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.

Guest Table Community Dinner

 
Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on Nov. 8. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome! There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted. FPC is a nut-free location. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you! This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, Nashoba Valley Rotary, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.
Oct 25 smack dabs

Good-Time Swing from
The Smack Dabs on Nov. 16

Stow’s New Revival Coffeehouse will open its season on Nov. 16 with the good-time swing blues music of the 1930s performed by The Smack Dabs. The Dabs features the songs of Tampa Red, Big Bill Broonzy, The Harlem Hamfats, and many other artists from the swing era. This delightful and timeless genre features a rich variety of musical styles, ranging from mournful blues to joyful celebrations, setting the stage for incredible solo and group improvisations and delighting audiences and dancers alike. The concert takes place at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Rd., Stow. Doors open at 7pm. and the concert begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 in advance at Tiny.cc/SmackDabs and $25 at the door. For questions, call 978-274-2593 or email coffeehouse@fpc-stow-acton.org. FPC is a nut-free location. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Small Works Art Exhibit at The Lunenburg Library

The Lunenburg Public Library is once again hosting the annual Small Works Art Exhibit this fall and holiday season. This year’s exhibit will open on Saturday, November 16, 2024, in the Wallace Community Room, and remain up until Thursday, January 2, 2025. Artists in Central Massachusetts are encouraged to submit up to three works of art, each under 11”square, by the Friday, November 15th deadline. Handouts with the submission guidelines can be picked up at the library’s front desk. All submissions should be dropped off at the library before the building closes at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 15th to be juried by the Library Director. To celebrate the exhibit installation, visitors are invited to the exhibit opening reception between noon and 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 16th. Guests are also welcome to view the artwork any time during the library’s operating hours, unless the room is in use for an event or meeting. The library asks artists to price their works for sale under $100 – making them wonderful holiday gifts that support local artists and your local library! If you would like more information, please contact Muir Haman at 978-582-4140 ext. 15 or email atmhaman@lunenburgma.gov

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for 2 upcoming SFCOA events!

On Saturday, November 2nd from 9 am to 12 pm you can shop local, get a bargain and support Stow’s senior residents at our November Fair.  That morning you will find an expanded selection of items from our Gift Shop, Thrift Shop and a Resale Shop.   The Gift Shop offers many unique hand-crafted items made by Stow residents who want to support our Stow seniors. The Gift Shop also offers a variety of other items for sale including seasonal and “Stow” things. The Thrift Shop sells clothing, shoes, bags, and jewelry donated by our community. Shop new, like-new, and gently used clothing and accessories. The Resale Shop will offer too many items to list individually but you will find a variety of home decor, household items, games, puzzles, books, electronics (e.g. laptops), and more!
On Saturday, December 7th from 10 am to 2 pm you can leave with your arms full and a smile on your face at the Second Chance Holiday Sale. Shop new & used holiday items at very reduced prices! Check out our baked goods for your holiday treats! Music from 10 am-12 pm by Matteo Faso, local pianist! Santa plans to visit too! And new this year will be a silent auction from10 am to 1 pm.
Both events will be held at the Pompo Community Center, 509 Great Road, in Stow.  Visit our website at https://stowfriendsofthecoa.org/ or email us at StowFriendsCOA@gmail.com.

Flavors of Bedford Nov. 3

The 24th Flavors of Bedford takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Middlesex Community College, 591 Springs Rd. Flavors of Bedford is a festive, fun food sampling event where local restaurants and guests gather for an afternoon of food, spirits, and raffle prizes to help support the local community.
There will be a variety of offerings from local restaurant favorites such as Tashan Bedford, Holi Bedford, Bedford Cupcakes, The Residence at Bedford, Prince Street Café & Bakery, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Red Heat Tavern. This event is organized by the Bedford Chamber of Commerce with a portion of the proceeds going to the Bedford Education Foundation (BEF), a volunteer organization promoting classroom innovation and empowering teachers and students to meet the growing challenges of the 21st century.
Ticketing and capacity is limited, so purchase early. Tickets for the event may be purchased in advance through the flavorsofbedford.org website. Family and senior discounts are available online. For tickets and to see the community sponsors, participating restaurants, and raffle donors, please visit flavorsofbedford.org or contact the Bedford Chamber of Commerce at bcoc@bedfordchamber.org.
Oct 25 mcc transfer fair

MCC to Host Transfer Fairs to Help Students Explore Next Steps


For individuals of all ages and stages in their lives, Middlesex Community College offers a strong starting point for continuing their education and entering the workforce. To introduce students to different four-year college and universities, Middlesex is hosting transfer fairs on both the Lowell and Bedford campuses in October.“We encourage our students to explore the many options available to them and to begin planning early for their next steps after graduating,” said Jane Fain, MCC’s Coordinator of Transfer Affairs. “Our transfer fairs help students gain important admissions information on potential schools and start developing their plan. We hold fairs in both the Fall and Spring semesters because having these conversations as soon as possible while at MCC help students avoid unwanted surprises or roadblocks once they’re ready to transfer.”During each fair, students have opportunities to meet with admissions representatives from a number of institutions. They can learn about varying four-year school’s offerings and requirements for transferring after they graduate from MCC. This year’s fairs will welcome more than 40 colleges and universities.Admissions representatives are experts on their school’s information and a resource to MCC students as theyexplore their options, according to Fain. Meeting with the representatives helps students get a better sense of how selective and competitive institutions are, as well as know important deadlines and scholarship information.MCC helps students transfer to four-year colleges and universities across New England and nationwide each year. With a number of articulation agreements and MassTransfer, MCC makes the transfer process as easy as possible. By starting at Middlesex, students can save thousands on tuition costs by completing their general education requirements before attending a four-year school. At MCC, students get early exposure to their field of interest,with courses, hands-on experiences, and networking opportunities in just the first two years of their academic journey. “At MCC, we strive to work with our students to develop and put into action a plan for their academic, transfer and career goals from day one of their time with us,” said Nick Cloutier, MCC’s Coordinator of Transfer. “We are excited for this year’s fairs to help our students meet with different institutions, explore their options, and find the best fit that meets their needs. You want to start the process as soon as possible!” The Lowell Transfer Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cowan Center Cafeteria on Wednesday, October 30. Students can attend the Bedford Transfer Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Campus Center on Thursday, October 31. For more information, contact Fain at FainJ@middlesex.mass.edu.

Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition

Auditions for the Concord Orchestra Young Artists Competition will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, February 5 & 6, 2025 at Concord Academy, 166 Main St., Concord, MA.  The winner will be the featured soloist at the Concord Orchestra's Concerts, on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025., and will receive the Ehlers Memorial Scholarship.  The second and third place finishers may be invited to perform a recital prior to these concerts.  The competition is open to high school and younger instrumental students, including pianists.  A complete concerto or other work suitable for performance with orchestra must be memorized for the audition.  Applications are due by January 17, 2025.   For more information and an application form, email:  jan.kinmonth@gmail.com with subject line “Concord Orchestra YA Competition.”    Applications can be made online, and additional information can also be found at https://www.concordorchestra.com/young-artist-concerto-competition.

Join us for our annual Pumpkin Festival!

Held at New England Nurseries, 216 Concord Road, Bedford
The event will take place on Saturday, October 26th, from 1 PM to 4 PM. There will be many free activities, including a Spooky Scavenger Hunt, Trick-or-Treating, Face Painting, Kids' Crafts, and more! We'll also have refreshments for purchase, a build-a-scarecrow station, and, of course... pumpkins!
Oct 25 holy family parish

Holiday Fair in Concord

Holy Family Parish, 10 am to 4 pm, November 1 & 2, Monument Hall, 62 Monument Square, Concord, MA. Free Admission. Featuring: Handmade crafts, ornaments, holiday items, scarves, hats, baby items, blankets. Gifts & re-gifts. Children’s toys, puzzles, games, books. Wreaths (pine cone, fabric, cork). Indoor plants. Jewelry. Gift books (all genres, hard cover). Food (baked goods, jams & salsas, “mixin a jar,” candy, vanilla, herbs). Raffle items (large themed baskets & gifts). Silent auction of special items (framed original oil painting, heirloom quality handmade Irish knit afghan, use of a vacation home, and a $200 restaurant gift card. Café from 10 am to 2 pm both days.

Local Residents Named to Simmons University Dean's List

The following local residents have been named to the 2024 spring semester dean's list at Simmons University in Boston.
* Alissa Campbell, Acton (01720)
* Bella Mojica, Acton (01720)
* Fran Servello, Acton (01720)
* Sonia Vader, Concord (01742)
* Carly Rieter, Maynard (01754)
* Charlotte Hogan, Sudbury (01776)
To qualify for dean's list status, undergraduate students must obtain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, based on 12 or more credit hours of work in classes using the letter grade system.
Congratulations to all!!
Oct 25 folk festival

Folk Festival to be held in Littleton on November 9, 2024

First Church Unitarian in Littleton will hold a Folk Festival on Saturday, November 9th at 7:00 p.m. at 19 Foster Street, Littleton.
The headlining artist is award-winning folk-blues-soul act The Sugarsnap Trio. You don't want to miss this talented young group! The Sugar Snap Trio features Collin Cope, harmonica and vocals; Chris Page, guitar and vocals; and Luke Hausermann, upright bass.
The opening artist is the popular Boston-based Sarah Levecque Band with their mixture of folk and blues and “Americana”. The band features singer-songwriter-guitarist Sarah Levecque; Peter Zarkadas, guitar and vocals; and Johnny Sciascia, upright bass.
There will be a brief intermission with refreshments. The evening will also include a “50/50 Raffle”.
A suggested donation is $25 per person at the door, but any donation in any amount is appreciated, and no one will be turned away. Tickets can be purchased in-advance for $20 per person at this link (as well as the option to watch the livestream of the concert): https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/9d16ea6e-cb2b-4020-856a-0e26a4a1b747
Oct 18 trevor berens at fpc

Piano Concert: 200 Years of Women Composers

Pianist Trevor Berens presents a concert of music written by women, from1836 through 2005. The music is as varied as it is beautiful, from Clara Schumann’s early suite of short works inspired by the music of Chopin (“Soirées Musicales”) to Marti Epstein’s minimalist pieces written at the turn of this century (selections from “American Etudes”). Trevor will also be performing, in its entirety, Florence Price’s rarely heard set of four dances, “Dances in the Canebrakes”, as well as music by the early twentieth-century American composer, Amy Beach.The concert takes place on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 4 p.m., at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, where Trevor is the accompanist. Tickets are available at the door and in advance at Eventbrite(tiny.cc/200Years) for a suggested donation of $5–$40. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

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 arts 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.

Mental Health Course, in Person in Boxborough

Family to Family is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments & therapies, practicing communication & problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The course will meet in person in Boxborough Mondays, November 11 to January 13, excluding holiday weeks, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Additional information and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/family-to-family-fall2024-boxborough.
Oct 18 trunk or treat

Trunk or Treat So Others Can Eat to Support Sudbury Food Pantry

First Parish of Sudbury invites all children ages 10 and under to wear their costumes and take part in our Fantastic & Fun 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat So Others Can Eat on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Collect candy, play games, and have lots of Ghoulish Fun!!

There is no fee to attend, but please bring a non-perishable food item to donate to our collection for the Sudbury Community Food Pantry.
The event will take place in the First Parish parking lot at 327 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA. Free parking is available across the street behind the Sudbury Town Hall. In the case of inclement weather, the event will take place inside.
For more information, please contact First Parish Director of Religious Education, Michelle Cote at redirector@fpsudbury.org.
First Parish of Sudbury (fpsdudbury.org), located in the center of historic Sudbury, is a diverse and welcoming community of spiritual seekers who strive to learn together and support one another as they celebrate life’s important moments and serve the larger community.

Nashoba Regional High School's Fall Pla

Kick off your holiday season this November with Nashoba Regional High School's performance of “A Christmas Carol”, November 22-24. This classic retelling of Ebenezer Scrooge's experience with the 3 ghosts is great for all ages. Be sure to purchase your tickets today! Performances are:
Friday, November 22nd at 7pm
Saturday, November 23rd at 7pm
Sunday, November 24th at 2pm
$14.00 Adult;$10.00 Child / Student / Senior
https://www.ticketstage.com/T/NFOD

St. John Pumpkin Fair-Free Event by St. John Lutheran Church, ELCA

16 Great Rd, Sudbury, MA
St. John's Pumpkin Patch invites you to our Pumpkin Fair on Saturday, October 19 from 1-3 PM. Come play carnival-style games and win prizes. Visit our Pumpkin Patch while you are at the fair. Proceeds benefit youth programs in our community. See less
Oct 18 kobe henro

The First TNVR Clinic in Northern Puerto Rico, will take place the weekend of March 22-23, 2025 and the Sudbury-based nonprofit is accepting donations and volunteers

Kobe Henro Pet Food Bank in partnership with Puerto Rican-based Miracles For Sato Rescue (MFSR) will be opening a pop-up Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release (TNVR) clinic in Puerto Rico. Pippi’s Project, will be the first TNVR clinic in northern Puerto Rico, with its launch scheduled for the weekend of March 22-23, 2025 in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. Helaine Block, founder of Kobe Henro commented, “In just under eight months, we have built a strong and determined team to help control the stray population (650,000 dogs/satos and 1,000,000 cats/gatos) on the island.” For additional information or to donate, please contact: Helaine Block at: info@kobehenro.org and donations via venmo @kobehenro. Checks can be mailed to: Kobe Henro, Inc. 100 Powder Mill Road – Suite 124, Acton, MA 01742
Oct 18 kitty angels


Annual Holiday Open House & Kitty Angels Weekend

Treasures Antiques, Collectables & MORE!, located at 106 Ponemah Road in Amherst,NH will be hosting their 34th Annual Holiday Open House and Kitty Angels Fundraising weekend on November 2nd and 3rd. Festivities for the weekend will run both days from 9AM till 4PM and includesHoliday inspired shopping, raffles and entertainment.This annual event has been a mainstay in the community since 1991 and features Kitty Angels, Inc. along with several live musical entertainers including: Wildwood, Jeff Damon, Roosta Gulla, Sunset Rhythm, ‘9 Strings’ with Dick Spencer and Dan Rodd and Side Effects! This Holiday and Fundraiser event is pet and kid friendly and will offer exceptional sales for all, inside and out. B’s Grumman Grub, offers an exceptional assortment of hot and cold food as well as several miscellaneous beverages. A petting zoo with horse and pony rides will be provided by Mapledell Farms and Trading Faces, LLC/Central Birch Art Studio a face painting, body art and air brushing professional, featuring a ‘paint and take’ activity for kids and adults alike. The weekend will also showcase some artists and artisans, crafters, professionals and specialty food vendors. Treasures will also be offering a number of fun and exciting raffles, with prizes donated by local and national businesses. These prizes will include a “hotel get-a-way,” a “2 tier cat tree” by ARUBACAT as well as other cat and dog related items, jewelry, specialty food packages, and a variety of extra cool and exciting prizes. Kitty Angels, Inc., a no-kill cat shelter is made up of all unpaid volunteers and is dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and furnishing them with treatment for injuries or other health issues. These cats are then placed into life-long, loving “forever homes” with compatible owners. All necessary steps are taken to ensure the wellbeing of the cats, including spaying and neutering and providing rabies, distemper and other necessary vaccinations. They are a non-profit, charitable corporation and all donations are fully tax-deductible with every penny of each donation going directly to the care of these cats. Please join Treasures and Kitty Angels, in friendship and the spirit of giving and sharing at the Holidays. For more information, visit www.TreasuresNH.com and www.KittyAngels.org
Learn More

DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR - Holiday WREATHS!

 
The holidays are coming and they'll be here before you know it!  In the spirit of being prepared, Troop 1 Stow Scouts will be running their annual wreath sale from now through Wednesday, November 6th.  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.
Your wreaths will start to be delivered during Thanksgiving week.  If you have any questions, please contact us by phone at 978-212-9175 or by email at wreath@troop1stow.net
Oct 11  mcc fall mini mester

MCC’s Mini-mester II Offers Second Chance to Take Classes


This Fall Middlesex Community College’s Fall 2024 Mini-mester II will kick off on Monday, October 28. A popular and convenient option, the accelerated, eight-week semester allows students to start their education sooner, fit moreclasses into their schedules, and finish their program faster. “Mini-mesters provide additional options for our students,” said Ashli Ree, MCC’s Professor and Program Coordinator, Fashion Merchandising. “For various reasons, not all students are ready to start at the beginning of a traditional 15-week semester. This is why I’m teaching a First Year Experience Course as part of Mini-mester II for students starting college for the first time in late October. Some students have shared that the format helps them focus more because of the shorter timeline. ”The accelerated eight-week Mini-mesters offer the same content, academic standards, and number of instructional hours as courses scheduled during the traditional 15-week semester. Students can earn transferable college credit while completing general education requirements. “While an eight-week course does include an intensive workload, students develop strong time management skills and pace themselves weekly while keeping up with the required readings and submitting course assignments and assessments assigned by their professor on the designated due dates,” said Nancy Pynchon, MCC’s Coordinator of the ECE Career Pathways Grant. “Successfully completing a Mini-mester course allows students the option to continue into the next semester and earn credits, so that they can reach their academic goals in a faster pace! ”Subjects taught as part of Mini-mester II include the arts and humanities, business, social science, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Classes may be offered on-campus, online, hybrid or hyflex. No matter your age or income, community college is now free in Massachusetts! The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend MCC for free. This includes students taking classes as part of Mini-mester II. “Mini-mester classes are an excellent way to immerse yourself in one class at a time, while still allowing you to take more than one class per semester,” said Dr. Jennifer Bauer, MCC’s Chair of Communication, Art & Design.
MCC will host two Open Houses this Fall. A Bedford Open House will take place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, while a Biotechnology and Health Open House will take place at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 for more information and to register. Middlesex Community College’s Fall 2024 Mini-mester II will kick off on Monday, October 28. A popular and convenient option, the accelerated, eight-week semester allows students to start their education sooner, fit more classes into their schedules, and finish their program faster.