Program Highlights:
Nashoba Valley Chorale, in collaboration with the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra, proudly presents Masterwork: Bruckner's Te Deum on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 3:00, conducted by Anne Watson Born, Nashoba Valley Chorale's Music Director, and Jonathan Colby, Artistic Director of the Worcester Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Te Deum brings 180 musicians together joined by four guest soloists.
The concert will take place in the beautiful Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Other works will include Brahms' Academic Festival Overture with Sir Malcom Sargent choral finale; Wagner's Elsa's Procession To The Cathedral; Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture; and Bruckner's Os Justi and Locus Iste.

Event Details:
Date:     Sunday, March 29, 2026
Time:     3:00 PM
Place:    Mechanics Hall, 321 Main Street, Worcester, MA
Tickets:  $25 Adults/Seniors if purchased online ($30 if purchased at the door)
               $5 Children under age 18

The Nashoba Valley Chorale is well known through Central Massachusetts and draws singers from towns in the heart of Nashoba Valley as well as from all over the metro-west Boston area and southern New Hampshire. For more information about Nashoba Valley Chorale, visit https://nvcsings.org/

The Nashoba Symphonic Band Chamber Players and Clarinet Choir will present their Spring Concert on Saturday, April 4th at 2 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 (Green Road GPS) in Bolton. Admission is FREE.
The program includes music by Gordon Jacob and a setting of Grieg's Holberg Suite, played by the NSB Clarinet Choir. A Clarinet Choir (by the way) includes a full complement of clarinet varieties: Eb Soprano, the well-known Bb, Eb Alto, Bb Bass, and great-big Bb Contra-bass clarinets
The featured work is Kurt Weill's own setting of music from his Threepenny Opera in a chamber music setting. Performed by the NSB Chamber Players, the suite of 'songs' captures the mood of pre-war Berlin. And, yes folks, it includes what you will recognize as “Mack the Knife.”
Nashoba Symphonic Band will continue its season on May 1 with another small ensemble program and on May 3rd with the full Symphonic Band Concert featuring the classic band work, La Fiesta Mexicana.
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of The Nashoba Regional High School Friends of Music and is supported in part by grants from Ashby, Berlin, Bolton, Lancaster, and Stow Cultural Councils, local agencies supported by the MA Cultural Council, a state agency.

(128 Lowell Road – Westford) Sunday March 29th – 1PM
20 Easter Hams and 20 Turkeys raffled on a spin wheel
*Sirloin Strips, Prime Ribs and others are also being raffled off. Raffle tickets on sale at the event! $1500 Cash drawing as well! (Drawing tickets on sale now – see any Stony Brook member) Open to the public.
Food and beverages will also be available.

Free A1C testing on successful donations, $15 Amazon Gift Card by email for coming to give in March

BOSTON, March 9, 2026 — This March, the American Red Cross urges donors to help the national blood supply recover following a severe shortage and empower their health by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types remain critical to keeping momentum up and the blood supply steady headed into spring.

Some parts of the nation are still clearing snow, but the threat of severe spring weather is already growing. Now is the time to book a blood or platelet donation appointment to help prevent any future disruption to patient care.

Help is needed right now ─ and a simple act of donating blood or platelets can be the lifesaving gift people are counting on. Book a time to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

The Red Cross will perform A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations made March 1-31, 2026 (one result in 2026). Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2026, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Details on both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/March.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities March 14-31:

Westford
3/20/2026: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., H.E. Fletcher Club, 11 Brookside Rd

In celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Littleton Historical Society will present “Songs of
the Revolution” with Diane Taraz on Thursday, March 19, at 7:30 pm at the Congregational
Church of Littleton on 330 King Street.

In 1776, New England was full of music. Songs helped speed the work in kitchens and
workshops, soldiers marched to lively fife-and-drum tunes, youths sang melodies of romantic
passion, mothers crooned lullabies, churches rang with hymns, and ballads carried the news of
the day.

Renowned folksinger and historian Diane Taraz will entertain us with songs that were enjoyed
by both sides during the American Revolution, accompanying herself on mountain dulcimer and
an instrument similar to the English guitar.
Don’t miss this musical treat!

 

The League of Women Voters of Westford and the Town are hosting a Town Meeting Preview on Thursday, March 19, to educate residents about items on the meeting warrant. The preview will be held virtually at 7:00 p.m. Residents can register for the event by going to   tinyurl.com/ATMpreview2026.

The most powerful way for Westford voters to directly impact how the Town is run and how our tax dollars are spent is to attend Town Meeting. And the best way to get the most out of Town Meeting is to attend the Town Meeting Preview.

The Annual Town Meeting will be held in person on Saturday, March 28, at 9:00 a.m. at Westford Academy, 30 Patten Road. Town Meeting is the legislative branch of Westford’s government, and all registered voters may attend, speak, and vote. The voter registration deadline for Town Meeting is Wednesday, March 18, at 5:00 p.m.

During the Town Meeting Preview on March 19, town officials will go over each item – or article – on the warrant, giving residents a chance to familiarize themselves before attending Town Meeting. There are 22 articles on this year’s Annual Town Meeting warrant. More information about Town Meeting can be found on the town’s website at westfordma.gov/Town-Meeting. The Town Moderator’s webpage, westfordma.gov/891/Town-Moderator, offers even more details about Town Meeting. If you’ve never before attended Town Meeting or want a refresher on how it works, go to the League’s website at lwv.westford.org and review the group’s resources. You’ll find a series of videos explaining what to expect. You can also find – under League Publications & Videos – the League’s Guide To Town Meeting In Westford.

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

The League of Women Voters of Westford is joining forces with the Cameron Senior Center to offer an informative talk during a women’s lunch. Det. Ian McEnaney, the Westford Police Department’s Family and Elder Services Detective, will present practical tips on protecting against identity theft and common Internet phone scams. The program will cover how to recognize warning signs, reduce risk, and what to do if fraud is suspected.
The lunch will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, at the Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant Street. It is open to all women, but seniors will be given preference for signing up for the event. The cost for lunch is $5. Residents should call 978-692-5523 or stop by the Cameron front desk to register.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, issues-oriented organization – open to all – that encourages informed and active participation in government. The League does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.  For more information about the League, go to lwv.westford.org/.

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate women’s strength and resilience.

It’s also a moment to talk about real-life challenges women face, such as the growing trend of divorce after age 50, often called “gray divorce.”

While the changes surrounding divorce can feel overwhelming, they can also offer a chance to create a life that better reflects your individual dreams and values.

However, you may experience drops in income and living standards. So, building financial confidence is important.

If you’re navigating a gray divorce, here are steps to help you feel more in control:

• Find a financial advisor who listens and respects your voice.
• Get clear on your finances – know your income, expenses and assets.
• Create a plan for today’s needs, short-term goals and retirement.
• Build an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses, even if it takes time.
• Review your estate plan with an attorney.

Gray divorce can be a new chapter. The future is yours to shape, and it can be bright and fulfilling.

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

Member SIPC

 

Happy (almost) Spring!  My outdoor thermometer is showing 68 degrees now!
     Please check our website (above) for information about our furniture bank.  There are links to donate $$ through PayPal and Venmo.  You can find our hours of operation, what we take and do not take, information about what we do, and lots more.
     This week we still need:
Queen sheet sets, queen and full-size blankets & comforters, bath mats & shower liners and bath towels.  In the kitchen department we need large skillets and large pots, food storage containers, mixing & serving bowls, pot holders, measuring spoons & cups, non-slotted & slotted spoons, can openers, cutting boards, strainers, baking sheets, and silverware.  We are low on artwork to dress up our clients’ new homes.  We always need box springs and mattresses, and rugs and dining tables.  You can bring non-furniture items to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson from 9-noon Tuesday and Thursday and from 8:30-noon on Saturdays with furniture donations from 8:30-10:30 Saturday.
     We help a lot of families, thanks to donations from people like you.  Donations do not have to be new (but that’s great if they are!) but they need to be in good shape for us to give to our clients.
   Thank you!

On Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9 – 1, Memorial Congregational Church is hosting its Spring electronics recycling and document shredding event.

The event is open to all communities and will be held rain or shine.  At the electronics recycling truck, prices vary from $25-50 for a TV, $15 for a laptop computer, $15-25 for a computer monitor, $5-$40 for appliances, and $5 for a box of electric cords.  Workers will remove the items from your vehicle and place them in the recycling truck which is operated by a state-licensed electronic recycling company who will properly dispose of all items. They will accept ANYTHING WITH A CORD OR BATTERY (including washing machines, air conditioners, space heaters, treadmills, etc.) as well as propane tanks, any type of battery, printer ink cartridges, and toner cartridges.

The fee for shredding is just $9 per copy paper box or brown grocery bag.  A volunteer will remove your boxes or bags of documents from your car and your documents will be shredded on-site.  The truck is equipped with closed-circuit TV so you can actually watch the shredding if you wish. Personal and business documents of any type may be shredded.

You may pay by cash, check, or VENMO.

MCC is located at 26 Concord Road, just across from Goodnow Library in Sudbury. For more information, please email recycling@MCCSudbury.org  or call 978-443-3885.

BOSTON, MA — Women's Money Matters, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that empowers women and girls living on low incomes to improve their financial health, is seeking volunteer coaches and presenters across Eastern Massachusetts to support a surge in demand for its free financial wellness programs. The nonprofit is recruiting volunteers in Middlesex, Suffolk, Essex, and Norfolk Counties as recent federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid have left thousands of Massachusetts families without critical safety net support. In Massachusetts, nearly 1 in 9 women live in poverty, and for women of color, that number climbs to 1 in 5. Recent federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid have compounded that stress.
Women's Money Matters offers free, group-based financial wellness programs that combine financial health workshops, peer support, and personalized one-to-one coaching. WMM's programs don't just provide financial concepts. They build the confidence and habits that lead to lasting change. It's not just about knowing how to manage money, but ultimately gaining confidence and feeling in control of your financial life.
Central to that model is the one-to-one coaching relationship. Each participant is paired with a dedicated volunteer coach for the duration of the three-month program: someone who shows up every week, learns their specific goals and challenges, and provides consistent, personalized support that a classroom setting alone cannot offer. Coaches are not required to have a financial background. Their role is to listen, encourage, and help participants stay accountable to the goals they set for themselves.
Alongside coaches, volunteer presenters bring subject matter expertise into the workshops themselves. Presenters share their knowledge in a single, 90-minute workshop—perfect for busy professionals who want to give back but can't commit to an ongoing volunteer role. Topics range from building credit to protecting against fraud to retirement planning.

The Impact: Real Results, Real Change
WMM's financial wellness programs produce measurable, life-changing outcomes. Among Financial Futures graduates:

• 254% average increase in savings—from $264 at program start to $934 at completion
• 26% average increase in monthly income—from $2,072 to $2,601
• 40+ point average credit score increase
• 96% of graduates feel confident managing their finances at program completion
• 100% report using a budget to manage their expenses—up from just 20% at program start

Join 417 volunteers who contributed more than 14,000 hours to WMM last year and help grow that impact!

Upcoming Information Sessions
Register now to learn more about volunteer opportunities:

• March 16 | 12:00–1:00 PM
  • Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/k-VWOZqURd-KjMsVx7tEtA
• April 14 | 6:30–7:30 PM
  • Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WtEQSFgGTQq0H7vnqg1fLQ
• May 13 | 7:00–8:00 PM
  • Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ujr996qFQZqvzNA24kbk_A

For a full list of upcoming information sessions, visit: womensmoneymatters.org/upcoming-programs/upcoming-info-sessions/
To express interest in volunteering, contact Ariana Contreras at acontreras@womensmoneymatters.org or visit womensmoneymatters.org/volunteer-opportunities/.

The Merrimack Valley's largest community art event returns to the PCA this March. Professional and amateur artists of all ages are invited to submit up to two original works for exhibit at the PCA from March 20 - 29.

The WRAE is an annual celebration of art featuring up to 500+ works. Awards are granted to top entries in twelve different categories. We celebrate the winners at gala award receptions featuring live music and  complementary wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Advance registration is now open, entry deadline is Thursday March 12. Art-drop off takes place on March 15 and 16. For all details including the various categories in this year's WRAE, visit the WRAE event page at pcawestford/wrae.

On March 14th, The Congregational Church of Littleton will be hosting our very popular rummage sale! Men's, women's, and children's clothing, along with accessories will be available for purchase! Come put together a new outfit or two! We are also accepting donations on March 13th! We will also be selling small kitchen items, dishes, bowls, and utensils! See you then!

Saturday March 14th, 8am-1pm
Congregational Church of Littleton
330 King Street
Littleton MA

The League of Women Voters – Acton Area will host a moderated panel discussion on Zoom on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 7:00 to 8:00 PM EST. The event is free and open to the public.
Many people with disabilities face barriers to participating in Town Meeting. This webinar will explore those challenges and share practical strategies to remove obstacles and increase participation.
Expert panelists will cover (1) key requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for accessible public meetings; (2) how individuals can request reasonable accommodations; and (3) the process towns must follow to comply with the law. The panel will share various ways towns have successfully removed barriers, including using accessible venues, offering virtual options, hiring sign language interpreters, and providing closed captioning and large-print materials.
Panel members include Jeff Dougan, Assistant Director for Community Services, MA Office on Disability; Wanjiku Gachugi, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Town of Acton who also serves as the local ADA Coordinator; and Jo-Ann Berry, Town Moderator, Town of Acton and Director, League of Women Voters, Acton Area. The panel will be moderated by League member, Mary Ann Ashton.
Whether you are a dedicated Town Meeting attendee, a passionate advocate for broader civic engagement, or serve in a leadership role—such as Town Moderator, Special Educator, a member of a local Disability Commission, or a member of the Council on Aging—this session is designed for you. By attending, you will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to foster greater inclusivity and strengthen your community’s democratic process.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the change. Register today and help ensure every voice—regardless of ability—is heard at Town Meeting.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state, and national government. The League develops positions on issues but does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. It has a long tradition of providing important voter information services, such as this webinar. Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information.
This event is part of the “Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative.”

CONCORD, MA, Jan. 26, 2026 – Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area (FWNHA) is inviting museums, cultural organizations, historical societies, libraries, land trusts, arts groups, and other organizations across its 45-community region to become partners in the 2026 Hidden Treasures Festival of Nature, Culture & History, taking place throughout the month of May.

Hidden Treasures is an annual, month-long, region-wide celebration that highlights the people, places, stories, landscapes, and creative traditions that define this nationally designated Heritage Area. Participating organizations host free, public events or activities—such as guided walks, open houses, performances, exhibits, talks, or self-guided experiences—that showcase a “hidden treasure” in their community.

Participation is free, and partner organizations receive broad regional visibility through Freedom’s Way’s website, interactive event map, newsletters, print promotions, and mobile app. Mini-grants of up to $350 are available to help offset eligible program expenses.

Organizations within the Heritage Area’s 45 communities are encouraged to learn more and sign up at https://freedomsway.org/HTPartner or share questions/ideas tohiddentreasures@freedomsway.org .

Sounds of Stow Chorus and Orchestra continues its 47th season on Sunday April 19, 2026 at
2:00 pm at Littleton High School performing the new England premier of Christopher
Tin's "To Shiver the Sky. " In his words "this is the story of flight: of humanity's quest to break
the bonds of earth, challenge the heavens, and take our rightful place among the stars."

Drawing on original texts from historically diverse sources"To Shiver the Sky" weaves a
narrative with music that is appropriately exciting, haunting, awe-inspiring, and rousing. The
texts include selections from Ovid, Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Copernicus, and Amelia Earhart,
and culminating with John F. Kennedy's 1962 speech "We Choose to Go to the Moon." The
messages are timely and moving, especially as we follow the launch of the Artemis Flight to the
Moon now planned for April! Music will be sung in the original languages with supratitles
accompanying the text, and enhanced with amazing photos capturing ancient light from
photographer Marsha Wilcox, and Dan Barstow's beautiful videos, many from his time with the
International Space Station. Tenor Soloist Omar Najmi, and Soprano Soloist Aurora Martin will
add to the program with arias celebrating both earthly and celestial beauty.

The chorus and orchestra will be performing at the Littleton High School, on Sunday April 19,
2026, at 2:00 PM. This school has plenty of free parking close to the entrance. As this is the
start of school vacation week children under 18 accompanied by an adult will have free
admission! Visit soundsofstow.org for tickets and additional information.

We hope to see you all there for this exciting multimedia performance, as we reach once again
for space flight with the planned Artemis missions for a flyby to the moon with surface landings
in the future.

 

In celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Littleton Historical Society will present “Songs of
the Revolution” with Diane Taraz on Thursday, March 19, at 7:30 pm at the Congregational
Church of Littleton on 330 King Street.

In 1776, New England was full of music. Songs helped speed the work in kitchens and
workshops, soldiers marched to lively fife-and-drum tunes, youths sang melodies of romantic
passion, mothers crooned lullabies, churches rang with hymns, and ballads carried the news of
the day.

Renowned folksinger and historian Diane Taraz will entertain us with songs that were enjoyed
by both sides during the American Revolution, accompanying herself on mountain dulcimer and
an instrument similar to the English guitar.

Don’t miss this musical treat!

The Littleton Historical Society’s Second Sunday Open House on March 8 features a new exhibit commemorating The Nashobah Praying Indians’ exile to Deer Island 350 years ago for 3 months in the dead of winter. This exhibit includes timeline and text, pictures and maps, artifacts, and Native handcrafted items.

Please come by and learn about this often-overlooked chapter in our history.
The Historical Society on 4 Rogers Street will be open from 1-4 pm on the second Sunday of
each month, and from 1-4 every Wednesday afternoon.

Your 401(k) is a great way to build retirement savings. But how can you take full advantage of your plan?

First, contribute as much as you can each year – at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered.

Also, consider the Roth 401(k) option, if one is available. There's no immediate tax break like with a traditional 401(k), but withdrawals of earnings and contributions are generally tax-free if you are at least 59½ and have held the account for five years. Consult your tax advisor to determine what's appropriate for you.

Whichever 401(k) you choose, make sure the investment mix fits your goals and risk tolerance. Early in your career, you may invest more aggressively. As retirement nears, consider a more conservative portfolio.

Finally, avoid borrowing from your 401(k) or taking early withdrawals – you may incur taxes and penalties and have less money for retirement.

Following these moves can help ensure your 401(k) is a key contributor to your retirement income.

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

Member SIPC

 

The Middlesex Conservation District will be holding its annual Spring Plant Sale on Friday, May 1, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM and Saturday, May 2, from 9:00 AM – 1:00PM at the Minuteman High School. The address is 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421. All items can be pre-ordered through April 24th and picked up on the sale days – we encourage early ordering as all items are sold on a first come, first served basis.

To place an order, you can go to our website at https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/spring-sale-ordering/, go to the Spring Sale page, and order the plants you are interested in online, or email
admin@middlesexconservationdistrict.org to request a paper brochure. The order form is also available to view online. Offerings will include native shrub seedlings, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, and hardgoods such as garden labels. All plants are straight, native species that benefit our native pollinators, wildlife, and local ecosystem. We will also be selling excess first quality stock on the days listed above.

The Middlesex Conservation District is a not-for-profit environmental agency whose purpose is conservation of natural resources of Middlesex County. Proceeds from our biannual plant sales provide educational programs and other activities which aim to protect our soil and water resources. For more information about our sale or programs please visit https://middlesexconservationdistrict.org/.

 

• Early detection isn’t just good for long-term health — it’s also a warning for people’s wallets. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross is uniquely positioned to provide donors with health insights that can help bridge preventative care gaps, such as undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension.
• Visit RedCrossBlood.org now to book a time to give blood or platelets. In March, the Red Cross will provide free A1C testing on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations. Those who come to give March 1-31 will also get a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March.

Local parents looking for information on summer camps and kids’ activities will find over 30 programs at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on Saturday, March 7. The Fair will take place at Orchard Church, 130 Littleton Rd (Rt. 110), Westford MA from 11 am to 1:30 pm.

Coordinated by Macaroni KID Lowell, the Summer Camp Fair is free to attend.  Families can gather information and talk with representatives from local and overnight camps, summer programs, and local schools offering year-round activities such as sports, STEM, coding, art and more. There will also be kids' activities and giveaways.

Camps exhibiting at the Summer Camp Fair include local favorites such as Good Pickin' Farm, Camp Massapoag, and Teamworks Adventure Camp as well as specialty and overnight camps such as Grotonwood, The Story School, Third Space Kitchen, and Camp Stonewall.  Macaroni KID Lowell 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 Macaroni KID Lowell at https://lowell.macaronikid.com.  Exhibitor requests and other requests for information can be directed to barbarae@macaronikid.com or (978) 239-3038.

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 Horse, will be held on February 28, 2026.

The event includes a dinner catered from Sichuan Palace, a local authentic Chinese restaurant. There will also be activities for adults and children of all ages, a traditional Asian show that includes Chinese music played by the Boston Silk and Bamboo Chamber Music ensemble, a traditional Sichuan Changing Face program by renowned artist Mr. Yang Shuwang, and an on-site raffle that includes many goodies.

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 Westford Academy students, Youth K-8th grade, and seniors 65+. Preschoolers are free.

Please visit https://www.ticketsource.us/westford-academy-asian-culture-club to get
your tickets today!

From renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan, your score can open doors — or close them.

Simply put, your credit score predicts how likely you are to pay bills on time. A higher score often means easier access to credit, lower interest rates and better insurance premiums.

The most common model — the FICO score — ranges from 300 to 850. Above 670 is good; 740 and higher is very good.

When determining this score, payment history matters most, making up 35% of your score. So, paying bills on time matters.

The second most important factor in your credit score is credit utilization, which is 30% of your score. So, keep balances below 30% of your limit.

You can check your credit report for free once a year at annualcreditreport.com.

Building good habits now makes borrowing easier and less expensive later, giving you more flexibility to pursue your goals.

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

Member SIPC

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

The League of Women Voters - Acton Area invites you to attend the inaugural event sponsored by the ‘Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative Fund’ to raise awareness and stimulate dialogue on Immigration Policy at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
This discussion will be led by immigration attorney Antonio Massa Viana, whose passion for service and civil rights motivated him to create this opportunity to reflect on the impact of current immigration policies.  He will explain the complexities of immigration law, share stories of current immigration enforcement practices, and identify possible reforms leading to a new system based on our shared values of freedom and justice for all!  The information presented by Atty Viana will help us to better understand the current national conflict on immigration.
Please come, listen, inquire, learn, participate in this discussion and together let’s wrestle with the question of what immigration policy should look like!
The event will take place on Saturday, Feb, 28, 2026 from 2 to 3:30 PM EST at the Acton Town Hall, Rm 204.  The event is free and open to the public.  It will be televised on Acton TV or you can participate interactively via Zoom.  In case of a snow emergency, the forum will take place entirely on Zoom.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state and national government. The League develops positions on issues, but does not support or oppose candidates or political parties.
 Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information about the League.

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, March 7,2026 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 tothe 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. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes. Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St.

 

If you’re a local business owner, you’re likely juggling growth, expenses and your team’s needs, all while planning for your own future. A workplace retirement plan may be able to help with all of that, directly and indirectly.

For the business, employer contributions are tax-deductible, and as a participant in your company plan, your pretax salary deferrals are excluded from income taxes. Many plans even offer Roth options for tax-free withdrawals later. Your local business may also qualify for federal tax credits to offset startup and administrative costs, along with other expenses.

A retirement plan also can reduce risk. If you have your own net worth tied up in the business, your retirement may depend on a future sale. Building personal assets now adds flexibility and security.

And in today’s competitive labor market, strong benefits help attract and keep great employees.

Not sure where to start? A qualified financial advisor can guide you through options and help align your plan with your goals.

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

Member SIPC

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation

Intrigued by the sport of curling? Now’s your chance to watch a national curling event in Massachusetts. Curling, an Olympic sport, continues to draw interest and new fans across the Commonwealth. It’s a sport where women can participate on equal footing with men.
Broomstones Curling Club, located in Wayland, MA at 1 Curling Lane, is hosting the National Women's Bonspiel on February 19-22. Sponsored by the United States Women’s Curling Association, women from across the country representing 28 different curling clubs will challenge each other during a four-day bonspiel starting on Thursday, February 19th, with games also scheduled on Friday and Saturday, culminating with finals on Sunday, February 22nd.
Invited guests to the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. include Wayland Select Board Chair Carol Martin, State Rep. Carmine Gentile, USWCA President Ann Kirkpatrick, and Rich Collier, President of Broomstones Curling Club.
Though members of the public are welcome to come down to Broomstones to view the action in person, the games can also be streamed from home. Find more information, including teams, schedule, and the live game streams at the bonspiel's event page here: https://sites.google.com/broomstones.org/2026-uswca-nationals/home.
And for those interested in trying the sport, Broomstones will be hosting an Olympic Open House later this season. The club also offers limited ice rental opportunities for private groups throughout the season, subject to availability. Check the website for further details: https://broomstones.com.

 

 

The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) is hosting the fifteenth Annual Comedy Night Benefit, featuring the area’s most popular and talented comedians on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Hudson Portuguese Club, 13 Port Street in Hudson. The event, being held in support of the ARC of Marlborough, will include lots of laughs, food, and raffle prizes. The ARC has been serving the local community for over fifty years, since 1972, and relies on fundraising and donations to provide its services.

Entertainers at the Comedy Night Benefit include popular comedians Mark Riley, Sam Pelletier, and Ethan Cannon. Hosting the evening is Dave Rattigan. 

Regular host Dave Rattigan performed last year in Dublin, Ireland, and he’s also performed in Japan, at Fenway Park, The Cape Cod Melody Tent, South Shore Music Circus, a lumberyard, the lobby of an ad agency, a library, and several parking lots. “There’s nothing funny about the way he looks, until he gives that deadpan look of his,” popular blogger Ralph Fatello (RalphsPic.com) wrote. “His outward appearance is something out of a mature GQ magazine.  He looks like a cross between a semi hip banker, and your mild-mannered father-in-law …. Dave is the master of completely dismantling himself in front of a crowd of strangers.  I’m always torn as to whether I should console him, or just laugh my ass off like everyone else ….” His stand-up has been played on SiriusXM Radio, he’s performed on the syndicated Steve Katsos Show, and he’s been featured on television commercials on NESN. He’s a regular at the Hampton Beach (NH) and Cotuit comedy festivals and is part of the Ranting Parents Comedy Tour.

Mark Riley is an energetic Boston headliner with a unique perspective on everyday situations. Riley was once a professional ice hockey referee (he spent a very short time in the NHL) who also ran a Gymboree. The former runner-up in the Boston Comedy Festival headlines in Boston as well as playing top rooms in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Atlantic City. Among those he’s performed with are Steven Wright, Joe Rogan and Lenny Clarke. He headlines colleges and corporate shows as well and has worked as an actor in commercials, industrial films, and a hockey-themed comedic web series. He also hosts the podcast Chirping Zebras.

Sam Pelletier has been bringing his unique blend of observation and relatability to audiences for over a decade. Originally from the (somewhat) great state of Maine, Sam won the Cellar on Treadwell Competition in 2023, and was a finalist in the New England’s Funniest Comedian Competition of 2021. He opened for national headliners including Shane Torres, Joe Bartnick, and Alex Edleman. Sam has been featured in the Boston Comedy Festival, Maine Comedy Festival, and Mutiny Radio Comedy Festival in San Francisco. His hobbies include hiking and being a good listener.

Ethan Cannon performs stand-up nightly around Boston and New England, at venues ranging from Off Cabot Comedy Club, the Comedy Studio, Don't Tell Comedy, and Improv Asylum. He recently performed in the Boston Comedy Festival as well as Last Comix Standing at Mohegan Sun's Comix Roadhouse.

Doors open for the event at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Food is available for purchase. Coffee and desserts are complimentary. For further information on sponsorships, program ads, tickets or table reservations, call the ARC office at 508-485-4357. Tables of 10 ($350) and individual tickets ($35) should be purchased in advance at the ARC. Chairing the planning for the event are Tracey Gustafson, and Christine Sacco.

The Addiction Referral Center (ARC) ranks as one of the most respected and active recovery service resources in Middlesex County.  As a nonprofit organization, the ARC provides individualized referral services, Recovery Coach appointments and daily peer-support meetings at no cost to those seeking recovery from substance use disorder. To donate to the ARC or sponsor the 15th Annual Comedy Night Benefit please call the ARC (508-485-4357) or go to the website at www.theaddictionreferralcenter.org/2026-comedy

Valentine's Day doesn’t have to break the bank. The key is understanding your partner’s love language. When you know what makes them feel valued, you can create meaningful moments without overspending.

If words of affirmation are your partner’s love language, write a heartfelt letter, which carries immense emotional value and costs nothing.

For those who treasure acts of service, cook their favorite meal or build a simple budgeting worksheet that they’ve been struggling to create.

For gift lovers, think thoughtful but not costly, like one-of-a-kind thrift-store treasures or fractional stock shares of a company they admire.

Those who value quality time may appreciate a scenic hike, stargazing or a “future-fund” jar for a vacation you’ll take together — with an initial contribution from you.

Finally, if physical touch is their love language, creating an at-home spa night or cuddling under a budget-friendly blanket is a good choice.

All told, the best Valentine’s gifts come from the heart, and smart budgeting makes them even sweeter.

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

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Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.