Location: Lawn at 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 each at a discount from a state grant. Checks should be made out to the Town of Westford.
At any time, Westford residents can purchase an Earth Machine backyard composter for $25 by contacting Nicole Feliciano at the Dept. of Public Works 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

The Littleton Historical Society museum will hold its ever-popular annual Peach Social on Wednesday, August 19 from 6:30-8:00 pm. You won’t want to miss it! In addition, we will be open through August 13: Wednesdays 1-4, second Sundays 1-4, and Thursday evenings 6-8.
Stop in and check out our permanent collection as well as this year’s Advance Placement U.S. History class displays in the Exhibit Hall. We are located at 4 Rogers St. and have air conditioning!

Please help!
The American Red Cross has declared its second-ever national blood supply crisis due to a significant drop in donations, particularly of type O blood, which is critically low. This shortage has led to emergency measures as hospitals struggle to meet patient needs. Cornerstone Congregational Church will sponsor our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, August 22 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. If you are healthy and eligible, please come out to donate. Most donations take less than 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
Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Westford to schedule an appointment.

Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m
330 King Street, Littleton, MA

The Congregational Church of Littleton invites students, teachers, administrators, and school staff to a special Blessing of the Backpacks & Technology during worship on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

As a new school year begins, all are welcome to bring their backpack, laptop, tablet, or other school tools to receive a blessing and prayer for the year ahead. Participants of all ages, from preschool through graduate school, are invited.

The service will be held at The Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King Street, Littleton, MA. No previous connection to the church is required. All are welcome.
For more information, visit www.ccol.org or contact office@ccol.org.

One significant risk investors face isn’t losing money in a market dip: it’s failing to reach their long-term financial goals. Many people focus on avoiding short-term losses and invest too conservatively, which can limit growth over time and may impact your retirement security.

A thoughtful approach starts with understanding three things: how much risk you’re comfortable taking, how much risk you can afford based on your financial situation and time horizon, and how much growth you need to reach your goals.

You'll want to find the balance between your level of risk and long-term goals. Spreading your investments across a diverse set of investment and asset types can help manage market ups and downs while still pursuing growth, though it doesn't guarantee profits or protect against losses.

Investing well isn’t about avoiding risk. It’s about taking a balanced approach that merges your level of comfort with the future you’re working toward.

Investors should understand the risks involved with owning investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. The value of investments fluctuates, and investors can lose some or all of their principal.

This content was provided by Alan Bell, your Edward Jones financial advisor located at 222 Great Road Suite 8 Littleton, MA 01460, 978-486-1059.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

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

Selections focus on “Connections”, both musical and thematic, promoting visions of hope and shared humanity.
Sounds of Stow Chorus welcomes all area singers to our Open Rehearsals, Monday evenings August 31, September 7, and September 14 at the First Parish Church in Stow Center (353 Great Road), from 7-9:15. Come as early as 6:30 to meet and greet your fellow singers.
Sunday, November 22, 2026, our season opens with Maurice Durufle's much beloved "Requiem".  Stylistic traditions and techniques spanning centuries are evident in this piece, composed in 1947, which is mainly contemplative, but breaks into memorable dramatic renderings of appropriate texts. Barbara Jones directs the chorus, accompanied by organ, strings, trumpets, harp and timpani, in the beautiful Salem Covenant Church just east of Worcester.
Building on the great success of Christopher Tin’s “To Shiver The Sky” (April, 2026), we eagerly anticipate performing his “The Drop that Contained the Sea” on April 11, 2027.

The Sounds of Stow Chorus is a friendly and welcoming group whose singers hail from 20+ towns in the Metrowest area and beyond. Membership is open to anyone who can match pitch, learn the music, and blend with the other voices. We particularly encourage Tenor voices to join our group for the upcoming year. Artistic Director Barbara Jones and Assistant Director Christina Kennedy promote serious musicianship at weekly rehearsals that are lively, challenging, educational, and always fun! We hope to see you this month!

For further information, please visit www.soundsofstow.org or email
soundsofstow@gmail.com

Westborough, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) invites singers and music lovers from throughout Central Massachusetts to its annual Summer Sing on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Congregation B'nai Shalom, 117 East Main Street, Westborough, MA.
Whether you're an experienced choral singer, someone who simply enjoys singing for fun, or a listener who appreciates beautiful music, everyone is welcome. This unique event brings community members together with Assabet Valley Mastersingers in the audience to sing side by side in an informal, welcoming setting. Those who prefer not to sing are invited to simply relax and enjoy the music.
This year's “Summer Sing” features two inspiring choral masterworks: Illuminare by Elaine Hagenberg and Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. Scores will be available for those who do not have their own music, so there is no need to bring anything but your enthusiasm.
Illuminare is an uplifting contemporary work in which light gradually returns, hope is restored, and our future is illuminated and guided in peace. Paired with Fauré's timeless Requiem, known for its comforting message of eternal rest and serenity, the evening offers an unforgettable musical experience for both singers and listeners.
Under the direction of Dr. Robert P. Eaton, who founded the Assabet Valley Mastersingers in 1978, the Summer Sing is designed to be enjoyable and accessible for all. No audition or previous choral experience is required—just a love of music and a willingness to participate.
Event Information
Summer Sing
Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Congregation B'nai Shalom
117 East Main Street
Westborough, MA
Admission: $10.00 at the door or online at www.avmsingers.org.
About Assabet Valley Mastersingers
Founded in 1978 by Artistic Director Dr. Robert P. Eaton, the Assabet Valley Mastersingers is a regional chorus dedicated to artistic excellence and innovative programming. AVM presents performances throughout the MetroWest communities, including Shrewsbury, Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, Marlborough, and surrounding towns. The chorus brings together talented volunteer singers and professional musicians to perform celebrated choral masterworks, lesser-known gems, and newly commissioned works.
For additional information, please visit www.avmsingers.org or contact Tricia Campero at tcampero@avmsingers.org.

BOSTON – Following recent targeted cyberattacks on water systems spanning several U.S. states, the Office of Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, through the work of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust (the Trust) and in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), are highlighting the need for investments in cybersecurity at local drinking water facilities to protect public health and safety. The state is supporting this vital need through the Public Water Suppliers Cybersecurity Improvements Grant Program, created to combat the growing threat of these malicious attacks. The program is currently accepting applications and communities can apply as soon as possible.
“As cyber threats become more frequent and sophisticated, we must ensure our local water suppliers have the resources they need to protect their systems,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. “This grant program allows our state's smaller and most at need communities to continue improving critical security infrastructure to safeguard public health for their residents.”
While the nature of the recent attacks is still under review, it is understood that hackers are remotely accessing PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), changing administrator passwords and causing disruption to operations not limited to but including pressure loss and flooding. Outdated software, weak network security, vulnerable access controls and a lack of employee cybersecurity training are all threats to critical US water infrastructure.
“Massachusetts has some of the oldest infrastructure in the nation, and it was built long before cybersecurity was a consideration,” said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Water systems, particularly those in small, rural, and underserved communities, face heightened risks due to aging infrastructure and limited funding. As cyber risks continue to evolve, MassDEP is committed to ensuring water systems have the financial and technical resources they need to safeguard the water residents rely on every day.”
Massachusetts is working closely with its public water suppliers to assess risk and mitigate attacks with the help of $2 million in grant funding made available by the Trust and MassDEP.
Since 2024, the Trust and MassDEP have been offering grants for up to $50,000 to eligible Public Water Suppliers (PWSs) with a cybersecurity risk assessment and at-risk operational technology equipment. To be eligible to apply, a PWS must meet criteria as a small system or a disadvantaged community.
The program’s goal is to support PWSs in improving their cybersecurity defense, mitigate risks of cyberattacks, and enhance overall resiliency and compliance. The grant supports projects that address cybersecurity vulnerabilities identified through PWS cybersecurity assessments that could impact the quality or quantity of our drinking water.
As of July 2026, the program has provided $1.3 million in grants to 38 water systems. Public Water systems are eligible to receive up to $50,000 through the State Revolving Fund to mitigate cyber risks.
MassDEP anticipates an increase in grant applications as cybersecurity needs continue to grow and the statewide sanitary survey, which includes cybersecurity requirements, prompts more PWSs to apply for funding. In addition to grant funding, MassDEP created a Cybersecurity Resource Hub to provide resources for Public Water Systems across the state. The hub includes assessments, training, and emergency planning tools for public water systems.

For More Information 
To see if your water system is eligible for a cybersecurity improvement grant, visit the Trust’s Public Water Suppliers Cybersecurity Improvements Grant Program page for more details.

Join us September 23 at 7:30pm Nature, Childhood & The Future: An evening with author Julie Carrick Dalton Wednesday, September 23 7:30 pm at Discovery Museum, Acton
Join us for an evening with local author Julie Carrick Dalton, whose acclaimed new novel, The Forest Becomes Her, is set in neighboring Concord and explores the profound relationship between people and the natural world. 
In a fireside conversation with Discovery Museum CEO Marie Beam, Julie will discuss the novel's themes of environmental loss, grief, resilience, and our enduring connection to forests. Together, they'll explore a question that feels more urgent than ever: 

What happens if today's children never develop a relationship with nature?  

Through conversation and audience reflection, we'll consider why experiences in nature matter and what role each of us can play in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.
Whether you're a reader, a parent, an educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of nature to shape our lives, we invite you to join us for an evening of thoughtful conversation, community, and inspiration. 
The free event is for adults only. Registration is required as seating is limited. Light refreshments will be served. Register Now at https://26033.blackbaudhosting.com/26033/An-Evening-with-Julie-Carrick-Dalton

• Brain & Language Development: Studies in early childhood education show that active participation in group music classes accelerates language acquisition, auditory processing, and spatial reasoning in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
• Social Regulation & Teamwork: Group rhythm circles, singing games, and shared play help young children learn turn-taking, emotional regulation, and cooperative skills in a gentle, supportive environment before stepping into traditional pre-K or elementary classrooms.
• Hands-On Technology at CCM 2: For older children and teens, the new CCM 2 Media Lab (15 Junction Square Drive) introduces young creators to modern digital music production, beat-making, and audio recording using software like GarageBand, fostering digital literacy alongside artistic expression.

• DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2026, 1-3 PM
• LOCATIONS:
  • CCM Main Building: 1317 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742
  • CCM 2 Media Lab: 15 Junction Square Drive, Concord, MA 01742
• Admission: Free
• ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
  • Early childhood music and movement exploration for infants through age 5
  • Hands-on instrument try-outs (piano, strings, woodwinds, and percussion)
  • Interactive digital music and beat-making demos at the CCM 2 Media Lab
  • Meets-and-greets with CCM faculty members
  • Sign-ups for free class demo sessions

The Chelmsford Historical Society, in collaboration with Goonz Car Club Massachusetts, will be holding our 3rd annual classic car show on Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 11am-3pm.

The show was very popular the last two years, and we are hoping for a large turnout again this year! All pre-1980 cars and trucks are welcome at the event.

The car show will be held at the Barrett-Byam Homestead, located at 40 Byam Road, Chelmsford, MA. There will be food for purchase, music, games, and a 50/50 raffle. The Watt-Stevens room and the General Store will be available for viewing.

http://www.chelmhist.org/

Saturday, August 15, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Location: Lawn at 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 each at a discount from a state grant. Checks should be made out to the Town of Westford.
At any time, Westford residents can purchase an Earth Machine backyard composter for $25 by contacting Nicole Feliciano at the Dept. of Public Works 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

The Littleton Historical Society museum will hold its ever-popular annual Peach Social on Wednesday, August 19 from 6:30-8:00 pm. You won’t want to miss it! In addition, we will be open through August 13: Wednesdays 1-4, second Sundays 1-4, and Thursday evenings 6-8.

Stop in and check out our permanent collection as well as this year’s Advance Placement U.S. History class displays in the Exhibit Hall. We are located at 4 Rogers St. and have air conditioning!

 

Looking for friendship and good conversation?  The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club would like to invite you to connect with our members on Thursday August 27, 2026 at our Mini Golf event in Westford.  We will meet at Kimball Farm, 400 Littleton Road, Westford from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM to enjoy friends, mini golf, food, and ice cream.  We will meet under the tent with our Nashoba Valley neighbors sign at the table.  If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org.

Our ongoing public events are Lunch Bunch, Movie Nights, Book Club, Dinner Group, Brunch, Trivia Nights, Summer Picnic, Wine Tastings, as well as Men’s and Ladies Night out events.

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard.  Originally called the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton, and then the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club, in 2014, we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club to reflect our current members and their interests.  Our club welcomes any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more information, as well as information on how to become a member of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club.  We look forward to seeing you!

 

Financial security doesn’t have to come from a big break or a high salary. Wealth is often built through small habits repeated many times over.

If you’re young and just getting started, time is your advantage. Begin now with these five small habits that can help build lasting wealth.

First, automate your savings. Pay yourself before you spend. Even 1% to 5% adds up over time.

Second, watch the small stuff. Subscriptions and coffee can quietly drain your money if you’re not paying attention.

Third, when your income increases, like through a bonus or a raise, increase your savings first before you spend.

Fourth, start now. Even with small savings early, your money has time to grow, thanks to compounding, where your money earns interest and that interest earns interest.

Finally, check in weekly or monthly, and build a safety cushion. Stay aware, not obsessed.

Your future wealth starts with small choices, so start early and stay consistent.

This content was provided by Alan Bell, your Edward Jones financial advisor located at 222 Great Road Suite 8 Littleton, MA 01460, 978-486-1059.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

 

The Silver Club of the Uxbridge Senior Center will be taking a trip to Virginia Beach from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3. For $819, it includes the bus, the hotel, 5 breakfasts, 6 dinners, a guided tour of Williamsburg, a narrated Norfolk Naval Base Harbor Cruise, admission to the Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin, the boardwalk, Virginia Beach Aquarium, and the Mariner's Museum and Park. Everyone is invited to join the group on this tour. The bus will depart from the park and ride in Millbury on Rt 20.
Please call Sue at 508-341-0797 for more information.

 

Community invited to share stories of Club impact as organization prepares for its next chapter 

After 30 years of dedicated service to the children, families, and communities of MetroWest, Chris Duane, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest, will retire following an extraordinary career devoted to creating opportunities and changing lives.
To celebrate her remarkable legacy, Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest will dedicate its signature annual fundraising Gala & Auction on Friday, October 23, 2026, to honoring Chris’ decades of leadership while raising critical funds to ensure the organization’s mission continues to thrive for generations to come.
The Gala, to be held at the Renaissance Hotel in Framingham, will bring together community leaders, alumni, supporters, corporate partners, volunteers, families, and friends for an evening celebrating both Chris’ impact and the thousands of young people whose lives have been forever changed through the work of Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest. Proceeds will directly support Club programs and the young members who depend on them.
The evening will bring together Club members, alumni, staff, corporate partners, and community supporters — a gathering that reflects exactly the kind of community Chris spent her career building.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available at www.bgcmetrowest.org/gala.
"Chris has given everything to this mission," said Robert Borek, Chair of the Board of Directors. "What she built here isn't just a stronger organization — it's a community of people whose lives were genuinely changed. We are honoring her legacy by doing what she always did: keeping the focus on the young people who walk through our doors every day."
Throughout her tenure, Chris has helped guide Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest through tremendous growth and transformation. Under her leadership, the Club has grown from a small, one-Clubhouse organization to a three Clubhouse and $4M operation serving 3,200 young people annually across MetroWest — shaping futures, building confidence, and lighting a path forward for generations of members.

We Want to Hear from You 
In conjunction with the Gala announcement, Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest is inviting the community to participate in a special storytelling campaign celebrating Chris’ legacy.
Help us build the celebration of a lifetime. If the Boys & Girls Clubs of MetroWest — or Chris Duane — played a meaningful role in your life, we want to hear your story.
Were you a Club member who found your voice here? An alumnus whose career took shape because of this place? A family who felt the difference? We are collecting stories from across our community to be shared at the gala and beyond — a living testament to what happens when young people are given the chance to thrive.
“This celebration is about much more than one remarkable leader,” said Laura Terzigni, Vice President. “It’s about recognizing the ripple effect of decades of service and ensuring that Chris’ legacy continues through the children we will serve tomorrow.”
To share your story, visit www.bgcmetrowest.org/gala or contact Laura Terzigni at laura.terzigni@bgcmetrowest.org Submissions will be accepted through October 1, 2026. 

 

July 29, 2026   Worcester, MA – Tickets are on sale now for Worcester Chamber Music Society’s 21st Season Subscription Series concerts, which premiere on September 25th and will run through April 2027. Individual tickets are available for each of the performances, and full or “choose your own” subscriptions may be purchased at 10-20% savings.

Concert Dates:
Autumn Winds - September 25, 26

Exuberant Voices - November 8

Northern Lights - December 3, 4

American Spirit - January 28

Refractions - April 2, 4


This year, we will be featuring timeless works from well-known figures like Bach and Mozart, alongside magnificent pieces from 20th and 21st century composers such as Florence Price and Sarah Gibson. Unique aspects of their compositional styles set them apart from each other, yet they all share the ability to create passionate feeling and imaginative imagery through their music. Just as it did in the past, music continues to touch the lives of people everywhere and transcends the time period in which it was written.

Additional performances such as the Annual Free Family Concert, Very Open Rehearsals, Café Concerts, and an appearance at the Icon Museum in Clinton will be part of WCMS’s 21st Season as well.

Check the website for tickets and more information about each of the concerts and season updates:
https://worcesterchambermusic.org/2026-27-concert-schedule/ 

 

On Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 9 – 1, Memorial Congregational Church is hosting its Fall electronics recycling and document shredding event.

The event is open to all communities and will be held rain or shine.  At the electronics recycling truck, prices vary from $25-50 for a TV, $15 for a laptop computer, $15-25 for a computer monitor, $5-$40 for appliances, and $5 for a box of electric cords.  Workers will remove the items from your vehicle and place them in the recycling truck which is operated by a state-licensed electronic recycling company who will properly dispose of all items. They will accept ANYTHING WITH A CORD OR BATTERY (including washing machines, air conditioners, space heaters, treadmills, etc.) as well as propane tanks, any type of battery, printer ink cartridges, and toner cartridges.

The fee for shredding is just $9 per copy paper box or brown grocery bag.  A volunteer will remove your boxes or bags of documents from your car and your documents will be shredded on-site.  The truck is equipped with closed-circuit TV so you can actually watch the shredding if you wish. Personal and business documents of any type may be shredded.

You may pay by cash, check, or VENMO.

MCC is located at 26 Concord Road, just across from Goodnow Library in Sudbury. For more information, please email recycling@MCCSudbury.org  or call 978-443-3885.

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

When: Wednesday, August 19th, 7:00–8:00pm
Where: Zoom

Acton and Metrowest: Whether you’re looking to better understand your own bill or to help others in your community navigate their energy costs, this webinar will provide useful information and practical resources. The speaker is Sierra Moll, Energy Consumer Liaison for the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. While helpful for all residents, her presentation is designed for community leaders who desire a better grasp of the details of utility billing and of the special programs that can help ratepayers get savvy with their bills. Topics to be covered include supply costs vs delivery costs, supply options, energy rate decisions, and how ratepayers can access special programs based on equipment, income, or season. Sponsored by MassEnergize.org with support from Energize Acton. To register, go to https://energizeacton.org/event/energy-bill-check-up-webinar/

The general public is welcome to attend the annual summer picnic of Saints Vartanantz Armenian Church to be held on the church grounds, 180 Old Westford Rd., Chelmsford, on Sunday, August 2 from 12 Noon to 5 p.m.  The picnic menu will include marinated grilled lamb and chicken kebabs, Armenian hamburgers (called Losh kebab), rice pilaf, and a wide variety of Armenian and Middle East pastries.  Armenian and Greek dancing music will be provided by the Jason Naroian Ensemble. Admission is Free.

Red Cross issues rare crisis call for donors as summer blood shortage intensifies
Patient care threatened as critical blood type levels continue to fall

BOSTON, July 27, 2026 — For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis — and patients may already be feeling the impact. Donors are asked to act immediately to help save lives.
Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this season’s emergency blood shortage. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood as the Red Cross is now limiting distributions of these blood products to hospitals. The supply of type O positive blood has now dropped below a one-day supply.
Help end this crisis and stabilize the blood supply. Book an appointment to give blood now by using the Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give by July 31 will receive a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). See RedCrossBlood.org/July.
Additionally, those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2026, will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/August.
Patients can’t wait
Despite thousands of people who have stepped up to help end the emergency blood shortage since it was declared earlier this month, donations are still not keeping pace with hospital demand, and the situation has escalated. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses continue to contribute to lower donor turnout this summer.
“This summer has brought a number of unique challenges that have placed additional strain on our blood supply, creating growing concerns for hospitals and the patients who rely on lifesaving transfusions,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of donor services for the Red Cross. “If just three more donors gave at each blood drive this summer, we could help the blood supply rebound and ensure hospitals have the blood products they need throughout the remainder of the season.”

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in Westford August 1-Aug. 15:  
8/11/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., First Parish Church, 48 Main Street

Retirement changes everything — especially how you feel about your money. After years of saving, spending can feel uncomfortable. But a clear strategy helps you move forward with confidence.

Start with a conservative budget and give yourself permission to spend those amounts.

Next, consider adding guaranteed income, like an annuity, to create steady cash flow.

A cash cushion helps you avoid selling in down markets, so try to keep about a year of withdrawals in a cash account and three to five years of withdrawals in short-term investments.

Review your plan at least annually and adjust after major life changes.

And stay flexible — adjusting spending when markets decline can help your retirement strategy endure.

With a thoughtful approach, you can help make your savings last and enjoy the retirement you’ve earned. A financial advisor can help you build a strategy tailored to your goals and your lifestyle.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Alan Bell, your Edward Jones financial advisor located at 222 Great Road Suite 8 Littleton, MA 01460. 978-486-1059.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

*Annuities are long-term investments designed to provide income during retirement. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing life insurance company.

 

BOSTON — The Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section (BSCES), which covers American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) membership for all of Massachusetts, released the inaugural 2026 Report Card for Massachusetts’ Infrastructure today, assigning the Commonwealth’s infrastructure a grade of ‘D+’. A grade of ‘D+’ means the infrastructure is in poor condition, at risk, and investment is urgently needed to ensure the reliability and future success of the state’s infrastructure systems. This grade is two steps below the national infrastructure grade of ‘C’ in the 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. The report covers seven categories of infrastructure: bridges, dams, drinking water, roads, stormwater, transit, and wastewater. Individual chapter grades are below.
The report card finds that Massachusetts’ infrastructure is aging faster than it is being repaired. Many systems are decades older than their intended design life and are facing extraordinary strain from increasingly severe weather, coastal exposure, and other factors. Recent funding at the federal and state level has helped stabilize some infrastructure assets, particularly in the transportation sector. However, sustained, predictable investment is needed to prevent further deterioration and expand an engineering workforce that is currently not large enough to carry out all necessary projects.
Massachusetts’ bridges received a ‘D+’ grade, compared to the national grade of ‘C’. While billions of dollars have been invested to improve bridges across the Commonwealth, bridges are deteriorating faster than they can be repaired. Massachusetts has the oldest bridge inventory in the nation at 65 years. One out of every nine bridge crossings in the state occurs on a bridge that is in poor condition, and more than 500 bridges statewide either have weight restrictions or are closed. MassDOT estimates approximately $1 billion annually over the next decade is needed to address a growing inventory of aging bridges and address a backlog of maintenance projects. 

Massachusetts drivers spend countless hours stuck in traffic on crowded roads across the Commonwealth. The ‘D+’ grade for Massachusetts’ roads is the same as ASCE’s national road grade. Road conditions have deteriorated statewide between 2021 and 2024, with 13.1% of local roads in poor condition in 2024, compared to 9.9% in 2021. While 82.2% of state and interstate highways in Massachusetts are in good condition as of 2024, it is a sharp decrease from 90.7% in good condition in 2021. Deteriorating road conditions cost drivers valuable time and money, approximately $3.8 billion every year in added vehicle costs.

Transit systems in Massachusetts received a ‘C-’, the highest grade in the report card, and is the only category that received a better grade than the national report card. People across Massachusetts have benefited from recent improvement projects that have extended rail service, replaced miles of rail lines, and removed areas where trains faced speed restrictions. Despite this progress, the MBTA still has a $24.5 billion backlog of projects to get systems into a state of good repair.

Water infrastructure in Massachusetts is also at a turning point as aging systems threaten their long-term reliability. Drinking water received a ‘D’ grade in the report card. Massachusetts needs more than $15 billion in drinking water investment over the next 20 years to tackle aging pipes, emerging contaminants like PFAS, and lead service line replacement. Wastewater also received a ‘D’ grade because of aging pipes, some of which were installed in the 1800s, and an estimated $21.7 billion in funding needs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Massachusetts’ dams received a ‘D+’ grade largely due to one of the highest average ages in the nation, 111 years. The design life of a dam is typically 75 years, and 208 dams in the Commonwealth were built before 1900.

The report includes three overarching solutions to raise the grade. They are:
 

• Establish Sustainable, Long-Term Funding Mechanisms: Create predictable transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, and dam safety funding that keeps pace with rising construction costs and targets the Commonwealth’s growing maintenance backlogs.
• Modernize Regulatory Standards, Project Development, and Performance Metrics: Update permitting, design criteria, asset inventories, and performance metrics so infrastructure projects move faster and are built to withstand today’s climate, safety, and resilience challenges.
• Proactively Invest in Workforce Recruitment and Retention: Invest in recruitment, training, competitive wages, and retention strategies to ensure state and local agencies have the skilled personnel needed to operate, maintain, and improve critical systems.

The report card is a public service to inform citizens and policymakers about the infrastructure needs in Massachusetts. Civil engineers use their expertise and school report card-style letter grades to condense complicated data into an easy-to-understand analysis of Massachusetts’ infrastructure network. ASCE state report cards are modeled after the Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, which is released once every four years.

 

 

Swing Night Returns in August
Join us on August 4 for a high-energy dance concert of timeless big band swing featuring the 18-piece local talent, the Beantown Swing Orchestra. Step back in time as the band brings the golden age of swing to life with a vibrant mix of instrumental and vocal classics. Learn basic swing moves to dance the night away or sit back and enjoy the music with a picnic and a pint on the Lawn. Whether you are a seasoned dancer, a curious beginner, or simply want to take in the sights and sounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Art Abounds at the Garden
This summer, local artist Suzan Osborn is back with a captivating new collection of oil paintings inspired by decades of visits to the Garden. Her luminous floral landscapes celebrate color, movement, and quiet beauty, offering fresh perspectives on familiar spaces and blooms. Explore Timeless inside the Visitors Center, then venture into the gardens to experience the shimmering stained-glass and steel sculptures of Glass in Flight. You don't want to miss this dynamic duo of art!

NEW for Families! Free Storytime with Authors
Join us for our new Storytime with Authors series! These free drop-in programs encourage curiosity, observation, and love of the natural world, with opportunities to meet the authors after each storytime. Don't miss this upcoming reading:The Traveling Taco on August 8.

Join Us for Extended Summer Hours!
On Wednesdays, enjoy a peaceful mid-week escape, complete with sunset, dinner and drinks, and a rotating showcase of local breweries and distilleries. Then, don’t miss the fun with live music, a craft beer garden, exciting programs, and plenty of festive summer vibes on Thursdays. Continue the fun with our Crafts & Cocktails series and Lotería Nights on select Wednesday evenings and Botanical Mixology on select Thursdays.

New England Botanic Garden | 11 French Drive | Boylston, MA
WWW.NEBG.ORG / 508.869.6111

 

19 Carter St, Berlin
Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5
Monday A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Tuesday Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Friday Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday Social 10am - 1pm

Saturday, August 1 at 11:30am | Veg Group: Fermentation
This month's topic is Small Batch Fermentation with Mary Sullivan! Learn the health benefits of eating fermented foods while learning tips for making small batches. Enjoy some wild and cultivated fermented products! Suggested donation: $5 Questions? Email ricardam@charter.net.

Saturday, August 1 at 7pm | Summer Concert Series: Mark Russell + Friends (Rock/Pop/Blues/Jazz)
Be energized with music by the talented violinist and singer Mark Russell along with bandmates Marc Freeman, Scott Kistenburg, and Moira Applebaum as they perform covers of Sting, Stevie Wonder, and other rock, jazz, and pop favorites. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, $5 for students, FREE for kids!
Purchase tickets at 19Carter.org/summer-concert-series

Saturday, August 8 at 7pm | Summer Concert Series: Rioflow Trio (Latin-infused Jazz + Salsa)
An instrumental trio that blends Latin American grooves with improvisational flair, delivering a bold take on global musical traditions. Peruvian-born guitarist Carlos Odria has been described as "a breathtakingly talented musician with immense technical skill." - Worcester Telegram
Featuring Carlos Odria on guitar, Thomas Spears on drums and Julian Wagner on bass.
Onsite vendor: Dirigible Brewing Company
Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and drink, and are also invited to purchase beverages from our onsite vendor.
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, $5 for students, FREE for kids!
Purchase tickets at 19Carter.org/summer-concert-series

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

     Saturday (7/25) was a sunny and warm day at Fresh Start.  Eight clients were scheduled to arrive to “shop” for items to make their new housing a welcoming home.  We were wondering if we would have a lot of donors bringing items or if everyone would choose to go to the beach instead!  We didn’t count the cars but we had a fairly steady stream of donors, enough to keep us busy but not to be overwhelming.  Our last donor arrived with a car full of good donations.  As we unloaded her car she mentioned that her next stop of the day was at Savers and that she would take items there for us.  She knew that we take donations that we cannot use to Savers.  We had two carts full that we loaded into her car and she kindly delivered them for us.  Full circle of kindness!
     At present Fresh Start needs queen size bed frames, small appliances, lamps, drinking glasses, and shower curtains, hooks and liners.  Check our website above for our location and hours and ways to help us to help others.
     Thank you!

Acton Recreation Department Kids Concert: Jeff Jam on July 28

Get ready for a fun-filled family evening with Jeff Jam at Nara Park from 6:00-7:15PM!
Visit www.actonrec.com for updates throughout the season with direct click to links on EventBrite.

Acton 2026 Summer Concerts Series: Who Are You – The Who Tribute on Friday, July 31
Show starts at 8 p.m. and gates open at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets available online or by credit card only at the gate on the day of the event.
Visit www.actonrec.com for updates throughout the season with direct click to links on EventBrite.

A Junk in the Trunk event will take place on August 1 from 10-11 a.m. at a new location, Stony Brook School, 9 Farmer Way, Westford, MA.
People bring their cars, open their trunks, set out unwanted household items, and freely give away goods, and choose items gifted from others. This is not a drop off event as you must remain on site until items are gifted or donated.
Setup time is no earlier than 9:30 a.m. Gifting and Receiving is 10 a.m. Donation time is 11 a.m.
Supported by Sustainable Westford and the Westford Recycling Commission.
More information: email LauraGranato15@gmail.com

The Littleton Historical Society museum will be open through August 13: Wednesdays 1-4, second Sundays 1-4, and Thursday evenings 6-8. Stop in and check out our permanent collection as well as this year’s Advance Placement U.S. History class displays in the Exhibit Hall. We are located at 4 Rogers St. and have air conditioning!

• Less than 1 in 5 respondents understood that blood cannot be stockpiled because it has a limited shelf life and must be continually replenished through volunteer donors.
• Only about half believed it was very likely that they or someone close to them would need blood one day — even though someone in the U.S. receives a blood transfusion every two seconds.