Action Unlimited

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
Minuteman march

“Minute Man March” Walk in Concord to Support Critical Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities in 45 Middlesex Communities
Event to Include Mile Walk and Outdoor Celebration

WHAT: The Minute Man Arc is hosting its 22nd annual “Minute Man March” to support its many programs throughout Middlesex County for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The inclusive and accessible one-mile lap through Concord center will raise money for early intervention, day habilitation, employment services, and other opportunities for the more than 1,400 individuals served by Minute Man Arc. The walk will conclude with an outdoor celebration, where participants can enjoy music, food, games, and enter to win a variety of prizes.
WHEN: Saturday, September 19, 2026  9:45 to 11:00 a.m. (celebration immediately following)
WHO: State Senator and Minute Man Arc Board Member Jamie Eldridge (confirmed)
State Representative Danillo Sena (invited)
Al Frugoli, interim CEO, Minute Man Arc
Minute Man Arc Board Members
Children, adults, and families served by provider organizations

WHERE: Alcott School, 93 Laurel Street, Concord, MA 01742

Native Plant Trust Announces “Plants: Solos for Native Species” on September 26
Registration for Fall and Winter Programs Open Now

WAYLAND, MA — Native Plant Trust, the nation’s first plant conservation organization and the only one solely focused on New England’s native plants, announced its lineup of Fall and Winter
Programs, and a special fall collaboration with Boston Dance Theatre.
Saturday, September 26 Boston Dance Theatre will present “Plants: Solos for Native Species.” Throughout the day, visitors will experience immersive dance performances at different locations within Garden in the Woods, Native Plant Trust’s renowned botanic garden, featuring solo works inspired by individual native plant species. Four solo performances will loop throughout the day in differentlocations in the Garden. The event is free with Garden admission.
“Boston Dance Theatre’s Plants: Solos for Native Species transforms the Garden into both stage and subject, allowing us to encounter our native landscape through a completely new lens, inviting us to see our surroundings differently,” said Sara O’Brien, Director of Public Programs at Native Plant
Trust. “Boston Dance Theatre is known for bringing contemporary dance into conversation with the
world around us, and these intimate solo performances give individual native species a remarkable new presence. Connecting people more deeply to native plants is central to our mission, and art has a unique ability to inspire the curiosity, wonder, and sense of connection that spurs us to champion the well-being of our native landscapes.”
Plants: Solos for Native Species is just one of the fall and winter classes and events focused on native plants now open for registration. Tim Johnson, CEO of Native Plant Trust, notes: “The way we think about our gardens and landscapes is changing. Increasingly, people want to understand not simply
what to plant, but how their choices affect biodiversity, water, wildlife, climate resilience, and the
larger ecosystems around them. Our education programs meet that curiosity with the depth of science
and horticultural expertise that has defined Native Plant Trust for generations. By making that knowledge accessible—from advanced botany and conservation to practical ecological gardening—we
can help people turn their own landscapes into part of a much larger conservation effort.”

For more information and registration for programs, please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

ABOUT NATIVE PLANT TRUST
For over a century, Native Plant Trust has been leading the movement to conserve native plants in the
wild and use them in designed spaces. We do this to increase the beauty and resilience of New England
and the planet. From our base in Massachusetts, staff and trained volunteers work throughout New
England each year to monitor and protect rare and endangered plants, collect and preserve seeds to
ensure biological diversity, detect and control invasive species, conduct research, and offer a range of
educational programs. We welcome visitors from all over the world to Garden in the Woods, our
renowned native plant botanic garden in Framingham, MA. We also operate a nursery at Nasami Farm
in western Massachusetts and manage six sanctuaries in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont that are
open to the public. Please visit www.NativePlantTrust.org.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Latest Release of Unclaimed Property Listings
Over 50,000 Names Added to Unclaimed Property List 

BOSTON - Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg has announced the latest grouping of names added to the state’s list of unclaimed property owners. Over 50,000 new properties worth millions of dollars are owed to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. This newly released list includes only individuals and businesses with unclaimed property over $100.

“Did you know there is $3.4 billion in unclaimed property here in Massachusetts?” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “Check the list, go online, or call our office to begin the process, because some of it could belong to you.”

Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. Last year, Treasury processed over 118,000 claims and returned $237 million in property to its rightful owners.

Treasurer Goldberg urges all citizens to check www.findmassmoney.gov for a complete list of over 10 million properties or call our live call center at 1-888-344-MASS (6277).

The full list of the new individuals, businesses, and nonprofits added to the unclaimed property list will be published in the Boston Globe on September 13th and in the Boston Herald on September 20th. In addition, the list of names will be published in regional and local papers in following weeks.

The Treasury releases an updated list of unclaimed property assets every six months as the new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit for a person to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

Become a Tutor of English
Sign Up for the Fall Class!

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English? Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools or the medical system. But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor. Tutors often speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the challenges facing those who are adapting to ours.

Because of the constant demand for tutoring, all available tutors are now working with students, and the next tutor-training course has been scheduled. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program directors Ginny Steel and Jane Albert are currently enrolling prospective tutors for the five-session course that starts on October 7. The class will meet on five consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9 pm, Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. The first four classes will meet virtually, using Zoom, and the last one will be in person, in the Wayland library.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the desire to share your knowledge of English. The training is free, although it is necessary to purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and email as they meet with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection. For more information or to enroll in the tutor training course, you can phone Ginny Steel at 508-358-7517 or email her at virginia@thesteels.com.
Aquarium

Aquarium Offering Discounted Tickets for Homeschooling Families
Special ticket Prices Available Every Tuesday through Dec. 22

BOSTON, MASS. (September 2026) – The New England Aquarium is offering discounted admission this fall for homeschooling families to experience its educational programs and exhibits.

Every Tuesday through December 22, 2026, homeschool families have access to special ticket prices: $12 for children and $21 for adults. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Aquarium’s Reservations Department at 617-973-5206 daily between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. More information is available on neaq.org.

Included in admission, the Aquarium offers a variety of programs, presentations, and feedings each day:
 
  • Guests can stop by an interactive educational space on the third floor called the Exploration Station, which offers both guided and self-led themed activities. Families can engage with sensory activities, pretend to be an Aquarium veterinarian, and spend some down time reading books.
  • Join an educator along the exhibit path for an up-close experience with one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors. Learn more about jellies, local turtle species, or axolotls during animal encounters happening daily at 10:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.
  • Aquarium guests can enjoy daily presentations with the penguins, sea lions, harbor seals, and residents of the Giant Ocean Tank, including Myrtle the green sea turtle. Full schedule available here.

The Aquarium also has a host of fun and educational activities on its website that can engage young learners before or after a trip to the Aquarium. The activities help visitors explore the Aquarium more deeply, encourage content learning, and improve science skills as well as support math and literacy development.

ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM: The New England Aquarium is a nonprofit research and conservation organization that has protected and cared for our ocean and marine animals for more than 55 years. We provide science-based solutions and help shape policies that create measurable change to address threats the ocean faces. We inspire action through discovery and help create engaged, resilient communities.

Massachusetts Patients, Survivors & Caregivers Will Travel to Nation’s Capital to Urge Congress to Make Cancer a National Priority 

Over a Dozen Local Advocates to Call on Congress to Increase Cancer Research and Prevention Funding and Improve Access to Clinical Trials
BOSTON – September 11, 2026 – Next week, more than 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones from all across the nation will travel to Washington, D.C., as part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)’s annual Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Among these will be over a dozen cancer advocates from every corner of Massachusetts.
Every person attending will bring a unique story: one will share her journey of being widowed shortly after her marriage when her husband was unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. Another will speak of being a young professional, beginning a career in cancer research. Others will tell lawmakers about their ongoing cancer battles or proud stories of survivorship.
These stories will be shared with members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and urge lawmakers to pass the Clinical Trial Modernization Act (CTMA).
 In the last 30 years, substantial and steady increases in federal cancer research funding have fueled discovery and innovation that has led to a 34% decline in cancer mortality rates. Advocates will remind lawmakers that this incredible momentum in the fight against cancer is fueled by sufficient funding at key agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 The advocates will also call on Massachusetts lawmakers to support the bipartisan Clinical Trial Modernization Act, or CTMA. This legislation would make it easier for all people with cancer to participate in clinical trials, including those in underrepresented populations, like rural residents, older adults, certain racial and ethnic groups, and those with limited incomes. The passage of CTMA is crucial to ensure more patients—regardless of their economic means or their geographic location—have a chance to enroll in clinical trials, ultimately giving more people a better chance in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

Worcester Chamber Music Society Present
November Concerts in Harvard and Worcester

September 3, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society begins its 21st Season with a concert titled “Autumn Winds” at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Harvard on September 25 and at Assumption University in Worcester on September 26. The chamber music ensemble opens the season with three pieces written in three centuries. Mozart and Brahms each composed works in their masterful styles that display the virtuosity of the hornist and clarinetist for whom they were written. Dohnányi’s Sextet showcases both instruments in a work that nods to Brahms while delighting in its own eccentricity and sass.
Friday, September 25 @7:30PM Saturday, September 26 @7:30PM
Unitarian Universalist Church* Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
9 Ayer Road, Harvard 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @7 PM Pre-concert talk @7 PM
Program
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Horn Quintet in E-flat major, K.407/386c
Johannes Brahms | Clarinet Trio, Op. 114
Ernő Dohnányi | Sextet, Op. 37
*9/25 performance is funded in part by the Shirley Cultural Council, a local agency funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/autumn-winds/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624

35 Seasons, One Timeless Tradition: Tickets Now on Sale for
Commonwealth Ballet's The Nutcracker

Kick off the holiday season with the magic of The Nutcracker and celebrate Commonwealth Ballet's 35th Anniversary Season: Tradition & Transformation.
This beloved holiday tradition features beautiful dancing, stunning costumes, enchanting sets, and memorable performances for audiences of all ages. From playful mice and cheerful Polichinelles to sparkling Snowflakes and the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers, The Nutcracker offers holiday wonder for families and arts lovers alike.
As Commonwealth Ballet marks 35 seasons of inspiring audiences through tradition, innovation, and artistic excellence, this year's performances are not to be missed. Learn more about the anniversary season here.
Performances: November 27-29 and December 18-20
Venue: Eleanor Welch Casey Theatre at Regis College, Weston, MA

Free Parking

Tickets are on sale now! Purchase tickets https://www.commonwealthballet.org/nutcracker and use promo code EB26 by October 1 for 20% Early Bird savings (excluding shortened sensory and family-friendly matinee on November 27th at 1pm)

Author Michael Tougias at Littleton Lyceum

The Littleton Lyceum opens its 2026-2027 season on Friday, September 18th, at 7:30pm with the New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias discussing his latest book, “In Deep Water: A True Story of Sharks, Survival, and Courage.” Tougias will describe the hour-by-hour terrifying true story of a fight for survival lasting 28 hours in shark-infested waters.

The event will be held in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center at 56 King Street. Season tickets to the Lyceum are available for families or individuals for $40, and single tickets may be purchased at the door or online for $12, $5 for seniors and students.

Check out our website for more information at littletonlyceum.org, or follow us on Facebook or X.

Our Climate. Our Future. Our Choices.
From Climate Science to Local Action

Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 PM, First Parish Church United, 48 Main Street, Westford
FREE and ALL ARE WELCOME

What does the latest climate science tell us about our future – and what can communities like Westford do about it? Join Westford Climate Action for an engaging presentation featuring Dr. Jeffrey Basara,  Department Chair and Professor of Environmental, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at UMass Lowell.

UMass Lowell is a national leader in sustainability research and education. Since 2019, the university has received more than $120 million in research funding focused on climate, sustainability and related areas. Its Rist Institute for Sustainability and Energy brings together faculty, students and researchers from across the university to turn climate and energy research into innovation and real-world solutions. The Institute’s goal is to create blueprints for human-scale sustainability in communities throughout our region and across the world.

What does this mean for our communities?
Dr. Basara will connect the latest climate science with the challenges and opportunities facing communities today. He will explore:
  • What the latest climate science tells us—and why action matters now
  • Breakthrough climate and energy research underway at UMass Lowell
  • How the Rist Institute is turning research into innovation and solutions
  • Education and career opportunities for the next generation of climate and sustainability leaders
  • How Westford and other communities can partner with UMass Lowell on climate action

Dr. Basara's research examines the complex connections among weather, climate, water and ecosystems, with particular emphasis on extreme precipitation and its impacts. He is also deeply committed to teaching and mentoring students and preparing the next generation of environmental and climate leaders. https://www.uml.edu/sustainability/  

Come learn about the science, discover what is happening at UMass Lowell, and explore how research, innovation and community engagement can translate into meaningful local climate action.
Join us for an informative evening—and a conversation about our climate, our future, and our choices.

This event is jointly sponsored by Westford Climate Action and Westford’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee.   https://westfordclimateaction.org/

WELCOME WORSHIP SERVICE AND CHURCH PICNIC
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, BEGINNING AT 9:30 AM

United Methodist Church of Westford
10 Church Street, Westford, MA:

“A New Season Offers New Beginnings: Come As You Are”
Wherever you are in your faith and life journey, we welcome you!
 The United Methodist Church of Westford looks forward to welcoming visitors and people who may be seeking a church home, as well as members and friends! Join us at 9:30 am for a special Welcome Worship Service in the sanctuary. Enjoy the spiritual presence and preaching of Pastor Jinyong, be moved by music from our Youth Choir, Praise Band, and Bell Choir, and delight in joyous congregational hymn singing! Stay afterward for our Annual Church Picnic outside by the picturesque Mill Pond—great food, meaningful fellowship, and fun games for all ages.
 Each week on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, we offer a welcoming environment, inspiring messages, and beautiful music. "The Ark" will be open and staffed during our Sunday morning Worship Services beginning September 13 to welcome infants and young children. Sunday School will begin September 20 during worship for kids and youth through grade 12. Parking is available at the church, and our building is accessible for people with disabilities. Please visit www.umcw.org for more information or to watch our online worship service each Sunday.

Family Fun at the Country Fair, Saturday,
Oct. 3, 10am-2pm

The famous Littleton Country Fair happens Saturday, Oct. 3 at 19 Foster St., 10 am to 4 pm. Plan to spend a day, not a fortune. Start at the ginormous giant yard sale; cross the street to the Country Store with homemade jams and crafts. Stay for lunch at the cafe with homemade BBQ lunch and vegan/gluten free entrees. Find some new-to-you earrings, necklaces, bobbles and bangles and browse a huge room of pre-read books for all ages. Free admission and free parking for everyone are guaranteed.
Kids will have a lallapaloosa shopping at the yard sale, enjoy free face painting and free arts and crafts at a quiet nook beside the church. For the mystical, expert Tarot Card readers will be available, and short Reiki treatments are offered.
“We create an affordable family-friendly event for all ages. You’ll see our mark on reduce-reuse-recycle at the yard sale, book room and jewelry booth, at the box to donate gently used sneakers of all sizes to be reused by Got Sneakers?” said Susan Tordella, co-chairperson of the event.
The event happens inside and outside First Church Unitarian, which donates 10 percent of the profits to a local non-profit. Find the book room upstairs and the cafe downstairs. The bake table is outdoors where homemade scones will be ready at 10 am, with coffee available too.
The Country Fair dates to the late 1800s when the Unitarian Women’s Alliance started making and selling jam with their summer fruit bounty. “Since then, we have embraced our motto of ‘Spend a day, not a fortune,’ and putting our environmental awareness into practice with the Trash and Treasure booth full of a humongous array of household and kitchen goods, toys, tools, sporting goods, Bric-a-brac, art, small appliances and furniture,” Tordella said.
Come early for the best selections at the yard sale and our famous homemade jams, jellies and pickles and crafts. The jewelry tables attract a cluster of people from the opening bell and you’ll find something that appeals to your style. Every booth accepts cash and most take VENMO and credit cards. Donations of gently used sneakers will be accepted for recycling by Got Sneakers.
Donations from the community of yard sale items, jewelry and books will be accepted Friday, Oct. 2 from 2-6 pm, and 7-9 am on Oct. 3. PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT accept TVs, car seats, computer monitors, or artificial Christmas trees. All contributions are tax-deductible, to benefit First Church Unitarian of Littleton, which awards 10 percent of income to a Littleton non-profit. Email questions to fair@fculittle.org. Hope to see you there for a fun, frugal, delicious time.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CHORUS INVITES SINGERS TO JOIN THIS SEASON

Since 2006, singers from Westford and surrounding towns have joined together to present a Christmas concert at First Parish Church United, 48 Main St., Westford, to benefit the Westford Food Pantry.  Registration and music distribution will take place this year at the home of Nancy Eberiel, accompanist and co-founder of the chorus, 4 Depot Rd., on Sat., Sept. 26, from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.  Dues are $35.00 a person, $55 a couple.  The group welcomes teens and adults.  No auditions are required.  Ladies who join the chorus have the option of also participating in the women’s ensemble, Elements.

Rehearsals will be held Sundays at 7:30 at First Parish Church United, beginning Oct. 4.  The concert will take place on Sun., Dec. 13 at 7:00 p.m.  at the church.  For further information, please call Jeanne Masterman, at 978-692-8416.

Build Confidence in Your 401(k) Decisions

 
Many people have a 401(k), or other workplace retirement plan, but aren’t sure what to do next.

You don’t need to have it all figured out, but a little curiosity goes a long way.

Here are some questions to get started. Check available plan resources or ask your plan administrator or a financial professional:
  • Is there an employer match, and how much do I need to contribute to get all of it?
  • Do I have the option to make Roth contributions?
  • What kind of investments are in the plan, and how are they different?


And keep two simple ideas in mind:
  • First, try to contribute at least enough to get the full employer match available under your plan, or you'll be leaving money on the table.
  • Second, start as early as you can, even if the amount feels small. Having more time to invest can increase the potential benefits of compounding.


You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to get started.

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, 978-486-1059. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Westford's Zero Waste Day September 12

Zero Waste Collection – Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9 am – 1 pm at the Abbot School, 25 Depot St., Westford, MA. The following will be collected:

BLOCK STYROFOAM

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

THE GREAT EXCHANGE: Art and Creative supplies that are new or like new (no boxes of broken crayons, scrap pieces of paper etc.), New or like new office/school supplies, Yarn, Small storage bins in good shape

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

BOOKS AND MEDIA DROP-OFF CONTAINER: At the old Water Department, 63 Forge Village Rd., Westford.  For donating books and media including CDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, older textbooks, full sets of encyclopedias, and any book in fair but still usable condition that cannot be donated to the library for their book sale.NO MOLDY OR MILDEWED ITEMS / ONLY CLEAN CONTAINERS. May bring larger quantities in boxes, but a large “dump-in” box is available if bringing only a few books. Note that this book container is available 24/7.

NOTE:    There will be NO SHREDDING offered at this event.

Author Michael Tougias at Littleton Lyceum

The Littleton Lyceum opens its 2026-2027 season on Friday, September 18th, at 7:30pm with the New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias discussing his latest book, “In Deep Water: A True Story of Sharks, Survival, and Courage.” Tougias will describe the hour-by-hour terrifying true story of a fight for survival lasting 28 hours in shark-infested waters.

The event will be held in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center at 56 King Street. Season tickets to the Lyceum are available for families or individuals for $40, and single tickets may be purchased at the door or online for $12, $5 for seniors and students.

Check out our website for more information at littletonlyceum.org, or follow us on Facebook or X

Littleton Historical Society Shaker Program

The Littleton Historical Society will bring back Harvard Shaker expert Ned Quist to discuss his new book, “The Harvard Shakers and Their Cultural Landscape” on Thursday, September 17 at 7:30 pm at the Congregational Church of Littleton on 330 King Street.

For 8 years, Mr. Quist, a retired academic librarian, has been studying the Shakers’ imprint on the Harvard area, beginning with when they arrived in 1781 and continuing for over 137 years. He has utilized records, maps, blueprints, photographs, and charts, as well as actual cellar holes and the buildings themselves. He also interviewed local people, many of whom currently live in Shaker houses.

He has solved some mysteries and created a few more. He is also an excellent speaker.
Please join us for a fascinating evening. Light refreshments will be served.

The Parish Center for the Arts

pcawestford.org
Volunteer Sign-Ups

** As our 2026-27 season starts, please take a moment to check out our volunteer sign up page. We have many events to volunteer for! Sign Up Here: (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F45A9A82EA4F5CF8-56503632-pca20252026#/)

Thursday Night Sing & Jams
Upcoming Dates: 8/27, 9/3, 9/10…
Double check the PCA website to confirm, but we run Sing & Jams year-round!

Open Mic with John Ferullo
Upcoming Dates: 9/13, 9/27, 10/11…
We run Open Mic nights on the second and fourth Sundays of every month.
Country fair

Country Fair


The lollapalooza known as the Littleton Country Fair is Saturday, Oct. 3, at 19 Foster St., Littleton, from 10 am-2 pm, with the keywords: homemade, recycle/reuse and free.

Find homemade jam, baked goods, crafts, and prepared foods. The Café serves BBQ and all the sides, hot dogs, and vegan/GF entrees.

Reduce/recycle/reuse at the HUGE yard sale that opens at 8 am. Continue shopping at the pre-owned jewelry and book booths. Tarot readings and reiki treatments are also offered.

There’s always free parking, admission, kids crafts, and face painting. Save the date and see you there to spend a day, not a fortune.

Yard sale donations from the community will be accepted Friday, Oct. 2 from 4-6 pm, and 7-9 am before the sale on Oct. 3. PLEASE NOTE: We do NOT accept TVs, car seats, computer monitors or artificial Christmas trees. All contributions are tax-deductible, to benefit First Church Unitarian of Littleton, which awards 10 percent of income to a Littleton non-profit.

Email questions to fair@fculittle.org. Hope to see you there for a fun, frugal delicious time. 

BRUSH CHIPPING

Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Westford Dept. of Public Works, 28 North Street

Please unload your brush as directed by the Highway Department personnel. Deposit your $10 check, payable to the Town of Westford, in the marked container.

Proof of Westford residency required.

Accepted: Brush and branches up to 3 inches in diameter and 10 feet in length. Must be average residential brush categories and reasonable amounts: A load ranges from a trunk to pickup truck ­­­­­volume, includes tow behind a full trailer.

Not accepted: Building materials (e.g., fences, boards), land clearing materials and debris (e.g., roots, bushes, anything mixed with poison ivy), grass, and leaves.

Donor-Advised Funds: A Smart Way to Give

If you're looking for a tax-efficient way to support the causes you care about, a donor-advised fund, or DAF, may be worth considering.

With a DAF, you can contribute cash, stocks and other appreciated assets, receive an immediate tax deduction if eligible and recommend grants to your favorite IRS-qualified charities over time.

DAFs also offer two additional potential advantages: tax-free growth on assets held in the fund and the ability to avoid capital gains taxes on appreciated investments you donate. This can help maximize the amount ultimately available for charitable giving.

Keep in mind, though, that contributions to a DAF are irrevocable, investment choices are limited to those offered by the program and fees may apply.

Because charitable giving and tax rules can be complex, talk with your tax professional and financial advisor to determine whether a donor-advised fund fits your goals and overall financial strategy.

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. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

As Fall Term Begins, Treasurer Goldberg and ABCC Launch "Operation Safe Campus"
An Effort to Reduce Alcohol-Related Harms Among College Students

 
BOSTON — The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC), under the direction of State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, has launched Operation Safe Campus. The annual program is designed to target underage drinking on college campuses and in surrounding communities to keep alcoholic beverages out of the hands of underage students and prevent tragedies. This initiative begins each year when students return to colleges and universities throughout Massachusetts.
"As we begin the new school year, Operation Safe Campus reminds college students, servers and sellers alike of the real risks of underage drinking," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who oversees the ABCC. "We want to increase awareness and promote responsible choices, to protect kids and their families from experiencing serious consequences."
The enforcement efforts focus primarily on liquor stores in college communities where underage individuals often attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages with false identification, have adults buy alcoholic beverages for them, or have it delivered by way of delivery apps. Additionally, efforts focus on bars that have been known to sell or deliver alcoholic beverages to underage individuals.
The program focuses on front-line prevention, with investigators often calling the underage person’s parents when violations occur. ABCC officials say that most parents are unaware that their children are involved in the use of alcohol, and that intervention is a powerful tool toward family involvement in addressing the problem of underage drinking.
In 2025, the ABCC Safe Campus program found approximately 104 minors in possession, transporting, or attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages, 10 adults procuring alcohol for minors, and 250 individuals in possession of false identification. Approximately 38 cases of beer and 40 bottles of alcohol were confiscated by Investigators, preventing delivery to approximately 550 underage individuals. In 2025, bars and liquor stores were charged with approximately 200 counts of sale to underage persons.
Since 2005, these programs have resulted in the following cumulative results: 14,500 minors in possession or transporting alcoholic beverages; 3,700 adults procuring alcohol for minors; 2,500 individuals in possession of false identification; and approximately 6,600 cases of beer and 5,600 of alcohol were confiscated, preventing delivery to an estimated 86,200 underage individuals.
Annually, approximately 1,519 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking, and 14 percent of college students meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. In Massachusetts alone, the overall annual cost of alcohol abuse by youth is estimated at $1.4 billion.
Massachusetts IMPACT impaired driving data shows that 10% of all traffic fatalities involve drivers under the age of 21.
Massachusetts is among the top ten states for binge drinking, with more than 1 in 4 (27.75%) adults age 18 or older reporting they binged on alcohol in 2020. Among young people ages 12 to 20, 20.77% reported alcohol use in the past month and 11.81% reported binge alcohol use in the past month in Massachusetts. The national averages were 17.32% and 10.14%, respectively.
One in three (33.86%) substance abuse treatment admissions among persons aged 12 and older in 2019 in Massachusetts were alcohol related.
Plight of loyalists

The Plight of Loyalists Program at Fort Devens Museum September 19

Join us at the Fort Devens Museum at 1:00 PM on September 19th to learn about a different aspect of Revolutionary America with “I Have Scarcely a Mouthful of Bread for Myself or My Children”: The Plight of Loyalists on the Eve of Independence. This lecture, presented by historian Alexander Cain, examines the often-overlooked experiences of American Loyalists from New England and New York during the Revolutionary War. It examines how unwavering loyalty to the Crown led to the loss of homes, freedom, and security for numerous families. Drawing on original petitions and firsthand accounts, the presentation traces the harrowing flight of Loyalists from so-called "patriot" mobs and Committees of Safety. The discussion further explores the severe hardships endured by Loyalist families, including those from Massachusetts, who sought refuge with the British army in Canada, facing starvation, violations of civil liberties, and exile. The lecture also highlights the resilience that enabled these individuals to persevere in the face of such adversity.
Alexander Cain, JD, has authored numerous research articles and presentations on the American Revolution, including the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and the experiences of New England and New York loyalist refugees during the Burgoyne Campaign. In addition, he has published two books: We Stood Our Ground: Lexington in the First Year of the American Revolution and I See Nothing but the Horrors of a Civil War: The Loyalists of McAlpin’s Corps of American Volunteers. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast Historical Nerdery (historicalnerdery.com). Currently, he is in the process of writing his upcoming book, “For God’s Sake, Fire!” - The Massachusetts Militia System on the Eve of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which is anticipated to be released in 2027. Alex is also the Executive Director of Apprenticeship Pathways at North Shore Community College in Danvers, Massachusetts. He leads an educational initiative that introduces high school students and incumbent workers to apprenticeship opportunities in Allied Health.
The Fort Devens Museum is open from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday September 19th with the program at 1:00 PM. The museum is located on the 3rd floor of 94 Jackson Road, Devens, MA and is wheelchair accessible. This program is free and open to the public with donations appreciated. Thank you to the Ayer Cultural Council, part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. For more information email info@grotonhistory.org

Eastern Mass Hawk Watch 2026 Annual Meeting

When: Friday September 11th at 7pm
Where: Middlesex Community College, Bedford MA Campus.  591 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730.

The 2026 Eastern Mass Hawk Watch annual meeting will be Friday, September 11th at 7pm. We will gather at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA. The meeting will take place in the Cafe East section of the Campus Center. Please find a detailed campus map and driving directions on our website here: https://massbird.org/emhw/annual-meeting/
2026 marks 50 years of Eastern Mass Hawk Watch. We'd like to extend the invitation to our meeting to the public and welcome all who are interested in learning more about hawkwatching and our organization. The annual meeting is the traditional kick-off to the Fall hawkwatching season in Massachusetts - it won't be long before the first kettles of Broad-wings gather over the skies of New England!
Our keynote speaker this year is Mark Wilson, Wildlife Photojournalist and Teacher Naturalist, presenting his Ten Wild Photos, Ten Wild Stories talk: a unique slide program that explores some of Mark’s best wildlife photos taken over 30 years in some surprising places. Mark will present ten select images. Each image will be discussed in-depth as to how and why it was made. Supporting photos will help explain. Topics of discussion will include photo techniques, equipment, ethics and natural history, and staying comfortable and healthy in harsh environments. Aspiring beginner photographers and traveled veterans alike will find inspiration to assess and improve their own work. Non-photographers get to peek under the lens cap and see how a pro comes up with knock-out photos.
Mark Wilson was a staff photographer for the Boston Globe for 23 years. During those years he also wrote regular columns on photography and birds for the Globe. His wildlife photos have appeared in a wide variety of publications including National Geographic (Oct. 1992 cover, bullfrog). Mark and Marcia Wilson work as a team in the field, exploring remote areas that few people get to visit. In 2001 they completed a 19-day canoe trip down a North Slope River in Alaska’s Arctic Refuge. That trip is the basis for a chapter Mark wrote for the book Arctic Wings.
The meeting is free and open to the public (donations appreciated). A social hour with beverages, appetizers and snacks starts at 6pm, followed at 7pm by a brief business meeting and the keynote presentation. The business meeting will review EMHW Watch Sites and how you can visit or participate this upcoming migration season! We’ll also have the return of our famous raffle, including many raptor-related and birding items and some fantastic photography. Join us for a great evening!

If you are interested in contributing raffle items, refreshments, or helping EMHW with the meeting, please let us know at e.masshawkwatch@comcast.net and we'll be in contact!
For complete information, including directions to the location in Bedford (plenty of free parking), visit the Eastern Mass Hawk Watch web site at massbird.org/EMHW.

Join us for the Fabulous 48th Season of the Sounds of Stow!

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

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

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

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.
Kristens ride 3

Kristen’s Ride Returns September 13: A Community Tradition of Riding, Remembering and Giving Back


LITTLETON, MA – The Hoenshell family invites the community to join the 16th Annual Kristen’s Ride on Sunday, September 13, 2026, a day of motorcycles, family, friendship and giving back. Whether you ride, attend the cookout, sponsor the event or simply want to support a great cause, everyone is welcome.
The day begins at O’Neil Cinemas, 1208 Constitution Ave., Littleton, with registration at 9:00 a.m. and kickstands up at 10:00 a.m. Riders will take part in a 75-mile police-escorted ride through Littleton and surrounding communities, with a midway bathroom stop in Westminster, before finishing in Ayer.  The ride concludes at the Ayer Gun & Sportsmen’s Club, 255 Snake Hill Road in Ayer where riders, families and community members will gather from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a cookout featuring food, music, raffles, a cash bar, face painting and a bounce house for children.
The cost is $25 per rider, including a T-shirt while supplies last and admission to the cookout. Non-riders can attend the cookout for a $25 donation, and children under 12 are free.

From a Family’s Fight Against Cancer
Kristen’s Ride began in 2008, shortly after the Hoenshell family learned that their nine-month-old daughter, Kristen, had been diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that develops in muscle tissue. In Kristen’s case, the cancer was located in her eye. She underwent surgery followed by 43 weeks of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation. Kristen completed treatment in March 2009 and has remained in remission since March 2010.
The first ride was organized to help the family manage the financial challenges of a childhood cancer diagnosis. As Kristen recovered, however, the event evolved from helping one family to helping others. The Hoenshell family chose to “pay it forward,” turning the support they received into an ongoing commitment to families and communities affected by cancer.
Although the ride has not been held every year, including several years when COVID and other circumstances forced the family to pause, the mission has continued. In 2026, the community will come together for the 16th Kristen’s Ride.

Remembering Frank
Kristen’s Ride took on an even deeper meaning in 2016 when the family lost Francis “Frank” Hoenshell, Kristen’s father and a co-founder of the ride. Frank died of cancer on March 26, 2016, at just 47 years old.
Frank was a lifelong Massachusetts resident, a carpenter and successful small-business owner, and an avid motorcyclist. But to those who knew him, his greatest accomplishment was his family. He was known as a hardworking, humble and generous man who believed in perseverance, helping others and putting family first. As his family often says, Frank was “a Husband first and a Daddy always.”
After his passing, the family chose to continue Kristen’s Ride in his honor and carry his values forward through helping others. That decision led to the creation of the Frank Hoenshell Memorial Scholarship.

Continuing Frank’s Legacy
The scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors in Littleton and surrounding communities who demonstrate personal growth, resilience, hard work and a commitment to helping others. Over the past 10 years, Kristen’s Ride supporters have helped award $1,000 scholarships to 47 graduating high school seniors.
For the Hoenshell family, the scholarship is a meaningful way to keep Frank’s memory alive while helping young people pursue their goals and make a difference in their community.
Today, the scholarship is one part of Kristen’s Ride’s broader nonprofit mission, which includes supporting cancer research, helping local families affected by cancer and providing scholarships to graduating seniors.

A Tradition That Continues
Nearly two decades after that first ride, Kristen’s Ride has become a community tradition built on gratitude, remembrance and giving back. Each year, riders, sponsors, volunteers, families and friends come together not only to raise money, but to honor loved ones who have been lost, celebrate those who have overcome cancer and support families still facing the disease.
What began with one family’s difficult journey has grown into an opportunity to help others.
The Hoenshell family hopes the community will join them on September 13 to ride, remember, celebrate and give back. Motorcycle riders, families, friends and community members are all invited.
For registration, donations, the complete ride route and additional information, visit KristensRide.com.

Wayside Quilters Guild Biennial Quilt Show:The Art of the Quilt

‘The Art of the Quilt’, Wayside Quilters Guild biennial quilt show, will be held on Saturday September 26th (10am-5pm) and Sunday September 27th (10am-4pm) at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, 390 Lincoln Rd, Sudbury, MA. Enjoy a feast of visual delight with about 100 quilts on display, and learn the stories of each quilt. Shop the boutique of handmade quilts and crafts, attend quilting demonstrations, buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a beautiful queen size quilt ‘Sea Breeze’ and several small quilts. Winners will be drawn on Sunday September 27th. There will also be a quilt scavenger hunt for children. Admission is $10, and free for children under 12 years old. The quilt show supports the guild’s local community outreach quilt donations, speakers and workshops. The Wayside Quilters Guild website is www.waysidequilters.org and email address is info@waysidequilters.org.

CCHS Class of 1986 Reunion!

Let’s Get Together Again!
On Saturday September 19, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 pm the CCHS Class of 1986 will host a reunion. It will be at Nosh at 97 Lowell Road Concord, MA.
For questions and RSVP please contact Mardi Bartkus Hutchinson at mardihut19@gmail.com

Concord Women’s Chorus Hosts
Open Rehearsals and Auditions
Choral ensemble invites women singers
to join for fall season

CONCORD, MA Issued August 21, 2026... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, invites new singers to join its ensemble at “Open Rehearsals” on Tuesdays, September 15 and 22, 9:30 am, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord.  Artistic Director and Conductor Jane Ring Frank welcomes newcomers to join rehearsal, learn more about the fall season, and to audition after the rehearsals held on Tuesdays, September 22 or 29.  Rehearsals continue through 2026-27 at Trinity Episcopal Church on Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 12 noon.
CWC welcomes singers with prior choral experience including good sight-reading skills, solid intonation and vocal quality, responsiveness to direction and the ability to blend within an ensemble. For auditions, prospective members may be asked to sight-read a short passage and/or sing a familiar tune, arriving with a prepared solo is not necessary.  An information form is available to be printed in advance and brought to the audition at concordwomenschorus.org/wp/sing-with-us.  Chorus members are expected to attend rehearsals and to participate in performing scheduled concerts.  The ensemble holds weekly rehearsals in preparation for its “Sing We Noel: Songs of Peace and Joy” winter concert on December 5, 4 pm, and for other 2027 performances.  Complete information for this season’s concerts is available at concordwomenschorus.org/wp/concerts.
Concord Women's Chorus is a 45-singer ensemble draws singers from Concord and the greater Boston area. The ensemble performs a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices. CWC will soon be releasing a professional recording of its commissioned works, produced by Grammy Award-winning studio SoundMirror.
For more information, performance details or to join Concord Women’s Chorus, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, or follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.
Come play

Come Play in the Dirt with Iron Work Farm!
Monday (Labor Day), September 7,
9 a.m to 1 p.m.

Come play in the dirt with the Iron Work Farm!  Volunteers are needed to dig through the “tailings” from the recent driveway project at the Faulkner Homestead, 5 High Street.  Led by Kimberley Connors of Archaeology Outreach, participants will sift and examine the leftover dirt pile in a hunt for significant artifacts from 325+ years of South Acton history.  Sign up at forms.gle/vA1Sn151xMz3EjjDA.   For info email: dig@archeducation.org.

The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends Join Forces to Help Save Lives

BOSTON, Aug. 24, 2026 — The American Red Cross urges people to celebrate the power of kindness by making an appointment to give lifesaving blood or platelets. Every donation is critical to helping prevent the next blood shortage.
The Red Cross and Hello Kitty® and Friends are partnering in September to remind donors that comfort and care are always better when shared. Just one blood or platelet donation can help more than one patient enjoy a happier future. As a thank-you, those who come to give Sept. 1-20, 2026, will get an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.
Thanks to the generosity of thousands of people who rolled up a sleeve this summer, the blood supply continues to recover from critically low levels. As we enter September, the blood supply remains vulnerable — especially as we approach new seasonal challenges such as back-to-school activities that can cause donors to be less available to give, and the ongoing potential for tropical systems in the Atlantic, which can further threaten the blood supply by disrupting blood drives. By making and keeping appointments now, donors can help the Red Cross ensure lifesaving blood products are on hand wherever they are needed, including communities where donations may not be possible due to severe summer weather and natural disasters.
One small act of kindness can travel far. Spark joy and book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Westford Sept.1-20:

9/12/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., First Parish Church, 48 Main Street
9/13/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Roudenbush Community Center, 65 Main Street

Electronics and More Saturday, September 12

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.

Please read important event information at www.westfordma.gov/recycling.

UCC Boxborough Invites You to Welcome Sunday!

On Sunday, September 13th at 9:30AM, the United Church of Christ in Boxborough invites you to Welcome Sunday!  We’ll worship outdoors on the lawn (weather permitting) and then enjoy good food, fun games, and great music. It will be great to see old faces and new!
We are the big white church in the center of town. 723 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough.  www.boxboroughucc.org

Westford's Zero Waste Day September 12

Zero Waste Collection – Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9 am – 1 pm at the Abbot School, 25 Depot St., Westford, MA. The following will be collected:

BLOCK STYROFOAM

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

THE GREAT EXCHANGE: Art and Creative supplies that are new or like new (no boxes of broken crayons, scrap pieces of paper etc.), New or like new office/school supplies, Yarn, Small storage bins in good shape

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

BOOKS AND MEDIA DROP-OFF CONTAINER: At the old Water Department, 63 Forge Village Rd., Westford.  For donating books and media including CDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, older textbooks, full sets of encyclopedias, and any book in fair but still usable condition that cannot be donated to the library for their book sale.NO MOLDY OR MILDEWED ITEMS / ONLY CLEAN CONTAINERS. May bring larger quantities in boxes, but a large “dump-in” box is available if bringing only a few books. Note that this book container is available 24/7.

NOTE:    There will be NO SHREDDING offered at this event.

Littleton Historical Society Shaker Program

The Littleton Historical Society will bring back Harvard Shaker expert Ned Quist to discuss his new book, “The Harvard Shakers and Their Cultural Landscape” on Thursday, September 17 at 7:30 pm at the Congregational Church of Littleton on 330 King Street.

For 8 years, Mr. Quist, a retired academic librarian, has been studying the Shakers’ imprint on the Harvard area, beginning with when they arrived in 1781 and continuing for over 137 years. He has utilized records, maps, blueprints, photographs, and charts, as well as actual cellar holes and the buildings themselves. He also interviewed local people, many of whom currently live in Shaker houses.

He has solved some mysteries and created a few more. He is also an excellent speaker.
Please join us for a fascinating evening. Light refreshments will be served.

Author Michael Tougias at Littleton Lyceum

The Littleton Lyceum opens its 2026-2027 season on Friday, September 18th, at 7:30pm with the New York Times bestselling author Michael Tougias discussing his latest book, “In Deep Water: A True Story of Sharks, Survival, and Courage.” Tougias will describe the hour-by-hour terrifying true story of a fight for survival lasting 28 hours in shark-infested waters.

The event will be held in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center at 56 King Street. Season tickets to the Lyceum are available for families or individuals for $40, and single tickets may be purchased at the door or online for $12, $5 for seniors and students.

Check out our website for more information at littletonlyceum.org, or follow us on Facebook or X

Building Your Child’s Education Fund,
One Step at a Time

College costs can feel overwhelming — four years at a public university run around $120,000 according to the College Board 2025. But you don't need a perfect plan to get started.

There are savings accounts specifically to save for education. Many offer tax advantages and don't require a minimum opening deposit.

One type of account is a 529 college savings plan, and it's a smart choice for many. Earnings grow tax free, and distributions for qualified education expenses are federally tax free. And anyone — including grandparents — can contribute.

One easy way to save is to set up automatic contributions and let time do the heavy lifting.

When your expenses change – such as the end of daycare costs — redirect that money toward your education fund. Tax refunds and bonuses help, too.

Just don't let college savings crowd out your retirement fund. Loans exist for college but not for retirement.

It's never too early to begin saving for your child's education.

This content was provided by Alan Bell, your Edward Jones financial advisor located at 222 Great Road Suite 8 Littleton, MA 01460, 978-486-1059.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Hab hum 2026 gala2

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell Hosts 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala to Raise $150,000 for Affordable Housing

Concord, MA — September 18th, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell will host its 19th Annual Dream Builders Gala on Friday, September 18, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA. This signature fundraising event aims to raise over $150,000 in support of affordable housing initiatives across 16 towns in Greater Lowell.

Guests will enjoy a formal evening featuring a seated dinner, music, and silent and live auctions. Beyond a memorable night out, it’s also an opportunity to connect with community leaders, business professionals, and neighbors who share a passion for making a difference. Funds raised will directly support Habitat’s mission to build, rehabilitate, and repair safe, affordable homes for low-income families in the region.

“Our community is facing a real housing crisis,” said Sheilagh Carlisle, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. “This Gala isn’t just a night out—it’s a way to come together and do something meaningful. Every ticket, every donation helps a local family build a stable home and a better future. When we invest in our neighbors, we strengthen the entire community.”

This year’s Gala comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell has expanded its building efforts from one home per year to four, with projects underway in Westford, and Concord. In Concord, HFHGL has been progressing on a new development called Assabet River Homes in partnership with the Concord Housing Development Corporation and with $1 million committed from the Concord Municipal Affordable Housing Trust. The project will create three new homeownership opportunities, with foundations currently being installed. The total project cost is
estimated at $2.1 million, and the organization is actively seeking $1 million in additional funding to support these early stages, making the Gala critical to advancing the project.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.lowellhabitat.org/gala.

 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HOSTS MIDDLESEX DISTRICT ATTORNEY  CANDIDATE FORUM

With the September 1st state primary fast approaching, Middlesex County voters can hear directly from the two Democratic candidates vying to lead the county’s District Attorney office. Incumbent District Attorney Marian Ryan and challenger David Solet, a former longtime prosecutor in the office, appeared recently at a candidate forum taped at NewTV’s studios in Newton. The tape of the forum is online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA.

The forum was organized by a coalition of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and local League of Women Voters chapters – including the Westford League – in coordination with NewTV, Newton’s local media outlet. Following League practice, the forum was structured around a series of moderated questions submitted by community members in advance, with both candidates having equal time to respond and lay out their vision for the office.

Since there is no candidate for District Attorney on the Republican primary ballot, the winner of the Democratic primary will be the presumptive next District Attorney.

As chief prosecutor for Middlesex County, the DA decides whether to bring charges, prosecutes criminal cases, and works with police during investigations, with a duty to pursue fair outcomes, not just convictions.

The taped forum is now online at tinyurl.com/middlesexDA, giving voters time to watch it before heading to the polls in the state primary election on Tuesday, September 1. Registered Democrats, as well as unenrolled voters (aka “independent” voters) and those enrolled in political “designations” who choose the Democratic ballot, can vote in this race.
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 https://lwv.westford.org/.
Womens business

The Women's Business Network (WBN) Hosts Best Practices for Use of AI in Your Business

The Women's Business Network (WBN) will meet on Thursday, September 10 at 6:30 pm at Holy Trinity Parish (St. Theresa Church) church hall, 15 Still River Road in Harvard MA. We will have a presentation by Leia Owen, Marketing and Business Consultant, who will break down some of the most common AI tools and features available to businesses, as to what they’re actually good for, and where you still need a human in the driver’s seat. 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. Guests welcome. 

Middlesex County 4-H Fair from August 28-30

The Middlesex County 4-H Fair is from August 28-30, 8am-6pm, except for Sunday, when it closes at 4pm. The fairground is located at 55 South Chelmsford Road, Westford. There is parking at the fairgrounds, as well as additional parking with a free shuttle that drops off at the gate.
The fair is family-friendly and geared towards kids, but is enjoyable for all ages. There is livestock which includes horses, goats, dogs, cows, chickens, rabbits, and sheep.  The animals are shown by 4-H youth, who compete for ribbons and also to entertain the public.
The showing class is where animals are displayed and are judged on how well they handle and how they look. Some of the highlights in livestock are the horse shows, rabbit races, the chicken poop bingo and dog agility.
In addition to livestock, 4-H members are also judged on various projects, which are displayed in the Static Barn. Examples of projects include: arts and crafts, home-grown produce, photography, bee and maple products, and a wide variety of posters - just to name a few.
One of the most popular activities is the hay ride, which allows people to see the whole fair while riding a tractor. There are also various shows and performances, corn husking and a watermelon eating contest, bouncy house, and lots of fair food.
4-H youth help run parts of the fair, and it is not uncommon to see them as you walk around. The fair happens once a year, but 4-H members spend all year working on their projects, taking care of, and training their animals. These 3 days of the fair allow the pubic to see all their hard work.
There is enough at the fair that you will not get bored, but it isn’t large like the Topsfield or BigE fair. The fair has been relatively unchanged since its founding in 1956. We like to stick to the roots of what a county fair really is.
4-H is a youth organization founded in 1902, with 6 million youth nationwide and 5,148 in Massachusetts. Although the roots of 4-H are in agriculture, it has expanded to a wide range of interests including STEM education. 4-H focuses on developing skills like public speaking, record keeping, leadership, and working on year long projects with animals or plants which teaches patience and hard work.

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.
Aquarium turtles

New England Aquarium Returns Four Rehabilitated Sea Turtles to the Ocean in Fifth Beach Release of the Season


Kemp's ridley sea turtles “Lucky” and “Dumpling” to be tagged for post-release monitoring

BOSTON, MASS. (Aug. 20, 2026) – Four Kemp's ridley sea turtles are back in the ocean off Cape Cod, Mass., after the New England Aquarium released them Wednesday evening following months of specialized treatment. The Aquarium has now released 38 rehabilitated turtles this summer.
Staff at the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, Mass., treated the hypothermic turtles for a variety of life-threatening medical conditions, including pneumonia, dehydration, and trauma, after they washed onto the shores of Cape Cod in November and December 2025. Aquarium veterinarians cleared the turtles–named “Dumpling,” “Jumble,” “Lucky,” and “Old English”–to return to Nantucket Sound from West Dennis Beach following eight months of care. Dumpling received treatment for severe pneumonia and flipper swelling, while Jumble, Lucky, and Old English underwent surgery for bacterial infections in their joints.
“As the season winds down, these later releases mark a special milestone in our rescue and rehabilitation program,” said Adam Kennedy, Director of Rescue and Rehabilitation at the New England Aquarium. “The turtles heading home have undergone some of the most rigorous treatments, with each patient representing months of recovery. It's a moment worth marking in the broader effort to conserve sea turtles for generations to come.”
Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are endangered, facing threats including climate change, ocean pollution, and degradation of their habitats. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts help to conserve the species.
Scientists from the Aquarium’s research arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, will be using tagging technology to monitor two of the turtles, “Lucky” and “Dumpling.” The tags applied to the turtles’ shells collect information about the animals’ behavior, habitat use, and survivorship, which helps inform sea turtle conservation and protection efforts, especially in New England where little is known about these species. This season, the team is using a combination of satellite tags for real-time data and acoustic tags for longer-term tracking; some of the turtles will be added to the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Tracker for the public to follow their journey. This sea turtle work is permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through Permit Number ES69328.
During the 2025 cold-stunning season, which ran from early November to late December, the Aquarium treated nearly 500 live sea turtles, most of them Kemp’s ridleys, that were rescued from Cape Cod beaches by staff and volunteers with Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Getting these turtles back to full health requires a collaborative effort among biologists, veterinarians, and researchers. A few turtles remain at the Aquarium's Quincy facility, continuing treatment until they are medically cleared to return to the ocean.
Aquarium staff, volunteers, and interns have a tradition of naming the turtles receiving long-term care, with this year’s theme being font-inspired names.

CRITICAL NEED FOR BLOOD AND PLATELETS!

Please help!
The American Red Cross has declared its second-ever national blood supply crisis due to a significant drop in donations, particularly of type O blood, which is critically low. This shortage has led to emergency measures as hospitals struggle to meet patient needs. Cornerstone Congregational Church will sponsor our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, August 22 from 9AM to 2PM. Each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. If you are healthy and eligible, please come out to donate. Most donations take less than an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.

Thank you!!

Cornerstone Congregational Church
32 Graniteville Road
Westford, MA 01886
Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Westford to schedule an appointment.
Steampunk4

Steampunk Stroll & Soiree with FelixOddiTEA at the Maynard Sidewalk Sale on August 22nd

Felixology Bookshop in downtown Maynard has an epic day of events planned on Saturday August 22nd. The quiet streets of Maynard will transform into something extraordinary. From 10am to 4pm, Felixology at 2 Walnut St. will become the heart of a full day of oddities, tea, music, creativity, bargains, and adventure.

Details at a Glance: In a world that often feels too ordinary, FelixOddiTEA offers a rare invitation; spend a day among curiosities, music, tea, and good company. Come curious, leave enchanted.

Saturday, August 22, 10am-4pm
Felixology, 2 Walnut St, Maynard, MA
FelixOddiTEA, Cabinet Workshop and Tea Buffet: $25 (12-4pm)
Tea Only: $15 (11:30am-4:30pm)

Steampunk attire is encouraged but not required. Come as you are, or come as the eccentric inventor, explorer, or time traveler you've always wanted to be. Look for our Curious Crier for announcements and directions. But beware, he's very curious!

For More Information: felixology.com        felixology.square.site

Wide Open Doors: A Free Community Event

Where: Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Rd, Acton, MA
When: Saturday, September 12th – 2:00pm-5:00pm

Join us for Wide Open Doors: a free community event at Acton Congregational Church.
There will be an open mic for music, poetry, and readings, along with barbeque and children’s activities.

We also welcome our local community exhibits: AB Compass/Resource Room, Acton Food Pantry, and more!

All are welcome to join us for an afternoon of fun, inspiration, and community.
Questions? Email the office at office@actonc.org.

Minuteman Senior Services is Seeking Volunteer Meals on Wheels Drivers

For 50 years, Minuteman Senior Services has provided older adults, people with disabilities, and their family caregivers with the information and assistance they need to make informed decisions about their care and support. The need for volunteer meal drivers is growing as more older adults depend on home-delivered meals to remain safely and independently at home. Just a few hours of your time each month can help ensure that local seniors receive nutritious meals and the social connection that comes with a friendly visit.
We are seeking caring volunteers to help deliver meals to homebound older adults from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on weekdays. Volunteers can choose to serve once a week or twice a month. Mileage reimbursement is available. This simple commitment can have a lasting impact on the life of an older adult in your community. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 781-221-7093 or email volunteer@MinutemanSenior.org.

Debunking Five Common Social Security Myths

Social Security is often a cornerstone of retirement income, but it's often misunderstood, leading to confusion, worry and poor planning decisions. Here's the truth behind five of the most common misconceptions.
  • First, it’s not going broke: if no action is taken, benefits could drop around 2032, but policymakers have options to strengthen it.
 
  • Second, it won’t replace everything. It covers roughly 40% of your income, so retirement savings are still critical.
 
  • Third, claiming early and working won’t permanently reduce benefits; payments are later increased for reductions that occurred before full retirement age.
 
  • Fourth, if an ex-spouse claims benefits based on your earnings record it doesn’t reduce your benefit.
 
  • And fifth, benefits are still taxable if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, though some temporary deductions exist.


The more you understand Social Security, the more control you have over your retirement outcome. Grounding your decisions in facts rather than assumptions can make a meaningful difference in your long-term financial security.

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