Residents are invited to attend complimentary classes on Monday, April 27 from 7–8 PM, Tuesday, April 28 from 12–12:45 PM, and a special pop-up session on Friday, May 1 from 5:30–6:30 PM. These classes offer an accessible opportunity for participants of all levels to experience the physical and mental benefits of yoga in a supportive, community-centered environment.
The Friday, May 1 class serves as a special kickoff to Mental Health Awareness Month. Participants who sign up on or before April 28 will be entered to win a wellness gift basket valued at $100. The winner will be announced at the end of the class, and must be present to receive the prize.
In addition to these free offerings, Westford Recreation hosts regular weekly yoga classes on Mondays and Tuesdays at the same times, with flexible options including six-week session sign-ups or convenient drop-in classes to fit a variety of schedules. All classes are held at 65 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Westford and are open to residents and non-residents. 
Yoga is widely recognized for its positive impact on mental health. Through mindful movement, breath work, and moments of stillness, yoga can help reduce stress, ease anxiety, improve mood, and foster a greater sense of connection—both within oneself and with others. Whether you're new to yoga or returning to your practice, these classes offer a gentle and empowering way to support overall well-being. Visit Westford Recreation at the Hope Blooms Here Fair on Tuesday, April 28 from 5:30-7:00pm in the courtyard next to the Town Hall to learn more and sign up for classes!
All are encouraged to join, take a pause, and prioritize mental health together this May!
View class offereings and sign up at westfordma.myrec.com

 

WESTFORD, MA: Parish Center for the Arts (10 Lincoln Street) is known for all kinds of music and art, primarily because some things are not for everyone, and they like to share a wide variety to hopefully please everyone at least some times!  On May 17 at 4pm the offering is Mozaic Ensemble, normally Classical/Chamber in nature, but in their case – also modern and fun. Doors open at 3:30pm for the 4pm afternoon concert. Tickets range from $5-$20 in advance; $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be in recital format. Visit pcawestford.org for tickets and more information.

Mosaic Ensemble featuring Aniko Geladze (violin), Kimberly Vars Whitehead (piano), and Gary Hodges (cello) have played at hundreds of events across New England. The group's name reflects the wide range of possibility within the chamber music genre.
 
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/5-17-26-mozaic-ensemble/NFIPU3GTAF72IMCUCXICUJPL

Facebook: facebook.com/ParishCenterfortheArts
Twitter: twitter.com/PCAWestford
Instagram: instagram.com/pcawestford

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333

As the trees begin to bloom in the Chelmsford area, everybody's thoughts turn to Spring, and it's time for the Chelmsford Community Band to celebrate the final performance of their regular season.  Join them on Sunday, May 3, at 2pm in Chelmsford's McCarthy Middle School for their annual tradition of a joint performance of the Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble accompanied by the ever-popular "basket" raffle fundraiser. Sections of the band and local businesses have donated fantastic prizes representing various fun and engaging themes.  Check out the band's social media on Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky for sneak peaks at the donations.

The Concert Band, led by Westford resident and Chelmsford band teacher Eric Lindsner, will present a program themed on travel.  The music will take you on a journey both abroad and back home.  The Jazz Ensemble will feature swing and jazz favorites, led by Art Bakopolus.  Admission to the concert is free, but donations are always very gratefully accepted so that the band can continue to operate.  Suggested donations are $10 for adults and $20 for families.  Baked goods can be taken home for a small additional donation.

The Chelmsford Community Band is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and has a 75-piece concert band and a 20-piece jazz ensemble made of dedicated volunteer musicians with a proud tradition of bringing live musical performances to this community since 1972.  They are supported by grants from local businesses, arts organizations such as the Chelmsford Cultural Council, and your donations.  Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or BlueSky, and find them online at www.chelmsfordcommunityband.com.

What could be more beautiful than a room filled with hand crafted quilts?! Catch the enthusiasm and plan to attend this local Quilt Show taking place Saturday and Sunday, May 16 & 17. Show hours are 10:00am until 4:00pm both days.
Quilt Shows are held every two years and are always a highlight of Guild programming. If you are in the area, this show is a "must see" event!
The show features over 100 Traditional, Modern, and Art quilts made by members, a Members Boutique, Silent Auction of Mini Quilts, Raffle of Themed Baskets, and More!
A Charity Quilt made by members called "Shimmering Water" will be raffled off with 50% of the proceeds to benefit the local Wish Project. Raffle tickets for a sewing machine donated by Bits 'n Pieces Quilt Shop will be sold. Show Vendors are Bits 'n Pieces Quilt Shop of Pelham NH, The Wandering Quilt Shop traveling from Maine, and on Sunday only, National Sharpening Company (scissor and blade sharpener).
The show is being held at Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road (route 40), North Chelmsford MA. $10 admission, cash or check only; children under 12 are free.  Building is wheelchair accessible and there is plenty of free parking!
For more information, visit www.chelmsfordquiltguild.com

 

• “E” stands for environment. It looks at how companies handle climate impact and natural resources.
• “S” is for social factors, including product safety and the wellbeing of a company’s workers.
• “G” is governance, which considers a company’s ethics and transparency and how responsibly it is run.

The Friends of the Bolton Public Library will hold their semiannual book sale on Saturday, May 2nd, from 8:30am - 3pm. No rain date. Location is the Houghton Building, 697 Main Street, Bolton, MA. There will be over 5,000 books, sorted before and after each sale, and not picked over. The sale also includes puzzles, CDs, and DVDs.
The book sales are the Friends’ largest fundraisers. Proceeds from the sales support programming, events, museum passes, and Wowbrary for the Bolton Public Library.

 

Los Angeles, CA - As the landscape of higher education shifts toward skill-based outcomes, Middlesex Community College joins “Empowered hosted by Meg Ryan” to explore how community colleges serve as essential hubs for regional workforce development and equitable career access.
The upcoming segment, scheduled to film on April 22, 2026, focuses on the structural role of community colleges within the American educational system. Production will take place at the Middlesex Community College campuses in Bedford and Lowell, Massachusetts, documenting the institutional frameworks designed to align student learning with the immediate needs of the regional economy. The program investigates the transition toward integrated career pathways, including dual enrollment for high school students and specialized career embedded options like "Learn & Earn" and Apprenticeships. By documenting the coordination between academic instruction and local industry requirements, the series provides Public Television viewers with a comprehensive look at how accessible education serves as a primary driver for professional advancement and financial stability.
“Now more than ever, community colleges are in a unique position to prepare the workforce with highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced professionals,” said Phil Sisson, Middlesex Community College’s President. “Understanding the importance of career-integrated learning, Middlesex Community College leverages our leadership within our communities by forming valuable partnerships with organizations and companies throughout our service area and the broader Commonwealth. To respond directly to their needs, MCC implements relevant internship, apprenticeship and hands-on opportunities to train our students for these in-demand roles. Combined with industry-driven curriculum and immersive clinical and laboratory experiences, MCC integrates career-focused learning into all our programs, ensuring students become productive and successful members of their communities and workplaces.”
Maintaining a robust local economy requires an adaptable educational infrastructure that can respond to the evolving demands of modern industry. Middlesex Community College has addressed these needs by implementing corporate training partnerships that provide students with practical, hands-on experience while they complete their studies. The segment examines how these programs reduce traditional barriers to entry for underrepresented groups and provide a flexible alternative to high-cost four-year institutions. Furthermore, the documentary explores the impact of free community college initiatives and how they contribute to a more equitable distribution of opportunity across the Commonwealth.
This educational approach focuses on meeting students at their current stage of life, whether they are recent high school graduates or adult learners seeking to pivot into new sectors such as biotechnology or advanced manufacturing. Beyond technical proficiency, the documentary emphasizes the mentorship and holistic support services that ensure students can navigate their academic journey while balancing external responsibilities. By focusing on these functional solutions, the segment aims to inform the public about the strategic importance of community-based learning in fostering a resilient and skilled workforce. The project provides an educational overview of how modern institutions are effectively bridging the gap between education and the workforce to ensure long-term regional prosperity.

In honor of Community College Month, Middlesex Community College is highlighting an outstanding student’s MCC experience in his own words. Business student Heet Shah, from India and now living in Lowell, is an active member of the college community who is taking advantage of the many opportunities and experiences Middlesex offers that he believes will make a positive impact on his future.
I chose to start my education at Middlesex Community College during a major transition in my life. I had just moved to the United States from India and was adjusting to a completely new environment, academic system, and way of life. MCC made that transition manageable. It was close to home, and at the time, I did not have a car, so even walking a few miles to campus never felt like a barrier.
Financially and logistically, it was also the right decision. The availability of free tuition and the MassTransfer pathway gave me a clear starting point while keeping long-term opportunities open. From the beginning, I approached MCC as a place where I would fully take advantage of every opportunity available.
That mindset quickly turned into action. One of the biggest impacts MCC has had on me is the opportunities it opened beyond the classroom. Through MCC, I traveled and gained exposure to environments I had never experienced before. I visited New York City and explored the financial district, attended the Two-Year Bridge Symposium where I engaged with firms like EY and KPMG, and participated in the MIT PATH fintech conference in Atlanta.
I also competed at DECA conferences, including traveling to Kentucky, where I applied my knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences gave me exposure and confidence beyond a traditional classroom.
Alongside these experiences, I focused on building academic and professional skills. I worked as a bank teller at a local bank, developing attention to detail and customer service skills, while also working late-night shifts at Bowlero during my early transition period.
On campus, I served as an Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE) tutor and contributed to the CircleIn platform, supporting students while engaging with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based learning tools. This led to my involvement in AI initiatives through the MIT PATH collaboration, where I worked with MCC Assistant Dean Peter Shea and Professor Vikram Sharma on projects exploring the intersection of AI and education. I also completed certifications in fintech, machine learning, and financial systems, and will continue this learning through the Massachusetts Municipal Finance Fellowship in Summer 2026.
My involvement in student organizations has been a major part of my journey. As Treasurer of the Business and Economics Club, I helped grow the organization into one of the most active clubs on campus. While my role focused on financial management, I also contributed to organizing events and supporting operations.
Through DECA, I took on a coordinator role, managing budgets, mentoring students, and organizing preparation sessions and competitions. I also co-founded the AI Club to create opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies. In addition, I organized professional development workshops, invited guest speakers, and collaborated with faculty and external professionals to create opportunities for students.
These efforts have been recognized through several accomplishments. I earned a gold award in Corporate Finance at the DECA regional competition and was selected as a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, been on the Dean’s List every semester, and am part of the Commonwealth Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa. I was also a part of the “I Am MCC” campaign, highlighting student experiences and impact. I have also been nominated for multiple commencement-related awards and advanced to the final stages of selection for the Celebrations Speaker.
After graduating from MCC, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to continue my education in finance, potentially combining it with data science. I have already been accepted into University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of California Irvine, and I am awaiting additional decisions.
My long-term goal is to begin in investment banking, pursue graduate studies, and eventually work in quantitative finance and fintech. At the same time, I want my success to go beyond personal growth and contribute back to the communities that supported me.
More than anything, MCC has given me a strong foundation, a support system, and a sense of direction. I am especially grateful for mentors like Professor Vikram Sharma, along with many others who believed in me and pushed me to grow. MCC has given me exposure, confidence, and opportunities that would have taken me much longer to find on my own.
As I move forward, I will always carry this experience with me. MCC is not just where I started, it is what made everything that comes next possible.

Volunteers are sought to mentors a public speaking program in a prison in Shirley. Volunteers must be comfortable speaking in front of a group, willing to enter a prison with a team, and able to commit to two to four visits a month on a weeknight.
To explore prison volunteering, you can make one visit to a prison Toastmasters program, following a brief background check. You will know immediately if prison volunteering is for you, no obligation. This profound, memorable volunteer opportunity provides a connection beyond class, race and education.
Have a look at https://tinyurl.com/MAprisonvolunteer. For more information, email susan dot tordella at g mail dot c o m to set up a brief phone call.

Editor- the gmail address is purposefully scrambled to prevent fishing.  TYVM

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 in the evening for decades. Now we are continuing weekly by remote videoconference, and our meeting has recently changed to Monday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

The West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Mass Ave., Acton will have a Pop-Up Thrift from 12pm-3pm during the WAVMA Spring Fling (a West Acton Annual Village Event) on May 9th. The Pop-Up Thrift is a weekly event on Thursdays 3-5:30 but due to popular demand, we are adding this special Pop-Up!
In addition to the Thrift, there will be information & a promotion to raise funds for our Historic Steeple Project. Visit our website www.westactonbaptistchurch/org for more information & history on the historic steeple.
3D Widgets will also be for sale.

Wednesday, April 22, from 2-6PM on MACPHERSON ROAD, DEVENS
Whether you run, bike, hike, roll, scoot, or stroll this is your dedicated, safe space for Earth Day play in a beautiful natural area!
Ayer, Devens, and the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge will again host the Open Street and Greenway Earth Day Event on Wednesday, April 22nd, from 2pm-6pm on MacPherson Road. This will be the 5th annual open streets event, celebrating Earth Day by opening the streets to people for recreational activities and the opportunity to experience the beautiful Wild and Scenic Nashua River and Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in a safe and peaceful manner.
The event will be on MacPherson Road in Devens, accessible from Bishop Road in Ayer, MA. There will be no access from West Main Street. Feel free to bring any manner of non-motorized wheels—bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. Picnics are also welcome; however, no food or drinks will be sold at the event. Please carry in and carry out all trash.
Displays will be set up and tours will start from the intersection where Bishop and MacPherson Roads meet. There will be guided walks featuring local trails, birds, and a pollinator meadow, as well as nearly 20 environmental organizations offering information and activities for visitors of all ages. A hands on activities such as bird box making, mural painting, and a nature-based scavenger hunt will also be offered.
This year as part of the Devens Climate Resiliency Project (MVP 2.0), team members will be conducting outreach at the festival to learn about community concerns in preparation of utilizing a state grant to address community issues and increase community resiliency. To participate in the survey, visit https://tinyurl.com/DevensMVPSurvey.
You can choose your level of activity, you may come get active and count your steps or sit, relax, and enjoy the beauty of the Nashua River and Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge. Either way, this is an opportunity to take a break, unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. See this natural local treasure from a new vantage point and demonstrate how nice it is to leave the car behind and get around the city on foot or bike.
See https://www.devensec.com/news.html for information and updates or contact bethsuedmeyer@devensec.com. See also our partner websites: Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge https://www.fws.gov/refuge/oxbow and Nashua Rivers Wild and Scenic Stewardship Council https://www.wildandscenicnashuarivers.org/.

• The Layover by Tracy Wells: A humorous and insightful look at the unexpected connections made while waiting.
• Skidmarks 2: Are we there yet? by Lindsay Price: A fast-paced, funny exploration of the classic American road trip.

• Gently used furniture (sofas, tables, dressers, bed frames)
• Appliances in good working condition
• Cabinets, countertops, and building materials
• Tools and hardware
• Home décor and household items

 

• A vibrant live concert showcasing Nashoba Valley Chorale’s legacy
• Food and beverages, including a cash bar
• A fun, interactive sing-along featuring music by Handel and Queen
• A chance to reconnect with friends, alumni, and former conductors
• Silent Auction

• Recognition and gratitude to our Founders
•  
• A Celebration of Anne Watson Born, our beloved Music Director’s 20 years with us
•  

• An Honor to Shawn McCann, collaborative pianist for 20 years of amazing work

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 in the evening for decades. Now we are continuing weekly by remote videoconference, and our meeting has recently changed to Monday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.ne

 It feels like spring!  Time for some spring cleaning?  Fresh Start can use what you don’t need and we are always grateful to receive new items from donors.  Several of our donors use their Kohls Cash or Target coupons to purchase items for our clients from the wish list on our website.
     At present we have an extreme need for pristine mattresses (no stains or rips),  kitchen tables with removable legs (not pedestal tables), queen fitted sheets, all sizes of comforters, pot holders and dish towels.
     Please help us to give our clients what they need to make their new housing into a comfortable home.  We are always grateful for gift cards (Target, Amazon, JobLot, etc.)to give to our clients for any extras they need.
     See our website above for more information about us and for our location and hours when we accept donations.
     Thank you for helping us to help others!

Wayland, MA – April is National Native Plant Month, following a bipartisan resolution first passed by the U.S. Senate in 2021 and repeated annually, including this year. The designation encourages all Americans to understand, plant, and preserve native flora, which are essential to maintaining biodiversity, supporting pollinators, and preserving ecosystem health.
On Saturday, May 2, Native Plant Trust will offer a special evening at Garden in the Woods, beginning with a walk through the gardens, followed by a performance of Unfurling, an original work by Boston Dance Theater. Following the performance, visitors will be invited to join Unfurling’s creative team for a discussion about the intersection of artistry, creation, and the natural world featuring BDT Founder and Co-Artistic Director Jessie Stinnett, Choreographer Kim Rachochia, sound artist Skooby Laposky, and Native Plant Trust Senior Horticulturist David Falk.
According to its creators, Unfurling is a site-responsive performance created by the artists of the Boston Dance Theater in collaboration with visual artist Kim Radochia. Drawing inspiration from the quiet resilience of plant life and the writings of indigenous botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, the work invites audiences into a shared sensory experience of movement, sound, and sculptural installation. Dancers will move through the space like tendrils of growth, attuning to one another, the land, and the invisible networks that sustain life. Unfurling asks us to notice what is overlooked and to sense our place within a living, interdependent world.
Trillium Week takes place May 3–9 at Garden in the Woods. This vibrant seasonal event, now in its eleventh year, features guided tours (free with Garden admission) and educational opportunities such as “The Native Plant Trust Trillium Collection: An Inside Look,” which highlights the ecological significance and beauty of spring ephemerals—especially the iconic trillium. “Trilliums are arguably the most distinctive flowers in the forests and wetlands of New England,” notes Johnson. “Add to that their natural rarity and status as a harbinger of spring, and it is hard to imagine a better ambassador for New England's plants. Trillium Week offers a rare opportunity to see the many color forms of all three New England species—Trillium erectum, Trillium grandiflorum, and Trillium cernuum—in a single location tucked under the canopy of towering hardwoods at Garden in the Woods.” Tour times and event details can be found on our website.
Native Plant Trust named Skooby Laposky its 2025 Visiting Artist, and he returns for a live performance during Twilight Trilliums, the signature event of Trillium Week. Laposky is a multidisciplinary artist and sound designer whose work—featured in Fast Company and The Boston Globe—translates natural systems into immersive sonic landscapes. Twilight Trilliums, a one-night-only event, takes place on Friday, May 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Garden in the Woods. Guests will experience a world-premiere sound installation,created by Laposky specifically for the occasion and inspired by the spring bloom and surrounding forest. Tickets to Twilight Trilliums are $50 and include Garden admission and refreshments.
Native Plant Trust's newly released spring/summer course catalog offers a robust lineup of in-person and online offerings, from hands-on workshops to special events and lectures. For tickets, registration, and additional information, visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

The first face the Artemis II crew will see upon their return to Earth will be the face of a U.S. Navy sailor.
Chief Hospital Corpsman Vlad Link, from Chelsea, Massachusetts, is a member of the dive medical team that will open the Orion capsule upon its return to Earth, make initial medical assessments of the Artemis II crew, and assist them out of the capsule safely and efficiently.
Link has 18 years of experience in dive medicine.

“I have been exposed to the Navy since I was a young teenager, and I’m proud to represent both my family and hometown,” Link said. “Contributing our efforts to NASA and the Artemis II mission is something we take great pride in as part of that legacy.”

Isaac Davis Toastmasters Meeting is being held on April 13 @ 7:15 PM in the Reuben Hoar Littleton Library, downstairs in the Murray Room.  Guests  are welcome.  For more information. call or text
Peter Thompson at 978-844-0188.

Scout Troop 437’s annual Bike & Sporting Goods Sale is back in 2026!  The sale will be held on the Westford Common, at the corner of Main and Lincoln Streets, on Saturday May 2 from 9 AM to 1 PM, rain or shine. 

Shop gently-used bikes and spring/summer sporting goods, including bikes of all sizes, camping gear, accessories for baseball, lacrosse, tennis, soccer and other sports, exercise equipment, boating gear, canoes, kayaks and much more!  Cash payments are preferred; Venmo is also accepted.  Proceeds will help our Scouts attend summer camp and high adventure trips.

The Troop accepts donations and consignments for the sale. Donate your gently-used bikes and spring/summer sports goods or consign them and earn 75% of the selling price.  Donations/consignments accepted Friday May 1 from 5:30-7:30 PM at the American Legion Post 437, 114 Dunstable Rd, Westford MA 01886 or Saturday May 2 from 7-9 AM on the Westford Common. There is a consignment fee of $1 per item, with a $5 maximum per household.  Unsold consigned items should be picked up on May 2 from 1-2 PM; any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.  We are also accepting donations throughout April -- email bikesale@westfordtroop437.us to coordinate a dropoff or pickup of your items. More information available at https://www.westfordtroop437.us/bikesale

About Troop 437
Troop 437 is a medium-sized, Scout-led troop with 55 boys and girls age 11 to 18 from Westford, Chelmsford and surrounding towns.  We meet weekly on Thursday evenings in Westford during the school year and have monthly outings, including camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, zip-lining and more.  Crews from Troop 437 have completed Scouting High Adventure trips to Seabase and Philmont.  Learn more about Scouting and Troop 437 at https://www.WestfordTroop437.us 

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9 am – 1 pm at the Abbot School, 25 Depot St., Westford, MA.  The following will be collected:
HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Usable Furniture without stains or tears
NO glass-topped tables
Usable Mattresses without stains, rips or tears
Twin, Full, and Queen sizes accepted
No King sizes accepted
Small Working Appliances
Household Goods and Décor

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

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

STYROFOAM DROP OFF
Polystyrene (EPS) blocks #6 only

E.L. HARVEY
The town’s waste vendor will offer free SHREDDING for residents.

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9 am – 1 pm at the Westford DPW, 28 North St., Westford, MA

Scrap metal and nearly everything with a power cord!
Computers, monitors, and most other electronic devices and equipment, appliances of all sizes.
Some fees may apply.

For more information, go to: www.westfordma.gov/recycling

Sponsored by the Westford Conservation Trust and Westford Climate Action. No registration is required for these free walks. All walks will run rain or shine. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. Trails are not suitable for strollers. Poison Ivy may occur along the trails; long pants and socks are recommended. Maps of all these areas are available at http://www.westfordconservationtrust.org. For more information: info@westfordconservationtrust.org. 
Saturday, April 11, 9-10:30 am—A Walk along the Sassafras Trail.
Park at the trailhead which is located by turning off Tyngsboro Rd to North Hill Rd to Hidden Valley Rd to the end of Sawmill Road.
Meet Trust President Rich Strazdas at the end of Sawmill Road. Explore this lovely, hilly trail which includes the famous “House and Barn” rocks, the largest glacial erratic rocks in Middlesex County.

 

The League of Women Voters – Acton Area hosted a Zoom webinar on March 19, 2026, to inform voters with disabilities of their rights and municipalities of their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Many people with disabilities face barriers to participating in Town Meeting. The webinar explored these challenges and shared practical strategies to remove obstacles and increase participation. It aimed to equip participants with knowledge and tools to foster inclusivity and strengthen their community’s democratic process.
The panelists reviewed key ADA requirements for accessible public meetings, explained how individuals can request reasonable accommodations, and outlined the steps municipalities must take to comply with the law.
Moderator and League member Mary Ann Ashton opened the session and introduced the panelists: Jeff Dougan, Assistant Director for Community Services at the Massachusetts Office on Disability; Wanjiku Gachugi, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Town of Acton and the town’s ADA Coordinator for Town Meeting; and Jo-Ann Berry, Town Moderator for the Town of Acton and Director of the League of Women Voters–Acton Area.
To request accommodations for a Town Meeting, contact your town’s ADA Coordinator by email (start with the Town Manager/Administrator, or Town Clerk for contact information), ideally at least two weeks in advance. The coordinator will then engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations.  Panel members shared 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 to name a few.
If you are a person with a disability, or a community member committed to ensuring every voice is heard, and were unable to attend the webinar, you can view the recording on our website at lwv-Actonarea.org.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that promotes informed and active participation in government at all levels. While the League takes positions on issues, it does not support or oppose political candidates or parties. It has a long tradition of providing voter information services, including programs like this webinar. Learn more at lwv-actonarea.org.
This event is part of the Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative. Margaret “Marge” Kennedy was a longtime member, leader, and advocate for social justice. Her generous bequest supports ongoing efforts to advance equity through events, public forums, and other community programs.

If you’re looking for a new place to live, you’ve probably heard people say buying is better than renting. It sounds simple, but it’s not.

The right choice depends on your situation, your budget and how long you plan to stay.

Before scrolling through home listings, think about whether you can afford to buy and whether buying makes sense for you.

A down payment and mortgage are only part of the picture. You’ll face closing costs, insurance, taxes, repairs and the ongoing chores that come with owning a place.

Another big factor is time. Buying usually works best when you expect to stay put for at least a few years, because that gives you time to build equity.

On the other hand, renting can offer flexibility and fewer responsibilities.

In the end, the better choice is the one that fits your life and your longterm 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

 

Who: Worcester Chamber Music Society
What: “La Fête Française”

Program
Maurice Ravel | Introduction and Allegro
Camille Saint-Saëns | Fantaisie for Violin and Harp, Op. 124
Ernest Chausson | Piano Quartet in A major, Op. 30

With guests Tracy Kraus, flute; Amy Advocat, clarinet; Franziska Huhn, harp

When & Where: Friday, April 10 at 7:30 PM
Fitchburg Art Museum
185 Elm Street, Fitchburg

Sunday, April 12 at 4:00 PM
Shapiro Hall - Joy of Music
1 Gorham Street, Worcester

Pre-concert talk ½ hour prior to each performance
Post-concert reception for all on Sunday


How: Adults $35-42, Seniors $30-38, College Students $10 w/ID
EBT/WIC/ConnectorCare $5, Youth 17 and under free

Information and tickets for these concerts are available on the ensemble’s website, www.worcesterchambermusic.org, or by calling the office at (508) 926-8624.

When: May 23-30, 2026
Show Floor Hours: 10AM to 6PM (Sat-Fri) & 10AM to 3PM (Sat 5/30)
Where: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer
Street, Boston, MA 02210 in the Seaport District
Price: Free

Explore global and US history, one tiny painting at a time! Boston 2026 World Expo brings the global stamp community to Boston for eight days from May 23-30th, 2026. Held once every ten years, the event showcases world-class exhibits, dealers, presentations, and first day of issue ceremonies, all part of America’s 250th anniversary in the heart of one of America's most historic cities.

Spanning 352,000 contiguous square feet and sponsored by the US Postal Service, the exhibition will feature a comprehensive international experience, including a large dealer marketplace, an extensive array of foreign post offices, and a chance to talk with philatelic societies from around the world. At the heart of the expo will be a prestigious competitive exhibition with approximately 4,000 frames of exhibits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), complemented by a special Court of Honor exhibition and a major literature competition.

Beyond exhibits, Boston 2026 will host hundreds of meetings, roundtable discussions, and presentations across 40 meeting rooms supporting education, collaboration, and international exchange. Signature events, including a large opening ceremony and a closing awards dinner, will create a unique and memorable experience for exhibitors, delegates, and visitors. History buffs, art lovers, ephemera and mail artists, scout troops, and youth groups are all welcome free of charge.

See Boston2026.org website for information on attending dealers and post offices, exhibit and event listings, volunteer opportunities, scout merit badge workshops, and much more.

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 in the evening for decades. Now we are continuing weekly by remote videoconference, and our meeting has recently changed to Monday . For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net