Coping with Grief

Tuesday, August 20 at 4pm at the Ayer Library. The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health welcomes adults who are experiencing grief to participate in the monthly, drop-in Grief & Healing Support Group. Grief counselor Karen Campbell offers a safe space to share experiences of the grief journey and is an opportunity to learn more about the grief process and strategies for managing grief. Confidentiality is respected and honored. The group honors all types of grief, including grief due to loss, change and transitions. In recognition that grief has no time frame, those who grieve are welcomed at any time in their journey. Since grief is an evolving process, occasional check-ins with a grief support group may be beneficial. No one is required to commit to consistent attendance. Please contact Karen Campbell at 978-772-3335 x322.
Why me

14th Annual Ride for Why Me-Sherry's House-Helping Families with Cancer - September 8th Hudson Eagles


"People Helping People"-the motto of the Fraternal Order of Eagles! With that, the Hudson Eagles are pleased to invite you to join us in support of our 14th Annual Ride for Why Me-Sherry's House on Sunday Sept 8th at the Hudson MA Eagles-271 Cox Street. Registrations begin at 9:00am with Kick Stands up at 11:00am.  Donation of $20 for rider and the passenger $10.  Don't ride? Join us at 1:00 for the BBQ for a donation of $10.00.
Enjoy the great ride up to Princeton and arrive back at the Eagles around 1:15 for cookout and chances for some great donations.
Why Me is a Worcester Based non-profit organization created to help  families  who are being treated at Boston Children's Hospital and UMass Oncology cope with childhood cancer. Why Me is not affiliated with any national organization. These children come from all over the world to be treated at our great hospitals.
Why Me was started in 1985 by 13-year-old Sherry Shepherd during her four year battle with cancer. In the last months of her life, Sherry became determined to do something that would have a lasting value in the community to help children with cancer. With the help of her dad, she founded the non-profit organization WHY ME, which stands for Worcester Help for Youth, Memories Everlasting.
Today, over 36 years later, Why Me offers a comprehensive approach to supporting the entire family through a pediatric cancer diagnosis. We are here from the moment a family hears the words “your child has cancer” and continues throughout every step of their journey. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the effect on the entire family is profound and pervasive. The initial diagnosis is devastating, followed by fear and anxiety for all that lies ahead. Pediatric cancer protocols can last years and life is disrupted not just emotionally but financially as well. Through our all-encompassing support services and programs, families find the tools and assistance needed to manage these changes. The organization continues to be managed in part by individuals who have had a child with cancer and wish to help others who now face the same challenge. This deeply felt personal perspective serves as a guiding light in delivering services that are essential, compassionate and life affirming.
What “support” means:
While a childhood cancer diagnosis may be the most difficult challenge a family can face, with tangible support, guidance and friendship, together we can make this difficult time a little easier. Through family fun events, dinners, group outings, summer camp and other programs, families forge enduring bonds of friendship through the power of a shared common experience. From support groups, to logistical and financial support, as well as staff visits – whether at home, hospital or clinic – families receive support to address the specific ways their families’ lives have been disrupted. At Why Me we are always striving to meet the unique and increased needs of every family with ever-expanding programming that benefits each child and each family here in our community now, when they need it most. All support and services Why Me provides are free of charge.

Peach Social

The Littleton Historical Society will be holding its annual Peach Social on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at 6:30-8:00 pm at the Houghton Memorial Building on 4 Rogers Street. Come enjoy a summer dessert with peaches from Theo’s Market Gardens, visit our museum, and chat with friends. See you there!
Comedy night littleton


Comedy Night in Littleton

Start the new season off on a high note. Sit down for some epic stand-up comedy. On Friday night September 6, a trio of comedians will entertain you at the Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St. First up: Mark Shea and John Kelly, who will likely share their experiences with road trips gone wrong, social commentary, relatable medical experiences, and personal foibles that will make you laugh at them and, gently, at yourself. Both are experienced performers at clubs, on campuses, and at community events. The headliner is Frank O’Donnell, who was inducted into the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame. The honor finds him in stellar company, including his close friend, writer Danny Smith of “Family Guy.” Frank has written for comics like Bob Hope and Jay Leno. Frank’s passion, besides comedy, is a foundation he started, The Keri Anne O’Donnell Memorial Fund. The foundation commemorates his daughter Keri, a dancer and performer, who died in an auto accident. It provides scholarships for students of performance who need a financial hand up. You never know what Frank will talk about: weight loss (and gain), shows gone very, very wrong, and maybe what it is like to be the quiet kid who made everybody laugh. There may be an extra treat: the church’s pastor is Reverend Jen Munroe Nathans, a friend of Frank’s and a seasoned comic herself with experience at Chicago’s famous Second City in her resume. Tickets are $15 until September and $20 thereafter, including at the door if the event isn’t sold out. Get your tickets by calling the church office at 978 486 3245. The fun begins at 7 pm; doors open at 6:30. This is a great way to kick off the fall school-and-overwhelming-calendars season with good hearty laughs, which are actually healthy. Imagine that: something fun that’s actually good for you. Join us!

Supporting Someone with a Mental Health Condition?

The Family to Family course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful to you. This is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course for family members and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The class is taught by NAMI trained family members. The NAMI Central Middlesex local affiliate will host two sessions of the course this fall. The first will meet in person in Winchester on Saturdays from 9:00-11:30 am, starting September 14th. The second course will be available via Zoom, meeting on Tuesdays from 6:30-9:00 pm, starting September 24th. Learn more and register at: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses.

Westford’s Zero Waste Day, Saturday, September 7

Zero Waste Day provides residents with easy, in-town access to regional non-profits and other organizations that reuse or recycle materials and keep them out of the waste stream, saving tax dollars on trash incineration fees and reducing greenhouse gases and toxins that result from burning household items.
Westford's first ever Zero Waste Day will span a few sites that are in close proximity.  The planning is still underway, but so far, the following sites are confirmed.
Site 1:  Westford Highway Garage, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Our semi-annual "Electronics & More" collection will take place for computers, monitors, and most other electronic devices & equipment, appliances of all sizes, and scrap metal.
Site 2:  Blanchard Middle School, also from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Many non-profits and other organizations will be on site to accept donations of usable furniture, small appliances, household goods, toys and games, clothing, and small musical instruments.  In addition, New England Clothes Recycling will be on site to accept all types of textiles for recycling.
Site 3:  Old Water Department on Graniteville Road - where Bay State Books has a drop off container for donating books and media that the Friends of the Library cannot accept for their Book Sales, in particular: VHS tapes, cassette tapes, older textbooks, full sets of encyclopedias, and any book in fair but still usable condition.  Note that this book container is available 24/7.
The final list of sites, vendors, and accepted materials will be publicized before September 7th.
Visit www.westfordma.gov/recycling

Roudenbush Community Market

 
August 20 @ 3:00 am - 7:00 pm
Free
The Roudenbush Community Center is excited to welcome you to join us in discovering fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and delicious treats at our Community Market! Located on Fisher Way, in Westford Massachusetts, doors open every Tuesday from 3:00pm- 7:00pm. There’s something for everyone at the Community Market and we can’t wait to see you there!

Library Concert Series: Squeezebox Stompers

 
Thursday, August 22, 7:00—8:00 PM. All ages welcome.
Town Field, 99A Main St., Behind the Library, Groton, MA, 01450
Join us for an evening of music outdoors! Feel free to bring dinner and the family for a memorable experience. All concerts take place at the Gazebo at the playground end of Town Field behind the library. Arrive early as parking is at a premium!
The Squeezebox Stompers is a Boston area Americana Roots band. They have performed Americana, Cajun, zydeco, blues, folk, and originals all over New England for the past 15 years. Members of the band have received Boston Music Awards and Songwriting Awards. They are noted for their step-lively up-beat music inspiring audiences to get up and dance.
The group's instrumentation includes accordion, keyboards, fiddle, saxophone, harmonica, penny whistle, guitar, bass, and drums. The Squeezebox Stompers guarantee a rockin' good family-friendly time.
All library concerts made possible by a grant from the Town of Groton Trust Funds' Lecture Fund. Sign up at GPL.org

Westford Expressions Toastmasters Club

 
Monday, August 19 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Toastmasters now meeting at the Cameron Sr. Center
Toastmasters will help you:
Speak and present compellingly
Think clearly and quickly on your feet
Become an effective leader
Gain confidence
Westford Expressions is your local Toastmaster club, with weekly hybrid meetings. You are most welcome to join us at the Cameron Senior Center in Westford (20 Pleasant St.), or via Zoom. We are a non-profit community club, part of the world-wide Toastmaster International organization.  You will learn communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment. You set the pace and attend meetings according to your schedule.
Join us at a meeting, any Monday evening at 7 pm except on holidays.
For additional information about the club, contact us at: vpm-4690@toastmastersclubs.org    To attend a meeting go to our web site, westfordexpressions.toastmastersclubs.org

Myles Above in Heaven

(2 upcoming meetings)
(Grieving Mothers Support Group)

Saturday August 17th, 10:30am-12:30pm
Community Room at the Avidia Financial Center
17 Pope St.  Hudson, MA

Saturday August 24th, 10:30am-12:30pm
Duffy Properties
135 Beaver St.  Waltham, MA

Chili, Watermelon & Ice Cream at Guest Table

Guest Table is a community dinner that takes place on the second Friday of each month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). The next dinner will take place on Aug. 9. It will begin at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. All are welcome! There’s no charge for dinner, but donations are gratefully accepted.
This month’s menu is chili. There will be salad, watermelon, and corn bread, with ice cream for dessert. Options made with vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free ingredients will be available. All meals are nut-free.
FPC is located at 353 Great Road, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. When parking, please keep a clear path for emergency vehicles; do not block the driveway around the front of the sanctuary; park only on the 117 side of Commons Rd.; and do not block access to the back of the building. Thank you!
This program is supported in part by grants from the Stow Community Chest, Nashoba Valley Rotary, and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Guest Table is also grateful for the consistent support it receives from the Stow Council on Aging and the Stow Food Pantry, as well as the support from so many individuals who donate and volunteer.

Multigenerational Game Night at FPC

 
All are welcome to a multigenerational game night that takes place on the third Friday of the month at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC). Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy free parking, free snacks, and free fun!
The next Game Night will take place on Friday, Aug 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. FPC is a nut-free location. It’s located at 353 Great Rd, Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Beerfest photo for aug 9 papers


Family-Friendly Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival

Family-Friendly Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival
The third annual Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival will take place in Stow on Saturday, Aug. 31, from 12 to 4 p.m. With more local craft beer brewers, more food trucks, ice cream from Juniper Farms, music from Becky and the Swingin’ Bards, and a dedicated children’s area, everyone is sure to find a most enjoyable way to support these local businesses.
The five local craft breweries are Amory’s Tomb Brewing of Maynard; Dirigible Brewing of Littleton; Flying Dreams Brewing Co. of Marlborough; Redemption Rock of Worcester; and Start Line Brewing Co. of Hopkinton.
Start Line Brewing Co. will be doing double duty, offering not just brew but BBQ. Kith and Kin of Hudson will bring its Kiki food truck; Braised will have tacos and taco bowls; Twizted Pickle’s offerings will include sandwiches and Fried Twizted Pickles with dipping sauce; and Bird’s Nest will offer Italian street food. Juniper Farms and the FPC Cookie Table will be there to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Just downhill from the main festival is a dedicated Carnival Games area, including games, crafts, a playground for younger kids, and face painting. Any DCF family with a Wonderfund Access Card will receive 5 free tickets.
The Assabet Craft Beer & Food Truck Festival will be held on the grounds of First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) at 353 Great Road, Stow. General admission is through a $5 to $10 donation, and drink tickets for 10 oz beer or hard seltzer are $5, with all proceeds going directly to FPC to support its work in the community. Entry is free for children 12 and under. The event will proceed rain or shine. For more information, visit facebook.com/AssabetCraftBeer.

Starstuff - FPC Summer Service

A new tradition is being inaugurated at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) of the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Landrum repeating an earlier popular sermon for a summer service! This service from Nov. 2018, “Starstuff,” explores the theology of Carl Sagan, who explained that we are all made of starstuff.
The service will take place both in person and virtually on Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. Masking is optional. Child care is available for all in-person summer services. To enter the virtual room, go to tinyurl.com/22-23fpc.
FPC warmly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. The church is located at 353 Great Rd., Stow. Its facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.

Fort Devens Museum Revolutionary Music Program

Military Music During the Age of Reason
Saturday August 17, 1 PM
Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA

As we gear up for the Semiquincentennial of the American Revolution...
After enlisting as a fifer in the Continental Army at just 13 years old, Thomas Nixon Jr. of Framingham marched on Lexington and Concord in April 1775. He, and thousands of young boys and teenagers, joined the fife and drum corps as both his father and uncle shouldered the call. While fifing was Nixon’s introduction to war, it appealed to him and became a true skill. Join us as founding member of the Middlesex County Volunteer Fifes & Drums, Steven Taskovics, discusses the significance of the music and the fifers’ role in directing the Revolutionary War.
The Fort Devens Museum is located at 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA, on the third floor and is wheelchair accessible. This event is free and open to the public with donations gratefully accepted. Thanks to the Harvard Cultural Council.

Open House @ AHS

Sunday, August 11th from 2-5PM , the Acton Historical Society will hold an open house.
This event will include our 1760's duplex and 1822 barn.
Come and see how family life was 260 years ago.
Also visit our exhibit about Acton schools and see how education has evolved.
We are located at 300 Main Street, Acton.
There is no admission fee but your free will offering is appreciated.
Visit us at  jenkslibrary@verizon.net

Westford Composting Open House

Saturday, August 10, 2024. Drop in between 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: 39 Main Street, Westford (across from Muffins on Main)
Volunteer members of the Westford Recycling Commission will show Westford residents how to compost organic material. Composting diverts food wastes from the trash and reduces the high cost of Westford’s trash collection. Organic material can represent up to 20% of the weight of our trash.
Earth Machines composters will be available to Westford residents at the demonstrations for only $25 at a discount from a state grant. Checks should be made out to the Town of Westford.
Westford residents can always purchase Earth Machine backyard composters for $25 by contacting Nicole Feliciano at the Westford Highway Department at 978-692-5520 or by email: nfeliciano@westfordma.gov.
For more information, visit www.westfordma.gov/recycling. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestfordRecyclingCommission

Crafters Wanted

Do you have a small business where you build, bake, create beautiful items from scratch?
Here's a place to be seen and sell your creations!  St. Nicholas' Annual Craft Fair (formerly St. Anthony's) will take place at Derosier Hall at 33 Chapel Street in Shirley, across from St. Anthony Church on Saturday, November 30, 2024, from 9am-4pm.
This is the 19th year of this well-loved craft fair and we'd love to have you participate.
Deadline for applications is October 6.  A registration form to apply for one or more spots and other information can be found at www.nashobacatholic.org/annual-craft-fair .  For more information, email Marianne Cooper at faithformation@nashobacatholic.org or call 978-772-0727.
for information and online registration

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is looking for interested community members to participate in their FREE September 2024 Volunteer Advocate Training program at the Lexington Police Department.
The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize the volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at the Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.
The September 2024 training will be held over three weeks from September 9th to September 27th on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:15 PM and Friday days 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who wish to activate as Advocates, an additional 10 to 12 hours of individual field training will take place after successful completion of the classroom segment.
The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.
Those interested in more information about the training or who want to request an application should call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Monday, August 26, 2024.

Westford Women’s Club Fall Kickoff Meeting: “Salads and Sweets”

Monday, September, 23 @6:30 p.m. at Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant St, Westford.
Enjoy an array of salads and sweet treats while getting to know women of different ages and backgrounds who are active in Westford and the surrounding communities. Learn about upcoming social activities, service projects, and community outreach events. Find out how you can become involved. Free. Please R.S.V.P. and receive more info, contact: westfordwomensclub@gmail.com.  Visit us on Facebook or stop by our table at the Annual Townwide Yard Sale on September 28 at Abbot School. WWC is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) www.GFWC.org and GFWC Massachusetts (GFWC MA) www.GFWCMA.org.

August Happenings at the Westford PCA

 
Westford PCA is located at 10 Lincoln Street.
8/16: 3rd Friday Bluegrass Jam
A community event open to the public. All are welcome, 7-10pm. You can bring your banjo, fiddle, voice, or just come to watch every 3rd Friday in a month! Everyone has a great time. Future Dates: 9/20, 10/18, 11/15, 12/20

9/1: Monthly Sunday Jazz Jams
A community event open to the public. All are welcome! Bring your instrument and sit and play with other jazz musicians, 3:30-5:30pm. A safe space to practice, play and listen, or just hang out with friends. Each month, a few tunes will be posted to work on before the jam. Email host Joe Virga to get on the Jam email list. $5 suggested cover. Future Dates: 10/6, 11/3, 12/1

9/8: Open Mic Night with John Ferullo
A community event open to the public. Held on 2nd & 4th Sundays in a month at 6:30pm, Open Mic Night is for all ages and levels of experience. Sing a song, play a tune, or speak your truth. The microphone is on and all are welcome. Special guests also stop by for some added fun. Email host John Ferullo to be notified when sign-up lists go live. $5 suggested cover. Future Dates: 9/22, 10/13, 10/27, 11/10, 11/24, 12/8, 12/22
 

Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library Book Sale September 6-8, 2024

The Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library Inc. will hold a book sale on September 6, 7 and 8 in the library’s Meeting Room, 50 Main Street, Westford. Friday September 6 is a Friends Members Only preview sale, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. If you’re not yet a member, consider joining now so you can be the first to shop the huge selection. You may also join at the door. It’s $10 for students/seniors, $15 for an individual, or $30 for a family. Memberships support the Friends and are good for a whole year. Saturday September 7 is the Public Sale, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Most items are $1 or $2. Sunday September 8 is a Bag Sale, from 2 to 4 p.m. Attendees must purchase a reusable bag for $10 to enter, and can then fill it with items. Scanners may not be used on Friday, September 6, but are welcome on Saturday and Sunday. The sale will include thousands of gently used books plus CDs, audio books, blu-ray discs, and DVDs. We accept credit card payments in addition to checks and cash. This sale is a fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Friends of the JV Fletcher Library. The Friends support the library by running innovative programs for all Page 1 of 2 ages, providing museum passes for discounted entrance fees, supplementing the library’s digital and hard copy collections, and updating furnishings and décor. We are still accepting items for the September sale. Please consider giving us your unwanted books, audio books, CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. These materials can be dropped off at the left-hand door just inside the library’s rear entrance. If the library is closed, just drop your donations in the collection box that is located near the back door of the library. Tax deduction forms are available at the library’s main desk. The Friends of the J.V Fletcher Library appreciate your support.

Military & Veterans Appreciation Cookout!

The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Task Force is sponsoring a free cookout in appreciation of active, reserve, National Guard, veterans and their families on Tuesday, August 13th. The event will take place from 5 to 7pm at the Pavilion behind the Chelmsford Elks Lodge at 300 Littleton Road. The general public is invited to attend to meet and support our local military members.
We will serve cheeseburgers, hotdogs, watermelon, chips, and soft drinks. A cash bar will be available.
The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant was established by the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen (now Select Board) in 2009 in partnership with Hanscom Air Force Base as a formal effort to support military families living in Chelmsford. The primary purpose of the program is to make Chelmsford feel more welcoming for military families and veterans by drawing upon a support network of volunteers and contributions from the local business community. For more information or to volunteer with the Task Force, please visit https://www.townofchelmsford.us/292/Military-Community-Covenant-Task-Force.
Blood drive

Community Blood Drive. Save a life on August 13th!

CRITICAL NEED FOR BLOOD AND PLATELETS!
Please help!
Cornerstone Congregational Church is proud to sponsor our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Tuesday August 13th from 9AM to 2PM. Each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in our community and across the country. An estimated 38 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood or platelets, but of those, less than 10 percent actually donate each year. If you are healthy and eligible, please come out to donate. Most donations take about an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.
Thank you!!
Cornerstone Congregational Church
32 Graniteville Road
Westford, MA 01886
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org
Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
For an appointment

Calling All Crafters!

Nashoba Valley Technical High School Foundation 12th Annual Craft Fair will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 10 AM - 3PM (Set up 8AM - 9:30AM)
Nashoba Valley Technical High School, 100 Littleton Road (Rt. 110), Westford, MA
Register now for this well-attended event - only 100 spots available!
Vendor fee is $75 (includes an 8 foot spot, and 2 chairs bring your own table or display).
For more information and to complete the online registration/payment please visit  https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA5MTYz
Any questions, email NVTHSFoundation@nashobatech.net
for information and online restoration

Myles Above in Heaven

(An intimate support group for Mothers in the loss of a child)
Saturday August 17th
10:30am-12:30pm
Community Room at the Avidia Financial Center
17 Pope Street, Hudson, MA

Saturday August 24th
10:30am-12:30pm
Duffy Properties
135 Beaver Street, Waltham, MA

Joint Unitarian Universalist Sunday Service

First Parish Church of Stow & Acton will join several Unitarian Universalist (UU) churches at the 21st annual Joint UU Summer Service.
First Church Unitarian of Littleton will host the service on Aug. 4 at 10 a.m., led by Rev. Lara Hoke. There will be a pick-up choir, with all singers welcome and rehearsal beginning at 8:30 a.m.
The annual service includes the UU churches serving Bolton, Fitchburg, Harvard, Lancaster, Leominster, Littleton, Marlborough/Hudson, and Stow/Acton.
First Church Unitarian of Littleton is located at 19 Foster St, Littleton. A link will be posted at fculittle.org for those who wish to attend virtually.

Westford Composting Open House

Saturday, August 10, 2024. Drop in between 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: 39 Main Street, Westford (across from Muffins on Main)
Volunteer members of the Westford Recycling Commission will show Westford residents how to compost organic material. Composting diverts food wastes from the trash and reduces the high cost of Westford’s trash collection. Organic material can represent up to 20% of the weight of our trash.
Earth Machines composters will be available to Westford residents at the demonstrations for only $25 at a discount from a state grant. Checks should be made out to the Town of Westford.
Westford residents can always purchase Earth Machine backyard composters for $25 by contacting Nicole Feliciano at the Westford Highway Department at 978-692-5520 or by email: nfeliciano@westfordma.gov.
For more information, visit www.westfordma.gov/recycling. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestfordRecyclingCommission
For more information

Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church Picnic - August 11

 
Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church will hold its annual picnic on Sunday, August 11 on the church grounds at 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, 12 Noon to 5:00 p.m. The picnic menu will include lamb and chicken shish-kebabs and Armenian hamburger dinners, rice pilaf, salad and Armenian desserts such as baklava and kadaif. Armenian and Middle East dance music will be provided by the Jason Naroian ensemble.  For further information, go to www.stsvartanantz.com.
Learn More
Ed mccarron

PCA Westford presents Ed McCarron

Date & Time: Sat, Aug 10, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM EDT
Location: Parish Center for the Arts (On the Common), 10 Lincoln Street, Westford, MA 01886
Description:
Pianist/Vocalist/Entertainer extraordinaire Ed McCarron will spend the afternoon performing a variety of oldies, rock & pop music of the past 50 years, all with humor & fun. Suggested donation: $5. BYOB, food & chair.
Literacy volunteers marketing picture

Become an Adult ESOL or Basic Literacy Tutor!

Have you been looking for a great volunteer opportunity? If you would like to make a difference in the life of an adult with limited English or basic literacy skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area.
You do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind, a desire to help an adult improve their skills, and the ability to meet with your student for 2 hours per week for 9-12 months! In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available. Before being matched with a student you also must successfully complete an 18-hour tutor training.
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:  Tuesday, August 27, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, August 29, 12-1:30 pm
To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.

Renew Thrift Shop Summer Sale

Renew Thrift Shop of Littleton is having an early 50% off Summer sale that will last 2 weeks, starting on Thursday August 1st.
Renew is located in the First Baptist Church on 461 King St, although supported by Friends of the Littleton Council on Aging, which is a nonprofit 501c. All proceeds, after expenses are paid, benefit the seniors of Littleton. In-season donations of mens and women’s clothing can be made during shop hours. Monetary donations can also be made and are tax deductible, and help defray the cost of rent. What we don’t sell, we donate to others in need. Our hours are Thursday and Friday from 11-4, and Saturday 10-1. We hope you stop by.

Chelmsford Historical Society Holding Classic Car Show

The Chelmsford Historical Society, in collaboration with Goonz Car Club Massachusetts, will be holding a classic car show on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 1-4pm.
All pre-1970 cars and trucks are welcome at the event. The show will feature the 1959 Raven, a custom car designed and built by Arthur Bentas in Chelmsford from 1950-1959. It has won numerous awards and was bought by Joe Germann in 2007 and restored in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary of winning the 1959 NHRA National Championship Custom Car Show Trophy.
The car show will be held rain or shine at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, located at 40 Byam Road, Chelmsford, MA. There will be food for purchase, music, games, a 50/50 raffle, and tours of the house.

Littleton Historical Society Summer Hours

The Littleton Historical Society on 4 Rogers Street will be open on Thursday nights from 6-8 during the months of July and August. Stop by and pay us a visit! We’re also open our regular hours: Wednesdays 1-4 and the second Sunday of the month from 2-4.

News from the J.V. Fletcher Library

 
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.
Director’s Corner: It’s not too late!  Our Summer Reading Programs run throughout the summer. Read for fun and prizes! Register now for the Kids (up to grade 4), Young Adult (grade 5 and up), and Adult Summer Reading Programs.

Toddlerbilly Concert with Matt Heaton: Tuesday, July 30 at 10:30 am: Toddlerbilly artist Matt Heaton delivers a fun and upbeat show for all ages. Matt says call it children's music, family music, kindie, or toddlerbilly but no matter what, it's sure to please listeners of all ages. No registration required.
Mother Goose Time: Tuesdays – 10:30-11:15 a.m.: Mother Goose story time OUTSIDE for the summer on Tuesday mornings in July and August. This is a great early literacy program for you and your littlest ones. Get them started with reading fundamentals like rhymes, finger plays, and stories. We will move inside if it rains. No registration required.
Harry Potter’s Birthday: Wednesday, July 31 at 2:00 p.m. The Children’s Librarians will host our annual magical Harry Potter birthday party including games, crafts, and other surprises. Dress as your favorite character or wear your house colors.
Adult Nonfiction Book Club: Tuesday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet in the downstairs Meeting Room to discuss Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West by Dee Brown. Copies are available at the Main Desk. No registration required.  Email Charles Schweppe for more information.
Party Band Concert: Thursday, August 8, Library Back Lawn
The Party Band is an original brass band embodying homegrown, unadulterated, unplugged fun. Their mission is to bring people together, celebrate the gift of being alive, and make the world a better place through the joys of quality live music in a way that is accessible to everyone. Originating in Lowell, MA, The Party Band has traveled the country blasting brass for fun, festivals, community events, schools, weddings, protests, and nightclub shows since their inception in 2013. The band has recorded three albums of original brass music inspired by the sounds of New Orleans and folk music from across Planet Earth. The Party Band believes it is important to be a force for good in the world, and to celebrate every day like the party that it is. No registration required. This concert is a collaboration with the adult and young adult summer reading programs and generously funded by the Friends of the Library.
We have added more titles to Hoopla Flex!:  Our Hoopla digital collection is growing! In addition to the 10 hoopla Instant borrows you receive each month with your Library card, Westford residents now will have 5 hoopla Flex borrows to use on bestselling titles specially marked hoopla Flex eBooks and Audiobooks
With Hoopla Flex titles you will find new and popular e-books and audiobooks that you can borrow now or place on hold to read later.  This collection is just for Westford card holders, so the wait time for new titles should be significantly less than other digital collections shared with the consortium. This collection will grow over time.
Not familiar with Hoopla? With Hoopla, patrons can read, watch, and listen to more than 950,000 eBooks, digital audiobooks, comics, movies, or TV shows that are available to stream or download. Patrons can sign up for Hoopla for free with a Westford Library card at hoopladigital.com or download the Hoopla app from their favorite app store.
Staff Recommends: Be sure to add The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley on your summer reading list. “It's the opening night of The Manor, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; crystal pouches for guests' healing have been placed in the Seaside Cottages and Woodland Hutches; the "Manor Mule" cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen. And yet, outside The Manor's immaculately kept grounds, and ancient forest bristles with secrets. The local community resents what they see as the Manor's intrusion into the local woods and attempts to privatize the beach, and small skirmishes have erupted on the edges of the property between locals and the staff. And the whispers keep coming, about an old piece of pagan folklore--it must be folklore--the Night Birds, an avenging force that can be called upon to make right wrongs that elude the law. Though surely everything at the Manor has been done aboveboard. On the Sunday morning of opening weekend, the local police are called. There's been a fire. A body's been discovered. Something's not right with the guests. What happened on the grounds of the Manor the past 36 hours? And who--or what--is the cause? Everyone has an agenda. Everyone has a past. But not everyone will survive...The Midnight Feast.’
 If you have questions or need assistance, please call us at 978-399-2300 or send us an email at westfordlibrary@westfordma.gov

Concord Conservatory Of Music’s Fowler Library Storytime Takeover

CCM presents Family Notes Music Class on July 30 & August 13
Concord, MA—Get your young kids to love music! Concord Conservatory of Music is taking over two Fowler Library Storytimes in West Concord on Tuesday, July 30, and then again on August 13. CCM will present a fun and free Family Notes music class led by CCM faculty member Holly Jennings. As an early childhood educator, voice instructor, and performer, she will introduce music to your kids and get them moving.
The 45-minute Storytime Takeovers meet at the Labyrinth Garden at CCM (1317 Main Street in West Concord) with starting times at 10:00 and 11:00 am. In the case of poor weather, the free Family Notes music classes will be held in Fowler’s large meeting room.
Discover musical experiences that your whole family will love in a social setting that is celebratory of all ages, stages, and skill levels. Family Notes classes incorporate simple percussion instruments, creative movement, improvisation, and playful props. Children’s physical, language, social, cognitive, and musical development are all stimulated through musical play. What could be more enjoyable for a family than creating music together?
Register now for Family Notes’ 10-week fall semester! Classes are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays starting September 18 and 19.
To learn more about Family Notes and all CCM programs, visit CCM’s website ConcordConservatory.org. Call (978) 369-0010 or email info@ConcordConservatory.org with questions. Financial assistance is available.
Dsndp cleanliness drive july 14 2024 8

Global Nonprofit DSNDP Volunteers From Massachusetts participate in Cleanliness Drive!

On July 14th ,2024, Massachusetts State residents joined hands as dedicated volunteers of the global non-profit organization Dr. Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP), undertaking Adopt-A-Highway & Adopt-A-Visibility-Site clean-up drive in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) at (Adopt-A-Highway) 135 Eastbound side from Pond Rd. to Weston Rd, Wellesley, MA 02481 & (Adopt-A-Visibility-Site) at Gonzalez Lower Lot: Town of Dedham, 506 High St, Dedham, MA 02026.
In alignment with the motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family), DSNDP aims to foster a brighter future by advocating for cleanliness drives in collaboration with the US government by undertaking nationwide cleanliness drives since July 2022. These activities are executed under the guidance of the founders of the organisation Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and Dr. Shri Sachindada Dharmadhikari.
Earlier in Massachusetts, the organization also carried out other cleanliness activities such as Adopt-a-Visibility-Site, Adopt- a-Highway, across 3 cities involving a total of 67 volunteers who worked for around 85 volunteer hours and collected 28 bags of waste resulting in approx. 420 pounds of trash.
Within the North America continent, DSNDP continues to collaborate with 18 states and 73 cities across the United States for nationwide cleanliness drive including 23 different programs such as Adopt-Highway/Park/Beach/ Street/ River etc. During these cleanliness drives, DSNDP has successfully engaged 2109 volunteers, actively collecting more than 34000 pounds of trash, resulting in significant cost savings for the government. The organisation has received accolades from various state and county governments in the form of 53 certificates and 51 signboards within the nation.
The organisation is also involved in tree plantation across 15 states and 33 cities within the US. DSNDP is also involved in health initiatives such as the Women’s Cancer Awareness Conference successfully hosted in February 2023 and blood/ plasma donation drives in Canada and the United States in recent years. DSNDP also recently organised a Mega Cleanliness Drive and Tree Conservation Event across 21 locations simultaneously to celebrate Earth Day 2024.
For more information, please visit http://www.dsndp.com
Nyara

The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children Is Seeking The Public’s Assistance In Locating Missing 14-Year-Old, Nyara Mitchell.

Nyara has been missing since June 22, 2024, from her home in Canton, Massachusetts. Nyara is described as 5’5”, weighs 170 lbs., and has brown eyes with black hair. Authorities believe that Nyara may be in Boston, Massachusetts area.
In an effort to bring more attention to Nyara’s case, her poster is being featured on the Ring’s Neighbors app as a part of a partnership between NCMEC and Ring. This feature reaches millions of users, providing real-time assistance in locating missing children.
If you have any information about Nyara or her disappearance, please contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Canton Police Department (Massachusetts) at 1-781-821-5090

News from the J.V. Fletcher Library

 
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.
Director’s Corner: It’s not too late!  Our Summer Reading Programs run throughout the summer. Read for fun and prizes! Register now for the Kids (up to grade 4), Young Adult (grade 5 and up), and Adult Summer Reading Programs.
Drawing with Rick Stromoski: Tuesday, July 23 at 4:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room Open to grades 5 and up. Calling all artists! Award-winning cartoonist Rick Stromoski will teach you to draw cartoons with a focus on OCEAN ANIMALS! Register here.
Family Concert with the BenAnna Band: Thursday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. in the Meeting Room This nationally touring children’s duo focuses on music and inclusion for kiddos of all ages, abilities, and identities. The BenAnna Band wants to see you singing, playing, and dancing with them so there will be plenty of opportunities to follow the lyrics for group dancing, playing, and singing along with spotlight moments for everyone to rock out in their own way! No registration required.
Toddlerbilly Concert with Matt Heaton: Tuesday, July 30 at 10:30 am: Toddlerbilly artist Matt Heaton delivers a fun and upbeat show for all ages. Matt says call it children’s music, family music, kindie, or toddlerbilly but no matter what, it’s sure to please listeners of all ages. No registration required.
Mother Goose Time: Tuesdays – 10:30-11:15 a.m.: Mother Goose story time OUTSIDE for the summer on Tuesday mornings in July and August. This is a great early literacy program for you and your littlest ones. Get them started with reading fundamentals like rhymes, finger plays, and stories. We will move inside if it rains. No registration required.
Harry Potter’s Birthday: Wednesday, July 31 at 2:00 p.m. The Children’s Librarians will host our annual magical Harry Potter birthday party including games, crafts, and other surprises. Dress as your favorite character or wear your house colors.
Adult Nonfiction Book Club: Tuesday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m. – We’ll meet in the downstairs Meeting Room to discuss Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West by Dee Brown. Copies are available at Main Desk. No registration required.  Email Charles Schweppe for more information.
Party Band Concert: Thursday, August 8, Library Back Lawn
The Party Band is an original brass band embodying homegrown, unadulterated, unplugged fun. Their mission is to bring people together, celebrate the gift of being alive, and make the world a better place through the joys of quality live music in a way that is accessible to everyone. Originating in Lowell, MA, The Party Band has traveled the country blasting brass for fun, festivals, community events, schools, weddings, protests, and nightclub shows since their inception in 2013. The band has recorded three albums of original brass music inspired by the sounds of New Orleans and folk music from across Planet Earth. The Party Band believes it is important to be a force for good in the world, and to celebrate every day like the party that it is. No registration required. This concert is a collaboration with the adult and young adult summer reading programs and generously funded by the Friends of the Library.

We have added more titles to Hoopla Flex!:  Our Hoopla digital collection is growing! In addition to the 10 hoopla Instant borrows you receive each month with your Library card, Westford residents now will have 5 hoopla Flex borrows to use on bestselling titles specially marked hoopla Flex eBooks and Audiobooks
With Hoopla Flex titles you will find new and popular e-books and audiobooks that you can borrow now or place on hold to read later.  This collection is just for Westford card holders, so the wait time for new titles should be significantly less than other digital collections shared with the consortium. This collection will grow over time.
Not familiar with Hoopla? With Hoopla, patrons can read, watch, and listen to more than 950,000 eBooks, digital audiobooks, comics, movies, or TV shows that are available to stream or download. Patrons can sign up for Hoopla for free with a Westford Library card at hoopladigital.com or download the Hoopla app from their favorite app store.

Staff Recommends: Be sure to add The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley on your summer reading list. “It’s the opening night of The Manor, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; crystal pouches for guests’ healing have been placed in the Seaside Cottages and Woodland Hutches; the “Manor Mule” cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen. And yet, outside The Manor’s immaculately kept grounds, and ancient forest bristles with secrets. The local community resents what they see as the Manor’s intrusion into the local woods and attempts to privatize the beach, and small skirmishes have erupted on the edges of the property between locals and the staff. And the whispers keep coming, about an old piece of pagan folklore--it must be folklore--the Night Birds, an avenging force that can be called upon to make right wrongs that elude the law. Though surely everything at the Manor has been done aboveboard. On the Sunday morning of opening weekend, the local police are called. There’s been a fire. A body’s been discovered. Something’s not right with the guests. What happened on the grounds of the Manor the past 36 hours? And who--or what--is the cause? Everyone has an agenda. Everyone has a past. But not everyone will survive...The Midnight Feast.’

 If you have questions or need assistance, please call us at 978-399-2300 or send us an email at westfordlibrary@westfordma.gov

Toastmasters Now Meeting at the Cameron Senior Center

TOASTMASTERS WILL HELP YOU:
· Speak and present compellingly
· Think clearly and quickly on your feet
· Become an effective leader
· Gain confidence
Westford Expressions is your local Toastmaster club, with weekly hybrid meetings. You are most welcome to join us at the Cameron Senior Center in Westford (20 Pleasant St.), or via Zoom. We are a non-profit community club, part of the world-wide Toastmaster International organization. You will learn communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment. You set the pace and attend meetings according to your schedule.
Join us at a meeting, any Monday evening at 7 pm except on holidays. For additional information about the club, contact us at: vpm-4690@toastmastersclubs.org To attend a meeting go to our web site, westfordexpressions.toastmastersclubs.org
Dsndp cleanliness drive july 14 2024 8

Global Nonprofit DSNDP Volunteers From Massachusetts participate in Cleanliness Drive!

On July 14th ,2024, Massachusetts State residents joined hands as dedicated volunteers of the global non-profit organization Dr. Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan (DSNDP), undertaking Adopt-A-Highway & Adopt-A-Visibility-Site clean-up drive in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) at (Adopt-A-Highway) 135 Eastbound side from Pond Rd. to Weston Rd, Wellesley, MA 02481 & (Adopt-A-Visibility-Site) at Gonzalez Lower Lot: Town of Dedham, 506 High St, Dedham, MA 02026.
In alignment with the motto “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is one family), DSNDP aims to foster a brighter future by advocating for cleanliness drives in collaboration with the US government by undertaking nationwide cleanliness drives since July 2022. These activities are executed under the guidance of the founders of the organisation Dr. Shri Appasaheb Dharmadhikari and Dr. Shri Sachindada Dharmadhikari.
Earlier in Massachusetts, the organization also carried out other cleanliness activities such as Adopt-a-Visibility-Site, Adopt- a-Highway, across 3 cities involving a total of 67 volunteers who worked for around 85 volunteer hours and collected 28 bags of waste resulting in approx. 420 pounds of trash.
Within the North America continent, DSNDP continues to collaborate with 18 states and 73 cities across the United States for nationwide cleanliness drive including 23 different programs such as Adopt-Highway/Park/Beach/ Street/ River etc. During these cleanliness drives, DSNDP has successfully engaged 2109 volunteers, actively collecting more than 34000 pounds of trash, resulting in significant cost savings for the government. The organisation has received accolades from various state and county governments in the form of 53 certificates and 51 signboards within the nation.
The organisation is also involved in tree plantation across 15 states and 33 cities within the US. DSNDP is also involved in health initiatives such as the Women’s Cancer Awareness Conference successfully hosted in February 2023 and blood/ plasma donation drives in Canada and the United States in recent years. DSNDP also recently organised a Mega Cleanliness Drive and Tree Conservation Event across 21 locations simultaneously to celebrate Earth Day 2024.
For more information, please visit http://www.dsndp.com
Nyara

The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children Is Seeking The Public’s Assistance In Locating Missing 14-Year-Old, Nyara Mitchell.

Nyara has been missing since June 22, 2024, from her home in Canton, Massachusetts. Nyara is described as 5’5”, weighs 170 lbs., and has brown eyes with black hair. Authorities believe that Nyara may be in Boston, Massachusetts area.
In an effort to bring more attention to Nyara’s case, her poster is being featured on the Ring’s Neighbors app as a part of a partnership between NCMEC and Ring. This feature reaches millions of users, providing real-time assistance in locating missing children.
If you have any information about Nyara or her disappearance, please contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Canton Police Department (Massachusetts) at 1-781-821-5090

Littleton Historical Society Summer Hours

The Littleton Historical Society on 4 Rogers Street will be open on Thursday nights from 6-8 during the months of July and August. Stop by and pay us a visit!
We’re also open our regular hours: Wednesdays 1-4 and the second Sunday of the month 2-4.

The Merry Wives of Windsor coming
to Concord July 20-27

 
Once again, The World’s A Stage Players, Concord Players’ Shakespeare Troupe, will stage a free production on the lawn of the Concord Free Public Library. The Merry Wives of Windsor will be presented on consecutive Saturdays and Sundays, July 20-27 at 5 PM.
One of Shakespeare’s funniest and most accessible comedies, The Merry Wives of Windsor is, in many ways, a thoroughly modern production. “I think of Merry Wives as a contemporary soap opera,” says Director Jim Porter. “Everything is just pitched a little higher, everything is a bit more over the top, it’s all very dramatic … which, of course, makes for great comedy.”
The two Merry Wives, played by Hannah Clifford (Mistress Ford) and Jacey Lynn Rutledge (Mistress Page) are simultaneously wooed by the arrogant yet oblivious Falstaff (played by Mike Haddad). Once they discover his brazen pursuit, they decide to have a little fun at his expense and go to extensive lengths to make him look like a fool.
“Hannah and I have several scenes where we team up to undermine Falstaff’s egotism and self-importance,” says Jacey. “Our characters know what’s going on. The audience knows what’s going on. But Falstaff has no idea, which is a lot of fun.”
Mike Haddad, a frequent performer and director with The World’s A Stage Players, turns Falstaff’s foibles into comic gold. “His cluelessness is what makes him fun,” says Mike. “He thinks he’s God’s gift to humanity, and assumes everyone else thinks so too. It’s a great role to play and a funny one to watch.”
The show features some of Shakespeare’s best wordplay. Shakespeare creates several hilarious characters with non-traditional and/or non-English accents – the French Doctor Caius (played by Andrew Harrington) struggles mightily with his English, while the Welsh parson Sir Hugh Evans’ (played by John Small, making his World’s A Stage Players’ debut) malapropisms add to the humor. Andrew’s real-life wife, Jasmine Yong Hall, plays the inn-keeper Mistress Quickly with a full-on cockney accent.
Merry Wives also features strong women characters, which creates a sense of female empowerment that feels distinctly feminist.
“One of the best things about the show is that the women are firmly in charge,” notes Director Jim Porter. “The men range from jovial to profoundly jealous to utterly moronic, but the women are smart, clever and very funny.”
As always, The World’s A Stage Players draws on a cast of both regulars, occasional returnees and newcomers. Returnees from last summer include Ava Enoch, Michael Jay, Darin Kimball and AJ Gaudreau, along with newcomer Cherry Lynn Zinger and Rutledge. Other familiar faces include Katie Speed, Mike Lague, Julian Willard, Kathleen O’Connor (who is also producing the show) and Ed Bernard. Ed and Andrew Harrington are the only two performers who have
appeared in every World’s A Stage Players’ production. “This is the first time in several years where my character is both alive and married at the end of the show,” says Ed, a Concord resident. “Usually, I’m either dead or alone or both.”
Performances are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 5 PM on the lawn of the Concord Free Public Library, with a rain venue at 51 Walden Street. There is also an indoor air-conditioned performance on Friday, July 26 at 7 PM.
Patrons are invited to bring blankets or chairs and sit on the lawn; a limited number of chairs will be provided. For more information, visit www.concordplayers.org.

BBB Scam Alert: Fake events & phone tickets

 
Many people are looking forward to fun festivals this summer. As usual, scammers are taking advantage of the building excitement. This time, they are cashing in with phony tickets—and even fake events.
How the scam works:
You see a fantastic deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat meals, craft beer or wine, or other fun activities.
When you click the social media link, it takes you to a professional website with fantastic pictures. You enter your credit card information to buy tickets and think you are all set. But before you buy, do a little research. Whether the event is non-existent, merely disappointing, or you just bought phony tickets, the result is the same: someone pockets your hard-earned money!
BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports from people who purchased fake tickets to actual events or events that have yet to materialize.
A customer in Memphis reported buying tickets for $220 for a concert: "I saw an offer for presale tickets for the group Khruangbin for a concert in May. I clicked on the links and it lead me to what looked like a legit site until I realized that they are a resellers site and had marked up the ticket prices tremendously. The prices were also in USD and the service charge was astounding. I contacted the company right away but they just dismiss and ignore. They are SCAMMERS and need to be off the market. They have scammed lots of people and it is very humiliating and stressful."
One consumer who purchased tickets to a fake beer crawl reported: “Reviews across multiple platforms make it clear that these events are at best extremely misleading or at worst canceled. No refunds are given, even when their inconsistent and mostly-unreachable customer service email address responds to confirm a refund will be provided.”
How to spot a fake festival:
*Research before you buy. Search online for the festival's name and ensure the name advertised matches the website. Scammers often use names that sound similar to those of real festivals.
*Check for (working) contact information. The festival website should have a real phone number and email address.
*Watch out for prices that sound too good to be true. There is no way a festival can offer tickets at extremely low prices without losing money. If the prices are much lower than elsewhere, it's likely a scam.
What can you do?
*Pay with a credit card. You can dispute the charges if the business doesn't come through. Be wary of online sellers that don’t accept credit cards.
*Look for secure sites. The website should begin with HTTPS (the extra “s” is for security) and have a lock symbol on the address bar.
*Avoid tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other free online listings.  Scammers are skilled at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts. Check out third-party ticket sites at BBB.org before making purchases.
For more information:
Read BBB's tips for buying tickets to an event. For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.
Riverfest 1

RiverFest Summer 2024
Explore our Local Rivers
Now through July 28

Celebrate our federally protected Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Wild & Scenic Rivers at RiverFest Summer 2024. Come to the riverbank by foot, or paddle, bring a picnic, and enjoy a day at the historic Old Manse (269 Monument Street, Concord, MA), Saturday, July 20 from 10am – 3pm.  Begin the day with outdoor yoga. Join local artists for plein air painting. Children will enjoy RiverFest Storytime. Have fun with arts and crafts by the river and play old fashioned yard games. Learn about who lives in our rivers through Mass Audubon’s hands-on explorations and how and why to protect our rivers. Also discover the history of our rivers. And become a Junior River Ranger. End the day with a guided walk through the pollinator gardens at the Buttrick House. There is something for everyone!
RiverFest is also offering walks, paddles, and talks in 9 communities from Lowell to Framingham this week through July 28!  Topics include history, nature, birds, wetlands wildlife and more.
For details and to see a full listing of Riverfest Summer 2024 events, visit www.sudbury-assabet-concord.org. These events are courtesy of the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord River Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council and our partners working to protect our rivers. All events are free and open to the public.

Free Playgroups for Babies

First Connections is offering free playgroups this summer for babies and their caregivers, beginning the week of July 15. The groups will be facilitated by an early childhood educator, include free play and circle time, and take place at the following times:
Fridays at 10:30 at Maynard Library for 12-23 months
Thursdays at 10:00 at First Connections in Acton for 6-11 months
To register for either group, email Linda at lmatthews@jri.org. First Connections is the Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care CFCE grant program serving all families with children age 0-6 in 11 towns. www.firstconnections.org

Summer Crafts Fair in Concord

 
The Summer Crafts Fair 2024 will take place on Saturday, August 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at First Parish in Concord, 20 Lexington Road, Concord, MA. In case of rain, the fair will be brought indoors on the same date. This juried fair will offer a wide variety of handmade works by fine artists, photographers, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, florists, specialty food providers and other artisans. Great browsing and shopping for people of all ages. Food will be served all day on site. A few vendor spaces are available to rent. Call 978-369-9602 to rent a space.

Chelmsford Community Band coming this month!

The Chelmsford Community Concert Band, directed by Eric Linsner, invites you to join them on the town green at 7pm on Tuesday July 16, 23, and 30.  Spread your blanket or set up your chairs on the grass for fun and lighthearted music as the stars come out.
Having recently celebrated its golden anniversary, the Chelmsford Community Band is a 501(c)3 nonprofit consisting of a 65-piece concert band and a 20-piece jazz ensemble made of dedicated local volunteer musicians with a proud tradition of bringing live musical performances to the Chelmsford community since 1972.  They provide indoor concerts throughout the year and can be seen on Chelmsford Common Tuesday nights in the summer.  Come to more performances of the concert band at 7pm on Tuesdays in July, and listen to the jazz ensemble Tuesday nights in August.  They are supported by multiple Mass Cultural Council grants, including one for Cultural Sector Recovery.  Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter/X, and find them on the web at www.chelmsfordcommunityband.com

Toastmasters Now Meeting at the Cameron Senior Center

TOASTMASTERS WILL HELP YOU:
· Speak and present compellingly
· Think clearly and quickly on your feet
· Become an effective leader
· Gain confidence
Westford Expressions is your local Toastmaster club, with weekly hybrid meetings. You are most welcome to join us at the Cameron Senior Center in Westford (20 Pleasant St.), or via Zoom. We are a non-profit community club, part of the world-wide Toastmaster International organization. You will learn communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment. You set the pace and attend meetings according to your schedule.
Join us at a meeting, any Monday evening at 7 pm except on holidays. For additional information about the club, contact us at: vpm-4690@toastmastersclubs.org To attend a meeting go to our web site, westfordexpressions.toastmastersclubs.org