Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of singing, dancing, food, (including gluten-free and vegan pizza, delicious homemade baked goods, and candy, soda and seltzer) and prizes! The fun starts at 5PM on Friday, February 14 at First Church Unitarian located at 19 Foster Street, in Littleton, MA. $20 per family or $5 per person at the door, cash or Venmo accepted. Parking available at the Masonic Lodge, 310 King St., Littleton, Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St., Littleton, or Castle in the Trees Playground, 300 King St., Littleton. To pre-register your dietary preferences and number of people attending so we’ll have plenty of food on hand, please email rochellecham@gmail.com.

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, March 1,, 2025,  from 7:30 - 10:00 PM , at Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. This will be an evening of live music and dancing with Groton’s own Contra  Banditos, along with caller Dudley Laufman,  who will teach traditional New England style contra, square, and line dances to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds .Refreshments are  provided. PARKING ALLOWED ONLY ON THE GRANGE SIDE OF CHAMPNEY ST.

 

The League of Women Voters-Acton Area invites community members to a webinar on Wednesday, February 19 at 7 p.m. Four panelists will speak about what works with Open Town Meeting and what we can learn from other types of local governance (Representative Town Meeting, Town Council). Attendees can learn about what’s on the horizon for Open Town Meeting, how the legislative function of the town works in each form of government, ways we might overcome barriers to participation, and how the community can participate in their town government under various types of governance. Registration information is below.
Since the late 1600s, most Massachusetts towns have adopted Open Town Meeting (OTM) as their legislative body. Voters who reside in a town with Open Town Meeting have an opportunity at least once a year to gather, deliberate, and decide on budgets, borrowing, zoning, by-law changes and other important matters. Yet both town officials and residents have long questioned the viability of an Open Town Meeting legislature as population grows and other demands limit voters’ ability to attend. Attendance rates are low and those who cannot participate in person feel excluded.
The League of Women Voters-Acton Area spent a year studying OTM to better understand the alternatives and the benefits and challenges of each form of town governance.
OUR PANELISTS:
Mark DiSalvo, President, Massachusetts Moderators Association and Town Moderator for North Andover which uses an Open Town Meeting legislature.
Gerri Slater, Town Moderator for Norwood which uses a Representative Town Meeting legislature.
Bill Rosenblum, Selectboard Member for the Town of Ludlow and member of Ludlow’s 2024 Charter Commission which recently attempted to transition from a Representative Town Meeting legislature to a Town Council-Town Manager form of governance.
Patricia Lloyd, Associate, Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management, a state agency based at UMass Boston working with municipalities, school districts and other public entities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of state and local governments.
Click here to read LWV Acton Area report, or visit our website at lwv-actonarea.org.
For questions, please contact: Diane Baum: dianebaum5@gmail.com
YOU MUST REGISTER TO ATTEND.
We’ll see you Feb. 19!
The League of Women Voters-Acton Area is a non-partisan, grassroots organization serving the towns of Acton, Boxborough, Hudson, Littleton, Maynard and Stow

Westford Academy’s Asian Culture Club, in conjunction with Chelmsford Chinese Language School, will be bringing back a beloved tradition since 2017: the Lunar New Year Celebration. This year’s celebration, celebrating the Year of the Snake, will be held on February 8, 2025.
The event includes a dinner catered from Sichuan Palace, a local authentic Chinese restaurant. There will be a traditional Asian show that include ethnic dances done by dancers from the Angel Performing Arts, a Sichuan Opera Changing Face program performed by world renowned artist, Mr. Shuwang Yang, and a traditional instrument performance by professional players of the Boston Silk and Bamboo Chamber Music Ensemble, an entity of Boston Chinese Musicians Association. We also have an on-site raffle raffling off various goodies provided by local organizations and sponsors. The same group will provide a special demonstration of Chinese instruments in the gym, where there will also be fun activities and various other things to do. For example, the Silver Unicorn Bookstore will be sponsoring a story time activity in the gym.
The Lunar New Year Celebration first started in 2017 by a group of students with the then Mandarin Club and has since flourished. The club, which has since become the Asian Culture Club, continued the tradition every year, with only a brief 3-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned last year to great success.
Tickets start at $25 for adults, which is a combination ticket that includes dinner, show, and activities. There are special discounts for all students, and seniors 65+. Preschoolers are free.
Please visit https://www.ticketsource.us/westford-academy-asian-culture-club to get your tickets today!

Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is looking for interested community members to participate in their FREE March 2025 Volunteer Advocate Training program at the Lexington Police Department.
The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize the volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at the Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.
The March 2025 training will be held over 3 weeks from March 10 to March 28th on Monday and Wednesdays from 3:00 PM to 6:15 PM and Friday days 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who wish to activate as Advocates, an additional 10 to 12 hours of individual field training will take place after successful completion of the classroom segment.
The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.
Those interested in more information about the training or who want to request an application should call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Friday, February 28, 2025.

Free courses from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) could prove helpful. Family to Family, starting March 20th in Boxborough, is an eight-session weekly course for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. NAMI’s Basics course, a six-session weekly class starting March 11th in Tewksbury, is for parents/caregivers of children and adolescents showing signs of behavioral health concerns. Topics for both courses include understanding the symptoms of mental illness, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care, plus the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support. The Basics class also includes information about advocating for your child’s rights at school and in health care settings. Details and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses. Offered by NAMI Central Middlesex. Basics co-sponsored by Northeast Public Health Alliance.

Come visit the newest exhibit at the Littleton Historical Society on 4 Rogers Street on Sunday, February 9, from 2-4 pm. This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the War of Independence. The exhibit provides information about the events leading up to the Revolutionary War and how they affected the men and women of Littleton.
Meet the 29 patriots of Littleton who marched to Concord on April 19, 1775; learn their names and where to find their burial sites in our historic graveyards.
Perhaps you will be inspired to tour The Old Burying Ground and Westlawn Cemetery, or to examine the lives of women left to manage their households on their own, or to read what transpired at the Town Meetings at the time.
The Littleton Historical Society Museum is open every Wednesday from 1-4, and the second Sunday of the month from 2-4.

The Friends of the Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton are sponsoring this fun event again!
https://sites.google.com/view/rhlfriends
Mini-golf in the Library is back! Join the fun at this ticketed event on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 6 to 9pm to enjoy unlimited golf and finger foods (including gluten-free and vegetarian options) while bidding on some great silent auction items. Again this year, your ticket includes one beverage (beer, hard and soft seltzer) from local brewery Dirigible Brewing Company! Cash bar. Attendees must be age 21+
Note: Bidding will open at noon on March 8, 2025, so even if you can’t attend on Friday night, you can bid on items by registering at the link below. However, final bids will be taken in person at the event, so come join us for the best chance!
Note: When you buy tickets, you can register for bidding, so no need to register separately!
https://event.auctria.com/0fe23119-2024-4123-b156-eb2476a9829f/
If you or your business would like to sponsor this event: Friends of the Reuben Hoar Library, Inc. 35 Shattuck Street, P.O. Box 1045, Littleton, MA 01460 978-540-2600 reubenhoarlibraryfriends@gmail.com

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

Friends of Indian Senior Citizens Organization (FISCO) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Massachusetts, dedicated to supporting senior citizens in the northwestern Boston Metro Region. We focus on enhancing the lives of Asian immigrant seniors by providing services that foster companionship, connection, and compassion, helping them maintain good physical and mental health through community engagement and education.
Our programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by seniors, particularly those dealing with language barriers or social isolation. We offer a weekly hot meal service every Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Westford Council on Aging (COA) for a $3 donation. This program not only provides nutritious meals but also creates a space for socializing and building connections.
In addition, we host social events and educational seminars that promote mental and physical well-being, empowering seniors to make informed decisions about their health.
We’re excited to announce our celebration of the Festival of Colors, “HOLI,” on March 19th at the Cameron Senior Center, Westford. This vibrant event will feature cultural activities and a FREE lunch for all attendees. Seniors can RSVP on our website at www.thefisco.org, where they can also find information on other events, locations and programs.
At FISCO, we are committed to supporting senior citizens and creating a sense of community. We invite seniors in the region to join us in our activities, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community.
For more details, visit www.thefisco.org.

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled evening of singing, dancing, food, (including gluten-free and vegan pizza, delicious homemade baked goods,  candy, soda and seltzer) and prizes! The fun starts at 5PM on Friday, February 14 at First Church Unitarian located at 19 Foster Street, in Littleton, MA. $20 per family or $5 per person at the door, cash or Venmo accepted. Parking available at the Masonic Lodge, 310 King St., Littleton, Congregational Church of Littleton, 330 King St., Littleton, or Castle in the Trees Playground, 300 King St., Littleton. To pre-register your dietary preferences and number of people attending so we’ll have plenty of food on hand, please email: Rochellecham@gmail.com.

Director’s Corner: LIBRARY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

1. Label every piece of furniture in the Library.
2. Color code every piece of furniture for its destination.
3. Organize, pack, store and move 100,000 titles.
4. Have a giant Blow-out Friends Book Sale – Jan. 31 – Feb. 2!
5. Celebrate with a Ground-breaking Ceremony!
6. Apply the Master Moving List to our offsite Temporary Location.
7. Close temporarily – just to move across town!
8. Publicize townwide our temporary library space and services.
9. Welcome library patrons to our new temporary site!
10. Host Children’s and Tween programs on the third floor of Roudenbush (thank you generous space-sharing Westford Recreation Department!).
11. Let us offer you hot bestsellers, Grab’n’Go collections, curbside pickup, interlibrary loans, e-collection help, and personal service — at our temporary and future library!
Westford Academy Mid-Term Open Study:  The Meeting Room will be open on January 21 & 22, 2:00—7:45 p.m. for study hours during WA midterms. Free pizza, snacks, and refreshments will be provided! Please e-mail Alexis at achrobak@westfordma.gov with any questions. Students should have a ride home promptly at closing time.

Mother Goose is Back!: Join Miss Jill on Wednesday, January 29 in the Meeting Room from 10:30-11:15 a.m.  Enjoy songs, books, nursery rhymes and more!  No registration required.

Monday Mystery Book Club: Monday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m. in the Mary Atwood Room Wake up your week with a stimulating book club discussion! We’ll meet in the Mary Atwood Room to discuss Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Sutanto.  Print copies are available at Main Desk. Email Linda Ernick for details!


Make your own felted boba tea patch!: Tuesday, January 28 at 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room. For grades 5 -12. Registration is required. Spread some positivi-tea when you make your own bubble tea patch from wool. Use the finished piece as a patch on a jacket or frame it for a unique piece of art. Choose from a matcha or fruit flavored Boba. Add a cute smiling face or your own unique touches. Pop up Art School will show you the basics of needle felting. You’ll leave the class with a completed piece and the tools and knowledge to needle felt on your own. Register here.

VIRTUAL: Cultural Perspectives in Chocolate with Cocoa Beantown: Tuesday, January 28, 7:00-8:00 p.m.  Why do the Swiss love their chocolate so much? Why are the Japanese obsessed with Kit Kat bars? Why isn’t American commercial chocolate as good as European? Learn about different perceptions of chocolate around the world while also picking up tips and tricks on how to learn more about a local food culture just by visiting a chocolate shop in this multi-cultural chocolate seminar. Register here. This program is hosted by and presented in partnership with the Groton Public Library.

Adult Nonfiction Book Club:  Tuesday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room.  Join us to discuss The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson.  Copies are available at Main Desk. The e-book and audiobook are both available to download from Libby. Email Charles Schweppe for details!


Friends of the Library Book Sale:

Our 2025 Winter Book Sale will take place January 31, February 1, and February 2.

Friday, January 31: Members-Only Sale, 6:30 to 9:00 PM (No scanners allowed)
Saturday, February 1: Public Sale, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday, February 2: $10 Bag Sale, 2:00 to 4:00 PM

We appreciate your continued patronage, and are still accepting donations of gently used books, CDs, and DVDs.

Staff Recommends: The Author’s Guide to Murder : a novel by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White. “There’s been a sensational murder at historic Castle Kinloch, a gothic fantasy of grey granite on a remote island in the Highlands of Scotland. Literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley has been found dead--under bizarre circumstances--in the castle tower’s book-lined study. Years ago, Presley purchased the castle as a showpiece for his brand and to lure paying guests with a taste for writerly glamour. Now it seems, the castle has done him in--or possibly, one of the castle’s guests has. Detective Chief Inspector Euan McIntosh, a local with no love for literary Americans, finds himself with the unenviable task of extracting statements from three American lady novelists.”


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

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Artist-of-the-Month FeministFuturist is a collective of eight artists who exhibit individually and collectively. An intergenerational, multi-racial, and gender-inclusive collective, FeministFuturists’ engage with one of the most fundamental human questions and roles: reproduction, birth and M/Othering. The collective addresses these topics through a diverse set of projects and media including painting, sculpture, film and performance. Running January 4-30. As an added bonus... on 1/19 starting at 10:30am, enjoy a Movement Choirs, Collective Storytelling Workshop, an interactive collective story, a movement choir, and a creative representation of the experience of contemporary M/Otherhood (You DO NOT have to be a mother to participate). This is a dive into experiencing movement as non-verbal communication. We will look into individual movement preferences and aspects of moving together in unison and rhythm to reinforce wholeness and oneness. Attendance is free, but space is limited. RSVP required.

The Littleton Lyceum will present Alex the Jester on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 7:30 pm in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center at 56 King St.
Alex will bring his visual humor, sight gags, and light-hearted music to the Lyceum’s stage.
Children and the young-at-heart will love the gibberish-speaking impish rascal.
Season tickets are available for individuals or families for $40, and single tickets may be purchased at the door for $12, $5.00 for seniors and students.
For more information, check out our website at: littletonlyceum.org or follow us on Facebook.

While We’ve Been Singing: Music Written Since Our Founding
James Barkovic, Director
Terry Halco, Assistant Director
Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 3:00pm
United Methodist Church of Westford
10 Church Street
Westford, Massachusetts
Advance Tickets can be purchased online at www.westfordchorus.org.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door, cash or check only.
$25 Adults, $20 Seniors, $10 Students, Children Under 5 Free.
Parking is available in the church parking lot and on the street, venue is handicap accessible.
Post concert recording will be available, you must register online at www.westfordchorus.org to receive the link.

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org
     Were your holidays good?  Did you receive the gifts you hoped for?  Maybe a new toaster or microwave oven or coffee maker; are the old ones still working?  Perhaps you received new sheets and a comforter—-and the old ones are still good.  Furniture upgrades?  New kitchenware? Bring your “old” items to Fresh Start Furniture Bank to furnish someone else’s home.
    At present we are in need of all furniture, especially couches, dressers, bookcases, rugs, dining tables, upholstered chairs, recliners, queen and full headboards, end tables, bedside tables and storage cabinets.  We also need artwork, kitchen knives, dishes, cutting boards and colanders.
    We expect donations to be in good condition; if you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to us!  Read our website to see what we DO and DO NOT take for donations, and our address and hours of operation.
     Imagine finally finding a home after being in a shelter—-and having nothing or very little IN the home!  That is what Fresh Start’s clients deal with.  We have helped convert over 4000 empty apartments into homes for more than 12,000 people in the last 10 years.  And, by taking in almost 170,000 pieces of donated furniture and home goods, we have kept all of those items out of landfills.
     Last Saturday 40 donors arrived; they had “cleaned out” for the new year or were just waiting for us to reopen after the holidays.  It was a good start to the new year but the clients keep coming and we need to help them all!

Museum also ends advance ticket reservation system
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced today a $13 admission price from 1:00pm to 4:30pm on weekday afternoons, now through March 28. The discounted price will not be offered on holidays or during school vacation weeks.
Under the Winter Weekday Afternoon Discount program, admission for adults and children will be $13 per person; seniors 60+ will be $12. Children under 1 and teachers are always free. All other Museum-offered discounts such as EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare Card to Culture, Wonderfund, library passes, museum reciprocal programs, AAA, and active duty miliary discounts will still apply.
Regular admission prices are $19.00 for adults and children ages 1 and over, $18.00 for seniors 60+, free for under 1 and teachers.
Discovery Museum also announced the closure of its reservation system. Advance reservations to visit are no longer required nor accepted.

Winter can stretch budgets to the breaking point. With increased costs for food, heating, housing, and transportation, many Massachusetts families are facing tough choices. If you or your family need help accessing food, don’t wait—call Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.
The FoodSource Hotline connects residents to the resources they need right now. Trained counselors are available to help you apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), find free meals for children, and locate emergency food programs like community meals and food pantries. The hotline can also refer callers to other federal food programs, like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).
Whether you’re a college student, a senior, or a family facing hardship, the FoodSource Hotline is a confidential, free, trusted resource recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for anyone seeking food assistance.
Call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for support, available in over 180 languages.
Get Help Now: If you are struggling with food insecurity, call 1-800-645-8333. For more information and access to resources, visit Project Bread’s website, where you can find information in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole. Don’t wait—help is just a phone call away.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you thinking of separating or going through the divorce process? The Metro-West Boston Divorce Support Group is a confidential peer-support group with no religious affiliation. Men and women from all towns are welcome. Our meetings had been every Thursday evening at 7 pm at the South Acton Congregational Church. Now we are continuing weekly on Thursday by remote videoconference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net

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

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

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