The letters have reached our desk as more people than ever before seek help from the Beacon Santa.
Many of these letters come from single mothers, struggling to get their lives back on track and give their children a little something on Christmas morning.
One mother writes that she and her three boys lived in a shelter for 15 months and recently moved into an apartment. She is hoping for a little help from the Beacon Santa because, she writes, “finances are tight and I’d like my children to have a good Christmas this year.”
Another mother of twins writes that she is recently divorced and living on one income with no child support. All of her income goes to pay rent and other necessities, leaving nothing for the extras, such as a gift for Christmas.
She is asking for help from the Beacon Santa.
“This help from the Beacon Santa program would take a huge burden off my shoulders knowing my children will have a better Christmas with the help and support from this charity. This help this Christmas would help my children have a normal Christmas morning with presents under the tree,” she writes.
This year, Beacon Santa has been asked to help more than 600 children. But Beacon Santa would not exist without help from people just like you. Would you please consider donating today?

About the Beacon Santa
Since 1965, the Beacon Santa has raised funds to provide gift cards for families seeking a little help during the holidays.

The Fund provides help for families living in the 12 communities of Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
The fund is managed by three women from Maynard, determined to provide families in need with a little joy during the holidays. Because they volunteer their time, you can rest assured that the money you donate goes to those that need it most.

How to donate
By Mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Online: Through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809. A PayPal account is not needed to donate.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Littleton Middle School presents their musical production of Newsies Jr. Show dates are January 24th @ 7pm, January 25th @ 2pm, and January 26th @ 2pm. Performances held at Littleton High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door or online at lmsdrama.org

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, February1, 2025,  from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton’s own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Dudley Laufman,  who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a                                                                                                                                      grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds .Refreshments are provided. PARKING ALLOWED ONLY ON THE GRANGE SIDE OF CHAMPNEY ST.

The Westford Women’s Club will host an online meeting on January 27, 2025 with special guest Scott Hyder, Founder and President of Hidden Battles Foundation, a Dracut-based nonprofit that provides services and support to help veterans and first responders, both active and retired, improve their mental health. Hyder, a disabled veteran and a retired law enforcement professional, has personally experienced the effects of war, traumatic injury, homicide, and the devastation of being left behind when a loved one takes their life. He has addressed audiences of all ages on the crucial topics of suicide, suicide prevention, and suicide awareness.
Hidden Battles assists veterans, first-responders and their families through sponsoring service dogs and equine therapy, support groups, and family reconnection programs.
Following Hyder’s presentation, the WWC will be discussing and planning upcoming service and social activities for the club.
The Westford Women’s Club is comprised of women of all ages and backgrounds from Westford and the surrounding communities, and is a 501c3 charitable organization, serving the community since 1976. Affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), www.GFWC.org and GFWC Massachusetts (GFWC MA), www.GFWCMA.org.
For more information contact: westfordwomensclub@gmail.com. Visit us on Facebook.

Nashoba Park Assisted Living, a Volunteers of America Massachusetts Community managed by Senior Living Residences (SLR), is the first-ever traditional assisted living community in the nation to receive the new Purple Flag™ Excellence in Dementia Care - Assisted Living flag. The new designation is for traditional assisted living communities who are still able to provide a person-centered, therapeutic environment for those experiencing memory loss. On average, 42% of residents in residential care settings, including assisted living communities, have some form of dementia (Alzheimer’s Association, 2024).
Nashoba Park’s flag-raising ceremony took place in October and joined its 14 sister SLR communities flying the original Purple Flag for Dementia Care flags. “It is vital for individuals living with any form of cognitive impairment or memory loss, including mild to moderate dementia, to receive high-quality, knowledgeable care,” says Christopher Carter, CEO of the Purple Flag™ Excellence in Dementia Care family of programs and President of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association. “Our new Assisted Living designation celebrates and acknowledges providers who demonstrate excellence in person-centered care even when a secure setting is not required.”
Purple Flag™ Excellence in Dementia Care now has four different designations recognizing excellence –– Memory Care, for those with dedicated Memory Care units; (traditional) Assisted Living Hospice Care; and Home Care.
Purple Flag accreditation requires communities and organizations to meet a set of rigorous standards when it comes to the quality of life and care. There are 60 best practice program standards across 10 categories that care providers must meet to become a Purple Flag™ Excellence in Dementia Care-accredited organization.
“We are proud to be the first to achieve the Purple Flag for Assisted Living designation. It’s not uncommon for people to choose to live in a traditional assisted living community while experiencing symptoms of memory loss, whether it’s the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment.” shared Julie Bagdonas, Executive Director at Nashoba Park.
“The reality is that not everyone with memory loss needs or wants to be in a secure Memory Care Neighborhood, and they can actually live safely and thrive in a traditional setting. Our many innovative programs, including a Brain Healthy dining program based on the well-researched Mediterranean Diet and lifelong learning opportunities, take a non-pharmacological approach to treating — and even delaying — the symptoms of memory loss.”
Bagdonas continued, “I am incredibly proud of the close-knit team we have at Nashoba Park, whose teamwork and commitment give our residents the best possible quality of life even as their needs change over time.”More details can be found at purpleflag.org. To learn more about Purple Flag, contact Christopher Carter at cpcarter@ctassistedliving.com.

January is a time to recharge and recover from the holidays. It is also National Mental Wellness Month to recognize the importance of mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. According to the National Institutes of Health, 57.8 million adults lived with some form of mental illness in 2023. The severity varies from person to person. Understanding mental health statistics in the U.S. can raise awareness and garner support for those in need. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness and women are more likely than men to experience depression. 17% of adolescents ages 12-17 experienced a major depressive episode. 33.5% of adults with a mental illness also have a substance use disorder.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) collects data on substance use and mental health. Their 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that multiracial people had the highest rate of mental illness at 36.7%, followed by Whites (24%), American Indian/Alaskan natives (23.5%), Hispanics (20.6%), Blacks (19.4%), and Asians (18.1%).
Mental illness affects people differently. Children ages 6-17 are three times more likely to repeat a grade if they have mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral problems. Those with severe mental illness have a life span of 10 to 25 years shorter than the general population. 64% of jail inmates have a mental illness compared to 21.6% of the general adult population.
National Mental Wellness Month involves individuals being able to cope with life’s difficulties, having healthy relationships, and taking care of their mental well-being before issues arise. Wellbeingtrust.org tells us that having a purpose in life offers many benefits, including being happier, living longer, sleeping better, and improved heart health. To find that purpose explore your interests, volunteer, consider what you love to do, talk to friends and family, and try new experiences.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46% of people who die by suicide had a known mental illness. The Jason Foundation is a valuable resource if you feel that a friend or loved one is struggling with a mental illness. 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. Visit www.jasonfoundation.com to learn how to make a difference and find the closest Jason Foundation Affiliate Office.

Have you been looking for a great volunteer opportunity? If you would like to make a difference in the life of an adult with limited English or basic literacy skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area.
You do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind, a desire to help an adult improve their skills, and the ability to meet with your student for 2 hours per week for 9-12 months! In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available. Before being matched with a student you also must attend a Volunteer Information Session and successfully complete an 18-hour Tutor Training.
ESOL Tutor Training 6-week session in person at Pollard Memorial Library
Thursdays 1-4 pm
February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:
Tuesday, January 14, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, January 16, 12-1:30 pm

Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, January 30, 12-1:30 pm
To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.

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

Middlesex Community College’s Spring 2025 semester will start on Tuesday, January 21. Ahead of the semester, professionals from across the college are offering strategies and support to help new and returning students set themselves up for success.
“The MCC Enrollment team recommends students get organized ahead of the upcoming semester,” said Kayla Caron, MCC’s Registrar. “Take advantage of the time and flexibility to choose which classes you want to take and how you want to take them, whether that’s in-person, online or a mix of both. You can also learn about the different resources we offer and connect with people across the college who are here to help.”
Enrollment experts are available to answer questions and provide the tools and support that are available to MCC students. This includes finding the dates for the start of the semester, as well as adding, dropping or withdrawing from a class. Students can also find immunization information and other general registration details, such as clearing any holds on their account.
No matter a student’s age or income, community college is now free in Massachusetts. MassEducate and MassReconnect allow at Mass. residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend MCC for free. MCC’s Financial Aid team helps students complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
“To set yourself up for success, make sure to complete your FAFSA as soon as possible,” said Kimberly Tibbetts, MCC’s Director of Financial Aid. “This is the best way to get as much aid for which you qualify, as well as to have the time to connect with one of our financial aid experts if you need assistance. It is also important to check your MCC email regularly to stay updated.”
MCC’s Office of Advising encourages students to register for classes as early as possible. This provides time to access resources students need to start off the semester strong. The Advising team is available to help students develop an academic plan and get a head start on the transfer process.
“It’s important for students to learn who their assigned academic or faculty advisor is and build that connection,” said Yohanka Tejada, MCC’s Interim Assistant Dean of Academic Advising and Pathways. “Academic advisors meet with students in-person or online in a variety of ways, including scheduled and drop-in sessions. This ensures that students have a plan, stay on track, and can choose courses that best fit their schedules.”
With a strong focus on supporting the whole student, MCC also believes it is important to support students in their emotional, mental and physical well-being. The college’s Wellness Resource Center is available to guide students through the beginning of the semester to the end. This includes helping them better manage emotions, deal with stress, access healthy foods, and connect with a professional counselor.
“Keep your own wellness in mind as you are building your schedule,” said Amy Mahoney, MCC’s Wellness Counselor. “Whether that means going to the gym, reading fiction, crocheting or whatever else it is you do for relaxation or enjoyment, having fun helps to feel refreshed and ready to take on all of the other things on the schedule including attending classes and completing assignments. Try prioritizing self-care by putting it in your calendar or planner as if it were a class.”
Visit https://www.middlesex.edu/ for more information and to register for classes.

A new exhibition is opening at the Littleton Historical Society on 4 Rogers Street on Sunday, January 12, from 2-4 pm. This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the War of Independence. The exhibit provides information about the events leading up to the Revolutionary War and how they affected the men and women of Littleton.
Meet the 29 patriots of Littleton who marched to Concord on April 19, 1775; learn their names and where to find their burial sites in our historic graveyards.
Perhaps you will be inspired to tour The Old Burying Ground and Westlawn Cemetery, or to examine the lives of women left to manage their households on their own, or to read what transpired at the Town Meetings at the time.
The Littleton Historical Society Museum is open every Wednesday from 1-4, and the second Sunday of the month from 2-4.

WESTFORD, MA: If you like Jazz music in all of its forms, the Parish Center for the Arts has a new band in store that will surely satisfy.  Boston-area PIQUE takes the PCA stage on January 11 at 7:30pm. Doors open one half hour prior to show start time.  Tickets range from $12 to $20 for this cabaret-style show. BYO food and drink. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Visit https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-11-25-pique/227 to reserve your seats, or for more information, call (978) 692-6333 or visit pcawestford.org.
The Greater Boston Community includes a number of Musicians that either went to Berklee School of Music or New England Conservatory or another established well regarded music school. A number of these students settled here, some have toured with famous bands or have found a degree of fame on their own. PIQUE, led by PCA “Jazz Jam” Host Joe Virga, is a consortium of such musicians that have exceptional ability, but are mostly relatively unknown. They have four terrific pianists to incorporate based on availability, and the same is true for other seats in the band. They can quickly pivot to include vocalists or do all instrumental music. They can also provide different size performances as small as solo piano all the way to Big Band, and everything in between.
PIQUE performs original music, modern and classic straight ahead Jazz, often modifying the classic Jazz enough to make it their own - but not so much as to make it unrecognizable. They take on music from many of the greats including Miles, Monk, Bird, Diz, Coltrane, Shorter, Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Chris Potter and John Scoffield.
“Pique” also considers its mission to create opportunities for artists that are at the beginning of their musical journey. Promising, dedicated, and passionate newcomers of all ages often join in for a few selections. The goal is to inspire and to challenge them to reach new heights. The band give them an opportunity to play and rehearse with more accomplished musicians, which also helps keep the group energized, and all performers challenged.
If you like jazz, cutting edge Jazz, but always connected to the music, never randomly off the rails join PIQUE in their next musical foray at the PCA - where past and present will transform into the improvised unknown.
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-11-25-pique/227
Facebook: facebook.com/ParishCenterfortheArts
Twitter/X: X.com/PCAWestford
Instagram: instagram.com/pcawestford

The camp in Bolton is for students entering Kindergarten through High School.
Activities include swimming, games in the fields and woods, arts & crafts, songs, tracking, hiking, campfires to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, building shelters, Animal Adventures, Predator and Prey, The Amazing Race & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, laser tag in the woods, nighttime activities on Thursday and dinner and s’mores, water guns, an adventure hike, team building activities & more.
Counselors-in-Training must be entering 9th grade or above and attend Orientation June 24- and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 30 – August 8, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
Before/After Care is available!
Campers from all towns are welcome!
See the website for more details and to register: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: bcttdnc@gmail.com (best means of communication) or 978-429-3004 (voice mail)

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 meetings had been every Thursday evening at 7 pm at the South Acton Congregational Church. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, January 4, 2025,  from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton’s own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Don Heinold,  who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds .Refreshments are provided. PARKING ALLOWED ONLY ON THE GRANGE SIDE OF CHAMPNEY ST.

FITCHBURG, Mass. (Dec. 13, 2024) – The Highlands, a local skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, is starting a Santa’s Hotline that local children can call to talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus and share their Christmas wishes.
The hotline will begin on Dec. 16 and will be available each day from 3 - 5 p.m. until Dec. 24. Parents and children can reach the Santa Hotline by calling the center’s designated toll-free number: 978-353-7344.
The call line will be staffed by volunteer residents who have completed a short training on taking calls to the North Pole and have been dubbed honorary Santas and Mrs. Clauses.
Executive Director Mark Ailinger expressed his love for the initiative because, in addition to bringing children joy, the hotline gives the center’s residents something fun and exciting to do for the community.
“We are thrilled to provide a direct, toll-free phone number for area children to speak with Santa and Mrs. Claus,” said Ailinger. “Our residents are still vibrant members of this community and very much enjoy giving back their time and talent, especially to area children. We’re delighted to offer parents and children the opportunity to create some wonderful memories by having their kids or grandkids talk live to Santa and Mrs. Claus on our toll-free number.”
Located at 335 Nichols Road, The Highlands has been providing the Fitchburg community with short-term rehab, long-term care and specialized memory care for more than 50 years. The center is one of 15 skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Massachusetts managed by Life Care Centers of America.
Founded in 1976, Life Care is a nationwide health care company. With headquarters in Cleveland, Tennessee, Life Care manages nearly 200 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer’s centers in 26 states. For more information about Life Care, visit lcca.com.

WESTFORD, MA: The Arthur Bakopolus Quintet, including renowned local musicians Jerzy Glod on drums, Arthur Bakopolus on saxophone, Jonathan Fagan on piano (though Russ Hoffman for this show), Jon Wheatley on guitar, and Jon Dreyer on bass, is coming to the Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street, on January 3, 2025 at 7:30pm (doors open 7pm). Tickets are $15 for members, $18 in advance (non-members), and $20 at the door (if available).  BYOB and snacks. For more information, call (978) 692-6333 or visit pcawestford.org.  You can also buy tickets online directly at https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-3-25-arthur-bakopoulos-quintet/243.
Arthur Bakopolus plays sax, flute, and clarinet and is a long time vet of the big bands and jazz music in general. These days he can be seen and heard playing in jazz groups of all sizes all around Mass and New Hampshire. Bakopolus has his fingers in many projects, including being the Musical Director of the Chelmsford Community Jazz Band, running a seven-piece swing band, a sax quartet, and regular Jazz improv workshops and monthly jam sessions. Bakopolus is also the promoter of popular Arthur’s House of Jazz at the Sahara Club in Methuen showcasing incredible jazz every Thursday night. As a player, Bakopolus has toured with or performed locally with such groups as the Artie Shaw band, the Benny Goodman Tribute band, the Jimmy Dorsey band, the Guy Lombardo band, Johnny Mathis, the Shirelles, Bobby Rydell, Barnum and Bailey’s circus in the Boston Garden, Liza Minelli and many others.
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-3-25-arthur-bakopoulos-quintet/243
Facebook: facebook.com/ParishCenterfortheArts
Twitter/X: twitter.com/PCAWestford
Instagram: instagram.com/pcawestford

The applications have arrived, and with them, letters from families sharing their struggles and asking for help from the Beacon Santa.
They are grandparents, single moms, families struggling with health issues – all seeking a little respite from their troubles and a little joy for the holidays.
One grandmother writes that she and her husband are raising their three grandchildren – all of whom have health problems. She has had to cut back on working so she can take the children to their doctors’ appointments.
She is asking for help from the Beacon Santa to put a little something under the Christmas tree for the children.
“We would like to be able to give our grandchildren a Christmas that they will remember in a positive and happy way,” she writes.
Another grandmother writes that she is caring for her two granddaughters – alone. She has been struggling with health issues, and her granddaughters “have shown incredible kindness and resilience throughout the year,” she writes.
She wants to provide them with the joy of “giving and receiving” gifts, but her limited income makes it difficult for her to provide gifts on her own.
She is asking Beacon Santa for help.
“I believe that with your help, we can spread some holiday cheer and create happy memories for them,” she writes.
This year, Beacon Santa has been asked to help more than 600 children. But Beacon Santa would not exist without help from people just like you – please consider donating today.
How to donate
By Mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Online: Through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809 or by clicking on the PayPal button in this article. A PayPal account is not needed to donate.

ACTON, MA – Join us on Christmas Eve. All of our services are designed for all ages and are a great family experience. Christmas Eve services at Mt. Calvary are spectacular. We’ll have a free hot cocoa bar, cookies, special Christmas music, and more!
On Christmas Eve you have choices:
3:30 PM Christmas Eve service is a family service that is great for little ones with the wiggles. Families with children are invited to arrive 30 minutes early for their children to receive and wear a Nativity costume and be a part of the Christmas story. This is a wonderful service with Scripture, Christmas carols, and your children being a part of the story.
6 PM Christmas Eve service is a traditional, beautiful candlelight service as we sing Silent Night. Arrive 15 minutes early for special preservice music with a string quartet.
9 PM Christmas Eve service is a festive candlelight and Holy Communion service. Arrive 25 minutes early for special music with piano, guitar, violins, cello, percussions, and oboe.
Then, join us Christmas Day at 10 AM for a service of Christmas carols and readings.
Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was eye-opening. Jesus was not like other newborns. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a feeding trough for animals. A myriad of angels illuminated the sky announcing his birth. Shepherds made a surprise visit and investigated the birth. Joseph and Mary were amazed by all these things. But there’s another stunning surprise that Matthew wants to convey to you at Christmas. Matthew wants you to know that you belong in God’s family.
Mt. Calvary is located at 472 Massachusetts Avenue in Acton. Parking is available off Prospect Street. Handicap parking is available at the Massachusetts Ave. circle drive and the Prospect St. parking lot. Overflow parking is available in the Acton Funeral Home parking lot right next door. For more information, visit mtcalvaryacton.org, call (978) 263-5156, or send an email to info@mtcalvaryacton.org.

WESTFORD, MA: The Parish Center for the Arts is thrilled to welcome renowned Boston Americana Roots band The Squeezebox Stompers on January 10 at 7:30pm. Doors open one half hour prior to show start time.  Tickets range from $15 to $25 for this cabaret-style show. BYO food and drink. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Visit https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-10-25-squeezebox-stompers/205 to reserve your seats, or for more information, call (978) 692-6333 or visit pcawestford.org.
This event is part of the PCA’s Coffeehouse Series, generously sponsored Enterprise Bank/Westford.
The Squeezebox Stompers have been delighting audiences across New England for over 25 years with their lively blend of Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Folk, and original music. Featuring award-winning musicians recognized with Music and Songwriting accolades, their infectious, high-energy sound never fails to get audiences on their feet and dancing. With a dynamic lineup that includes accordion, keyboards, fiddle, saxophone, harmonica, penny whistle, guitar, bass, and drums, the Stompers bring a vibrant performance to any occasion. Whether at family-friendly outdoor events, night clubs, dance halls, coffee houses, or private parties, they tailor their lineup to suit the venue, performing with 3 to 6 members. The Squeezebox Stompers promise a rockin’ good time for all!
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-10-25-squeezebox-stompers/205

Unless otherwise noted, the following programs are made possible by the Friends of the Library.
Director’s Corner: WESTFORD TO APPLY FOR WAIVER FROM BOARD OF LIBRARY COMMISSIONERS Patrons of the Library will have experienced the 10% reduction in weekly library service hours -- the result of the unapproved Override vote at the May ballot. However, the public may not be aware that Westford’s appropriation for the Library budget in FY25 does not meet the state-mandated Municipal Appropriation Standard by -$71,500. As a result the Town has submitted an application for a waiver from the Board of Library Commissioners in order to retain state certification, and ensure that Westford residents can use all libraries in the Commonwealth. This waiver will be reviewed by the Board of Library Commissioners in January, and voted upon in February, after which approval Westford will be eligible to receive its annual Library State Aid.

Virtual Job Search Help for 50 & Over – Marketing Plan – Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan: Wednesday, December 18, 9:30 -11:30 a.m. The Massachusetts Library Collaborative’s 50+ Job Seekers Group meets on biweekly the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, from 9:30- 11:30 a.m., via Zoom. If you are unemployed and actively looking, underemployed, seeking a new career direction, re-entering the job market after a long employment gap, or recently retired and looking for your “Encore Career”, this networking group program is perfect for you! Register here.


Monday Mystery Club: Monday, December 16th at 2:00 p.m. in the Mary Atwood Room. Wake up your week with a stimulating book club discussion! We’ll meet in the Mary Atwood Room to discuss Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger. Print copies are available at Main Desk. Email Linda Ernick for details!  No registration required.

Children’s Craft Bags: Be sure to stop by the Children’s Desk for free craft bags. The contents will change frequently and should inspire some creative fun!


Creativebug Arts and Crafts Database: Looking for holiday inspiration for your craft projects?  Get inspired and get making with our Creativebug database, where you’ll have unlimited access to more than 1,000 arts and crafts video classes.  Find classes for adults and kids, beginners and experts.  Check it out today!

New York Times Cooking Database:  This is the perfect database to find a new recipe for your holiday table. If you enjoy cooking and sampling new recipes, be sure to check out our new “New York Times Cooking” database. “An inspiring cooking guide, innovative and interactive kitchen tool, and diverse recipe collection that helps home cooks of every level discover, save and organize the world’s best recipes, while also helping them become better, more competent cooks.” Access from home for 24 hours per redemption code. The redemption code will already be infilled, just click the “Redeem” button.  Access this database from our Alphabetical Listing of Databases.

Staff Recommends:  Fans of true crime will not want to miss the latest work of nonfiction from John Grisham and Jim McCloskey, Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions. “In his first work of nonfiction since The Innocent Man, #1 bestselling author John Grisham and Centurion Ministries Founder, Jim McCloskey share ten harrowing true stories of wrongful convictions. Impeccably researched and grippingly told, Framed offers an inside look at the victims of the United States criminal justice system. A fundamental principle of our legal system is a presumption of innocence, but once someone has been found guilty there is very little room to prove doubt. Framed shares ten true stories of men who were innocent but found guilty and forced to sacrifice friends, families, wives, and decades of their lives to prison while the guilty parties remained free. In each of the stories, John Grisham and Jim McCloskey recount the dramatic hard-fought battles for exoneration. They take a close look at what leads to wrongful convictions in the first place, and the racism, misconduct, flawed testimony, and the corrupt court system that can make them so hard to reverse. Told with page-turning suspense as only John Grisham can deliver, Framed is the story of overcoming adversity when the battle already seems lost, and the deck is stacked against you.”

If you have questions or need assistance, please call us at 978-399-2300 or send us an email at westfordlibrary@westfordma.gov

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Save A Dog is hosting a ‘Meet and Greet’ holiday adoption event at Wag N’ Wash, 1173 Main Street in West Concord on Saturday, December 14, from 10 am to 12 pm. Come meet the adorable dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes, and join the holiday festivities with free store samples and photo ops!
More information about our adoptable dogs (and cats!) can be found on the Save A Dog website: www.saveadog.org. Potential adopters are also encouraged to fill out an adoption application online beforehand.
Now celebrating 25 years of rescuing abandoned dogs and cats through its Sudbury shelter and network of foster homes, Save A Dog has found loving homes for more than 8,500 companion animals.
See you Saturday!

Interviewer: Sheri Glover        Subject: Alan Bell (DJ Alkemi)
This interview was conducted on December 1, 2024. Next Dance is Wednesday, December 18.
Sheri: I’ve known you in different contexts, so what would you prefer I call you?
Alkemi: Sheri, when it has to do with the dance, most people call me by my dance community name which is Alkemi.
Sheri: Ok, Alkemi, what exactly is a community dance?
Alkemi: That is a great question, Sheri. The idea of community dances goes back thousands of years. People in most continents and cultures danced to celebrate changing of the seasons, historical events, marriages, births, rituals and other notable village occurences. Dance was a natural part of the culture and the modern dance phenomenon is reflective of that tradition.  As people of differing cultures all blended together here in the United States, the basic urge to dance was splintered a bit.
Sheri: So where did the idea of community dance start here in the United States?
Alkemi: In the sixties, many young people gathered on Cambridge Common to play music, drum and dance.  The crowd swelled significantly mostly on weekends. Big gatherings like Woodstock also evolved to show how powerful the urge to dance was. So, in the winter when the temperature became so cold, the idea was for the dancing crowd to go inside to the church at 11 Garden Street to dance every Wednesday and it was named Dance Free (later changed to Dance Freedom due to commercial copyright developments). The drummers went inside on Saturday night to drum under the name Earth Drum Council. The Boston area had so many colleges, that students (and others) from all over the greater Boston area would attend the dance(s) weekly and really took to it. 
Sheri: So, what made this dance so appealing?
Alkemi: Dance Freedom was the mother dance to the many affiliated dances that sprung up around the country and beyond.  In each case, the dance became a safe place, where folks could come to dance.  Each dance highlighted safety as it was spoken and sometimes written in each dance’s by-laws, that the dance was smoke-, liquor-. drug-, shoe- and hassle-free experience.  An alternative to the bar pick-up scene. More locally there was spin-off called Dance Friday in Watertown, Dance Spree in Northampton, the Barefoot Boogie in New York City, the Freestyle Frolic in New Palz, New York, the Ecstatic Dance Providence in Rhode Island and the Portland Community Dance in Maine.  The dance even extended to Berkeley California and many places in between.  People would come experience the dance in Cambridge while they were in college and start similar dances when they returned to their home towns.
Sheri: What else makes the dances different/
Alkemi: Another great question, Sheri.  These non-profit dances are similarly designed with slight variations to encourage freestyle movement in a non-judgmental context.  DJs are groomed through the dance system. By that, I mean, DJs were trained and mentored by other trained DJs to include a variety of music to appeal to a broad range of ages, backgrounds and personal dance style favorites.  It was not uncommon to hear selections from many eras,  old slow standards, ballads to salsa to rock and soul from top 40 hits to music that you won’t hear on many radio stations, from the 50’s to current popular tunes; even ambient grooves. There would also need to be some music from various cultures and dance types. The idea is to recognize many different strains of music and to honor dancing elements from many eras, cultures, tempos and dance styles, including some who really appreciate the style called “contact improvisation.” It represents our breadth of backgrounds and preferences and an appreciation of a dance community with a wide range of tastes and styles.  The skill of a DJ in the community is to develop an art of weaving all of this together into a journey that is blended and engaging.
Sheri: So why the Westford Freestyle Dance Jam? Why here? Why now?
Alkemi: Sheri, When I lived in Boston and Cambridge, I had numerous options for dancing and went to 2-3 dances every week.  I think in many ways, the regular exercise, the music and the community that I felt over time was very essential in my life.  DJing Dance Friday, then being asked to be a regular in the Dance Freedom DJ roster, then getting asked to play at Dance New England Dance Camp numerous years firmly established a need to have a nearby regular community dance in my life and many folks from other regular dances applauded the effort and began to attend the Westford Dance at the Parish Center for the Arts a few years back. Once appearing at Dance Camp, you become familiar to dance representatives from around the country and I have guest DJ’d at many of the affiliated dances around the country. We started the Metrowest Boogie at the PCA about 6 years ago as a quarterly dance and that ran for about three years.  We took a break for a while, then Covid hit and everything halted. More recently, with covid subsiding, so many people have been asking for opportunities to get together in a celebratory manner again. And so, the Westford dance was reborn as the Westford Freestyle (WeFree) Dance Jam. The dances are planned to occur once per quarter at the Parish Center for the Arts at 10 Lincoln Street at Westford Common.  WeFree is an 18+ years of age dance.  The next one happens Wednesday December 18, at 7pm and ends 9:30. The first half hour or so is considered warm-up as people often use this time to stretch, do yoga exercises or meditate on their own. We will have a light show too. The next phase is about 45 minutes of boogie. There is a short intermission (called “the middle” which can feature a brief type of entertainment, or a performance of a song or a dance-through segment) and the last 45 minutes of boogie rounds out the evening.  (We just may have a performance surprise at the next dance in December.)
Sheri: Are there any other features people should be aware of?
Alkemi:  Only plain water is allowed on the dance floor.  There are side rooms where there are usually some snacks and other beverages available. People are asked to be silent on the dance floor as that can really change the vibe in a distracting way. Talking in side rooms is fine. While I am DJing this next dance on December 18, I have already reached out to other experienced Dance Community DJs to come visit and spin for us.  If we are lucky, we may get Kellie Ryan, from the Portland Community Dance to spin for us (fingers crossed) for our first dance next year.  And I intend to invite old friend and fellow DJ Dave Sheppard from the New Palz Frolic and Dance Freedom Dance Queen Robin Williams to grace us in the near future.  So, we just ask people to come with open minds, open hearts and a commitment to honor each other and feel free to just…dance. The dance is non-profit and all volunteer run so folks who are able to fill in for some of the needed tasks receive free admission as long as slots are available. If some can arrive between 5:15 and 6:30 there will be limited set-up slots available if they are registered through wefreedancejam@gmail.com on a first-requested basis ahead of dance day. Other slots are available for segments during the night. More information can be found at wefreedancejam@gmail.com or 617-799-8680.
When not DJing or pursuing different passionate interests, Alan Bell (DJ Alkemi) is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Littleton, MA.
Sheri Glover is an ICBCH certified hypnotherapist (see https://headtotoehealinghypnotherapy.com)

Lights are going up, families are unpacking Christmas decorations, children are writing letters to Santa – it seems signs of Christmas can be seen just about everywhere.
But for those struggling to make ends meet, not sure whether to use their last remaining dollars to pay the electric bill or put food on the table, the holidays can bring stress, rather than joy.
Every year, hundreds of applicants in the 12 communities of Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford, turn to the Beacon Santa.
This year, over 275 families asked for help for 625 children from the Beacon Santa to provide a few things for their children for Christmas.
The Beacon Santa is run by three Maynard women, who volunteer their time because they are determined to provide a little holiday joy to families in need. But the Beacon Santa would not exist without generous donations from readers like you.
We know it’s a big ask – it seems everyone’s been struggling the last few years, what with the high prices of everything from eggs to gasoline.  But if everyone reading this donated as little as $5, the Beacon Santa would be able to help those 625 children find a little joy this Christmas.
So please, consider donating today.
Founded in 1965, the Beacon Santa raises funds to provide holiday gift cards to families living in the 12 communities it serves.
Donations can be sent by mail to Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way. Maynard, MA 01754 OR Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643. Maynard, MA 01754.
Donations can also be made online through PayPal: paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809 – you do not need a PayPal account to donate.

Local crafters and artists will be setting up inside the Lunenburg Library to showcase their wares for a special Winter Artisan Showcase on Sunday, December 8th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Bakers, makers, artists and small businesses are creating an interactive pop-up shopping experience just in time for the holidays. Browse through items including soaps, candles, paintings, fiber goods, fresh baked snacks, leather crafts, home decor and great gift ideas. Bring the whole family and join in the activities! Scavenger hunt, face painting, crafts for kids, hot chocolate station, tic tac toe competitions and games galore. Visitors can check out a leather craft demo, beekeeping discussion and honey sampling, meet a local author and make a bookmark too. Families can even see Miss Debbie and Miss Joslyn in the Children’s Room for a special library craft! The library will have a super special visitor from the North Pole stop by before noon for photos with kids. Don’t forget to stay after the market ends for a free Celtic Christmas music concert in the library’s main hall at 2:00 pm. Chris & Katie LaFond will perform a 75-minute live festive holiday concert on harp, flute and guitar. There will be a specialty hot chocolate bar on sale as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Lunenburg Library during the music concert as well.
Please note that library services will be unavailable during these events. Vendors, and the musicians and concert seats, will be placed throughout the library restricting access to books, seating areas, and computer stations.
If you would like more information, please contact Muir Haman at 978-582-4140 ext. 315 or email atmhaman@lunenburgma.gov

Have you been looking for a great volunteer opportunity? If you would like to make a difference in the life of an adult with limited English or basic literacy skills, we’d love to hear from you.
Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts at the Pollard Memorial Library offers free, confidential, one-on-one or small group tutoring on a flexible schedule to adults in the greater Lowell area.
You do not need prior teaching experience or knowledge of another language. All you need is an open mind, a desire to help an adult improve their skills, and the ability to meet with your student for 2 hours per week for 9-12 months! In-person, remote, and hybrid tutoring options are available. Before being matched with a student you also must attend a Volunteer Information Session and successfully complete an 18-hour Tutor Training.
ESOL Tutor Training 6-week session online via Zoom
Tuesdays 6-9 pm
January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18
ESOL Tutor Training 6-week session in person at Pollard Memorial Library
Thursdays 1-4 pm
February 27, March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3
To learn more, join us on-line via Zoom at one of our upcoming Volunteer Information Sessions:
Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 pm
Thursday, December 12, 12-1:30 pm
Tuesday, December 17, 6:30-8 pm
To RSVP to one of the above sessions, or find out more about our program, please contact our Literacy Director, Sarah Miller, at smiller@lowelllibrary.org, or our Literacy Assistant, Mary Hartmann, mhartmann@lowelllibrary.org, or call us at 978 674-1541.

Director’s Corner: We are so thankful for our dedicated staff, the elected Board of Library Trustees, the Friends of the Library, the Friends’ Foundation, and the Westford community for all of their on-going library support.  We look forward to an exciting transformative future library and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Furoshikii (Japanese Gift-Wrapping) Workshop Thursday, December 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. Discover the art of gift-wrapping and accessorizing using furoshiki – Japanese wrapping cloths. Join multi-talented international artist Nefertiti San Miguel from Etnia Fusion (Boston) to learn this singular technique just in time for the holiday season.

Each participant will use existing materials already available around the house demonstrating the concept of mottainai (expression of regret for wastefulness) by upcycling leftover fabrics. Spark your creativity by gracefully swathing items of different sizes (small and medium) in ordinary and unique shapes, such as hexagon boxes, glass bottles, books, picture frames and more. Master the presentation of elegantly-wrapped gifts for any occasion and amaze your loved ones with the artistic form and function of one magical square of cloth. Register here.

Adult Book Club: Thursday, December 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mary Atwood Room
Join us to discuss Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Copies are available at the Main Desk and there are downloadable copies (audio and e-copies) available from Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby. This is also our Title Picking Event for 2025. No registration required.

Children’s Craft Bags: Be sure to stop by the Children’s Desk for free craft bags. The contents will change frequently and should inspire some creative fun!

Staff Recommends:  If you enjoy science fiction, check out A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers.” Hugo Award-winner Becky Chambers’s delightful Monk & Robot series gives us hope for the future. It’s been centuries since the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and laid down their tools; centuries since they wandered, en masse, into the wilderness, never to be seen again; centuries since they faded into myth and urban legend. One day, the life of a tea monk is upended by the arrival of a robot, there to honor the old promise of checking in. The robot cannot go back until the question of “what do people need?” is answered. But the answer to that question depends on who you ask, and how. They’re going to need to ask it a lot. Becky Chambers’s new series asks: in a world where people have what they want, does having more matter?


If you have questions or need assistance, please call us at 978-399-2300 or send us an email at westfordlibrary@westfordma.gov

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On Sunday, December 8 at 6 p.m., The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division will be presenting its 9th annual Sounds of Christmas Concert. The free event at The Salvation Army Boston Kroc Center (650 Dudley Street, Dorchester) will feature festive music and holiday refreshments. Featured performances include music from The Salvation Army’s 40-piece brass band, the Massachusetts Divisional Chorus, and nearly 100 young people from Salvation Army centers across Massachusetts showcasing dance, timbrel and vocal talents.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest music providers in the world. The nonprofit’s music programs teach people, regardless of age, how to sing and play instruments at no cost. These skills are utilized in a myriad of ways such as playing in a Salvation Army band, singing in a choir, performing in dance and arts, or playing an instrument at one of The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles during the holidays.
For more information about The Salvation Army’s music program and Sounds of Christmas Concert, visit: salvationarmyma.org.

To all land occupiers* within Middlesex County, notice is hereby given that on the 9th day of December, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM, an Annual Meeting will  be held by the Middlesex Conservation District in Room 204 at Acton Town Hall at 472 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720. This annual meeting will be held to make a full report of our activities and financial affairs since the last Annual meeting and to elect supervisors for the Middlesex Conservation District of the State of Massachusetts. Dr. Doug Tallamy, Professor of Agriculture at the University of Delaware and author of Nature’s Best Hope will be giving his presentation virtually first. This meeting is free to attend and all are invited.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Katherine Becker, Chair
Elizabeth Austin, Supervisor, Co-Chair
Miryam Becker, Supervisor, Clerk
Margaret Delano, Supervisor
* Any person who resides, owns land, and or uses land within the county.

On Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center on 56 King Street.
A former Shakespearean actress, Amy has received critical acclaim from the New York Times and NPR, who described her voice as “velvety and achy” and compared her to Lucinda Williams. She has toured widely and has shared the stage with Guy Clark, Judy Collins, and many others.
Season tickets to the Lyceum are available for families or individuals for $40.00, and single admissions may be purchased at the door for $12.00, $5.00 for seniors and students.
For more information, check out our website at littletonlyceum.org or follow us on Facebook.

The Community Christmas Chorus will present its annual concert to benefit the Westford Food Pantry on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 7:00 p.m., at First Parish Church United, 84 Main St., Westford.
Comprised of singers from several area towns, the chorus has been presenting Christmas concerts to raise money and collect food for the pantry since 2006.  The group will again be directed by René Minalga-Rheault, the director of several choruses in northern Mass. plus Trinity Lutheran Church in Chelmsford.  René also sings in several choruses, and will perform the favorite “O Holy Night,” at the CCC concert.  Donna Olson, a Westford native and Boston Conservatory graduate, who has been singing and teaching in California and recently returned to Westford, will sing “Gesu Bambino.”  The newly formed women’s chorus, Elements, will also make its Christmas debut.
The program features choral music by contemporary composers, including John Rutter, Kim André Arnesen, Karl Jenkins, and Michael John Trotta, plus an arrangement of a carol from the West Indies by Brian Trant.  The audience will also be invited to sing several well-known carols with the chorus.
Suggested donation for admission is $5 a person, $15 a family, plus 2 non-perishable food items for the pantry.   For further information, please call Jeanne Masterman at 978-692-8416.

Local crafters and artists will be setting up inside the Lunenburg Library to showcase their wares for a special Winter Artisan Showcase on Sunday, December 8th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Bakers, makers, artists and small businesses are creating an interactive pop-up shopping experience just in time for the holidays. Browse through items including soaps, candles, paintings, fiber goods, fresh baked snacks, leather crafts, home decor and great gift ideas. Bring the whole family and join in the activities! Scavenger hunt, face painting, crafts for kids, hot chocolate station, tic tac toe competitions and games galore. Visitors can check out a leather craft demo, beekeeping discussion and honey sampling, meet a local author and make a bookmark too. Families can even see Miss Debbie and Miss Joslyn in the Children’s Room for a special library craft! The library will have a super special visitor from the North Pole stop by before noon for photos with kids. Don’t forget to stay after the market ends for a free Celtic Christmas music concert in the library’s main hall at 2:00 pm. Chris & Katie LaFond will perform a 75-minute live festive holiday concert on harp, flute and guitar. There will be a specialty hot chocolate bar on sale as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Lunenburg Library during the music concert as well.
Please note that library services will be unavailable during these events. Vendors, and the musicians and concert seats, will be placed throughout the library restricting access to books, seating areas, and computer stations.
If you would like more information, please contact Muir Haman at 978-582-4140 ext. 315 or email atmhaman@lunenburgma.gov

To all land occupiers* within Middlesex County, notice is hereby given that on the 9th day of December, 2024, beginning at 6:00 PM, an Annual Meeting will  be held by the Middlesex Conservation District in Room 204 at Acton Town Hall at 472 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720. This annual meeting will be held to make a full report of our activities and financial affairs since the last Annual meeting and to elect supervisors for the Middlesex Conservation District of the State of Massachusetts. Dr. Doug Tallamy, Professor of Agriculture at the University of Delaware and author of Nature’s Best Hope will be giving his presentation virtually first. This meeting is free to attend and all are invited.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Katherine Becker, Chair
Elizabeth Austin, Supervisor, Co-Chair
Miryam Becker, Supervisor, Clerk
Margaret Delano, Supervisor
* Any person who resides, owns land, and or uses land within the county.

Sunday, December 8, 2024
The Shirley Meeting House
On the Center Town Common
Shirley, MA
As we come upon the holiday season, we often find ourselves making lists of “presents to buy, things to be done and places to go.” The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is often both daunting and overwhelming. To take you away from all of this we invite you to the peace and tranquility of The Shirley Meeting House on Sunday, December 8th for our 21st Annual Candlelight Vespers Concert. This year’s theme: A Time of Joy, Peace & Hope.
The doors will open at 6:00 pm and you are invited to sit back and enjoy traditional holiday songs and carols performed on our own Stevens Tracker Organ by Lois Toeppner.
The Vespers program begins a 6:30 and will feature music, stories and poems that will allow you to pause and reflect on the true meaning of the season and the joy, peace and hope it offers us all.
Joy – Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift-giving and of families united. – Norman Vincent Peale
Peace – What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.—Agnes Mae Pharo
Hope –  Christmas is not a story of hope. It is hope.— Craig D. Lounsbrough
The Meeting House Chorale will be under the direction of Bernard Crane and accompanied by pianist Elenye German. Our readers this year are Rebecca Boucher, Eben Goldman, Christine Hatch, Kevin Johnston, Mary Ellen Jones, William Oelfke and James Quinty. Holiday musical selections will be shared by Gus Angelo, Nancy Beaudette, Roy Ellis, Benjamin Farrar, Emilie Faucher, The German Family, Holly Haase, Dawn Kenney, Victoria Landry and Andy Sullivan. It wouldn’t be Vespers if we didn’t invite all of you to join in the singing so warm up your voices and be ready to lift them in song. Following the program you are all invited to the Center Town Hall for warm cider, dessert and conversation with friends. We look forward to seeing you.
Candlelight Vespers is our gift to the community for their support throughout. As always, any  donations are welcome and appreciated.
The Shirley Meeting House is ADA Accessible.

Organization(s): Emerson Health, Auxiliary of Emerson Health
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2024
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Emerson Health, 133 Old Rd to Nine Acre Corner, Main Building, Concord, MA 01742
Description: Over thirty years ago, Tree of Lights began to remember and celebrate those whom we loved and were inspirational to our community. We continue that to this day. Join us for the Tree of Lights Open House! For our 36th year, we’re expanding this beloved tradition into a family-friendly event, and we invite you to be a part of it. Free admission, bring your family and friends! Celebrate the season with activities for all ages: create greeting cards for patients, enjoy performances by talented local youth musicians, experience our art exhibit by local artists dedicated to remembrance, light, hope, and love, and visit our contemplation area to honor loved ones who continue to touch our lives. Support Pediatric and Adolescent Care at Emerson Health by dedicating a Light ($10) or a Star ($25) in memory or honor of someone special. Tribute names submitted by December 4 will be included on our Tribute Wall at the event. Let’s light up the season with love and remembrance! For more information and to make a dedication, visit emersonhealth.org/treeoflights.
Cost: $0
Website: http://emersonhealth.org/treeoflights

Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:30 pm
Westford Museum
2 Boston Rd, Westford, MA
The Essex Junta: Newburyport and the 3 World Wars is the 19th book in Brody’s “Templars in America” series, which focuses on American history during the 1800s. While the Templars play a part in the narrative, this novel centers more on a powerful cabal of Massachusetts shipping families known as the Essex Junto (Brody uses the modern spelling “Junta”). These families amassed wealth through the opium trade and sought to have New England secede from the Union.
The story, though remarkable, is based on actual events. These families collaborated with agents they embedded in the South, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War. Documentary evidence suggests they may also have been involved in plans that led to World Wars I and II. Additionally, these families had close ties to Freemasonry, particularly with the influential Masonic figurehead Albert Pike, and they were founders of Yale’s exclusive Skull and Bones Society.
David S. Brody, an attorney turned fiction writer, currently focuses his writings on sites and artifacts that provide evidence of pre-Columbian exploration of America. He refers to this as the “Templars in America” series, as much of this exploration seems connected to the medieval Knights Templar. Brody incorporates artifacts and historical sites into his books to create modern-day suspense plots.
His journey began with the Westford Knight, and he remains captivated by the hidden history of North America and the genuine possibility that waves of European explorers arrived on our shores long before Columbus. He hopes that his readers share in his fascination.
Suggested Donation: $10 per person
Your contribution supports preserving and maintaining artifacts in the Westford Museum collection. Thank you for your support of the Westford Museum.

December 12, 2024, 12:00 pm, hosted by Concord Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 68 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. Please contact Amanda Spinale, Compass Memory Care Director, at 978-369-4728 or aspinale@concordpark.org for more information and the Zoom link. This group is free and open to the public.
Concord Park Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years.

Sunday, December 15th – 4pm – St Anne Church, 75 King Street, Littleton, MA
“Lessons & Carols” is a service of light that weaves together scripture, prayer and song to tell the story of the promised messiah, Jesus Christ. Each of the nine scripture readings (lessons) are followed by a carol and prayer that reflect the message of the reading. “Lessons & Carols” is a perfect way to prepare our hearts for Christmas!
Come hear music from our Adult & Youth Ensembles and talented Readers and Musicians!  Adults and children are welcome!
Free will offering at the door to benefit: Blessed Trinity Parish suggested donation: $10 adults, $5 seniors/students

Be careful what you wish for, as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical  Into the Woods JR. featuring all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.  Follow the baker and his wife, who wish to have a child. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever. Along the way, meet Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk.
Show times are Thursday, December 5 at 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 at 7:00 pm, and Saturday, December 7 at 1:00 pm
at Blanchard Middle School, 14 West Street, Westford MA
Tickets go on sale November 24th to the general public on https://cur8.com/16703/project/127071?fbclid=IwY2xjawGriZJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQPJPs_xHPWlFVOlpPE6VCGfqI-dep9FiPVe4Dd1RHElF3xJr5hqAfITTg_aem_qEkHM_UzbmxmYdXX_8SxhA
$10 for children
$12 for adults at cur8.com
Tickets will be sold for $15 at the door. CASH OR CHECK ONLY.

The Christmas holiday shopping season has once again arrived, and it is an important time to shop in our local communities. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods, not solely in terms of jobs and powering our economy, but in the character, value, and charm they bring to our Main Streets.
There are far too many empty storefronts, quiet downtowns, and struggling small businesses across Massachusetts. Main Street is still grappling with elevated inflation, high utility costs, changing consumer habits, and other economic pressures. But there is a way consumers can help – by shopping and dining at local, independently-owned businesses right where we live and work. Sixty-seven cents of every dollar spent at a local small business is reinvested in the community, and small businesses support our local tax base, governments, and schools, while also enriching our communities. A staggering 90% of small business owners have financially supported community or civic groups, including youth sports leagues, community events, charities, and school programs. Small businesses support us, and we need to support them.
During this busy time of year, there is a temptation to order online from retail giants and big box stores for the sake of convenience, but we cannot and should not forget about our neighbors, friends, and family who own small businesses. The 15th annual Small Business Saturday is on November 30th, and it serves as a reminder for all of us to visit our Main Street businesses for great deals and first-class service. Shop small and local this Saturday and throughout the entire holiday season, or even better, the year ahead.
Christopher Carlozzi is the Massachusetts Director of the National Federation of Independent Business.