League of Women Voters’ Civic Social Features Access To Town Meeting Committee Progress Report

WESTFORD: Access to Town Meeting Committee Chair Diane Wood will present the committee’s research and recommendations at the League of Women Voters’ virtual Civic Social on Wednesday, May 18, at 7:30pm. Email info@lwv.westford.org to get the link to join the meeting.

Last September, the Westford Select Board appointed a committee of 11 residents to investigate and recommend actions the Town could take to increase attendance at Town Meeting. Recently, the Access To Town Meeting (ATM) Committee presented their recommendations to the Select Board. Residents have an opportunity to learn more about those recommendations – and the process the ATM went through at the May 18 session.

The ATM’s recommendations fall into several categories: make meetings shorter, more efficient, and predictable; mitigate common barriers to attendance; optimize general town communications; educate residents about Town Meeting; and longer-term recommendations. The ATM Committee solicited input from town residents through a Westford Community Survey – which yielded more than 800 responses – as well as input from a questionnaire from more than 40 other towns conducted through the MA Moderators’ Association. In addition, the ATM conducted in-depth interviews with a number of town officials.

Town Moderator Angela Harkness along with town leadership are currently reviewing the dozens of recommendations made by the ATM Committee with plans for implementation. Join the LWV of Westford on May 18 to learn more. For more information, check out the committee’s webpage, Access to Town Meeting Committee (westfordma.gov/1436)

Traveling Back Down Route 110 with Geoff Hall & Bob Spinozzi
(Video Premiere)

WESTFORD: In 2011, Westford resident Geoff Hall, and Littleton resident Bob Spinozzi chronicled how businesses sprouted through the years along the Route 110 stretch from Littleton to Chelmsford. Eleven years later, Geoff and Bob teamed up again in a 2022 documentary of the further development and history of Littleton Road.

From a Westfit Club, a tennis and racquet Ball Club at 4 Littleton Road to Kimball Farm, a great place for summer fun, your hosts Geoff Hall and Bob Spinozzi take you on a journey to discover how the farms of Westford’s Route 110 (Littleton Road) developed into the office and retail corridor that it is today. Enjoy the history, development and stories of the people who lived and worked along this four-mile stretch Sunday, May 15 from 1:30pm-3pm at the Westford Museum, 2 Boston Road.

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, they strive to expand and enrich understanding of how our town continues to evolve. They foster an environment of teaching and learning that strengthens our sense of community. They 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 w ww.museum.westford.org.

Be A Delegate to the Westford Constitutional Convention!
Westford LWV, Historical Society Event Goes Back To 1787

WESTFORD: Picture this: the year is 1787. And you are a delegate at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. James Madison of Virginia and Charles Pinckney of South Carolina have proposed that the Constitution include the so-called Federal Negative, which would give Congress the authority to veto any law passed by a state legislature. Madison considered this a critical safeguard against unchecked power at the state level. Pinckney, in turn, regarded the Federal Negative as “the cornerstone of an efficient national Government.” What would you do? How would you vote?

With the Supreme Court currently considering the states’ legislative authority to regulate abortions, the question “How much power should the federal government have over the states?” is as relevant and controversial today as it was in 1787.

Join the League of Women Voters of Westford and the Westford Historical Society and Museum Wednesday, May 11, at 7pm where participants – acting as delegates representing Westford’s villages – will debate the Federal Negative and the making of the U.S. Constitution. The discussion will be based on a Harvard Business School case study, which participants are asked to read prior to Wednesday evening. At the event – being held at the Westford Museum – delegates will discuss the impact of providing the federal government strong constitutional powers given the context of events in 1787. What should they do? What would you do?

Heather Carney, who teaches history and American government at Westford Academy, will lead the discussion. Last year, the League nominated Carney to be trained in the Harvard Case Study method. She has used it in her classroom this year, and next Wednesday she brings this case study method to the audience.

Participate and see how Westford votes! To register, and to access the case study pre-read material, go to Constitutional Convention at www.westford.org.

Fibers of Life, Textiles from the Westford Historical Society’s Collection with Penny Lacroix

WESTFORD: On May 5 from 7-8pm at Westford Museum, 2 Boston Road, there will be an exhibition - Fibers of Life. This show and tell lecture is offered in cooperation with the Westford Museum & Historical Society. Their collection of local artifacts, from clothing and accouterments to linens and household items is typical of many New England towns. However, each one of these objects has its own unique and interesting story to tell. Penny Lacroix will highlight eight textile objects from the WHS collections. Each of the other pieces - some clothing, household items and accouterments - will be pulled from storage, where they are kept safe but are rarely seen. Attendees are limited to 15 guests. Those in attendance will be able to look at the objects up close and in-person while hearing the stories of their provenance here in Westford and how they were made. Register online at museum.westford.org.

"Each of these artifacts has a history here in town," said Penny, former director of the Westford Museum. "By looking at them and learning their stories, it connects us with the people who lived in Westford before us."

Museum visitors may already be familiar with the so-called Robinson Pincushion, which is on display in the Museum's Military exhibit. It was made by the wife of Col. John Robinson (our local Revolutionary War hero.) Although faded, there is much to be gleaned from this unique piece of everyday Westford history.

Presenter Penny Lacroix is a weaver, spinner, teacher, historian, manager, learner, creator and general lover of all things fiber. When she’s not actively learning something, she’s sharing with others in one way or another –making something by hand, demonstrating at historic events, or teaching a class. With past careers as an engineer, a mom, a museum educator and a museum director, combined with her hobby as a historical reenactor, her worlds collide in the creation of textiles and the study of historic textile tools. Penny is co-chair of the Nashoba Valley Weavers’ Guild and teaches weaving and spinning. She lives in Westford, MA with her husband and their furry friends.

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.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts/Littleton Host Awards Ceremony

LITTLETON: Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts/Littleton will be hosting a high awards ceremony to honor the 2020-2022 classes of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award Girl Scouts. The ceremony will be held on May 6, 2022 at 6:30-8:30pm in the Littleton High School Auditorium, 56 King Street. All are welcome to attend.

The Gold Award is Girl Scout’s highest achievement, available to girls in high school who drive sustainable change on issues in their community. Gold Award projects are led by a single Girl Scout with a minimum of 80 service hours. Ambassador Girl Scout Amalia Ficociello is the sole Gold Award recipient to be honored at this year’s ceremony. Amalia’s Gold Award project focused on helping children ease strong emotions when at the emergency room. She researched common emergency room medical procedures and worked with medical professionals to create information cards to help explain common emergency room procedures in a kid-friendly way. These cards can be used not only by children, but also by developmentally delayed persons and non-English speaking individuals. She also created welcome bags to help ease the strong emotions children may experience when entering the emergency room.

Twenty-eight Cadette Girl Scouts who completed their Silver Award projects in 2020-2022 will be recognized. The Silver Award is the second highest award in Girl Scouts, available to girls in sixth, seventh, or eighth grades who work in a small group or independently to address an issue that they care about. Silver Award projects have a minimum of 50 service hours per team member. The problems addressed by the Silver Award recipients include protecting the local environment from littering, trash, and pollution, educating people about vernal pools, adding habitat for pollinators, bats, and birds, educating people how to care for new pets, reusing and recycling soccer equipment, teaching people how to fish, and teaching younger kids how to make healthy snacks.

There will be 19 Junior Girl Scouts who completed their Bronze Award projects in 2020-2022 who will be recognized. The Bronze Award is the third highest award in Girl Scouts, available to girls in 4th or 5th grade who work together as a troop to brainstorm, plan, and complete a project that benefits their community. Bronze Awards must have a minimum of 20 service hours per troop member. Bronze Award projects focused on creating life buckets for emergencies, preventing littering, teaching people how to reduce screen time, and documenting life in Littleton early in the Covid-19 pandemic.

Celebrate the Earth with Westford Events and the Earth Day Festival

WESTFORD: Westford Climate Action in partnership with many other organizations has made plans for events to celebrate our planet and work for positive climate change.

All week: Children can make posters at home about Earth Day and take them to the Earth Day Festival on Friday, April 22, or make them at the Common on Earth Day, to be eligible for a free drawing for prizes.

Westford’s Earth Day Festival: Friday, April 22, from 3-5:30 p.m. on the Town Common. Music, face painting, poster-making starting at 2:30, and see a display of Native American artifacts from the Westford Museum. Check out a Tesla. Pet a lamb, baby goat, a piglet, chicks, duckling, and baby bunny. A knowledgeable farmer will introduce the animals and help children feed, brush, and hold them. Tree seedlings will be given away and free drawings will be held for a composter and rain barrel. Come talk with experts on alternative energy, sustainability, heat pumps, recycling, solar energy, and Mass Save rebates. Speakers will also provide updates on the State’s and Town’s climate goals.

The final Saturday trail walk is at the Frances Hill Wildlife Sanctuary on April 23 at 9am (rain date April 24, 9am). Sponsored by the Westford Conservation Trust, Marian Harman will lead a nature walk, moving very slowly to identify wild plants and birds. The walk will be easy, but not entirely flat. Some areas may be wet. Bring binoculars if you have them. No dogs, please. Meet at the Frances Hill Wildlife Sanctuary sign across from 120 Lowell Rd. A map and write-up of the area can be found on the Westford Conservation Trust website WCTFrancesHillWalk. Walk is free of charge; no sign-up required. For more information, call Marian at 603-533-4095.

For more information on all of Westford Climate Action’s events, please visit westfordclimateaction.org/events/.

The Healthy Westford Committee encourages residents and workers to do a small task to help the earth and our lovely town to recover from the accumulated litter formerly hidden by snow. HWC is encouraging folks to walk around their neighborhood or business grounds anytime close to Saturday, April 30, and pick up litter. Please dispose of properly by recycling or in the trash.

BSA Troop 437 Bike & Spring Sporting Goods Sale, April 30

WESTFORD: BSA Scout Troop 437’s annual Bike & Spring Sporting Goods Sale is back in 2022! The sale will be held on the Westford Common, at the corner of Main and Lincoln Streets, on April 30 from 9am to 1pm, rain or shine. Shop gently-used bikes and Spring sporting goods, including bikes of all sizes, camping gear, accessories for baseball, lacrosse, tennis, soccer and other Spring & Summer sports, exercise equipment, boating gear, canoes, kayaks and much more! Cash payments are preferred; Venmo is also accepted. Proceeds support Troop camperships and activities.

The Troop accepts donations and consignments for the sale. Donate your gently-used Spring and Summer sports goods and bikes, or consign them and earn 75% of the selling price. Donations/consignments accepted April 29 from 6-8 PM at the American Legion Post 437, 114 Dunstable Road or April 30 from 7-9am on the Westford Common. There is a consignment fee of $1 per item, with a $5 maximum per household. Unsold items should be picked up on April 30 from 1-2pm; any unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

Email bikesale@westfordtroop437.us with questions or to coordinate a donation drop-off or pickup.

Troop 437 is a medium-sized, Scout-led troop with about 45 boys and girls age 12 to 18 from Westford, Chelmsford and other surrounding towns. We meet weekly on Thursday evenings in Westford during the school year and have monthly outings, including camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, zip-lining and more. Crews from Troop 437 have completed BSA High Adventure trips to Seabase and Philmont, including a Philmont crew in August 2021. Learn more about Scouting and Troop 437 at www.WestfordTroop437.us.

Littleton Lyceum Announces Archaeological Program

LITTLETON: It may look like a pile of stones in the woods, but it may be a Native American lithic structure! The Littleton Lyceum presents its final program of the season on April 29 at 7:30pm in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center on 56 King Street, with a look at local Native American archaeological sites. Harvard University-trained archaeologist Kimberly Connors will discuss features in our local landscape that were of importance to indigenous people who occupied this area for thousands of years. Admission at the door is $8 for individuals; $5 for seniors & students; $25 for families. Masks are no longer mandatory for admission to the High School Auditorium. For more information, visit www.littletonlyceum.org.

"The Power of Angels" 2022 Kitty Angels Fundraiser

AMHERST, NH: Plans are in the works for another fabulous fundraiser for Kitty Angels, Inc. This year’s event will take place on April 30 and May 1 from 9am-5pm. The kitties and vendors have taken the necessary precautions and are excited to have you get out of the house and come visit with them for some fabulous finds, great “free” entertainment and most important of all, to help Kitty Angels! The weekend festivities are being held at Treasures Antiques, 106 Ponemah Road (Rt. 122).

Look for all your favorite vendors, including artist Eric Nickola, dba WolfpacStudios, Artist Lori-Ellen Budenas of Respect the Wood, Monica Gesualdo of Trading Faces, Food Vendor B’s Grumman Grub, Jewelry designers - Freedom Jewelry & Heart’s Design Jewelry. Forever Clean Soaps, Morel Woodworking, Baby Snuggz, SoGo Metal Art, Scroll-N-Tole, Happy Cat Creations, Vinyl Revival, Dusty Finds, The Spirit of Cacao, Puckerbrush Life, Anthony Acres, Color Street, Paws & Spas, Heavenly Goddess, Usborne Books, Fudge & Stuff, Lynda’s Felted Critters, Tupperware, Custom Care Designs, Amherst Animal Hospital and many more. Updates will be made when available. Interested in becoming a vendor at the event? Contact Sherry or Rick at (603) 672-2535.

The bands and soloists for the event, consist of keyboardist/band member Joey Peavey, Side Effects, Diamond Edge Band, North Sound Duo, Levi Maxwell with Jeff Damon, Sunset Rhythm and Wildwood.

Featured throughout the fundraising weekend and into the month of June, is an electrifying raffle of numerous and diverse prizes, all generously donated by local and national businesses, professional sports teams, private individuals and some of the awesome on-site vendors.

Kitty Angels, Inc. is the sole beneficiary of this event. They are a no-kill cat shelter and are made up of all unpaid volunteers, dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and kittens, furnishing them with treatment for injuries or other health issues and then placing them into new forever homes with compatible owners. They are a non-profit, 501(C) 3 charitable corporation where all donations are fully tax-deductible and every penny of every donation is used in the caring of cats.

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

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,

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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: 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

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.

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

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 w ww.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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?

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!

Suggestions offered by Kris Erickson of the Westford Recycling Commission www.westford.gov/recycling.

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.

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

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).

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.

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

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:

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, Jean Doliber - Jean@reachma.org, 781-891-0724 X109
The Second Step, Marisa Rowe - mrowe@thesecondstep.org, 617-965-3999
Voices Against Violence, Simone Williams - simonew@smoc.org, 508-820-0834

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.

About Action Unlimited

A weekly advertising publication with seven (7) different editions to choose from - Acton (Acton, Boxboro, Maynard), Ayer (Ayer, Groton, Harvard, Shirley, Devens), Chelmsford, Concord (Concord, Carlisle, Bedford), Hudson (Hudson, Stow), Marlborough (Marlborough, Sudbury) and Westford (Westford, Littleton), Each edition is filled with news, events, puzzles, local advertisers, classifieds and more!

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