Action Unlimited

Mark Your Calendars For The First-Annual Restaurant Week And Taste Of Westford

Been meaning to check out one of the many fabulous restaurants in Westford? Curious about the businesses and nonprofits that call Westford home? You’re in luck. Join the Town of Westford, the Westford Business Association, and the Economic Development Committee as they join forces to host the first-annual Westford Restaurant Week and Taste Of Westford.

Westford Restaurant Week will take place Friday, May 15, through Wednesday, May 20, at participating establishments here in town. The week will culminate with the Taste Of Westford on Thursday, May 21, at The Orchard, 130 Littleton Road. Restaurant Week will enable local restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and breweries to showcase delectable appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages, some with special offers throughout the week. The Taste Of Westford will highlight some of these establishments, as well as exhibits from local businesses and nonprofits that operate in town. There will be live music and plenty of opportunities to relax, socialize, and network.

To add to the fun, attendees can cast their votes for the People’s Choice Awards. Categories include Best Breakfast, Best Appetizer, Best Entree, Best Dessert, Best Beverage, and Best Overall Presentation. Participants will have their chance to crown the culinary champions of Westford in this first-annual celebration at the Taste Of Westford event, as well as get to know what businesses and nonprofits have to offer.

A list of participating restaurants, businesses, and nonprofits will be available as the date gets closer. Do you own a restaurant or business and want to be involved? Would you be interested in being a sponsor? Contact Mary McCauley at 978-496-6739 or marymccauley@kw.com or Danielle Ducharme at 978-808-7770 or danielle.ducharme@crestlinehotes.com for more information. Be sure to check out the Westford Business Association website at Westford Business Association for more details. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and celebrate Westford Restaurant Week and Taste Of Westford with us.

Westford is home to 25,000 residents and nearly 2,500 businesses and nonprofits. The Westford Business Association brings together local businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community leaders to create awareness of and promote existing businesses and provide networking, mentoring, and educational opportunities. The Economic Development Committee encourages investment in local businesses and advocates for collaboration between the town and the business community.
Easter egg stravaganza

Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Easter Egg Hunt & Family Fun!

The Lutheran Church of the Savior is hosting a morning of fun, crafts, and an exciting Easter egg hunt!  All families are warmly invited to attend, and there is absolutely no charge.  Rain or Shine

When:  Saturday, March 28th at 10:30 am
Where:  The Lutheran Church of the Savior
426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA

Bring the kids, invite your friends, and come enjoy a joyful morning celebrating Easter together.  We hope to see you there!
Recycle beyond the bins

Things You Can Recycle “Beyond the Bin”

We all have a pretty good idea by now of what can be recycled in the “blue bins”:  bottles and cans, cardboard and paper.  But did you know that there are also places like TerraCycle that can recycle non-standard items like manual toothbrushes, empty toothpaste tubes, and trigger spray heads such as those that come off of cleaning products?  The Acton C.R.A.F.T. 4-H club is collecting those items, plus empty toner/ink cartridges, squeezable snack food pouches like GoGoSqueez, and more “beyond the bin” items listed on https://tinyurl.com/littletonmarecycles.
We have four collection points in the area: the Acton or Littleton Donelan’s grocery store, the Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton, and if you have a Littleton transfer sticker, look for the yellow bin there.  Details and pictures on website.  If the bin is getting full, please contact us to let us know.
Terracycle gives points for these recyclables which translate into cash for non-profits such as 4-H, schools, and libraries.  This recycling stream helps fund the Acton C.R.A.F.T. 4-H club’s community service activities.  Still have questions?  Email littletonma.recycles@gmail.com
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.  For more information about the Acton C.R.A.F.T. 4-H Club, please contact Elaine Shirron, 4-H Leader, at 978-635-0122.  4-H is the outreach education program of UMass Extension in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture and local government.  Contact the 4-H Northeast Regional Extension Office at 413-545-2646 for more information.

Groton Grange Contra Dance

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM, at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold,  who  will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes.

Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes. Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St.
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How Outdated Beneficiary Choices Can Derail Your Plans

When you open a retirement account or buy life insurance, you are asked to name a beneficiary. It may feel like routine paperwork, but this choice can shape your family’s future in powerful ways.

Many people forget about their beneficiary forms after they sign them, but these instructions can override your will. If they are outdated, your money could go to someone you didn't intend, creating what experts call an accidental inheritance.

When life changes — through marriage, divorce, children or the loss of a loved one — it's a good time to review your choices.

You'll also want to be cautious about naming minors as beneficiaries because the court would need to get involved.

And for family members with special needs, improperly naming a beneficiary could jeopardize that person’s eligibility to receive government benefits.

Take time today to add beneficiary designations if you haven't already, or to confirm that your beneficiary designations still reflect your wishes.

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

Member SIPC

Easter Festivities

 
Maynard – Fire Safety Easter Egg Hunt taking place at the Maynard Fire Department on Saturday, 3/28 from 11:30AM - 1PM. FREE – Reserve a spot on Eventbrite.

Acton/Boxborough – ABFN Spring Fling and Egg Hunt at Boardwalk Campus Playground, 73 Spruce Street, Acton on Saturday, 3/28 from 10 – 11:30AM. Register at www.abfamily.org.

Concord – Annual Concord Rec Egg Hunt at Emerson Park Track, Concord on Friday, 3/27 from 5 – 6PM.

Bedford – Bedford Family Connection Spring Egg Hunt at Davis Elementary School Gymnasium on Saturday 3/28 from 10 – 11AM. Register at bfctoday.org. Free for members, small fee for nonmembers.
-Easter Egg-Stravaganza at The Lutheran Church of the Savior, 426 Davis Road, Bedford on Saturday 3/28 at 10:30AM.

Stow – Stow Lions Easter Bunny Breakfast at Center School in Stow on Sunday, 3/29 from 8AM – to 12:30PM.

Sudbury – Easter Egg Olympics at United Methodist Church, 251 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury on Saturday, 3/28 from 2 – 3PM.

Chelmsford – Easter Egg Hunt at Aldersgate UMC, 242 Boston Road (Rt. 4), Chelmsford on Saturday 4/4 from 10 – 11:30AM.



Egg Your House, Relay For Life Fundraiser - Take the pressure off, and order 50 toy filled eggs for $30.  We will bring them to your house the night before Easter - April 4th - and scatter the eggs in your front yard (please note, we will not be hiding them).  You can also order them as a surprise for a neighbor, friend, relative, etc!  We will go to Maynard, Acton, Concord, and Stow.  You must order them by March 25th.  Email kim.lalli@comcast.net, for more information and/or to get an order form.  Checks can be made out to Kim Lalli or Venmo, details will be given at the time of the order.  Help us raise money for the American Cancer Society and help more people have more birthdays.
Fresh start furniture 2

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

All of us Fresh Start volunteers were wearing our green on Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day! We are hoping to see some donations come in today. At present, we are in need of pristine mattresses, and new or gently used towel sets, queen size sheets sets, and shower curtains. We are also low on couches now. We would love to hand out gift cards to our clients for them to pick up things they need for their homes. If you can donate gift cards from Target, Amazon, or Job Lot, that would be great. Last week I entered 51,000 items into our inventory!!  This number system was set up shortly after the pandemic.  We inventory all of our furniture, artwork, lamps, appliances, dishes, and rugs.
     Look at our website for more details. You can bring donations to us at 16 Brent Dr. in Hudson on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from nine to noon, Household items only ( no furniture).  Saturdays, you can bring furniture between 8:30 and 10:30, and other household goods from 8:30 to noon.
     Thank you for your help!
Pianos on the town

Concord Conservatory of Music Issues Call to Artists for 20th Anniversary Public Art Project, Pianos on the Town

CONCORD, MA — In celebration of its 20th anniversary and two decades of bringing music to the heart of the community, the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) announces Pianos on the Town, a vibrant public art initiative arriving this spring. CCM is now inviting local and regional artists to submit original design proposals to transform upright pianos into unique, playable works of art.

The artist-designed pianos will be installed in high-traffic outdoor locations throughout Concord and West Concord, where community members of all ages are encouraged to stop, play, and enjoy the experience. The public exhibition will run from May 30 through June 27, 2026. A full map of piano locations and a schedule of pop-up CCM performances will be released in May 2026.

Produced in partnership with the internationally recognized arts organization Sing for Hope, Pianos on the Town brings together visual art and live music to foster creativity, accessibility, and community connection. The project will launch with a communitywide unveiling on May 30, 2026, marking the official debut of the painted pianos across town.

“For twenty years, CCM has been dedicated to the belief that music should be accessible to everyone,” said Kate Yoder, Executive Director and Founder of CCM. “Pianos on the Town is a joyful expression of that mission—an open invitation for people to pause, listen, and play, while celebrating the extraordinary talent of our local artistic community.”

Artist Submission Details
CCM seeks bold, imaginative, and durable designs that reflect the character, history, and spirit of Concord. Selected artists will receive a stipend and the opportunity to showcase their work in one of the town’s most visible and engaging public settings. Eight to ten designs will be selected.

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026
  • Launch Day Celebration: May 30, 2026
  • Exhibition Dates: May 30 – June 27, 2026
  • Guidelines and How to Apply: Artists may submit proposals through the Sing for Hope digital application portal now open to the public.
Adjudication Process
Submitted designs will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of local artists, business leaders, and community stakeholders. Proposals will be evaluated based on artistic merit, durability for outdoor display, and alignment with the project’s goal of encouraging public engagement and community connection.  If you would like to apply and have questions, please contact Sara Seng at Sseng@ConcordConservatory.org.
Weston ma walk2

WESTON, MA WALK

SATURDAY, April 25th– The Walk 'n Mass Volkssport Club invites walkers to complete a 5km or 10km (3.1 or 6.2 mile) walk route in Weston, MA. This is a walk-at-your-own pace, just-for-fun event “in your own backyard.”

The start point is the Weston Public Library, 87 School Street, Weston,MA 02493. Register and begin walking between 10:30-12:30. Finish by 4 p.m. There is a $4 participation fee per person. Donations are accepted. The 5km and 10km routes are on mostly flat and paved surfaces.The trail would be doable for strollers but difficult for wheelchairs due to the trail through the woods, a short grassy path, and uneven pavement in some places.

The 10km route consists of the 5km route with 2 loops branching off the 5km route. Except for one stretch of the 10km route following a trail through some woods and another short, steep path joining the rail trail, both routes are on sidewalks and the rail trail passing some historic buildings, residential areas with large homes and tree-filled spaces. Both the 10km and 5km routes continue and exit onto Concord Rd to complete the route through the center of Weston.

Walkers will pass the fieldstone First Parish Church and the Colonial Revival-style Weston Town Hall, a fire station built in 1914 the town’s original library built in 1899 and now the home of Weston Art & Innovation Center as well as the Weston Media Center.

Volkssporting events sponsored by Walk 'n Mass Volkssport Club promote fun, fitness and friendship through non-competitive walking and biking. There is also an achievement awards program through the American Volkssport Association (AVA). For further information contact Marianne at (339)-204-3700. You may also contact www.walknmass.org for this event and future events.

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents
“La Fête Française” April 10 & 12, 2026

March 13, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th season with performances of a concert titled “La Fête Française” in Fitchburg on April 10 and in Worcester on April 12.
Grab your beret and a warm croissant and get in the spirit of this French-themed program that puts the harp front and center. Ravel’s Introduction and Allegro was commissioned to showcase the innovations by a French harp-making company. Typically a deliberate and decidedly slow composer, Ravel wrote this piece in a mere 3 days.
Delicate, light, and charming, Saint-Saën’s Fantaisie is virtuosic for both harp and violin. The famous composer created this sparkling musical pas-de-deux for 2 sisters, succeeding in crafting a single-movement piece that feels light and improvised.
Chausson’s Piano Quartet is unmistakable in its French Romanticism, lyrical, bouyant, and lush. Remarkably, he never intended to be a composer; he studied and became a lawyer, though with no real interest in it he dabbled in several other occupations and art forms before landing at the Paris Conservatory where he studied music.
Worcester Chamber Music Society Musicians: Krista Buckland Reisner: violin, Rohan Gregory: violin, Peter Sulski: viola, David Russell: cello, Randall Hodgkinson: piano
Friday, April 10 @7:30PM Sunday, April 12 @4PM
Fitchburg Art Museum Shapiro Hall, Joy of Music
185 Elm Street, Fitchburg 1 Gorham Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @3:30 PM

Reception to follow immediately
The April 10 concert is  funded in part by the Gardner  and Lunenburg Cultural Councils, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Venue is handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/la-fete-francaise/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

NASHOBA VALLEY CHORALE CONCERT

Program Highlights:
Nashoba Valley Chorale, in collaboration with the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra, proudly presents Masterwork: Bruckner's Te Deum on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 3:00, conducted by Anne Watson Born, Nashoba Valley Chorale's Music Director, and Jonathan Colby, Artistic Director of the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Te Deum brings 180 musicians together joined by four guest soloists.
The concert will take place in the beautiful Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Other works will include Brahms' Academic Festival Overture with Sir Malcom Sargent choral finale; Wagner's Elsa's Procession To The Cathedral; Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture; and Bruckner's Os Justi and Locus Iste.

Event Details:
Date:     Sunday, March 29, 2026
Time:     3:00 PM
Place:    Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA
Tickets:  $25 Adults/Seniors if purchased online ($30 if purchased at the door)
               $5 Children under age 18

The Nashoba Valley Chorale is well known through Central Massachusetts and draws singers from towns in the heart of Nashoba Valley as well as from all over the metro-west Boston area and southern New Hampshire. For more information about Nashoba Valley Chorale, visit https://nvcsings.org/

CONCERT FEATURES THREEPENNY MUSIC

The Nashoba Symphonic Band Chamber Players and Clarinet Choir will present their Spring Concert on Saturday, April 4th at 2 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (Green Road GPS) in Bolton. Admission is FREE.
The program includes music by Gordon Jacob and a setting of Grieg's Holberg Suite, played by the NSB Clarinet Choir. A Clarinet Choir (by the way) includes a full complement of clarinet varieties: Eb Soprano, the well-known Bb, Eb Alto, Bb Bass, and great-big Bb Contra-bass clarinets
The featured work is Kurt Weill's own setting of music from his Threepenny Opera in a chamber music setting. Performed by the NSB Chamber Players, the suite of 'songs' captures the mood of pre-war Berlin. And, yes folks, it includes what you will recognize as “Mack the Knife.”
Nashoba Symphonic Band will continue its season on May 1 with another small ensemble program and on May 3rd with the full Symphonic Band Concert featuring the classic band work, La Fiesta Mexicana.
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of The Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music and is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.

59th Annual Ham & Turkey Raffle
At Stony Brook Fish & Game

(128 Lowell Road – Westford) Sunday March 29th – 1PM
20 Easter Hams and 20 Turkeys raffled on a spin wheel
*Sirloin Strips, Prime Ribs and others are also being raffled off. Raffle tickets on sale at the event! $1500 Cash drawing as well! (Drawing tickets on sale now – see any Stony Brook member) Open to the public.
Food and beverages will also be available.

Keep the Blood Supply Stable: Give Blood or Platelets with Red Cross

Free A1C testing on successful donations, $15 Amazon Gift Card by email for coming to give in March

BOSTON, March 9, 2026 — This March, the American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply steady headed into spring.

Some parts of the nation are still clearing snow, but the threat of severe spring weather is already growing. Now is the time to book a blood or platelet donation appointment to help prevent any future disruption to patient care.

Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made March 1-31, 2026 (one result in 2026). Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2026, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Details on both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/March.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 14-31:

Westford
3/20/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., H.E. Fletcher Club, 11 Brookside Rd
Huge yard sale

Huge Yard Sale for Education

Mark your calendar for the best yard sale in town on Saturday, April 11, 8 am to 2 pm at the Littleton Historical Society at King and Rogers Streets in Littleton. Donations to benefit education are gratefully accepted Friday, April 10, 4-6 pm. Bring only your best stuff to pass it forward to new owners. No clothing, car seats, artificial Christmas trees, TVs or electronics. All donations are tax deductible.
Come early on Saturday for the best selection of incredible bargains to furnish your home and provide years of use. Shop for bikes, kitchen goods of all types, carpets. Small furniture and appliances, tools, artwork, vintage and collectibles, toys, sporting goods, games and other stuff you didn’t know you needed.
Clearance starts at 1 pm with $2/bag. Everything must go!
Proceeds from the sale will benefit a remote school in Ghana to give children access to education they would not other wise have. Visit www.learningupnow.wordpress.com for more information. Email memberreach@fculittle.org for more information. The sale is supported in part by the Littleton Historical Society and First Church Unitarian of Littleton.

Revolutionary Music Program

In celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Littleton Historical Society will present “Songs of
the Revolution” with Diane Taraz on Thursday, March 19, at 7:30 pm at the Congregational
Church of Littleton on 330 King Street.

In 1776, New England was full of music. Songs helped speed the work in kitchens and
workshops, soldiers marched to lively fife-and-drum tunes, youths sang melodies of romantic
passion, mothers crooned lullabies, churches rang with hymns, and ballads carried the news of
the day.

Renowned folksinger and historian Diane Taraz will entertain us with songs that were enjoyed
by both sides during the American Revolution, accompanying herself on mountain dulcimer and
an instrument similar to the English guitar.
Don’t miss this musical treat!

WESTFORD LWV TO HOLD TOWN MEETING PREVIEW MARCH 19

 
The League of Women Voters of Westford and the Town are hosting a Town Meeting Preview on Thursday, March 19, to educate residents about items on the meeting warrant. The preview will be held virtually at 7:00 p.m. Residents can register for the event by going to   tinyurl.com/ATMpreview2026.

The most powerful way for Westford voters to directly impact how the Town is run and how our tax dollars are spent is to attend Town Meeting. And the best way to get the most out of Town Meeting is to attend the Town Meeting Preview.

The Annual Town Meeting will be held in person on Saturday, March 28, at 9:00 a.m. at Westford Academy, 30 Patten Road. Town Meeting is the legislative branch of Westford’s government, and all registered voters may attend, speak, and vote. The voter registration deadline for Town Meeting is Wednesday, March 18, at 5:00 p.m.

During the Town Meeting Preview on March 19, town officials will go over each item – or article – on the warrant, giving residents a chance to familiarize themselves before attending Town Meeting. There are 22 articles on this year’s Annual Town Meeting warrant. More information about Town Meeting can be found on the town’s website at westfordma.gov/Town-Meeting. The Town Moderator’s webpage, westfordma.gov/891/Town-Moderator, offers even more details about Town Meeting. If you’ve never before attended Town Meeting or want a refresher on how it works, go to the League’s website at lwv.westford.org and review the group’s resources. You’ll find a series of videos explaining what to expect. You can also find – under League Publications & Videos – the League’s Guide To Town Meeting In Westford.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information, go to  lwv.westford.org. 

WESTFORD LWV AND SENIOR CENTER SPONSOR WOMEN’S LUNCH
FOCUSING ON IDENTITY THEFT AND SCAMS

The League of Women Voters of Westford is joining forces with the Cameron Senior Center to offer an informative talk during a women’s lunch. Det. Ian McEnaney, the Westford Police Department’s Family and Elder Services Detective, will present practical tips on protecting against identity theft and common Internet phone scams. The program will cover how to recognize warning signs, reduce risk, and what to do if fraud is suspected.
The lunch will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, at the Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant Street. It is open to all women, but seniors will be given preference for signing up for the event. The cost for lunch is $5. Residents should call 978-692-5523 or stop by the Cameron front desk to register.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.  For more information about the League, go to lwv.westford.org/.

International Women’s Day:
Thriving After Gray Divorce

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate women’s strength and resilience.

It’s also a moment to talk about real-life challenges women face, such as the growing trend of divorce after age 50, often called “gray divorce.”

While the changes surrounding divorce can feel overwhelming, they can also offer a chance to create a life that better reflects your individual dreams and values.

However, you may experience drops in income and living standards. So, building financial confidence is important.

If you’re navigating a gray divorce, here are steps to help you feel more in control:
  • Find a financial advisor who listens and respects your voice.
  • Get clear on your finances – know your income, expenses and assets.
  • Create a plan for today’s needs, short-term goals and retirement.
  • Build an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses, even if it takes time.
  • Review your estate plan with an attorney.


Gray divorce can be a new chapter. The future is yours to shape, and it can be bright and fulfilling.

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

Member SIPC

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

 
Happy (almost) Spring!  My outdoor thermometer is showing 68 degrees now!
     Please check our website (above) for information about our furniture bank.  There are links to donate $$ through PayPal and Venmo.  You can find our hours of operation, what we take and do not take, information about what we do, and lots more.
     This week we still need:
Queen sheet sets, queen and full-size blankets & comforters, bath mats & shower liners and bath towels.  In the kitchen department we need large skillets and large pots, food storage containers, mixing & serving bowls, pot holders, measuring spoons & cups, non-slotted & slotted spoons, can openers, cutting boards, strainers, baking sheets, and silverware.  We are low on artwork to dress up our clients’ new homes.  We always need box springs and mattresses, and rugs and dining tables.  You can bring non-furniture items to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson from 9-noon Tuesday and Thursday and from 8:30-noon on Saturdays with furniture donations from 8:30-10:30 Saturday.
     We help a lot of families, thanks to donations from people like you.  Donations do not have to be new (but that’s great if they are!) but they need to be in good shape for us to give to our clients.
   Thank you!

Electronics Recycling and Document Shredding Event
Help Save Our Planet and Protect Your Identity

On Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9 – 1, Memorial Congregational Church is hosting its Spring 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.
Fifth domain of warfare

THE FIFTH DOMAIN OF WARFARE

Saturday March 21, 1:00 PM
Fort Devens Museum, 3rd Floor, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA

Join us at the Fort Devens Museum as we welcome back Gabriel Landowski to share an update of current cybersecurity concerns and initiatives-including increased use of AI.
In 2026 Cyber will continue to impact our lives in a number of ways. From Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing to the daily operation of nations at home and abroad. Please join us and ask the questions you’d like to learn more about!
Gabriel Landowski is a current Army Reserve Major and Cyber Operations Officer as well as Google | Mandiant Managed Defense Consultant with more than a decade of experience. His views and opinions are his own and do not represent the US government/military, Mandiant, or Google.
The Fort Devens Museum is located on the 3rd floor of 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA with universal accessibility. The museum is open 10 to 3 on March 21st with the program at 1:00 PM. Admission to the museum and the program is free with donations appreciated. Visit fortdevensmuseum.org for more information.

Women's Money Matters Seeks Volunteers to Meet Growing Need for Financial Wellness Programs

BOSTON, MA — Women's Money Matters, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that empowers women and girls living on low incomes to improve their financial health, is seeking volunteer coaches and presenters across Eastern Massachusetts to support a surge in demand for its free financial wellness programs. The nonprofit is recruiting volunteers in Middlesex, Suffolk, Essex, and Norfolk Counties as recent federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid have left thousands of Massachusetts families without critical safety net support. In Massachusetts, nearly 1 in 9 women live in poverty, and for women of color, that number climbs to 1 in 5. Recent federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid have compounded that stress.
Women's Money Matters offers free, group-based financial wellness programs that combine financial health workshops, peer support, and personalized one-to-one coaching. WMM's programs don't just provide financial concepts. They build the confidence and habits that lead to lasting change. It's not just about knowing how to manage money, but ultimately gaining confidence and feeling in control of your financial life.
Central to that model is the one-to-one coaching relationship. Each participant is paired with a dedicated volunteer coach for the duration of the three-month program: someone who shows up every week, learns their specific goals and challenges, and provides consistent, personalized support that a classroom setting alone cannot offer. Coaches are not required to have a financial background. Their role is to listen, encourage, and help participants stay accountable to the goals they set for themselves.
Alongside coaches, volunteer presenters bring subject matter expertise into the workshops themselves. Presenters share their knowledge in a single, 90-minute workshop—perfect for busy professionals who want to give back but can't commit to an ongoing volunteer role. Topics range from building credit to protecting against fraud to retirement planning.

The Impact: Real Results, Real Change
WMM's financial wellness programs produce measurable, life-changing outcomes. Among Financial Futures graduates:
  • 254% average increase in savings—from $264 at program start to $934 at completion
  • 26% average increase in monthly income—from $2,072 to $2,601
  • 40+ point average credit score increase
  • 96% of graduates feel confident managing their finances at program completion
  • 100% report using a budget to manage their expenses—up from just 20% at program start
Join 417 volunteers who contributed more than 14,000 hours to WMM last year and help grow that impact!

Upcoming Information Sessions
Register now to learn more about volunteer opportunities:For a full list of upcoming information sessions, visit: womensmoneymatters.org/upcoming-programs/upcoming-info-sessions/
To express interest in volunteering, contact Ariana Contreras at acontreras@womensmoneymatters.org or visit womensmoneymatters.org/volunteer-opportunities/.

Westford Regional Art Event

The Merrimack Valley's largest community art event returns to the PCA this March. Professional and amateur artists of all ages are invited to submit up to two original works for exhibit at the PCA from March 20 - 29.

The WRAE is an annual celebration of art featuring up to 500+ works. Awards are granted to top entries in twelve different categories. We celebrate the winners at gala award receptions featuring live music and  complementary wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Advance registration is now open, entry deadline is Thursday March 12. Art-drop off takes place on March 15 and 16. For all details including the various categories in this year's WRAE, visit the WRAE event page at pcawestford/wrae.

Rummage Sale at Congregational Church of Littleton!

On March 14th, The Congregational Church of Littleton will be hosting our very popular rummage sale! Men's, women's, and children's clothing, along with accessories will be available for purchase! Come put together a new outfit or two! We are also accepting donations on March 13th! We will also be selling small kitchen items, dishes, bowls, and utensils! See you then!

Saturday March 14th, 8am-1pm
Congregational Church of Littleton
330 King Street
Littleton MA

All Are Invited to a Webinar on “Barriers to Town Meeting Participation for People with Disabilities”

The League of Women Voters – Acton Area will host a moderated panel discussion on Zoom on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM EST. The event is free and open to the public.
Many people with disabilities face barriers to participating in Town Meeting. This webinar will explore those challenges and share practical strategies to remove obstacles and increase participation.
Expert panelists will cover (1) key requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for accessible public meetings; (2) how individuals can request reasonable accommodations; and (3) the process towns must follow to comply with the law. The panel will share various ways towns have successfully removed barriers, including using accessible venues, offering virtual options, hiring sign language interpreters, and providing closed captioning and large-print materials.
Panel members include Jeff Dougan, Assistant Director for Community Services, MA Office on Disability; Wanjiku Gachugi, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Town of Acton who also serves as the local ADA Coordinator; and Jo-Ann Berry, Town Moderator, Town of Acton and Director, League of Women Voters, Acton Area. The panel will be moderated by League member, Mary Ann Ashton.
Whether you are a dedicated Town Meeting attendee, a passionate advocate for broader civic engagement, or serve in a leadership role—such as Town Moderator, Special Educator, a member of a local Disability Commission, or a member of the Council on Aging—this session is designed for you. By attending, you will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster greater inclusivity and strengthen your community’s democratic process.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the change. Register today and help ensure every voice—regardless of ability—is heard at Town Meeting.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state, and national government. The League develops positions on issues but does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. It has a long tradition of providing important voter information services, such as this webinar. Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information.
This event is part of the “Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative.”

Freedom’s Way Invites Local Organizations to Join 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival
Partner sign-up deadline: April 1, 2026

CONCORD, MA, Jan. 26, 2026 – Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area (FWNHA) is inviting museums, cultural organizations, historical societies, libraries, land trusts, arts groups, and other organizations across its 45-community region to become partners in the 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, taking place throughout the month of May.

Hidden Treasures is an annual, month-long, region-wide celebration that highlights the people, places, stories, landscapes, and creative traditions that define this nationally designated Heritage Area. Participating organizations host free, public events or activities—such as guided walks, open houses, performances, exhibits, talks, or self-guided experiences—that showcase a “hidden treasure” in their community.

Participation is free, and partner organizations receive broad regional visibility through Freedom’s Way’s website, interactive event map, newsletters, print promotions, and mobile app. Mini-grants of up to $350 are available to help offset eligible program expenses.

Organizations within the Heritage Area’s 45 communities are encouraged to learn more and sign up at https://freedomsway.org/HTPartner or share questions/ideas tohiddentreasures@freedomsway.org .

Sounds of Stow Chorus and Orchestra Performs Christopher Tin's "To Shiver the Sky"

Sounds of Stow Chorus and Orchestra continues its 47th season on Sunday April 19, 2026 at
2:00 pm at Littleton High School performing the new England premier of Christopher
Tin's "To Shiver the Sky. " In his words "this is the story of flight: of humanity's quest to break
the bonds of earth, challenge the heavens, and take our rightful place among the stars."

Drawing on original texts from historically diverse sources"To Shiver the Sky" weaves a
narrative with music that is appropriately exciting, haunting, awe-inspiring, and rousing. The
texts include selections from Ovid, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Copernicus, and Amelia Earhart,
and culminating with John F. Kennedy's 1962 speech "We Choose to Go to the Moon." The
messages are timely and moving, especially as we follow the launch of the Artemis Flight to the
Moon now planned for April! Music will be sung in the original languages with supratitles
accompanying the text, and enhanced with amazing photos capturing ancient light from
photographer Marsha Wilcox, and Dan Barstow's beautiful videos, many from his time with the
International Space Station. Tenor Soloist Omar Najmi, and Soprano Soloist Aurora Martin will
add to the program with arias celebrating both earthly and celestial beauty.

The chorus and orchestra will be performing at the Littleton High School, on Sunday April 19,
2026, at 2:00 PM. This school has plenty of free parking close to the entrance. As this is the
start of school vacation week children under 18 accompanied by an adult will have free
admission! Visit soundsofstow.org for tickets and additional information.

We hope to see you all there for this exciting multimedia performance, as we reach once again
for space flight with the planned Artemis missions for a flyby to the moon with surface landings
in the future.

Revolutionary Music Program

 
In celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Littleton Historical Society will present “Songs of
the Revolution” with Diane Taraz on Thursday, March 19, at 7:30 pm at the Congregational
Church of Littleton on 330 King Street.

In 1776, New England was full of music. Songs helped speed the work in kitchens and
workshops, soldiers marched to lively fife-and-drum tunes, youths sang melodies of romantic
passion, mothers crooned lullabies, churches rang with hymns, and ballads carried the news of
the day.

Renowned folksinger and historian Diane Taraz will entertain us with songs that were enjoyed
by both sides during the American Revolution, accompanying herself on mountain dulcimer and
an instrument similar to the English guitar.

Don’t miss this musical treat!

Nashobah Praying Indian Exhibit
At Littleton Historical Society

The Littleton Historical Society’s Second Sunday Open House on March 8 features a new exhibit commemorating The Nashobah Praying Indians’ exile to Deer Island 350 years ago for 3 months in the dead of winter. This exhibit includes timeline and text, pictures and maps, artifacts, and Native handcrafted items.

Please come by and learn about this often-overlooked chapter in our history.
The Historical Society on 4 Rogers Street will be open from 1-4 pm on the second Sunday of
each month, and from 1-4 every Wednesday afternoon.
Guitar flute at the focus in tedesco duo concert

Guitar & Flute at the Focus in 3/22 Tedesco Duo Concert

WESTFORD, MA: The Parish Center for the Arts focuses a spotlight on guitar and flute in an afternoon concert on March 22 (4pm) with The Tedesco Duo. The New England-based Duo performs flute and guitar repertoire from all eras, with an emphasis on contemporary music. Their programs often explore the relationship between music and other art forms, such as dance, storytelling, and poetry. Audiences enjoy their communicative playing and their colorful and spirited performances.  For this family-friendly show, tickets purchased in advance range from $5-$20. Seating will be in recital format. Doors open one half hour prior to the show. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.
Praised for her “full-bodied and dulcet” sound, flutist Arielle Burke performs regularly in the greater Boston area. She has had the privilege of recording large-scale orchestral works and chamber pieces in a wide range of musical styles. In 2015, Arielle completed her master’s degree in flute performance at The New England Conservatory under the instruction of Renee Krimsier.  She received her Bachelor of Music from The Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theater in May of 2013 where she studied with Janet Arms. There, she earned the Solomon Elsner Award for academic achievement and was named a 2012-2013 Presser Scholar, an honor she received for her excellence in music and academic merit. She has performed in masterclasses with Carol Wincenc, the New York Woodwind Quintet, Mario Caroli, John Heiss, Gwyn Roberts, Christopher Krueger, and Eugenia Zukerman.

Classical guitarist Catherine O’Kelly is an active performer throughout New England, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician. She is a frequent guest lecturer at festivals and events in the New England area. In 2025, Catherine earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in classical guitar performance at The Hartt School in West Hartford (CT). She earned a position with The Hartt School’s Honors Chamber Music Program, Performance 20/20, providing her a full scholarship for her doctoral studies. Catherine earned her master’s degree in guitar performance in 2013, also at The Hartt School; and she earned her BA in music and philosophy from Vassar College in 2011. In addition to her performance career, Catherine teaches at The Rivers School Conservatory in Weston, where she serves as the guitar department chair; and at The Powers Music School in Belmont. She currently also serves as the Artistic Director of the Boston Classical Guitar Society.

Direct Ticket Link https://parisharts.square.site/product/3-22-26-tedesco-duo-classical-guitar-flute/210

Parish Center fo
Carol wing in solo show march 28

You’ll Get Short Stories & Tall Tales from Carol Wing in Solo Show March 28

WESTFORD, MA: The Parish Center for the Arts is going local on March 28 (7:30pm) by bringing in local favorite musician Carol Wing for her “Short Stories and Tall Tales” show.  Normally seen with her band Momentum, Wing (along with friends and family), will entertain you with songs and stories about the topics that challenge all of us including but not limited to family, phones, spouses, menopause, retirement, colonoscopies and more! Come laugh and sing and celebrate life in all its ridiculous glory! Tickets are $20 for Members; $22 for non-Members; and $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be cabaret-style. BYO food and drink. Doors open one half hour prior to the show. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.
Cabaret Seating. BYOB & Snacks.
 
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/3-28-26-carol-wing-friends-short-stories-tall-tales/S4ZNWNTM44C5PU2CR44HI52W

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333

Unlock the Full Potential of Your 401(k)

Your 401(k) is a great way to build retirement savings. But how can you take full advantage of your plan?

First, contribute as much as you can each year – at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered.

Also, consider the Roth 401(k) option, if one is available. There's no immediate tax break like with a traditional 401(k), but withdrawals of earnings and contributions are generally tax-free if you are at least 59½ and have held the account for five years. Consult your tax advisor to determine what's appropriate for you.

Whichever 401(k) you choose, make sure the investment mix fits your goals and risk tolerance. Early in your career, you may invest more aggressively. As retirement nears, consider a more conservative portfolio.

Finally, avoid borrowing from your 401(k) or taking early withdrawals – you may incur taxes and penalties and have less money for retirement.

Following these moves can help ensure your 401(k) is a key contributor to your retirement income.

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

Member SIPC
Open door theater

Open Door Theater Takes Flight with HONK! March 20-29 in Acton


Open Door Theater proudly presents HONK!, a musical telling of “The Ugly Duckling” story. HONK! is a heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Ugly looks quite a bit different from his siblings, and others are quick to notice and point this out. Ugly is kind-hearted, awkward and innocent, and his journey of self-discovery is the heart of the show. This messaging supports the mission of Open Door Theater and will resonate with audiences now more than ever. Like Open Door Theater, HONK! has the audacity to assert that the default state of community should be inclusion and that “fowl” behavior will no longer be tolerated.
Open Door’s cast will present 6 performances March 20-29, 2026 at the Dragonfly Theater at RJ Grey Jr. H.S, 16 Charter Rd, Acton. All performances are relaxed/sensory friendly and feature ASL interpretation and open captioning. There will be audio-described performances on the second weekend. Tickets are $20 at www.OpenDoorTheater.org. Discounted tickets for EBT, WIC and ConnectorCare Cardholders. Over its 45-year history, Open Door has provided accessible opportunities for all including underserved audiences and participants to enjoy live theater.
Performances: 
  • Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
  • Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
  • Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly
  • Friday, March 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Saturday March 28, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described
  • Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm / ASL, open captioning, sensory-friendly, audio described


Sponsored in part by the Community Foundation for Metrowest, Astra Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, Middlesex Savings Bank, Main Street Bank, Acton Lions, AB Community Compass and the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Ayer, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, Stow, Sudbury and Westford.
Emass senior softball

EMASS Senior Softball League Opens Player Registration for 2026 Season
Be Part of a Team, Form Lasting Friendships and Enjoy Balanced Competition

WAYLAND, Mass. – February 26, 2026 – Eastern Massachusetts Senior Softball (EMASS) is opening its annual registration campaign for men and women softball players age 50 and older. With approximately 500 members, the league attracts players from towns across Eastern Massachusetts, with games played primarily in Wayland, Medfield, Ashland, and Framingham. The EMASS season runs from late April through early October, including playoffs. Interested players can register for the EMASS 2026 season at https://e-mass.org/current-programs.

EMASS has six divisions that accommodate a range of skill levels. Two play doubleheaders on Saturday mornings, and four play on weekday mornings. EMASS has many seniors in their fifties and sixties who can still hit a ball over a 300-foot fence, run down a deep drive in the outfield, or turn a double play in the infield. Other divisions allow players whose talents may have diminished over time to enjoy playing with similarly skilled friends.

A Community of Like-Minded Players Who Become Friends: “We are a group of folks who recognize how lucky we are to be able to play a game we love at our current age and at a level that matches our abilities,” said Steve Bober, Commissioner of EMASS.
“I joined EMASS when I retired and didn’t know a single person,” said Al Handel, an EMASS Division Coordinator. “Six years later, the best thing about being part of this community has been the number of friends I’ve made. This is truly the essence of the experience.”

A Physical Activity Outlet with Balanced Competition: EMASS adds about 60 new players each year. “We shuffle team rosters in all divisions every year to enhance connections within our large softball-loving community,” said Board member Rich Goldberg. “Our members enjoy competing with and against their friends.”
A Sense of Accomplishment:  In retirement, without a job to perform consistently, some retirees worry about how they will enjoyably fill their days.
“A lot of my self-worth came from my job, so when I retired, I worried whether I would still matter,” said Andy Wrobel. “EMASS softball has helped answer that question with a resounding ‘yes.’ Now, in addition to other pursuits, I measure my accomplishments in hits, runs scored, smiles, and high-fives.” 

For more information about EMASS Senior Softball League, visit www.e-mass.org.
About EMASS Senior Softball League :EMASS was founded in 1995 and offers active seniors of all skill levels a safe, well-organized opportunity to play competitive slow-pitch softball. Players can sign up for a division with players of similar abilities. With two Saturday divisions and four weekday divisions, players can play at a level most comfortable for them. Many members play on different teams in multiple divisions.

MIDDLESEX CONSERVATION DISTRICT 2026 SPRING PLANT SALE

 
The Middlesex Conservation District will be holding its annual Spring Plant Sale on Friday, May 1, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 AM – 1:00PM at the Minuteman High School. The address is 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421. All items can be pre-ordered through April 24th and picked up on the sale days – we encourage early ordering as all items are sold on a first come, first served basis.

To place an order, you can go to our website at https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/spring-sale-ordering/, go to the Spring Sale page, and order the plants you are interested in online, or email
admin@middlesexconservationdistrict.org to request a paper brochure. The order form is also available to view online. Offerings will include native shrub seedlings, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, and hardgoods such as garden labels. All plants are straight, native species that benefit our native pollinators, wildlife, and local ecosystem. We will also be selling excess first quality stock on the days listed above.

The Middlesex Conservation District is a not-for-profit environmental agency whose purpose is conservation of natural resources of Middlesex County. Proceeds from our biannual plant sales provide educational programs and other activities which aim to protect our soil and water resources. For more information about our sale or programs please visit https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/.
Saga spring equinox 3

Your Title Goes Here

Stow, MA – The Stow Area Guild of Artists (SAGA), in partnership with the First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, invites the community to welcome the new season at the Spring Equinox Art Fair, taking place March 21 and 22 at First Parish Church of Stow & Acton, 353 Great Road, Stow, MA.
Event Hours:
  • Saturday, March 21: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday, March 22: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This celebration of local art will feature works for sale from more than 25 talented local artists. Visitors can explore a diverse array of original, handcrafted artwork including pottery, photography, paintings, textiles, and much more. The fair offers a unique opportunity to find one-of-a-kind pieces while supporting artists from the surrounding community.
Guests are encouraged to meet the artists and learn about their creative processes.
In addition, each participating artist has donated a piece of artwork for a special raffle. Attendees can enter for a chance to win an original work.
Live music by singer, guitarist, Alex Rosewicz will create a welcoming and festive atmosphere throughout the event.
Admission is free and open to the public. There is plenty for free parking
Join SAGA and the First Parish Church Arts Committee in celebrating creativity, community, and the arrival of spring at this inspiring seasonal art fair. For more information go to www.stow-artists.org/.

Boost the Blood Supply: Red Cross Offers Free A1C Testing as 1 in 5 Donors Have Levels in Prediabetic or Diabetic Range

 
Successful donations will receive free testing in March, $15 Amazon Gift Card by email for coming to give March 1-31

New American Red Cross data reveals that 1 in 5 blood donors have elevated A1C levels — a sign that prediabetes and diabetes are prevalent among adults in generally good health.
  • Early detection isn’t just good for long-term health — it’s also a warning for people’s wallets. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to provide donors with health insights that can help bridge preventative care gaps, such as undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension.
  • Visit RedCrossBlood.org now to book a time to give blood or platelets. In March, the Red Cross will provide free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations. Those who come to give March 1-31 will also get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March.
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Women's business network

Women's Business Network (WBN) hosts Returning to Yourself: Reducing Stress and Anxiety through Somatic Mindfulness

The Women’s Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, March 12th at 6:30 pm at the church hall at St. Theresa's Church (Holy Trinity Parish), 17 Still River Road in Harvard MA. Guests are welcome. After a brief meeting and introductions, Pamela Dussault, Personal Crisis Coach and Caregiver Advocate, will speak on dealing with stress, sharing that stress is a signal that we have become disconnected from ourselves. Her talk will gently guide women back to their bodies and their inner safety, offering not just a technique but a true return to themselves. WBN is a local, volunteer run networking group of women in small businesses, professional practices, non-profits and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education & networking. Contact dboliva@charter.net for more information.

Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on March 7

Local parents looking for information on summer camps and kids’ activities will find over 30 programs at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on Saturday, March 7. The Fair will take place at Orchard Church, 130 Littleton Rd (Rt. 110), Westford MA from 11 am to 1:30 pm.

Coordinated by Macaroni KID Lowell, the Summer Camp Fair is free to attend.  Families can gather information and talk with representatives from local and overnight camps, summer programs, and local schools offering year-round activities such as sports, STEM, coding, art and more. There will also be kids' activities and giveaways.

Camps exhibiting at the Summer Camp Fair include local favorites such as Good Pickin' Farm, Camp Massapoag, and Teamworks Adventure Camp as well as specialty and overnight camps such as Grotonwood, The Story School, Third Space Kitchen, and Camp Stonewall.  Macaroni KID Lowell also has an online Summer Camp Guide on its website (Lowell.MacaroniKid.com) as a resource for parents who cannot attend the Camp Fair.
For a list of camps attending the Fair, please visit Macaroni KID Lowell at https://lowell.macaronikid.com.  Exhibitor requests and other requests for information can be directed to barbarae@macaronikid.com or (978) 239-3038.
Mini golf at the reuben hoar library

Mini-Golf at the Reuben Hoar Library Returns March 20–21

Littleton, MA — The Reuben Hoar Library, located at 35 Shattuck Street in Littleton, will once again
transform into a custom-designed, 18-hole mini-golf course on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March
21. This beloved community tradition invites residents to putt their way through the library stacks while supporting library programs and services.

Adult Night: Friday, March 20 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday evening kicks off with a ticketed 21+ event featuring unlimited mini-golf, food, beverages, and
a silent auction. For $30 per ticket, guests will enjoy:

● Unlimited rounds of mini-golf
● Sal’s Pizza, desserts, and other refreshments
● One complimentary beverage from Littleton’s own Dirigible Brewing Company (beer, hard
seltzer, or non-alcoholic soda)
● Access to a cash bar
● In-person silent auction bidding

Online bidding for the silent auction opens to all on March 14. Even those unable to attend Friday
evening may register and participate; however, final bids will be accepted in person during the event.
Tickets and auction registration are available at https://auctria.events/RHLminigolf

Family Day: Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
On Saturday, guests of all ages are invited to play the 18-hole mini-golf course for $5 per round.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the Library on the day of the event.
The course will feature creative tee markers, obstacles, deflectors, and fairways winding through the
library stacks, offering a unique way to explore the building while enjoying some friendly competition.

Supporting the Library
Organized by the Friends of the Reuben Hoar Library, Mini-Golf at the Library brings the community
together at the end of winter while raising funds to support library programming and services.
Proceeds benefit:

● Summer and Winter Reading Programs
● Museum Passes
● The Seed Library
● The Library of Things
● Library events and programming
● Snacks for the Young Adult Room

Sponsors: The Friends gratefully acknowledge the generous support of this year’s sponsors:
Gold Sponsors: Middlesex Savings Bank, Patriot Beverages/CFP, Inc., Lupoli Companies.
19th Hole Sponsors: Basnett Plumbing, Heating, AC & Electrical, Collective Premium Cannabis, Main Street Bank, The Mighty Oak Fund, NuCar Honda of Westford
Hole Sponsors: Century Carpet & Creative Floors, Concord Building & Design Center, Cowley Associates Real Estate, Littleton Historical Society, Margie Mitchell, One Stop Liquors, Perennial Advisors Group, Rapscallion Table & Tap, Ray Wilson Bark Mulch, Swymfit, and The Bees Knees British Imports

To learn more about the Friends of the Reuben Hoar Library, visit littletonlibrary.org.
Contact: ReubenHoarLibraryFriends@gmail.com

Lunar New Year Celebration

Westford Academy’s Asian Culture Club, in conjunction with Chelmsford Chinese Language School, will be bringing back a beloved tradition since 2017: the Lunar New Year Celebration. This year’s celebration, celebrating the Year of the Horse, will be held on February 28, 2026.

The event includes a dinner catered from Sichuan Palace, a local authentic Chinese restaurant. There will also be activities for adults and children of all ages, a traditional Asian show that includes Chinese music played by the Boston Silk and Bamboo Chamber Music ensemble, a traditional Sichuan Changing Face program by renowned artist Mr. Yang Shuwang, and an on-site raffle that includes many goodies.

The Lunar New Year Celebration first started in 2017 by a group of students with the then Mandarin Club and has since flourished. The club, which has since become the Asian Culture Club, continued the tradition every year, with only a brief 3-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned last year to great success.

Tickets start at $25 for adults, which is a combination ticket that includes dinner, show, and activities. There are special discounts for Westford Academy students, Youth K-8th grade, and seniors 65+. Preschoolers are free.

Please visit https://www.ticketsource.us/westford-academy-asian-culture-club to get
your tickets today!
The kelly girls

The Kelly Girls Offer Entertaining Celtic Traditions 3/13

WESTFORD, MA: The Parish Center for the Arts is welcoming The Kelly Girls to the Coffeehouse Series March 13 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 for Members; $22 for non-Members; and $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be cabaret-style. BYO food and drink. Doors open one half hour prior to the show. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.

The Kelly Girls have quickly gained recognition as one of the most entertaining Celtic Bands in New England. Rousing renditions of songs and tunes rooted in the Celtic traditions of Ireland, Scotland, Canada and America along with captivating harmonies and instrumentation lend to their signature sound. The Kelly Girls are Nancy Beaudette, Christine Hatch, Aisling Keating and Diane Collier. They play fiddle, banjo, bodhran, tin-whistle, flute, ukulele, bouzouki, guitar and mandolin. All the girls have been performing in New England, Canada and Ireland for many years for all kinds of parties, weddings, festivals, and special occasions. They love to take their music on the road and bring the party to you. It’s time to kick up your heels, dance, clap and sing-along with The Kelly Girls!

The PCA Coffeehouse Series is generously sponsored by Rockland Trust.
For more information about the PCA and their season, visit pcawestford.org, email admin@pcawestford.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/3-13-26-the-kelly-girls/H4DX4VPBMNPJBCPN3SPNVE4F

Your credit score can have a
big impact on your financial life.

From renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan, your score can open doors — or close them.

Simply put, your credit score predicts how likely you are to pay bills on time. A higher score often means easier access to credit, lower interest rates and better insurance premiums.

The most common model — the FICO score — ranges from 300 to 850. Above 670 is good; 740 and higher is very good.

When determining this score, payment history matters most, making up 35% of your score. So, paying bills on time matters.

The second most important factor in your credit score is credit utilization, which is 30% of your score. So, keep balances below 30% of your limit.

You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com.

Building good habits now makes borrowing easier and less expensive later, giving you more flexibility to pursue your goals.

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

Member SIPC

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

All Invited to Attend Public Forum : “Restoring the Promise, Immigration Policy and the Path Forward”

The League of Women Voters - Acton Area invites you to attend the inaugural event sponsored by the ‘Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative Fund’ to raise awareness and stimulate dialogue on Immigration Policy at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
This discussion will be led by immigration attorney Antonio Massa Viana, whose passion for service and civil rights motivated him to create this opportunity to reflect on the impact of current immigration policies.  He will explain the complexities of immigration law, share stories of current immigration enforcement practices, and identify possible reforms leading to a new system based on our shared values of freedom and justice for all!  The information presented by Atty Viana will help us to better understand the current national conflict on immigration.
Please come, listen, inquire, learn, participate in this discussion and together let’s wrestle with the question of what immigration policy should look like!
The event will take place on Saturday, Feb, 28, 2026 from 2 to 3:30 PM EST at the Acton Town Hall, Rm 204.  The event is free and open to the public.  It will be televised on Acton TV or you can participate interactively via Zoom.  In case of a snow emergency, the forum will take place entirely on Zoom.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state and national government. The League develops positions on issues, but does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.
 Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information about the League.

New England Contra Dance on Saturday, March 7

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, March 7,2026 from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton's own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Dudley Laufman,  who  will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances tothe beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds .Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes. Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St.
Nashoba park residents craft wreaths1

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Awards $700,000 in Resilience and Care Grants to 47 Nonprofit Organizations

Anonymous donor's Resilience and Care Fund provides critical support for urgent basic human needs across 21 Greater Lowell communities
LOWELL, MA – The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) today announced $700,000 in grants to 47 nonprofit organizations through its new Resilience and Care Grants program. Made possible by an anonymous donor, this rapid-response initiative provides immediate support for organizations serving vulnerable populations during a time of significant federal and state funding cuts.
“We are deeply grateful to the extraordinary generosity that makes this program possible,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “Their investment demonstrates a profound commitment to our community during one of its most challenging moments. This is philanthropy at its best – responding quickly and strategically to help our neighbors when they need it most.”
Per the donor, the grant funding addresses basic human needs, including food insecurity, housing and shelter, fuel and rental assistance, immigrant support (including legal costs), clothing, childcare, and mental and/or physical health and well-being. This GLCF grants program uses a direct award notification model – no application required – allowing funds to reach communities as quickly as possible. All grants will be distributed by month’s end, with award amounts ranging from $1,500 to $40,000.
The funder chose community foundations for this initiative specifically because of their proven ability to deploy funding quickly through trusted, long-standing community relationships—exactly the capacity GLCF has built over its 29-year history.
“GLCF recognizes the critical work of Greater Lowell nonprofits that address urgent basic human needs in our community,” said Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF's VP of Marketing, Programs and Strategy. “For our nonprofit partners affected by funding cuts, these grants arrive at a crucial moment. This generous grant allows us to channel resources quickly to proven organizations on the front lines serving our neighbors in need.”
Funding by Sector
The $700,000 investment is distributed across key sectors: Community Connection and Equity ($175,000, 25%), Food Security and Nutrition ($161,000, 23%), Multi-Service and Basic Needs ($109,000, 15.6%), Youth Development, Mental Health and Educational Access ($80,000, 11.4%), Health and Mental Health ($65,000, 9.3%), Immigrant Support and Legal Advocacy ($60,000, 8.6%), and Housing and Shelter ($50,000, 7.1%).
The program includes a significant investment in youth and children’s services, with $150,000 (21.4% of the total portfolio) supporting 12 organizations across clinical mental health, prevention programs, after-school enrichment, arts development, educational access, and basic needs.
Communities Served
The Resilience and Care Grants support organizations serving all 21 communities of the Greater Lowell region: Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington.
How You Can Help
“While these funds have been quickly distributed to address immediate needs, there is more to do,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “I encourage you to help grow our community’s resilience by adding your own contribution. Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens the safety net that catches our neighbors when they fall.”
To contribute to GLCF’s Resilience and Care Fund, visit: https://glcfoundation.info/resilience
Nashoba park residents craft wreaths1

Nashoba Park Residents Craft Wreaths

Nashoba Park residents recently made winter bird seed wreaths. The residents loved this program so much, they have requested a repeat of this activity! The wreaths were assembled and then 48 hours later were ready to put outside, where the birds promptly feasted on them.

Nashoba Park  is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.