When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street, Westford, MA.
Admission: Free and Open to the public

The Westford Conservation Trust invites community members to its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street, Westford, MA. This free event is open to all. Light refreshments will be served.

The evening will begin with a brief business meeting and the presentation of the 2025 Conservation Trustee Award, honoring an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the protection of wildlife and natural resources. This year’s program emphasizes the importance of land conservation and stewardship in fostering both local and global environmental awareness.

Following the award presentation, guest speaker Amy Meltzer, co-chair of the Mass Pollinator Network steering committee, will present “Gardening for Biodiversity with Native Plants: Providing Habitat for Pollinators, Birds, and Other Essential Wildlife.” Meltzer will explore the biodiversity crisis, the intricate relationships between native species, and how ecological gardening can restore resilience, combat climate change, and enhance the beauty of local landscapes. A Q&A session will follow her talk.

Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating conservation, community, and the beauty of nature.

Join us for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner that you don't have to prepare! Our Annual Community Harvest Supper includes turkey and fixings, vegetables, potatoes and gravy, topped off by assorted homemade pies. Choose from two seating times: 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm. Tickets will be available at the door on the day of the dinner: Adults ($13.00), Children 3-12 ($6.00), and Children Under 3 (Free). "A community supper to support the community." All proceeds benefiting local community outreach through UMC of Westford. Parking is available at the church, and our building is accessible for people with disabilities. You will find us at 10 Church Street in Westford. For more information, visit www.umcw.org or Facebook.com/UMCWestford.

For many people, fall brings open enrollment, the period to choose your medical and workplace benefits for the year ahead.
While it may be easy just to renew last year’s choices, that might be a costly mistake. Your employer’s plans, providers or costs may have changed. And your own circumstances might be different.
Here are a few tips for navigating open enrollment.
Many employers offer more than one health, dental or vision option. Check the differences in provider networks, prescription coverage and monthly premiums.
Next, take advantage of flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs). These let you use pretax dollars for eligible medical expenses.
And finally, check the insurance options. There may be a base level of life insurance, with the option to buy more. Make sure you have enough coverage to protect your loved ones.
Taking a fresh look helps ensure your benefits match your family’s needs for the coming year.
This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by  This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Alan Bell, AAMS™, 222 Great Road (Donelan's Plaza), Suite 8, Littleton, MA 01460, (978) 486-1059, alan.bell@edwardjones.com.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

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

Usher in the season with celebrated choral music

CONCORD, MA Issued October 27, 2025... Concord Women’s Chorus (CWC), fostering the power of women’s voices in song, presents the holiday season concert “Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season,” on Saturday, December 6, 4 pm, at a new venue, Trinitarian Congregational Church, 54 Walden Street, Concord.  The performance is conducted by CWC Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank, accompanied by Simon Andrews, piano.

“Radiant Light: A Celebration of the Season,” features a glorious program of music, including Dan Forrest’s luminous “Lux: The Dawn from on High,” a multi-movement work scored for women’s chorus, piano, violin, and cello. Other favorites include Ruth Morris Gray’s jazzy, percussion-driven “What Child Is This” and “Siyahamba,” Forrest’s warm and inclusive “Shalom,” and Elaine Hagenberg’s heartfelt “O Come, Emmanuel.” At the conclusion of the concert, the audience will be invited to join a festive, traditional (and really fun!) carol singalong. The program features some of Boston's finest professional instrumentalists, including Anne-Marie Chubet, violin (Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra, Director, Boston College Baroque Ensemble); Andrew Koutroubas, cello (Boston Early Music Festival, Handel & Haydn Society Orchestra); Gary Fieldman, djembe (Portland Symphony, ME, and Springfield Symphony, MA).

Concord Women’s Chorus is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power of women’s voices through song, hailing from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices.  Acclaimed conductor Jane Ring Frank was recently awarded Choral Arts New England’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for her expertise at a ceremony where CWC performs under her direction, and in her honor.

CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us.

Tickets to “Radiant Light” are $30 adults, free for children under 12, available at simpletix.com/e/radiant-light-a-celebration-of-the-season-tickets-240537. Seating is limited; early purchase is recommended.  For more information, or to join Concord Women’s Chorus, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.

About Concord Women’s Chorus
Concord Women's Chorus (CWC), based in Concord, Massachusetts, is a 45-singer ensemble fostering the power in women’s voices through song. Singers hail from Concord and the greater Boston area. Artistic Director Jane Ring Frank conducts the chorus performing a wide variety of choral music, ranging from early music to contemporary repertoire, with an emphasis on works written for women’s voices. The ensemble has commissioned three new choral works to date.
CWC’s commitment to the mastery and performance of a dynamic repertoire for women transforms the act of choral singing into an instrument for collaboration, education, and connection. The ensemble features confident singers who care deeply about creating, through women’s voices, a source of strength and inspiration for themselves, the audience, and the world around us.
The chorus began in 1960 as the Concord Madrigals, a small group of women who expressed, through song, the strength of female community. Over the years the group has increased in size and capacity and greatly expanded its repertoire. In 2005, the Concord Madrigals became Concord Women’s Chorus, a name that reflects not only the evolution of the chorus but the abiding power of women’s voices.
In addition to concerts, CWC often engages in other performances and projects. The ensemble has engaged in several concert tours in the United States, Canada, and Great Britain. For more information or to join CWC, email manager@concordwomenschorus.org, visit concordwomenschorus.org, and follow Concord Women’s Chorus on Facebook and Instagram.
 

 

Each year, as Thanksgiving approaches, Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks proudly continues its long-standing tradition of giving back through its Annual Turkey Drive supporting the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. What started years ago as a small company initiative has grown into a community effort that helps ensure local families can enjoy a warm and plentiful holiday meal.

The Turkey Drive is a true team effort, with Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks employees, customers, and local partners all pitching in to donate turkeys, canned goods, and other Thanksgiving essentials. The company collects and delivers the donations directly to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, where they're distributed to families across the region in time for the holiday.

"For us, this tradition is about more than just providing food, it's about sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving," said Derek Vacca -General Manager of Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks. "We're incredibly thankful for our customers and our community, and we want to do our part to help ensure everyone can celebrate the season surrounded by good food and good company."

Over the years, the annual Turkey Drive has become one of Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks' most meaningful community initiatives. The team takes pride in knowing their efforts bring comfort to local families-extending the same warmth they provide through their heating and cooling services to those in need.

The Merrimack Valley Food Bank plays a vital role in fighting hunger across the region, and contributions from community partners like Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks help make their mission possible. Each turkey and each donation adds up to hundreds of meals shared, stories told, and memories made.

As this year's holiday season approaches, Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks encourages others to join in - by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. Together, these small acts of generosity make a lasting impact, helping ensure that no table is left empty on Thanksgiving Day.

For Nashoba Air & BoilerWorks, it's more than just a turkey drive - it's a celebration of community, compassion, and the true spirit of giving.

 

Friday, October 24, 2025
3:00 - 7:00 PM
Items priced as marked

Saturday, October 25, 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
$5.00 per bag, bags will be provided

West Chelmsford United Methodist Church
242 Main Street
North Chelmsford, MA  01863

Please, no early birds.  This year, sales are cash or check only.  Thank you!

Find gently used clothes, linens, home decor, small appliances, books, toys, games, and more.  Have fun "rummaging" for your treasure!

There will be a cafe where you can have a cup of coffee, eat, relax, and recharge before or after shopping.

Don't Miss Out on This Great Annual Sale!

Proceeds benefit church special projects and missions.  For more information - call 978-251-4834 or email the church at office@wcumc.us.

 

Cornerstone Congregational Church is proud to sponsor our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, November 1st from 9AM to 2PM. There is always a critical need for blood. The need knows no season.  Each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in your community and across the region. 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
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org
Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

• Out-of-pocket costs such as monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments and other expenses that Medicare doesn't cover: Sometimes a plan with a higher premium saves money overall because of lower copays.
• Prescription drug coverage: It's crucial to verify that your medications are included.
• Your health care needs for the coming year: Make sure your potential plan covers the care you expect to need.
• And travel plans: Frequent travelers might want supplemental coverage for overseas medical emergencies not covered by Medicare.

 

Your extra could be someone’s only.
The public is invited to donate good quality new and used household goods on Saturday, November 1st from 9 am to 1 pm at the Pompositticut Community Center, 509 Great Road,  Stow, MA 01775.
Donations will be collected on-site in a moving truck generously provided by Mark’s Moving & Storage and delivered to Household Goods, Inc. Household Goods provides a full range of donated furniture and household items, free of charge, to help people in need make a home.
The event is organized and sponsored by Mark’s Moving & Storage, the official mover of Household Goods. In addition, Mark’s Moving & Storage is providing a driver, support staff and surplus storage if needed.

The following items will be gratefully accepted:

• Dressers, tables, chairs, couches and bookcases
• Like-new mattresses, box springs and bed frames
• Dishes, flatware, pots and pans, bakeware, sheets, towels, blankets, lamps, microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, and vacuum cleaners

Only items that are clean, complete and in good working order will be accepted. We cannot take upholstered items that are stained or torn, food, clothing, toys, books or any items not listed above.

About Household Goods, Inc.
Since 1990, Household Goods has furnished 60,000 homes across Massachusetts. Located at 530 Main Street, Acton, MA, Household Goods furnishes over 3,000 homes with 90,000 household items every year. This is made possible by hundreds of dedicated volunteers who contribute tens of thousands of hours. For more information about Household Goods visit https://householdgoods.org

About Mark's Moving & Storage
Mark’s Moving and Storage’s non-profit division Mark’s Northeastern Furniture Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and was established to re-purpose discarded furniture and provide for charities and individuals in need. Since 2011, the foundation and its partners have distributed thousands of pieces of re-purposed furniture. More than 1,000,000 pounds of furniture have been given to individuals and local charities, such as the United Way of Tri-County, Welcome Home and Household Goods, Inc.  For more information, visit the firm’s website, www.marksmoving.com.
Mark’s Moving and Storage, 111 Milk St., Westborough, offers a wide range of moving and storage services, including commercial on demand warehouse storage local and long-distance residential and corporate moving, air freight, container shipping, record storage management, disposal, packing and unpacking services, portable storage containers, warehousing and fire and flood remediation.

Join us for the Annual Scandinavian Fair 2025 on Saturday, November 8th from 10 AM to 3 PM at Concord Middle School, 923 Old Marlboro Road, Concord, MA.
This community tradition is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
Shop & Explore
Find hand-crafted Scandinavian gifts, jewelry, books, linens, ornaments, and stocking stuffers — perfect for early holiday shopping.
Taste the North
Visit the Nordic Café for open-faced sandwiches, waffles, lefse, and our famous cream cake. Plus, browse gourmet cheeses, baked goods, chocolates, and seafood at great prices.
Enjoy Live Scandinavian Music
Immerse yourself in the sounds and spirit of the Nordic countries while you shop and sample delicious treats.
Bring your family, meet a Viking, and experience the warmth and charm of Nordic holiday traditions!
Admission:
Adults – $5 | Children under 16 – Free
Sponsored by Norumbega Lodge, Sons of Norway.
All proceeds support the Lodge’s fraternal and charitable activities.

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

 

His work is exhibiting thru October 31, 2025; Sundays 12-2pm.
David Evans creates multiple layers of dimension by utilizing various techniques and brush strokes, typically featuring abstract portraiture and arbitrary use of color.  He began creating art in elementary school, starting painting around 12-years-old. By high school, he had won several contests and awards. David has experience working with a variety of mediums including lithography, charcoal, pen and ink, photography, oil, pencil, watercolor and acrylic, as well as graphic design. His primary focuses are painting, mixed media and photography. David began displaying and selling his work at CD Willy’s in Maynard before college. At 18, he found out he was partially colorblind, changing his creative process. After graduating from UMass/Amherst with a BFA in painting, he moved to Cape Cod where he did an internship at the Cape Cod Museum of Fine Arts. He has had work shown at the Doug Johnson Gallery in Orleans (MA).
Parish Center for the Arts is located at 10 Lincoln Street Westford, MA.

 

The League of Women Voters of Westford is hosting Ellen Harde on Thursday, October 30, as she gives residents an update on the Drew Farmhouse project located at 70 Boston Road. The Civic Social will be held at WestfordCAT Studios, 487 Groton Road, at 7:30 p.m. The League’s Civic Socials are open to all. Registration is not required.
At a Special Town Meeting in October 2023, Westford residents approved funding to support the rehabilitation of the former Coldwell Banker property. Nearly $1.5 million from the Community Preservation Fund was approved for the project, which has transformed the farmhouse into five affordable apartments. The project is being done by The Drew Farmhouse, Inc., a nonprofit created in August 2023. Ellen Harde is the president of the board, which also includes Cheryl Major and Jan Houston Smith.
The Drew Farmhouse, Inc. has partnered with Habitat For Humanity of Greater Lowell, whose volunteers are creating two Habitat homes inside the barn that is attached to the farmhouse. The goal – for both Habitat and The Drew Farmhouse, Inc. – is to provide additional opportunities for low-income residents to live in Westford while retaining the historic charm of the buildings. The League’s October Civic Social gives residents a chance to hear more about the project.
Civic Socials are the League’s informal monthly get-togethers, open to everyone, where people can learn what’s happening in and around town and about what the League is doing. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.  For more information about the League, go to lwv.westford.org/.

Looking for friendship and good conversation?  The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club would like to invite you to connect with our members on Saturday October 25th at our Halloween Potluck Fall Game Night in Acton.  We will meet at the Village of Nagog Woods Clubhouse, 102 Nonset Path, Acton from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM to enjoy friends, games, food, and beverages.  Everyone is bringing a favorite appetizer, meal, or dessert to share. Costumes are encouraged.  If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org.
Our ongoing public events are Lunch Bunch, Movie Night, Book Club, Dinner Group, Trivia Nights, Summer Picnic, Wine Tastings, as well as Men's and Ladies Night events.
The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard.  Originally called the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton, and then the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club, in 2014, we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club to reflect our current members and their interests.  Our club welcomes any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Devens, MA: The Cannon Theatre is proud to present Wait Until Dark. This production, directed by Ali Coes, is the second in The Cannon Theatre’s 2025-26 season line-up, which also includes upcoming productions Something Rotten Jr (February), Don’t Tell Mother (March/April) and featuring a radio performance of It’s a Wonderful Life in December.  
Wait Until Dark is adapted from the 1966 movie of the same name. Susan Hendrix, newly blind, seems like an easy mark when three ruthless criminals invade her Greenwich Village apartment. When the lights go out, survival comes down to nerve, instinct, and the element of surprise.
The show runs for 3 weekends. Show times are October 24, 25, 31st, and November 1, 7, and 8th at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are taking place on November 2 and 9th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at www.thecannontheatre.org, and are $25 for adults, and $20 for students/seniors.
The cast and crew comes from the following towns: Fitchburg, Groton, Littleton, Lunenburg, Roslindale, and Tyngsboro.
The Production Team includes:
Directed by Ali Coes
Produced by Maren Caulfield
Stage Management by Mary Beth Fletcher
Tech Director and Set Build by Brett Bahe
Costume, Hair and Makeup by Shawn Cannon

The public is invited to an exciting Harvest Fair on Oct. 29 from 10-3 at the Cameron Senior Center on Pleasant Street in Westford. Over 25 outside/local vendors will be displaying their crafts, services, jewelry, plants, and holiday items. Music, coffee and cider refreshments will be available, as well as some delicious homemade bake sale products to take home. Take a chance on one of our many Raffle Baskets and get lucky! Do your holiday shopping early and support local artisans. All proceeds made from this festival, sponsored by the Friends of the Cameron Center help to support Westford Seniors.

 

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia affect more than 7 million Americans, per a 2025 report by the Alzheimer's Association. The emotional toll of watching a loved one's health decline can be overwhelming. And the financial burden can be significant too.
Hopefully these diseases never impact your family, but it’s important to be financially prepared. Here are some steps to consider:
First, check your family's health insurance options, including Medicare, supplemental medical policies, long-term care policies and even veterans' benefits.
You'll also want to ensure legal documents are in place — such as a durable power of attorney for finances and health care decisions. An attorney can help.
For caregivers who pay health care costs out of pocket, there may be tax credits and deductions. These benefits vary by state, so consult with a tax advisor about your eligibility.
Work with qualified professionals to take proactive financial steps. It can help provide confidence for the journey ahead.
This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by  This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Alan Bell, AAMS™, 222 Great Road (Donelan's Plaza), Suite 8, Littleton, MA 01460, (978) 486-1059, alan.bell@edwardjones.com.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

     Maybe it’s the season but it seems that a lot of people are “cleaning out” their homes or their relatives’ homes and bringing donations to the furniture bank.  Saturday (10/11)started slowly with the furniture donations, in spite of the beautiful weather.  One frequent donor from Hopkinton arrived before we opened and she waited patiently as we set up to unload her car full of donations that she got from the Hopkinton free site.  When donors began to arrive they mentioned traffic problems from an accident on Rt. 62 and another on Rt. 495.  We had a new volunteer who worked with us and she asked good questions and was a quick learner of our procedures.  Donors with household items (not furniture)continued to arrive until we closed at noon.  All in all it was a good morning at Fresh Start.
     We still need things for our client and you can help!  Check our website and our facebook page for most needed items.  At present we are low on serving utensils, can openers, serving dishes, cookware, small appliances, dishes (plates, cups, bowls), queen size sheets, towels, bath rugs, throws for kids & adults, lamps and coffee tables.
     Thank you for helping us to help others!  We give new and gently used furniture and furnishings to pre-qualified clients at no charge to help them set up their homes.

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

 

The League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS) has joined No Kings 2 as a national partner this Saturday, October 18. For more than a century, the League has stood firm in defending democracy and confronting threats to freedom and equality.
No Kings 2 offers an opportunity for people across the nation – and in Massachusetts – to come together in solidarity with allies and take a united stand against hate and authoritarianism.
There are several local rallies planned for this Saturday:
Acton, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., 472 Main Street
Chelmsford, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., Town Common, corner between North Road and Westford Street
Groton, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Groton Town Hall, 173 Main Street
Littleton, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Littleton Common, Stevens Street
Lowell, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Click on this link for location: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/846848/
Tyngsboro, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Tyngsboro Bridge, Middlesex Road and Kendall Road
Those unable to attend a local event can still take part. This map lists hundreds of rallies taking place across the country: https://www.nokings.org/#map
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information about the organization, go to lwv.westford.org.

Join us at the Massachusetts National Guard Museum Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 5PM for a fascinating evening with EVP specialist and New England Paranormal lead investigator Joe Rainone. In 2024, Joe led a two-team ghost hunt at the Museum, uncovering intriguing evidence and stories from the Armory. During this one-hour presentation, he will share his findings, personal experiences exploring unexplained phenomena, and some of the evidence captured right here in the historic building.
Following the talk, the Armory will remain open for visitors to explore. This special event is part of a fundraiser to support the Museum’s programs and preservation efforts. The Museum is located at 91 Everett St, Concord, MA 01742. Go to https://friendsmangmuseum.org/events/ to register for the event.

The League of Women Voters of Westford is hosting a virtual Special Town Meeting Preview on Thursday, October 16,  at 7:00 p.m. that will give residents a clear and comprehensive overview of the articles on this year’s warrant.
The Preview is a great opportunity to learn more about the 13 articles on the warrant and to have your questions answered by Town staff. Register on Zoom here:  westfordma-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dAPvOsq3TTWh0TnE9sc9zg.
The Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m. at Westford Academy, 30 Patten Road. The voter registration deadline for Special Town Meeting is Friday, October 17, at 5:00 p.m. You can check your voter registration status and register to vote on this site: sec.state.ma.us/OVR/.
To read the Town Meeting warrant, click here: westfordma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16888/2025-STMWARRANT-09232025.
For more information about Special Town Meeting, check out the Westford Town Moderator’s website at westfordma.gov/891/Town-Moderator.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party. For more information about the organization, go to lwv.westford.org. 

 

BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2025 — The American Red Cross asks donors to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets to support patients counting on a consistent blood supply to survive and heal. While emergencies often grab headlines, the need for blood is constant. Especially in October, as donation appointments can often drop quickly when people settle into busy fall routines and make plans around upcoming school breaks.

Additionally, the threat of hurricanes persists this month. Because blood has a short shelf life and can only come from volunteer blood donors, any disruptions in the ability to collect lifesaving blood can have serious consequences for those seeking medical care.

Prepare now — Help patients this fall and make an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Sept. 22-Oct. 19 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. For details, see RedCrossBlood.org/Fall. Those who give Oct. 20-Nov. 16, 2025, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest for details.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-31:

Westford
10/28/2025: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., H.E. Fletcher Club, 11 Brookside Rd

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

WESTFORD, MA: Parish Center for the Arts (PCA) is bringing back classes to their upstairs “Arts After School” program this Fall for ages 7-12 at 10 Lincoln Street (on Westford Common). Welcoming visual artist Mary O’Connell as instructor, two new sessions will be starting October 28 and will run on Tuesdays thru December 16th.  You can take sessions one by one, or sign up for a few (or all) at a time.

For more information about what is happening with the Arts-in-the-Loft program, call (978) 692-6333 or visit https://parisharts.square.site/arts-in-the-loft. For more information about the PCA and their season of performances running September through June, visit pcawestford.org, email admin@pcawestford.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram!

If you're retired, it's easy to put your finances on autopilot. But checking in periodically can help maintain financial stability throughout retirement.
Here are some suggestions:
First, choose an appropriate withdrawal rate for your retirement accounts. If you take out too much income early in retirement, you risk running short later.
Next, be realistic when estimating future health care costs. Even with Medicare, your unreimbursed expenses for medical costs and long-term care needs could be tens of thousands of dollars.
Also, see if you can delay taking Social Security until past age 62. The longer you wait, the more your monthly check could be.
Here’s another tip: Consider if you're investing so conservatively that your portfolio can’t keep up with inflation.
Finally, if you want to help your adult children and grandchildren financially, make sure you are not giving more than you can comfortably afford.
Retirement can be a wonderful time, especially if you take steps to maintain your financial stability.
This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by  This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Alan Bell, AAMS™, 222 Great Road (Donelan's Plaza), Suite 8, Littleton, MA 01460, (978) 486-1059, alan.bell@edwardjones.com.
Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC

 

Update! Fall class is full. Sign up for the new winter 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 profession. 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 January 7. The class will meet on five
consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6-9, Jan. 7 – Feb. 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 Microsoft Teams (replacing Skype),
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.

The First Federated Church of Hudson, MA.
200 Central Street is hosting its
30th Annual “Church Mouse Craft Fair”
October 25th     9 am – 3 pm
This is one “Fair” you do not want to miss!
We are having Delicious Homemade Food,
Prize Raffles, 50/50 Raffle
And of course, 30+ Unique Crafters & Artists
And the Famous “Joe Frogger Cookies”  will be sold!
Come support Local Crafters & Artists

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and its goal is to raise awareness about the serious and lasting impacts of bullying in schools. This year’s theme is “Power for Good,” emphasizing the importance of using personal strengths and influence to speak up against bullying and support positive change in both online and in-person environments. Some of the important days during the month are World Day of Bullying Prevention on October 6th, and Unity Day on October 22nd. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue on October 6th.
According to the website stompoutbullying.org bullying comes in various forms:
* Physical- kicking, hitting, biting, and making threats.
* Verbal- name calling, spreading rumors, and persistent teasing.
* Racist- making racial slurs, spray painting graffiti, and mocking a person’s culture.
* Sexual- unwanted physical contact or abusive comments.
* Cyberbullying- using electronic means via computers and phones, web sites, chat rooms,
    instant messaging to torment, threaten, harass, humiliate, or target another child.
The CDC released a report entitled “The Relationship Between Bullying and Suicide: What We know and What it Means for Schools.” Bullying has serious and lasting negative effects on the mental health and overall well-being of youth involved in bullying in any way including those who bully others, youth who are bullied, as well as those youth who have observed bullying. Negative outcomes include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, poor school performance, and poor attendance. Both the bully and the person being bullied are at an increased risk for suicide-related behavior. In the report, the CDC says that bullying behavior and suicide-related behavior are closely related. Bullying may not be a direct cause of someone attempting suicide but sometimes combined with other risk factors such as emotional distress, family conflict, relationship problems, and alcohol and drug use will increase the risk of suicide among youth.
The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource if you feel that a friend or loved one is struggling with their mental health. JFI is dedicated to the awareness and prevention of suicide through educational programs that equip youth, parents, educators, and the community with the tools and resources to identify and assist those who may be struggling mentally. Currently, suicide is the third leading cause of death for children ages 12-18. Visit www.jasonfoundation.com to learn how to make a difference.