Action Unlimited

Westford/Littleton

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Current Edition - 9/25/26
Westford/Littleton
Just click below on the paper you want to read. You can read life-size by clicking on the four corner box bottom right, then turn pages with mouse at corners just like you would if paper!

Current Edition - 9/18/26

HEADLINES

Littleton country fair

Family Fun at the Country Fair, Saturday, Oct. 3, 10am-2pm

The famous Littleton Country Fair happens Saturday, Oct. 3 at 19 Foster St., 10 am to 4 pm. Plan to spend a day, not a fortune. Start at the ginormous giant yard sale; cross the street to the Country Store with homemade jams and crafts. Stay for lunch at the cafe with homemade BBQ lunch and vegan/gluten free entrees. Find some new-to-you earrings, necklaces, bobbles and bangles and browse a huge room of pre-read books for all ages. Free admission and free parking for everyone are guaranteed.
Kids will have a lallapaloosa shopping at the yard sale, enjoy free face painting and free arts and crafts at a quiet nook beside the church. For the mystical, expert Tarot Card readers will be available, and short Reiki treatments are offered.
“We create an affordable family-friendly event for all ages. You’ll see our mark on reduce-reuse-recycle at the yard sale, book room and jewelry booth, at the box to donate gently used sneakers of all sizes to be reused by Got Sneakers?” said Susan Tordella, co-chairperson of the event.
The event happens inside and outside First Church Unitarian, which donates 10 percent of the profits to a local non-profit. Find the book room upstairs and the cafe downstairs. The bake table is outdoors where homemade scones will be ready at 10 am, with coffee available too.
The Country Fair dates to the late 1800s when the Unitarian Women’s Alliance started making and selling jam with their summer fruit bounty. “Since then, we have embraced our motto of ‘Spend a day, not a fortune,’ and putting our environmental awareness into practice with the Trash and Treasure booth full of a humongous array of household and kitchen goods, toys, tools, sporting goods, Bric-a-brac, art, small appliances and furniture,” Tordella said.
Come early for the best selections at the yard sale and our famous homemade jams, jellies and pickles and crafts. The jewelry tables attract a cluster of people from the opening bell and you’ll find something that appeals to your style. Every booth accepts cash and most take VENMO and credit cards. Donations of gently used sneakers will be accepted for recycling by Got Sneakers.
Donations from the community of yard sale items, jewelry and books will be accepted Friday, Oct. 2 from 2-6 pm, and 7-9 am on Oct. 3. PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT accept TVs, car seats, computer monitors, or artificial Christmas trees. All contributions are tax-deductible, to benefit First Church Unitarian of Littleton, which awards 10 percent of income to a Littleton non-profit. Email questions to fair@fculittle.org. Hope to see you there for a fun, frugal, delicious time.

Our Climate. Our Future. Our Choices.
From Climate Science to Local Action

 
Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 PM, First Parish Church United, 48 Main Street, Westford
FREE and ALL ARE WELCOME

What does the latest climate science tell us about our future – and what can communities like Westford do about it? Join Westford Climate Action for an engaging presentation featuring Dr. Jeffrey Basara,  Department Chair and Professor of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at UMass Lowell.

UMass Lowell is a national leader in sustainability research and education. Since 2019, the university has received more than $120 million in research funding focused on climate, sustainability and related areas. Its Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy brings together faculty, students and researchers from across the university to turn climate and energy research into innovation and real-world solutions. The Institute’s goal is to create blueprints for human-scale sustainability in communities throughout our region and across the world.

What does this mean for our communities?
Dr. Basara will connect the latest climate science with the challenges and opportunities facing communities today. He will explore:
  • What the latest climate science tells us—and why action matters now
  • Breakthrough climate and energy research underway at UMass Lowell
  • How the Rist Institute is turning research into innovation and solutions
  • Education and career opportunities for the next generation of climate and sustainability leaders
  • How Westford and other communities can partner with UMass Lowell on climate action

Dr. Basara's research examines the complex connections among weather, climate, water and ecosystems, with particular emphasis on extreme precipitation and its impacts. He is also deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students and preparing the next generation of environmental and climate leaders. https://www.uml.edu/sustainability/  

Come learn about the science, discover what is happening at UMass Lowell, and explore how research, innovation and community engagement can translate into meaningful local climate action.
Join us for an informative evening—and a conversation about our climate, our future, and our choices.

This event is jointly sponsored by Westford Climate Action and Westford’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee.   https://westfordclimateaction.org/
Aktober fest

Celebrate Fall in Style Right Here in Acton, Massachusetts!


Acton Parks and Recreation is teaming up with some amazing partners, including Boston Events and Harpoon Brewery, to bring you the first-ever “A”KTOBERFEST – Rhythm & Brews Festival at NARA Park!
Get ready for an afternoon packed with live music by three different bands, festive food offerings, local brews, vendors, games and plenty of fun for all ages!
We’ll have a Biergarten, Bavarian-inspired food, live music throughout the day, food trucks and vendors, plus contests and games for all ages. Test your strength in the Keg Toss or see how long you can last in the Stein Hoist!
Admission is FREE to enter this event.  We’re having a huge fall-themed inflatable area (Unlimited ride Wristbands for inflatables may be purchased for $10 pp.) games and activities throughout the festival!  Adults can relax, grab something to eat and drink, and enjoy the talented bands that will be performing throughout the event at the Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the brews, the family activities or all the above, there will be something for everyone.  Grab your friends, bring the family, and come celebrate fall with us at NARA Park!
“A”KTOBERFEST – Rhythm & Brews Festival, Sunday, September 27, 2026, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the NARA Park Amphitheater – Acton, MA - Rain or Shine!
Free parking for this event is located on the north side of NARA Park: 71 Quarry Road, Acton, MA. No rain date is planned.
Vendors Wanted:  Want to be part of the festival? We are currently accepting applications from vendors, artisans, community organizations and other businesses interested in joining us for the day. “A”KTOBERFEST is a great opportunity to showcase your business or organization while being part of one of Acton’s newest community events.
Volunteers Wanted: We are also looking for students, seniors and community members who would like to help make the event a success. Volunteer shifts will be available between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM and may include assisting with Event setup, Family activities and games, Festival operations, Guest assistance and Event breakdown.  Anyone interested in volunteering should contact TMichalski@actonma.gov.
Come join us make the first “A”KTOBERFEST – Rhythm & Brews Festival an event Acton will look forward to every fall!

The Town would like to thank our many event supporters who make all our summer events possible. As of Sept 14:  Gold Sponsors – Rockland Trust Bank, P. Sutherland Group - Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest, Acton Ford, Middlesex Savings Bank, Renewal by Anderson, Silver Sponsors – ActonTV, Bronze Sponsors – Eckel, Hoag & O’Connor, Northern Bank, Debra’s Natural Gourmet | Debra’s Next Door, The Pesce Network Dunkin’ and Jimmy John’s, Revolution Community Yoga, Basic Sponsors – Oak Hill Mulch, Open Door Education, SquashWest, Acton Lions Club, Prime Painting Supporters/IN KIND Donations – MacKinnon Printing

NARA Park is located off Rt. 27 at 25 Ledge Rock Way in Acton. The event parking area at the north end of NARA Park at 71 Quarry Road.   Handicap parking is available. All parking is on a first-come basis. For more information, visit: www.acton-ma.gov/events.

Friends of the Reuben Hoar Library Fall Book Sale October 16-18, 2026

Friday, October 16 from 4pm - 6pm Members only! Become a member ahead of time or at the door
Saturday October 17, 10am - 3pm All books $2-$3
Sunday, October 18, 10am - 3pm BAG DAY $5/bag
Have donations? Drop off donations from 10am-7pm on Weds, October 14 or Thursday, October 15. Please note the guidelines below!
Want to help? Sign up to set up the sale, sell books, or pack up after the sale. 

WA Marching Band Competition- 10/3

Westford Academy is hosting its third marching band competition on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Trustees Field at Alumni Stadium. Eight high school marching bands will come to WA to compete in the New England Scholastic Band Association’s circuit with an additional performance by the UMass Lowell Marching Band.
Concessions and refreshments will be available for purchase featuring Classic Kitchen Cafe, Westford Bakery, Presti Pizza, and Westford House of Pizza. This is a ticketed event- Adults $15, Seniors and Students $10. Cash preferred.
Please support your WA Marching Band by joining us on Oct. 3!

What Does Financial Fulfillment Actually Feel Like?

Feeling financially fulfilled means so much more than the number in your bank account. It's being able to take your family out to dinner without calculating whether you can afford it. It means sleeping soundly on a Sunday night, knowing that if the water heater gives out tomorrow, you can handle it.

Yet true fulfillment is surprisingly rare. Only 16% of Americans consider themselves financially fulfilled, according to a 2026 study by Edward Jones and Gallup. But it's more achievable than you might think.

Financially fulfilled people tend to share five habits:
  • One: They build an emergency fund.
  • Two: They create a retirement financial plan.
  • Three: They save intentionally for major milestones.
  • Four: They put an estate plan in place.
  • And five: They work with a financial advisor.


These aren't complicated steps. They're foundational, putting you in control. And when you take them, money can stop feeling like a source of stress and start supporting the life you want.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Alan Bell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 222 Great Road Suite 8 Littleton, MA, 978-486-1059. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Love to Sing? Come Join Us!

Shir Joy Chorus is holding open rehearsals from 6:30-8:30 on Sunday, Oct 4 and Monday, Oct 12th, at Congregation B'nai Shalom at 117 East Main St, Westborough. Anyone aged 14+ interested in potentially joining the chorus is welcome to experience a rehearsal firsthand. 
More information at https://www.shirjoychorus.com/

MetWinds to Debut New Music Director Gabe Southard at 56th Season Opening Concert
Fall concert “There’s a First Time for Everything”set for Nov. 1 in Lexington

LEXINGTON, MA Metropolitan Wind Symphony (MetWinds), the Greater Boston area’s premier community wind ensemble, opens its 56th season this fall with the debut performance of its new Music Director Dr. Robert “Gabe” Southard. Southard leads the 60+ member ensemble in concert on Sunday, November 1, 3 pm, in a performance fittingly titled “There’s a First Time for Everything,” at the Scottish Rite Museum, 33 Marrett Road, Lexington. A free pre-concert lecture begins at 2:30 pm.
Southard was selected as MetWinds’ new music director after a season-long search in which six finalists each guest conducted the ensemble in concert. He joined the faculty of Gordon College in 2022 as Associate Teaching Professor of Music, where he conducts the Gordon Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band. He previously served as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Hope College in Michigan, leading the Winds and Brass area and the Instrumental Music Education area, and earlier held posts as Wind Symphony conductor and flute instructor at the University of Michigan-Flint.
Regarding his appointment, Gabe said he is “looking forward to starting work with the MetWinds, continuing the group’s reputation for excellence, and bringing some new and exciting program ideas!”
Southard’s first program with MetWinds universally embraces the theme of beginnings. “There’s a First Time for Everything” celebrates the debut works of some of the concert band repertoire’s most significant voices, including John Mackey, Frank Ticheli, and Dana Wilson, each represented by the very first piece they wrote or arranged for band. Another work reaches back to Gustav Holst’s “First Suite in E flat,” the piece widely credited with establishing the wind band as a serious concert ensemble alongside the orchestra.
The full program includes Adam Gorb’s “Awayday”; Holst’s “First Suite in E flat for Military Band” (edited by Colin Matthews); John Mackey’s “Strange Humors”; Dana Wilson’s “Piece of Mind”; John Stevens’ “Benediction”; and Frank Ticheli’s “Postcard.”
Single tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $5 for students, and free for children under age 5, available on Eventbrite.
MetWinds participates in the Card to Culture Program. EBT, WIC and Health Connector cardholders who show their EBT, WIC or Health Connector card at the door pay only $2 per adult or $1 per child (age 5+). Children under age 5 are free. There is no admission limit per cardholder.Free parking is available on site, and the Scottish Rite Museum is barrier-free for easy access.

For tickets and more information, visit metwinds.org, and follow MetWinds on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Sea turtles 2

In Last Release of the Season, New England Aquarium Returns Final Two Rehabilitated Sea Turtles to the Ocean


BOSTON, MASS. (Sept. 16, 2026) – In its final release of the season, the New England Aquarium returned two endangered sea turtles to Massachusetts waters following nine months of intensive rehabilitative care.
A small crowd gathered along West Dennis Beach on Tuesday to bid farewell to the animals as they entered Nantucket Sound. “Young Frankenstein” and “Shelley Volante,” Kemp’s ridley sea turtles who received font-inspired names, stranded on the shores of Cape Cod in December 2025, suffering from life-threatening medical conditions related to hypothermia. They were the last two turtles remaining at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., from the 2025 cold-stunning season.
The Aquarium created individualized care plans for the turtles during their rehabilitation process. “Young Frankenstein” was diagnosed with hypoxic brain injury, which is a neurologic disease that occurs when the brain does not get enough oxygen to function properly. In July after seven months of dedicated care that included hundreds of hours of rehabilitative treatment and a regimen of steroids, antibiotics, and gastrointestinal medications, Aquarium veterinarians decided to pursue hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Advanced Veterinary Specialty Center of New England. The twice-weekly medical treatments involved placing the turtle in an oxygen chamber where the air pressure is two to three times higher than normal. The high level of oxygen helps heal injured brain tissue. After two weeks of treatments, “Young Frankenstein” made remarkable progress and was medically cleared to return to the wild.
“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used in sea turtles for other ailments, but this is the first documented use for treating hypoxic brain injury in them,” said Dr. Melissa Joblon, Director of Animal Health at the New England Aquarium. “It was remarkable to see the drastic improvement in Young Frank’s ability to navigate and forage for food, even after just two treatments.”
“We’re thrilled to see this turtle respond so well to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Watching a patient recover and return home is exactly why we do what we do,” said Dr. Stephanie Kube, a board-certified veterinary neurologist and owner of Advanced Veterinary Specialty Center in Walpole, Mass.
The second sea turtle released, “Shelley Volante,” had severe sepsis, bone infection, and inflammation of the muscle and fat, which required advanced imaging for diagnosis and surgical joint debridement. After aggressive treatment, the turtle was deemed healthy and ready to be released.
During the 2025 cold-stunning season, which occurred from early November to late December, the Aquarium treated nearly 500 live sea turtles, most of them Kemp’s ridleys, that were rescued from Cape Cod beaches by staff and volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Biologists and veterinary staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital collaborate to provide medical and rehabilitative care to the turtles for a variety of health conditions from pneumonia and dehydration to trauma.
Aquarium staff are now preparing for the next cold-stunning season, which will arrive this fall once the water temperature in Cape Cod Bay reaches 55 degrees. 

Princeton, MA:  “Small Works & Holiday Marketplace”

Come make your holiday shopping more meaningful by supporting local artists! Members of Princeton Arts invite you to come browse, shop, and enjoy hundreds of their handmade items. Peruse creative, unique, yet affordable small wall art in many media, as well as tables overflowing with jewelry, cards, prints, ornaments, fabric items, original books, bags, ceramics, wooden items and so much more! Don’t miss out on this amazing annual holiday marketplace!

Fridays, November 13 & 20,  6-8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays, November 14 & 15 and 21 & 22,  10 AM-4 PM

Location:  206 Worcester Road, Princeton Senior & Community Center, Princeton MA

The Princeton Arts Society is a nonprofit organization promoting the arts in Central Massachusetts through programs, events, and shows. 
Davis museum 3

Davis Museum at Wellesley College Reunites Century-Old Antioch Mosaics and Artifacts from Four U.S. Museums

New exhibition brings together roughly 140 rarely seen objects and archival film with three years of research into the colonial-era excavation that dispersed them: Opening Sept. 25, 2026

WELLESLEY, MASS. (September 2026) — A new exhibition at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College brings into focus the ancient Greco-Roman city of Antioch. Opening on September 25, 2026, this free exhibition invites everyone to view objects reunited from American museums while examining how a 1930s archaeological excavation shaped what museum curators and historians know — and do not know — about the past.
Excavating Antioch: The Archaeology of an Ancient City explores Antioch-on-the-Orontes, now Antakya, Türkiye, across two periods: the ancient city from its founding in 300 B.C.E. through the 12th century, and the 1930s excavation that shaped the formation of museum collections in the United States and Europe.
The exhibition brings together more than 140 artifacts — including mosaics, sculpture, architectural fragments, ceramics, lamps, and other objects of daily life — drawn from six U.S. museums: Baltimore Museum of Art, Davis Museum at Wellesley College, Dumbarton Oaks, Harvard Art Museums, Princeton University Art Museum, and Worcester Art Museum. Together, these works illuminate the architecture, artistic production, and everyday experiences of one of the ancient Mediterranean’s most significant cities. 
Excavating Antioch: The Archaeology of an Ancient City will be on view at the Davis Museum at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts from Sept. 25, 2026 through May 30, 2027. The exhibition is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ABOUT THE DAVIS MUSEUM
A vital resource for communities on the Wellesley College campus and beyond, the Davis Museum is one of the oldest and most acclaimed academic fine art museums in the United States. Its signature Rafael Moneo building houses collections that span the history of art worldwide, from antiquity to the present. Guided by commitments to diversity and inclusion, excellence and innovation, and access for all, the Davis is at the core of Wellesley’s liberal arts mission of educating women to make a difference in the world. With exceptional encyclopedic holdings, rotating special exhibitions, and enriching public programs, the Davis warmly welcomes all visitors, including scholars and students of all ages.  For visitor information: https://www.wellesley.edu/davismuseum/visit/directions. 

Treasurer Goldberg Announces $1 Billion Saved by BabySteps Families
Thousands of Families Taking the Next Step Toward Saving for their Children’s Future

 
BOSTON – September marks College Savings Month, an annual opportunity for families to take a closer look at how they are preparing for the rising costs of post-secondary education. For many families, a 529 account can be an important part of the strategy. That is certainly the case for families enrolled in BabySteps, who have just reached a huge milestone: $1 billion invested in their BabySteps funded accounts.

BabySteps, a program started by State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, jumpstarts families on the pathway to saving for future educational expenses by providing them with a $50 seed deposit when they open a MEFA U.Fund 529 account within one year of their child’s birth or adoption.

“BabySteps provides children with a strong start by jumpstarting investment in their futures, while also wrapping financial education around them and their families,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “It is so exciting to see this ongoing level of commitment, ensuring these kids get a real chance at college, vocational/technical training, or other post-secondary opportunities, which result in a better future.”

BabySteps funded 529 accounts allow families to save for a wide range of educational expenses, including for traditional four-year colleges, community colleges, or vocational or technical programs. Money in 529 accounts can also be used towards expenses such as books, computers, and apprenticeship supplies.  And, account holders may be able to transfer unused 529 funds to an eligible family member or roll them over to an ABLE or Roth IRA account.

“One of the greatest gifts BabySteps can give families is time,” said Alayna Van Tassel, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Empowerment. “By helping families invest early in their children’s futures, they have more flexibility when students are getting ready for college, vocational school, or another path.”

Research shows that children’s savings accounts provide multiple positive impacts on account holders and their families.  Starting to save early through programs such as BabySteps can result in improved financial and educational outcomes, including higher math scores, higher graduation rates and reduced student loan debt for college graduates.

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.

All Are Invited to a Free Informational Webinar:
9 Massachusetts Ballot Questions – Vote Yes or No?

The League of Women Voters – Acton Area will host a webinar featuring the 9 questions on the Massachusetts State Election ballot on Wednesday October 7, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT on Zoom. The event is free and open to the public.

Plain language explanations. Pros and Cons. Supporters and Opposition. Financial Impact. Learn what it means to vote “yes” or to vote “no” on each of the ballot questions:

Question 1: Expanding the Public Records Law
Question 2: Collective Bargaining for CPCS Employees
Question 3: State Primary Elections
Question 4: Election Day Registration
Question 5: State Revenue Limit & Rebate
Question 6: Natural Resource Conservation Fund
Question 7: Single Family Homes
Question 8: Prohibit Retail Sale of Adult Recreational Use Marijuana
Question 9: Firearms Regulation

Don't miss this opportunity to get the information you’ll need to make informed choices when you vote on the 9 ballot questions. Register today for the webinar link, https://tinyurl.com/LWVAA-BallotQuestions,  and be prepared for when you go to the polls on November 3rd.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state, and national government. It has a long tradition of providing important voter information services, such as this webinar. Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information.

Is Your Child Struggling with Behavioral Challenges?

This fall, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and NAMI MASS will be offering a very special education program ~ NAMI “BASICS” designed for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental health issues and behavioral challenges. The class will help families cope with the impact these disorders have on the child and the entire family. The program is free to all and led by trained NAMI volunteer teachers who are themselves parents of children living with these difficulties.

The course consists of six (6) classes, each lasting 2 ½ hours. The class will be held in Bedford MA starting Tues Oct. 6th at 6:15 pm - 8:45 pm. and ends on Nov 17th. The program helps parents understand the illnesses that are causing behavioral difficulties, and the critical role families play. NAMI Basics bridges the gap. It provides help that can’t be found in a doctor’s office. Join us and obtain the tools needed that will greatly assist you in making the best decisions possible for the care of your child.

For registration and details call: Dee - 978.697.3441 cell, Brian 617-257-1767, or Lisa – 978.869.1242.
Call soon as the class is limited.

Still River Music Launches Inaugural Season

HARVARD, Mass. — Still River Music, a new non-profit organization dedicated to fostering community connection through music, is proud to announce its inaugural programs for Fall 2026.

Founded on the belief that shared artistic experiences deepen our sense of belonging, Still River Music fosters meaningful encounters with music within the communities of MetroWest Boston. Programming is designed to foster an intimate, welcoming space for neighbors to gather, reflect, and connect.

“Our mission is to craft meaningful musical experiences that truly enrich daily life,” said Kevin Moll, Founder and Executive Director. “We want music to be a living, breathing part of our local community—a source of inspiration, comfort, and shared human connection right in our backyard.”

The Fall 2026 season features three concerts encompassing music from medieval chant to folk song, a lecture on music and citizenship, and a launch party in early October. The season launches on September 26 with an afternoon concert at the architecturally stunning St. Elizabeth’s Chapel in Sudbury, and continues with presentations at three venues in Harvard: Fivesparks, the Harvard Historical Society, and the Harvard Public Library. All events are free and open to the public. Reservations are recommended.

To learn more about upcoming events or to support the initiative, visit still-river-music.org.
Monsterbash

Join us for spooky fun at Monsterbash!


Acton, MA: Get ready for a hauntingly good time at Monsterbash, the exciting Halloween celebration geared for elementary aged children promises thrills, chills, and unforgettable memories! This spooktacular event will transform the amphitheater stage into a whimsical wonderland filled with Halloween-themed games, lively entertainment by Crystal Entertainment (DJ Blacklight Dance Party!), and plenty of opportunities for festive fun. Whether you or your child is wearing the most creative costume, indulging in tasty treats, or participating in exciting activities like the mummy wrap or flashlight candy hunt, Monsterbash has something for everyone. Join us for a night of eerie excitement and create lasting memories as we celebrate all things Halloween!
Mark your calendars for this not-so-scary frightfully fun evening on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park.  “This event has been going strong since it started 20 years ago” said Maura Haberman, the event and program coordinator at Acton Parks and Recreation.
Grab your broomsticks and prepare for a variety of spine-tingling entertainment! Enjoy the fun music and Halloween themed games like our signature activity: the mummy wrap. We promise there won’t be any “boos” in the audience (unless they're from the ghouls on stage)!
Wear your best Halloween gear for our epic costume contest! Categories include “Best Classic Monster,” “Funniest Getup,” and “Most Creative Costume.” Winners will snag a prize and a certificate and the ever-coveted title of Monsterbash Costume Champion! Our panel of esteemed (and slightly spooky) judges will be looking for originality, creativity, and how well your costume fits the theme. Bonus points if you can make the judges chuckle—or scream in delight!
Indulge in complimentary light refreshments and cauldron punch while it lasts. Boston Event Specialist will have a variety of treats available for purchase. Trust us, there’s no trick when it comes to these treats!
Calling all ghouls, kids and families!  Monsterbash loves a good crowd so we have tickets that can be purchased in advance on EventBrite.  The admission to this good time is $10 per person for all in attendance over age 2 not including any credit card fees. The more attendees, the merrier—and that includes all the little monsters who love to trick or treat! Don’t forget to bring your flashlight and loot bag for our flashlight candy hunt!
If you have any questions or need to clarify something, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact our friendly Monsterbash team via email at recreation@actonma.gov or call us at (978) 929-6640. We’re here to help, and we promise to respond faster than a ghost at a haunted house! We can’t wait to see you at Monsterbash for a night filled with frightful fun and festive cheer! Whether you come for the costumes, the entertainment, or simply to enjoy the spooky atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to grab your tickets early and invite your friends and family to join in on the celebration. Let’s make this Monsterbash one to remember!
The Thomas E. Tidman Amphitheater at NARA Park is located at 71 Quarry Road.  Parking is free.  Admission is $10 per person for all ages over 2 and can be purchased in advance via EventBrite or you may purchase at the gate (credit card only). Gates will open at 5:30 P.M. for the 6:00 P.M. event start time. This event is hosted by the Acton Parks and Recreation Department. Visit us at: actonma.gov/events

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CHORUS INVITES SINGERS TO JOIN THIS SEASON

Since 2006, singers from Westford and surrounding towns have joined together to present a Christmas concert at First Parish Church United, 48 Main St., Westford, to benefit the Westford Food Pantry.  Registration and music distribution will take place this year at the home of Nancy Eberiel, accompanist and co-founder of the chorus, 4 Depot Rd., on Sat., Sept. 26, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.  Dues are $35.00 a person, $55 a couple.  The group welcomes teens and adults.  No auditions are required.  Ladies who join the chorus have the option of also participating in the women’s ensemble, Elements.

Rehearsals will be held Sundays at 7:30 at First Parish Church United, beginning Oct. 4.  The concert will take place on Sun., Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m.  at the church.  For further information, please call Jeanne Masterman, at 978-692-8416.

BRUSH CHIPPING

Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Westford Dept. of Public Works, 28 North Street

Please unload your brush as directed by the Highway Department personnel. Deposit your $10 check, payable to the Town of Westford, in the marked container.

Proof of Westford residency required.

Accepted: Brush and branches up to 3 inches in diameter and 10 feet in length. Must be average residential brush categories and reasonable amounts: A load ranges from a trunk to pickup truck ­­­­­volume, includes tow behind a full trailer.

Not accepted: Building materials (e.g., fences, boards), land clearing materials and debris (e.g., roots, bushes, anything mixed with poison ivy), grass, and leaves.

Our Climate. Our Future. Our Choices.
From Climate Science to Local Action

Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 PM, First Parish Church United, 48 Main Street, Westford
FREE and ALL ARE WELCOME

What does the latest climate science tell us about our future – and what can communities like Westford do about it? Join Westford Climate Action for an engaging presentation featuring Dr. Jeffrey Basara,  Department Chair and Professor of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at UMass Lowell.

UMass Lowell is a national leader in sustainability research and education. Since 2019, the university has received more than $120 million in research funding focused on climate, sustainability and related areas. Its Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy brings together faculty, students and researchers from across the university to turn climate and energy research into innovation and real-world solutions. The Institute’s goal is to create blueprints for human-scale sustainability in communities throughout our region and across the world.

What does this mean for our communities?
Dr. Basara will connect the latest climate science with the challenges and opportunities facing communities today. He will explore:
  • What the latest climate science tells us—and why action matters now
  • Breakthrough climate and energy research underway at UMass Lowell
  • How the Rist Institute is turning research into innovation and solutions
  • Education and career opportunities for the next generation of climate and sustainability leaders
  • How Westford and other communities can partner with UMass Lowell on climate action

Dr. Basara's research examines the complex connections among weather, climate, water and ecosystems, with particular emphasis on extreme precipitation and its impacts. He is also deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students and preparing the next generation of environmental and climate leaders. https://www.uml.edu/sustainability/  

Come learn about the science, discover what is happening at UMass Lowell, and explore how research, innovation and community engagement can translate into meaningful local climate action.
Join us for an informative evening—and a conversation about our climate, our future, and our choices.

This event is jointly sponsored by Westford Climate Action and Westford’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee.   https://westfordclimateaction.org/

AVCC Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest Comes to Acton on October 3

 
ACTON, MA — The Apple Valley Catholic Community (AVCC) will host its Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 89 Arlington Street, Acton, MA. This family-friendly charity event aims to bring the community together for an afternoon of food, ice cream, craft beer, live music, dancing and games.

Admission is a suggested donation of $10, and children under 12 are free.

Community and Family Fun
Designed for all ages, the festival features carnival games for kids, making it an ideal social outing for local sports teams and school groups. The event will also feature live music from local bands and line dancing led by Magenta Dance Place.

Local Craft Breweries
Four regional, community-centered breweries will feature their unique drafts for purchase:
-The Thirsty Robot: A family-owned Fitchburg brewery serving from 16+ drafts brewed on-premise.
Sterling Street Brewery: A family- and dog-friendly brewery focused on high-quality beer and community.
-Dirigible Brewing Company: A Steampunk-themed, family-oriented brewery utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
-Rapscallion: A family-owned microbrewery, bar, and restaurant with a strong focus on hospitality.

Food Trucks and Vendors
A diverse lineup of food options will be available for purchase, including:
-Twizted Pickle: Smoked meats, veggie entrees, and specialized pickled creations.
-Thai-umph Mobile Food: Authentic, bold, and fresh Thai street food.
-Kith and Kin: Locally sourced, sophisticated farm-to-table comfort food.
-Caribbean Press: Paninis infused with bold Caribbean flavors.
-Roamin' Wild Mobile Kitchen: Gourmet street food featuring sustainably raised and responsibly harvested game meats.
-Lania's Italian-American Food Truck: Fresh, quality Italian-American homemade pastas, specialty sandwiches, appetizers, and daily specials
-West Side Creamery: Small-batch, homemade traditional and seasonal ice cream.

Live Entertainment
-Magenta Dance Place: Hosting interactive line dancing sessions focused on the joy of movement.
-Sugar High: A Metro Boston cover band playing crowd favorites, radio hits, and classic tracks.
-Wicked Betty & the Bad Habits: A high-energy 9-piece Massachusetts cover band performing rock, pop, blues, soul, funk, and Motown.
-Quinton C: Authentic Irish songs and sing-alongs.

For more information, or to skip the line and get tickets ahead of time, visit avcatholic.org or view the official event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/927818830348780/

Chelmsford Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale

Location:  Chelmsford Town Offices' Gym, 50 Billerica Road, Chelmsford

The book sale will be held:
  • Friday, Oct. 2:  9am-8pm
  • Saturday, Oct. 3:  9am-2pm
  • Sunday, Oct. 4:  9am-2pm


We'll have plenty of fiction, children's books, biography, history, cookbooks, sciences, social sciences, DVDs and CDs.  All proceeds help support library programs and services.
Country fair 2

Country Fair

Spend a day not a fortune at the annual Littleton Country Fair, Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 am to 2 pm at 19 Foster St. in Littleton. Bring the kids for free face painting and games for kids. There’s free parking and admission for all. Join the celebration of ultimate recycling at the giant yard sale, and booths with pre-owned books and jewelry. Everything in the Café is fresh, and bring your own water bottle. BBQ, vegan and gluten free entrees are offered, and stop by the bake table to top off your meal.

In line with the Fair’s goals to recycle-reduce-reuse, bring your gently used sneakers of all sizes to donate for reuse by Got Sneakers? Donations of yard sale items, books and jewelry from the community will be accepted Friday, Oct. 2 from 2-6 pm, and 7-9 am the morning of the sale on Oct. 3. PLEASE NOTE: TVs, car seats, computer monitors, and artificial Christmas trees will NOT be accepted.

Join the queue at 10 am for fresh homemade scones and a cup of coffee. They are worth waiting for.  Then, head to the Country Store for a huge assortment of homemade jams, pickles and crafts. Browse through tables of pre-read books and hit the jewelry table for gems earrings, necklaces and rings. The huge yard sale has items from every room of the house and garage ready to pass on to a new owner.

Cash accepted at all booths, and VENMO and credit cards accepted at most. Donations from the community of yard sale items, jewelry and books will be accepted Friday, Oct. 2 from 2-6 pm, and 7-9 am on Oct. 3. PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT accept TVs, car seats, computer monitors, or artificial Christmas trees.

All contributions are tax-deductible, to benefit First Church Unitarian of Littleton, which awards 10 percent of income to a Littleton non-profit. Email questions to fair@fculittle.org. Hope to see you there for huge community Lallapaloosa.
Chelmpex

CHELMPEX 2024 -- Chelmsford Stamp Club Event

Chelmsford Stamp Club will be holding their annual postage stamp show, CHELMPEX 2026, on Saturday September 26 from 9AM - 3PM at Trinity Lutheran Church 170 Old Westford Rd. Chelmsford, There will be multiple dealers, Fish Bowl, door prizes & more. For collectors of US & World Wide postage stamps, Postal History, Postal Stationery & First Day Covers, supplies & ephemera. Free admission & free parking. For additional information, contact Linda Gilmore 978-256-2256,  978-995-2915 (cell) or linda.gilmore47@gmail.com

Westford Sportsmen’s Club Community Open House

Saturday, September 26 | 12–5 p.m.
80 West Street, Westford, MA
The Westford Sportsmen’s Club invites the community to its Open House on Saturday, September 26, from 12 to 5 p.m. at 80 West Street, Westford. The event is free and open to the public and is designed for all ages, making it a great afternoon outing for families. Visitors can discover the many activities and opportunities available at the club, including fishing, archery, cornhole and activities at the club’s ranges. Come meet club members, explore the facilities and learn more about the outdoor activities available right here in the community. The event will also feature local guests from law enforcement and conservation, along with animal demonstrations, historical education and activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or simply curious about the club, everyone is welcome!

Simple Budgeting Tips That Fit Real Life

To help you feel more in control of your money, consider a simple budgeting plan.

An easy starting point is the 50/30/20 rule. Allocate about 50% of your income to needs such as housing and groceries, 30% to wants — like dining out and streaming services and 20% to saving or paying down debt. It’s a framework you can adjust as your life changes.

If you’re not sure where your money goes, just observe for a few months. Check your accounts without judgment, noting money coming in and going out.

Then, take small steps. Even 15 minutes a week reviewing your spending can make the process feel less daunting.

Budgeting apps can help, whether you prefer automatic tracking or a more hands-on approach.

To stay on track, substituting or reducing expenses, creating more income as needed or adding a small cushion for unexpected expenses can help.

Simple steps can make budgeting feel more manageable, and you can better align your money with what really matters.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Alan Bell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 222 Great Road Suite 8 Littleton, MA, 978-486-1059. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Postpartum 1

Free Postpartum Documentary Screening

On Wednesday, September 23, 6:30-8:30, there will be a free screening of the first major documentary on postpartum depression which will be held at Goodnow Library in Sudbury. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring two participants in the documentary, group facilitator Heather O'Brien, LICSW, and group participant Veronica Greene. Kaitlyn Richer, CNM and Emily Fiorini, LMHC, will also be on the panel and questions/comments from the audience will be welcomed. "More Than Blue" was produced by Dr. Lee Cohen from Mass. General Hospital's Center for Women's Mental Health, featuring voices from First Connections' Emotional Wellbeing After Baby Support Group in Acton and other participants who have navigated perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We invite the public to join us as the film works to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and emphasize the vital importance of comprehensive mental health care during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Registration is recommended but not required on the Goodnow Library calendar: https://goodnowlibrary.org/events.

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
Minuteman march

“Minute Man March” Walk in Concord to Support Critical Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities in 45 Middlesex Communities
Event to Include Mile Walk and Outdoor Celebration

WHAT: The Minute Man Arc is hosting its 22nd annual “Minute Man March” to support its many programs throughout Middlesex County for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The inclusive and accessible one-mile lap through Concord center will raise money for early intervention, day habilitation, employment services, and other opportunities for the more than 1,400 individuals served by Minute Man Arc. The walk will conclude with an outdoor celebration, where participants can enjoy music, food, games, and enter to win a variety of prizes.
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026  9:45 to 11:00 a.m. (celebration immediately following)
WHO: State Senator and Minute Man Arc Board Member Jamie Eldridge (confirmed)
State Representative Danillo Sena (invited)
Al Frugoli, interim CEO, Minute Man Arc
Minute Man Arc Board Members
Children, adults, and families served by provider organizations

WHERE: Alcott School, 93 Laurel Street, Concord, MA 01742

Native Plant Trust Announces “Plants: Solos for Native Species” on September 26
Registration for Fall and Winter Programs Open Now

WAYLAND, MA — Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants, announced its lineup of Fall and Winter
Programs, and a special fall collaboration with Boston Dance Theatre.
Saturday, September 26 Boston Dance Theatre will present “Plants: Solos for Native Species.” Throughout the day, visitors will experience immersive dance performances at different locations within Garden in the Woods, Native Plant Trust’s renowned botanic garden, featuring solo works inspired by individual native plant species. Four solo performances will loop throughout the day in differentlocations in the Garden. The event is free with Garden admission.
“Boston Dance Theatre’s Plants: Solos for Native Species transforms the Garden into both stage and subject, allowing us to encounter our native landscape through a completely new lens, inviting us to see our surroundings differently,” said Sara O’Brien, Director of Public Programs at Native Plant
Trust. “Boston Dance Theatre is known for bringing contemporary dance into conversation with the
world around us, and these intimate solo performances give individual native species a remarkable new presence. Connecting people more deeply to native plants is central to our mission, and art has a unique ability to inspire the curiosity, wonder, and sense of connection that spurs us to champion the well-being of our native landscapes.”
Plants: Solos for Native Species is just one of the fall and winter classes and events focused on native plants now open for registration. Tim Johnson, CEO of Native Plant Trust, notes: “The way we think about our gardens and landscapes is changing. Increasingly, people want to understand not simply
what to plant, but how their choices affect biodiversity, water, wildlife, climate resilience, and the
larger ecosystems around them. Our education programs meet that curiosity with the depth of science
and horticultural expertise that has defined Native Plant Trust for generations. By making that knowledge accessible—from advanced botany and conservation to practical ecological gardening—we
can help people turn their own landscapes into part of a much larger conservation effort.”

For more information and registration for programs, please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

ABOUT NATIVE PLANT TRUST
For over a century, Native Plant Trust has been leading the movement to conserve native plants in the
wild and use them in designed spaces. We do this to increase the beauty and resilience of New England
and the planet. From our base in Massachusetts, staff and trained volunteers work throughout New
England each year to monitor and protect rare and endangered plants, collect and preserve seeds to
ensure biological diversity, detect and control invasive species, conduct research, and offer a range of
educational programs. We welcome visitors from all over the world to Garden in the Woods, our
renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham, MA. We also operate a nursery at Nasami Farm
in western Massachusetts and manage six sanctuaries in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that are
open to the public. Please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Latest Release of Unclaimed Property Listings
Over 50,000 Names Added to Unclaimed Property List 

BOSTON - Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg has announced the latest grouping of names added to the state’s list of unclaimed property owners. Over 50,000 new properties worth millions of dollars are owed to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. This newly released list includes only individuals and businesses with unclaimed property over $100.

“Did you know there is $3.4 billion in unclaimed property here in Massachusetts?” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “Check the list, go online, or call our office to begin the process, because some of it could belong to you.”

Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. Last year, Treasury processed over 118,000 claims and returned $237 million in property to its rightful owners.

Treasurer Goldberg urges all citizens to check www.findmassmoney.gov for a complete list of over 10 million properties or call our live call center at 1-888-344-MASS (6277).

The full list of the new individuals, businesses, and nonprofits added to the unclaimed property list will be published in the Boston Globe on September 13th and in the Boston Herald on September 20th. In addition, the list of names will be published in regional and local papers in following weeks.

The Treasury releases an updated list of unclaimed property assets every six months as the new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit for a person to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

Become a Tutor of English
Sign Up for the Fall Class!

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 system. 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 October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. 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 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.
Aquarium

Aquarium Offering Discounted Tickets for Homeschooling Families
Special ticket Prices Available Every Tuesday through Dec. 22

BOSTON, MASS. (September 2026) – The New England Aquarium is offering discounted admission this fall for homeschooling families to experience its educational programs and exhibits.

Every Tuesday through December 22, 2026, homeschool families have access to special ticket prices: $12 for children and $21 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Aquarium’s Reservations Department at 617-973-5206 daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. More information is available on neaq.org.

Included in admission, the Aquarium offers a variety of programs, presentations, and feedings each day:
 
  • Guests can stop by an interactive educational space on the third floor called the Exploration Station, which offers both guided and self-led themed activities. Families can engage with sensory activities, pretend to be an Aquarium veterinarian, and spend some down time reading books.
  • Join an educator along the exhibit path for an up-close experience with one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. Learn more about jellies, local turtle species, or axolotls during animal encounters happening daily at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
  • Aquarium guests can enjoy daily presentations with the penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and residents of the Giant Ocean Tank, including Myrtle the green sea turtle. Full schedule available here.

The Aquarium also has a host of fun and educational activities on its website that can engage young learners before or after a trip to the Aquarium. The activities help visitors explore the Aquarium more deeply, encourage content learning, and improve science skills as well as support math and literacy development.

ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.

Massachusetts Patients, Survivors & Caregivers Will Travel to Nation’s Capital to Urge Congress to Make Cancer a National Priority 

Over a Dozen Local Advocates to Call on Congress to Increase Cancer Research and Prevention Funding and Improve Access to Clinical Trials
BOSTON – September 11, 2026 – Next week, more than 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from all across the nation will travel to Washington, D.C., as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)’s annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Among these will be over a dozen cancer advocates from every corner of Massachusetts.
Every person attending will bring a unique story: one will share her journey of being widowed shortly after her marriage when her husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Another will speak of being a young professional, beginning a career in cancer research. Others will tell lawmakers about their ongoing cancer battles or proud stories of survivorship.
These stories will be shared with members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and urge lawmakers to pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (CTMA).
 In the last 30 years, substantial and steady increases in federal cancer research funding have fueled discovery and innovation that has led to a 34% decline in cancer mortality rates. Advocates will remind lawmakers that this incredible momentum in the fight against cancer is fueled by sufficient funding at key agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 The advocates will also call on Massachusetts lawmakers to support the bipartisan Clinical Trial Modernization Act, or CTMA. This legislation would make it easier for all people with cancer to participate in clinical trials, including those in underrepresented populations, like rural residents, older adults, certain racial and ethnic groups, and those with limited incomes. The passage of CTMA is crucial to ensure more patients—regardless of their economic means or their geographic location—have a chance to enroll in clinical trials, ultimately giving more people a better chance in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

Worcester Chamber Music Society Present
November Concerts in Harvard and Worcester

September 3, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society begins its 21st Season with a concert titled “Autumn Winds” at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard on September 25 and at Assumption University in Worcester on September 26. The chamber music ensemble opens the season with three pieces written in three centuries. Mozart and Brahms each composed works in their masterful styles that display the virtuosity of the hornist and clarinetist for whom they were written. Dohnányi’s Sextet showcases both instruments in a work that nods to Brahms while delighting in its own eccentricity and sass.
Friday, September 25 @7:30PM Saturday, September 26 @7:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church* Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
9 Ayer Road, Harvard 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM
Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K.407/386c
Johannes Brahms | Clarinet Trio, Op. 114
Ernő Dohnányi | Sextet, Op. 37
*9/25 performance is funded in part by the Shirley Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/autumn-winds/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624

35 Seasons, One Timeless Tradition: Tickets Now on Sale for
Commonwealth Ballet's The Nutcracker

Kick off the holiday season with the magic of The Nutcracker and celebrate Commonwealth Ballet's 35th Anniversary Season: Tradition & Transformation.
This beloved holiday tradition features beautiful dancing, stunning costumes, enchanting sets, and memorable performances for audiences of all ages. From playful mice and cheerful Polichinelles to sparkling Snowflakes and the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers, The Nutcracker offers holiday wonder for families and arts lovers alike.
As Commonwealth Ballet marks 35 seasons of inspiring audiences through tradition, innovation, and artistic excellence, this year's performances are not to be missed. Learn more about the anniversary season here.
Performances: November 27-29 and December 18-20
Venue: Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, Weston, MA

Free Parking

Tickets are on sale now! Purchase tickets https://www.commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker and use promo code EB26 by October 1 for 20% Early Bird savings (excluding shortened sensory and family-friendly matinee on November 27th at 1pm)

Author Michael Tougias at Littleton Lyceum

The Littleton Lyceum opens its 2026-2027 season on Friday, September 18th, at 7:30pm with the New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias discussing his latest book, “In Deep Water: A True Story of Sharks, Survival, and Courage.” Tougias will describe the hour-by-hour terrifying true story of a fight for survival lasting 28 hours in shark-infested waters.

The event will be held in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center at 56 King Street. Season tickets to the Lyceum are available for families or individuals for $40, and single tickets may be purchased at the door or online for $12, $5 for seniors and students.

Check out our website for more information at littletonlyceum.org, or follow us on Facebook or X.

Our Climate. Our Future. Our Choices.
From Climate Science to Local Action

Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 PM, First Parish Church United, 48 Main Street, Westford
FREE and ALL ARE WELCOME

What does the latest climate science tell us about our future – and what can communities like Westford do about it? Join Westford Climate Action for an engaging presentation featuring Dr. Jeffrey Basara,  Department Chair and Professor of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at UMass Lowell.

UMass Lowell is a national leader in sustainability research and education. Since 2019, the university has received more than $120 million in research funding focused on climate, sustainability and related areas. Its Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy brings together faculty, students and researchers from across the university to turn climate and energy research into innovation and real-world solutions. The Institute’s goal is to create blueprints for human-scale sustainability in communities throughout our region and across the world.

What does this mean for our communities?
Dr. Basara will connect the latest climate science with the challenges and opportunities facing communities today. He will explore:
  • What the latest climate science tells us—and why action matters now
  • Breakthrough climate and energy research underway at UMass Lowell
  • How the Rist Institute is turning research into innovation and solutions
  • Education and career opportunities for the next generation of climate and sustainability leaders
  • How Westford and other communities can partner with UMass Lowell on climate action

Dr. Basara's research examines the complex connections among weather, climate, water and ecosystems, with particular emphasis on extreme precipitation and its impacts. He is also deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students and preparing the next generation of environmental and climate leaders. https://www.uml.edu/sustainability/  

Come learn about the science, discover what is happening at UMass Lowell, and explore how research, innovation and community engagement can translate into meaningful local climate action.
Join us for an informative evening—and a conversation about our climate, our future, and our choices.

This event is jointly sponsored by Westford Climate Action and Westford’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee.   https://westfordclimateaction.org/

WELCOME WORSHIP SERVICE AND CHURCH PICNIC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, BEGINNING AT 9:30 AM

United Methodist Church of Westford
10 Church Street, Westford, MA:

“A New Season Offers New Beginnings: Come As You Are”
Wherever you are in your faith and life journey, we welcome you!
 The United Methodist Church of Westford looks forward to welcoming visitors and people who may be seeking a church home, as well as members and friends! Join us at 9:30 am for a special Welcome Worship Service in the sanctuary. Enjoy the spiritual presence and preaching of Pastor Jinyong, be moved by music from our Youth Choir, Praise Band, and Bell Choir, and delight in joyous congregational hymn singing! Stay afterward for our Annual Church Picnic outside by the picturesque Mill Pond—great food, meaningful fellowship, and fun games for all ages.
 Each week on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, we offer a welcoming environment, inspiring messages, and beautiful music. "The Ark" will be open and staffed during our Sunday morning Worship Services beginning September 13 to welcome infants and young children. Sunday School will begin September 20 during worship for kids and youth through grade 12. Parking is available at the church, and our building is accessible for people with disabilities. Please visit www.umcw.org for more information or to watch our online worship service each Sunday.

Family Fun at the Country Fair, Saturday,
Oct. 3, 10am-2pm

The famous Littleton Country Fair happens Saturday, Oct. 3 at 19 Foster St., 10 am to 4 pm. Plan to spend a day, not a fortune. Start at the ginormous giant yard sale; cross the street to the Country Store with homemade jams and crafts. Stay for lunch at the cafe with homemade BBQ lunch and vegan/gluten free entrees. Find some new-to-you earrings, necklaces, bobbles and bangles and browse a huge room of pre-read books for all ages. Free admission and free parking for everyone are guaranteed.
Kids will have a lallapaloosa shopping at the yard sale, enjoy free face painting and free arts and crafts at a quiet nook beside the church. For the mystical, expert Tarot Card readers will be available, and short Reiki treatments are offered.
“We create an affordable family-friendly event for all ages. You’ll see our mark on reduce-reuse-recycle at the yard sale, book room and jewelry booth, at the box to donate gently used sneakers of all sizes to be reused by Got Sneakers?” said Susan Tordella, co-chairperson of the event.
The event happens inside and outside First Church Unitarian, which donates 10 percent of the profits to a local non-profit. Find the book room upstairs and the cafe downstairs. The bake table is outdoors where homemade scones will be ready at 10 am, with coffee available too.
The Country Fair dates to the late 1800s when the Unitarian Women’s Alliance started making and selling jam with their summer fruit bounty. “Since then, we have embraced our motto of ‘Spend a day, not a fortune,’ and putting our environmental awareness into practice with the Trash and Treasure booth full of a humongous array of household and kitchen goods, toys, tools, sporting goods, Bric-a-brac, art, small appliances and furniture,” Tordella said.
Come early for the best selections at the yard sale and our famous homemade jams, jellies and pickles and crafts. The jewelry tables attract a cluster of people from the opening bell and you’ll find something that appeals to your style. Every booth accepts cash and most take VENMO and credit cards. Donations of gently used sneakers will be accepted for recycling by Got Sneakers.
Donations from the community of yard sale items, jewelry and books will be accepted Friday, Oct. 2 from 2-6 pm, and 7-9 am on Oct. 3. PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT accept TVs, car seats, computer monitors, or artificial Christmas trees. All contributions are tax-deductible, to benefit First Church Unitarian of Littleton, which awards 10 percent of income to a Littleton non-profit. Email questions to fair@fculittle.org. Hope to see you there for a fun, frugal, delicious time.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CHORUS INVITES SINGERS TO JOIN THIS SEASON

Since 2006, singers from Westford and surrounding towns have joined together to present a Christmas concert at First Parish Church United, 48 Main St., Westford, to benefit the Westford Food Pantry.  Registration and music distribution will take place this year at the home of Nancy Eberiel, accompanist and co-founder of the chorus, 4 Depot Rd., on Sat., Sept. 26, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.  Dues are $35.00 a person, $55 a couple.  The group welcomes teens and adults.  No auditions are required.  Ladies who join the chorus have the option of also participating in the women’s ensemble, Elements.

Rehearsals will be held Sundays at 7:30 at First Parish Church United, beginning Oct. 4.  The concert will take place on Sun., Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m.  at the church.  For further information, please call Jeanne Masterman, at 978-692-8416.

Build Confidence in Your 401(k) Decisions

 
Many people have a 401(k), or other workplace retirement plan, but aren’t sure what to do next.

You don’t need to have it all figured out, but a little curiosity goes a long way.

Here are some questions to get started. Check available plan resources or ask your plan administrator or a financial professional:
  • Is there an employer match, and how much do I need to contribute to get all of it?
  • Do I have the option to make Roth contributions?
  • What kind of investments are in the plan, and how are they different?


And keep two simple ideas in mind:
  • First, try to contribute at least enough to get the full employer match available under your plan, or you'll be leaving money on the table.
  • Second, start as early as you can, even if the amount feels small. Having more time to invest can increase the potential benefits of compounding.


You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to get started.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Alan Bell, your Edward Jones financial advisor at 222 Great Road Suite 8 Littleton, MA, 978-486-1059. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Westford's Zero Waste Day September 12

Zero Waste Collection – Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9 am – 1 pm at the Abbot School, 25 Depot St., Westford, MA. The following will be collected:

BLOCK STYROFOAM

HOUSEHOLD GOODS: Usable Furniture without stains or tears, NO glass-topped tables, Usable Mattresses without stains, rips or tears, Twin, Full, and Queen sizes accepted, No King sizes accepted, Small Working Appliances, Household Goods and Décor

NEW ENGLAND CLOTHES RECYCLING: Wearable Clothing, Textiles for Recycling – worn out, torn, stained, outdated, Includes bedding, fabric window treatments, shoes, single socks, pillows, and stuffed animals, Toys, Games, Puzzles, Housewares and household décor, NO car seats, no cribs, no strollers, and no baby gates, NO Moldy or Mildewed Items, ONLY Clean Containers

THE GREAT EXCHANGE: Art and Creative supplies that are new or like new (no boxes of broken crayons, scrap pieces of paper etc.), New or like new office/school supplies, Yarn, Small storage bins in good shape

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: Hand-held instruments for donation, Music books and Sheet music

BOOKS AND MEDIA DROP-OFF CONTAINER: At the old Water Department, 63 Forge Village Rd., Westford.  For donating books and media including CDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, older textbooks, full sets of encyclopedias, and any book in fair but still usable condition that cannot be donated to the library for their book sale.NO MOLDY OR MILDEWED ITEMS / ONLY CLEAN CONTAINERS. May bring larger quantities in boxes, but a large “dump-in” box is available if bringing only a few books. Note that this book container is available 24/7.

NOTE:    There will be NO SHREDDING offered at this event.

Author Michael Tougias at Littleton Lyceum

The Littleton Lyceum opens its 2026-2027 season on Friday, September 18th, at 7:30pm with the New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias discussing his latest book, “In Deep Water: A True Story of Sharks, Survival, and Courage.” Tougias will describe the hour-by-hour terrifying true story of a fight for survival lasting 28 hours in shark-infested waters.

The event will be held in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center at 56 King Street. Season tickets to the Lyceum are available for families or individuals for $40, and single tickets may be purchased at the door or online for $12, $5 for seniors and students.

Check out our website for more information at littletonlyceum.org, or follow us on Facebook or X

Littleton Historical Society Shaker Program

The Littleton Historical Society will bring back Harvard Shaker expert Ned Quist to discuss his new book, “The Harvard Shakers and Their Cultural Landscape” on Thursday, September 17 at 7:30 pm at the Congregational Church of Littleton on 330 King Street.

For 8 years, Mr. Quist, a retired academic librarian, has been studying the Shakers’ imprint on the Harvard area, beginning with when they arrived in 1781 and continuing for over 137 years. He has utilized records, maps, blueprints, photographs, and charts, as well as actual cellar holes and the buildings themselves. He also interviewed local people, many of whom currently live in Shaker houses.

He has solved some mysteries and created a few more. He is also an excellent speaker.
Please join us for a fascinating evening. Light refreshments will be served.