcfoundation.org/arts-elevate/. 

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND CHAMBER CONCERT

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, David Wayne Bailey, Music Director, will present its first Chamber Music Concert of the 2025-26 Season on Sunday, December 7th at 2 pm in the auditorium of the Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (GPS Green Road), Bolton MA. Admission is Free!

The concert features three performing groups comprised of members of the Nashoba Symphonic Band. The NSB Clarinet Choir will play the Overture to Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Mozart's Divertimento No.14 and Christmas Day, a medley of familiar carols by British composer, Gustav Holst. The Trombone Ensemble offers several selections, including music by Mendelssohn, Weber and Scott Joplin. Rounding out the program will be the NSB Chamber Players with Tower Music by Massachusetts-born Alan Hovhaness and Robert Nagel's Serenade for Winds.

Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music and supported, in part, by the kind grants of cultural councils in Bolton, Lancaster, Stow, Clinton, Ashby and Lunenberg, local agencies supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Navigating the fourth trimester

Navigating the Fourth Trimester

This free workshop offers a supportive place for expectant parents to explore the physical, emotional and relational challenges that accompany the first 3 months after birth. In this program you will learn evidence-based strategies for adjusting to life with a newborn, coping with challenges related to sleep and feeding, managing changes in your relationships, and nurturing your own wellbeing during this transformative time. Join First Connections for this interactive in-person session facilitated by lactation counselor and infant sleep consultant Mary Beilman and Emily Fiorini, LMHC, who specializes in infant and parent mental health. Helpful postpartum community resources will be included. Free for the birthing person and one support person. Register through Emerson Health's Steinberg Wellness Center in Concord through this link: https://emersonhealth.jotform.com/253204506617048. This program will take place on Wednesday, December 3 from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Fresh start furniture bank1

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

When Coast Guard veteran Aris Lopez finally gained custody of his two kids, their new apartment was empty. No beds, no table, no couch.
That changed when they came to Fresh Start Furniture Bank. Thanks to supporters like you, his family received beds, a sofa, a dining set, and essentials that turned their space into a real home. Imagine that: your generosity helped a veteran and his children step into their new life together with hope.
Every week, we serve local families rebuilding after homelessness, domestic abuse, military service, or other hardships. Furniture is donated, but getting it to families takes real resources: fuel for our truck, warehouse space, and dedicated staff and volunteers.
At present we are low on can openers, 60W light bulbs, twin & full blankets, serving utensils & non-slotted spoons, cutting boards, dish towels, rugs, dressers, mattresses & box springs, silverware, serving platters, bed frames with headboards, and couches and love seats.  You can bring non-furniture donations on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and furniture and household items on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30.
Your gift restores dignity, comfort, and stability.
Help local families take their next step forward by clicking on the QR code below.  Thank you!
FreshStartFurnitureBank.org
16 Brent Dr, Hudson, MA

Sen. Eldridge, Rep. Gregoire and Rep. Gentile Announce $50,000 to Develop Businesses in Marlborough

 
Marlborough – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), State Representative Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), and State Representative Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury), are proud to announce that the Executive Office of Economic Development has awarded $50,000 to the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation through the Community One Stop for Growth grant program.
The funding comes from the Community One Stop for Growth program, the main operation for targeted public economic development investments in the Commonwealth. The One Stop is made up of 13 different grant programs that fund development projects related to community capacity building, planning and zoning, site preparation, building construction, and infrastructure. The consolidation of these programs under a single application streamlines grant procurement processes for municipalities as well as the Commonwealth.
The MA Vacant Storefront Program will fund the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation, which plans to use the awarded $50,000 to encourage businesses to occupy long-time vacant storefront across the downtown district and other commercial areas. The program aims to identify potential business opportunities that will complement and contribute to the community of existing businesses in the area.
“The MA Vacant Storefront Program provides vital support for revitalizing downtown commercial spaces and strengthening Marlborough’s local economy,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “This investment will help transform long-vacant storefronts into thriving small businesses that create jobs, attract visitors, and enhance the sense of community in our downtown. I’m deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Eric Paley for recognizing the importance of investing in local economic development and helping cities like Marlborough build inclusive commercial districts that serve both residents and entrepreneurs.”
“The Marlborough Economic Development Corporation has a long history of success in downtown Marlborough. This grant furthers investment that will drive our economy and draw more people downtown by expanding the goods and services offered to residents and visitors,” said Rep. Danielle Gregoire
“Thank you to Secretary Paley and EOED for this important investment. The city of Marlborough has a beautiful and vibrant downtown, and I am very pleased to see the Healey/Driscoll Administration making an investment to support and further develop this community asset that the whole region benefits from,” said Rep. Carmine Gentile.
“I want to thank the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation for applying for this grant. This funding opportunity can make a significant impact for an entrepreneur who wants to open a small business here in our City. I want to thank MEDC, the State Legislators, and the Executive Office of Economic Development for understanding the challenges of starting a business and investing in revitalizing Marlborough’s Downtown District,” said Mayor Christian Dumais. 

Call for Artists for Holiday Show in Stow

SAGA (Stow Area Guild of Artists) is sponsoring an indoor holiday fair of handmade art and still has a few 8x8 foot spaces available. The art fair runs Sat. Dec. 13 - 10-4 and Sun. Dec. 14 12-4 at the Pompo Community Center in Stow.  Booth fee is $50 for non-SAGA members and $35 for members.  No commissions from the artists. You will be with painters, photographers, potters, jewelers and other talented artisans. Deadline for signing up is 11/22.  If interested please go to  https://www.stow-artists.org and complete the contact form on the join us tab.

Holiday Drives to Benefit Survivors of Domestic Abuse

As the holidays approach—and with Hanukkah beginning early this year—partner organizations of The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable are once again conducting Holiday Drives to make the season brighter for survivors of domestic abuse and their children.
Many families are struggling with the loss of SNAP benefits and the prospect of higher health care costs making these holiday drives especially meaningful this year.
Even small contributions—especially gift cards that offer choice and dignity—make a lasting difference for survivors working toward safety and stability.
If you are able, please consider supporting one of the following Holiday Gift Drives organized by our partners listed below.
The most meaningful gifts are the ones that offer choice and empower survivors to select gifts for their families. Gift cards give families the freedom to pick what they truly need or something special to make the holidays brighter.
Gift cards for Shaw’s, Market Basket, Stop and Shop, Target, Walmart or Visa Cash Cards are especially helpful. If you prefer, you can also make a cash donation or send a check that allows Roundtable partner agencies to purchase gift cards for the families they serve.
Some service providers also accept new donated gifts. Please check the list on the Roundtable website to see which ones are accepting holiday gifts.
More detailed information about our partners’ Holiday Drives can be found on the Roundtable website at www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org .
Domestic violence roundtable

Join the Domestic Violence Roundtable for a Financial Abuse Webinar

Are you a survivor or know someone who is a survivor of intimate partner violence? Please join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable for the first program of our Survivor Series – Domestic Violence & Financial Abuse. Financial abuse is a pervasive form of control that can trap survivors in dangerous situations by limiting their access to money, employment, and financial independence. Join us for this one-hour webinar to learn more about the signs of financial abuse, barriers to accessing help, and how to support others who are survivors of IPV.

This program will be led by Gabriela Wells, Director of Intervention & Advocacy at The Second Step and Julie Youdovin, Outreach and Program Coordinator at Journey to Safety. This webinar will be on Zoom on Monday, December 8, 2025 from 7:00 - 8:00PM.

To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/U2MCPiAyTw-Yyv-c_XiQFA. If you have any questions, please contact: infodvrt@gmail.com.
Friends of goodnow library

The Friends of the Goodnow Library Present Sleeping Beauty


The Friends of the Goodnow Library cordially invite you to a free presentation of Sleeping Beauty performed by the Tanglewood Marionettes. The program will take place on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 3 PM at the Curtis Middle School Auditorium, 22 Pratts Mill Road, Sudbury MA. Seating will be first come, first served. Free parking is available at the school. This program is another in a series of programs made possible by a generous bequest from Stella and Frank Ricciardi to the Friends of the Goodnow Library.
Tanglewood Marionette’s production of Sleeping Beauty begins with a brief demonstration of the art of puppetry. Through humorous interplay, the audience will learn about the various forms of puppets, from the simple glove puppet to the sophisticated marionette. Following the presentation of the story, there will be a question and answer session.
A classic tale which appeals to children of all ages, Sleeping Beauty begins in King Felix’s great hall with the celebration of Princess Aurora’s birth. The party goes awry when the wicked witch arrives and curses Princess Aurora. Will the curse come true? Will someone with a “true heart” appear? You will learn the answers when you see Tanglewood Marionettes’ presentation of this well-loved tale.
In the retelling of the tale, a painted storybook opens to reveal each scene. Beautiful hand-crafted marionettes are brought to life by a master puppeteer as the dramatic events unfold.
This program is recommended primarily for children from Pre-kindergarten through grade 2. Teens and adults will also enjoy not only the story, but also the artistry and technical elements of the program. Please join us for this very special family event.
Founded in 1993 by Anne Ware and Peter Schaefer, Tanglewood Marionettes is a marionette theater based in New England. Their repertoire consists primarily of classic tales performed by skilled puppeteers who have spent many years perfecting their art. They have toured throughout the United States.
In the event of inclement weather, please check for updates at the Friends of the Goodnow Library website: https://www.friendsofgoodnow.org/
Open rehearsals at st. john lutheran

Open Rehearsals at St. John Lutheran in Sudbury

As the Advent and Christmas seasons approach, St. John invites you to join our choir rehearsals. New singers are always warmly welcome -- and there’s no better time to try us out than this time of year. Whether you’ve sung for years or are brand new to choir, we’d love to have you.
We are a volunteer choir made up mostly of untrained voices, united by our love of music and our desire to sing to the glory of God. Together we lead the congregation’s song and explore a rich variety of sacred music — from Lutheran works by Martin Luther, Paul Gerhardt, J.S. Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Paul Manz, and Carl Schalk, to new and contemporary works, including brand-new pieces written in our own time.

Our music is most often accompanied by our beautiful pipe organ, but we’re not afraid to mix it up with saxophone, drums, guitar, and other instruments when the spirit moves!
We have a wonderfully strong group of lower voices and would especially love to welcome new sopranos and altos — though all voice parts are encouraged to join. Come visit a rehearsal, meet our friendly singers, and see (and hear) for yourself!

Rehearsals: Thursdays at 7:15 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m.
Location: St. John Lutheran Church, 16 Great Road, Sudbury

Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild

 
In keeping with its mission statement Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild has chosen “Creating Comfort” for the theme of its upcoming quilt show theme. The guild members involve themselves in various outreach charity programs both locally and nationally that create comfort for others. For many years the members have been visiting local nursing and assisted living facilities to work with the residents in designing their own lap quilts. These lap quilts are then sewn by the guild members and returned to the residents during a Reveal Party. From February to October of this year the guild made a total of 136 lap quilts for these residents and many more extra lap quilts made for residents who were not able to attend the design session.
In addition to lap quilts members also make fidget quilts that are distributed to nursing homes as well as to members’ family and friends who might need them. Placemats are also made in the spring and for the winter holidays and given to a local Senior Centers. The receiving Senior Center is done by a drawing held during a guild meeting. Chemo caps are made and donated to UMass Memorial Hospital or given to local residents who are undergoing chemo therapy and in need of these caps. Brian’s Quilts, flannel-backed small quilts made for children, are given to local police departments to carry in their cruisers to comfort a child in need due to accident, fire or family need.
Nationally, the guild participates is distributing Kennel Quilts to rescue leagues working in disaster stricken areas. Kennel Quilts are sent out to areas of our country that are rescuing animals from forest fires, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or blizzards. More than 50 Kennel quilts have been distributed this year to these areas.
A new project, Kitten Bags, is providing cotton drawstring bags filled kitten toys and treats and given when a kitten is adopted from the Blackstone Valley Regional Animal Shelter.
In addition to these projects the guild also donates full-sized quilts through its Comfort Quilt program. These quilts are given to those in need and to people whose story has touched our members with joy, loss, stress, illness, and in many other ways. These quilts are also donated to support groups such as the End of Life Program at Milford Regional Medical Center. Many quilts have also been sent to the Ukraine to support refugees there as well as to areas of the United States which have experienced disasters.
Examples of all these projects can be seen at the Thimble Pleasures Quilt Guild biennial quilt show on March 15-16 from 10:00-4:00 P.M. at the Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton. A display and demonstrations of the making of these items will also take place at the show.

Silver Bells Holiday Fair

Memorial Congregational Church (Concord Rd. and Church St., Sudbury) is excited to once again host our Silver Bells Holiday Fair!

On Friday evening Nov. 21st from 6-8 entrance fee will be $5 (with 50% going to support Open Table Food Pantry) with complimentary punch and hors d’oeuvres. Most shoppes will be open for first peeks and picks!

On Saturday, November 22nd from 9am to 3pm there will be no entrance fee—just a fun day of holiday cheer and shopping.

Come find Christmas decorations, a handcrafted item, a juicy grilled burger for lunch, a treat from our bake table, homemade novelty chocolates, a piece of jewelry you can’t resist, and puzzles, books, and games to entertain you through our cold, dark winter. Take a chance on our beautiful handmade raffle items, and grab one or more white elephants that are just what you’ve been looking for.

The Book Shoppe will feature several treats this year! Enjoy special music by Matteo, story time with Mrs. Claus, and crafts for kids!.

See you all at the Silver Bells Holiday Fair!

CHRISTMAS AT THE FARM  with Santa Claus!

Marlborough Historical Society
377 Elm Street, Marlborough
Saturday, December 6
11:00 AM- 3:00 PM

Santa will be there 12-2:00   
Join us for an old time “Country Christmas”.

Come and enjoy the warmth of the Homestead, baked foods, warm cake,hot chocolate, coffee and tea.

$5.00 per family
Parking is available in the lot across the street