When: July 15-19 from 6-8pm
Where: Hudson Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 94 Marlborough, Hudson
Cost: FREE for Children ages 5-12
For more information or to register, email hudsonSDAcommunications@gmail.com

The Marlborough Lions Club will be sponsoring a food drive and collection of non-perishable food, personal items, and funds to benefit the Marlborough Community Cupboard. The community is encouraged to shop at Price Chopper on this designated collection day and purchase a few extra items to be donated to support those in need across our city. The Lions will be set up outside the store, rain or shine, to collect your donations and deliver them to the food pantry.

On Friday, June 7, 2024, the Worcester Red Sox will welcome the Rochester Red Wings at 6:45pm EST for Indian Heritage Night at Polar Park. The WooSox invite fans to enjoy various aspects of the Indian culture through music, cuisine, entertainment, and ceremonies. Gates open at 5:45 PM and pre-game recognitions will start at 6:15 PM.
On the DCU Plaza, fans can enjoy the sounds of Indian music provided by DJ Raunik as they enter the ballpark. Our on-field celebration of Indian culture will be initiated by a performance by Ekta Dance Academy. From June 7th – 9th, fans can indulge in a variety of authentic Indian cuisine provided by Northborough restaurant, Peppers.
The WooSox thank the India Society of Worcester (ISW) for their support in planning and promoting Indian Heritage Day. ISW strives to form an effective and cohesive group with the objective of retaining, facilitating, and fostering the cultural heritage of India. As one of New England’s most vibrant Indian associations, ISW adds to the cultural diversity of the region and symbolizes a glimpse into Indian heritage for the local Worcester community.
Operated entirely by volunteers that represent all regions of India, ISW will be recognized as the night’s Heart of Worcester.

Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The affordable housing organization was selected from a total of 715 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $50,000 this year for its work in Middlesex County.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (Habitat NCM), formed in 1987, builds and repairs affordable homes in thirty cities and towns along route 2 in north central Massachusetts.  The funds will be used to build new, deeply affordable, and energy-efficient homes and repair existing affordable homes for low-income families in Middlesex County.
“The need for affordable housing has never been greater”, states Carolyn Read, executive director of Habitat NCM. “This funding will help us to build more homes faster for families in western Middlesex county.”
The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties, plus six communities in Norfolk County: Brookline, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Quincy, and Wellesley.
Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
“Greater Boston is fortunate to have a robust, dedicated, and highly capable nonprofit sector that supports and enhances the community in myriad ways,” said Cummings Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes. “The entire Cummings organization is thankful for their daily work to help all our neighbors thrive.”
The majority of the grant decisions were made by nearly 100 community volunteers. They worked across a variety of committees to review and discuss the proposals and then, together, determine which requests would be funded. Among these community volunteers were business and nonprofit leaders, mayors, college presidents, and experts in areas such as finance and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).
“We believe strongly that grant decisions will be more equitable when made by a diverse group of community members,” said Vyriotes. “We’re incredibly grateful to the dozens of individuals who participated in our democratized philanthropic process.”
The Foundation and volunteers first identified 150 organizations to receive three-year grants of up to $300,000 each. The winners included first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings grants. Twenty-five of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected by a panel of community volunteers to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $1 million each.
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 49 different cities and towns.
Cummings Foundation has now awarded $500 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s 150 grant winners, plus nearly 2,000 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
About Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts
Habitat NCM is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing decent and affordable homes for those who cannot qualify for conventional mortgages, as well as doing Critical Home Repairs throughout the 30-town region. Habitat NCM relies on volunteers to accomplish its mission and is supported only by local funding and donations.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, MA and has grown to be one of the largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities, in Marlborough and Woburn, and Cummings Health Sciences, LLC. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

The Addiction Referral Center is one of 150 local nonprofits that will share in $30 million through Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. The Marlborough-based organization was selected from a total of 715 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $60,000 over three years.
The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) has been a beacon of hope since its inception in 1972, offering support and guidance to those battling addiction and their families. Receiving this grant is a testament to our ongoing commitment to serving the community, allowing us to expand our reach and provide even more comprehensive assistance to those in need. With these funds, we can enhance our services, expand outreach efforts, and initiate new educational programs aimed at preventing addiction. These funds will empower us to enact meaningful change, offering a lifeline to those in need and fostering a brighter, more resilient community on the path to recovery.
The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties, plus six communities in Norfolk County: Brookline, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Quincy, and Wellesley.
Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
“Greater Boston is fortunate to have a robust, dedicated, and highly capable nonprofit sector that supports and enhances the community in myriad ways,” said Cummings Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes. “The entire Cummings organization is thankful for their daily work to help all our neighbors thrive.”
The majority of the grant decisions were made by nearly 100 community volunteers. They worked across a variety of committees to review and discuss the proposals and then, together, determine which requests would be funded. Among these community volunteers were business and nonprofit leaders, mayors, college presidents, and experts in areas such as finance and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).
“We believe strongly that grant decisions will be more equitable when made by a diverse group of community members,” said Vyriotes. “We’re incredibly grateful to the dozens of individuals who participated in our democratized philanthropic process.”
The Foundation and volunteers first identified 150 organizations to receive three-year grants of up to $300,000 each. The winners included first-time recipients as well as nonprofits that had previously received Cummings grants. Twenty-five of this latter group of repeat recipients were then selected by a panel of community volunteers to have their grants elevated to 10-year awards ranging from $300,000 to $1 million each.
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 49 different cities and towns.
Cummings Foundation has now awarded $500 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s 150 grant winners, plus nearly 2,000 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
To learn more about the services, programs, and mission of the Addiction Referral Center, please visit our website at theaddictionreferralcenter.org. Explore how we're making a difference in the community and how you can get involved. If you or someone you care about needs help with substance use disorder, call the ARC 508-485-HELP (4357). We're here to help.
About Cummings Foundation
Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, MA and has grown to be one of the largest private foundations in New England. The Foundation directly operates its own charitable subsidiaries, including New Horizons retirement communities, in Marlborough and Woburn, and Cummings Health Sciences, LLC. Additional information is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.

Location: 29 Hudson Road, Sudbury
Date: Saturday June 8th
Time: 10am - 4pm, (rain date Sunday, June 9th)
Artists: We have a wonderful array of more than 35 local artists represented: painting, pottery, jewelry, fiber arts, greeting card artists, woodworking, mixed media, glass work, printmaking, metal work, soaps and lavender products, blacksmithing, and much more. Parking is available in the lot behind the plaza and there is overflow parking across the street behind Town Hall.
Live music will be provided again this year by Al Cath.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THIS GREAT EVENT!

On Sunday, June 2, First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will hold a service on “Transformation.” Summer is a time of shifting, as school and church years end and begin. Right now, much of our society is also transforming, with new models emerging, and church life is no exception. During this service, FPC Minster Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum will talk about how we learn to embrace transformation and change. The service will also mark the completion of FPC’s first "First Chalice" class, for children in grades 2 to 4. Music will be provided by special guest Joe Jencks, a 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, award winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist based in Chicago. The service will take place both in person and virtually at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for ages 3 and under, and children over 3 are welcome 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.

The Town of Acton is proud to announce a fun-filled Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4, 2024. The activities begin at 7:00 P.M. with a free concert featuring Best Friends Girl - #1 Tribute to The Cars at 7:00 P.M. Immediately following the concert, enjoy a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 P.M. Complimentary shuttle buses will begin at 5:00 P.M. that will take guests to and from NARA from designated off-site parking lots with bus stops located along Nagog Park Drive. Food Vendors will also be onsite starting at 5:00 P.M. It is highly recommended that guests opt to take the 10-minute lighted Town Forest Trail located at the end of Nagog Park Drive to access the park entrance. This is the best way to enter and exit the park during high-traffic times. This event is open to the general public and there is no admission fee. Donations are greatly appreciated and are needed to help cover defray overhead expenses. Upon entry, please note that all bags are subject to search. Entrance to the park will take place at two locations: the lower bus drop-off area on Ledge Rock Way and the other entry via the Town Forest footpath onto Quarry Road/NARA upper parking lot. On the other end at Nagog Park Drive, there will be designated bus stops along Nagog Park Drive for pick-up and drop-off. There will be a variety of food vendors including food trucks with traditional BBQ, Thai, Italian, Indian Cuisine, ice cream, carnival food, and more. No alcohol or outside grills will be permitted on park grounds or tailgating in any parking areas within Nagog Park. NARA picnic areas are not available on this day for gatherings. On July 4, the beach parking lot will be open for beach season passholders, handicap parking, and special permit parking. Beginning at 5 P.M. all cars will be directed to park at Nagog Park Drive. The free concert from 7:00-9:30 P.M. features Best Friends Girl – The #1 Cars Experience! Best Friends Girl recreates the timeless hits of The Cars spanning a 35-year career, with over 23 million albums sold and more than 22 songs on the Billboard Top 100.” A spectacular fireworks show will be shot off by Pyrotechnico at 9:30 P.M. The fireworks can be viewed from all areas of the 40+ acre NARA site. The Town of Acton is honored to support the exciting fireworks display and celebratory event, and our many local business sponsors who made this great concert happen. If you get hungry or thirsty starting at 5 P.M. there will be plenty of food choices. Vendors accept cash and most accept credit cards or Venmo. The Town of Acton would like to thank our many event supporters as of May 24th who make all our summer events including July 4th possible. Please visit www.acton-ma.gov/events for more information on this event or other upcoming events all summer long! NARA Park is located off Rt. 27 at 25 Ledge Rock Way in Acton. Handicap parking is available onsite for all events. Please follow event parking signs for off-site parking on Nagog Park Drive located on Route 2A/119 near Nagog Pond as parking is limited at NARA. You can easily access the park by taking the 10-minute trail walk through the Town Forest Trail located at the cul de sac near 125 Nagog Park Drive. This trail will enter the upper sports fields at NARA Park. There is no fee to park for these events. We are proud to promote in 2024 Leave No Trash Events and promote being eco-friendly. There is no rain date for this event. For more information, visit: www.acton-ma.gov/events.

Please consider donating them to the Stow Friends of the COA (SFCOA). Clothing donations (which can include other soft goods such as accessories, shoes, linens etc.) can be brought to the Stow Council on Aging Monday through Friday between 8 am and 3:30 pm (except holidays).
Your donations will be used to benefit Stow’s senior residents.  Donations may be distributed to residents directly or used for fundraising initiatives.
Thrift Shop
The Thrift Shop offers a wide selection of new, like-new, and gently used clothing. There is something for everyone – women and men, adults and kids, casual and fancy!  We are always receiving new items so stop in often.  You can’t beat the prices!!  Stop in for some great finds all while supporting Stow’s senior residents.  The Thrift Shop (located at Pompo Community Center, 509 Great Road) is currently open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am until 12 noon.  Other days will be added as we secure additional volunteers.
Epilepsy Foundation New England Clothing Drive
Clothing that is not suitable for or does not sell at the Thrift Shop is bagged and collected until our next Clothing Drive.
Textile Recycling
Items that cannot be used are bagged and deposited in the Textile Recycling bin located in the Pompo parking lot.  Note:  The funds received from the textile recycling program are NOT allocated to the SFCOA; they are collected by the Town of Stow.
The SFCOA is a 501 (c) (3) all volunteer public charity, dedicated to helping our senior residents lead an active life and stay independent as long as possible. Their continuing mission is to support and expand the work of the COA in providing services to senior residents of the Town of Stow by raising funds and helping to make our community and its leaders aware of the valuable role the Council on Aging plays in our town. Funding supports the Community Outreach Program, Fuel Assistance Program, Senior Van Program, Senior Picnic, Bridges Together Program, Craft Classes, Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, Fitness Programs and so much more. Thank you for your support!

"Oh, the things you can think" when Dr. Seuss' best-loved characters collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper!
Metrowest Family Theater (MFT), based in Sudbury, is ecstatic to announce its highly anticipated production of "Seussical," a vibrant musical that will delight audiences of all ages with the whimsical and imaginative world of Dr. Seuss. Prepare to embark on a fantastical journey filled with heartwarming themes of friendship and community.
Performance Dates:
Friday, June 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM
Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM
Location:
Maynard High School
1 Tiger Drive,
Maynard, MA
Tickets for "Seussical" are available now. Don't miss this enchanting theatrical experience! For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.mftsudbury.org.
About Metrowest Family Theater:
Founded in 2000 by Samantha Bower (Hammel), Metrowest Family Theater is dedicated to bringing quality plays and musicals to the Metrowest community. Our mission is to unite children and families in a thrilling and educational theater environment. Our award-winning productions feature a diverse cast, from seasoned actors to enthusiastic newcomers, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere for all.

A support group for mothers in the loss of a child....

Saturday June 15th
10:30am-12:30pm
Avidia Financial Center - The Community Room
17 Pope St
Hudson,MA

National PTSD Awareness Month, which takes place each June, ushers in an array of awareness campaigns run for the benefit of PTSD Survivors. PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, occurs in people after they have experienced a particularly traumatic event like war, violent physical/sexual/verbal assault, accidents, and so forth. Symptoms include depression, anxiety, nightmares, paranoia, insomnia, disturbing thoughts, and much more. Many people recover from PTSD after a few days, weeks, or months. Yet, for others, the recovery road might mean one year or more. This mental disorder is treatable, but due to the lack of knowledge about it, as well as the stigma attached to seeking mental help, many choose to ignore the problem and suffer through it.
Some studies suggest that suicide risk is higher among those who experienced trauma due to the symptoms of PTSD. A study from the National Comorbidity Survey, a national representative sample, showed that PTSD alone was significantly associated with suicidal ideation or attempts. A later study by the Canadian Community Health Survey data also found that respondents with PTSD were at a higher risk for suicide attempts. Among people who have had a diagnosis of PTSD at some point in their lifetime, approximately 27% have also attempted suicide. Another large-scale survey found that 24% of military personnel diagnosed with PTSD had experienced suicidal thinking within the past year.
According to the Journal of Emergency Services, a silent crisis is happening worldwide. First responders are quietly suffering because of the stigma surrounding the utilization of mental health services. First responders are approximately ten times more likely to have suicidal ideations and/or attempt suicide compared to the CDC national average.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a free resource, available 24 hours a day for anyone who is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. 988 offers a free 24/7 text line where trained counselors support individuals in crisis.
The Jason Foundation is another available resource. The Jason Foundation offers the First Responders Training Module: Addressing Suicide with Youth in the Community and Within the Profession. The goal of this training is to provide First Responders with the knowledge, skills, and resources to enable them to be better able to recognize the signs of concern and elevated risk factors for suicidal ideation in youth within their community, as well as in co-workers and fellow first responders. The training is free and can be found online at www.jasonfoundation.com under the How To Get Involved tab.

The Hudson Land Trust has scheduled the first of two sessions to provide information about identifying and controlling invasive plants commonly found in Hudson. We will be meeting from
1-3 pm on Sunday, May 19th. As part of the CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) grant which we received we will be providing introductory training for volunteers and landowners who want to learn more about invasives and how to remove them.

We will meet in the parking lot for the Assabet River Nature Trail off of Chapin Road. Please wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, hard-soled shoes and gloves. We will have some tools and gloves available. If you have loppers or a hand-saw, please bring that with you. We will have water and snacks available. For more information please email us at contact@hudsonlandtrust.org.

What if you received a knock on your door tonight and were told you had to leave? You had no more than a month to do so, and you could only take what was not nailed down. Eighty Massachusetts families faced that predicament on March 25, 1942. The Ammo Dump: A Taking of Heritage tells their story.
Join us at 1:00 on May 18 at the Fort Devens Museum for an afternoon of local lore and history with the authors of The Ammo Dump. Co-authored by Maynard historian Paul Boothroyd and his sons Paul Boothroyd, Jr. and Todd Boothroyd, the book explores the U.S. Army's seizure by eminent domain of some 3,100 acres of land spanning Maynard, Stow, Sudbury and Hudson in the spring of 1942.
At the breakout of World War II, the U.S. government required four square miles to create an ammunition depot. The purpose was to create this munitions storage at a distance from Boston harbor, so that if German battleships appeared off the Massachusetts coast, the munitions facility would be too far inland to be shelled from the sea. An extensive network of railroad tracks and widely spaced 'bunkers' (earth-covered warehouse buildings) would hold munitions until ships docked at harbor to take on supplies for transportation to Europe. Eminent domain was ordered, and the land taken, forever. However, that's only the surface of the tale...
Explore the who, how, and why. Learn about close-knit families in Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, and Hudson, Massachusetts, who lost their farms, their livelihoods. They not only had to find new places to live and work, they had to deal with the loss of all they had built.
The Fort Devens Museum is located at 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA, on the third floor and is wheelchair accessible. The museum is open on May 18 from 10 AM to 3 PM with the program at
1:00.  This event is free and open to the public with donations gratefully accepted. Thanks to the Harvard Cultural Council. More information at www.fortdevensmuseum.org.

Excitement is in the air for this upcoming Quilt Show! And what could be more beautiful than a room filled with hand crafted quilts?! Catch the enthusiasm and attend this local Quilt Show being held May 18 & 19 at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road (route 40) in North Chelmsford, MA. Show hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The show features over 100 Traditional, Modern, and Art quilts made by members, a Members Boutique, Silent Auction of Mini Quilts, Themed Raffle Baskets, Quilting Demonstrations, and More! Show Vendors are Bits ‘n Pieces Quilt Shop of Pelham NH and blade sharpener National Sharpening Company. This year, our Charity Quilt Raffle will benefit Lowell Transitional Living Center.
Admission is $10 and free for children under 12; cash or check only as we are unable to accept credit or debit cards. Building is wheelchair accessible with plenty of free parking.
The group's Quilt Shows are held every two years and are always a highlight of Guild programming. If you are in the area, this show is a “must see” event!
For more information, visit  www.chelmsfordquiltguild.com

First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will hold a special Sunday service celebrating its religious education program, to include recognition of graduating high school seniors “bridging” to adulthood. The service will also feature our annual “RE Extravaganza”! The service will take place both in person and virtually on May 19 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. 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.

A jewelry sale will take place during the annual plant sale at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The jewelry will be available indoors and will include everything from fun costume bracelets and necklaces to vintage treasures, such as silver earrings and chains, signed pins, and more. The plant sale will include a selection of perennials, ground cover, herbs, annuals, shrubs, small trees, and garden-related items. The plant and jewelry sales will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., rain or shine, in the church parking lot and Community Room, respectively. To get to the Community Room, go through the main entrance (not the sanctuary entrance), take a left, and go through the second door on the right. Proceeds benefit the church. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. For more information, visit
www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

Get outside on nature trails! Earn prizes! For all ages!
Fun challenge sponsored by the Bolton Conservation Trust & Trails
Instructions:
1. Get started: Pick up a book at the Bolton Public Library
2. Go explore nature: Get out on the conservation trails and find the stamps (hints for the locations can be found at https://www.boltonconservationtrust.org/get-outside-go-explore)
3. Claim your prize: Find us at our trails booth at Backyard Bolton at the end of the summer and show us your book and earn prizes: adventure backpacks for kids and tote bags for adults
For more information: info@BoltonConservationTrust.org
If you want to get your kids outside and in nature this summer, then check out the Tom Denney Nature Camp at https://www.tomdenneynaturecamp.org/. Spots are still available.

Get outside on nature trails! Earn prizes! For all ages!
Fun challenge sponsored by the Bolton Conservation Trust & Trails
Instructions:
1. Get started: Pick up a book at the Bolton Public Library
2. Go explore nature: Get out on the conservation trails and find the stamps (hints for the locations can be found at https://www.boltonconservationtrust.org/get-outside-go-explore)
3. Claim your prize: Find us at our trails booth at Backyard Bolton at the end of the summer and show us your book and earn prizes: adventure backpacks for kids and tote bags for adults
For more information: info@BoltonConservationTrust.org
If you want to get your kids outside and in nature this summer, then check out the Tom Denney Nature Camp at https://www.tomdenneynaturecamp.org/. Spots are still available.

Mayor Christian is collecting used children’s books to repurpose and provide free of charge at various community events. This is an effort to promote literacy and reading for children throughout Marlborough.
Books can be dropped off at:
City Hall
140 Main Street Mayor’s Office-4th Floor

(to Benefit the Many Charities of the Rotary Club of Marlborough Foundation)
Wednesday May 22, 5-8pm Hellenic Hall at the Greek Church Cashman Street, Marlboro

Fun for the whole family!
Enjoy a casual and fun evening of good food and Italian music with family and friends. Featuring antipasto, pasta, meatballs, sausage, bread, desserts. Cash Bar for beer and wine.
Tickets $10. (General admission), $7. (Over 62 & under 10 years)

The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson (UCMH) is pleased to announce a new art installation on its front lawn facing Main Street in Downtown Hudson. The concept is the culmination of a conversational brainstorm between Rev. Alice Anacheka-Nasemann and local artist and UCMH member Elisa Abatsis, who is responsible for the creation of the giant rainbow heart that stands as the centerpiece. “I tried to approach it as a sacred act,” Ms. Abatsis says of the work. “I listened to love songs throughout most of the construction process. As I worked to strengthen and stabilize the sculpture (definitely a challenge with a shape as top-heavy as a heart), I thought about the values that strengthen and stabilize our community.” Rev. Alice was instrumental in compiling the love-themed quotes that adorn the array of nearly 150 heart-shaped yard signs that surround the sculpture. They are from writers, from religious prophets and scriptures, from ministers, from musicians, from poets, from philosophers, from world leaders, and from justice and peace activists. “My goal was to provide a depth and breadth of quotes that make us ponder, inspire us to open our hearts to Love, help us understand the link between Love and justice, and demonstrate how Love is central within all world religions and cultures,” says Rev. Alice. There was a shared congregational effort to put together the yard signs, to prep and paint the driveway in a brilliant rainbow, and to create the welcome posters. “Though there is certainly value in artistic subtlety, I wanted to make something decidedly unsubtle,” Ms. Abatsis says of the project. “I kept imagining small children riding in the back seats of cars, looking out the window as their parents drive down Main Street. I wanted to make something that communicated joy, love, and unconditional acceptance to them just as clearly as it does to adults.” The public is *very* welcome to come walk the Rainbow Driveway and read love quotes. We hope they will be inspired to go Share the Love within the larger community. * * * The Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson is devoted to love, peace, positivity, and inclusion. In addition to Sunday services, UCMH offers inspiring and cultural activities for personal growth and development throughout the year. Further information is available on UCMH’s website, Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson’s Facebook page, or by calling the church office at 978.562.9180.

Celebration of Hope Benefit
Saturday, May 18th, 11:00am-2:00pm
The Barn at Gibbet Hill
Enjoy Brunch in the Rustic Elegance and Celebrate... Hope, Connections, & Community Partnerships

Tickets $100 per person (Ticket price covers the cost of brunch, drinks, dessert, entertainment, and rental fees)
To Reserve Tickets: Visit DVSN.org/Benefit2024 or call 978-318-3421 for more information. Help Us Reach Our Fundraising Goal: $100,000

Saturday, May 11th from 8:30 PM until 10:30 PM
SAS members will set up their telescopes for guest viewing. It’s galaxy season! This Star Watch has a wonderful show, featuring the Virgo supercluster of galaxies, as well as other deep sky wonders like the double galaxy M51, the Sombrero galaxy and the planetary nebula and galaxy pair of the Owl Nebula and M108! See a host of beautiful double stars and, of course, the original Terminator on the Moon! In conjunction with visual scopes, we will also have a digital imaging system showing some of the fainter deep sky objects. There will be a bright overhead pass of the International Space Station (bright as Venus) at 9PM. Don’t miss it!
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.
The weather caused us to cancel our last event, so be sure to check before you come. A cancellation notice will be posted on our website www.sasobservatory.org by 3:00 PM that day. If we do cancel on Saturday, we will try again the next night (Sunday), so stay tuned to our website for updates.

Sunday, May 19,  1:30-3:30 pm

Identifying Wildlife Using Apps

Do you ever notice interesting plants, animals, insects, or birds, and wish you knew what they were? Field guide books are still a great way to identify native creatures, but phone apps are becoming increasingly popular. On Sunday, May 19, at 1:30 pm, join the Westborough Community Land Trust for a quick course on using wildlife apps! On this walk, led by WCLT’s Sharon Dankwardt, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using apps, and learn how to use some of the most popular apps to identify practically any native creature you can find! Before coming to the walk, please download at least one of the following apps to your phone: SEEK, INaturalist, Merlin (for bird ID), and Plantnet (for plant ID). If you don’t know how, come early and you can do it with assistance at the start of the walk. Free, open to the public, no reservation needed.

The hike will be held at the Libbey-Wile Forest. Park along one side of Carroll Drive in Westborough and meet at the trail entrance at the end of the road, near 5 Carroll Drive.

Check w w w.Westboroug hLand Tr ust.org for weather cancellations.

Trail map: https :/ / westboroug hlandtr ust.or g / maps / LW

For questions contact: events @westboroug hlandtr u st.org

WHAT: Join OARS to unveil our beautiful new rain garden at the Marlborough Senior Center! Enjoy the flowers with us and learn about the ecosystem and aesthetic benefits of rain gardens as the Mayor of Marlborough, Christian Dumais, officially opens the rain garden.
WHO: Matt Brown, Executive Director and Heather Conkerton, Ecological Restoration Coordinator of OARS; Christian Dumais, Mayor of Marlborough; Tedd Scott, Interim DPW Director; and Trish Pope, Director of Marlborough Senior Center.

WHEN: Monday, May 6 from 11 AM to Noon

WHERE: Marlborough Senior Center, 40 New Street, Marlborough, MA 01752.

WHY: To educate and help protect communities from flooding and drainage problems through nature- based solutions that protect our watershed from pollutants carried by stormwater in alignment with OARS’ mission to protect, improve, and preserve the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers and watershed for all people and wildlife.

May 11th, 9:00-NOON, Legion Common
75 Hollis St., Groton, MA
Cash or Checks Only
*Native Plants
*Perennials
*Shrubs
*And More...
www.grotongardenclub.org

Town Common, Saturday, May 11, 2024, 9am-2pm
Perennial • Fairie Gardens • Herbs & Veggies• Pollinator and Native Plants
Ask a Master Gardener and Membership booths!
Keeping Littleton Beautiful
Littleton Country Gardeners maintain 13 civic sites in town with seasonal plantings.
Cash or Check only!

Please join us for our Spring Concert, “Hold Fast to Dreams,” to be held on Sunday, May 19 at 4 pm at the Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive, Framingham. We’ll be presenting Roland Carter’s “Hold Fast to Dreams,” based on a poem by Langston Hughes, Florence Price’s “Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight,” based on a poem by Vachel Lindsay, and Margaret Bonds’s “Simon Bore the Cross,” based on a poem again by Langston Hughes. The concert will also feature baritone soloist Philip Lima. The Heritage Chorale, an auditioned mixed chorus, brings the joy of music to Metrowest communities. Visit heritagechorale.org for more details and to purchase advance tickets online, saving $5 per ticket versus the price at the door.

West Acton Baptist Church will be holding a Flea Market May 11th from 12 noon to 3:00 in the parking lot, 592 Mass Ave. during the West Acton Merchants Village Association Spring Fling.  Spaces available for a small donation. Limited number of tables, first come, first served.
Slated to date: Acton Police Dept with Zane their comfort dog! Handmade Greeting cards, Vintage used jewelry & the church membership will be offering vintage teacups for sale. Contact church office 978-263-5902 or wabcadmin@verizon.net.

MARLBOROUGH: The Marlborough Police Department will be hosting our Fifth Annual Youth Academies in the Summer of 2024. The dates of the Academy are scheduled for the week of July 8-12. A second week is scheduled for August 5-9. The Youth Academy will run daily from 8am-4pm Monday-Friday. The Youth Academy is free of charge. A T-shirt and hat will be provided. Students will be required to bring their own lunch Monday-Thursday.
The Youth Academy will be accepting applications for students going into the 7th or 8th grade in the Fall of 2024. Applications are available on the Marlborough Police website at www.marlborough-ma.gov/marlborough-police-department/pages/mpd-youth-police-academy-2024. You may also pick up an application in the front lobby of the Marlborough Police Station or from Whitcomb School Resource Officer Braswell. Applications may be submitted via email to Officer David Tinglof dtinglof@marlborough-ma.gov or dropped off in person at the main lobby of the police station. Preference will be given to Marlborough residents.
Topics covered will include Criminal Law and Procedure, Motor Vehicle Law, CPR/First Responder, Public Speaking, Team Building, Drug Recognition, SWAT, Firearm Simulator and K9 Demonstration. Students will also participate in Physical Training (PT) each morning.
There are a limited number of seats available for the Academy, so students are encouraged to sign up promptly. Any questions please contact Officers:
Officer David Tinglof- dtinglof@marlborough-ma.gov (508) 485-1212 ext. 36851
Officer Keith Moro – kmoro@marlborough-ma.gov (508) 485-1212 ext. 36835

NORTHBOROUGH: Join Trinity Church for their “Let’s Celebrate Women” Spring Fashion Show on May 11 from 2-3pm at Trinity Church, 23 Main Street.  For $5 per person (suggested donation), you’ll enjoy the show plus desserts, coffee and tea.  Please RSVP to Rita at trinitychurchnboro@gmail.com by May 3. For more information, call (508) 393-8156.

MARLBOROUGH: Mayor Christian Dumais and the Marlborough City Council invite you to take pride in and beautify the community by participating in Project Clean Sweep 2024 on April 27.  Volunteers should arrive by 9am at the DPW Municipal Garage, 135 Neil Street.  Please bring gloves to pick up litter.  Trash bags will be provided.  Rain date is April 28 from Noon-3pm. For more information or to sign up, call (508) 624-6910 x33300 or email dpw-dispatch@marlborough-ma.gov.

WESTBOROUGH: The Assabet Valley Mastersingers announce the 2024 Bling for the Sing, an online auction benefit which runs through May 3. Register online at www.avmsingers.org/support-us/bling-for-the-sing.  Fabulous auction items are available for bidding – artwork, events, musical instruments, hand crafted item, the opportunity to conduct an opera chorus with AVM, homemade cookies delivered to your door, restaurant gift cards, and more.  
Money raised at this event enables AVM to continue to provide high quality choral music performances utilizing our talented vocalists, orchestra, and professional soloists, which enriches the cultural experience in our communities.  All proceeds from this benefit event will support the operating expenses of the Assabet Valley Mastersingers, a non-profit 501(c)(3) arts organization.  For more information, www.avmsingers.org/support-us/bling-for-the-sing or contact Debra Wallace or Kirsten Joyner, ‘Bling for the Sing’ Co-Chairs at auction@avmsingers.org.

MARLBOROUGH: Mark Your Calendars! The Marlborough Main Street Car Show will be held June 2 from 9am-2pm on Main Street, between Grainger Boulevard and Bolston Street (Route 85). Rain date is June 16. For more information, contact eo@marlborocarshow.com, or visit www.marlborocarshow.com.

SUDBURY: Join First Parish of Sudbury for Gaia, Mother Earth, & the Oneness of Everything: Music Sunday with musician Jim Scott and the First Parish Choir on April 28 at 10am. Celebrate the earth with Jim’s original songs, readings, and personal reflections on Mother Earth or “Gaia” being one living organism. The “spiritual response” is so timely now, as “the spirit of life on earth is in crisis. Jim’s uplifting songs provide the balance to the wake-up call, leaving us with vision and inspiration to take the healing into our own hands. The choir will join Jim on several songs, and there will also be an opportunity for all to sing throughout the service.
From his work with the Paul Winter Consort, where he was co-composer of their celebrated “Missa Gaia/Earth Mass,” Jim has long been an activist for peace and the Earth through his music. He has visited over 700 UU churches in four decades, and his songs are in the hymn books. Former Co-Chair of the UU Ministry for the Earth, Jim helped create the “Green Sanctuary” program.
First Parish of Sudbury, located at 327 Concord Road, 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.