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Westford LWV Voters’ Guide Available Now
Candidates’ Night Scheduled for Wednesday, April 13

WESTFORD: Election Day – Tuesday, May 3 – is fast approaching. Each year, the League of Women Voters of Westford sponsors a Voters’ Guide for the Town election. Candidates running for local office are asked to provide background information on themselves and to respond to questions pertaining to their candidacy.

This year, elections are being held for Board of Health, Housing Authority, Library Trustees, Planning Board, School Committee, and Select Board. Only two of these races – Board of Health and School Committee – are contested. The LWV Voters’ Guide enables residents to learn more about those running for public office before going to the polls. The LWV of Westford Voters’ Guide can be found on the League’s website, lwv.westford.org.

In addition, the League’s virtual Candidates’ Night will be broadcast live on Wednesday, April 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. All candidates – even those running unopposed – have been invited to participate. Go to lwv.westford.org to register. Candidates’ Night will also be recorded and made available on the League’s website and Westford CAT’s streaming video service and YouTube channel. The League welcomes and strongly encourages questions from the public. Questions can be submitted both during the broadcast and in advance online until Friday, April 8. Due to time constraints, not all submitted questions may be asked and the League may combine or edit questions for brevity and clarity. The link to submit questions can be found on lwv.westford.org. Jo-Ann Berry of the League of Women Voters of the Acton Area will be the event moderator.

Westford has changed its voting precincts to reflect the population changes as calculated by the most recent Federal Census. These changes include the addition of a seventh precinct and consolidation of polling locations. Precincts 1, 3, 4, and 7 will vote at Westford Academy. Precincts 2, 5, and 6 will vote at Stony Brook Middle School. Not sure of your precinct? Check the postcard you recently received from the Town Clerk’s office or go to wheredoivotema.com.

No-excuse vote by mail and early voting will not be available for this election. Those who can’t make it to the polls can vote absentee. Information about who can vote absentee and instructions for requesting an absentee ballot can be found at mailmyballotma.com or contact the Town Clerk’s office at townclerk@westfordma.gov or 978-692-5515.

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

Middlesex West Chamber Announces May 5 Awards Gala & Scholarship Fundraiser Banquet

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WESTFORD: May 5 at 5:30pm, celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce under the tent at the Westford Regency, 219 Littleton Road. You'll be helping to raise funds for local high school scholarships while helping to recognize this year’s awardees for outstanding achievements in the community.  Feast, rub elbows with neighbors, colleagues, and government leaders and applaud the people who
serve our community with greatness and style. And while you're there--don't miss the margaritas.  Sign up for tickets at www.mwcoc.com or call 978-263-0010 to make your reservation at $80 per person
individually and $600 per table.

Congratulations to the Middlesex West Chamber Awardees:
 
  • Business of the Year—Insulet Corporation, Acton
  • Community Service— Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough
  • Chamber Presidential—Don Ludwig, Ludwig Agency, American National Insurance, Boxborough
  • Chamber Member of the Year— Tom Popson of Mortgage Network, Pepperell
  • Lifetime Achievement—George Duncan (pictured), Founder of Enterprise Bank
  • Lifetime Achievement—Tom Tidman, Town of Acton, NARA Park, Acton Arboretum
  • New Business of the Year—Voyager Publishing’s Discover Concord
  • Non-profit Business of the Year— Minute Man Arc, Concord
  • Restaurant of the Year—Concord's Colonial Inn
  • Retailer of the Year— The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Acton  
  • Service to the Chamber—Jonathan Kerr, Chamber Executive Director Emeritus, Groton,
Rogers thomas

Patriots Day Candlelight Tribute at Fairview Cemetery

WESTFORD: While the sun sets (6:30-8pm) on April 19, there will be a first-ever Patriots Day (April 19th) Candlelight Tribute in the Old Division of Fairview Cemetery, on the corner of Main Street and Tadmuck Road. In this unique self-guided stroll, you can access the service records of Westford’s Revolutionary War Patriots on your phone or tablet. There will be colonial interpreters to answer your questions stationed throughout the illuminated cemetery.

In the days, weeks, and months leading to April 19, 1775, Westford men were drilling and training on the Westford Common preparing to march on the alarm. The simmering tensions between the American colonists and the British government would reach its breaking point and the residents of Westford stood firm and made clear their intentions to support the colony.

Here are few of the soldier that answered the Alarm and marched to Concord on the Alarm of April 19, 1775, that are memorialized in Fairview Cemetery:
 
  • John Abbot (1743-1805) 2nd Lt, Westford’s First Foot Company
  • Thomas Cummings (1734-1818) 1st Lieutenant Westford’s Minute Company  
  • Hosea Hildreth (1744-1776) Corporal, Westford’s Second Foot Company
  • Jonathan Minot (1723-1806) Captain, Westford’s Second Foot Company.
  • Rev. Willard Hall (1703-1779) A Loyalist and minister to the First Parish Church of Westford
  • Thomas Greenough, Jr (1738-1775), refugee from Boston.

All these men impacted the history of Westford and ultimately the outcome of the war. This Patriots Day, pay homage to our Revolutionary War Patriots. A donation is requested of $5 per person/$10 per family. Rain date: Saturday April 23, 6:30pm.

The mission of the Westford Historical Society is to promote the understanding and appreciation of Westford’s unique history to the community. By providing programming that features aspects of the daily lives, activities and achievements of Westford residents, we strive to expand and enrich understanding of how our town continues to evolve. We foster an environment of teaching and learning that strengthens our sense of community. We will collect, preserve and exhibit documents, photographs, objects and sites historically significant to Westford, and encourage outside efforts to do the same.

Westford Climate Action Invites Everyone to April Earth Month Events

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WESTFORD: Westford Climate Action is holding events throughout the month of April to celebrate Earth Day! There will be nature hikes and walks every Saturday; children’s workshops about weather forecasting, recycling, and mushroom-growing at the J.V. Fletcher Library; litter cleanups; and a family-friendly Earth Day Festival.
 
The Festival will take place on Friday, April 22 from 3-5:30 pm on the Westford Town Common. Music will be provided by Oh Contraire and Momentum Rocks. The Animal Craze Traveling Zoo will allow children to feed, brush and hold a lamb, baby goat, piglet, chicks, ducklings, and baby bunnies. Children can make posters about Earth Day or bring their own and be eligible for a free drawing for prizes. Experts on alternative energy, sustainability, recycling, solar energy, and Mass Save rebates will be available. The Westford Museum will have a display of Native American artifacts. Several speakers will inspire and bring us up to date on the State’s and Town’s climate goals. 
 
Organizations partnering with WCA:  Westford’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee, Recycling Commission, First Parish Church United, J.V. Fletcher Library, League of Women Voters of Westford, Mass Heat Smart Alliance, Mass Save, Sustainable Westford, Westford Conservation Trust, Westford Museum and the Westford Boy Scouts.
 
Join in and learn how to reduce our carbon footprint and help preserve our planet. For more details, please visit westfordclimateaction.org/events.
 
Westford Climate Action is a grassroots organization of town residents who are concerned about the climate crisis. Our mission is to drive climate action. We promote sustainability and advocate on a local level for actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard the health of our community for future generations.
Reuben

Call for Art at the Reuben Hoar Library

LITTLETON: The Gallery Committee of Reuben Hoar Library invites artists to exhibit their work in the Library. The Gallery Once space is available for shows nine months of the year. Various 2-D media is welcome and must be firmly wired for display.  Artists need to submit a minimum of five samples of their work, an exhibit application and a waiver by June 6. The two forms are available at www.littletonlibrary.org under the "About Us/Gallery" heading. Please submit to chardy-faraci@littletonlibrary.org, or mail the forms along with CD/photos of your work to The Gallery Committee, c/o Reuben Hoar Library, 35 Shattuck Street, Littleton, MA 01460.  For more information check the library’s website at www.littletonlibrary.org or inquire at the circulation desk.
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Kennedys

The First Kennedys—The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty with Author Neal Thompson

LITTLETON: On March 29 at 7pm, explore the inspiring story of the poor Irish refugee couple who escaped famine, created a life together in a city hostile to Irish, immigrants, and Catholics, and launched the Kennedy dynasty in America.

Their Irish ancestry was a hallmark of the Kennedys’ initial political profile, as JFK leveraged his working-class roots to connect with blue-collar voters. Today, we remember this iconic American family as the vanguard of wealth, power, and style rather than as the descendants of poor immigrants. Meet the first American Kennedys -- Patrick and Bridget -- who arrived as many thousands of others did following the Great Famine -- penniless and hungry. Less than a decade after their marriage in Boston, Patrick’s sudden death left Bridget to raise their children single-handedly. Her rise from housemaid to shop owner in the face of rampant poverty and discrimination kept her family intact, allowing her only son P.J. to become a successful saloon owner and businessman. P.J. went on to become the first American Kennedy elected to public office -- the first of many.

This is a collaborative program with Reuben Hoar Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. To register for this Zoom event, visit https://littletonma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar.

History At PlayTM, LLC Chronicles Lost Legends of The Greatest Generation
World War Women: The Unsung Heroines of WWII - A One-Person Performance Honoring International Women Who Risked Their Lives to Defeat Fascism

Ww2 unsung history at play
WESTFORD: History At PlayTM, LLC (HAP, LLC), has garnered nationwide applause for their Immersive Living History Experiences, chronicling the lives of legendary pioneers who changed society. World War WomenTM: The Unsung Heroines of WWII features HAP, LLC Founder and Artistic Director Judith Kalaora in a multimedia performance that recalls the triumphs of our greatest heroines. The solo performance follows courageous women who risked their lives to defeat Fascism in WWII. Blowing up rail tracks; descrambling German Enigma messages; and flying dangerous missions, these true stories are not for the faint of heart and may be the most influential and often forgotten victories of the war. This program was originally funded by the Bob Jolly Charitable Trust.

Enjoy this LIVE virtual event on March 29, at 7-8:30/PM ET. This live event brings the vibrancy of theatrical history direct to your home. Approximately 75 minutes, followed by real-time audience Q&A. Registration information is available through the Westford Museum and Historical Society’s website at www.museum.westford.org/events.

Josh Lederman, NBC News Political Correspondent, attests: “History At Play connects the dots between the characters that made up our past and the events they shaped that still influence our lives.”
History At Play™, LLC has been embraced by the historical, educational, and theatrical industries with high-caliber programs, offering a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to ask questions of influential and often forgotten historical figures. Appropriate for all ages.

About History At PlayTM, LLC:  HAP, LLC has garnered international attention for their one-person and ensemble Immersive Living History Experiences, chronicling the lives of influential and often forgotten figures. Since 2010, the HAP, LLC Troupe has brought the legacies of great heroines to life in museums, libraries, universities, historical societies, corporations, senior living communities, and schools across the United States. To learn more, or to book an in-person, virtual, or hybrid event, visit HistoryAtPlay.com call +1-617-752-2859, or across Socials @HistoryAtPlay.
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Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford

WESTFORD: Local parents looking for information on summer camps and kids’ activities will find plenty of resources at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair on April 3.  The Fair will take place at the Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center, 219 Littleton Road (Rt. 110) from 12-3pm.

Coordinated by Lowell Macaroni Kid, the Fair is free to attend.  Families can gather information and talk with representatives from local and overnight camps and summer programs as well as local schools offering year-round activities such as sports, STEM, coding, art and more. 

Camps exhibiting at the 2022 Camp Fair include local favorites such as Teamworks Acton, Camp Tahattawan in Littleton, Westford Recreation, Camp Grotonwood and Camp Massapoag as well as specialty and overnight camps such as Code Wiz, Camp Hawkeye, TA-DAH Studio of Dance and more.  Lowell Macaroni Kid also has an online Summer Camp Guide on its website (Lowell.MacaroniKid.com) as a resource for parents who cannot attend the Camp Fair. 

For a list of camps attending the Fair, please visit Lowell Macaroni Kid at Lowell.MacaroniKid.com.  Exhibitor requests and other requests for information can be directed to barbarae@macaronikid.com or (978) 239-3038.
Prest

PCA Welcomes Wendy Prest as April Artist of the Month

WESTFORD: Parish Center for the Arts' Art Gallery welcomes pastel artist Wendy Prest as April Artist of the Month. The exhibition dates are from April 4-May 1. The Gallery will be open Sundays from noon-2pm. An artist’s reception will be held on April 10, noon-3pm.
 
Pastel works are called paintings rather than drawings. Although no brush is used and the pastel is applied as one might apply chalk or crayon, the end results look like paintings rather than drawings.Wendy has been painting with pastels for about 15 years, supported by a small group of local friends who are also pastel artists. She also belongs to an online group called How To Pastel, where artists share their current work and can give or request advice. She gives HTP lots of credit for improving her pastel skills. Prest is an avid photographer. “I have been a lover of beauty all my life, especially flowers. My photography enhances my pastel work and I usually paint from my own photos.” She has studied with Joelle Feldman, Robert Carsten, Karen Israel and Laura Pollak as well as taking courses at Riviere College in drawing. Prest has had several one-woman shows and has won numerous awards, including a first and a second prize in pastels at the Westford Regional Art Show at the PCA in years before Covid.
 
Wendy’s work can also be seen at www.wendyprest.com and she can be contacted at wendy.prest@gmail.com.

Interested in becoming the Westford Colonial Minuteman?

Westford minutemen
WESTFORD: The Westford Minutemen/6th Middlesex Regiment will hold their annual recruitment and open house at the Westford Museum, 2 Boston Road, on March 27 from 1-3pm. Members will also be available to answer questions about their April’s 18th Patriot’s Day Col. John Robinson Trail march from Westford to Concord and other Westford Town events they participate in. Weather and ground conditions permitting, the Minutemen will also be practicing the manual of arms on the Westford Common. 

Today’s recreated Minuteman company is a relatively informal organization made up of individuals and families who are interested in 18th century life in New England. Founded in 1967, they have a long and proud history, and members participate in events that support our community.  There are no specific attendance requirements.  People of any age are welcome, although members must be 16 years of age and have parental consent.  Musicians who are interested in period fife and drum music are always in great demand and are encouraged to look into our hobby!

The only real requirement of the group is to acquire the proper period clothing and accouterments. Westford Colonial Minutemen have many friendly and knowledgeable members who are willing to help you become acquainted with 18th century clothing and can provide or direct you toward appropriate patterns.  Alternatively, we can suggest a number of establishments who can provide clothing for you.

The mission of the Westford Historical Society is to promote the understanding and appreciation of Westford’s unique history to the community. By providing programming that features aspects of the daily lives, activities and achievements of Westford residents, we strive to expand and enrich understanding of how our town continues to evolve. We foster an environment of teaching and learning that strengthens our sense of community. We will collect, preserve and exhibit documents, photographs, objects and sites historically significant to Westford, and encourage outside efforts to do the same. For more information visit our website at www.museum.westford.org.

End Hunger New England Announces Plan to Send up to 1 Million Meals to Ukraine & Refugee Centers

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PEMBROKE: EndHungerNE announced that it has started a funding campaign to package and ship up to one-million meals to Ukraine and refugee centers in surrounding countries. The plan is to raise $350,00 in the next 2 months. All of the money tagged for the Ukraine will be used for food. 

Matthew Martin, the organization’s Development Coordinator stated, “We have been working on this for a while and just coordinated with a shipping and distribution partner to get our meals overseas. The situation in Ukraine is dire, our volunteers and supporters have been asking if we were going to get involved – and the answer to that is YES! We’ll start packaging this weekend.”

“The financial and volunteer support we have experienced over the past two years has been incredible. Over 1200 volunteers are regularly showing up at our Pembroke facility – brownie troops, high schoolers and sports teams, local civic and church groups, seniors – it's just been amazing! The more funding we can acquire, the more meals our volunteers can pack.” 

To make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.endhungerne.org. Checks can be made out to The Outreach Program (parent non-profit of EndHunger NE) and sent to 93 Whiffletree Lane, Marshfield, MA 02050. Please write Ukraine on the memo line and please check with your company to see if they offer a corporate match or are seeking to support the mission of EndHungerNE.
Swimmersrunning 1500 400

Volunteers Needed for Appleman Triathlon

LITTLETON: The Rotary Club of Littleton's annual Appleman Triathlon is being held on July 17, 2022.  This swim-bicycle-run event, which starts from the Littleton Town Beach, is the largest annual fundraiser for the Club, which donates 100% of the net profits to help a large number of nonprofit organizations achieve their goals throughout the year.  Besides that, it’s fun!

The Club is looking for lots of volunteers to make this event run smoothly.  Set-up on Saturday (July 16) and clean-up on Sunday afternoon (July 17) are always labor-intensive, and as the saying goes, “many hands make light work.”  There is some heavy lifting to be done on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon and transportation of signs, fences, traffic cones etc. to and from the storage barn in Littleton to the Town Beach.  We need a truck to transport these materials, too. Feel free to invite friends, fellow workers, or family members to register at www.applemantriathlon.com/volunteer-2 to make this event a success! 

Some of the specific tasks include assisting with parking and traffic control; setting up signs, tents, tables, seating, fencing, and traffic cones;  registering participants and handing out "goody bags", runner numbers, and more to them; marking the bike/run paths; being posted in positions along the trail to make sure participants don't go astray; handing out water along the route; and making sure runners get water and a special gift at the finish line.   And of course everything that's brought to the Town Beach from the storage barn on Saturday has to be packed up and returned to the storage barn on Sunday. 

For more information about the Triathlon, please contact Judy Grande, Appleman Volunteer Coordinator at judygrande2016@gmail.com, or visit the Appleman website at www.applemantriathlon.com.

The Rotary Club of Littleton is a service club made up of men and women from the Littleton area.  The Club meets every Wednesday in the cafe at the rear of 1 Monarch Drive, Littleton (off Taylor Street).  Breakfast is available starting at 7:15am, and the meeting starts promptly at 7:30am.  If you would like to be a guest and learn more about Rotary, please contact our Club President, Lehel Reeves, at lehel.reeves@mac.com, or call 978-430-3305.

New Sunday Hours and New Exhibit “Hard Rock Mining” at the Westford Museum

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WESTFORD: The Westford Museum, located at 2 Boston Road is reopening Sunday March 6, from 1pm - 3pm with a new exhibit “Hard Rock Mining”.  Most everyone knows there were granite mines located throughout Westford, but what else was mined nearby and when? See and learn about the four commercially mined minerals of Southwestern New Hampshire: Mica – Quartz – Feldspar – and Beryl. Learn what they look like, what they can be used for, and the Gemstones they can become! The exhibit will run May-September 2022. Suggested donation $5 per person/$10 per family.  For more information, visit www.museum.westford.org.

This is the debut of Jim Pecora’s Mica Mine Schoolhouse’s “dynamite and blasting” exhibit!  This explosive display highlights the newest donations to Pecora’s Museum courtesy of the former “Thomas Company’s” of Spofford New Hampshire.  Carl Thomas was a blasting specialist, owner of the world-famous Beryl Mountain Mine in Acworth NH and owner of several equipment manufacturer companies for blasting services and tools the last 6+ decades in New England and beyond.

A portal to the History, Geology, Gemology, & Lapidary Arts of New England. Jim Pecora is a Mining Historian, Lapidarist, and Jeweler. Pecora is the Executive Director of the New England Mineral Museum (NEMM), a New Hampshire Non-Profit. Google “Pecoras Mica Mine Schoolhouse” which is the YouTube & traveling road show arm of the Museum that offers a multitude of educational programs to youth and adults alike. Jim is known as “the NH Rock Guy”

The mission of the Westford Historical Society is to promote the understanding and appreciation of Westford’s unique history to the community. By providing programming that features aspects of the daily lives, activities and achievements of Westford residents, we strive to expand and enrich understanding of how our town continues to evolve. We foster an environment of teaching and learning that strengthens our sense of community. We will collect, preserve and exhibit documents, photographs, objects and sites historically significant to Westford, and encourage outside efforts to do the same.
Townseal

Do you know a social worker?

LITTLETON: March is National Social Work month. Join The Littleton Department of Elder and Human Services to celebrate Littleton’s own superhumans. The theme for Social Work Month 2022 is, “The Time is Right for Social Work.” Here are just some of the ways Outreach Workers support our community:
 
  • Support Groups: If you’d like to chat with other caregivers or just hear how others are doing it, join us for Caregiver Support Group. Call 978-540-2470 to sign up.
  • Littleton EHS hosts a monthly Living Alone and Living Well Group via Zoom. Please contact Amy at 978-540-2472 for info, and to sign up.
  • Littleton EHS hosts an Anxiety Group and we would love to have you join. Please contact Nicole Sarvela at 978-540-2475 for info and to sign up.
  • Financial Assistance: The Littleton Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (LEMP) provides temporary emergency mortgage assistance to those who need help paying their mortgage. The short application asks for your contact information, housing situation, and income. To apply, go to: www.littletonma.org/elder-and-human-services/pages/littleton-emergency-mortgage-assistance-program

The Littleton Rental Assistance Program (LRAP) provides rental assistance to income-eligible households who are renting qualified housing units in the Town of Littleton. The goal of the program is to provide greater housing stability and housing opportunities to cost burdened renters in Littleton. The rental assistance available through the program will be provided for a period of one year in the amount of $250/month to each participating household. Contact us for more information 978-540-2470. 
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Parish Center for the Arts Presents Photography by Nancy Rich: Afloat

WESTFORD: The Westford Parish Center for the Arts is pleased to welcome Nancy Rich as Artist of the Month for March 2022 with a collection of photographs entitled, “Afloat.” The exhibit will run from March 1 until April 3 with an artist’s reception to be held on March 13 from noon until 3pm.
 
Since retiring in 2016, Nancy focuses her creative passion on making photographs that bring joy, beauty, and a sense of wonder. “I’ve always had a voracious appetite to figuratively wrap my arms around most anything I see. The camera helps me do this. I want to understand what makes things tick and the science behind their being.” Portraiture, travel, and macro photography inspire much of Nancy’s work. Each type of photography feeds her creative need to explore, experiment, and learn.
 
A particular draw for Nancy has been the captivating and unpredictable movement of water.  It  inspired three major collections: “Nor’eastern Dinghies,” “Sea Sculptures,” and “Glass, Liquid and Ice Capades.”  In 2009, "Afloat on the Tide," a book of Nancy’s photographs of small wooden boats, was published by Sheridan House.
 
The Parish Center for the Arts is located at 10 Lincoln Street.
Winterbooksale

Stock Up on Winter Reading, Watching & Listening: Grab Bags of Books, CDs and DVDs for Sale

WESTFORD: On March 6 from 1-4pm, the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library will hold a drive through grab bag book/CD/DVD sale in the parking lot of the J.V. Fletcher Library at 50 Main Street. All sealed bags will hold a random selection of items. No peeking allowed! Customers will pay, grab, and go from the comfort of their car. There will be book grab bags by genre of mystery, romance, popular fiction, biography, history, and more, 6-8 books per bag for adults. Kids and young adult books will be separated by age/grade and include 10 books per bag. Grab bags of CDs will be either classical or mixed, and DVDs will be either kids or adult mixed. All bags are $5. We can only accept cash at this sale.

The library is unable to accept donations at this time. They are hoping to start accepting donations again soon. Check www.westfordlibraryfriends.org for updates.
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Virginia Hall, A WWII spy behind enemy lines, Author Discussion w/ Heather Demetrios

WESTFORD: On Tuesday, March 1 from 7pm-8pm, Heather Demetrios will read from her new book, Code Name Badass: the True Story of Virginia Hall followed by a discussion. this will be a pre-registration required virtual event.  See the Westford Historical Society website to register for the Heather Demertrios book reading and discussion and for more information on the Westford Women Go to War program series and Westford women WWII veterans at: www.museum.westford.org.

During World War II, Virginia Hall was behind enemy lines, playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Hitler’s henchmen. Virginia Hall was the baddest broad in any room she walked into. This boss lady helped arm and train the French Resistance and organized sabotage missions. There was just one problem: the Butcher of Lyon, a notorious Gestapo commander, was after her. But, Virginia’s classmates didn’t call her “the Fighting Blade” for nothing.

Leslie Howard, President of the Westford Historical Society, thanks the Westford Cultural Council for their grant to bring this special event to Westford. “It’s a unique opportunity to have an author read and discuss their latest book with readers.” She further said, “Stories about the role of women in war aren’t always known or told, so this program is an excellent introduction. The book discussions in early February were lively and engaging. The evening with Heather Demetrios will surely be the same.”

As part of the Westford Museums and Historical Society, 2022 Winter Program Series, “Westford Women go to War,” we feature the role of Westford Women in World War II. Westford Women, in uniform, took office and clerical jobs in the armed forces to free men to fight. They served both at home and abroad, volunteering for the newly formed Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs, later renamed the Women’s Army Corps), the Navy Women’s Reserve (WAVES), the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve, the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (SPARS), the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS), the Army Nurses Corps, and the Navy Nurse Corp.

Heather Demetrios is a critically acclaimed author, writing coach, and certified meditation teacher. She has an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is a recipient of the PEN America Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award for her debut novel, Something Real. Her novels include Little Universes, I’ll Meet You There, Bad Romance, as well as the Dark Caravan fantasy series: Exquisite Captive, Blood Passage, and Freedom’s Slave. Her non-fiction includes the Virginia Hall biography Code Name Badass and she is the editor of Dear Heartbreak: YA Authors and Teens on the Dark Side of Love. Her honors include books that have been named Bank Street Best Children’s Books, YALSA Best Fiction For Young Adults selections, a Goodreads Choice Nominee, a Kirkus Best Book, and a Barnes and Noble Best Book. Her work
has appeared in LA Review of Books, Bustle, School Library Journal, and other fine outlets. Find out more about Heather and her books at heatherdemetrios.com

The mission of the Westford Historical Society is to promote the understanding and appreciation of Westford’s unique history to the community. By providing programming that features aspects of the daily lives, activities and achievements of Westford residents, we strive to expand and enrich understanding of how our town continues to evolve. We foster an environment of teaching and learning that strengthens our sense of community. We will collect, preserve, and exhibit documents, photographs, objects, and sites historically significant to Westford, and encourage outside efforts to do the same.

This program is funded through a grant from the Westford Cultural Council.
Loriz

Lori Zuroff Jazz Quintet "Ladybug" CD Release Party at Parish Center

WESTFORD: The Lori Zuroff Jazz Quintet is the Parish Center for the Art's next live music show in their jazz concert series, and will be held on Saturday, February 26 at 7:30pm. This concert is dedicated to celebrating the release of Zuroff’s jazz CD “Ladybug”. Joining Lori in her jazz quintet are Molly Flannery on piano, Bill McCormack on bass, Bill Vint on saxophone, and Miki Matsuki on drums.

Zuroff’s sultry, smoky, swinging jazz vocal style has been gracing various jazz, rock, blues, and R&B bands for over 20 years at venues from Boston to Worcester to Cape Cod and beyond. She studied jazz vocals for several years with Boston’s own jazz divas Rebecca Parris and Dominique Eade, and with Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton in New York City.

Tickets are available in advance online or at door (cash/credit). Suggested Donation: $25 Adults, $21 Members. Cabaret style seating. BYOB (drinks/food). Doors open at 7pm!
 
Proof of Covid vaccination must be shown, and masks should be worn at all times except when actively eating/drinking. More info at https://westford.org/pca.
Intheheights

Celebrate 45 Years of Crowd-Pleasing Shows with Nashoba Players!

WESTFORD: We’ve seen many things in the last 45 years – eight Presidents, the fall of the Berlin Wall, Three Mile Island, Johnny Carson's retirement from "The Tonight Show", U.S. Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson, an historical musical that changed the history of musicals, racial unrest and a country divided in the most heated political environment since the Civil War. And what has been there through it all? The Nashoba Players!

Celebrating 45 Years in 2022, Nashoba Players began as Groton Theatre and Littleton Theatre Guild, and evolved into its current incarnation. A member of the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres and recipients of repeated recognitions at EMACT Festivals for outstanding achievements, The Players enjoy their residence at the intimate and inviting Parish Center for the Arts at 10 Lincoln Street. A theatrical season usually offers three or more performances including drama, comedy, musicals or a whimsical tongue-in-cheek melodrama. They have previously entertained audiences with fun-filled murder mysteries and dinner theatre, and have sponsored performances by guest artists. They have offered summer theatre workshops for young people in the community culminating in a musical. In short, The Players are a dynamic, non-profit community theatre dedicated to providing cultural enrichment and quality entertainment through live theatre.

This season, celebrating 45 years includes ‘The Foreigner’ by Larry Shue, a comedy opening in March, and "an audience-pleasing, interactive spoof they cannot yet name, with adults acting like children" in October. Audiences, talented cast and crew members, and other volunteers come from many towns including Westford, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Lowell, Dracut, Groton, Ayer, Littleton, Pepperell, Dunstable, Acton, Shirley, Nashua, Marlboro, Berlin, Hudson, Melrose, Boston, Arlington, Harvard, Boxboro, Leominster, Lunenburg, Townsend, Tyngsboro and more!

To keep things in motion for almost a half-century, much needed support comes from donors and sponsors from all of the Players’ communities. Recently, The Players have begun a fundraising campaign to kickstart 2022’s season line-up. Show program ads range from $25 to $100, but donations in all amounts are welcomed and truly appreciated. Sponsorship tiers are also available from $100 to $5,000.

If you’d like to make a contribution to The Nashoba Players as an individual, or as a local business looking to give back to a community organization, contact fundraising volunteer JulieAnn Govang at JAG4NP@gmail.com, or call (978) 302-9121 and she will send out complete information to you via mail or email. 100% of proceeds go directly to the organization. Deadline for ad reservations is February 18, 2022.

The Nashoba Players are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. To learn more about what’s in store or how to get involved, visit them online at www.nashobaplayers.org!

PHOTO: From Nashoba Players acclaimed production of the musical "In the Heights"
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Westford Access to Town Meeting Survey

WESTFORD: On September 14, 2021 the Westford Select Board appointed an 11-person committee charged with developing ideas for increasing attendance and participation at Town Meeting. The Access to Town Meeting Committee has been meeting regularly since and working hard to brainstorm and flesh out new ideas. This diverse group of dedicated volunteers is thinking outside the box in an effort to broaden the number and kind of voters who exercise their right be part of Westford’s legislative body – Town Meeting. Twice each year, Westford holds Town Meetings where the voters decide on our budget and other essential issues. Attendance (even before COVID) can be woefully light, often less than 2% of the Town voting population. What can be done to get people to participate in this important process? What factors prevent them from doing so? What technological advances can we employ to assist in resolving this issue? You can help...
 
One of the first steps is to survey the community and find out what the voters feel about Town Meeting and how they think it can be improved. Take a few moments to complete the ATM survey (just five questions!) here: https://bit.ly/WestfordTMsurvey. You can be even more helpful by posting the link to social media and asking your friends to participate as well. For those who are more comfortable with paper, there are hard copies of the survey available at the J. V. Fletcher Library, the Cameron Senior Center, the Town Clerk’s Office and the Roudenbush Community Center.
The next Town Meeting is scheduled for June 11 at the Westford Academy field.
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Pre-order Period for At-home Covid-19 Tests Has Begun

The Biden Administration is offering free rapid tests to all residents in the United States. The pre-order period for the at-home COVID-19 tests via www.covidtests.gov has begun. Every household in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free and will usually ship in 7-12 days. Please visit www.covidtests.gov to submit an order and learn more.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Seeks Request for Proposals for 2022 Discretionary Grant Cycles & Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund

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LOWELL: The Greater Lowell Community Foundation will open its 2022 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund and Discretionary Grant Cycles on February 2 and is seeking requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations. The Foundation will award $160,000 through the Discretionary Grant Cycle. Funding areas for 2022 include children’s services, elder services and racial equity/inclusion.

Non-profit organizations serving the communities of Acton, Ashby, Ayer, Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro, Westford, and Wilmington are invited to apply.

Additionally, GLCF will open its 2022 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Cycle on February 2. The foundation seeks requests for proposals from non-profit organizations supporting the advancement of community health of residents in the following GLCF communities: Ashby, Ayer, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend, and Westford. The Foundation will award $80,000 through this grant program.

Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Cycle grant awards will range from $5,000 up to $20,000; however, larger scale collaborative projects that are more than $20,000 will be considered if the funding request is justified by the impact of the project. Of particular interest are proposals that address systemic issues like (but not limited to) addiction/ substance abuse, domestic violence, food insecurity, mental health, suicide screening and prevention, obesity, racial equity and inclusion and other specific issues as indicated by community needs.

Grant applications for both grant opportunities must be submitted by noon on March 4, 2022. Grant recipients will be announced in May. More information is available on the foundation’s website: www.glcfoundation.org.

For more information about the grant process, contact Sharon, GLCF Grants Coordinator with any questions at sharon@glcfoundation.org.

Established in 1997, the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) is a philanthropic organization comprised of more than 390 funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in 21 neighboring cities and towns. With financial assets of more than $55 million, GLCF annually awards grants and scholarships to hundreds of worthy nonprofits and students. It is powered by the winning combination of donor-directed giving, personal attention from Foundation staff, and an in-depth understanding of local needs. The generosity of our donors has enabled the Community Foundation to award more than $25 million to the Greater Lowell community.

PHOTO: Catie’s Closet, Inc. received a past Discretionary Children’s Grant to support their Lowell program. Pictured, Catie’s Closet volunteers with special request bags packed with urgently needed items for children.
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7th Annual Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair February 6

WESTFORD: Local parents looking for information on summer camps and kids’ activities will find plenty of resources at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on Sunday, February 6.  The Summer Camp Fair will take place at the Westford Regency, 219 Littleton Road from 12-3pm on February 6.

Coordinated by Lowell Macaroni Kid, the Fair is free to attend.  Families can gather information and talk with representatives from local and overnight camps and summer programs as well as local schools offering year-round activities such as sports, STEM, coding, art and more.   Please note that masks are required at the Fair, per town mandate.

Camps exhibiting at the 2022 Camp Fair include local favorites such as The Kids League of Westford, Camp Tahattawan, Camp Grotonwood and Camp Massapoag as well as specialty and overnight camps such as Code Wiz, 4-H Camp Middlesex, Camp Hawkeye and more.  Lowell Macaroni Kid also has an online Summer Camp Guide on its website (https://Lowell.MacaroniKid.com) as a resource for parents who cannot attend the Camp Fair.  If you're unable to attend the February 6th fair, there will be another Camp Fair at Teamworks Acton, 30 Great Rd, Acton on Sunday, March 6, from 1:30-4 PM and also at the Westford Regency on Sunday, April 3, from 12-3 PM.

For a list of camps attending the Fair, please visit Lowell Macaroni Kid at https://lowell.macaronikid.com.  Exhibitor requests and other requests for information can be directed to barbarae@macaronikid.com or (978) 239-3038.

“Meeting the Climate Challenge: The View from an MIT Observatory”, a free Climate Seminar

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WESTFORD: Westford Climate Action presents “Meeting the Climate Challenge: The View from an MIT Observatory”, a free Climate Seminar by professional staff from MIT Haystack Observatory, located in Westford. On Thursday, January 27 at 7pm, Dr. Colin Lonsdale, radio astronomer and Haystack's director, will present general information about the Observatory’s work and climate change science. Then Dr. Pedro Elosegui, leader of the geodesy team at Haystack, will talk about his Haystack polar geodetic research, which includes global climate and sea-level change. His current efforts are focused on measuring the flow, drift and deformation of the cryosphere and various forms of ice in both the Arctic and Antarctic systems. A Q&A will follow with the audience. 

MIT Haystack Observatory is a radio science research laboratory based in Westford, Massachusetts, whose mission includes the advancement of scientific knowledge of our planet and its atmosphere.

This seminar is co-sponsored by the Westford Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee, and the League of Women Voters of Westford. Register at: https://westfordclimateaction.org/events/

Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate
St. Mark’s Chocolate Festival TO GO! Will Benefit Local Food Pantries in a Safe New Format

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WESTFORD: St Mark’s Episcopal Church is selling delicious boxes of homemade chocolate desserts to raise money for local food pantries in a creative take on its long-running Chocolate Festival. Boxes can be purchased online at www.st-mark.org/chocolate and then picked up at the church on Saturday, February 12, from 1 to 4pm.

For more than 20 years, St. Mark’s Chocolate Festival allowed chocoholics to indulge their cravings—while also helping their neighbors in need—by purchasing tickets to an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of chocolate treats, all made with love by St. Mark’s parishioners. With Chocolate Festival TO GO!, pre-made boxes chocked-full of the same type of homemade chocolate desserts can be ordered online ahead of time (or on the day of the festival if extra boxes are available). Patrons can then come to St. Mark’s to pick up the box safely from volunteers stationed in the parking lot or just inside the church foyer (depending on weather).

Local businesses are also stepping up to donate prizes for the Chocolate Festival raffle, which will feature Valentine’s Day-themed packages. The many valuable prizes include two tickets to an Indian Hill Music Center performance plus an overnight stay at the Groton Inn with breakfast. Raffle tickets can be purchased online (www.st-mark.org/chocolate) for $2 each. Winning tickets will be pulled at the end of the festival at 4pm and will be broadcast on Facebook Live. 

All proceeds benefit local food pantries and St. Mark’s building fund, which supports low-cost community use of its facilities. For more information, visit www.st-mark.org/chocolate.  St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is located at 75 Cold Spring Road.
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Bus Shuttles Replace Weekday Train Service January 24 & 25

Due to the work on the PTC implementation project, bus shuttles will replace weekday train service between Littleton & Wachusett of Fitchburg Line on Monday, January 24 and Tuesday, January 25. Normal weekday train service is expected to resume on Wednesday, January 26.

Visit www.MBTA.com/PTC for more information on how this project will improve commuter rail safety and travel. The dedicated diversion schedule is available online or for pick up at North Station.

As a reminder, during the ongoing PTC/ATC (Positive Train Control/ Automatic Train Control) implementation project, bus shuttles replace train service at weekends between Wachusett and Littleton/495 through the end of winter 2021-2022.

Fitchburg Line Shuttle Details

The shuttles will pick up and drop off passengers as follows:
 
  • Wachusett: in the parking lot in front of the station
  • Fitchburg: in Bay 1 of the Intermodal Transportation Center
  • North Leominster: on the ground level of the parking garage by the stairwell
  • Shirley: at Phoenix St. by the crosswalk
  • Ayer: inside the parking/ drop-off loop
  • Littleton/495: in the parking lot in front of the station

For more information about these service changes, please see http://mbta.com/fbgwork.
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Westford Youth Lacrosse Registering for Spring'22 Season

WESTFORD: Lacrosse is the fastest sport on two feet and one of the fastest growing youth sports in the country. Westford Youth Lacrosse (WYL) is accepting registrations for the Spring 2022 season for the boys and girls programs (Grades 1-8) as well as the mixed FiddleStix Program for Kindergarten age.  WYL play starts in mid-March with indoor practices. Games start in early April and run through mid-June. Boys and Girls programs consist of one to two practices per week with games on Sundays in Westford or the neighboring towns. FiddleStix is a great entry program for Kindergarten age children looking to try something new. No equipment needed. One day per week commitment. No weekends. Early registration rates end January 15  for Grades 1-8 programs so don’t miss out. Grade 1-8 registration will conclude by the end of January. Visit www.westfordlax.org to learn more and to register for any of the WYL programs. FiddleStix registration will remain open until April 1.
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Michelle Willson & the Evil Gal Festival Orchestra at PCA

WESTFORD: Michelle Willson and the Evil Gal Festival Orchestra will perform on 1/8/22 at 8pm at Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street.  Michelle's Evil Gal Festive Orchestra include renowned musicians Michelle Willson (vocals), Zac Casher (drums), Mike Mele (guitar), Shinichi Otsu (keys), and Scott Shetler (sax, clarinet, mandolin). Watch this video of the Michelle Willson and her band performing "Half Past the Blues" - https://youtu.be/byCxz71mk18.

Known to blues lovers around the world as "Evil Gal" and acknowledged by aficionados of Jazz and Blues as a passionate and gifted performer, bandleader and songwriter, Michelle Willson has recorded and released 4 critically acclaimed albums for Rounder/ Bullseye Records. Before signing with Rounder, Michelle's group won a prestigious W.C. Handy award for best unsigned blues act as a result of their win at the Blues Foundation's International Blues competition and Michelle was later nominated for a (best female blues vocal) Handy alongside Etta James and Koko Taylor. For over 3 years, Michelle hosted 2 weekly programs, "Voices of Jazz" and "Jazz n' Blue" on one of the few remaining NPR music stations, WICN, in Worcester, MA. Learn more about this powerhouse vocalist and her band at - www.evilgal.com/music.
 
Tickets are on sale now at https://westford.org/pca/events/michelle-wilson-and-the-evil-gal-festival-orchestra or at door (cash/credit) - $25 GA, $21 members/seniors, $12 youth 12 and under. Doors open 7:30pm.  The PAC offers cafe-style candlelit table seating
BYOB (drinks and appetizers). **VAXXED & MASKED** per Westford Town Mandate
 
The PCA is a private, non-profit arts center located in a historic building on the town common in Westford with weekly events open to the public. A fine art gallery, a concert hall, a dance hall, or a general purpose hall for your private recital or family event, the PCA offers many ways to celebrate the fine and performing arts in a convenient and family-friendly venue. Built in 1829, our historic space is charming, intimate and has a capacity for up to 125 people. There isn’t a bad seat in the house! A volunteer-run organization, they receive no government funding for operations.  They are funded by donations, event revenues and private rentals. Concert series include monthly Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, Classical and Comedy shows, and many Community Events such as Jazz Jams, Bluegrass Jams, Barn Dances, Open Mics for teens and adults, and Karaoke Nights. More info at westford.org/pca.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Winter Advisory Regarding Face Coverings

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This Advisory has been updated as of December 21,  2021.

COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine boosters are highly effective at protecting against serious illness, hospitalization and death and every individual who is eligible and works, studies or resides in Massachusetts is strongly urged to get vaccinated and boosted. The Department of Public Health urges all eligible residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 because vaccination provides the most effective protection from severe illness associated with COVID-19.

In response to the spread of the Delta variant and the emerging Omicron variant, the Department of Public Health now advises that all residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home). The DPH particularly urges this recommendation if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.

Your primary care physician can advise you whether you are at increased risk.  Information from the Centers for Disease Control regarding the conditions that may put you at increased risk can be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.

All people in Massachusetts (regardless of vaccination status) are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including transportation and health care facilities.  Please see www.mass.gov/maskrules for a complete list of venues where face coverings have remained mandatory since May 29, 2021.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s current mask requirement and Policy on Vaccination Rate Threshold issued on September 27th, 2021 is not impacted by this advisory.  As a result of the most comprehensive and robust school testing program in the country, with 99% of public, collaborative and charter districts enrolled, Massachusetts elementary and secondary schools remain open and safe for children and youth to engage in learning, with over 325,000 school days saved. Only schools who can demonstrate they have high vaccination rates of over 80% of all individuals vaccinated are able to remove masks for vaccinated individuals upon a written attestation.
For individuals who are not fully vaccinated, it is especially important that you wear a face covering or mask any time you are indoors and not in your own home to reduce the chance that you may spread COVID-19 to other people. People who show no symptoms of illness may still be able to spread COVID-19.

An individual is fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. However, if a fully vaccinated individual becomes symptomatic, they should be tested and wear a mask until receiving test results.
When you wear a face covering or cloth mask, it should:
 
  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops,
  • Include multiple layers of fabric,
  • Allow for breathing without restriction, and
  • Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.

For more information, please refer to the CDC at: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html
Recyclegift

Put Away Your Credit Card & Give of Yourself Instead

WESTFORD: The holiday giving season is here, but everywhere we turn we see news of our broken supply chain.  Loaded containers sitting in harbors.  Empty warehouses.  Warnings to “order early!” What if you could give a gift that doesn’t have to arrive on a barge?  Or sit on a warehouse shelf? Or be ordered through Amazon? Or one that might just be a little kinder to our Mother Earth?
 
How about giving of your time, or as some have put it, giving “experiences”?  There are so many benefits!  You’d be spending time with those you care about.   You could support non-profit businesses that could use your help.  And you may be helping someone check a task off their to-do list that’s been festering there forever.
 
Here are some ideas:
 
  • Chilly New England weather makes a trip to a museum a good option.  Your local library may have discount passes.  At the J.V. Fletcher Library in Westford, the most popular passes are to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Discovery Museum in Acton.  For those, book ahead!  But with a shorter notice you can visit historic houses with the History New England Pass.  Or choose your zoo with the Zoo New England Pass.  Give an outing to a museum or zoo this holiday season to someone you love.
  • Everyone procrastinates.  And we agonize about our to-do lists packed with closets that need to be cleaned out, or rooms that need re-painting.  Give someone a hand!  How great would your “giftee” feel if you offered to help them with a project, so they could finally get it done?  How about an afternoon spent organizing and taking a trip to Goodwill with boxes of items for others to enjoy. It’s a win-win!

There are lots of other places to treat someone - a movie, a concert, a play.  And it’s all enhanced by the gift of your time. This holiday season, be inventive, and a lot greener.  Avoid the supply chain and shipping issues.  Give a gift of yourself and your time instead.
 
Suggestions offered by Kris Erickson of the Westford Recycling Commission www.westford.gov/recycling.

Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club Holiday Lunch at Tavern in the Square, The Point

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LITTLETON: Nashoba Valley Neighbors will host its monthly “Lunch Bunch” gathering at 12:30pm on Thursday, December 16 at Tavern  in the Square. Members and guests are welcome to this “Dutch Treat” affair for neighborly conversation and enjoyment of a menu of fresh handcrafted foods and homemade cocktails, wines and craft beers.  A group reservation is required so all are asked to RSVP to Info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org on or before Wednesday, December 15.  This is an indoor event, and if you are vaccinated and feel comfortable with indoor dining.

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from our communities.  Celebrating over 50 years, they were originally known as the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton. More recently, they have been known as the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club.  Discovering that established residents in our surrounding communities are also looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends, we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club in 2014.

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is excited to invite community members to join us in a variety of activities including Men’s Night Out, Ladies’ Night Out, Book Group, Wine Tasting, Lunch Bunch, dining in and out events, and special events to start and finish the membership year.  Visit the Club’s website at www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more information on this and other events, as well as information on how to become a member of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club.
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Holiday Recycling Reminders

WESTFORD: Holiday season activities generate a large amount of recyclable material. Massachusetts state environmental regulations ban recyclables from trash. As a reminder, the Westford Recycling Commission asks residents to recycle all they can.
 
  • Recycle your cardboard gift boxes, garment boxes, toy and game packing cardboard, clean food boxes, and shipping boxes. All cardboard must be flattened and no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet in size and wrapped with twine or tape.
  • Recycle your paper bags, envelopes, newspapers, ads, catalogs and greeting cards with no metallic inks, foil, wire, or glitter. All other greeting cards should go in the trash. Wrapping paper, tissue paper, gift tags, ribbons and bows and decorations go in the trash.
  • Recycle your clean and dry clear and colored glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastic jars, bottles, clamshells, jugs and tubs. Clean aluminum foil is okay scrunched in a ball. Empty pizza boxes are okay even with a tiny amount of grease.

 
Not acceptable in your recycling bins or toters: plastic bags of any kind, Styrofoam, loose caps and lids, shredded paper, paperboard cartons like those for milk or juice, black plastic food containers (clear is okay), paper towels, napkins, or plates.
 
On your recycling day, put recyclables in bins, boxes, or toters at the curb by 7am and separate them from your trash containers. All recyclables can be mixed together.
 
If you need a RECYCLE sticker for your barrel or container, ask the Westford Town Clerk at 978-692-5515. If you want to purchase a 64 gallon wheeled Recycling Toter for $55, drop a check at the Town Clerk’s office or mail to Westford Recycling Commission, 55 Main Street. Include your name, address and phone number on the check. You will receive a phone call about picking up your toter.
 
For more Westford recycling information, visit www.westfordma.org/recycling. For specific questions about what is recyclable, visit www.recyclesmartma.org.  
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Nashoba Valley Chorale Announces 2021 Emerging Artist  

LITTLETON: Nashoba Valley Chorale is pleased and proud to introduce its 2021 Emerging Artist, Margaleet Katzenblickstein, soprano, of Westford. Margaleet will perform at the Chorale’s winter concert, Awake, Psaltery, & Harp on Sunday, December 12 at 3pm at the Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Road in Acton.

Margaleet, a student at Middlesex Community College, majors in Music Performance. She plans to graduate her homeschool/high school within the next few months, and Middlesex Community College in August of 2022. As of right now, her primary instrument is the cello, and she hopes to start conservatory soon after graduation. Margaleet currently takes voice lessons with Anna Ward.

COVID-19 Policy: The safety and comfort of our community is of utmost priority.  Nashoba Valley Chorale will be closely following the COVID-19 guidelines as mandated by the CDC and the state of Massachusetts. To keep Audience members, singers and performers safe, Audience members must show proof of full vaccination, or a Negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of the performance to gain entrance.

The Nashoba Valley Chorale, based in Littleton, is well known throughout Central Massachusetts and draws singers from towns in the heart of the Nashoba Valley as well as from all over the metro-west Boston area and southern New Hampshire. For more information about Nashoba Valley Chorale, this concert, and the Emerging Artists program, visit https://nashobachorale.org/
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Put Away Your Credit Card –
Give of Yourself Instead

WESTFORD: The holiday giving season is here. But everywhere we turn we see news of our broken supply chain.  Loaded containers sitting in harbors.  Empty warehouses.  Warnings to “order early!” What if you could give a gift that doesn’t have to arrive on a barge?  Or sit on a warehouse shelf? Or be ordered through Amazon? Or one that might just be a little kinder to our Mother Earth?
 
How about giving of your time, or as some have put it, giving “experiences”?  There are so many benefits!  You’d be spending time with those you care about.   You could support non-profit businesses that could use your help.  And you may be helping someone check a task off their to-do list that’s been festering there forever. Here are some ideas:
 
Chilly New England fall weather makes a trip to a museum a good option.  Your local library may have discount passes.  At the J.V. Fletcher Library in Westford, the most popular passes are to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Discovery Museum in Acton.  For those, book ahead!  But with a shorter notice you can visit historic houses with the History New England Pass.  Or choose your zoo with the Zoo New England Pass.  Give an outing to a museum or zoo this holiday season to someone you love.
 
We’re all procrastinators.  And we agonize about our to-do lists packed with closets that need to be cleaned out, or rooms that need re-painting.  Give someone a hand!  How great would your “giftee” feel if you offered to help them with a project, so they could finally get it done?  How about an afternoon spent organizing and taking a trip to Goodwill with boxes of items for others to enjoy. It’s a win-win!
 
There are lots of other places to treat someone - a movie, a concert, a play.  And it’s all enhanced by the gift of your time. This holiday season, be inventive, and a lot greener.  Avoid the supply chain and shipping issues.  Give a gift of yourself and your time instead.
 
Suggestions offered by Kris Erickson of the Westford Recycling Commission www.westford.gov/recycling.
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Westford Tree Lighting on the Common Scheduled

WESTFORD: The 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Westford Town Common will take place on Sunday, November 28, from 2:30-4pm. The event will include music, crafts, a visit from Santa, and a food and toy drive. Community Christmas Chorus will open the festivities with the performance of a Christmas carol.  Then Santa will arrive by fire truck, and will sit for pictures. (Please bring your own camera.) NOTE: Masks are required to sit with Santa, and are encouraged for all attendees.

The Westford Girl Scout Chorus will lead a sing-a-long.  Craft kits, assembled by Girl Scouts and the Westford Academy Museum Club, will be distributed. A food and toy drive are also part of the event.  A table for donations of non-perishable food items for the Westford food pantry will be staffed by members of P.E.O.  (Philanthropic Educational Organization)  Chapter AI, who will explain how the organization supports women’s education.   There will also be a table for donations of new toys for needy families.

The event is hosted by the Westford Girl Scouts and Westford Historical Society and Museum, with support from the Westford Academy Museum Club.  The hosts are grateful for the assistance of the Town of Westford, Westford Police and Fire Departments, Westford Parks and  Recreation, Westford Garden Club, P.E.O.,  Ellen Harde, Rick Posch…and Santa.
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Author David S. Brody Hosts Book Signing & Discussion at Westford Museum

WESTFORD: “Scores of Roman-era coins, artifacts and fortifications have been found across New England and the Ohio River Valley. They didn’t just swim across the Atlantic on their own, of course. Most of them seem to date back to the 2nd century AD, around the same time that the Roman Ninth Legion—originally stationed in Great Britain—disappeared from history after deploying to Jerusalem to put down the Bar Kokhba uprising. Did members of the Roman Ninth Legion journey to America in the 2nd century? If so, is it possible they brought with them some of the lost Temple treasures?”

Author of “Romerica: Roman Artifacts in America,” David S. Brody will hold a book signing and discussion on Sunday, December 5 from 2:30-3:30pm at Westford Museum, 2 Boston Road. Brody is a Boston Globe bestselling fiction writer and author of 15 books. His children call him a “rock nerd” because of the time he spends studying ancient stone structures which he believes evidence exploration of America prior to Columbus. A graduate of Tufts University and Georgetown Law School, he has appeared as a guest expert on documentaries on the History Channel, the Travel Channel, PBS, and the Discovery Channel. He and his wife, sculptor Kimberly Scott, lived in Westford for 21 years and currently reside in Newburyport.

*Face Mask Required  $10 per/person Suggested Donation.  Copies of "Romerica: Roman Artifacts in America” ($14.95) are available at the Westford Museum. www.museum.westford.org
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Littleton Holiday Bazaar - December 4

LITTLETON: The Littleton Holiday Bazaar, hosted by Littleton Rotary Club, will be filling the Littleton Middle School gym at 55 Russell Street on Saturday, December 4 from 9am - 3pm. This is a fun and exciting way to kick off the holiday season, find some great gifts and stocking stuffers, meet old friends, enter some raffles and get into the holiday spirit!
 
The Littleton High School band will entertain with songs of the season. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 10am and will sit for photos with all good girls and boys. 
 
More than 30 Littleton area civic and charitable groups will be on hand including SANTA himself, the  Littleton Rotary Club, Sleep In Heavenly Peace, Littleton Conservation Trust, COA Knitters, Littleton Classes of 2022, 2023, 2025, Friends of the Library, Littleton Park & Recreation, Girl Scout Troop 66292, Littleton Community Farm, Good Shepherd Sheep Club, Health Care Committee, Historical Society, SEAPAC, GSA, DEI, National Honor Society, Littleton Education Fund, Humanitarian Club, Environmental Club, French Club, FABL/Music Boosters, Parent Teacher Association, Littleton Scholarship Trust, Robotics, Baptist Church, Congregational Church, St. Anne's Church, Boy Scout Troops #19, #20, #21, the American Legion, VFW, VFW Friends, Garden Club, See A New Sun, Littleton Athletic Booster Association, and Littleton High School Band.  
 
There will also be a snack bar in the lobby.  Go early, enjoy lunch with friends or family and stick around for the raffles!   Just remember that the Littleton Board of Health requires that anyone attending a public gathering of this type must wear a mask at all times (except when eating, of course).
Candycane

Littleton Holiday Tree Lighting - December 5

LITTLETON: Everyone is invited to Littleton’s Tree Lighting on the Common coming up on Sunday, December 5 at 4:15pm. Members of the Littleton High School Band will warm up the crowd with holiday songs, and then Members of the Nashoba Valley Chorale will lead young and old in a sing-along. The Littleton Rotary Club will provide complementary hot cider and donuts to all attendees along with stuffed toys for kids who can answer holiday trivia questions. 
 
The Rotary Club will also provide ornaments that can be personalized and hung on the beautiful spruce tree in the center of the common. Santa will arrive on Littleton Fire Department’s Ladder One at 5:15 pm and will throw the giant switch to illuminate the thousands of lights on the many trees on the common.  He’ll then meet with all of the children before returning to the North Pole to get ready for his Christmas Eve travels.
 
This annual holiday tradition is attended by hundreds of Littleton residents, young and old  Because of the size of the expected crowd, wearing masks is strongly recommended.

The Tree Lighting on the Common is co-sponsored by the Littleton Rotary Club and the Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments.
Senior home buying guide

Tax Relief for Elders and the Disabled (T.R.E.A.D.)

LITTLETON: The U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2009-2013) reports that 38% of Littleton residents over 65 have an annual income of less than $25,000. According to the 2015 Needs Assessment for Littleton Elder and Human Services and the Council on Aging, property taxes were listed as one of the most prevalent concerns about ability to age in place in town.

Littleton Elder Human Services provides property tax relief for elders and the disabled with the T.R.E.A.D. Program. The T.R.E.A.D. Program is solely dependent upon donated funds. Donations go directly into a designated account and every dollar is used for tax relief for low-income elderly property owners and qualifying disabled owners. All donations are Tax-Deductible. Donations can be made by sending a check payable to the Town of Littleton, “TREAD Program” or through the online property tax payment program accessible from the Online Payment Page on the town website.

Applicants for tax relief must meet the following criteria:  Own and occupy the property; 65+ or have a state recognized disability; and Must file an application disclosing exemptions and household income and expenses for all household members age 18+. Applications can be obtained from the Department of Elder and Human Services, 33 Shattuck Street, Littleton, or by coming to their office in Town Hall, Room 231.

Domestic Violence Roundtable Invites You to Support Holiday Drives for Families Affected by Abuse

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Each year the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable sponsors a family for the holidays, and each year we invite our local communities to become involved in making the holidays brighter for families affected by domestic violence. Families in shelter for the holidays face a sad and difficult time as they are separated from family and friends and are hiding from their abusers.

The Covid 19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but it has been especially difficult for families affected by abuse. With the help of our local communities, these families can have happy holidays. There are a number of ways that you can help. Sponsoring a family can be a wonderful way for you and your family to do something together to help others. You can also involve extended family, neighbors, and friends. Or perhaps your colleagues at work, your book club, scout troop, civic organization, or club would like to organize a collection. Your participation in a holiday drive can help relieve the stress and depression that overcome shelter families at this time of year. The support that comes from the community at this time of year reinforces their decisions to seek safety and end violence in their lives. Each gift, each donation, each good holiday wish has a positive effect on their self-esteem and boosts their spirits.

Three local agencies offer services and programs for families affected by domestic violence. All of these programs conduct a Holiday Drive. For further information about how you might help, please contact:
 

Holiday drives start early so that agencies have time to process donations. In some cases, gift cards are being collected so families can shop and wrap their presents. Call now to see how you can help.
Lovedogs

The Love Dogs are Back at PCA

WESTFORD: The Love Dogs (rock/blues) bring their funky and swinging rhythm back to the Parish Center for the Arts at 10 Lincoln Street as part of the Rock/Blues series on Saturday, November 20 at 8pm. The Love Dogs show at the PCA has sold out every time, so get your tickets ($25 GA, $21 Members/Seniors, and $12 children under 12) in advance online at https://westford.org/pca/events/love-dogs-2/. Doors open 7:30pm. Cafe-style table seating with BYOB (drinks and appetizers). Parking is available at the former fire station parking lot, JV Fletcher Library, and along Lincoln Street. Please do not come to the show if you are not feeling well. Must show proof of vaccination, provide email for contract tracing, and wear a mask indoors when not actively eating/drinking.

Don't Fall This Fall: Littleton EHS/COA is There to Help You Prevent Injuries

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LITTLETON: Littleton Elder Human Services Director Liz Tretiak reminds us that each year, three million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. Fall prevention is a major issue taken on by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, and many local aging services, including senior centers.

According to the 2018 Tufts Health Plan Foundation Healthy Aging Community profile, over 10% of Massachusetts residents over the age of 60 were injured in a fall within the past 12 months. According to our local 2015 Needs Assessment for Littleton Elder and Human Services and the Council on Aging, 15% of Littleton residents over the age of 65 self-reported difficulty with ambulation. Luckily, falls are preventable, and there are many things to be done to be proactive.
 
  • Always talk to your doctor about your specific concerns and have them evaluate your risks.
  • Strength and balance exercises can increase your lower body strength and increase awareness of your body and balance. The Littleton EHS offers several strength and exercise classes available, but please always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
  • Having your vision and your prescription glasses regularly evaluated can also help prevent falling.
  • Make your home safer- remove throw rugs, install grab bars, add more lighting, and be aware of ice and snow.

As the weather cools, watch your step on slippery driveways and porches. If you need assistance acquiring ice melt product for your home, please contact EHS/COA.
The Littleton EHS is available to assist you in making your home safer, call (978) 540-2472.
Thanksgiving breakfast

Don’t Miss the Littleton Thanksgiving Day Breakfast!

LITTLETON: The Littleton Rotary Club invites everyone to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving Day breakfast on Thursday, November 25 at the cafeteria of the Littleton Middle School, 55 Russell Street.  The Rotary Club is once again hosting this wonderful Thanksgiving tradition that kicks off Littleton’s holiday season. The hearty breakfast includes scrambled eggs, ham, pancakes, coffee, juice and buttered toast and costs just $6 for adults; $3 for kids under 12.

This is a great way to start the day, say “Hi!” to old friends, and save mom or dad some work.  The breakfast begins at 6:30am and is served until 10am. There will be a 50/50 raffle and gift raffles every half-hour.  As with every public indoor event in Littleton, masks are mandatory.  (Not while you're eating, of course!)

The best part of this long-standing Littleton tradition, aside from the delicious breakfast cooked by the Littleton Rotarians, is that every dollar raised goes to the Littleton Scholarship Trust to benefit Littleton students.

The Littleton Rotary Club is a service club made up of men and women from the Littleton area.  The club is a member of Rotary International, one of overa 34,000 clubs with over 1.2 million members worldwide.  Rotary is dedicated to “Service Above Self” and provides volunteers and financial support to each community, national and worldwide nonprofit organizations.

The Littleton Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 7:15am in the dining room at 1 Monarch Drive, off Taylor Street. If you would like to be a guest and learn more about Rotary, please contact Club President Lehel Reeves at lehel.reeves@mac.com or call 978-430-3305.
Support

Do You Need A Support Group?
Here are Four in Littleton!

LITTLETON: Have you ever considered joining a support group? The Mayo Clinic says that the common experience among support group members often means they have similar feelings, worries, and everyday problems. Participating in a group provides an opportunity to be with people who have a common purpose and understand each other. The benefits of participating in a support group may include:  Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged, Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue, Talking openly and honestly about feelings, Improving skills to cope with challenges, Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope, Getting practical feedback about options, and Learning about resources.

According to the 2015 Needs Assessment for Littleton Elder and Human Services and the Council on Aging, 49% of Littleton’s Baby Boomers have provided caregiving to a person who is disabled or frail, along with 40% of residents aged 60-79, and 37% of those age 80+. For a host of reasons, caregiving can be challenging. If you’d like to chat with other caregivers or just hear how others are doing it, join us for Caregiver Support Group. Call 978-540-2470 to sign up.

According to the 2015 Needs Assessment for Littleton Elder and Human Services and the Council on Aging, 31% of Littleton residents who are age 65 and older live alone. Living alone can be isolating, especially during these unprecedented times. Littleton EHS hosts a monthly Living Alone and Living Well Group via Zoom. Contact Amy at 978-540-2472 for Zoom info, and to sign up.

According to the 2018 Massachusetts Healthy Aging Community Profile, 24.3% of Littleton residents age 65+ experience anxiety disorders. Littleton EHS hosts an Anxiety Group via Zoom every other Tuesday from 1-2pm and we would love to have you join. Contact Nicole Sarvela at 978-540-2475 for Zoom info and to sign up.

According to the 2018 Massachusetts Healthy Aging Community Profile, 4.9% of Littleton residents age 65+ battle a substance use disorders (drug use and/or alcohol abuse). The Littleton Life Ahead Recovery Support Group Meets virtually, via Zoom, on the last Wednesday of the month from 6-7pm. Contact Nicole at 978-540-2475 for details.
Finalrendering

Grand Opening of the New Reuben Hoar Library

LITTLETON: A ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new Reuben Hoar Library, located at 37 Shattuck Street, will be held on Friday,November 5 at 10am. This event will kick off a 2-day celebration including a Story Walk, a senior reception, tours, music, storytimes, a magic show, crafts, and a ceremonial Book Brigade from the old to new building. Everyone is welcome to attend.

“Our new building will be a shift in importance from the library as a repository of books to the library as a place for sharing of ideas and new knowledge,” said Sam Alvarez, Director of the Reuben Hoar Library. “In our planning process, we feel we’ve captured some of the best thinking and most creative ideas about how the library of the 21st century will operate.” 

The new Reuben Hoar Library building is a light-filled, energy-efficient, 23,000 square foot, 2-story building that replaces the 16,000 square foot library that has been housed in the remodeled Shattuck Street School building for the past 32 years. The new, accessible, LEED-certified library building features increased study and work space, public meeting space, a larger and safer Children’s room, and a dedicated Young Adult area.

“We are honored to open the doors to the new Reuben Hoar Library. Libraries are the “living room” of a community - one of the few public places where residents of all ages come together. The library’s value as a public gathering spot is key to building important community connections. We are excited to see how the updated library will better serve our patrons and all residents of Littleton,” remarked Katrina Wilcox Hagberg, Chair of the Reuben Hoar Library Trustees.
All grand opening events are free and open to the public. 

The ribbon-cutting on November 5 will be followed by comments from Sam Alvarez, Library Director; Katrina Wilcox Hagberg, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees; and Kathy Krystofik, president of the Friends of the Library; as well as speakers from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and state and local government. Grand opening celebration schedule:

Friday, November 5:
 
  • 10am Ribbon Cutting ceremony 
  • 1pm - 2:30pm Seniors are invited to tour the new building.
  • 5pm - 8pm Open House featuring Kelly’s Music and More, young adult activities, and local history Q&A.
  • 5pm - 7pm Crafts in the Children’s craft room
  • 5:30pm Storytime with readers Susan Harvey and Kris Hevenor in the Children’s room
  • 6:30 Harry Potter Trivia in the Young Adult room

Saturday, November 6:
 
  • 11am - 4pm Open House featuring music from Kelly’s Music and More, Book End Painting in the Young Adult room, and local history Q&A. The Friends of the RHL will provide cookies and beverages on the patio.
  • 11:30am Storytime with readers Officer O'Donoghue and Mary Lee Donovan in the Children’s room
  • 12pm Ceremonial Book Brigade in the parking lot
  • 1pm Storytime with readers Michelle Barth and Jim Cahill in the Children’s room
  • 3pm Magic show with Mike Bent in the community meeting room
  • 3pm Candy Bar Bingo in the Young Adult room

Per the Littleton Board of Health regulation, face coverings that cover the nose and mouth are required inside the library for all persons aged 2 years or older, regardless of vaccination status. Disposable masks will be available at the library.

Starting November 3 through November 11, a Story Walk featuring the book “A Hundred Thousand Welcomes” by local author Mary Lee Donovan will be set up on the path between the Russell Street School and Shattuck Street. The guest book and commemorative book plates will also be available at the library before and after the opening events.

The opening of the new library building is the culmination of over a decade of planning, beginning with the creation of the Library Trustees New Building Fund in 2009. A 2014 Planning and Design Grant enabled the project to move forward to apply for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Grant. Littleton was awarded an amount of $5.8M in July 2019, and the residents of the Town of Littleton voted to fund this project at a total cost of $14.6M, with $1.1M in fundraising offsetting the town’s burden. In 2021, a follow-on project was begun to put a 35kWh solar array on the roof of the library, funded with an earmark from the state and funds raised by the Trustees.

Nashoba Valley Technical High School Foundation presents...

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Neraptor

Littleton Lyceum presents Raptors! Birds of Prey at LHS

LITTLETON: The Littleton Lyceum will present “Raptors! Birds of Prey” on Friday, November 5 at 7:30pm in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center, 56 King Street. Naturalist Marla Isaac brings the biology and conservation of these magnificent birds using live raptors which are unable to be reintroduced into the wild.  In addition, see artifacts such as skulls and skeletons. This family-friendly program will be exciting for children of all ages.

Season tickets are available for families or individuals for $25, and single admissions may be purchased at the door for $8; $5 for seniors and students. Masks are mandatory at the performance. For more information, visit www.littletonlyceum.org.
 
Lockwood

Rev. Rebecca Lockwood Joins the Fold at Westford's FPCU

WESTFORD: Diversity and compassion are important issues for our newly settled minister, Rev. Rebecca Lockwood, at the First Parish Church United (FPCU).  Carrying on her family’s involvement in the ministry, Rev. Rebecca has used her unique background to bring a strong interest in linking church to community and welcoming all to the FPCU church.

Growing up in a loving blended family in Raymond, Maine, she gained 2 more brothers where they grew up “with a lot of love and some healthy annoyance”. During her pre-teen years, she was influenced by her ministerial family and summer camping experiences at a nearby UCC camp. She has two aunts, who were ordained United Church of Christ ministers and an uncle who was ordained as both a Presbyterian and UCC minister. Their professional experiences in both a California and Midwestern church gave her broader insights into her own personal spiritual explorations. When she was 12, her aunt even designed her a lovely pastoral embroidered stole, gently encouraging her into thinking about the ministry as a possible journey for her.

Another strong influence was her UCC camping experience for many years at the Camp Pilgrim Lodge in West Gardener, Maine. She spent all of her teen summers there, first as a camper, then a photographer, then a counselor. She remembers during those weeks, feeling “free”, and loving both the warm fellowship created by their close community working together in all areas and being surrounded by nature. Exploring nature brought her “closer to the Sacred”, and learning to kayak, canoe, having daily hikes, chapel and vespers, brought her close to her fellow campers and she felt those loving connections. Because of the strong foundation of the community, it was a place to hold challenging conversations around theology, purpose, and social justice issues.

After graduating from high school, she attended Hartwick College in Oneonta (NY), and majored in comparative religions. While there, her advisor, who was the last to be taught the ancient Indian Sanskrit language, had a strong interest in Buddhism, and encouraged her to explore and study more of the mystical Eastern religions. This eventually led to a closer study of Gnostic(mystical) Christianity with a focus on the Gnostic Gospels, non-canonized scripture. These ancient texts, like the Gospel of Thomas, widened her religious journey, and after research and exploration, led her back to looking at Christianity with a different perspective.

At this time, she also began to study creative art forms such as ceramics, embroidery, knitting, and watercolors. Using her hands and being creative “allows me to process life and offers a chance to play”. She wanted to bring that same joy to church life and worship.

Following her undergraduate studies, she enrolled in Andover Newton Seminary in MA and after 3 1/2 years, received her Master of Divinity. She then became an intern at the Hancock Congregational Church in Lexington, MA, and enjoyed their thoughtful, welcoming church that was so dynamic, she stayed an extra year.

Choosing a church to start her pastoral work, she knew she wanted to be an associate in “an open and affirming church that cared deeply about each member.” St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Carmel, Indiana called to her, and after she accepted the call, became their Associate Minister of Missions and Education that focused on social justice. She really enjoyed their flourishing youth program open to 4th through 6th grades, and how it grew to include high school students with their storytelling matched to psalms. She was officially ordained there and served for over 5 years before deciding to relocate back to the East coast and New England.

Several factors influenced her decision to accept the FPCU call. Returning to New England was “in her bones” with its strong family ties, and the church’s strong outreach program appealed to her interest in being involved in a church that was an integral part of a community. She noted that the history of this church, organized in 1725, as well as the Strawberry and Greens Festivals, First Responders’ Dinner, refugee help, and continuing commitment to the Lowell Transitional Shelter were all reasons she came to this church.

Outside of her church duties, she also actively participates in the diversity programs in the Westford schools, Black Lives Matter, and the ecumenical Westford Interfaith Clergy group, and looks forward each year to their annual interfaith Thanksgiving service that draws many members. Skiing with her family, adopting a rescue dog named Stella, and enrolling in a ceramics course at the Pottery Mill in Lowell, she has brought her quiet energy, creativity, and openness to the FPCU church in Westford.

SAVE THE DATE! Annual Holiday Open House & Kitty Angels Weekend

Christmas card kitty
AMHERST, NH: SAVE THE DATE! Treasures Antiques, Collectables & MORE!, located at 106 Ponemah Road will be hosting their 31st Annual Holiday Open House and Kitty Angels Fundraising weekend on November 6 and 7. Festivities for the weekend will run both days from 10AM till 4PM and includes Holiday inspired shopping, raffles and entertainment.
 
The Open House event has been a mainstay in the community since its inception back in 1991. Kitty Angels, Inc. will be offering information on their organization, adoptions and donations. Representatives from the Amherst Animal Hospital, who has worked alongside Kitty Angels for decades and has cared for some of worst cases of critically ill or injured kitties, will also be on hand. There will be various, live musical entertainment provided by soloists, duos and bands, including Joey Peavey, Wildwood, North Sound Duo, Levi Maxwell, Jeff Damon, and The Grog Tones!
 
This Holiday and Fundraising event, is pet and kid friendly and will offer special sales for all, inside and out. There will again, be a petting zoo and horse and pony rides by Mapledell Farm of Townsend, MA. The weekend festivities will showcase artists and artisans, crafters, professionals, food vendors, featuring a live demonstration of oil painting and techniques by artist Eric Nickola, dba WolfpacStudios. Eric’s artwork will be on display and for sale. He also offers commission work. Artist Lori-Ellen Budenas of Respect the Wood!, a creator of abstract paintings, coasters, trivets and more, and Monica Gesualdo of Trading Faces – a face painting and body art artist will also be on site. Visit with Arty Mitchell at the ARUBACAT cat furniture truck. Some of the other longtime supporting vendors as well as several new vendors to the event will include: Mal’s Grill, with his Famous pulled pork tacos, Jerk Chicken Sandwiches and signature Mac & Cheese, etc., jewelry designers Freedom Jewelry, J. W. Young Studio, Heart’s Design Jewelry and Karen’s Pieces, Happy Cat Company LLC - Gourmet Granola and Maple Syrup, LuLaRoe, Vinyl Revival, Dusty Finds, The Spirit of Cacao, Anthony Acres, Puckerbrush Life, Color Street, Heavenly Goddess, Usborne Books, Fudge & Stuff, Tupperware, Custom Care Designs and many more.
 
Treasures will also be offering a number of fun and exciting raffles, with prizes donated by local and national businesses. Prizes will include a “Chain-sawed” wood carving done by Sara of NorthStar Sculptures, an ARUBACAT cat tree and other cat and dog related items, jewelry, specialty food packages, and an assortment of other fun and exciting prizes.
 
Kitty Angels, Inc., a no-kill cat shelter is made up of all unpaid volunteers and is dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and furnishing them with treatment for injuries or other health issues. These cats are then placed into life-long, loving “forever homes” with compatible owners. All necessary steps are taken to insure the wellbeing of the cats, including spaying and neutering and providing rabies, distemper and other necessary vaccinations. They are a non-profit, charitable corporation and all donations are fully tax-deductible with every penny of each donation going directly to the care of these cats.
Please join Treasures and Kitty Angels, in friendship and the spirit of sharing the Holidays. For more information, visit www.TreasuresNH.com and www.KittyAngels.org.