Fred headshot

Book Signing and Author Talk with Local Author Fred Kinch

“Thursday December 12, 2024
Acton Memorial Library
486 Main Street, Acton, MA
Listen to Fred Kinch tell stories from his new book, The Business of Secrets – stories about his adventures selling cryptographic equipment to the intelligence organizations of some 80 countries worldwide. These secret coding units kept messages confidential as they were sent from one place to another, for users such as the military or diplomatic corps. Fred encountered a spooky, shadow world, where potential customers (spies?) would appear when they wanted to see Fred and vanish when they did not. Some of the stories are humorous, some frightening, but all are entertaining. Stories like:
·       Driving through war-torn Beirut in the middle of the night, passing through multiple military checkpoints where I could have been detained and possibly disappear forever.
·       Arriving in Cairo at the height of the tourist season on an official visit to the Egyptian Army, only to find out that the officer in charge of getting us hotel rooms had done nothing, leaving us struggling not to sleep in the streets of Cairo.
·        And more…
The Business of Secrets picks up the story of cryptography after the era of the Enigma machine of WWII and brings it forward another 30 years. In a sense it is a sequel to the very popular book by Andrew Hodges and Douglas Hofstadter, Alan Turning: The Enigma, which inspired the movie: The Imitation Game.
Fred will have a cryptographic unit with him for the audience to examine. Books will be available for purchase and Fred is happy to sign your copy.
Questions are encouraged. Come join a lively discussion.”

Northborough Kicks Off the Holidays with the Annual Tree Lighting

The Northborough Community Affairs Committee is pleased to host the 2024 Northborough Annual Tree Lighting this coming Saturday, December 7th at 5pm on Blake Street.  This year’s celebration will include the lighting of the tree, a performance by the Northborough 5th Grade Unified Chorus and an acknowledgment of the town Menorah (which will be lit during Hanukkah on 12/30). During the event, complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, pizza, candy canes and jingle bells will be passed out (while supplies last).
This annual lighting of the tree began in 1968 in honor of the memory of Neil Ellsworth, an Army private first class, who was killed in Vietnam in 1967 at the age of 19. He will be honored during this special evening.
There will also be a toy collection for Toys for Tots and a food collection for the Northborough Food Pantry taking place. Thank you to the event sponsors which include Northborough House of Pizza, Wegmans and Starbucks.
For more information about the Northborough Community Affairs Committee, please visit our website at http://northboroughcac.weebly.com/index.html or find us on Facebook @nobocac.

Middlesex County
Middlesex Conservation District
Fy 2024 Annual Meeting With Dr. Doug Tallamy

To all land occupiers* within Middlesex County, notice is hereby given that on the 9th day of December, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM, an Annual Meeting will  be held by the Middlesex Conservation District in Room 204 at Acton Town Hall at 472 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720. This annual meeting will be held to make a full report of our activities and financial affairs since the last Annual meeting and to elect supervisors for the Middlesex Conservation District of the State of Massachusetts. Dr. Doug Tallamy, Professor of Agriculture at the University of Delaware and author of Nature’s Best Hope will be giving his presentation virtually first. This meeting is free to attend and all are invited.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Katherine Becker, Chair
Elizabeth Austin, Supervisor, Co-Chair
Miryam Becker, Supervisor, Clerk
Margaret Delano, Supervisor
* Any person who resides, owns land, and or uses land within the county.

Friends of the Hudson Library Book Sale

“The Friends of the Hudson Public Library will have a book sale AND donation day on Saturday, December 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Armory garage, 35 Washington Street, Hudson. Shoppers can fill a bag with books, puzzles, DVDs, and CDs for only $10!
The Friends will also accept book donations from 11-1 at the garage. If needed, someone can help you unload from your vehicle. Sorry, we do not accept textbooks.”

Book Signing and Author Talk with Local Author David Brody, The Essex Junta: Newburyport and the 3 World Wars

Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:30 pm
Westford Museum
2 Boston Rd, Westford, MA
The Essex Junta: Newburyport and the 3 World Wars is the 19th book in Brody’s “Templars in America” series, which focuses on American history during the 1800s. While the Templars play a part in the narrative, this novel centers more on a powerful cabal of Massachusetts shipping families known as the Essex Junto (Brody uses the modern spelling “Junta”). These families amassed wealth through the opium trade and sought to have New England secede from the Union.
The story, though remarkable, is based on actual events. These families collaborated with agents they embedded in the South, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War. Documentary evidence suggests they may also have been involved in plans that led to World Wars I and II. Additionally, these families had close ties to Freemasonry, particularly with the influential Masonic figurehead Albert Pike, and they were founders of Yale’s exclusive Skull and Bones Society.
David S. Brody, an attorney turned fiction writer, currently focuses his writings on sites and artifacts that provide evidence of pre-Columbian exploration of America. He refers to this as the “Templars in America” series, as much of this exploration seems connected to the medieval Knights Templar. Brody incorporates artifacts and historical sites into his books to create modern-day suspense plots.
His journey began with the Westford Knight, and he remains captivated by the hidden history of North America and the genuine possibility that waves of European explorers arrived on our shores long before Columbus. He hopes that his readers share in his fascination.
Suggested Donation: $10 per person
Your contribution supports preserving and maintaining artifacts in the Westford Museum collection. Thank you for your support of the Westford Museum.

Hearts, Hugs & Hope: A Virtual Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Concord Park

December 12, 2024, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Please contact Amanda Spinale, Compass Memory Care Director, at 978-369-4728 or aspinale@concordpark.org for more information and the Zoom link. This group is free and open to the public.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Christmas Handbell Concerts

When: Sunday, December 15 @ 4:30PM & 7:00PM
Where: First United Methodist Church, 120 W. Main St, Westborough
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? The Handbell Choirs of the First United Methodist Church of Westborough present their annual Christmas concerts on Sunday, December 15th at 4:30 and 7:00. Free admission and open to the public. Come hear the beautiful sounds of the season and get in the Christmas spirit!
Can’t attend in person ? The 4:30 PM concert will be live-streamed on the church Facebook page (7:00 PM concert in person only). And if you miss it, look for it on the FUMC YouTube channel. See links below.
https://www.facebook.comFirstUnitedMethodistChurchOfWestboroughMA
https://firstumchurch.com/our-youtube-channel

Shop Small This Holiday Season

The Christmas holiday shopping season has once again arrived, and it is an important time to shop in our local communities. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, not solely in terms of jobs and powering our economy, but in the character, value, and charm they bring to our Main Streets.
There are far too many empty storefronts, quiet downtowns, and struggling small businesses across Massachusetts. Main Street is still grappling with elevated inflation, high utility costs, changing consumer habits, and other economic pressures. But there is a way consumers can help – by shopping and dining at local, independently-owned businesses right where we live and work. Sixty-seven cents of every dollar spent at a local small business is reinvested in the community, and small businesses support our local tax base, governments, and schools, while also enriching our communities. A staggering 90% of small business owners have financially supported community or civic groups, including youth sports leagues, community events, charities, and school programs. Small businesses support us, and we need to support them.
During this busy time of year, there is a temptation to order online from retail giants and big box stores for the sake of convenience, but we cannot and should not forget about our neighbors, friends, and family who own small businesses. The 15th annual Small Business Saturday is on November 30th, and it serves as a reminder for all of us to visit our Main Street businesses for great deals and first-class service. Shop small and local this Saturday and throughout the entire holiday season, or even better, the year ahead.
Christopher Carlozzi is the Massachusetts Director of the National Federation of Independent Business.

Holiday Handbells!

On Saturday December 7th at 7:00 pm, First Church Congregational in Marlboro (37 High Street) will host their 16th annual Holiday concert by the Merrimack Valley Ringers, an auditioned community handbell choir based in Chelmsford, MA.  MVR has a full complement of 16 ringers from Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire, and their instrumentation for this performance includes 6 octaves of handbells, 6 octaves of handchimes, and the debut of their latest addition, Silver Melody Bells. Our program includes holiday favorites like The First Noel, Sing We Now of Christmas, and the Nutcracker, as well as some imaginative twists on other familiar carols. There’s always something for everyone at a MVR concert!  Admission is FREE, so bring your family and friends and enjoy a concert that is sure to put you in the mood for this very special time of year!  And if you want more information about MVR, check out the MVR website at mvringers.com.

SMILE Mass Wishes You a
Happy Thanksgiving

Sudbury, MA – As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, SMILE Mass extends our heartfelt gratitude to our Club SMILE Mass clients and their families, our sponsors, donors, and supporters who make our mission possible. Your unwavering generosity has transformed lives, created lasting memories, and helped build a more inclusive and accessible community for individuals with disabilities.
This season of gratitude reminds us of the incredible power of the community that makes SMILE Mass successful. Together, we’ve achieved milestones that may have seemed unattainable—expanding access to adaptive equipment, growing our programs, and bringing inclusion and accessibility to countless families.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate not only what we’ve accomplished but also the possibilities that lie ahead. With your continued support, SMILE Mass will keep working toward a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and find joy in the simple moments of life.
From our SMILE Mass family to yours, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Thank you for being part of our journey—together, we are creating a world where small miracles in life truly exist.

Christmas Trees

The Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks will be selling Christmas trees again this year beginning Friday, November 29th. Hours are: Friday, 11/29: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Mondays-Fridays: 4:00 PM -8:00 PM, Saturdays: and Sundays: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.
The Maynard-Clinton Elks is located at 34 Powder Mill Rd, Maynard, MA 01754. If you have any questions, please call 978-897-9892.
Craftfair2024flyer

12th Annual Craft Fair and Bake Salet

Saturday, November 23rd, 10:00am-3:00pm
FREE Admission
Stop by for local craft vendors and baked goods! Nashoba Valley Technical High School
100 Littleton Road, Westford, MA
Presented by The NVTHS Foundation

Blue Christmas Service at First United Methodist Church, Hudson

 
First United Methodist Church invites you to a special “Blue Christmas” service on Wednesday, December 11th at 7:00 p.m. Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member who has recently passed; it may be a time that has always been difficult. The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had. The anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation - all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone. As the days grow shorter, we may feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us. Come join us in sharing and healing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone is welcome. We are an open and affirming church. The short service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship.
First United Methodist Church is located at 34 Felton Street; over the hill, just off the Hudson Rotary. First United Methodist Church of Hudson, 34 Felton Street  Hudson, MA 978-562-2932 E-mail: hudsonfumc@gmail.com Website: www.hudsonfumc.org

“Festival of Sharing” Holiday Fair

St. Matthew’s Church in Acton will host its unique “Festival of Sharing” Holiday Fair on December 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As always, all proceeds from the event will benefit local and international charitable organizations supported by St. Matthew’s.
Last year—the 5th annual Festival--raised over $25,000 for 26 organizations. Please join us to shop, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and experience live Christmas music. The Festival is held at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Central Street, Acton, MA.
For more information, visit: www.saint-matthews.org.

Folksinger at Littleton Lyceum

 
The Littleton Lyceum will present Nashville-based singer-songwriter Amy Speace on Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center on 56 King Street. A former Shakespearean actress, Amy has received critical acclaim from the New York Times and NPR, who described her voice as “velvety and achy” and compared her to Lucinda Williams. She has toured widely and has shared the stage with Guy Clark, Judy Collins, and many others. Season tickets to the Lyceum are available for families or individuals for $40.00, and single admissions may be purchased at the door for $12.00, $5.00 for seniors and students. For more information, check out our website at littletonlyceum.org or follow us on Facebook.

Donate a Dinner Basket or Sponsor a Child to Help the Maynard Food Pantry

 
As in years past, the Maynard Food Pantry will be helping local families in need during the upcoming holiday season by providing them with dinner baskets and gifts. Donations of dinner baskets and/or gifts from families, organizations, groups and companies will help us accomplish this goal. Suggestions for dinner baskets include a canned ham or fresh ham together with a combination of bagged potatoes, fresh squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, canned or fresh vegetables, apples, oranges, canned pineapple, fruit juice, packaged rolls and packaged desserts.
Those who would like to purchase gifts will be given specific information about a certain child(ren) including ages, sizes and special gift requests. If you would like to donate one or more of these items or would like additional information, please contact Mary Brannelly at mjtbrannelly@comcast.net no later than Friday, December 13, 2024 for drop off information.
Please consider sending a donation of any amount to Maynard Food Pantry, PO Box 55, Maynard, MA 01754.
As we begin our 31st year, the Maynard Food Pantry is very grateful for the outpouring of support we receive from residents, businesses and organizations in Maynard and beyond! Thank you and enjoy your Holidays!
Nov 22 uccb fair

UCC Boxborough’s Merrie Christmas Fair: A Welcoming Event for Everyone!


When: Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9am-1pm
Online Silent Auction has begun!
Where: UCC Boxborough church campus, 723 Middle Road Boxborough 01719
For: Everyone!
The Boxborough Merrie Christmas Fair promises a fun-filled shopping celebration with local handicrafts, delicious food and surprising treasures for all! Come share the joy and shop for your family, friends or treat yourself. Look for truly handmade gifts from soft knitted scarves to hand carved trees and fresh greens for a Thanksgiving table. The fair has 91 years’ experience sharing local creativity and artistry in a fun, festive setting. At the Sugar Plum café, have lunch and sip cocoa as you enjoy the live music of jazz and blues singer Phyllis Fallon and the Workingman’s Music Duo. The online Silent Auction has close to two hundred items for young and old alike. The online auction is an easy way to shop over ten days, November 13-23. Items range from fine home crafted items to snowshoes to restaurant gift cards and museum memberships to expansive vacations including a trip to Tuscany, a two night stay in NYC with Broadway tickets and a windjammer cruise out of Bar Harbor. If you like to thrift, shop at our vintage jewelry table or the legendary recycled Attic Treasures that fill the Town Hall? The fair has something for everyone and is a chance to buy truly local and sustainably. This year’s fair not only supports UCC Boxborough, a partner with Free Bee market, but ten percent of fair proceeds will go directly to North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity.
The fair is located at UCC Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Ave and Boxborough Town Hall on Middle Road. Come and wander the fair, have lunch, let your children shop in their own shopping area, poke through the Attic Treasures, sit outside by the fire pit where Santa might be making a s'more! Meet a friend, have fun with your neighbors, and know that your dollars buy much more than gifts, you are supporting your community as you shop. The online Silent Auction begins November 13 at 8am and ends November 23 at 6pm. https://www.BiddingForGood.com/UCCBSilentAuction. Meet you at the fair!
Nov 22 christmas tree

Christmas Trees


The Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks will be selling Christmas trees again this year beginning Friday, November 29th. Hours are: Friday, 11/29: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Mondays-Fridays: 4:00 PM -8:00 PM, Saturdays: and Sundays: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.
The Maynard-Clinton Elks is located at 34 Powder Mill Rd, Maynard, MA 01754. If you have any questions, please call 978-897-9892.
Nov 22 maynard holiday parade

58th Annual Maynard Holiday Parade & Holiday Village


The Friends of the Maynard Holiday Parade invite you to join us at the 58th annual holiday parade in downtown Maynard on the afternoon of Sunday, December 8! In addition to the parade, we’ve added a festive holiday market this year. Read on for more details and be sure to mark your calendar with the dates, times, and locations.
New this Year: From noon to 3 pm, stroll through a holiday village at Memorial Park (corner of Summer and Nason Streets). Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the winter season as you browse and buy locally made crafts, decorations, and food. Face painting, temporary tattoos, and do-it-yourself craft vendors will also be there. Cap off your holiday market experience by making a s’more (toasted marshmallow and chocolate on a graham cracker) with a Maynard firefighter. Bring some cash along to donate to Maynard High School’s student-run WAVM Beacon Santa telethon, an annual tradition that supports families during the holiday season. Before or after your holiday village stroll, be sure to visit the amazing stores and restaurants on Nason and Main Streets. You’ll find bountiful options for buying Christmas, Hanukkah or winter gifts for family and friends. Enjoy a delicious meal, snack, or beverage at one of our many restaurants or cafés while shopping.
The 58th Annual Parade: At 1:45 pm, look up to see Santa Claus waving at you from a helicopter! Next, food collection trucks will roll down the parade route at 1:50 pm to collect your canned food donations. As a community, we can provide "more love, less hunger." At 2:00 pm, the parade kicks off, with Maynard’s Chief of Police, Michael Noble, leading the way as Grand Marshall. Special Guests of Honor will include beloved retired kindergarten teacher Marybeth Wallace; thePatino family, whose extraordinary Route 117 holiday light displays have lit up Maynard residents’ hearts for decades; local resident Judy Burgess, whose volunteerism makes a difference in our corner of the world; and Maynard resident Charlie Williams, whose smiles and enthusiasm brighten our lives. Various bands will provide holiday music. Floats, decorated vehicles, and festively dressed walkers representing local businesses, nonprofit organizations, musical groups, and entertainers will round out this joyful event.
Parade viewers can watch from the section of Sudbury St. between the mill parking lot and Main St., as well as Main St. between Sudbury St. and McDonald’s/Jarmo’s, and Summer St. from Nason St. eastward. Nason Street is also part of the parade route and will be a “low noise” area for parade-goers who are sensitive to loud noises. For more parade details, including our generous parade and fall ball (our main fundraising event) sponsors, without whom this parade would not happen. We are still accepting donations, so please go to https://www.lightuptheholidaysmaynard.com if you would like to make a business or personal donation to the parade fund. In case of rain/snow, the parade will be moved to Sunday, Dec. 15, same time and place. We hope to see you at this fun and festive day in downtown Maynard. Happy holidays!
Nov 22 meredith fontana

Assabet Valley Camera Club Program


On Wednesday, December 4, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host professional landscape photographer Meredith Fontana for an in-depth look at essential digital scouting tools and techniques that will help you find unique photo locations and create images that stand out from the crowd. In this presentation, Meredith will introduce you to her favorite software, apps, and websites that she uses to find hidden compositions, anticipate perfect lighting, and predict ideal weather conditions. You’ll see a live demonstration of these tools in action, where you will learn how to scout a new location step-by-step. We’ll walk through a real-world scouting scenario that integrates these digital tools, from terrain research and lighting analysis to weather tracking and field preparation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced amateur photographer, this presentation will provide actionable insights to help you scout like a pro and create images that are truly unique. Fontana is a Denver-based landscape photographer, educator, and naturalist guide whose journey from paleontology to photography reflects a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Drawing on her experiences from a career in natural science and outdoor adventure, Meredith brings a unique perspective to the art of landscape photography. The program is free and open to the public. Fontana's work can be viewed on her website. 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. The club’s Zoom room opens at 7:00 PM with a brief business meeting at 7:15. Meredith’s presentation From Map to Masterpiece will begin 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 are 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 the AVCC website at www.assabetvalleycc.com.

The Nutcracker, presented by Dance Prism Ballet

December 8, Sunday two performances 1:00 & 5:00
Rogers Theater at Lincoln/Sudbury High School
No holiday season is complete without seeing this beloved holiday classic, see it again, or start a new tradition.  A Magical Experience for the Whole Family! Don’t miss your chance to create cherished memories together at Dance Prism's The Nutcracker — a holiday tradition like no other right in your neighborhood! Tickets at danceprism.com.

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 meetings had been every Thursday evening at 7 pm at the South Acton Congregational Church. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

Congregational Church of Littleton's Harvest Fair is fast approaching!

Save the Date! November 23rd from 9-2! We are located at 330 King Street, Littleton!
Our themed basket raffle returns this year! Take your chance on your favorite hand made baskets such as, Harvest themed, cooking, PEI, gnome for the holidays, tea and cookies, children's games and a pampering basket to name a few!
We also will have our foodie table, Karl's famous mustard, homemade candy, pies, cookies, breads, jellies, jams, relishes, pickles....
Plenty of crafts for gift giving or to treat yourself will also be available such as, our famous wool mittens, knitted and crocheted items, wreaths, holiday items, etc!
Also, we have our popular "experienced holiday corner". Well loved holiday items that have been donated by our congregation and friends will be available for purchase!
Great book table too!
Harvest Lunch will also be served! Choose from a couple of yummy soups, with gluten free options as well! Coffee, tea and muffins will be available early!

15th Annual Berlin Arts & Fine Crafts Fair

 
Saturday, November 23, 2024, 9am - 4pm
1870 Town Hall, 12 Woodward Ave, Berlin MA  01503
The 15th Annual Berlin Arts and Fine Crafts Fair will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, from 9am - 4pm, at 1870 Town Hall.
Expect to find over 30 wonderful artists, artisans and crafters who will be bringing jewelry, pottery, fiber arts, woodworking, ornaments, baskets, artwork, bath and body Items, photography, baked goods, leatherwork and other great gift Ideas.  We have so many vendors, plus a waitlist, that both floors of the hall are expected to be full and festive!
Established in 2009, this Fair has grown into a high quality, locally made shopping event that draws customers from the local community and beyond.
Nov 18 silver bells

Silver Bells Holiday Fair

Memorial Congregational Church (Concord Rd. and Church St., Sudbury) is excited to host our Silver Bells Holiday Fair on Saturday, November 23rd from 9am to 3pm with a fair preview on Friday evening from 6:30-8pm. There will be a $5.00 charge on Friday evening with 50% of the proceeds going to charity. Punch and hors d’oeuvres will be served. There will be no charge on Saturday—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,  puzzles, books, and games to entertain you through our cold, dark winter. Take a chance on our beautiful raffle items, and grab one or more white elephants that are just what you’ve been looking for. The Toy Shoppe has an abundance of brand new and gently used toys. You will be sure to find a variety of toys! Please consider donating a toy in support of HOPE Sudbury whose mission is to provide assistance to people in need. There will be a donation box in the Toy Shoppe. The Book Shoppe will feature a special guest from the North Pole! Join Mrs. Claus for story time at 10:00, 11:00 and 1:00.
See you all at the Silver Bells Holiday Fair!
Nov 18 jacqueline schwab

Down Came an Angel: A Holiday Concert by Ken Burns’ Pianist Jacqueline Schwab

Sudbury Meetinghouse Concerts is pleased to present Down Came an Angel—a solo concert by renowned pianist Jacqueline Schwab.
Sunday, December 1, 2024, 4:00 pm.
Tickets: $25
Read more/Purchase Tickets: https://fpsudbury.org/
Free parking is available at First Parish’s Meetinghouse, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, or across the street, behind Sudbury Town Hall.
Jacqueline Schwab, heard on Ken Burns’ Civil War and many of his other documentaries, will perform her multifaith/multicultural holiday program Down Came an Angel. Her program of traditional Appalachian carols, South Carolina sea Island spirituals and well-known, vintage New England holiday standards, along with Hanukkah songs, a Mexican carol, and other music will be an oasis of quiet amidst the busy holiday season in our challenging times. It aims to give the audience a moment for reflection, peace, and joy. Jacqueline will share stories about how historical tunes can speak to us today, whatever our beliefs. This will be Jacqueline’s second concert appearance at First Parish of Sudbury.
Jacqueline spins emotive musical stories out of the many strands in the American quilt, with community music-making at their heart. Her signature playing features in over a dozen of Ken Burns’ documentaries, including his Grammy-winning Civil War, Baseball, Lewis and Clark, Mark Twain, The War, and his recently-released Benjamin Franklin, as well as in other PBS documentaries, such as The Irish in America—The Long Journey Home. She has performed at the White House for President Clinton and on national PBS with the American Pops Orchestra,
and she has accompanied Scottish singer Jean Redpath on public radio’s A Prairie Home Companion and on CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman. She is well known to the traditional dance world for her playing with the Bare Necessities ensemble. Her most recently-released solo album I Lift My Lamp—Illuminations from Immigrant America celebrates vintage music from
American immigrants.

Come shopping!

St. Nicholas Parish is hosting their 19th Annual Christmas Craft Extravaganza on Saturday, November 30, from 9am-4pm, at St. Anthony Church's Derosier Hall, at 33 Chapel Street, Shirley.  Come shop for some unique hand-crafted gifts, gather fresh-baked sweets at our Cookie Walk, take a chance on our Basket Raffles or the surprise gift bags from the tree, bring your children to take pictures with Santa (11am-1pm)!  Delicious refreshments are available for sale throughout the day.  All proceeds benefit the parishioners and ministries of St. Nicholas Parish.
Fresh start

Fresh Start Furniture Bank Low on Nearly Everything

Fresh Start Furniture Bank (www.freshstartfurniturebank.org) is in need of your extra household items to help our clients to make a new start in a new home.  Take a look at our website!  See where we are in Hudson and what we do.  We provide furniture and furnishings to pre-qualified (via social services agencies) clients who are trying to furnish a home.  They are formerly-homeless veterans, women & children coming out of shelters, hurricane, fire & flood victims, refugees.  Most of them need everything - beds & bedding, dining tables and chairs, couches and recliners and comfortable chairs, end tables & coffee tables, rugs, lamps, dishes and silverware, pots & pans and utensils, kitchen appliances and TV’s.  Almost everything we have has been donated by generous folks who are downsizing, cleaning out, or just don’t need that extra chair or table or cooking pot.  We expect donations to be in good shape; if you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to us!
Take a look at our website for a complete and detailed list of what we DO and DO NOT accept.  Then decide what you have that could be given to someone in need.  Thank you!
Nov 18 holiday wreath

Delivered Right to your Door - Holiday WREATHS!

Troop 1 Stow still has a limited amount of wreaths available to deliver to Stow and bordering communities.  The proceeds help Stow continue one of its finest youth programs, and are used for equipment purchases, camping trips and the many troop activities.  The holiday wreaths are beautiful natural evergreens, all with a red bow and available in 2 sizes:
* Standard wreaths (fits standard size door), undecorated ($21), or decorated ($25)
* Large  (40" outside diameter), undecorated ($60)
* Sponsor a veteran cemetery wreath ($17) to be placed in the stow cemeteries by volunteers
The scouts will NOT be going door to door so order NOW and your wreath will be DELIVERED right to your home!
You can order your wreaths online at www.troop1stow.net or by mailing a check to Troop 1 Stow, PO Box 75, Stow, MA 01775.   If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 978-212-9175 or by email at wreath@troop1stow.net

Nashoba Regional High School's performance of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol"

This holiday season, step into the heartwarming world of Charles Dickens' timeless classic, A Christmas Carol with Nashoba Drama. Join the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Zain Khan, as he is visited by the 3 ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come--played by Eliza Rancourt, Kenzie O'Brien, and Theo Kramer. With unforgettable characters, unforgettable lessons, and a message of redemption, this tale will warm even the coldest of hearts.Come support the cast and begin your holiday celebrations early!
Tickets are on sale now online and can be purchased at the door. https://www.ticketstage.com/bin/f.wk?ts.performance.gen
$14.00 Adult;$10.00 Child / Student / Senior
Friday, November 22nd 7pm
Saturday, November 23rd 7pm
Sunday, November 24th, 2 PM
All performances at Nashoba Regional High School auditorium. 12 Green Rd, Bolton, MA 01740

The Maynard Holiday Stroll

Hosted by the Maynard Business Alliance
Saturday, December 7th, 2024
Lighting of Memorial Park begins at 5:45pm
Holiday Stroll 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Please join us for a beloved Maynard tradition, the Lighting of Memorial Park!  Enjoy holiday caroling led by Interlude Music beginning at 5:45 PM followed by an exciting countdown to light up the park at 6:00pm and then the highly anticipated Santa sighting as he arrives on a Maynard Fire Truck!  Spend the remainder of your evening walking through downtown Maynard and taking in the sights and sounds of the holidays. Many downtown businesses will be open offering shopping specials, live music, light refreshments, and more. This is a great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done at the charming, distinctive shops in Maynard. You’ll be able to check off gifts on your list while helping to support our local businesses at the same time. We can’t wait to celebrate the holiday season with you!
More beloved Maynard holiday traditions:  On Sunday, December 8th, the 1st annual Holiday Village will be held in Memorial Park beginning at noon and the 58th annual Holiday Parade will step off at 2:00pm and travel through downtown Maynard.  The official Maynard Menorah Lighting at Memorial Park will be held later in the month. (Date TBA).
Visit the Maynard Business Alliance website https://www.maynardbusinessalliance.org/events-calendar/2024-holiday-stroll
or follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maynardbusinessalliance/ for more details.
For Maynard Holiday Village and Holiday Parade information visit https://www.lightuptheholidaysmaynard.com/

Harvard Lions 34th Annual Citrus Sale Benefits Local Charities

The Harvard Lions are selling fresh oranges and grapefruit. Treat your family to great fruit while at the same time benefiting Lions charities and families in need! We offer Royal Ruby Red grapefruit -- Sweet, thin-skinned and seedless, the flavor is reminiscent of refreshing red grapes and sweet nectarines. California Navel oranges – Easy peeling with the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Seedless and packed with Vitamin C. Grapefruit, oranges and ‘mixed’ are available in 20 lb. boxes for $40 each. Order online through November 21 and have the fruit delivered to your home in Ayer, Bolton, Boxborough, Devens, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Littleton, Maynard, Shirley or Stow by a Harvard Lion on December 14. No need to be home for delivery. If outside our delivery area we can arrange for you to pick up on December 14 in Harvard. For those outside of our local delivery area we also offer a Mail Order Gift Box Option that offers different size options and different varieties of fruit, nuts, candy, soup and cake mixes from $20 to $45. This order can be shipped anywhere in the Continental US. Order by December 15 for delivery by Christmas. More details on the citrus sale can be found at www.harvardlions.com or emailharvardlionsfruitsale@gmail.com.
Nov 8 needle arts fair

Friends of Acton Council on Aging Needle Arts Fair 2024

Our Needle Arts group has been busy creating many beautiful items just in time for the holidays! Please stop by and browse our collection. Help the Friends of Acton COA support programs and events at the Acton Senior Center. Your support is appreciated!
Date: Tuesday Nov. 19th and Wednesday Nov. 20th
Time: 10:30-1:30pm
Where: Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Rd Rear, Acton, MA 01720
Website: https://friendsofactoncoa.com
Nov 8 concord womens chorus

Concord Women’s Chorus Presents ‘The Harper’s Song’

Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents the holiday season concert “The Harper’s Song: A Ceremony of Carols,” on Saturday, December 7, 4 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord.  The performance is conducted by CWC Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank, accompanied by Daniel Goldsmith, piano, and Carrie Kourkoumelis, harp.
Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols,” scored for women’s voices and harp, sits at the heart of Concord Women’s Chorus’s December concert of inspired, seasonal works. Marked by innocence, joy, and optimism, this magical sequence of carols is one of the composer’s most beloved works.
The program also includes David Conte’s lyrical “The Harper’s Song” and Elaine Hagenberg’s haunting “O Come, Emmanuel,” both scored for voices, piano, and cello, as well as Ed Henderson’s urgently dramatic “The Huron Carol.” To round out the program, Carrie Kourkoumelis, harpist, performs a sparkling harp solo.
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.
Tickets to “The Harper’s Song” are $30 adults, $25 seniors and students, $10 children ages 12 and under, available at concordwomenschorus.org and at the door.  Trinity Episcopal Church is fully accessible.  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.

Crossing the Waters "Water, Wind, Sails, Bones" Fundraiser for African Pilgrimage

Join First Parish at Crossing the Waters Institute for Cultural Exchange's (CTW) fundraiser at First Parish to support a pilgrimage to West Africa! Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 7 pm.
This event aims to raise funds for CTW’s upcoming 2025 pilgrimage to Benin, West Africa, a significant cultural and spiritual journey for descendants of the African diaspora to reconnect with their ancestral roots. The pilgrimage to Benin is a key initiative of CTW, marking the organization’s ongoing mission to heal the wounds of slavery through education, cultural exchange, and spiritual reflection.
The Performance, “Water, Wind, Sails, Bones,” will be presented as a staged reading. It is a powerful performance piece that weaves together dance, poetry, music, song, and the rhythmic pulse of African drumming to tell the story of the Interfaith Pilgrims’ journey and the harrowing experience of the transatlantic slave trade.
$100 suggested donation/pp
Read more: https://fpsudbury.org/2024/10/23/wind-sails-bones/
Free parking is available at First Parish’s Meetinghouse, 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, or across the street, behind Sudbury Town Hall.
Nov 8 updated folk festival

Folk Festival ’24 at First Church Unitarian Littleton

19 Foster St. Littleton, MA November 9, 2024 at 7:00 pm
First Church Unitarian Littleton is ready again this year to bring some joy into your life with Folk Festival ’24. This Folk Festival began so many years ago in a congregants living room! It has grown and changed a lot over these 14 years or so. We are proud to say that this year we have two of my favorite professional bands anywhere playing for us.
First up is the Sarah Levecque Band. Sarah grew up right here in Littleton - actually right here on Foster St. adding some lovely local musical color to match the changing colors of the leaves. The Sarah Levecque Band has become a popular staple of the Boston music scene.
Our headliner act features The Sugarsnap Trio from Burlington, VT. They played last year for Folk Festival ’23 and brought the house down. They say when you hear them for the first time you have to pick your jaw up off the floor - that’s how good they are.
Both bands classify their genre as “Americana”. I know you’ve heard it but you may not have put the music with the name. Americana uses elements from folk, rock, blues, soul and more, all of which have their musical roots in America.
There will be an Intermission offering a range of baked goods and other snacks. Beverages include coffee, tea and hot mulled cider. All for sale for $1 each.
New this year is our 50/50 Raffle. Buy Raffle tickets before the show starts from our funny raffle lady (you’ll know her when you see her) or during Intermission. Toward the end of Intermission, the winning ticket will be drawn and the winner gets 50% of all the cash collected for the Raffle! Folk Festival ’24 tickets are available at the door for $25 and online for $20. Or, you may make a donation of your choice to attend the Festival. Say, “I’d like to make a donation” at the door. First Church Unitarian is located at 19 Foster St., Littleton, MA across from the fire station. Questions? Text Patti at 978-621-1065. See you there!

Skylight Astronomical Society, Inc. Presents: A Star Watch at the Stow Minute Man Airfield

Saturday, November 9th from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM
Rain date: Sunday, November 10th
Well, we’re definitely into the fall season! SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring glorious Saturn with near edge-on rings, Venus if you come early, Jupiter if you stay late, and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon all night long! See the galaxies of Pegasus and Andromeda, as well as a host of colorful double stars! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects. Scary masks are not required but will be available. If you have COVID-like symptoms or have been in contact with someone ill, we ask that you refrain from attending. In case of bad weather, a cancellation notice will be posted on our website www.sasobservatory.org by 3:00 PM the day of our event. If we do cancel on Saturday, we will try again the next night (Sunday night), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

Heritage Chorale Fall Concert

Experience a musical adventure on Sunday, November 24, 4pm, at St. Mark's School, 25 Marlboro Rd., Southborough! This first concert of the Heritage Chorale's 88th season--A Glorious Journey: Vienna & Paris--not only features the music of two style-defining cities, but also music that takes us from classical to modern periods. Professional instrumentalists and vocal soloists will join the Chorale. Visit heritagechorale.org for concert details and to purchase advance tickets from the Chorale's Online Box Office.
Nov 8 sounds of stow

Baroque Brilliance -- Sounds of Stow Fall Concert


Join the Sounds of Stow Chorus & Orchestra for their 46th season opening concert: “Baroque Brilliance” on November 24, 2024, at 2pm. The concert will be held at a local and state-of-the-art venue, Maynard High School, 1 Tiger Drive in Maynard, MA. Under the direction of Barbara Jones, the chorus and orchestra open with Giovanni Gabrieli’s stunning “Jubilate Deo” for double chorus accompanied by a brass ensemble of four trumpets, four trombones. This opener raises the curtain on music by three great Baroque composers, all born in 1685.
Scarlatti -- “Iste confessor”, “Cibavit eos”; Handel -- delightful and sensuous selections from “Solomon”; and Bach – moving motet “DerGerechte kommt um” and beloved “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” – some selections will be familiar, others less so, but all are interesting and rewarding. In addition, our instrumentalists: brass, winds and strings, will enhance the program with selections that will be sure to enhance this delightful program. For further information and tickets, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email info@soundsofstow.org. Sounds of Stow is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council as administered by the local cultural councils of Stow, Acton-Boxborough, Bolton, Carlisle and Hudson.

Theater Organ Concert

 
Sunday November 17, 2:30pm. Shanklin Music Hall, 130 Sandy Pond Road, Groton.
Dave Wickerham will perform at the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. The Shanklin Music Hall was built specifically for the Wurlitzer to give the audience an unparalleled concert experience. Tickets are available online at www.WurlitzerPops.org. The cost is $25 for adults.
Nov 8 updated catie curtis

Bedford’s New Song Music Series Welcomes Folk-Rock Artist Catie Curtis on November 16

The New Song Music Series in Bedford, MA, launches its inaugural season on Saturday, November 16, with a concert by veteran folk-rock artist Catie Curtis. Known for her gorgeous voice and socially conscious songwriting, Curtis engages audiences with an optimistic mix of insightful wit and pitch-perfect vocals. Curtis has toured full-time in the United States and Europe for over 25 years, releasing 14 recordings and collaborating with some of the finest musicians and producers in the country. Her songs have been featured in films and TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy. She has also performed at the White House several times. New Song is located in the Reed Room of Bedford’s Town Hall – an intimate 100-seat venue in the heart of historic Bedford, MA. This volunteer initiative of the Bedford Cultural District showcases musical styles ranging from contemporary folk to bluegrass to Americana and more.
Tickets for the November 16 concert are $25 and may be purchased at the door or via our website, www.newsongbedford.org. Doors open at 7:00 and the music begins at 7:30. The address is 10 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA. A selection of sweet treats and beverages will be available at the event. Visit our website for information about New Song and future concerts. Contact New Song Music Series info@newsongbedford.org.
Nov 8 small works

Something for Everyone! - Small Works & Holiday Marketplace

Come make your holiday shopping more meaningful by supporting local artists! Members of the Princeton Arts Society invite you to come to browse, shop, and enjoy hundreds of their fine, artisan-made items. Peruse creative, unique, yet affordable small wall art in many media, as well as tables overflowing with jewelry, cards, prints, ornaments, fabric items, original books, bags, ceramics, woodworking, and so much more! Don’t miss out on this amazing holiday art extravaganza! Fridays, December 6 & 13, 6-8:00 PM, Saturdays and Sundays, December 7 & 8 and 14 & 15, 10 AM-4 PM
Location: 206 Worcester Road, Princeton Senior & Community Center, Princeton, MA.
The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows.

Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers

The Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers will perform at the Old Chelmsford Garrison House on Sunday, November 10th, at 2:00 P.M. They will perform eastern social songs accompanied by a water drum and handcrafted rattles. Dressed in traditional clothing, the singers and dancers encourage audience participation. The Old Chelmsford Garrison House is an historical house museum located at 105 Garrison Road in Chelmsford. A donation of $20 per car will be collected at the gate. The gate will open at 1:30 and the performance will begin at 2:00. The Garrison House is located at 105 Garrison Road, off Route 110. For more information, call 978-256-8832, visit our Facebook page, or www.garrisonhouse.org. The Wampanoag Nation website is wampanoagnationsingersanddancers.com.
Nov 8 veterans memorial park

Veterans Day Ceremony in Bedford

Bedford's Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Monday, Nov. 11 starting at noon at Veterans Memorial Park, 160 Great Road (next to Bedford Funeral Home). Join us in honoring our veterans who served in war and in peacetime. Attendees can remember special veterans by placing flags on the Veterans Memorial Wreath of Honor. Contact Paul Purchia (781-275-2464) for more information. Note: In case of heavy rains, the outside ceremony will be canceled and moved to the Bedford High School auditorium starting at 12.

Veterans Day in Boxborough

The Town of Boxborough cordially invites our Town Veterans and all residents to attend the 2024 Veterans’ Day Ceremony on Monday, November 11th promptly at 11 am.  This will take place at the Veterans Tribute Memorial on the grounds of the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue. Parking is available at the Library lot and also at the Blanchard Memorial School lot; using the bridge walkway to get to the Site. Veterans’ Day recognizes the commitment and dedication of Boxborough’s Veterans and their families. We look forward to seeing you there so that we can honor all of those who have served in our Armed Forces.

Veterans Day in Acton

The Town of Acton’s Veteran Services Department, as well as the Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee, invite you to join us for this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony. The ceremony will be observed on Monday, November 11th at 11am.  Please park behind Town Hall or behind the Fire Station.  The ceremony will take place outdoors (weather permitting) by the Isaac Davis monument on the town common. In the event of inclement weather, we will move the ceremony to the Faulkner room inside town hall.  All are encouraged to attend. We hope you can join us in paying reverence to our nations’ heroes.
Vigil 2024 flyer final 2

Domestic Violence Event

South Acton Church Rummage & Bake Sal

Come One, Come All! The South Acton Church famous fall Rummage Sale is back!! Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM at 35 School Street in South Acton. The bargains will be Fabulous!
Upstairs, we’ll have delicious baked goods, scrumptious soups, veggie wraps, and beef and vegan chili --- perfect for lunch or take-out! Also, we’ll have our famous frozen entrees, terrific to keep in the freezer for a fast and healthy dinner. Downstairs will be all the deals! Clothes for all ages, housewares, toys, jewelry, and lots of special items, all at stunning bargain prices.
Come check us out!

Countryfest Hudson, October 26th

This is a fundraiser event for The Hudson Police Association, held at the Hudson Elks, located at 99 Park Street. The day starts off at 11:00 with acoustic performer Joe Savia, and at 2:00 we have the Red Neck Castaway Band playing until 5:00. The event is outside so wear those cowboy boots, hats and flannels! Plenty of room under the pavilion for gathering and dancing! Reserved tables available for $200, and come with 10 tickets. Vendor spots available and Food trucks already reserved. Ticket prices $10 for seniors and Veterans, $15 all presale. $20 the day of the event. Call or message for information at 978 424-3724. Cash or Venmo for tickets. Will deliver if local to Hudson, MA.

All Souls and Samhain
FPC Sunday Service Oct. 27

First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC), Unitarian Universalist, will hold a service on “All Souls and Samhain.” As the fall turns to winter, FPC’s minister, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum, will remember the losses of our community this year and learn how the traditions of All Souls and All Saints are tied to the pagan Samhain. The service takes place both in person in the sanctuary and virtually on Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. The Open House will be held in Fellowship Hall and will be in person only. Masking is optional. Child care for the service only is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcomed to join religious education classes. For information about those classes, contact FPC Director of Religious Education Rayla D. Baldwin-Mattson at dre@fpc-stow-acton.org. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc. FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.