ATTENTION STOW SENIOR RESIDENTS! The Stow Council on Aging is here for our senior residents!  The COA provides support by being a resource of information on elder affairs, providing social activities, offering outreach services and helping Stow seniors remain in their homes as long as safely possible.

Five things to know about the COA:
1. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm (excluding holidays.)
2. Residents can schedule an appointment with our Outreach staff for a one-on-one meeting.
3. A monthly newsletter is mailed to every household in Stow on the last Friday (sometimes Saturday) of the month as an insert in the Action Unlimited.
4. There’s something for everyone!  We offer a variety of movement options, many social, recreational and creative opportunities, and off-site activities. Residents are encouraged to share their ideas.
5.    Transportation services are available Monday through Friday (8:30 am – 2:30 pm) in Stow, the abutting towns and Concord, Marlboro and Sudbury for medical appointments.
For more information, please visit our website at https://www.stow-ma.gov/292/Council-on-Aging or email the Office Manager at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov.

 

The Maynard Community Gardeners Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 16th in the Maynard Elks parking lot at 34 Powdermill Road in Maynard, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  This is a great opportunity to choose from a wide variety of plants that flourish locally, at bargain prices!  Flowers, vegetables, hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, and shrubs will all be available in an assortment of heights, types, and colors. There will also be a small area with deeply discounted garden-related items.  Come early for the best selection!  The plant sale will be held rain or shine.

All plants at the sale are either donated by members/non-members who want to share their abundance or provided by Stow Garden Center. If you would like to donate excess or unwanted plants, please contact Lizza Smith at lizza@kw.com.  If you need assistance with digging the plants, please let us know in your email. We are especially interested in perennials that are native to our region and/or pollinator friendly.

Maynard Community Gardeners is an organization of seasoned and novice gardeners who make it their mission to beautify our small town. All funds raised at the plant sale go directly to MCG’s ongoing efforts, including the many flower planters along the sidewalks and in public spaces downtown, the beautiful flower-filled alleyway off Nason Street, the seasonally changing downtown triangle, and Maplebrook Park. Your plant donations are what make the MCG Plant Sale and its proceeds possible, bringing beauty and joy to all who live in and visit Maynard!

The Friends of the Bolton Public Library will hold their semiannual book sale on Saturday, May 2nd, from 8:30am - 3pm. No rain date. Location is the Houghton Building, 697 Main Street, Bolton, MA. There will be over 5,000 books, sorted before and after each sale, and not picked over. The sale also includes puzzles, CDs, and DVDs. The book sales are the Friends’ largest fundraisers. Proceeds from the sales support programming, events, museum passes, and Wowbrary for the Bolton Public Library.

Stow will hold its annual Memorial Day Parade on May 25, 2026 beginning at 1:40 p.m. (parade departs at 2 PM).   Email the Veterans Outreach volunteer at veterans@stow-ma.gov or visit https://www.facebook.com/StowVeteransServices

 

The Sounds of Stow Chorus invites singers in all voice parts to join them for open rehearsals for our June 7 concert, Sail Away: Songs from the Salt Sea.
The program, directed by Christina Kennedy, is a lively and evocative journey across the sea— featuring folk traditions and choral works that capture the motion, mystery, and spirit of life on and in the water. The Sounds of Stow Chorus will be joined by The Artemis Circle Choral Project for a shared program of rich and varied repertoire.
We are also delighted to welcome guest musicians Keith Murphy and Becky Tracy, who will offer their own sets of traditional music and lead the audience in a spirited sea chantey singalong.
This concert will support a nonprofit organization connected to ocean, coastal, or environmental stewardship (to be announced).
We welcome singers who are able to learn the music, blend with their section, and enjoy making music in a focused, collaborative setting.
Open Rehearsals (Come Sing With Us!) at First Parish, 353 Great Road, Stow
Monday, April 20 at 7:00 PM
Monday, April 27 at 7:00 PM
These rehearsals are a chance to experience the ensemble, meet the singers, and explore the repertoire before committing.
Regular rehearsals continue on Monday nights through the concert date of June 7, 2026.

 

Come to give by April 12 for an exclusive tee; $15 e-gift card April 13-30

BOSTON, April 10, 2026 — In April, the American Red Cross asks people to keep patients top of mind by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. The need for blood doesn’t take a spring break, and acting now can ensure blood is available in the coming weeks at medical centers. Regular donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to make days brighter this spring for those in need.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross celebrates the kindness of blood donors and those who volunteer their time. There is no substitute for blood — volunteer donors are essential to patient care. Blood Program Leaders and Blood Donor Ambassadors are the heartbeat of our work at blood donation centers and community blood drives.

Join the celebration of saving lives! Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Maynard
4/20/2026: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Maynard-Clinton Lodge of Elks #1568, 34 Powder Mill Rd

 

Services every Sunday at 10AM
For more information about these services, or to download the Order of Service, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org/services.

Join worship by Video: https://tinyurl.com/fpcstow
Meeting ID: 999 7077 0266
Passcode: 01775
Join worship by phone: (929) 205-6099 (long distance rates will apply)
FPC now has a closed captioning option with online services. If the Closed Captioning option is not turned on, you can use the button at the bottom of your screen to request the host turn it on.

Friday, May 8, 5:30PM
Guest Table Community Dinner,
Please join us Friday, May 8 for our next community dinner. We offer options made use vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients. All meals are nut-free. Doors open at 5 PM, dinner is served at 5:30 PM.
Our dinners, in the past and present, are sponsored by the generous donations from the Stow Community Chest. We are also grateful for the consistent support we receive from the Stow Council on Aging and The Stow Food Pantry.
Meals take place in Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton. FPC is located at 353 Great Rd. in Stow. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is plenty of free parking.
If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help with a meal, please emailfpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

 

Sunday April 19, 1:30-3:30
FPC Fellowship Hall
Free and Open to the Public

Come learn how anti-trans laws in the US are impacting lives of transgender and non-binary folks and their loved ones, causing people to change states and even leave the country. Hear what our Mass legislators have been doing to protect trans rights, and potential future improvements.

Topics:

• Adult Bathroom Bans & Healthcare
• Youth: Medical Care, Schools, Sports, Forced Outing
• Identity Documents & Discrimination
• Risks to Educators, Medical Professionals, Medical Centers
• Relationship and Parental Recognition
• Supporting Trans Safety

We are inviting questions and suggestions in advance - email them to lgbtqevents@fpc.groups.io

Come hear Senator Jamie Eldridge and a panel of experts and neighbors including:

Kelly Jenkins Schutzberg (Kelly’s Quest)
Skylar Kergil - singer/songwriter
A UU Pink Haven representative
Rebecca Minor - therapist and author of “Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Did Not Expect This”

Trek Reef, First Parish Intern Minister, will MC the event.

Rebecca Minor will be available for book signing (with extra copies for sale)

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

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

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

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

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

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

• A vibrant live concert showcasing Nashoba Valley Chorale’s legacy
• Food and beverages, including a cash bar
• A fun, interactive sing-along featuring music by Handel and Queen
• A chance to reconnect with friends, alumni, and former conductors
• Silent Auction

• Recognition and gratitude to our Founders
•  
• A Celebration of Anne Watson Born, our beloved Music Director’s 20 years with us
•  

• An Honor to Shawn McCann, collaborative pianist for 20 years of amazing work

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton in the evening for decades. Now we are continuing weekly by remote videoconference, and our meeting has recently changed to Monday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

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

 

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

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

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

It’s May - Let’s groove together! On Friday, May 1,from 6:00 -10:00pm, the Rotary Clubs of Acton-Boxborough and Nashoba Valley invite you to their dinner dance fundraiser, Bid for Brighter Futures. Welcome the warm weather with a dining and dancing good time that will help local and national charities. Win-win!
What entertainment? After a sumptuous buffet, you’ll groove to the Dulcetones, a fantastic and popular offshoot of the local group Bare Hill Band. Their blend of 60s-80s rock, folk rock,R&B, and Motown will pull you onto the dance floor and put you into a springtime mood.
What else? Great on-site raffle prizes and silent auction. An online auction that opens on April 17 offering even more treasures. Find it at bidforbrighterfutures.com.
Why come. All of the above, plus the knowledge that you are providing help to Domestic Violence Services Network for troubled families, Danny’s Place for teens, the Special Olympics for special athletes, and more.
Tickets and details? Tix are $60 at bidforbrighterfutures.com. Location is the Boxboro Regency, 242 Adam’s Place, Boxborough MA, 6:00-10:00pm. Questions? Call 617-834-1615

CONCORD, MA — The Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) is proud to offer two 4-week intensive Media Project Workshops this spring designed to introduce students of all ages to the world of digital music production and sound design. The workshops will take place at CCM’s brand-new, state-of-the-art Media Lab located at 15 Junction Square Drive.
As the music industry continues to evolve, CCM is expanding its curriculum to provide the community with the technical skills required for modern music creation. These workshops offer a "test drive" of the full-season Media Lab programs, giving students hands-on experience with professional-grade software like GarageBand.
Spring Workshop Offerings:

• Fun with Music Making (Ages 8–13): A high-energy, low-pressure introduction to custom beats and sound design.
  • Mondays, April 27 – May 18 | 6:00 – 6:45 pm
  • Register online
• My First Song in GarageBand (Ages 13–Adult): A deep dive into the role of a Music Producer, taking students from a blank screen to a polished original track.
  • Fridays, May 1 – May 22 | 6:30 – 7:30 pm
  • Register online

Both workshops are taught by esteemed Composition, Music Theory, and Piano Instructor Manuel Garcia-Baro. No prior experience is required, making these programs accessible to anyone curious about the intersection of technology and art.
Registration is now open online. Space in the Media Lab is limited to ensure personalized instruction.

   On Monday April 20, the Boxborough Minutemen Company will convene at 6:30 a.m. outside the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road, to commemorate the events of the original Patriots’ Day. The Museum is located at the edge of Boxborough’s Old Town Center Historic District where some of the original Minutemen from what became Boxborough mustered on April 19, 1775.
   The list of company officers is confirmed by a drumhead election. This is an old tradition whereby minutemen company members indicate their approval by tapping on the company bass drum. The company cannon is fired to announce that the company is ready to meet the enemy. There is a short march to Boxborough North Cemetery for a commemorative musket volley after which the names of men from Boxborough who joined in the battle on April 19, 1775 are read out.  At 7:30 a.m., the Boxborough Minutemen Company will take a bus to Concord where it will march in the anniversary parade.
  The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company. For information please contact Captain Rich Grady at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org or Lieutenant Tim Blankenship at lieutenant@boxboroughminutemen.org

Theatre III presents Nice Work If You Can Get It, with music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin and book by Joe DiPietro; inspired by Material by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse.

A fun and joyous comedy musical, Nice Work If You Can Get It thrusts us into a light-hearted version of the Prohibition era, complete with bootleggers, socialites, chorus girls, and a vice squad, all set to the amazing songs of George and Ira Gershwin. Highlights from the score include “Fascinating Rhythm,” “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off,” “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Sweet and Low Down,” “Delishious,” and the title song.

Evening Performances: Saturday, May 2; Friday, May 8; Saturday, May 9; Friday, May 15; & Saturday, May 16 (7:30pm). Matinees: Sunday, May 3 & Sunday, May 10 (2pm).
Tickets available at www.theatre3.org - in advance: $28 + online surcharge; at the door: $30. Discounts for senior citizens, students, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Card To Culture program. (See website for details.) Theatre III is located at 250 Central St., Acton, MA.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com 

The Stow Council on Aging provides seniors (60+) and people with disabilities support by being a source of information on elder affairs, providing social activities, outreach services, and helping the senior population of Stow remain in their homes as long as safely possible.  We have tested a loosely termed “mobile” friendly program at the end of 2025.   Volunteer drivers are paired with an eligible senior resident to take them shopping or deliver groceries.  Although the COA van can provide this service, there are situations where the one-to-one support works best.  Volunteer drivers are also needed as many seniors have medical appointments outside of our service area or hours and often do not have a financially viable transportation option.      If you are interested in volunteering, complete the application available on our website.  Email the Office Manager at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov with any questions.

Global Goods is a nonprofit based in Maynard supporting education globally and locally. We love having students get involved with us, and Katie has been an amazing intern with us since her freshman year at Maynard High School. Now as a senior at Maynard High School, she has been working all year on her senior project with a culminating keystone project.  As she plans to study health in college and is a Global Scholar, she has combined her interests with an idea to collect medicines and health related items for both a school in Guatemala and a foundation in Bali. Learn more about what you can do to help by visiting globalgoods.org, or following @MedicineFromTheSkyMaynard on Instagram.

The League of Women Voters – Acton Area hosted a Zoom webinar on March 19, 2026, to inform voters with disabilities of their rights and municipalities of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Many people with disabilities face barriers to participating in Town Meeting. The webinar explored these challenges and shared practical strategies to remove obstacles and increase participation. It aimed to equip participants with knowledge and tools to foster inclusivity and strengthen their community’s democratic process.
The panelists reviewed key ADA requirements for accessible public meetings, explained how individuals can request reasonable accommodations, and outlined the steps municipalities must take to comply with the law.
Moderator and League member Mary Ann Ashton opened the session and introduced the panelists: Jeff Dougan, Assistant Director for Community Services at the Massachusetts Office on Disability; Wanjiku Gachugi, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Town of Acton and the town’s ADA Coordinator for Town Meeting; and Jo-Ann Berry, Town Moderator for the Town of Acton and Director of the League of Women Voters–Acton Area.
To request accommodations for a Town Meeting, contact your town’s ADA Coordinator by email (start with the Town Manager/Administrator, or Town Clerk for contact information), ideally at least two weeks in advance. The coordinator will then engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations.  Panel members shared various ways towns have successfully removed barriers, including using accessible venues, offering virtual options, hiring sign language interpreters, and providing closed captioning and large-print materials to name a few.
If you are a person with a disability, or a community member committed to ensuring every voice is heard, and were unable to attend the webinar, you can view the recording on our website at lwv-Actonarea.org.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that promotes informed and active participation in government at all levels. While the League takes positions on issues, it does not support or oppose political candidates or parties. It has a long tradition of providing voter information services, including programs like this webinar. Learn more at lwv-actonarea.org.
This event is part of the Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative. Margaret “Marge” Kennedy was a longtime member, leader, and advocate for social justice. Her generous bequest supports ongoing efforts to advance equity through events, public forums, and other community programs.

The 10th Maynard Book Festival will take place April 7-11, 2026, with a variety of free literary and arts events for readers of all ages. Most events will be held at Maynard Public Library (77 Nason Street), with Wednesday and Thursday evening poetry events located at Felixology (2 Walnut Street, Maynard).
The festival opens on Tuesday evening, April 7, with a group discussion of Murder Your Darlings by Jenna Blum. Midweek events include an Edgar Allan POEtry reading and open mic led by Fred Gerhard on Wednesday evening, April 8, and a Mill Town / Mill City poetry and photography event on Thursday evening, April 9. Later on Thursday evening, the Library will host a reception for the “Stories in Fiber” art exhibit, featuring remarks by artist Cindy Kennelly and music by Jessica and Zac Smith. Friday evening, April 10, features author Luke O'Neil discussing his book We Had It Coming and Other Fictions.
Saturday, April 11, includes a hands-on accordion-book workshop (registration required), a children’s (grades 4-6) event with authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters presenting For the Win and If I Could Choose a Best Day, and talks by authors including Doug Most on Launching Liberty: The Epic Race to Build the Ships That Took America to War (first ten attendees receive a free copy of the book), as well as historical fiction authors Juliette Fay, Elizabeth Graver, and Sarah Stewart Taylor.
The festival concludes Saturday evening with a talk by Jenna Blum, bestselling author of Murder Your Darlings. Mocktails and other refreshments will be served at this event and free books will be given to the first 25 attendees. Books will be available for purchase at all author talks.
Visit maynardbookfestival.org for more details on the schedule, speakers, and registration for workshops.
The Maynard Book Festival is sponsored by the Friends of the Maynard Public Library and the Maynard Cultural District. Festival bookselling partners are The Silver Unicorn Bookstore and Felixology.

For Gen Z workers, saving for retirement may feel out of reach.

Highinterest credit cards and student loan payments can drain a paycheck before the month even begins. With rising rents and higher everyday prices, there’s barely room for anything beyond the basics.

But getting started with retirement savings needn't be hard.

• Begin small — even a few dollars per paycheck helps build a good habit. Small, consistent contributions can grow dramatically over time, when you have decades to accumulate them.
• If you have a workplace retirement plan, contribute at least enough to earn any employer match.
• And if you have no workplace plan, consider opening an IRA.

The choices and financial jargon within a retirement plan may feel overwhelming, but options like targetdate funds help reduce complexity and keep you properly invested without needing expert advice.

The biggest mistake isn’t choosing the wrong fund for your retirement dollars; it’s not starting at all. Small steps today can build real flexibility tomorrow. And time is Gen Z’s biggest advantage.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones financial advisor at 14 Nason St. Maynard, MA (978) 841-5800. Member SIPC

On Tuesday we had a steady stream of donors bringing everything except for furniture (which we accept on Saturdays).  One woman arrived with her car packed with bags of linens in her front and back seats and in the trunk.  I think she is the woman who said she saves her Target cards to buy things for Fresh Start.  I had just started to help bring in her donations when the skies opened and there was a downpour!!  We got wet but the donations did not!  All morning we were dodging raindrops and the donors kept arriving.

     We are low on queen sheets, towels and all sizes of comforters.  We have a wish list on our website that you can check to see what we need.  And we are always glad to receive gift cards from Target, Amazon, JobLot, etc. to give to our clients so they can pick out some nice things for their new homes.
      Thank you for helping us to help others!  And keep up the good work!

Bolton, MA – May 5, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts invites community members, local businesses, and supporters to attend its Annual Spring Breakfast on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 7:30 to 8:30 AM at First Parish of Bolton.
This annual gathering brings together community leaders, partners, and advocates for a morning of connection, inspiration, and shared commitment to building safe, affordable housing across North Central Massachusetts.
Guests will enjoy a complimentary breakfast prepared by the talented students of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, highlighting the importance of community partnerships and workforce development.
The event will feature keynote speaker Stacey Phillips-Vear, whose life reflects a deep and enduring commitment to service. Raised as part of an Air Force family and later becoming an Air Force spouse, service has been a defining thread throughout her life. Today, that legacy continues through her family—as the proud mother of a Marine and a daughter who secures major grant funding to support nonprofit missions.
Phillips-Vear’s journey with Team Rubicon began with a simple question from her son: “Will you join?” Without hesitation, she said yes—a decision that would profoundly shape her path.
Since November 2023, she has deployed on nine disaster relief operations across five states, supporting communities in times of crisis. She has built partnerships with organizations including Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts and veteran groups, led teams in the field, and expanded opportunities for others to serve.
Now serving as Planning Lead for the Worcester, Massachusetts metro area, Phillips-Vear brings people, purpose, and planning together to turn compassion into action—and action into impact. Her message is simple yet powerful: say yes first, figure it out later, and never underestimate what happens next.
The Spring Breakfast also offers an opportunity to learn more about Habitat NCM’s work, including new home construction and critical home repairs that help local families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations looking to demonstrate their commitment to affordable housing while gaining meaningful visibility within the community. Sponsors receive recognition through event materials, social media, and program acknowledgments, along with reserved seating for guests.
Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited seating.
To register or learn more, visit:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/annual-spring-breakfast

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our group has been meeting in Acton in the evening for decades. Now we are continuing weekly by remote videoconference, and our meeting has recently changed to Monday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

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When: May 23-30, 2026
Show Floor Hours: 10AM to 6PM (Sat-Fri) & 10AM to 3PM (Sat 5/30)
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer
Street, Boston, MA 02210 in the Seaport District
Price: Free

Explore global and US history, one tiny painting at a time! Boston 2026 World Expo brings the global stamp community to Boston for eight days from May 23-30th, 2026. Held once every ten years, the event showcases world-class exhibits, dealers, presentations, and first day of issue ceremonies, all part of America’s 250th anniversary in the heart of one of America's most historic cities.

Spanning 352,000 contiguous square feet and sponsored by the US Postal Service, the exhibition will feature a comprehensive international experience, including a large dealer marketplace, an extensive array of foreign post offices, and a chance to talk with philatelic societies from around the world. At the heart of the expo will be a prestigious competitive exhibition with approximately 4,000 frames of exhibits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), complemented by a special Court of Honor exhibition and a major literature competition.

Beyond exhibits, Boston 2026 will host hundreds of meetings, roundtable discussions, and presentations across 40 meeting rooms supporting education, collaboration, and international exchange. Signature events, including a large opening ceremony and a closing awards dinner, will create a unique and memorable experience for exhibitors, delegates, and visitors. History buffs, art lovers, ephemera and mail artists, scout troops, and youth groups are all welcome free of charge.

See Boston2026.org website for information on attending dealers and post offices, exhibit and event listings, volunteer opportunities, scout merit badge workshops, and much more.

 

Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “La Fête Française”

Program
Maurice Ravel | Introduction and Allegro
Camille Saint-Saëns | Fantaisie for Violin and Harp, Op. 124
Ernest Chausson | Piano Quartet in A major, Op. 30

With guests Tracy Kraus, flute; Amy Advocat, clarinet; Franziska Huhn, harp

When & Where: Friday, April 10 at 7:30 PM
Fitchburg Art Museum
185 Elm Street, Fitchburg

Sunday, April 12 at 4:00 PM
Shapiro Hall - Joy of Music
1 Gorham Street, Worcester

Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to each performance
Post-concert reception for all on Sunday


How: Adults $35-42, Seniors $30-38, College Students $10 w/ID
EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free

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

Join us for a great event either as a seller or buyer on May 9th, from 9am-3pm. We'll also have some yummy lunch, drinks and baked goods for sale. If you are a crafter or thrift seller, table rentals in or outside of Davis Hall are just $25. Please e-mail hollyventura1@gmail.com if you interested in renting one table by April 27th. All money raised will be used for the work of our church. Parking is plentiful. Hope to see you there! 673 Main Street, Bolton

Check Out the Monthly activities  offered at the Stow COA
We offer a variety of GAMES so pick the one that you enjoy!  Bridge (Tuesdays, 1 pm), Poker (Tuesdays, 12 pm), Chess (Wednesdays at 10 am or Thursdays at 11), Scrabble (Thursdays, 10:30 am) and Chinese Mahjong (Fridays, 1 pm).

If CREATIVITY is more your thing, we have plenty of options!  Open Art (Mondays, 9:30). Quilting (Tuesdays, 9 am), Projects For Purpose (Wednesdays, 9 am), SFCOA Creators Club (Thursdays, 10 am) and Learn to Knit by appointment,

And there are no shortages of GROUPS!  Men’s Discussion Group (First Thursday at 10 am), Women’s Discussion Group (Second Monday at 1 pm), Veterans Social (Third Tuesday at 10 am), Genealogy (Fourth Tuesday at 1 pm) and Grief Discussion Group (every other Thursday at 1:30 pm).

Registration begins mind-month for the following month.  To register 1) Use MyActiveCenter https://myactivecenter.com/# 2) Call the COA at 978-897-1880 or 3) Come in-person during COA (509 Great Road, Stow) business hours (M-F, 8-3:30)

 

• Carlisle will receive $119,000 to fund Engineering design for decarbonizing town hall.
• Stow will receive $150,000 to fund engineering design for partial decarbonization of the Hale School and rooftop solar at the Center School.

Sustainable Stow has partnered with The Great American Rain Barrel Company to sell rain barrels and accessories to residents of Stow and surrounding towns.

Orders must be in by May 10th at midnight, and barrels must be picked up May 23rd, 1-3pm, at the Stow DPW (88 S. Acton Rd, Stow). We cannot hold barrels for later pickup, sorry.
To order, visit https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/ and select Massachusetts, then Stow, from the dropdown menu.
These food-grade barrels have been re-purposed after use to import olives, olive oil, or capers. They weigh 20 lbs empty but hold 60 gallons of rainwater. A rain barrel is an excellent way to harvest rainwater from the roof during heavy downpours, then use the water in the yard during the dry spells. It also lessens runoff that pollutes our waterways.

The Friends of the Boxborough Library Spring used book sale will start with a Preview Sale for members on Friday, April 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door).  The main public sale will take place on Saturday, April 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Everything Must Go sale will be held on Sunday April 12 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Standard size bags will be provided; pay $5 to fill each bag however you like.
  The sale will take place in the meeting room of the Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue. Proceeds from the sale will go toward additional library programs and museum passes. Cash and checks only.

Please support this sale by attending and by donating your gently used hard covers, paperbacks, music, and audiovisual items, and also puzzles and board games in complete and as new condition. Donations will be accepted from Monday April 6 through Thursday April 9 at the library during regular library hours. Please no VCR tapes or magazines or any material in really poor condition.

        On April 14, at 6:00, P.M. the Maynard Public Library at 77 Nason St. will co-host with Green Maynard, a Dark Skies program for children of all ages.
     The evening will include a story, hands-on activities, and snacks. Come make your own glow in the dark constellation, and learn what you might see when you look up on a Dark Sky night.

Rising prices may not dominate headlines the way they did a year or two ago, but if you’re retired, you’re probably still feeling them. Even when overall inflation cools, the costliest expenses — like health care, utilities, insurance and property taxes — tend to rise faster than broad inflation numbers suggest. That creates a squeeze that can make you question whether your income plan is built to last.
Fortunately, you often can adjust without drastic cuts that affect your lifestyle. Start by understanding where the pressure comes from and how to build more flexibility into your plan.
Inflation hits retirees differently. You’ve likely noticed your grocery bill, prescription drug costs and heating expenses haven’t returned to “normal.” Even small increases compound over time and can chip away at your buying power.
If your income plan was created years ago, it may assume lower inflation or relatively stable price increases over time. Recent years have shown that’s not always the case.
Why some income plans feel strained. Any plan relying on fixed withdrawals or rigid budgets can feel tight when living costs rise. If you’re drawing from investments, you may hesitate to increase your withdrawals because of market volatility. And if you depend on fixed income sources like Social Security or a pension, yearly costofliving increases may not keep pace with your expenses. You might live 25 to 35 years in retirement, giving small annual cost increases decades to add up.
What you can do without sacrificing stability. A few adjustments can help you stay ahead of rising costs and maintain your financial confidence.
First, review your withdrawal strategy. Ask your financial advisor about flexible approaches that increase income when markets and portfolios perform well and pull back during tougher times. This protects your long-term plan with room to respond to rising prices.
Next, rebalance your portfolio. You may uncover opportunities to shift toward investments with more consistent income or better tax efficiency. Sometimes a small tweak can generate extra cash flow without increasing overall risk.
Finally, look at your income sources. You may be less affected by rising costs if you delay taking Social Security, work a part-time job, add inflation-protected bonds or create predictable lifetime income with annuities, if they’re appropriate for your situation.
Don’t overlook health care: Health care costs often grow faster than general inflation. Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses can rise annually, and the need for long-term care remains a big financial uncertainty for retirees. Building health care-specific inflation into your plan now can help prevent surprises later. Any savings you have in a health savings account can help you cover health care costs. And many pharmaceutical companies offer financial assistance programs to help pay for costlier medications.
Stay flexible and informed: Today's retirements look different from those of even a decade ago. The key is staying flexible, reviewing your plan regularly and making small adjustments before pressure builds. A financial advisor can help you find the right approach to navigating rising costs without disrupting the life you’ve worked hard to build.


This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Rising prices may not dominate headlines the way they did a year or two ago, but if you’re retired, you’re probably still feeling them. Even when overall inflation cools, the costliest expenses — like health care, utilities, insurance and property taxes — tend to rise faster than broad inflation numbers suggest. That creates a squeeze that can make you question whether your income plan is built to last.
Fortunately, you often can adjust without drastic cuts that affect your lifestyle. Start by understanding where the pressure comes from and how to build more flexibility into your plan.
Inflation hits retirees differently. You’ve likely noticed your grocery bill, prescription drug costs and heating expenses haven’t returned to “normal.” Even small increases compound over time and can chip away at your buying power.
If your income plan was created years ago, it may assume lower inflation or relatively stable price increases over time. Recent years have shown that’s not always the case.
Why some income plans feel strained. Any plan relying on fixed withdrawals or rigid budgets can feel tight when living costs rise. If you’re drawing from investments, you may hesitate to increase your withdrawals because of market volatility. And if you depend on fixed income sources like Social Security or a pension, yearly costofliving increases may not keep pace with your expenses. You might live 25 to 35 years in retirement, giving small annual cost increases decades to add up.
What you can do without sacrificing stability. A few adjustments can help you stay ahead of rising costs and maintain your financial confidence.
First, review your withdrawal strategy. Ask your financial advisor about flexible approaches that increase income when markets and portfolios perform well and pull back during tougher times. This protects your long-term plan with room to respond to rising prices.
Next, rebalance your portfolio. You may uncover opportunities to shift toward investments with more consistent income or better tax efficiency. Sometimes a small tweak can generate extra cash flow without increasing overall risk.
Finally, look at your income sources. You may be less affected by rising costs if you delay taking Social Security, work a part-time job, add inflation-protected bonds or create predictable lifetime income with annuities, if they’re appropriate for your situation.
Don’t overlook health care: Health care costs often grow faster than general inflation. Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses can rise annually, and the need for long-term care remains a big financial uncertainty for retirees. Building health care-specific inflation into your plan now can help prevent surprises later. Any savings you have in a health savings account can help you cover health care costs. And many pharmaceutical companies offer financial assistance programs to help pay for costlier medications.
Stay flexible and informed: Today's retirements look different from those of even a decade ago. The key is staying flexible, reviewing your plan regularly and making small adjustments before pressure builds. A financial advisor can help you find the right approach to navigating rising costs without disrupting the life you’ve worked hard to build.


This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Tristan Bezzant, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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


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

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