Action Unlimited
First parish events

EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH THIS MONT


Our building at 353 Great Road, Stow is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is free parking.
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.

Learning from Ten Years of Local Climate Work to Plan for the Next Ten, Tuesday, February 24, 7PM
Join representative of four towns to learn about progress and plans to protect our climate. Senator Jamie Eldridge will be present to offer the view from Beacon Hill.
Stow, Acton, Maynard, and Hudson have each made progress in combatting climate change and reducing global warming. We need to learn about what each town has accomplished and future plans so we can support one another. Bring your questions! Our efforts must continue if we are to be successful. Fellowship Hall at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton at 353 Great Rd in Stow.

Carnival Games - Winter Games Fest, Saturday, February 28, Noon to 4PM
Stow, MA, Saturday February 28th – An afternoon of indoor fun for the whole family will take place in Stow on Saturday February 28th from noon to 4 p.m. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will offer carnival games, face painting, and snacks and beverages. The carnival games take place from noon to 4pm.
Admission is free, carnival game tickets are $1 each, and the cost to play a game is 1 ticket.

We have over three dozen carnival games. including a life-size "whack-a-mole", pop bottle standup, plinko, life size tetris, and an "impossible" giant slidey puzzle. Many of the games are life size wooden games built by FPC members and youth. There are games with different levels of difficulty for kids from age 2 to adults young at heart. We will have stuffed animal prizes (every child goes home with at least 1 prize). Popcorn, cookies, lemonade and more will be available for purchase.
Parent/guardian supervision is required during the carnival games. Email dre@fpc-stow-acton.org with any questions about the event. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Learning from Our Towns on Ten Years of Local Climate Work: Feb 24, 7PM

For the past ten years, countries and communities of all sizes have set goals to limit the threat of climate change.  In many ways this began with the International Panel on Climate Change’s agreement to limit global warming to 1.5C with specific goals for 2030 and 2050 to help us reach net zero carbon emissions. This is a big and varied effort affecting actions at the national and international level, as well as at the town and individual levels. At the local town level, we have installed solar, added EV cars, and charging stations, insulated our homes, and added heat pumps to homes and town buildings. We have learned to value native plants and begun to protect critical pollinators.

It’s hard to remember our initial reactions to new technologies like solar cells on house roofs. Few of us understood heat pumps. Remember the first time you saw or drove an EV or hybrid car? Since then, we have also learned more about the electrical grid that makes much of this possible. We have made progress, but still have a long way to go to achieve the 1.5-degree goal if we even can.

This is not to ignore the challenges we face, but we need to learn what progress we and our neighboring towns have made as a base for future plans so we can support one another. We are in this together and our efforts must continue if we are to be successful. Join representatives of four towns to learn about progress and plans to protect our climate. What would you like to know more about?
  • What actions have others taken?
  • What should be done to get more residents engaged?
  • How important is energy affordability?
  • What encourages or discourages people from acting?
To begin the learning and sharing process, there will be a discussion on
February 24 at 7:00 pm at First Parish Church in Stow (353 Great Road). Senator Jamie Eldridge will be present to offer the view from Beacon Hill. We will leave plenty of time for questions so we can learn from each other.

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

CONCORD, MA – Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members. DVSN advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 partner communities.

The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The March 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on March 2 through
March 20: Monday and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised fieldtraining at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.

DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA

 
19 Carter Street, Berlin

Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5

Monday: A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Turn off your TV and stop by for 2 hours of pleasant tea and pleasantries, pastries with good company, and no politics!
Tuesday: Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday: Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: Office Hours with Melissa (Director of the Berlin COA) 10 – 11am (Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday: Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday: Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Thursday: Afternoon Games 2 - 4pm
Friday: Open Art Studio & Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday: Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday: Social 10am - 1pm
Office Hours w Senator Kennedy’s team Every second Wednesday of the month at 11am – 12pm

Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!

FEBRUARY 22-28, 2026

Monday, February 23, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Friday, February 27, 7:30pm | The Jazz Club feat. Mark Russell
Come by for a casual evening at The Jazz Club and be energized with music by the talented violinist and singer Mark Russell! Tickets: $10 at 19Carter.org

Saturday, February 28, 7:30pm til whenever | House Show
A casual night of music for 20- & 30-yr-olds
$10 or pay what you can. Learn more at 19Carter.org
Help affording food

Need Help Affording Food? Call Project Bread’s Toll-Free FoodSource Hotline

EAST BOSTON, Mass. – When food costs compete with heating bills and rent, many Massachusetts families are facing impossible choices.The uncertainty around nutrition policy changes makes the situation even more challenging. If you or your family need help accessing food, call Project Bread's toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.
The FoodSource Hotline connects residents to resources right now. Trained counselors help with applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), share resources on the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), connect families to free meals for children, and locate emergency food programs like community meals and food pantries. The hotline also provides referrals to other federal nutrition programs, like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Whether you're a college student, a senior, or a family facing hardship, the FoodSource Hotline provides confidential, free support. The hotline is recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for support, available in more than 180 languages.
Get Help Now: If you are struggling with food insecurity, call 1-800-645-8333. Visit projectbread.org for more information and resources in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole. 

ARC Comedy Night Benefit is March 13th at Hudson Portuguese Club

 
The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) is hosting the fifteenth Annual Comedy Night Benefit, featuring the area’s most popular and talented comedians on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Hudson Portuguese Club, 13 Port Street in Hudson. The event, being held in support of the ARC of Marlborough, will include lots of laughs, food, and raffle prizes. The ARC has been serving the local community for over fifty years, since 1972, and relies on fundraising and donations to provide its services.

Entertainers at the Comedy Night Benefit include popular comedians Mark Riley, Sam Pelletier, and Ethan Cannon. Hosting the evening is Dave Rattigan. 

Regular host Dave Rattigan performed last year in Dublin, Ireland, and he’s also performed in Japan, at Fenway Park, The Cape Cod Melody Tent, South Shore Music Circus, a lumberyard, the lobby of an ad agency, a library, and several parking lots. “There’s nothing funny about the way he looks, until he gives that deadpan look of his,” popular blogger Ralph Fatello (RalphsPic.com) wrote. “His outward appearance is something out of a mature GQ magazine.  He looks like a cross between a semi hip banker, and your mild-mannered father-in-law …. Dave is the master of completely dismantling himself in front of a crowd of strangers.  I’m always torn as to whether I should console him, or just laugh my ass off like everyone else ….” His stand-up has been played on SiriusXM Radio, he’s performed on the syndicated Steve Katsos Show, and he’s been featured on television commercials on NESN. He’s a regular at the Hampton Beach (NH) and Cotuit comedy festivals and is part of the Ranting Parents Comedy Tour.

Mark Riley is an energetic Boston headliner with a unique perspective on everyday situations. Riley was once a professional ice hockey referee (he spent a very short time in the NHL) who also ran a Gymboree. The former runner-up in the Boston Comedy Festival headlines in Boston as well as playing top rooms in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Atlantic City. Among those he’s performed with are Steven Wright, Joe Rogan and Lenny Clarke. He headlines colleges and corporate shows as well and has worked as an actor in commercials, industrial films, and a hockey-themed comedic web series. He also hosts the podcast Chirping Zebras.

Sam Pelletier has been bringing his unique blend of observation and relatability to audiences for over a decade. Originally from the (somewhat) great state of Maine, Sam won the Cellar on Treadwell Competition in 2023, and was a finalist in the New England’s Funniest Comedian Competition of 2021. He opened for national headliners including Shane Torres, Joe Bartnick, and Alex Edleman. Sam has been featured in the Boston Comedy Festival, Maine Comedy Festival, and Mutiny Radio Comedy Festival in San Francisco. His hobbies include hiking and being a good listener.

Ethan Cannon performs stand-up nightly around Boston and New England, at venues ranging from Off Cabot Comedy Club, the Comedy Studio, Don't Tell Comedy, and Improv Asylum. He recently performed in the Boston Comedy Festival as well as Last Comix Standing at Mohegan Sun's Comix Roadhouse.

Doors open for the event at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Food is available for purchase. Coffee and desserts are complimentary. For further information on sponsorships, program ads, tickets or table reservations, call the ARC office at 508-485-4357. Tables of 10 ($350) and individual tickets ($35) should be purchased in advance at the ARC. Chairing the planning for the event are Tracey Gustafson, and Christine Sacco.

The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) ranks as one of the most respected and active recovery service resources in Middlesex County.  As a nonprofit organization, the ARC provides individualized referral services, Recovery Coach appointments and daily peer-support meetings at no cost to those seeking recovery from substance use disorder. To donate to the ARC or sponsor the 15th Annual Comedy Night Benefit please call the ARC (508-485-4357) or go to the website at www.theaddictionreferralcenter.org/2026-comedy

Beantown Rocks!

Intrigued by the sport of curling? Now’s your chance to watch a national curling event in Massachusetts. Curling, an Olympic sport, continues to draw interest and new fans across the Commonwealth. It’s a sport where women can participate on equal footing with men.
Broomstones Curling Club, located in Wayland, MA at 1 Curling Lane, is hosting the National Women's Bonspiel on February 19-22. Sponsored by the United States Women’s Curling Association, women from across the country representing 28 different curling clubs will challenge each other during a four-day bonspiel starting on Thursday, February 19th, with games also scheduled on Friday and Saturday, culminating with finals on Sunday, February 22nd.
Invited guests to the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. include Wayland Select Board Chair Carol Martin, State Rep. Carmine Gentile, USWCA President Ann Kirkpatrick, and Rich Collier, President of Broomstones Curling Club.
Though members of the public are welcome to come down to Broomstones to view the action in person, the games can also be streamed from home. Find more information, including teams, schedule, and the live game streams at the bonspiel's event page here: https://sites.google.com/broomstones.org/2026-uswca-nationals/home.
And for those interested in trying the sport, Broomstones will be hosting an Olympic Open House later this season. The club also offers limited ice rental opportunities for private groups throughout the season, subject to availability. Check the website for further details: https://broomstones.com.
Call for art

Call for Art

Artists of all ages are invited to share their creative voices in a celebration of diversity, democracy, and the American spirit. Through art, we can evoke emotion, spark imagination, and inspire meaningful connection across communities.
Contest entry is free. Deadline for submissions for the juried exhibition and contest is April 10. At a time when our country feels deeply divided, this contest aims to highlight our shared values, encourage civic engagement, and create opportunities for thoughtful and productive dialogue. Selected works will be featured in exhibitions that showcase and support local artists.
Please spread the word with makers—especially young and aspiring artists.
Visit FCULittle.org for full contest details
Questions? Email artfordemocracy@fculittle.org.
Thank you for helping support creativity, community, and democratic expression. This contest is proudly co-sponsored by community organizations including: the Reclaiming our Democracy group of First Church Unitarian in Littleton, Mass.; the League of Women Voters of Westford; the Littleton and Westford cultural councils and the Community Gallery of the Fitchburg Art Museum.

STOW COA LOOKING FOR FITNESS INSTRUCTORS

The Stow Council on Aging has openings for fitness (movement) instructors to teach group classes. Specifically, at this time we are looking to replace a long-time instructor who was teaching Senior Aerobics and Stretch&Flex 3 days a week (M-W-F) year-round.  There are other opportunities for class offerings that can meet once or twice a week, morning, or afternoon, depending on instructor preference and room availability. Classes are 45-60 minutes long and typically focus on strength training, flexibility, and low-impact cardio, but other formats will be considered. Experience teaching older adults is required. Certifications or interest in obtaining certifications preferred. Liability insurance required.  Interested applicants should email the Office Manager at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov for more information.  
Intro to basic astrophotography

Intro to Basic Astrophotography

 

Assabet Valley Camera Club Program

HUDSON: On Wednesday, March 4, the Assabet Valley Camera Club (AVCC) is pleased to host Temu K. Nana whose passion for astrophotography, from basic nightscapes to deep space imaging, is evident in his photos of the night sky. He shoots with everything from stock cameras and lenses in his New Hampshire backyard to computer-controlled, observatory-class telescopes at a remote site in California. In this presentation, Temu will cover the basics of imaging the night sky, including night landscapes, single-shot Milky Way, and star trail images.

As a professional photographer, Temu’s specialties include wildlife, landscape, and deep-sky astrophotography. In addition to leading trips across all seven continents, he is a sought-after presenter on astrophotography, sharing his knowledge through camera clubs, schools, and online mentorship programs. View his work at https://www.tknanaphoto.com/ .
Intro to Basic Astrophotography is supported in part from a grant from the Hudson Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. The presentation is free to attend and open to the public.

Currently, AVCC meetings are using a hybrid approach where members can come together either in person or via Zoom. If you are interested in attending the program, contact AVCC at avcc.digital@hotmail.com a few days prior to the meeting to request a link to the event or to let us know you will be attending in person. Guests are welcome to attend up to two consecutive club meetings prior to becoming a member. For membership information, go to https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com/Club/MembershipInfo.aspx .The club’s Zoom room opens at 7:00 PM with a brief business meeting at 7:15 followed by Temu’s presentation at 7:30.

AVCC in-person meetings are held at the Hudson Senior Center, 29 Church Street, Hudson and are open to the public. The first meeting of the month generally features a program designed to instruct and/or to entertain camera enthusiasts. During the second monthly meeting, a competition of members’ digital images is judged and critiqued by qualified individuals. Assabet Valley Camera Club, affiliated with both the New England Camera Club Council (NECCC) and the Photographic Society of America (PSA), participates in inter-club competitions on regional, national and international levels.

AVCC welcomes anyone interested in learning more about photography as a visual art and its practical application as a science.  Members benefit from the hands-on experiences, from the knowledge presented in programs, and from having their work critiqued. For more information, check out AVCC's website https://www.assabetvalleycameraclub.com//

Hudson Historical February Presentation

The Hudson Historical Society will be holding its fourth meeting of the new season on Tuesday, February 24, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. The meeting will be at the Federated Church Hall 200 Central Street, Hudson, Mass.

The Hudson Historical Society will present Linda LeSage, an author from Hudson. She will discuss her book entitled “ A Cuppa Tea with Miss Jean.” Jean Beddow-Arnth was a WW II London dancer who became a Massachusetts dance teacher while pursuing her passion for travel and nature. During her time in Massachusetts, she impacted over 11,000 dance students, many of whom were from the Hudson area.

Society Meetings are held on the last Tuesday in the months of September, October, November, February, March, April and May. All members and general public are welcome to attend.
 

The Stow Garden Club invites you to learn The Fascinating Story of Where Our Vegetables Came From

Join Bonnie Power of the MASS Master Gardener Speakers Bureau to learn the origins of the vegetables we eat, what they looked like in the wild, and how people domesticated them for better nutrition, yields, and flavors. The public is welcome at no charge. Residents of Bolton, Stow, and surrounding communities are especially invited. Pompositticut Community Center - 509 Great Rd in Stow March 4, 2026 at 7PM.
 

Valentine’s Day Pot Roast Dinner Fund Raiser at
Hudson First United Methodist Church

SAVE THE DATE!!!!   On Saturday, February 14th, at 5:00pm, we are going to have a little something special to celebrate Valentine’s Day.  Those who have dined with us already know that First United Methodist Church has a reputation for serving wonderful dinners.   This will be a sit-down dinner where you will enjoy our famously popular Pot Roast dinner with accompanying veggies, beverages and homemade Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. This annual dinner usually sells out and with limited seating, we urge you to pre-order, with payment, as soon as you can. You can still pay at the door or you may also purchase a meal to go!   Please make checks out to FUMC with “Valentine” in the subject area.  Drop off payment during the week.

To complete the festive holiday spirit, we are excited to have a return guest appearance of Tony Funches, one of the lead singers from Herb Reed’s  “The Platters”, known for hits like "Only You" (1955) and "The Great Pretender" (1956)    Be sure to put this in your calendars.

This is a fundraiser for our church and the cost is only $14.00 per person.  Invite your friends to come and enjoy this delightful evening.


First United Methodist Church is located over the hill off the Hudson Rotary at 34 Felton Street.
More information is available at 978-562-2932 or at our website http://www.hudsonfumc@gmail.com
 

State Agencies Announce Financial Education Grant Recipients
Massachusetts High Schools will use Funding to Host Financial Education Fairs for Students

BOSTON – The State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE), in partnership with the Division of Banks (DOB) and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), announced the 2025-2026 recipients of the Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant.

Following a competitive application process that concluded in November, the state agencies awarded grants to 92 schools, totaling $383,420.00. This funding will allow Massachusetts high schools and special education programs to host financial education fairs, known as Credit for Life Fairs, for their students.

Of the 92 recipient schools, twenty-four received funding as Seed Applicants and will host fairs for the first time.

For the third year, participating schools that have a large population of low-to-moderate income students will receive an additional $500. Twenty-five schools received this additional funding to bring much-needed financial education to students in the state’s most vulnerable communities.

“Credit for Life Fairs empower high school students with the tools they need to succeed,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “This year, we are supporting a record number of schools, helping young adults prepare to make informed financial decisions as they approach graduation and adulthood.”

“The Division of Banks is proud to support this initiative with another round of funding,” said Mary Gallagher, Commissioner of Banks. “With hands-on, high-quality lessons offered at these fairs, students can learn foundational financial management skills they can use into adulthood.”

“It is important for high school students to understand how to manage their personal finances so they can be successful in life,” said Layla R. D’Emilia, Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “Funding Credit for Life Fairs through these grants provides a fun, engaging, and productive environment for students to learn fiscal responsibility.”

Since 2015, over 65,000 Massachusetts students have attended Credit for Life Fairs. The Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant was established as an ongoing effort to strengthen access to financial literacy throughout Massachusetts. This financial education program is funded by the Division of Banks through a settlement over alleged unlawful lending practices.
Hudson Public Schools were awarded a $3200 grant.
 

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA
19 Carter Street, Berlin

 
Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5

Monday: A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Turn off your TV and stop by for 2 hours of pleasant tea and pleasantries, pastries with good company, and no politics!
Tuesday: Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday: Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: Office Hours with Melissa (Director of the Berlin COA) 10 – 11am (Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday: Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday: Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Thursday: Afternoon Games 2 - 4pm
Friday: Open Art Studio & Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday: Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday: Social 10am - 1pm
Office Hours w Senator Kennedy’s team Every second Wednesday of the month at 11am – 12pm

Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!

FEBRUARY 15-21, 2026

Sunday, February 15, 6pm – 8:30pm | Jazz Jam
Improvise in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. Players & listeners welcome. Email Ken at ken@parrishworks.net with questions. Suggested donation: $5

Monday, February 16 | We are open on President's Day!

Tuesday, February 17, 2:15pm | Book Club: While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams
Join 19 Carter's Book Club! All are welcome to stop by and join the discussion. For more info email Ann Ribbens: annri1951@yahoo.com. Suggested donation: $5

Tuesday, February 17, 7pm | Jazz Ensemble Workshop
We'll analyze, discuss and listen to various different jazz charts and improvise together as an ensemble! Class time will be split between instruction and playing.
Schedule:  6 two-hour sessions. Tuesdays:  7:00pm – 9:00pm.  Dates: Feb. 17, March 3, March 17, March 31, April 14, April 28
Cost: $150 for 6 sessions (Practical Music Theory book included). Scholarships available - if price is a barrier, call 978-415-0014 for more information. Learn more & register at 19Carter.org.

Friday, February 20, 6:30pm | Movie Night: Fantasia 2000
Tickets: $15 (includes pizza, popcorn, and salad!) Reserve tickets at 19Carter.org. Reservations required by 3:00 pm on the day of screening. Sponsored by Cordelia's Farm & Berlin’s Council on Aging. 
 
Coexisting with bears

Talk: Coexisting With Bears
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 1:30-2:30 pm

Did you know that there are black bears in Westborough? On Sunday, Feb. 15 at 1:30, join the Westborough Community Land Trust at a fascinating talk by Meghan Crawford, the Community Engagement Biologist at MassWildlife. Meghan will discuss black bear biology and research, and help us understand how to safely live alongside these gentle giants.
This slide talk is free and open to the public, no reservation needed.

Location: Tatnuck Bookseller meeting room, 18 Lyman St, Westborough, MA.
Before leaving check https://westboroughlandtrust.org/ for cancellations.
For questions contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Wakefield Blood Donor Wins Super Bowl Tickets and Travel
Lifelong New England fan rewarded for making a lifesaving gift

BOSTON (Feb. 4) — The first professional football game Eric Jellison attends in person will be Super Bowl LX, thanks to a blood donation he made earlier this month.

Eric has been a blood donor most of his life, but it was his donation on January 2 near his home in Wakefield that became a game-changer. Eric was randomly selected from a nationwide pool of donors to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX, along with tickets to the game and pre-game activities, the Super Bowl Experience and a $1000 gift card. The package was part of a partnership between the Red Cross and the NFL to thank football fans for giving the gift of life.

Eric, though, has an even bigger motivation for giving blood. He experienced a traumatic injury at a young age and needed blood transfusions. As soon as he was old enough to become a blood donor, he made a promise to continue giving blood with the Red Cross, an organization he credits for saving his life.

“If the simple act of donating blood did what it did for me,” Eric said, “how could I not pay it forward?”

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood. Donors of all blood types, especially those with types O, A negative and B negative blood and those giving platelets, are urged to give now to help people who rely on transfusions for medical care. 

Become a Tutor of English

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English?  Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools or the medical profession.  But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor.  Tutors often speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the challenges facing those who are adapting to ours.

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled.  ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on March 9.  The class will meet on five consecutive Monday mornings, 9-12.  The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the desire to share your knowledge of English.  The training is free, although it is necessary to purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they “meet” with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection.

For more information or to enroll in the tutor-training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.
Littleton susan harvey

Littleton's Susan Harvey to Speak on New England’s Economic Ties to theTransatlantic Slave Trade

Susan Harvey is a direct descendant of the Morse family, first settlers of Newbury in1635. Her interest in learning about the effects of the transatlantic slave trade on Newburyport and Massachusetts stems from her teaching United States History at Littleton High School in Littleton, MA, where she also resides. The research she conducted at the Newburyport Public Library Archival Center represents the core material used for her master's thesis in history from Fitchburg State University: Slavery in Massachusetts: A descendant of early settlers investigates the connections in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Mrs. Harvey believes we have been asking the wrong questions about slavery in New England because we had no slave plantations here as existed in the southern states. It is our economic ties to the transatlantic slave trade that implicates New England in the monumental tragedy that took the lives of millions of human beings and, in doing so, formed the basis of America's economy. She will discuss the ways in which New England facilitated and benefitted from the slave trade and how the trade led to the racism in America today.

As she approached the topic of northern slavery, her initial questions were: was my family involved in the slave trade, and if so, how? These are questions that people all over New England are beginning to ask themselves as new information comes to light and new scholarship on the topic of northern slavery is published.

Talk to be held Saturday, February 14, 11AM, in the Vestry at First Church Unitarian,19 Foster Street, Littleton, MA. To be followed by a  Bring Your Own Lunch. Sponsored by the Women's Alliance of First Church Unitarian, Littleton

Sculpt This Space
a Call for Art to Massachusetts sculptors

The West Concord Cultural District Committee is launching a new project.  After sponsoring murals, sidewalk decals, the Poetry Phone, the painting of signal boxes and Porchfest, we are issuing a Call for Art for our first sculpture project.  The winning piece will be on display for one year (with the option to be renewed) at Junction Park, which is near the corner of Main Street and Commonwealth Avenue.  Junction Park is steps away from the West Concord MBTA rail stop and beside the path of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.  With gardens tended by the local Green Thumbs gardeners and benches that invite walkers and riders to stop and rest, we hope that the sculpture will reflect the love of nature and the peace it brings while also inviting people to enter the park and our cultural district.
The Call for Art is open to all Massachusetts artists aged 18 and over, working individually or in teams.  The deadline for applications is April 3, with the intention that installation will be completed by late summer.  The artist will receive a $4000 stipend.  For project guidelines and application, please go to https://tinyurl.com/West-Concord-Sculpture.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

     Last Saturday was another bitterly cold day in Hudson; four hearty donors showed up and brought donations for our furniture bank - thank you!!  Most of our scheduled clients showed up to pick out and pick up furniture and furnishings for their new homes.
     At present we have only two rugs to give to clients so if you have extra rugs in good condition, please bring them to us.   We accept furniture and household items on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30 and non-furniture items also on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00-Noon. Check the link above for our location and lists of what we do and do not accept.  Donations do not need to be new but they do need to be in good condition (if you would not give it to a good friend, don’t give it to us!)
     Besides rugs, we are very low on bath towels and hand towels, bath mats, shower curtains, queen size sheets and COMFORTERS!!  Baby, it’s COLD outside!
     Also, we need roasting pans, baking pans, pie plates, serving bowls and platters and drinking glasses.
     Our website has more information on how to help; the green DONATE button will take you to a drop-down list showing Donate Items, Donate Funds, Shop Wishlists, Run a Drive and Donation receipts.
     Thank you for your help; Keep warm and safe!

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

STOW COA LOOKING FOR FITNESS INSTRUCTORS

The Stow Council on Aging has openings for fitness (movement) instructors to teach group classes. Specifically, at this time we are looking to replace a long-time instructor who was teaching Senior Aerobics and Stretch&Flex 3 days a week (M-W-F) year-round.  There are other opportunities for class offerings that can meet once or twice a week, morning, or afternoon, depending on instructor preference and room availability. Classes are 45-60 minutes long and typically focus on strength training, flexibility, and low-impact cardio, but other formats will be considered. Experience teaching older adults is required. Certifications or interest in obtaining certifications preferred. Liability insurance required.  Interested applicants should email the Office Manager at COAAdminAsst@Stow-MA.gov for more information.
February events at fpc

EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH


Our building at 353 Great Road, Stow is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is free parking.
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.
Guest Table Community Dinner, Friday, Feb 13, 5:30PM
Please join us Friday, February 13 for our next dinner. We offer options made with 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 email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.
Game Night, Friday February 13, 7-9PM
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

Carnival Games - Winter Games Fest, Saturday, February 28, Noon to 4PM
Stow, MA, Saturday February 28th – An afternoon of indoor fun for the whole family will take place in Stow on Saturday February 28th from noon to 4 p.m. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will offer carnival games, face painting, and snacks and beverages. The carnival games take place from noon to 4pm.
Admission is free, carnival game tickets are $1 each, and the cost to play a game is 1 ticket.

We have over three dozen carnival games. including a life-size "whack-a-mole", pop bottle standup, plinko, life size tetris, and an "impossible" giant slidey puzzle. Many of the games are life size wooden games built by FPC members and youth. There are games with different levels of difficulty for kids from age 2 to adults young at heart. We will have stuffed animal prizes (every child goes home with at least 1 prize). Popcorn, cookies, lemonade and more will be available for purchase.

Parent/guardian supervision is required during the carnival games. Email dre@fpc-stow-acton.org with any questions about the event. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

HUDSON DEMOCRATS TO HOLD CAUCUS!

On Saturday, February 28 at 12:00pm, Hudson Democrats will convene at the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson, Knight Room, 80 Main St., Hudson to elect 11 delegates and 4 alternates to represent Hudson at the 2026 Massachusetts State Democratic Convention, to be held in person at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA, on Friday, May 29th, and Saturday, May 30th. Individuals aged 16 and above who have registered or pre-registered as Democrats in Hudson may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Eligible voters not yet registered as Democrats may register at the caucus.

Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/massdems-convention. Doors and registration opens at 11:30am.

Those with questions or interested in getting involved with the Hudson Democratic Town Committee should contact Ellen Church at 
hudsonmadtc@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA

 
19 Carter Street, Berlin
Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!

FEBRUARY 8-14, 2026

Sunday, February 8, 2pm | Armchair Traveler: Riding the Rails from Worcester to San Francisco
Join Lee Tabor as he recounts a 4-day, 3-night trip on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and the legendary California Zephyr from Worcester to San Francisco! Cost: Free!

Monday, February 9, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Tuesday, February 10, 1:30pm | Chat with Public Health Nurses Susie + Sandi!
Stop by to chat with Public Health Nurses Susie Thompson and Sandi Richard over tea or coffee. All are welcome.
Friday, February 13, 7pm | Open Mic
Join our supportive and inclusive open mic! Hosts Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli will support with professional sound, a welcoming vibe, and a piano. Performers must sign up in advance by emailing LoriDiamondMusic@gmail.com. Sign up window opens 6pm the Wednesday before the event. Suggested donation: $5 

Saturday, February 14, 10am | Parody Playhouse
A dynamic music and movement program for ages 0-6 that supports early childhood development with parodies of iconic artists like The Beatles, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, and more! Suggested donation: $5

Saturday, February 14, 7:30pm | Rioflow Trio
Join us for a special Valentine's day concert celebrating the love of friendship, the earth and community featuring the Rioflow Trio! Enjoy Latin American grooves with styles such as bossa nova, Afro-Peruvian festejo, rumba flamenca, and Afro-Caribbean vibes. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door at 19Carter.org
Friends of emerson health2

Friends of Emerson Health's EmerSong Event

8th Annual EmerSong A Cappella Festival 
Saturday, March 7, 2026
2 Showtimes: 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
51 Walden Performing Arts Center, Concord, MA

The Friends of Emerson Health is proud to announce the return of EmerSong, an a cappella festival.

Gather your family and friends and buy your tickets today for this popular community event. Please consider making a donation or becoming an EmerSong Friend!

All tickets are $35. Proceeds support Behavioral and Mental Health services at Emerson Health.

Performers include:
BroadBand
Take Notes - Concord Carlisle High School
Peanut Butter & Jelly - Lexington High School
Radcliffe Pitches
Up the Octave - Brandeis University
The Works
sQ! - Tufts University

Seating is limited; all tables can seat up to four people. Drinks are available for purchase at the 7:30 PM show.

For more information, visit: EmersonHealth.org/EmerSong or email emersonauxiliary@gmail.com. 
Heritage chorale

Heritage Chorale 2026 Pops Concert on February 21

Join us for Heritage Chorale's 2026 Pops Concert, Page to Stage: A Literary Journey, on February 21 at 7pm at Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive in Framingham. This year's Pops Concert features a variety of songs from Broadway shows whose origins are from literature. Some may be familiar, such as Get Me to the Church on Time and The Impossible Dream, while others may be wonderfully new to the listener. Percussion, piano, and other instrumentation will add to the enjoyment of this musical adventure. For more details and ticket information, please visit www.heritagechorale.org.
Historian to speak

Littleton Historian to Speak at Women's Alliance Meeting

Littleton historian Susan Harvey will speak on New England’s economic ties to the transatlantic slave trade at the Women’s Alliance Meeting Saturday, February 14 at 11AM.
Mrs. Harvey believes we have been asking the wrong questions about slavery in New England because we had no slave plantations here as existed in the southern states. It is our economic ties to the transatlantic slave trade that implicates New England in the monumental tragedy that took the lives of millions of human beings and, in doing so, formed the basis of America’s economy. She will discuss the ways in which New England facilitated and benefitted from the slave trade and how the trade led to the racism in America today. As well, she explores her own family’s part in this history of northern slavery.
All are welcome to this insightful talk, held in the vestry at First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster Street, Littleton, MA. To be followed by a Bring Your Own Lunch. This meeting will be a hybrid meeting; if you can’t make it in person, contact Rochelle Chambless for a link to the online version of the meeting at rochellecham@gmail.com.
What behaviors tell us3

What Behaviors Tell Us: Understanding Your Child's Communication - Feb. 26

Please join First Connections for a free presentation by Concord Children's Center Educators on What Behaviors Tell Us: Understanding Your Child’s Communication on Thursday, February 26, 7-8:00 pm. Early childhood experts invite you to a warm and informative panel discussion exploring how young children use behavior to communicate their needs, emotions, and developing skills. Our panel will share real-life examples, practical strategies, and guidance to help families better understand what children are trying to “say” through their actions. You’ll learn what your child might be trying to tell you—and how to respond in ways that build connection (and maybe save your sanity). Come with your questions and leave with tools to deepen your understanding of your child’s world. Register to receive the zoom link by emailing Linda at lmatthews@jri.org. This program is funded by a grant from Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care.

Valentine's Family Karaoke Party
Friday, February 13, 5-8PM

Join us the 2nd annual Valentine's Family Karaoke Party Join us for a night of making music and making friends! There will be pizza and baked goods (including vegan and gluten-free options), non-alcoholic beverages, candy and prizes in several categories (Best Solo, Best Duo, Best Group, Best Love Song, Best "You Done Me Wrong" Song) Bring your voice and come join the fun from 5 to 8pm, Friday, February 13, 2026, First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster Street, Littleton. We had so much fun last year, we had to do it again! $5 per person/$20 per family, Cash and Venmo accepted. Parking available on street, behind the fire department, and at the Castle in the Trees Playground parking lot on King St.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
www. Freshstartfurniturebank.org

 Are you enjoying the arctic blasts?  It is certainly making things challenging for everyone!  At Fresh Start, we closed a couple weeks ago due to the extreme cold. But last Saturday, with the temperature still below 10°, we were open and donors came to us with their furniture and household goods.  The donor intake crew took turns unloading donor items and ducking inside to get warm.

We need:
-Rugs
-Pristine or new Mattresses
-Table Lamps
-Kitchen Starter Sets (cutting boards, can openers, slotted spoons, colanders, etc)
-Shower curtains and rings
-Towels

     We also can use more volunteers, especially those who are bilingual. We are having volunteer Open house dates on March 14 and 19th at 11 AM to see our facility and to fill out paperwork.
      Thank you for helping us to help others!
Old north church

Get a Sneak Peek of America’s 250th Exhibit at Old North Church Historic Site This February School Vacation
Opens Saturday, Feb. 14 to Saturday, Feb. 21

BOSTON – Step into the story that launched a revolution. During February School Vacation Week, Old North Church Historic Site invites students, families, and history lovers to be among the first to experience new additions to its exhibit celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. As the nation looks ahead to July 4, 2026, there’s no better place to explore the origins of American independence than the site where Paul Revere’s famous “one if by land, and two if by sea” lanterns were hung.
Located in the heart of Boston’s North End, Old North offers a fun, immersive, and educational vacation-week experience. Visitors can explore the soaring 18th-century church, discover new semiquincentennial content, and connect classroom lessons to the real places where history happened.
Designated a Site of Conscience by the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience in 2023, Old North Church Historic Site brings Revolutionary-era history together with stories that inspire curiosity, conversation, and civic engagement  — making it an ideal School Vacation destination for learners of all ages.
The historic site, which is typically closed to the public during the winter season, will be open Feb. 14 through Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m (open 12:30 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15). Families can take advantage of a $10 combo ticket, which includes admission to the church, an immersive audio guide, and a self-guided tour of the historic crypt, where more than 1,100 people are buried. Tours of the Bell Chamber and the Balcony will also be offered periodically throughout the day. For more information, visit: www.oldnorth.com. 

Newly Reinstalled Modern & Contemporary Art Galleries to Open with Well Known & Never Before Seen Artworks

Free, open to the public, & on view at the Davis Museum on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
WELLESLEY, MASS. (February 2026) - In spacious, newly-reinstalled galleries on the fifth floor of the Davis Museum at Wellesley College, the public is invited to see modern and contemporary works of art by well-known artists Willem de Kooning, Lee Krasner, Daniela Rivera, Horace Pippin, and Judith Rothschild, among others, beginning Feb. 6. The galleries have been closed for several years, but now the 2,606-square-foot space will house some notable works as well as some never-before-seen works that are coming out of storage to hang in the larger galleries longterm.
“To select works for the top floor installation, I reviewed over 900 works – mainly paintings and sculptures – in the permanent collection, created over the last century, emphasizing some classics and favorites, but also trying to bring forth things that had never been placed on view, like a fantastic and critical vision of the modern department store by Irving Norman, or a glazed ceramic vessel by studio potter (and former Dadaist) Beatrice Wood,” said James Oles, Adjunct Curator of Latin American Art and Associate Teaching Professor in Art, who curated the new gallery spaces known as Harold and Estelle Newman Tanner Gallery and Lawrence and Ina Lee Brown Ramer Gallery.
Among the paintings and works of art that Dr. Amanda Gilvin, the Davis’s Interim Co-Director, Sonja Novak Koerner ‘51 Senior Curator of Collections and Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, most looks forward to seeing are: Irving Norman’s Labyrinth (1955); Sonia Delaunay-Terk’s Electric Prisms, (1913) and Judith Rothschild’s Curious Personage (ca. 1947-49). Notable works by artists Olga Albizu, Theo van Doesburg, Roland Dorcely, Yvette Mayorga, László Moholy-Nagy, Magdalene Odundo, and Adrian Piper will also be on view.
The newly reinstalled galleries, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, reflect how faculty teach art across the disciplines at Wellesley College. Instead of a chronological organization, the sections address themes that emerge from the college’s curriculum and the collection’s strengths: Modern Fragments, The Label, An Eye for Materials, Plane and Grid, Dream and Gesture, and Contemporary Art.
In Modern Fragments, select paintings and sculptures suggest just a few of the ways that artists reacted to the radical upheavals that characterized the modern age. A Label reminds visitors to read texts that they encounter in museums critically. Artworks in An Eye for Materials share nothing beyond an experimental embrace of materials.
“From the start of this project I wanted to involve students,” Oles said, adding the project’s four student employees wrote wall labels for the galleries and learned about the curatorial process. “They wrote (and signed!) many of the object labels, including those for our 1966 painting by Willem de Kooning, where they came up with three very different interpretations.”
The Davis Museum’s collection is especially strong in post-World War II abstraction from the Americas. Plane and Grid features artists whose primary focus was on precision and calculation, and on grids and systems as governing structures. Meanwhile, Dream and Gesture unlocks personal, emotional, and even unconscious forces. The artists featured in Contemporary Art all remain active in the art world, and the selected works all entered the collection in the past 15 years. They reveal the Museum’s expanding aspiration to represent voices from the entire globe, as well as from diasporic communities in the United States. These contemporary works challenge standard narratives while also forging connections with objects elsewhere in the collection, from all periods.
The gallery restoration was made possible with funds from the Mellon Endowment for Academic Programs, Helyn MacLean Program Fund for Contemporary and South Asian Art, Amos W. Stetson Fund, Mary Tebbets Wolfe ’54 Davis Museum Program Fund, and Wellesley College’s Friends of Art. A label writing workshop with Juening Mao ‘26, Elle Scheffel ‘26, Ruofan Wang ‘27, and Alesia Zhou ‘26, received the generous support of the Art Department.
The Davis Museum is free and open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 781-283-2051 or visit https://www1.wellesley.edu/davismuseum/visit/directions.

YOUTH PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW – “HELP WANTED”

Minute Man Air Field’s Youth Aviation Leadership Program currently has over a dozen youth involved running ground and safety operations for Young Eagles rallies, cultivating leadership skills, and progressing their aviation journeys. This program has a continued need for adult volunteers to help with event coordination and communications. No aviation experience necessary! If you’re interested, please email youngeagles@eaa196.org, or better yet, drop into ‘Hangar Talk’ on the first Saturday at 9am in the Chapter Pilot Lounge for a snack and conversation.
Hudson high school drama2

Hudson High School Drama Society Presents Mamma Mia January 30-31

"Honey, Honey," you do NOT want to say this weekend's show is "Slipping Through My Fingers!" HHS students perform Mamma Mia, a fun ABBA song-filled romp about Sophie, a young woman getting married in the Greek village where her single mom raised her, who has invited her 3 possible dads!
Whether you are a "Dancing Queen" or a "Super Trouper" - you will laugh, cheer, and enjoy each widely recognized tune. You know the "Winner Takes It All" so don't miss out on music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (with some songs by Stig Anderson) of the famous band ABBA.
Hudson High's actors will dazzle in this light-hearted and sweet production. The show is led by Director KG Spungen, Musical Director Parker Eastman, and Choreographer Rachel Shaw .

Shows are scheduled for Friday January 30 at 7pm, Saturday January 31 at 2pm and 7pm. All shows will be in the Paul "Skip" Johnson auditorium at Hudson High School, 69 Brigham Street in Hudson.

Tickets are not a lot of "Money, Money, Money" - only $15 (adults)/$10 (students & seniors) cash at the door or purchased ahead of time at //our.show/MammaMia2026. "Take A Chance On Me" and we will see you there! 
First parish church2

EVENTS and SERVICES AT FIRST PARISH CHURCH

Our building at 353 Great Road, Stow is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users. There is free parking.
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.
  • “What’s in a Name?” January 25: - Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum and Intern Minister Yaakov Trek Reef - In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare writes, “What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” As our congregation considers a name change, and in a culture that is persecuting people who choose name change, we’ll look at the power of naming and being able to choose a name. 


New Revival Coffee House, Saturday, Jan. 31, 7:30PM
Fiddler, Singer and Songwriter Kathleen Parks
Kathleen is a founding member of Twisted Pine, an ensemble that exists “somewhere in the ether between bluegrass and jazz.” Kathleen’s own songwriting leans toward Pop, Folk, and classic Jazz, while her virtuosic fiddle reflects countless hours of festival jams with a blend of traditional and modern musical styles.

Her deep grounding in Celtic and American roots music blends with her love for pop songwriting, funk rhythms, soulful vocals, and groove-based improvisation, making every performance unexpected yet familiar: a musical journey from beginning to end.
Tickets are $20 in advance at eventbrite.com and $25 at the door. For ticket links see the New Revival Coffeehouse web page.  For more info about Kathleen, see kathleenparksmusic.com.

The New Revival Coffeehouse is located at the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow MA 01775.  Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30.
Guest Table Community Dinner, Friday, Feb 13, 5:30PM
Please join us Friday, February 13 for our next dinner. We offer options made with 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 email fpcguesttable@fpc-stow-acton.org.

Game Night, Friday February 13, 7-9PM
All are welcome to FPC’s Multigenerational Game Night. Games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own game to share. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun! Email Chip with any questions at flyingsheep2010@gmail.com.

Carnival Games - Winter Games Fest, Saturday, February 28, Noon to 4PM
Stow, MA, Saturday February 28th – An afternoon of indoor fun for the whole family will take place in Stow on Saturday February 28th from noon to 4 p.m. First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will offer carnival games, face painting, and snacks and beverages. The carnival games take place from noon to 4pm.
Admission is free, carnival game tickets are $1 each, and the cost to play a game is 1 ticket.

We have over three dozen carnival games. including a life-size "whack-a-mole", pop bottle standup, plinko, life size tetris, and an "impossible" giant slidey puzzle. Many of the games are life size wooden games built by FPC members and youth. There are games with different levels of difficulty for kids from age 2 to adults young at heart. We will have stuffed animal prizes (every child goes home with at least 1 prize). Popcorn, cookies, lemonade and more will be available for purchase.
Parent/guardian supervision is required during the carnival games. Email dre@fpc-stow-acton.org with any questions about the event. FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Myles Above in Heaven Time Change

Time change for mother’s grief support group, Myles Above in Heaven, that is held at the Hudson library on the 3rd Saturday of each month.  Meetings will now begin at 11am and go to 1 pm.  The meetings previously started at 10:30am.
Threenagers2

"Threenagers" Live Webinar February 12

Ellie Springer, M.Ed., will present a live webinar through First Connections in Acton about "Threenagers." Around age 2 1/2-3, children's behavior becomes newly challenging and parents may wonder, "Who is this child?" Three year olds begin to fiercely assert their independence, while at other times cling to adults and want help with tasks they have been able to do on their own for months. They can have BIG emotions that change all the time, shifting from gleeful to devastated to furious within minutes. If you have a child in this stage, or about to enter it, join us to learn what is typical at this stage, how to support your child through it, and how to make life a little smoother for your family. To receive the Zoom link for this program being held on Thursday, February 12, 7-8:00 p.m., email Linda at lmatthews@jri.org.   This is a free program funded by the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care.
Assabet valley mastersingers2

Please Join the Assabet Valley Mastersingers for Our Second Formal Concert of Our 2025-2026 Season: “Lest We Forget”


Shrewsbury, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) is thrilled to announce its March
2026 concert in Shrewsbury, which features James Whitbourn’s “Annelies”, a composition
based on Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. This performance will stand as a tribute to
Holocaust survivors honoring voices of resilience, memory, and hope.

Event Date: March 8th, 2026
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center (378 Main Street), Shrewsbury, MA
Artistic Director: Dr. Robert Eaton
Soprano: Jess Huetteman

About the Event
“Annelies” is a 75-minute choral work for soprano soloist, choir and instrumentalists that was composed by British composer James Whitbourn. The libretto is compiled and translated by Melanie Challenger from The Diary of Anne Frank. Movements from Annelies were first performed at the National UK Holocaust Memorial Day in Westminster Hall in London in January of 2005 and the world premiere of “Annelies” was given on April 5th, 2005 at the Cadogan Hall,
London.
The piece is divided into fourteen movements and there will be no intermission during this performance. In addition to choral and soprano soloist scoring, the instrumental portion is scored for both larger full symphony orchestra and a smaller chamber version. AVM will perform the version scored for a full orchestra which is rare. The last time the work was publicly performed was in 2022 by Princeton Pro Musica.
James Whitbourn passed away in early 2024 and “Annelies” remains one of his most renowned compositions. In fact, a recording by the Westminster Williamson Voices in 2014 was nominated for a Grammy award under the Best Choral Performance category, which was one of four Grammy nominations for Whitbourn during his lifetime. This performance of “Annelies” is enriched by remarks from Holocaust survivors, honoring their voices and enduring resilience.

Ticket Information:
● General Admission: $25.00
● Senior/Student Price: $20.00
● Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult.

Tickets can be purchased online at .https://www.avmsingers.org/events/lest-we-forget.
AVM is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program, which grants EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders access to steeply discounted tickets from a variety of arts, humanities, and science organizations across the Commonwealth. Cardholders may order up to four tickets online by applying the promo code MASSCTOC and selecting manual payment type. The same discounted costs, $5.00 for general or $4.00 for senior/student admission, are payable at the concert for preordered, or onsite-requested CTOC tickets
Annual free family concert

Worcester Chamber Music Society
Presents Annual Free Family Concert March 8


January 15, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) is thrilled to present its Annual Free Family Concert on March 8, 2026, with a performance at 3:00pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.  Neighborhood Strings students will perform at the beginning of the concert. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
This year’s Family Concert is brought to you by the letter F. An afternoon of fairy tales, fables, family, friends, and fun is sure to delight the children in your lives (as well as your inner child). Four hands on one piano provide the musical setting for Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite. Navok’s Beauty and the Beast is the world premiere of a fantastic musical retelling of the classic fairy tale. Be sure to reserve your seats early because this one-time-only concert will reach capacity soon.
Sunday, March 8 @3PM
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
Generously sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank, Cornerstone Bank, Fidelity Bank, Unibank, and Country Bank. This concert is also funded in part by grants from the Shrewsbury Arts Council and the Worcester Arts Council, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Program
A special performance by Neighborhood Strings Maurice Ravel | Mother Goose Suite
Lior Navok | Beauty and the Beast  – world premiere performance

Featuring WCMS musicians:
Peter Sulski, violin
Mark Berger, viola
Ariana Falk, cello
Randall Hodgkinson, piano

With guests:
Lilit Hartunian, violin / Leslie Amper, piano
Venue is handicapped accessible.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Reserve early, since this event typically sells out quickly.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/fairy-tales-and-fables/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

Boston CASA Seeks Volunteers to Advocate for Foster Youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties

Virtual information session to take place on January 27 for those interested in joining the spring training cohort
BOSTON, Mass. (January 22, 2026) – Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is issuing an urgent call for volunteers to advocate on behalf of children in the foster care system. Currently, only 15% of eligible foster youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties have access to a CASA — a trained, court-appointed volunteer who provides consistent, one-on-one support and helps shape critical legal and life decisions.
“Imagine facing judges, rotating caseworkers, and endless transitions as a child, without one adult focused solely on what's best for you," said Nicole Stewart, Executive Director of Boston CASA and a former foster youth. "That's what foster youth experience. A CASA changes that equation. We're looking for volunteers prepared to show up consistently, advocate fiercely, and be the person a child can count on."
With virtual information sessions beginning January 27, Boston CASA encourages compassionate adults across the region to attend an upcoming session to learn how they can make a life-changing difference for a child.

What CASAs Do
Unlike mentors or service providers, CASAs are appointed by a judge to focus solely on the best interests of a child in foster care. Each CASA is matched with one child or sibling group and builds a consistent, trusted relationship by meeting with them regularly and staying involved for the duration of the case.
CASAs collaborate with teachers, doctors, foster parents, attorneys, and caseworkers to ensure the child’s needs are met, advocating for essential services, educational support, healthcare access, and permanent housing. They often become the one consistent adult in a child’s life, helping navigate a complex and ever-changing system.
CASAs are asked to commit at least 18 months to the role. Initial training requires 30 hours, with 12 hours of ongoing education each year. Once assigned to a case, volunteers typically dedicate 10 to 15 hours per month to their CASA work.

Why It Matters
The need is urgent:


According to a national study, 92% of judges say CASAs improve outcomes for children, and 83% say CASAs help ensure children receive essential services. But when a youth has a CASA, they are more likely to succeed in school, access vital services, and secure a stable, permanent home.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Have a deep desire to make a difference in a child’s life
  • Be 21 years or older
  • Commit to at least 18 months of service
  • Ability to meet with youth 1-2 times a month at their home or in community
  • Approach difficult situations with compassion and diplomacy
  • Keep personal beliefs separate from their advocacy role


Children in foster care come from all backgrounds, and Boston CASA is committed to building a volunteer community that reflects that diversity. While all are welcome to apply, we’re especially seeking volunteers who speak additional languages, identify as people of color, are men, or are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Your lived experience can make a powerful difference in a child’s life.

Upcoming Info Sessions
Attending an information session is required to apply for the organization’s next volunteer training cycle, which begins in the spring. These sessions will give you an overview of the organization and our work, the application and interview process, as well as more details about the training required to become a CASA.

Sessions will be held virtually on Zoom:
  • Tuesday January 27 12-1:00pm (Last info session before the March training)
  • Tuesday February 10 5:30-6:30pm


Sign up for an upcoming information session HERE. Research shows that just one consistent adult can change a child’s trajectory. For more information or to register for an info session, visit: https://bostoncasa.org/
Nashoba symphonic band

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND FEATURES TRUMPET RHAPSODY

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey continues its 10th Anniversary season on Saturday, February 7th at 2 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 in Bolton MA (GPS says Green Road). The concert is entitled “On Your Toes,” with most of its selections related to forms of dance.

The program opens with the ragtime dance, Ragged Rozey by veteran band composer Karl L. King, and continues with Warren Benson's haunting Solitary Dancer, and the captivating Italian Polka by Sergei Rachmaninov, scored by Erik Leidzen for the world-famous Goldman Band.

The featured work on the program is the Rhapsody for Trumpet and Wind Orchestra by Armenian composer, Alexander Arutiunian, performed by the NSB first chair trumpet player, Joseph Cosgrove.

The second half of the program opens with Choreography by Robert Sheldon. Sheldon's Wolves of Nashoba, commissioned by NSB, was premiered in May of 2025.
The program concludes with a rousing set of Symphonic Dances from Jerry Bock's timeless “Fiddler on the Roof.”

For further information, contact David Bailey (baileydavidwayne@gmail.com),
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School. It is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.

All Nashoba Symphonic Band events are free and open to the public.  
Hudson cultural council qr

Hudson Cultural Council Seeks New Members


HUDSON: The Hudson Cultural Council, appointed by the town’s Select Board, is looking for new members to help support the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences in our community. The Council’s Mission is to promote Hudson’s diverse heritage and to enhance cultural opportunities by supporting activities that enrich the lives of Hudson residents of all ages. The function of the board is to review grant applications and to award funds for projects that take place in Hudson and the surrounding area.
Following local and state guidelines the HCC recently awarded 17 grants totaling $23,247 to area organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of MetroWest, Symphony Pro Musica, the Hudson Cultural Alliance/Armory on the Assabet as well as to municipal agencies that include the Library, Division of Recreation, Public Schools and Health Department. Visit www.hudsonculturalcouncil.org or scan the QR code for details.
The Council meets five or six times a year during the evening with its next meeting scheduled for March 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. All are welcome to attend the meeting which will be posted on the town website.
Ready to join the Council? Please fill out an interest form  via this link or pick one up at the Town Clerk’s office.  As a voting member, you will share your ideas and knowledge to help shape and enrich Hudson’s vibrant cultural scene.
Email the council at hudsonculturalcouncil@gmail.com with any questions about becoming a member.
Maynard winter celebration!

Maynard Cultural Council and Maynard Business Alliance Sponsor the 
Third Annual Maynard Winter Celebration!
Ice Carving Demonstration, Free Kids’ Movie, Crafts, Food, and Fun!


Maynard, MA…Residents of Maynard and neighboring towns are invited to a celebration of all things winter on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Veterans Memorial Park in Maynard with a movie beginning at 12:30 PM and outdoor activities beginning at 2:00 PM.

Families will enjoy a free, special showing of Happy Feet at Maynard Fine Arts Theatre sponsored by Smith & Finley Homes.  After that, the afternoon is full of crafts, events and refreshments for people of all ages to enjoy.   The featured event of the afternoon will be an ice sculpting demonstration in Memorial Park.  Previous years have revealed some friendly penguins and polar bears breaking through the ice; what visitors will this year’s sculpture bring?  Come and find out!

Bens’ Raclette will be on hand to please the palate, along with El Huipil who’ll be there with churros and hot chocolate.  Hearty chili from Maynard Village Pizza will warm the chill, while Amory’s Tomb will pour you a cold one or offer cozy comfort with mulled cider. (Food and drink will be available for purchase.)

A winter-themed craft at Felixology will also include hot chocolate in the snug, comforting atmosphere that comes with being surrounded by books, books, books. And who can get enough books? Nobody! That’s why the Maynard Public Library will be holding a storytime with Casey.

The afternoon is free for everyone, so come enjoy the brisk January air, warmed by the company of friends and neighbors.

For more information and a full schedule of events visit: DiscoverMaynard.com

Free Pasta Friendship Dinner at
Hudson First United Methodist Church

 
The First United Methodist Church of Hudson will be offering its FREE Pasta Friendship Dinner, prepared and served by our local Boy Scouts, Troop 2, on Saturday, January 24th, at 5:00 pm.  We are so pleased to have the Boy Scouts, who meet at this church, wishing to serve the Hudson community in this way.  This is one of our most asked for meals and everyone loves the spaghetti, meatballs and sausage served with salad, drinks and desserts!

Invite family, friends and neighbors for an evening of great tasting food, laughter and fellowship.

Friendship Dinners are served the fourth Saturday of every month and are free and open to everyone.

First United Methodist Church is located over the hill off the Hudson Rotary at 34 Felton Street.
More information is available at 978-562-2932 or at our website http://www.hudsonfumc@gmail.com
Lwv acton margaret kennedy

LWV Acton Area launches ‘Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative’ Fund


League of Women Voters - Acton Area (includes Hudson & Stow) announces the establishment of the Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative Fund in honor of Marge’s passionate commitment to social justice. This multi-year initiative, funded by a generous bequest at her death in December 2022, will continue her commitment to social justice via annual events, public forums, speaker series, and other community building programs.
Margaret (Marge) Kennedy was a long-time League member who served in almost every leadership position, although her greatest satisfaction came from her commitment to educate about the needs of the oppressed and build a sense of belonging in our community.
In addition to her commitment to the League, she actively supported other organizations that promoted affordable housing, meeting basic needs, combating domestic violence and intolerance, and ensuring rights for everyone in our communities.
The League will launch this important initiative by hosting a forum entitled “Restoring the Promise, A Discussion About Immigration Policy and the Path Forward.” It will be led by immigration attorney Antonio Massa Viana who writes, “‘Restoring the Promise’ is a nonpartisan, community-based discussion . . . that invites participants to reflect on the impact of current immigration policies, the ways immigration has shaped our nation, and the constitutional questions that affect both non-citizens and U.S. citizens alike.” It will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 2 to 3:30 PM EST at the Acton Town Hall, Rm 204.  The event is free and open to the public.  It will be televised on Acton TV or you can participate interactively via Zoom. The link and more information about Atty Viana and the forum’s agenda will be shared closer to the date, so keep watching this space!
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state and national government. The League develops positions on issues, but does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. In addition to our long tradition of providing important voter information services, we strive to raise awareness and provide accurate information on social issues such as Immigration Reform to equip voters to make informed choices when voting.
Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information about the League and how to become a member.

STOW VETERANS GRAVES COMMITTEE - NOTICE OF VACANCY (Two Members)

The Town of Stow is seeking applications to fill two vacancies on the Veterans Grave Committee.
Duties: Support Memorial Day Parade planning as required, including attending planning meetings, usually two (2) per year. Coordinate support from Stow Fire Department (Color Guard) and Police Department (traffic control) and Boy and Girl Scouts and consult with Veterans Agent.
Qualifications: Registered voter, with preference given to honorably discharged veterans.
Term: Appointment by Select Board, each for one-year term ending June 30, 2026.
Application: The Select Board will accept applications until the positions are filled.

If you are interested, please use the application form on the Town of Stow website (https://www.stow-ma.gov/897/Volunteer-Openings-and-Committee-Vacanci), found on the Board and Committee Vacancies page. Questions may be directed to the Select Board office at selectboard@stow-ma.gov or by calling 978-897-4515.
Worcester chamber music society 2

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents February 1 Concert in Worcester

January 20, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th Season with a concert titled “Shadow & Light” at Assumption University’s Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall on February 1, which features distinguished guest artist Edwin Barker, former longtime principal bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A reception will follow the concert. Two talented female composers shine brilliantly on this concert, having emerged from the shadows of obscurity. Sofia Gubaidulina defied the Soviet authorities’ artistic demands and was virtually unknown in the West until the 1980s. Despite favorable comparisons to Ravel, Bloch, and Debussy, Rebecca Clarke languished in obscurity until only recently. Wildly popular in its time, Beethoven’s septet in some ways stole the spotlight, overshadowing in his lifetime what he considered some of his greatest works.
Sunday, February 1 @4PM
Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @3:30 PM
Program
Sofia Gubaidulina | Sonata for Double Bass and Piano
Rebecca Clarke | Piano Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven | Septet
Venues are handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/shadow-and-light/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.