Action Unlimited

Why Social Security Matters More for Women

 
Social Security is often the foundation of financial security in retirement, especially for women.

The unique challenges that women face, such as fewer years in the workforce and longer life spans, mean benefits matter even more. The amount of your monthly payment depends on your 35 highest-earning years, so gaps in employment can reduce what you receive.

You can claim benefits as early as age 62, but every year you wait increases your monthly benefits, maxing out at age 70.
Marriage, widowhood and divorce also affect your options. For example, a spouse may qualify for up to half of a partner’s benefit, and survivor benefits can provide up to 100% of a late spouse’s amount. There are many more rules surrounding timing and the amount of benefits – many of which you can control.
Social Security rules are complex, but the decisions you make today can shape decades of retirement. Talk with a financial advisor to make the most of your benefit.

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


Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA

 
19 Carter Street, Berlin
Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!

FEBRUARY 8-14, 2026

Sunday, February 8, 2pm | Armchair Traveler: Riding the Rails from Worcester to San Francisco
Join Lee Tabor as he recounts a 4-day, 3-night trip on Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and the legendary California Zephyr from Worcester to San Francisco! Cost: Free!

Monday, February 9, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Tuesday, February 10, 1:30pm | Chat with Public Health Nurses Susie + Sandi!
Stop by to chat with Public Health Nurses Susie Thompson and Sandi Richard over tea or coffee. All are welcome.
Friday, February 13, 7pm | Open Mic
Join our supportive and inclusive open mic! Hosts Lori Diamond & Fred Abatelli will support with professional sound, a welcoming vibe, and a piano. Performers must sign up in advance by emailing LoriDiamondMusic@gmail.com. Sign up window opens 6pm the Wednesday before the event. Suggested donation: $5 

Saturday, February 14, 10am | Parody Playhouse
A dynamic music and movement program for ages 0-6 that supports early childhood development with parodies of iconic artists like The Beatles, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, and more! Suggested donation: $5

Saturday, February 14, 7:30pm | Rioflow Trio
Join us for a special Valentine's day concert celebrating the love of friendship, the earth and community featuring the Rioflow Trio! Enjoy Latin American grooves with styles such as bossa nova, Afro-Peruvian festejo, rumba flamenca, and Afro-Caribbean vibes. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door at 19Carter.org
Friends of emerson health2

Friends of Emerson Health's EmerSong Event



8th Annual EmerSong A Cappella Festival 
Saturday, March 7, 2026
2 Showtimes: 3:00 PM & 7:30 PM
51 Walden Performing Arts Center, Concord, MA

The Friends of Emerson Health is proud to announce the return of EmerSong, an a cappella festival.

Gather your family and friends and buy your tickets today for this popular community event. Please consider making a donation or becoming an EmerSong Friend!

All tickets are $35. Proceeds support Behavioral and Mental Health services at Emerson Health.

Performers include:
BroadBand
Take Notes - Concord Carlisle High School
Peanut Butter & Jelly - Lexington High School
Radcliffe Pitches
Up the Octave - Brandeis University
The Works
sQ! - Tufts University

Seating is limited; all tables can seat up to four people. Drinks are available for purchase at the 7:30 PM show.

For more information, visit: EmersonHealth.org/EmerSong or email emersonauxiliary@gmail.com. 
Heritage chorale

Heritage Chorale 2026 Pops Concert on February 21

Join us for Heritage Chorale's 2026 Pops Concert, Page to Stage: A Literary Journey, on February 21 at 7pm at Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive in Framingham. This year's Pops Concert features a variety of songs from Broadway shows whose origins are from literature. Some may be familiar, such as Get Me to the Church on Time and The Impossible Dream, while others may be wonderfully new to the listener. Percussion, piano, and other instrumentation will add to the enjoyment of this musical adventure. For more details and ticket information, please visit www.heritagechorale.org.
Historian to speak

Littleton Historian to Speak at Women's Alliance Meeting

Littleton historian Susan Harvey will speak on New England’s economic ties to the transatlantic slave trade at the Women’s Alliance Meeting Saturday, February 14 at 11AM.
Mrs. Harvey believes we have been asking the wrong questions about slavery in New England because we had no slave plantations here as existed in the southern states. It is our economic ties to the transatlantic slave trade that implicates New England in the monumental tragedy that took the lives of millions of human beings and, in doing so, formed the basis of America’s economy. She will discuss the ways in which New England facilitated and benefitted from the slave trade and how the trade led to the racism in America today. As well, she explores her own family’s part in this history of northern slavery.
All are welcome to this insightful talk, held in the vestry at First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster Street, Littleton, MA. To be followed by a Bring Your Own Lunch. This meeting will be a hybrid meeting; if you can’t make it in person, contact Rochelle Chambless for a link to the online version of the meeting at rochellecham@gmail.com.
What behaviors tell us3

What Behaviors Tell Us: Understanding Your Child's Communication - Feb. 26

Please join First Connections for a free presentation by Concord Children's Center Educators on What Behaviors Tell Us: Understanding Your Child’s Communication on Thursday, February 26, 7-8:00 pm. Early childhood experts invite you to a warm and informative panel discussion exploring how young children use behavior to communicate their needs, emotions, and developing skills. Our panel will share real-life examples, practical strategies, and guidance to help families better understand what children are trying to “say” through their actions. You’ll learn what your child might be trying to tell you—and how to respond in ways that build connection (and maybe save your sanity). Come with your questions and leave with tools to deepen your understanding of your child’s world. Register to receive the zoom link by emailing Linda at lmatthews@jri.org. This program is funded by a grant from Mass. Dept. of Early Education and Care.

Valentine's Family Karaoke Party
Friday, February 13, 5-8PM

Join us the 2nd annual Valentine's Family Karaoke Party Join us for a night of making music and making friends! There will be pizza and baked goods (including vegan and gluten-free options), non-alcoholic beverages, candy and prizes in several categories (Best Solo, Best Duo, Best Group, Best Love Song, Best "You Done Me Wrong" Song) Bring your voice and come join the fun from 5 to 8pm, Friday, February 13, 2026, First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster Street, Littleton. We had so much fun last year, we had to do it again! $5 per person/$20 per family, Cash and Venmo accepted. Parking available on street, behind the fire department, and at the Castle in the Trees Playground parking lot on King St.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
www. Freshstartfurniturebank.org

Are you enjoying the arctic blasts?  It is certainly making things challenging for everyone!  At Fresh Start, we closed a couple weeks ago due to the extreme cold. But last Saturday, with the temperature still below 10°, we were open and donors came to us with their furniture and household goods.  The donor intake crew took turns unloading donor items and ducking inside to get warm.

We need:
-Rugs
-Pristine or new Mattresses
-Table Lamps
-Kitchen Starter Sets (cutting boards, can openers, slotted spoons, colanders, etc)
-Shower curtains and rings
-Towels

     We also can use more volunteers, especially those who are bilingual. We are having volunteer Open house dates on March 14 and 19th at 11 AM to see our facility and to fill out paperwork.
      Thank you for helping us to help others!
Old north church

Get a Sneak Peek of America’s 250th Exhibit at Old North Church Historic Site This February School Vacation
Opens Saturday, Feb. 14 to Saturday, Feb. 21

BOSTON – Step into the story that launched a revolution. During February School Vacation Week, Old North Church Historic Site invites students, families, and history lovers to be among the first to experience new additions to its exhibit celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. As the nation looks ahead to July 4, 2026, there’s no better place to explore the origins of American independence than the site where Paul Revere’s famous “one if by land, and two if by sea” lanterns were hung.
Located in the heart of Boston’s North End, Old North offers a fun, immersive, and educational vacation-week experience. Visitors can explore the soaring 18th-century church, discover new semiquincentennial content, and connect classroom lessons to the real places where history happened.
Designated a Site of Conscience by the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience in 2023, Old North Church Historic Site brings Revolutionary-era history together with stories that inspire curiosity, conversation, and civic engagement  — making it an ideal School Vacation destination for learners of all ages.
The historic site, which is typically closed to the public during the winter season, will be open Feb. 14 through Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m (open 12:30 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15). Families can take advantage of a $10 combo ticket, which includes admission to the church, an immersive audio guide, and a self-guided tour of the historic crypt, where more than 1,100 people are buried. Tours of the Bell Chamber and the Balcony will also be offered periodically throughout the day. For more information, visit: www.oldnorth.com.  

Newly Reinstalled Modern & Contemporary Art Galleries to Open with Well Known & Never Before Seen Artworks

 
Free, open to the public, & on view at the Davis Museum on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026
WELLESLEY, MASS. (February 2026) - In spacious, newly-reinstalled galleries on the fifth floor of the Davis Museum at Wellesley College, the public is invited to see modern and contemporary works of art by well-known artists Willem de Kooning, Lee Krasner, Daniela Rivera, Horace Pippin, and Judith Rothschild, among others, beginning Feb. 6. The galleries have been closed for several years, but now the 2,606-square-foot space will house some notable works as well as some never-before-seen works that are coming out of storage to hang in the larger galleries longterm.
“To select works for the top floor installation, I reviewed over 900 works – mainly paintings and sculptures – in the permanent collection, created over the last century, emphasizing some classics and favorites, but also trying to bring forth things that had never been placed on view, like a fantastic and critical vision of the modern department store by Irving Norman, or a glazed ceramic vessel by studio potter (and former Dadaist) Beatrice Wood,” said James Oles, Adjunct Curator of Latin American Art and Associate Teaching Professor in Art, who curated the new gallery spaces known as Harold and Estelle Newman Tanner Gallery and Lawrence and Ina Lee Brown Ramer Gallery.
Among the paintings and works of art that Dr. Amanda Gilvin, the Davis’s Interim Co-Director, Sonja Novak Koerner ‘51 Senior Curator of Collections and Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs, most looks forward to seeing are: Irving Norman’s Labyrinth (1955); Sonia Delaunay-Terk’s Electric Prisms, (1913) and Judith Rothschild’s Curious Personage (ca. 1947-49). Notable works by artists Olga Albizu, Theo van Doesburg, Roland Dorcely, Yvette Mayorga, László Moholy-Nagy, Magdalene Odundo, and Adrian Piper will also be on view.
The newly reinstalled galleries, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, reflect how faculty teach art across the disciplines at Wellesley College. Instead of a chronological organization, the sections address themes that emerge from the college’s curriculum and the collection’s strengths: Modern Fragments, The Label, An Eye for Materials, Plane and Grid, Dream and Gesture, and Contemporary Art.
In Modern Fragments, select paintings and sculptures suggest just a few of the ways that artists reacted to the radical upheavals that characterized the modern age. A Label reminds visitors to read texts that they encounter in museums critically. Artworks in An Eye for Materials share nothing beyond an experimental embrace of materials.
“From the start of this project I wanted to involve students,” Oles said, adding the project’s four student employees wrote wall labels for the galleries and learned about the curatorial process. “They wrote (and signed!) many of the object labels, including those for our 1966 painting by Willem de Kooning, where they came up with three very different interpretations.”
The Davis Museum’s collection is especially strong in post-World War II abstraction from the Americas. Plane and Grid features artists whose primary focus was on precision and calculation, and on grids and systems as governing structures. Meanwhile, Dream and Gesture unlocks personal, emotional, and even unconscious forces. The artists featured in Contemporary Art all remain active in the art world, and the selected works all entered the collection in the past 15 years. They reveal the Museum’s expanding aspiration to represent voices from the entire globe, as well as from diasporic communities in the United States. These contemporary works challenge standard narratives while also forging connections with objects elsewhere in the collection, from all periods.
The gallery restoration was made possible with funds from the Mellon Endowment for Academic Programs, Helyn MacLean Program Fund for Contemporary and South Asian Art, Amos W. Stetson Fund, Mary Tebbets Wolfe ’54 Davis Museum Program Fund, and Wellesley College’s Friends of Art. A label writing workshop with Juening Mao ‘26, Elle Scheffel ‘26, Ruofan Wang ‘27, and Alesia Zhou ‘26, received the generous support of the Art Department.
The Davis Museum is free and open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 781-283-2051 or visit https://www1.wellesley.edu/davismuseum/visit/directions.
Emmas revolution

Emma's Revolution Concert in Littleton Feb 6

California-based, activist singer/songwriting duo Emma's Revolution will perform Songs of Hope & Resistance, a benefit for immigrant and refugee justice at First Church Unitarian, Littleton at 19 Foster Street, in Littleton, on Friday February 6, at 7pm ET/4pm PT. If you can’t make it in person, attend by live stream with replay. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Livestream tickets are $25; you will receive a link for the livestream 48 hours before the concert. No one will be turned away if you can’t afford a ticket. For tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/LittletonFeb6.
Known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies you can’t resist singing, Emma's Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries and Sandy O. Performances feature the duo's signature soaring harmonies and lush acoustic instruments, in songs that span folk to jazz and funk to rock.
Get recharged, inspired and energized in community, justice and song to benefit the International Institute of New England and its work supporting immigrants and refugees for more than half a century.
Do you love cookies

Do you Love cookies? Do you love the library? Let’s put the two together!
February 7th, 10:30

Come to the library and choose from a selection of homemade cookies to fill a cute little box. Suggested donation $5. Find us downstairs by the Children's room until the cookies run out - and don't forget the RHL will be celebrating Take Your Child to the Library Day!
Westfordcat vacation film labs

WestfordCAT Vacation Film Labs Introduces Students to the Art of Filmmaking

WESTFORD, MA: Attention Middle School students and parents! School vacations are coming up and WestfordCAT is focused on keeping you and your kids busy!  Ready to dive into the exciting world of audio and visual content creation? Bring your ideas to life! WestfordCAT is thrilled to offer a variety of classes that will empower you to use our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

WestfordCAT Film Lab is an exciting hands-on program designed to introduce middle school age students to the art of filmmaking during school vacation weeks. Over four action-packed days during school vacation, young creators will explore every aspect of video production—from brainstorming creative concepts and writing scripts to operating professional cameras, directing scenes, and editing their final projects using industry-standard software. Join in at any time and take as many or as few classes as you’d like.  Current offerings:
Master the Video Camera - Get comfortable behind the lens with our 2-hour camera operation course.  Podcast Studio Explorer - Tour our podcast studio and learn how to plan your very own show. Edit Like a Pro With Adobe Premiere - Learn to transform your raw footage into polished productions.  TV Studio Production Fundamentals - Discover how to plan and create content in a professional TV studio environment.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, we have something for everyone wrapped in a supportive environment encouraging experimentation, collaboration and creative expression. The program culminates in a showcase where participants share their completed short films with family and friends, celebrating their journey from initial idea to finished production. Jump behind the lens and into the studio during both school vacations, February 17-20 and April 21-24, 2026, each just $175, or register for both for $325.

Program Coordinator George Kalabokis, a Chelmsford native, attended Innovation Academy for high school. He studied film and video production at Fitchburg State University, where he also worked for the campus newspaper as a photographer and news writer. Afterwards, Kalabokis worked for several years at Billerica Access Television before joining Tyngsborough Media, where he continues to work. His interest in film and media production began in high school, during an internship at Lowell Telecommunications, where he produced a weekly news show. That experience led him to pursue the field in college and as a career. Kalabokis brings teaching experience to the role.  He previously worked as a paraprofessional at an elementary school and as the Educational/Associate Content Producer at Billerica Access Television.
Ready to start your creative journey? Don’t miss this chance to learn, create, and share your vision with the world through WestfordCAT! Film Lab is the perfect opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to discover their storytelling voice and develop technical skills that will serve them for years to come.  For more information, visit westfordcat.org/services-and-resources/classes or register now online at westfordcat.networkforgood.com/projects/262206-westfordcat-film-lab-lights-camera-action.

WESTFORD LWV CIVIC SOCIAL TO FOCUS ON PAY-AS-YOU-THROW PROGRAM

The League of Women Voters of Westford is hosting Assistant Town Manager–Strategic Operations Mike Edwards and Select Board member Noëlle Donovan for its first Civic Social of 2026. On Wednesday, January 28, Edwards and Donovan will discuss Westford’s new hybrid Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) curbside trash program, which is slated to launch in July 2026. The in-person event is being held at WestfordCAT, 487 Groton Road, at 7:30 p.m.
Under the PAYT program, each eligible household will receive one free 35-gallon trash cart that will be collected weekly at no charge. Households that generate more trash may purchase PAYT bags for the overflow, paying only for the additional disposal they use. Residents can see a sample 35-gallon trash cart and PAYT bags on the first floor of Town Hall, 55 Main Street. Recycling – which is unlimited – remains the same. For more details, go to westfordma.gov/1831/Pay-As-You-Throw-PAYT-Program.
Civic Socials are the League’s informal monthly get-togethers, open to everyone, where people can learn what’s happening in and around town and about what the League is doing. 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/.

New Tax Laws for 2026 That You Should Know

 
The new year brings more than resolutions – it brings tax changes that could impact your wallet.
There's good news for retirement savers: You can put more into your IRA, 401(k) or other workplace plan this year compared to last year.

If you're a high earner age 50 or older, catch-up contributions must now be made into a Roth account – for tax-free income later.

Health savings accounts also allow more in annual contributions.

When it comes to education savings, the withdrawal rate for 529 plans has doubled. And the list of qualifying expenses includes more options than before.

Charitable giving shifts too: Standard filers can deduct up to $1,000 in cash gifts, while itemizers face new thresholds.

Tax changes can be complex. Work with a qualified financial advisor and tax professional to build strategies that make the most of new opportunities while minimizing your tax burden.
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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.

MOVING-ON

 
MOVING-ON is a social group for singles, mostly age 60 or over, who wish to get to know other people and build friendships.  We hold a weekly meeting every Thursday evening to discuss topics that avoid politics or religion; some meetings are in-person and others are on-line. Members organize fun and interesting group activities around greater Boston, such as plays and concerts, movies, restaurant dining, and nature hikes.  Come join us for an in-person meeting at 7:00 PM on the 2nd or 4th Thursday of the month at The Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam St., Lexington; or for more information email info@moving-on-together.org.
Assabet valley mastersingers1

Please Join the Assabet Valley Mastersingers for Our Second Formal Concert of Our 2025-2026 Season: “Lest We Forget”

Shrewsbury, MA — The Assabet Valley Mastersingers (AVM) is thrilled to announce its March
2026 concert in Shrewsbury, which features James Whitbourn’s “Annelies”, a composition
based on Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl. This performance will stand as a tribute to
Holocaust survivors honoring voices of resilience, memory, and hope.

Event Date: March 8th, 2026
Time: 3:30pm
Location: Robert R. Jay Performing Arts Center (378 Main Street), Shrewsbury, MA
Artistic Director: Dr. Robert Eaton
Soprano: Jess Huetteman

About the Event
“Annelies” is a 75-minute choral work for soprano soloist, choir and instrumentalists that was
composed by British composer James Whitbourn. The libretto is compiled and translated by
Melanie Challenger from The Diary of Anne Frank. Movements from Annelies were first
performed at the National UK Holocaust Memorial Day in Westminster Hall in London in January
of 2005 and the world premiere of “Annelies” was given on April 5th, 2005 at the Cadogan Hall,
London.
The piece is divided into fourteen movements and there will be no intermission during this
performance. In addition to choral and soprano soloist scoring, the instrumental portion is
scored for both larger full symphony orchestra and a smaller chamber version. AVM will perform
the version scored for a full orchestra which is rare. The last time the work was publicly
performed was in 2022 by Princeton Pro Musica.
James Whitbourn passed away in early 2024 and “Annelies” remains one of his most renowned
compositions. In fact, a recording by the Westminster Williamson Voices in 2014 was nominated
for a Grammy award under the Best Choral Performance category, which was one of four
Grammy nominations for Whitbourn during his lifetime. This performance of “Annelies” is
enriched by remarks from Holocaust survivors, honoring their voices and enduring resilience.

Ticket Information:
● General Admission: $25.00
● Senior/Student Price: $20.00
● Children under 12 are free with an accompanying adult.

Tickets can be purchased online at .https://www.avmsingers.org/events/lest-we-forget.
AVM is part of the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program, which grants
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders access to steeply discounted tickets from a variety
of arts, humanities, and science organizations across the Commonwealth. Cardholders may
order up to four tickets online by applying the promo code MASSCTOC and selecting manual
payment type. The same discounted costs, $5.00 for general or $4.00 for senior/student
admission, are payable at the concert for preordered, or onsite-requested CTOC tickets
Annual free family concert

Worcester Chamber Music Society
Presents Annual Free Family Concert March 8

January 15, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) is thrilled to present its Annual Free Family Concert on March 8, 2026, with a performance at 3:00pm at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.  Neighborhood Strings students will perform at the beginning of the concert. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
This year’s Family Concert is brought to you by the letter F. An afternoon of fairy tales, fables, family, friends, and fun is sure to delight the children in your lives (as well as your inner child). Four hands on one piano provide the musical setting for Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite. Navok’s Beauty and the Beast is the world premiere of a fantastic musical retelling of the classic fairy tale. Be sure to reserve your seats early because this one-time-only concert will reach capacity soon.
Sunday, March 8 @3PM
Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street, Worcester
Generously sponsored by Bay State Savings Bank, Cornerstone Bank, Fidelity Bank, Unibank, and Country Bank. This concert is also funded in part by grants from the Shrewsbury Arts Council and the Worcester Arts Council, local agencies funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Program
A special performance by Neighborhood Strings Maurice Ravel | Mother Goose Suite
Lior Navok | Beauty and the Beast  – world premiere performance

Featuring WCMS musicians:
Peter Sulski, violin
Mark Berger, viola
Ariana Falk, cello
Randall Hodgkinson, piano

With guests:
Lilit Hartunian, violin / Leslie Amper, piano
Venue is handicapped accessible.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Reserve early, since this event typically sells out quickly.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/fairy-tales-and-fables/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

Boston CASA Seeks Volunteers to Advocate for Foster Youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties

Virtual information session to take place on January 27 for those interested in joining the spring training cohort
BOSTON, Mass. (January 22, 2026) – Boston CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is issuing an urgent call for volunteers to advocate on behalf of children in the foster care system. Currently, only 15% of eligible foster youth in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties have access to a CASA — a trained, court-appointed volunteer who provides consistent, one-on-one support and helps shape critical legal and life decisions.
“Imagine facing judges, rotating caseworkers, and endless transitions as a child, without one adult focused solely on what's best for you," said Nicole Stewart, Executive Director of Boston CASA and a former foster youth. "That's what foster youth experience. A CASA changes that equation. We're looking for volunteers prepared to show up consistently, advocate fiercely, and be the person a child can count on."
With virtual information sessions beginning January 27, Boston CASA encourages compassionate adults across the region to attend an upcoming session to learn how they can make a life-changing difference for a child.

What CASAs Do
Unlike mentors or service providers, CASAs are appointed by a judge to focus solely on the best interests of a child in foster care. Each CASA is matched with one child or sibling group and builds a consistent, trusted relationship by meeting with them regularly and staying involved for the duration of the case.
CASAs collaborate with teachers, doctors, foster parents, attorneys, and caseworkers to ensure the child’s needs are met, advocating for essential services, educational support, healthcare access, and permanent housing. They often become the one consistent adult in a child’s life, helping navigate a complex and ever-changing system.
CASAs are asked to commit at least 18 months to the role. Initial training requires 30 hours, with 12 hours of ongoing education each year. Once assigned to a case, volunteers typically dedicate 10 to 15 hours per month to their CASA work.

Why It Matters
The need is urgent:


According to a national study, 92% of judges say CASAs improve outcomes for children, and 83% say CASAs help ensure children receive essential services. But when a youth has a CASA, they are more likely to succeed in school, access vital services, and secure a stable, permanent home.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Have a deep desire to make a difference in a child’s life
  • Be 21 years or older
  • Commit to at least 18 months of service
  • Ability to meet with youth 1-2 times a month at their home or in community
  • Approach difficult situations with compassion and diplomacy
  • Keep personal beliefs separate from their advocacy role


Children in foster care come from all backgrounds, and Boston CASA is committed to building a volunteer community that reflects that diversity. While all are welcome to apply, we’re especially seeking volunteers who speak additional languages, identify as people of color, are men, or are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Your lived experience can make a powerful difference in a child’s life.

Upcoming Info Sessions
Attending an information session is required to apply for the organization’s next volunteer training cycle, which begins in the spring. These sessions will give you an overview of the organization and our work, the application and interview process, as well as more details about the training required to become a CASA.

Sessions will be held virtually on Zoom:
  • Tuesday January 27 12-1:00pm (Last info session before the March training)
  • Tuesday February 10 5:30-6:30pm


Sign up for an upcoming information session HERE. Research shows that just one consistent adult can change a child’s trajectory. For more information or to register for an info session, visit: https://bostoncasa.org/
Nashoba symphonic band

NASHOBA SYMPHONIC BAND FEATURES TRUMPET RHAPSODY

The Nashoba Symphonic Band, under the direction of David Wayne Bailey continues its 10th Anniversary season on Saturday, February 7th at 2 pm in the auditorium of Nashoba Regional High School, Route 117 in Bolton MA (GPS says Green Road). The concert is entitled “On Your Toes,” with most of its selections related to forms of dance.

The program opens with the ragtime dance, Ragged Rozey by veteran band composer Karl L. King, and continues with Warren Benson's haunting Solitary Dancer, and the captivating Italian Polka by Sergei Rachmaninov, scored by Erik Leidzen for the world-famous Goldman Band.

The featured work on the program is the Rhapsody for Trumpet and Wind Orchestra by Armenian composer, Alexander Arutiunian, performed by the NSB first chair trumpet player, Joseph Cosgrove.

The second half of the program opens with Choreography by Robert Sheldon. Sheldon's Wolves of Nashoba, commissioned by NSB, was premiered in May of 2025.
The program concludes with a rousing set of Symphonic Dances from Jerry Bock's timeless “Fiddler on the Roof.”

For further information, contact David Bailey (baileydavidwayne@gmail.com),
Nashoba Symphonic Band is a program of the Nashoba Regional High School. It 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.

All Nashoba Symphonic Band events are free and open to the public.  

Westford Chorus is proud to present our Concert:

Members' Favorites
Sunday, February 1st, 2026
4:00PM
James Barkovic, Director
Terry Halco, Assistant Director

Trinity Lutheran Church
170 Old Westford Road
Chelmsford, Massachusetts

In-person tickets can be purchased online at westfordchorus.org
Tickets at the door, cash or check only
Adults $25, Seniors $20, Students $10, Children under 5 Free
Venue is accessible

Post-concert recording will be available for this concert
You must register online at westfordchorus.org to receive
the concert recording link after the concert.

Register today!
Antje duvekot to visit pca’s coffeehouse

A Compelling Live Performer, Antje Duvekot to Visit PCA’s Coffeehouse 2/13


WESTFORD, MA: A compelling live performer, internationally recognized Antje Duvekot will be visiting the Parish Center for the Arts (10 Lincoln Street) on February 13 at 7:30pm as part of the PCA’s Coffeehouse Series, sponsored by Rockland Trust. So pack up your favorite snacks and beverages for this evening of songs that are “stunning paintings of color and shade and always generate the heat and light that real art should.” (Neil Dorfsman, producer of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen & Sting). Tickets range from $20-$25. Cabaret seating. For information about this and all upcoming concerts at the PCA, call (978) 692-6333 or visit pcawestford.org.

Originally born in Germany and transplanted to the U.S. as a young teen, Antje Duvekot began to hone her observational skills through a lens of biculturalism when she picked up a guitar during that move. Some years later, the confessional folk of Dar Williams and Ani DiFranco gave her license to share her observations, no matter how personal. Since her first emerging original songs, she has never let go of that tenet of vulnerability. Antje’s five studio albums, including her latest, “New Wild West” were produced by Mark Erelli, Seamus Egan of SOLAS, Richard Shindell and Scott Petito, respectively, and feature support from Anais Mitchell, John Gorka, Lucy Kaplansky, Sean Mullins, Liz Longley, Mark Erelli, and Kris Delmhorst, among others.

Antje has extensive touring experience. She has been invited to play top festivals, such as the Newport Folk Festival, Mountain Stage, Philadelphia, and Kerrville Festivals and others. Internationally, she's headlined the Celtic Connections Festival in Scotland and the Tonder Festival in Denmark. Antje has won some of the top songwriting awards, including the Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition and the "Best New Folk Award" at Kerrville. In one of the nation's top music markets, she won the Boston Music Award for "Outstanding Folk Act". She has appeared on various NPR programs. In 2007, The Bank of America featured Antje's song "Merry Go Round" in a national TV advertising campaign seen by millions, including a Super Bowl audience. In 2010, Antje played the TEDMED conference in San Diego (before the unveiling of Ozzie Osbourne's genome!).

For more information about the PCA and their season, visit pcawestford.org, email admin@pcawestford.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram!
Direct ticket link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/2-13-26-antje-duvekot/4LCVMAJQX4NEOXLXEFV2IXHP
Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333
Spend valentine’s with vintage vocal quartet

Spend Valentine’s with Vintage Vocal Quartet in Special “Date Night” Event


WESTFORD, MA: Grab your sweetheart or a group of friends and spend Valentine’s Day with The Vintage Vocal Quartet! Coming to the Parish Center for the Arts on February 14, the evening will fill your ears and your heart with the swinging harmonies of the Swing Era, when jazz music and pop music were one and the same. You can bring your favorite foods and drinks, or pre-show treat arrangements can be made with Westford Bakery!  Doors open at 7pm for the 7:30pm show.  Dancing is welcome in the Gallery. Tickets are Member $30; Non-Member $35; Member Couple $50 and Non-Member Couple $60. For more information visit pcawestford.org.
The Vintage Vocal Quartet has been delighting concert audiences and lindy hoppers all over New England. They sing while playing piano, guitar, bass and trombone/drums. dialed in to the sound of groups like Glenn Miller’s Modernaires, the Nat King Cole Trio, the Andrews Sisters, and Tommy Dorsey’s Pied Pipers; as well as singers like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald. It was a time when every radio blared out music that was danceable yet sophisticated. Get ready to swing with the Vintage Vocal Quartet!

Fun will be had by all, singles, duos and groups in all numbers.  Music, dancing, great food and drinks and even prizes courtesy of donors including Authentic Cuts, Balance Nails, BJs of Nashua, Burton's Grill & Bar, CBC Liquors, Cultivating Qi, Evviva Trattoria, Express Sign & Graphics, Fuchi Asian Cuisine, Good Pickin' Farm, InStyle Hair Designs, Kimball Farms, Muffins on Main, O'Neil Cinemas, Orangetheory Fitness, Pure Barre, Seoul Kitchen,  STIR Martini Bar & Kitchen, Whole Foods & more!

For more information, visit the PCA online at pcawestford.org, or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/2-14-26-vintage-vocal-quartet-valentine-s-date-night/EVX662QNM46VBKMJ2QIO2RRZ

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333
Steve zocchi returns to pca with “man vs. piano”

By Popular Demand Steve Zocchi Returns to PCA with “Man vs. Piano”

WESTFORD: The Piano Heritage Series at the Parish Center in Westford presents Steve Zocchi, pianist/humorist in Concert on February 15 with his “Man vs. Piano” concert where the epic battle continues! Relax and enjoy Pianist Steve Zocchi, in an afternoon of levity and virtuosity. A disciple of Victor Borge, Zocchi uses humor and honesty to dissolve the tension and pretense around classical music. Steve’s humorous pre-concert talk at 3:15pm will illuminate hilarious insights into the life of a pianist. The music to follow at 4pm! All ages welcome. This event was a total sellout last season. Advance ticket purchased recommended!  Tickets range from $5 to $20 are available online at https://parisharts.square.site/product/2-15-26-steve-zocchi-man-vs-piano-piano-heritage-series-/95, or at the door (if available).  For more information, visit pcawestford.org or call (978) 692-6333.

Steve Zocchi is a pianist, composer, and music teacher from the Boston area. Steve’s primary musical focus is on J.S. Bach, Mozart, and Improvisation. After receiving his degree in Piano Performance, Zocchi studied Jazz Piano theory with the legendary Steve Hunt. He also studied Organ with the late Dr. John Ogasapian and served as assistant-organist at St. Anne's Church in Lowell from 1997-1999. Steve then served as Music Minister at St. John's Episcopal Church in Lowell from 2000-2014. He was Music Director at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Chelmsford MA, 2014-2021. He is presently at Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church.

Zocchi served as president of the Greater Lowell Music Teachers Association from 2006 to 2012 and was awarded 'Music Teacher of the Year 2010' by Massachusetts Music Teachers Association. Steve maintains a thriving music studio in Groton where he teaches piano and guitar. Steve is known for his eclectic piano concerts juxtaposing Classical, Jazz and Original Compositions. A recording artist, Zocchi’s latest release 'Piano Works and Play' as well as his previous CD 'Compositions and Improvisation' include both music composed in the Classical tradition as well as improvised music in several genres.

Facebook: facebook.com/ParishCenterfortheArts
X: twitter.com/PCAWestford
Instagram: instagram.com/pcawestford

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333
Lwv acton margaret kennedy

LWV Acton Area launches ‘Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative’ Fund


League of Women Voters - Acton Area (includes Littleton) announces the establishment of the Margaret Kennedy Social Justice Initiative Fund in honor of Marge’s passionate commitment to social justice. This multi-year initiative, funded by a generous bequest at her death in December 2022, will continue her commitment to social justice via annual events, public forums, speaker series, and other community building programs.
Margaret (Marge) Kennedy was a long-time League member who served in almost every leadership position, although her greatest satisfaction came from her commitment to educate about the needs of the oppressed and build a sense of belonging in our community.
In addition to her commitment to the League, she actively supported other organizations that promoted affordable housing, meeting basic needs, combating domestic violence and intolerance, and ensuring rights for everyone in our communities.
The League will launch this important initiative by hosting a forum entitled “Restoring the Promise, A Discussion About Immigration Policy and the Path Forward.” It will be led by immigration attorney Antonio Massa Viana who writes, “‘Restoring the Promise’ is a nonpartisan, community-based discussion . . . that invites participants to reflect on the impact of current immigration policies, the ways immigration has shaped our nation, and the constitutional questions that affect both non-citizens and U.S. citizens alike.” It will take place on Saturday, February 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. The link and more information about Atty Viana and the forum’s agenda will be shared closer to the date, so keep watching this space!
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. In addition to our long tradition of providing important voter information services, we strive to raise awareness and provide accurate information on social issues such as Immigration Reform to equip voters to make informed choices when voting.
Please visit our website (lwv-actonarea.org) for more information about the League and how to become a member.
Emma's revolution

Emma's Revolution Perform Songs of Hope & Resistance Feb 6


California-based, activist singer/songwriting duo Emma's Revolution will perform Songs of Hope & Resistance, a benefit for immigrant and refugee justice at First Church Unitarian, Littleton at 19 Foster Street, in Littleton, on Friday February 6, at 7pm ET/4pm PT. If you can’t make it in person, attend by live stream with replay. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Livestream are $25. No one will be turned away. For tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/LittletonFeb6.

Attendees are invited to participate in an informal protest poster contest on Reclaiming Our Democracy, with the audience voting for the winners. Bring your favorite family-friendly protest poster to express outrage, hope, irony, democracy, patriotism, and more.
As independent artists and queer and non-conforming women, Emma’s Revolution has a national presence among communities, organizations and venues that share the duo's vision of valuing people over profit, choosing compassion over violence, demanding accountability and building a more just and sustainable world.

Known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies you can’t resist singing, Emma's Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries and Sandy O. Performances feature the duo's signature soaring harmonies and lush acoustic instruments, in songs that span folk to jazz and funk to rock.

Get recharged, inspired and energized in community, justice and song to benefit the International Institute of New England and its work supporting immigrants and refugees for more than half a century.

 “In this intense and unprecedented time, when our rights, norms and democracy are on the line, all of our voices are needed to create the country and the world we want to live in,” said Emma’s Revolution musician Pat Humphries.

Sponsored by First Church Unitarian in Littleton and its Reclaiming Our Democracy task force, which meets monthly to strategize how best to protect our civil rights and the separation of power guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Hunger In our Communities

 
For over 40 years, Loaves and Fishes have been providing food to our neighbors in an atmosphere of kindness and respect.  With the help of volunteers and donors, Loaves and Fishes serves the communities of Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton and Shirley. But regardless of what community people may live in, no one is ever turned away. Last year alone, they served over 1,000 households/3,000 individuals with nutritious groceries.

Would you like to learn more about what drives food insecurity in our region?
Would you like to learn more about how you might have a positive impact?

Learn the answers to these questions and more as Patty Stern, Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes, shares more about their mission and how they address this growing societal need.

Monday, February 2, 7 PM
St. Anne’s Church Hall
75 King Street, Littleton, MA
This event is sponsored by the Blessed Trinity Parish Social Justice Ministry.

RSVP requested but not required to plan for refreshments.
socialjusticeministry@blessedtrinitycatholic.org

Putting your Aging Parents' Wishes First

 
As your parents grow older, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues.

Position these conversations to honor their plans and understand their wishes, so their affairs will be taken care of as they would like.

First, consider health care. Find out if they have limits on medical care and appropriate legal documents, like a health care power of attorney.

Another subject: independence. Have they thought about the need for long-term care?

Also, ask if they have updated wills, revocable trusts and durable powers of attorney, so a trusted person can make financial decisions if they become incapacitated.

Finally, have they left instructions in their will about their funeral preferences?

These are sensitive subjects, but you can get help from other family members or a trusted legal or financial professional.

By raising these issues with your parents, you can help avoid unpleasant surprises — and maybe even create some peace of mind for your family.

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.
Worcester chamber music society 2

Worcester Chamber Music Society Presents February 1 Concert in Worcester


January 20, 2026   Worcester, MA –  Worcester Chamber Music Society continues its 20th Season with a concert titled “Shadow & Light” at Assumption University’s Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall on February 1, which features distinguished guest artist Edwin Barker, former longtime principal bass of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A reception will follow the concert. Two talented female composers shine brilliantly on this concert, having emerged from the shadows of obscurity. Sofia Gubaidulina defied the Soviet authorities’ artistic demands and was virtually unknown in the West until the 1980s. Despite favorable comparisons to Ravel, Bloch, and Debussy, Rebecca Clarke languished in obscurity until only recently. Wildly popular in its time, Beethoven’s septet in some ways stole the spotlight, overshadowing in his lifetime what he considered some of his greatest works.
Sunday, February 1 @4PM
Jeanne Y. Curtis Hall, Assumption University
500 Salisbury Street, Worcester
Pre-concert talk @3:30 PM
Program
Sofia Gubaidulina | Sonata for Double Bass and Piano
Rebecca Clarke | Piano Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven | Septet
Venues are handicapped accessible.
Tickets are available at https://worcesterchambermusic.org/shadow-and-light/ or by calling the WCMS office at (508) 926-8624.

Upcoming Events at 19 Carter - A Nonprofit and Unique Gathering Place in Berlin, MA

19 Carter Street, Berlin

Weekly Events: Suggested donation $5

Monday: A Politics-Free Tea Time 2 - 4pm
Turn off your TV and stop by for 2 hours of pleasant tea and pleasantries, pastries with good company, and no politics!
Tuesday: Armchair Meditation 8 - 8:30am
Wednesday: Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Wednesday: Office Hours with Melissa (Director of the Berlin COA) 10 – 11am (Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday)
Wednesday: Old Time Music Jam 11am – 1pm (every 2nd and 4th Wednesday)
Wednesday: Irish Session 7 - 10pm
Thursday: Afternoon Games 2 - 4pm
Friday: Open Art Studio & Coffee Hour 9am - 12pm
Friday: Fiber Arts Group 2 - 4pm
Saturday: Social 10am - 1pm
Office Hours w Senator Kennedy’s team Every second Wednesday of the month at 11am – 12pm

Visit 19Carter.org for tickets, registration + more info!
We frequently add new upcoming events :)

FEBRUARY 1-7, 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2pm | Music and Stories from Little House on the Prairie
Come enjoy the tunes Laura Ingalls Wilder loved and find out more about the music that was so popular with the pioneers. Cost: Free!

Monday, February 2, 4:30pm | Social Singing with Music Includes
Music Includes brings people of all abilities and identities together for inclusive, high-quality musical experiences. Join us in a safe, joyful space to share songs of all kinds. Select Mondays from Jan 19 - April 27.  Register at nacc.net. Learn more at ldfamusic.com/music-includes.
Monday, February 2, 7:30pm | Open Mic for Comics
Join us for our monthly, laid-back night of comedy brought to you by OMP Productions and the Carnival Personnel Podcast. Comics can sign up for a stand-up slot in advance by emailing openmicpain@gmail.com. Audience welcome! Ages 18+ Suggested donation: $5

Tuesday, February 3, 6pm | Book Launch: When Did We See You? A Lenten Reflection on Poverty and Wealth
Berlin resident Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Mae Magill invites us into an honest conversation about faith, money, and community, posing hard questions about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in an economically divided world. Cost: Free!

Saturday, February 7, 11:30am | Veg Group: Cooking with Plants!
This month guest speaker Tracy Zook will talk about plant foods and recipes especially delicious in February! Suggested donation: $5
Ucc boxborough folk coffeehouse

17th Annual UCC Boxborough Folk Coffeehouse

Saturday, January 31, 7 – 9 p.m.
723 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough

Save the date! Nothing could be better than shaking off the dark winter chills and enjoying warm, gentle music in the Gathering Room at the United Church of Christ, Boxborough, with friends on a Saturday evening (7 - 9 p.m.).
The UCCB Music Committee invites you to enjoy the many talents of our community and perhaps offer some talents of your own in a traditional folk “coffeehouse” setting. This event is intended to slow us down, warm us up, and bring us together as appreciators of music.
Please contact Peter Senghas (pwsenghas@gmail.com) or Steve Griffin (sgri617@comcast.net) if you would like to participate or if you have a question about this event.
Mac kid summer camp fair 1

Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on February 7

Local parents looking for information on summer camps and kids’ activities will find over 25 programs at the Summer Camp & Kids Activities Fair in Westford on Saturday, February 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.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Free Help Filing Your Taxes

 
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. You don't need to be an AARP member to use the service. Since 1968, Tax-Aide has helped over 82 million taxpayers receive all the credits and deductions they're entitled to. Our volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.  We can prepare and e-file both Federal and state tax returns.

Every year, from early February to mid-April, our volunteers take appointments at host sites around the country. Check with your local senior center or use the AARP Tax-Aide Service Locator Tool at aarp.org/money/taxes to find a site near you. 

Fresh Start Furniture Bank
Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

Happy New Year!
     Fresh Start Furniture Bank in Hudson served 596 families in 2025!  That’s almost 600 families who had been homeless and not only found housing through agencies but were given everything they needed to make those homes warm and welcoming.  Everything from bed and bath linens to silverware, dish sets, and small appliances to rugs, couches, dressers, dining tables and chairs - all at no cost to them and through the generosity of donors like you!  A lot of donors showed up today and a Girl Scout troop assembled and donated dozens of kitchen starter sets for our clients.
     We are always looking for more volunteers; Fresh Start Furniture Bank is a warm and welcoming and rewarding place to work.  Take a look at our website (above)and join the family!  You’ll be happy that you did!
     Donations of household items (linens, small appliances, kitchenware, lamps, etc.)can be brought to us at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-noon.  Furniture can be accepted on Thursday mornings from 8:30-10:30 and household items until noon.  Donated items do not need to be new but they need to be in good shape.  If you wouldn’t give it to a good friend, don’t give it to our clients!
     You will find lists of most needed items on our website, and links to Amazon and Target Wishlists under Other Ways to Donate.
     Let’s make it a happy new year for more families!  Thank you!
Littleton middle school shrek

Littleton Middle School Presents Shrek Jr.
The Musical

Set off on a fairy tale adventure with Shrek as Littleton Middle School presents their production of Shrek Jr. the musical. Performances will be held Friday, January 23rd at 7PM, Saturday, January 24th at 2PM and Sunday, January 25th at 2PM. All shows will be performed at Littleton High School. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or at lmsdrama.org
Westfordchorus poster

Westford Chorus Presents a Program of "Members' Favorites" February 1

For its midwinter concert this year, the Westford Chorus presents a program of "Members' Favorites."

The concert will be performed on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 170 Old Westford Road, Chelmsford, MA. Tickets are available at westfordchorus.org or at the door. Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (65+) and $10 for students. Children under five will be admitted for free. The venue is accessible. If you can't attend in person, register at westfordchorus.org for a link to the recording.

Jim Barkovic, Music Director, explained the origin of the unusual program: "It all started at a rehearsal last spring. I set out a pen and a pad of paper and invited the Chorus members to write their favorite pieces or genres of choral music. An extraordinary thing happened—the members filled THREE PAGES with their favorite choral pieces!  As a result, in this concert you'll get to experience many of the Chorus members' faves—a list representing 450 years of choral music!"

Since its founding in 1983, the Westford Chorus has transcended the boundaries of community chorus by performing diverse and challenging works ranging from Mozart's Requiem to P.D.Q. Bach's The Seasonings, from Renaissance polyphony to Spanish Christmas carols, from Carl Orff's Carmina Burana to 1940s swing, to costumed productions of favorites such as Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, and Bizet's Carmen. The Chorus has sung with orchestral backup, 18-piece swing bands, jazz combos, and eclectic world music groups.

Westford Chorus is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded by members and supporters and supported in part by grants from the Westford Cultural Council and Chelmsford Cultural Council, local agencies supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Benefit concert for new organ

A Benefit Concert for the Purchase of a New Organ

On Sunday, January 25th at 4 p.m. organist Katherine Ou will perform an organ concert at The Lutheran Church of the Savior.  Katherine has been serving as the organist for four years.  She began her training at the age of 13 in Waco, Texas.

The program will include a seldom-heard but dazzling baroque chorale partita by Georg Dietrich, an inspiring Organ Sonata, a work by living British composer Tom Scott, the stirring “Variations on The Star Spangled Banner" by Dudly Buck and "Yankee Doodle" by New England organist Fred Feibel.
Admission is free.  Reservations are not required.  There will be a light reception following the concert and a Freewill Offering to help purchase a new organ.

Location: Lutheran Church of the Savior, 426 Davis Road, Bedford, MA
More funny at the pca 2

More Funny at the PCA with Comedy Open Mic Night #3

WESTFORD, MA: The second of the season, the Parish Center for the Arts (PCA) is holding another Comedy Open Mic night on February 7 at 7:30pm! These mic nights are open to the public ($5 suggested donation), and all are welcome. You can bring your funny (if slots are available) and take the stage, or just come to watch (and laugh)! Each night will have different guest host; each night will have special guest comedians; and each night has 12 5-minute slots for local stand-up folks to sign up and present a set. It’ll be fun for all!

On February 7, we're excited to welcome host Wayne Russell! Wayne Russell is a stand-up comic based in Boston, known for his unique blend of everyday life humor and the oddities of life. He has been performing for over 20 years, drawing inspiration from his experiences and the weirdness in his life. Fans can catch Wayne Russell at various venues, including the Tupelo Music Hall, where he hosts a Valentine's Day show. His comedy showcases a mix of personal anecdotes and comedic observations, making him a beloved figure in the comedy scene.
Remaining Comedy Open Mic dates include June 20, 2026 with Jenni Fitz. For more information about the PCA's Comedy Open Mics, be it as an audience member or if you interested in a slot at the mic, email admin@pcawestford.org or visit pcawestford.org and click on Performances; Comedy! You can also find the PCA on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram!
Ticket link: https://parisharts.square.site/shop/comedy/4MARKKLWR4LGVPZ4YHVLDAGW

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333
Andrew campanella

Andrea Kamens Invites All to Sunday Afternoon Accessible, Family-Friendly Storytime

WESTFORD, MA: Online and in-person, always interactive, Storyteller Andrea Kamens is known for her fairy, folk and trickster tales, original and custom stories that cater to family-friendly audiences of all ages and special needs. Parish Center for the Arts is thrilled to bring Kamens to the PCA Stage at 10 Lincoln Street on February 8 at 4pm. So pack up your favorite snacks, beverages and listening ears, and mark your calendars for an afternoon of story time engagement! Tickets range from $20-$25. Cabaret seating. For information about this and all upcoming concerts at the PCA, call (978) 692-6333 or visit pcawestford.org.
Andrea Kamens tells traditional, original, Jewish, and first-person stories that tremble with truth. Based in Boston and Zooming everywhere, she’s a host, emcee and feature coordinator at The Story Space, New England's longest running weekly venue started by Brother Blue and Ruth Edmonds Hill, and founding director of ASST’s Youth Standing Strong Camp, an online global story arts camp where youth and mentors meet across all borders to share their stories. Andrea is a religious school teacher, teaching artist, writer, mom of five, and decades-long community volunteer who loves a well-run meeting, a jump in the ocean, an inclusive event that bends the arc to justice, and traveling to meet you!
For more information about the PCA and their season, visit pcawestford.org, email admin@pcawestford.org or find them on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram!
Direct ticket link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/2-8-26-andrea-kamens-storyteller/PXW7AZ2L4W3JH7RCS7DA6X2R

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333
Glcf emergency food grants2

$200,000 GLCF Emergency Food Grants Reach 80,000+ Residents as Organizations Report Unprecedented Demand

LOWELL, MA – One month after the Greater Lowell Community Foundation distributed $200,000 in emergency food grants to 15 organizations across its 21-community service area, impact statements reveal the unprecedented scale of food insecurity gripping the region – and the critical role these funds are playing in meeting exploding demand.

In Massachusetts, nearly 800,000 residents – including 240,000 children – face food insecurity, with working families increasingly unable to afford basic groceries despite employment. According to Feeding America’s 2024 Map the Meal Gap study, 11.2% of Massachusetts residents struggle with food access as grocery prices have risen 25% since 2020 while wages have failed to keep pace (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In Greater Lowell’s 21 communities, thousands of employed residents now earn too much to qualify for SNAP benefits yet too little to cover rent, utilities, and food – creating a modern “working poor” crisis affecting families throughout the region.

The 15 grant recipients collectively serve more than 80,000 individuals each month, distributing millions of pounds of food through pantries, meal programs, home delivery services, and school-based initiatives. Their impact statements paint a vivid picture of communities in crisis – and organizations working at maximum capacity to respond with compassion and efficiency.

Crisis-Level Demand Surge

Organizations across the region reported unprecedented increases in need:
  • Project Kompass serving Lowell's under-resourced Jackson-Appleton-Middlesex neighborhood, reported shocking increases in working poor families unable to afford nutritious food despite full-time employment.
  • Bedford Food Bank saw demand surge 60 to 70% from the previous year, now serving 220-250 households weekly and distributing approximately 9,000 pounds of food each week.
  •  
  • PACH (Pepperell Aid from Community to Home) distributed 76,665 pounds of food in 2025 – a 23.5% increase from 2024 – serving 212 households representing 1,473 individuals.
  •  
  • People Helping People in Burlington enrolled 31 new clients since the government shutdown, putting strain on financial resources for essential staples like milk, eggs, bread, and fresh produce.
  •  
  • Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry opened its doors to federal employees impacted by the shutdown, supporting over 60 additional households.
“These grants represent more than emergency funding – they represent our community’s commitment to ensuring no family faces hunger alone,” said Jay Linnehan, President and CEO of Greater Lowell Community Foundation. “The impact statements we’ve received demonstrate both the severity of this crisis and the extraordinary dedication of our partner organizations responding with compassion and efficiency.”

Working Families Priced Out of Grocery Stores

Tracy, volunteer coordinator of the Open Pantry of Greater Lowell, understands the issue of food insecurity isn’t just a problem for “poor” people. “Anyone can find themselves here at the pantry in need of food. Anyone. Nobody should be embarrassed. We are here to help, no matter your circumstances.”

Merrimack Valley Food Bank’s Operation Nourish program delivers food weekly to every Lowell public school. School personnel report that entire families are now seeking help through school food pantries. “There has been an uptick in pantry use and phone calls from parents asking for food,” reported Lowell public school personnel. “Parents often start their phone calls by apologizing for their circumstances, either a layoff, or cost of living increases that price out groceries. One parent called in and pleaded, ‘We have nothing. Anything, and I mean anything, would help.’”

Jennifer Aradhya, GLCF’s Vice President of Marketing, Programs & Strategy, emphasized the Foundation’s ongoing commitment: “The impact statements we’ve received confirm what we knew – this crisis demands sustained response. Every organization is working at maximum capacity with unprecedented compassion and efficiency. Our role is to ensure they have the resources to continue this essential work to help anyone in need, including these hardworking families in our community.”

New Year’s Financial Resolutions: Making Them Stick

Millions of Americans set money-related resolutions each January, such as saving more or reducing debt.

But too many resolutions fade quickly.

A 2023 Forbes Health poll found that over half of people give up on their resolutions by April.

The issue isn’t necessarily motivation. It could be execution.

Here are some things to consider.

Vague goals like “save more” often fail. Instead, set specific, measurable targets like, “Save $100 a month.”

You might also focus on just one or two priorities: building an emergency fund, increasing retirement plan contributions or paying down debt.

Then, track your progress regularly and break big goals into small steps. Each win builds momentum to reach the next goal.

Finally, find an accountability partner or work with a financial advisor to stay on track.

The new year offers a fresh start. With clear goals, a realistic plan and the support you need, 2026 could be the year your financial resolutions finally stick.

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.

Edward Jones, 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.
Andrew campanella

What Families in Massachusetts Should Know About Their School Options


By Andrew Campanella

All parents in Massachusetts and across America want their children to thrive in learning environments that reflect their diverse interests, talents, and individual challenges.

That’s why one in five parents last year enrolled at least one of their children in a new K–12 school. In fact, the process of moms and dads actively choosing how and where their children learn—often referred to as school choice—reached a five-year high in 2025.

Meanwhile, more than 60% of parents say they are likely to consider a new school for at least one of their children in 2026—suggesting another active year for families making enrollment decisions. What that means for your family depends, in large part, on where you live.

In Massachusetts, parents have more education options than they may realize. In addition to assigned traditional public schools, the Bay State has taken steps in recent years to give families more flexibility in choosing schools.

Within the public education system, tuition-free schooling options include charter schools (available in some areas), theme-based magnet schools (available in select communities), and full-time online schools with district approval. In some districts, parents may also be able to send their children to traditional public schools outside of their zones, if seats are available.

Parents can also consider private schools, which charge tuition and sometimes offer scholarships to help make private education more affordable. Finally, Massachusetts moms and dads have the freedom to educate their children at home, and some families pair homeschooling with learning pods or Montessori-style microschools.

If you want to explore these education options in advance of the 2026–27 school year, the time to begin that process is now. National School Choice Week begins January 25, with 265 school events across Massachusetts, including school fairs, open houses, parent nights, and information sessions.

Before starting your search, it can help to pause and write down your goals for your child and what you want in an ideal learning environment. Doing so helps center the process on what—and who—really matters: your daughter or your son. When possible, visit schools and schedule tours or meetings with staff. Research shows that parents who visit schools in person are twice as likely to enroll their children in a new school as parents who search without touring or visiting.

During those visits, ask questions. One of the most common mistakes parents make is accepting education jargon—of which there is plenty—at face value. If you do not understand a term, a reference to curriculum or instructional methods, or a school policy, ask for clarification until you do. You may also want to talk with other parents about their experiences, while keeping in mind that their perspectives are shaped by their own child’s unique needs.

And remember: you know your child better than anyone else. When it comes to your child’s well-being, you are the expert. Finding the right school is not about choosing what works for everyone—it’s about choosing what fits your daughter or son best.

To access a free guide to K–12 school choice options in Massachusetts, visit https://myschoolchoice.com/massachusetts.

Andrew Campanella is the CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the nonprofit organization that coordinates National School Choice Week, Navigate School Choice, and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. He is also the author of The School Choice Roadmap: 7 Steps to Choosing the Right School for Your Child.
Tom denney nature camp1

Tom Denney Nature Camp Register Now!

The camp in Bolton is for students entering Kindergarten through High School.
Activities include swimming, games in the fields and woods, arts & crafts, songs, tracking, hiking, campfires to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, building shelters, Animal Adventures, Predator and Prey, Amazon Adventure & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, nighttime activities on Thursday and dinner and s'mores, water guns, an adventure hike, team building activities & more.
Counselors-in-Training must be entering 9th grade or above and attend Orientation June 23-25 and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 29 – August 7, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
After Care is available until 4:30pm.
Campers from all towns are welcome!
See the website for more details and to register: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: bcttdnc@gmail.com (best means of communication) or 978-245-6929 (voice mail)

Groton Grange Contra Dance February 7, 2026

Groton Grange #7 invites you to our traditional New England Contra Dance on Saturday, February 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 to the beat of old time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome, no experience or partner is necessary.  Suggested donation at the door is $5.00  per person, children under  3  years old are free, and family maximum is $20.  Made possible by a  grant from the Town of Groton lecture Funds. Refreshments are provided. Bring your soft soled dancing shoes .Parking allowed only on the Grange side of Champney St.

Nashoba Valley Neighbors Event on January 24

Looking for a fun evening?

Join the Nashoba Valley Neighbors for a wine tasting and warm winter meal, with lots of fun people interested in an evening out and a nice dinner at a local restaurant.  The NVN are joining a wine tasting at The Westford Wine & Spirits in Westford at 5 pm Saturday, January 24, and dinner at the nearby Evviva Trattoria at 6:30.  Please feel free to join us for either or both, but we ask that you respond by Thursday, January 22 at noon.

If you would like more information, or to join us, please RSVP to info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from such town as Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard, but we welcome any residents in the surrounding communities that are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the Club’s website at http://www.nashobavalleyneighbors.org for more
Information.  We hope to see you!
Habitat for humanity

Habitat for Humanity NCM Celebrates Home Dedication in Leominster

Leominster, MA – Thursday, January 8, 2026 — Due to inclement weather, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts rescheduled the Home Dedication Ceremony at 75 Tenth Street in Leominster for Thursday, January 8. During the ceremony, Habitat for Humanity NCM proudly presented the keys to Gwen and her family, officially welcoming them into their new home.
This home is the result of strong community partnerships and generous support. Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts expresses sincere appreciation to the many supporters who helped make this home a reality, including:
City of Leominster; North Central Massachusetts Housing Authorities; Amica; Law Office of Attorney David Rocheford; McCarty Companies; Brideau Energy; EXIT Assurance Realty; Architect Luke McKneally; Wells Fargo; City of Leominster Housing Department; City of Fitchburg Housing and Development; Adobe; Charlesbank Homes; MMBA; Whirlpool; North Central Massachusetts Community Foundation; IC Credit Union; and Granite City Electric.
A special thank you is extended to the students and instructors at Leominster Center for Technical Education Innovation for their hard work and dedication, as well as Hannaford and AllTown Fresh for generously providing delicious treats for the celebration.
“Today is a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose,” said Carolyn Read, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts. “This home represents stability, hope, and opportunity for Gwen and her family, and we are deeply grateful to our partners, volunteers, and supporters who made this moment possible.”
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts offers a hand up, not a hand out to hard-working, low-income families seeking affordable homeownership. Affordable homes are built in partnership with families, donors, and volunteers who share our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
We wish Gwen and her family a lifetime of happiness and cherished memories in their new home.
Looking ahead, Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts will begin construction on a multifamily home in Acton very soon. For more information or to learn how to get involved, please contact our office.

Divorce Support Group by Remote Meeting

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

Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities

CONCORD, MA – Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members. DVSN advocates provide emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 partner communities.

The 40-hour training is designed to familiarize volunteers with the many aspects of domestic violence and give them the skills necessary to provide confidential and appropriate services to DVSN’s clients. Once trained, DVSN’s volunteer Advocates provide direct service over the phone, at Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.

The March 2026 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on March 2 through
March 20: Monday and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:15 PM and Fridays from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. For those who decide to activate as volunteer advocates, there is an additional 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training at the completion of the classroom segment.

The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. For more
information about the training or to request an application, call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to
training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.

DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow,Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Hanscom Security Forces.