A message from Mike Edwards, Assistant Town Manager – Strategic Operations, regarding recycling and trash.
Beginning July 1st, curbside collection of recycling and trash will be performed by the Town’s new contractor, E.L. Harvey. With the new contract, there are several changes you should be aware of.
· Your day of collection will remain the same, but the time may change. It is important that all items be curbside by 7 A.M. on your regular collection day!
· The Town’s current limit of 3 containers with a total of 96 gallons for trash will be enforced. Recycling will remain unlimited.
· Bulk waste (green sticker) and white goods (orange sticker) collection will change. Please visit the website below for detailed information or call the Town Manager’s office at 978-692-5501.
· Customer service will be provided by E.L. Harvey by calling 1-800-321-3002.
You can help to keep Westford’s costs low by choosing to divert items from our trash stream. For more information on how to do this, and on other curbside program changes, please visit www.westfordma.gov/recycling-trash.

 

Superintendent Kelly Clenchy is proud to announce that Littleton Public Schools received a Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award for improving the nutritional quality of its school meals.
Awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), the District received the Innovation in the Cultural Diversity of School Meals Award for work in creating an inclusive school lunch menu. The menu encourages all students to feel welcome in the cafeteria and entices them to try something new and nutritious.
Healthy school meals are an essential part of the school environment and a proven tool for improving a child’s health, growth, development, and educational outcomes. The Recognition Awards spotlight innovative practices, student and community engagement activities, and strategies schools have used to provide meals that are consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Littleton schools have added culturally inspired dishes such as chana masala, chicken tikka masala, confetti fried rice, mandarin fruit salad, and crispy tofu.
Students are given samples of these new lunch items a few weeks before items are menued to gauge interest. Once the new item has been approved and put on the monthly menu, elementary-level students are given "I tried it!" stickers for sampling new items.
“We congratulate Littleton Public Schools on this important achievement,” said Rob Bisceglie, Executive Officer & President for Action for Healthy Kids. “The HMI Recognition Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals.”
“One of America’s best opportunities to improve child health is by supporting schools in providing tasty and nutritious meals is,” said Cindy Long, administrator of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. “This Recognition Award highlights the remarkable achievements Littleton Public Schools has made in offering nutritious meals that students enjoy, and we look forward to them sharing their best practices to help other schools follow in their footsteps.”
"The Nutrition Staff at Littleton Public Schools have been busy these last three years since school meals have been free in Massachusetts. Students are eating with us in record numbers, and we have a great opportunity to diversify their palates in a way that school lunches have never been able to achieve. To better represent the diversity of our population, we have increased our offerings of vegetarian, Indian and Asian cuisine. Through training programs such as the John C. Stalker Institute of Food and Nutrition in Framingham, staff are creating culturally relevant meals that are nutritious and delicious,” said Littleton Food Service Director Leah Botko.
As an award recipient, Littleton Public Schools will receive national and local recognition and travel stipends to attend a national Healthy Meals Summit (HMI) in Las Vegas. Food Service Director Botko has also been invited to School Nutrition Association's Annual Nutrition Conference in Boston, where she will present on a panel to other Food Service Directors across America about the positive changes Littleton has been implementing.
More information about the HMI Recognition Awards can be found at www.healthymealsincentives.org/recognition-awards/.

 

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

Registration for Private Music Lessons through Chelmsford Community Education is now open.  The 5-week summer session runs from July 8th to August 9th and is open to students of all ages living in Chelmsford or outside of town for the same fee.
For more information or to register, go to ChelmsfordCommunityEd.com or call us at 978-251-5151

 

Join Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC) in 2024 and swim, run or walk to support breast cancer prevention!
MBCC will host its special 25th Anniversary Cape Cod Against the Tide event at DCR’s Nickerson State Park on Saturday, June 8th in Brewster, MA. The weekend after, join MBCC at DCR’s Hopkinton State Park on Saturday, June 15th for Against the Tide’s 32nd year!
MBCC will also host a virtual event from June 8th to June 15th for those who would like to participate in Against the Tide and support the mission of cancer prevention from any location!
Events include USMS-Sanctioned 1-mile swim, 1-mile recreational and competitive swims, ½-mile recreational swim, USATF-Certified 5K and 10K runs, and a 3-mile fitness walk.
In-person participants will receive an event t-shirt, bib, and goodie bag. Prizes will be awarded for the top swim and run finishers of the in-person events. Prizes will also be awarded to the highest fundraising individuals at the in-person events.
Events can be enjoyed by adults and children of all ages and abilities. The in-person registration fee is $40 per person per athletic component and the virtual registration fee is $20 per person with the option to participate in one or more events virtually. Visit the MBCC event web page, mbcc.org/swim, to donate to the event and learn how to create or join a team and fundraise for breast cancer prevention.
The funds raised through Against the Tide help to support and expand our community education program Let’s Talk Prevention: Reducing Toxic Exposures, MBCC Webinar Series, and the newly-expanded student environmental health program, Let’s Talk Prevention: Actions You Can Take.
MBCC was founded in 1991 as a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing environmental causes of breast cancer through community education, research advocacy, and changes to public policy.
To learn more about all of the registration options, to join or create a team, and to donate, please visit the MBCC website at mbcc.org/swim or call 508-246-3047.

We are so excited to celebrate Pride 2024 with a full day of programming in partnership with @Pride Worcester on June 23 at Fruitlands Museum, in Harvard MA!
Join us for family-friendly crafts and activities from 10-3 across the Museum. At 4 PM  Award-winning and Billboard-charting artist @Flamy Grant will take the stage for a special family-friendly performance.
In the evening, put on your dancing shoes for Fruitlands' first-ever Pride Tea Dance (21+) with guest DJ Harlow Havoc.
We hope you join us in community and in celebration on the beautiful Fruitlands Hillside. thetrustees.org/event/419148/

Saturdays June 1 – August 10, 11 am – 2 pm
Free
Farmers and artisans market of local vendors offering fresh local food, handmade crafts, and more at the Chelmsford Market on the Common. Each week brings a different assortment of vendors, so you’ll find something new no matter how many times you visit.

Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street, Westford.
Wednesday, June 26 7-9:30pm
Dance your inner spirit in a non-judgmental, non-structured, supportive, respectful environment.
Music provided by DJ Alkemi, a veteran of many freestyle dances around the country.
Smoke and substance-free, 18+. Admission is $10. Some volunteer opportunities are available for event support tasks.
For more information, call 617-799-8680 or email: wefreedancejam@gmail.com

Auditions are upcoming for the Nashoba Players' Fall production of "[title of show]," with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen and a book by Hunter Bell. The production will be directed by Ken Golner (stage) and Kathryn Denney (music). Auditions are by appointment only, June 24 and 27. Full audition details are available at nashobaplayers.org/auditions.

 

The Artist Circle of Groton “The Nature of All Things”
The exhibition will run through June 30 with a Wine and Cheese Reception on Friday, June 7 from 6-9pm. The Gallery is open to visitors each Sunday from noon-2pm.  For more information, visit www.pcawestford.org.
The Artist Circle of Groton members Dana Haigh, Claudia Owens, Michelle Ward, and Beth A. Smith proudly present "The Nature of All Things” as a joint exhibition during the month of June. Through the vibrant mediums of watercolor, alcohol inks, and acrylics, these four talented artists have crafted an extraordinary collection of works that pays homage to the boundless beauty of nature's tapestry.
Michelle Ward is a lifelong artist, commercial interior designer and member of the Artist Circle, Michelle Ward received her art degree from the University of Lowell(now UMass Lowell). Working in acrylic, using various tools and methods her paintings explore our natural world in layered color, texture and expressive composition.
Claudia Owens,a watercolor artist, finds inspiration in the enchanting wonders of nature,travels, and the timeless charm of children’s books. With a whimsical touch,she harnesses watercolor’s transparent effects to breathe life into vibrant scenes, each infused with a touch of fantasy. Claudia is a member of the Artist Circle,an elementary art teacher and teaches art to both adults and children at Groton’s Prescott Community Center.
Dana Haigh lives and works out of Groton. She has been obsessed with alcohol inks for the last four years. Instilling some control into this very fluid medium has been a lovely challenge that Dana has enjoyed. Dana is a member NVAG, HAS and teaches classes through the Prescott Community Center.
Beth Smith is a Groton-based self-taught watercolor artist. Her work is inspired by the shapes, light and shadows in natural landscapes.  She is drawn to the beauty of nature, its calmness and solitude and wants to impart those feelings to her audience. Beth has co-chaired the Westford Regional Art Event. and co-founded the PCA’s Gallery. She teaches watercolor classes at Prescott Community Center in Groton.
Don’t miss this unique display of art at the PCA during the month of June!
The PCA Gallery will also be open on June 15 during the Strawberry and Art Festival. Come and meet the artists on June 7 at the reception or at the Strawberry festival!

 

WESTFORD: The Parish Center for the Arts (PCA) is focusing on supporting local artists this June. On June 14 at 7:30pm, enjoy an eclectic mix of styles when singer/songwriter Tom Richardson and electronic indie funk artist Aaron Bilodeau take the PCA stage!  Tickets range from $10-$18 and are available by calling (978) 392-6333 or online at pcawestford.org. The PCA is a BYOB & food facility, so pack a picnic and plan out a full evening of entertainment at 10 Lincoln Street in Westford.
Folk-Americana singer-songwriter Tom Richardson found his way back to music after a long, more traditional career. With a style rooted in the 1970’s music of artists such as James Taylor, John Prine, and Glen Campbell, Tom features acoustic guitar over a modern, folk-country, Americana sound. His warm and expressive voice serenades with stories of life, love and longing. Tom’s second act as a musician and actor brings a lifetime of perspective and some wisdom to poignant and vibrant stories of a shared experience.
Aaron Bilodeau is known for his mastery of multiple instruments. He captivates audiences by seamlessly combining singing, bass guitar wizardry and synth manipulation — all performed with a flair that truly sets him apart through his unique blend of electronic indie funk. Aaron has demonstrated his creativity and talent through original works, culminating in the release of four solo albums. His latest, "Drone at Home," showcases his evolving musical vision and experimental spirit. With each performance, Aaron invites listeners into his musical universe, where boundaries are blurred and sonic landscapes are explored with boundless creativity.
When it comes to supporting local arts and artists, it's mutually beneficial. An exchange between artist and audience has rippling positive impacts on the individuals and the communities surrounding them. So visit a Gallery and/or take in a show. Make a donation. It fosters community.  It's good for the economy.  It's good for YOU!
Direct ticket link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/6-14-24-tom-richardson-aaron-bilodeau/179
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParishCenterfortheArts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/PCAWestford
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pcawestford

 

The PCA is located at 10 Lincoln Street, right on Westford Common. For information, visit pcawestford.org, call (978) 692-6333, or email to admin@pcawestford.org to receive weekly updates!

The PCA will be wrapping up is 2023-24 season in June after a few more special guest visits:
Everyone loves Aidan Scrimgeour’s annual “Charlie Brown Christmas Jazz Concert,” but Aidan's "Mostly Aidans" trio will be in the house on June 8 at 7:30pm with a Duke Ellington tribute concert to ring in the summer! Tickets range from $10-$25. Visit https://parisharts.square.site/pca-jazz-cafe for more information.
The PCA is focusing on supporting local artists, and on June 14, audiences can enjoy a double bill - an eclectic mix of folk/Americana singer-singwriter Tom Richardson and electronic indie funk artist Aaron Bilodeau! Direct ticket link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/6-14-24-tom-richardson-aaron-bilodeau/179
Closing up the season will be the very talented group The Ruta Beggars. Appealing to traditional and progressive acoustic music fans alike, The Ruta Beggars combine bluegrass and early swing to create a timeless act filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery instrumentals, and plenty of fun. Direct ticket link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/6-28-24-the-ruta-beggars/178
Coming this summer will be another year of Concerts-on-the-Common.  Pack up your blankets and chairs, and you’re your picnics for these terrific events coming to Westford Common:

• July 13 - John Ferullo's Open Mic Night Sampler, 2-5pm
• July 20 - MOMENTUM (Rain date, July 21), 2-4pm
• August 3 - Common Picking Mini Bluegrass Festival, noon-7pm
• August 10 - Ed McCarron (Rain date, August 11), 2:30-4:30pm

CALL FOR ARTISTS
The PCA has re-opened its Call for Artists to fill in a couple new exhibition slots. If accepted, artist(s) will display their work as featured "Artist/s-of-the-Month" on the walls of our 10 Lincoln Street location. The PCA provides the exhibition space and guidance, including promotion and marketing. The artist is responsible for sharing promotional efforts, as well as hanging, hosting a reception and/or demonstrations/workshops (requested, but not required), and possible sittings during Gallery open hours. Artists retain 80% of all sales. Interested? Email 6-8 images (.jpg files less than 1mb), a bio & contact information to gallery-manager@pcawestford. org. For each image, include the title, dimensions and media. PLEASE NOTE: If you have already submitted materials, you do not need to resubmit. Questions can also be sent to admin@pcawestford.org.
Deadline for new submissions is JUNE 15, 2024!

THURSDAY NIGHT SING & JAM
Thursdays, 7-10pm. Bring your instrument and/or voice and join the Sing & Jam fun! $5 suggested cover for drop-in programs. This is an on-going weekly event. Coming up…6/13, 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29.


OPEN MIC NIGHT: June 9th
Held on 2nd & 4th Sundays in a month at 6:30 pm during the season. Open Mic Night is for all ages and levels of experience. Sing a song, play a tune, or speak your truth. The mic is on and everyone is welcome. Special guests will also stop by for some added fun. $5 suggested cover for all drop-in programs. Future Date: 6/23 (Final event until Fall).


3rd FRIDAY BLUEGRASS JAM: June 21st
A community event open to the public, 7-10pm. Bring your banjo, fiddle, voice, or just come to watch  every 3rd Friday in a month! All are welcome and all have a great time. Future Dates: 7/19, 8/16, 9/20, 10/18, 11/15, 12/20.

 

WHEN: Tuesday, June 11, 2 PM
WHERE: 108 Littleton Road, Westford, MA
WHAT: Purple Flag accreditation and 10-year anniversary event for Bridges® by EPOCH in Westford.
EPOCH Senior Living, a premier provider of exceptional senior living services throughout the Northeast, announces its memory care assisted living facility, Bridges® by EPOCH in Westford, has earned the Purple Flag for Dementia Care™ accreditation. Purple Flag for Dementia Care™ is an accreditation program that recognizes excellence in caring for people living with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. Upon receiving the accreditation, providers receive the distinctive purple flag to fly proudly. Bridges® by EPOCH in Westford will also be celebrating its 10th anniversary. CONTACT: Victoria Hochman (914) 762-1900 vicky@thompson-bender.com

Time is winding down. Don’t miss your opportunity to join us at the July 3 & 4th Country Fair on Chelmsford Common. Vendor spaces are filling up fast. If you’re interested in securing a space email us at Chelmsfordlionsclub@yahoo.com and we will send you the information.
Each year the Chelmsford Lions Club sponsors this event. All funds raised from space fees is given right back into the Chelmsford community through our service projects.
Please join us at the Fair.

• July 13 - John Ferullo's Open Mic Night Sampler, 2-5pm
• July 20 - MOMENTUM (Rain date, July 21), 2-4pm
• August 3 - Common Picking Mini Bluegrass Festival, noon-7pm
• August 10 - Ed McCarron (Rain date, August 11), 2:30-4:30pm

 

The Roudenbush Community Market will commence on July 2nd, located at Fisher Way in Westford, MA. This vibrant Market will be open every Tuesday until September 10th, operating from 3 PM to 7 PM. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local produce, artisanal goods, and community activities.
**New Location** The Market has recently moved to a new, more spacious location on Fisher Way, next to Abbot Elementary School, providing ample parking and additional space for vendors and food trucks as well as being an area that is designed to be family-friendly, with facilities like nearby restrooms, wastebaskets, and space for kids to play and folks to socialize. We will still have the option to hold the Market in the gym of Roudenbush in case of bad weather!
This Roudenbush Community Market not only supports local vendors by providing them a platform to showcase their products but also fosters a sense of community among Westford residents. The relocation aims to create a more dynamic space for interaction and commerce, contributing to the market's growth and the vitality of the local community.

The Roudenbush Community Center is excited to introduce you to Daisy, our Market mascot! Daisy the cow will be hidden at a different vendor each week. Check out our social media for hints on where to find her. When you do, come to the Roudenbush table to win a prize! We have new and returning vendors!

 

50 Main St., Westford, MA (1-978-692-5555), http://www.westfordlibrary.org
Unless otherwise noted, the following programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.

Friends of the Library June Book Sale: Mark your calendars for the June Book Sale! Friday, June 7, Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. A Friends Members Only Sale will be held on Friday evening from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. A Friends membership (which may be purchased at the door) is necessary for attending this sale. The entire public is invited Saturday for an all-day sale, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and for the $10.00 Bag Sale on Sunday, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. So much stock! So little time!

Adult Nonfiction Book Club:Tuesday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. – We’ll meet in the downstairs Meeting Room to discuss Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt. Copies are available at Main Desk. No registration required. Email Charles Schweppe for more information.

Open Study for Final Exams: Tuesday, June 11, Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13 from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. Come study together at the library! The Meeting Room will be open to high school students with dedicated study space, free coffee, snacks, and pizza. Everyone must have a ride home promptly at closing time. Generously funded by the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library

 

Contact: Mary Anne Seraphin, foundation@westfordlibraryfriends.org, 978-692-6345

The J.V. Fletcher Library is undergoing an historic expansion and renovation and is appealing to the public for support. The Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library Foundation – as part of its commitment to raise $1.5 million of the overall cost of the building project – has launched the 1,000 Homes For The Library Campaign. With this initiative, the Foundation is asking 1,000 Westford households to pledge $1,000 each (either as a one-time payment or spread over three years with three yearly payments of $333.) If 1,000 homes participate, the Foundation can raise $1,000,000 towards its goal. In addition, the Foundation has a number of naming opportunities available in the expanded, renovated building. The first 100 donors who give as part of the 1,000 Homes Campaign will receive – if they wish – a lawn sign to show their support. Every donation given, no matter the amount, will be recognized on what the Foundation is calling the Wall For All in the renovated library. The Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library is an independent, registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization #22-2675998. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Want more information? Go to www.westfordlibraryfoundation.org.

WESTFORD: Be amazed when you and your friends (or strangers) across the room become stars of the show, as Frank Santos, Jr. makes them believe they are singers, dancers and much, much more on May 31 at 7:30pm at the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street in Westford. This is a rated R performance where the audience becomes the show - a hilarious, energetic and unique event you will never forget! BYOB and snacks for a complete evening of entertainment! Tickets are $20 Members; $22 Non-Members; $25 at the Door (if there are any left). For tickets and information, call (978) 692-6333, or visit www.pcawestford.org.
Frank Santos Jr. has over 20 years of experience. His spectacular display of mind bending antics can turn any skeptic into a fan. His act is always fresh, energetic and unique; no two shows are ever the same. He has appeared at many theaters throughout New England like The Palace Theatre, Colonial Theatre, Capital Center for The Arts, The Wilbur Theatre and many more. He performs regularly at Twin River Casino in Rhode Island, and Treasure Island Casino in Minnesota. Frank has entertained for large corporate events such as Google, Nike, CVS, Blockbuster, and Tyco (to name a few), and has also been featured on ABC numerous times. Direct ticket link:
https://parisharts.square.site/product/5-31-24-frank-santos-jr-comic-hypnotist-/154

Besides having a lot of entertainment, kids activities, and sales, the day also gives folks a chance to purchase lunch or supper from many local non-profit organizations. The Shirley Historical Society will sell BBQ chicken and salads. Trinity Chapel will bake pies. Boy Scout Troop 7123 will cook up sausages and ShirleyArts! will grill hot dogs and hamburgers. The Fabulous Five will have lemonade and popcorn. Supporting these groups supports our town. The Friends of Hazen Library, the Fort Devens Museum, the Hindu Temple, the Shirley Meetinghouse, and Shirley Greenway will have information booths. Shirley Penguins will sponsor the dunk tank.
At the crafts tables you will find jewelry, woodwork, windchimes, photos, soaps, paintings, house décor, and greeting cards.
Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and stay for the whole day.

 

On Monday May 27 (Memorial Day) the Iris Society of Massachusetts invites you to an iris show – ‘Dancing with Irises’ – at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St., West Concord. You will see irises that society members grow in their local gardens and bring to the show to compete for awards. Admission is free, and the show is open to the public from 1-4 pm. The center is accessible and has easy parking. In addition to the array of beautiful, scented irises to which the judges have given awards, there will be tables of companion plants as well as floral arrangements that use irises and that reflect the show’s theme of ‘Dancing with Irises.’ You are encouraged to vote on your favorite iris in the show as well as your favorite companion plant. Rhizomes of spring blooming bearded irises and potted siberian irises will be on sale. They usually sell quickly. Society members will be on hand to answer general questions about irises as well as more specific horticultural queries. To find out more about the show and about the iris society, go to the website: massirises.org.

May 27,2024 from 7:30 to 10:30 am at Groton Grange #7, 80 Champney St. All proceeds from the breakfast go to the scholarship fund.
Live music will be provided by the Contra Banditos. Parking is allowed on the Grange side of Champney St only.
Pancakes (plain, chocolate chip, blueberry), sausage, maple syrup, orange juice, tea and coffee. $10./all you can eat. Children under 3 are free. Please join us rain or shine.

Saturday, May 25, from 7:30 - 10:00 PM
Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, May 25, from 7:30 - 10:00 PM, at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra Banditos, along with caller Dudley Laufman,  who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary. Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, Children under 3 years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. PARKING ALLOWED ONLY ON THE GRANGE SIDE OF CHAMPNEY ST.

Featuring flexible and affordable classes, MCC will help students get on track to reach their goals. Summer classes start on Tuesday, May 28, while the Fall semester begins Tuesday, September 3. “At MCC, we design courses that help students fit education into their busy lives,” said Scott O’Neil, MCC’s Dean of Enrollment Services. “By choosing what works best for their schedules, students are better able to have their individual needs met. We have on-campus, online, hybrid and hyflex classes and a choice of over 80 programs. This Summer and Fall provides a perfect opportunity to explore interests, develop a plan, and access resources and support services that will guide them to success.” Over the summer, MCC’s sessions are three, five and eight weeks long. • Summer Quickstart: three weeks, May 28 to June 14 • Summer Session One: five weeks, May 28 to June 27 • Summer Session Two: eight weeks, May 28 to July 29 • Summer Session Three: five weeks, July 8 to August 8 For the Fall, students can choose between the traditional 15-week semester or two eight-week accelerated Minimesters. • Fall Semester: 15 weeks, September 3 to December 20 • Fall Mini-mester I: 8 weeks, September 3 to October 24 • Fall Mini-mester II: 8 weeks, October 28 to December 20 In the Summer or Fall, MCC’s accelerated classes allow students to complete classes in a shorter period of time. Students get the same content, academic standards, and number of instructional hours as courses scheduled during the traditional 15-week semester. Shorter sessions help students finish their credits faster, balance coursework with other responsibilities, and start classes later in the semester if needed. To help students pay for college, MCC offers Financial Aid and Financial Wellness support, as well as scholarship and grant opportunities. Many of MCC’s programs offer students a chance to apply the knowledge they learn in their classes to real-world experiences, including in Learn and Earn, internship, Service-Learning, networking, lab or clinical opportunities. “MCC has a lot to offer in our upcoming semesters, whether you are looking to transfer to a four-year school, jumpstart a new career, or anything in between,” O’Neil said. “We’re here to help you as soon as you’re ready to get started!” Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ for more information on MCC’s Summer and Fall 2024 semesters.

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

On Saturday, May 18, 2024 join us at the Hartwell Memorial Preserve on Hartwell Ave from 10am - noon. Did you know Littleton had a ski hill on Hartwell Avenue? The Littleton Historical Society and Littleton Conservation Trust team up for a morning to celebrate the former Hartwell Ski Area and the Memorial Preserve Conservation Land. There will be a display of historical photos and ski area memorabilia in the parking lot. At 10:30 am, the LCT will lead a guided walk of the conservation area including a scavenger hunt for all ages. The program is part of the Freedom's Way Hidden Treasures festival of nature, culture, and history. Learn about or discover this hidden treasure of Littleton! Event will be cancelled in case of HEAVY rain. Showers or drizzle, we will be there!

The League of Women Voters of Westford sincerely thanks all town and school officials, staff, board members, volunteers, and WestfordCAT personnel for planning, organizing, and effectively and efficiently executing the April 27 Annual Town Meeting and the May 7 town election. Their dedication, thought, and hard work were instrumental in ensuring that these vital community events ran as smoothly as possible, particularly given the size of the turnout for both Town Meeting and the election.

The League especially appreciates the extensive time and consideration put into the many meetings, webinars, online resources, and Town Meeting presentations that made up the unprecedented effort to educate voters about the important decisions facing Westford. The League is also grateful for the many accommodations the town made to make Town Meeting more accessible to those who needed assistance.
As always, the League is poised to continue its support of the town’s efforts to encourage active and informed participation in government. Learn more about the League’s work at
https://lwv.westford.org/.