Action Unlimited
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.
Pca welcomes the drum nomads

PCA Welcomes The Drum Nomads for Performance & Interactive Drumming Circle in One Show

WESTFORD, MA: All the rhythm and beats will be happening at Parish Center for the Arts on January 23, 2026 at 7:30pm when they welcome The Drum Nomads to 10 Lincoln Street (on Westford Common). Tickets to this family-friendly performance are $20 for Members; $22 for Non-Members; $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be in cabaret style. BYOB and snacks. Doors open one half hour prior to the show. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.
The Drum Nomads, led by Creative Director Dave Curry is a performance ensemble that specializes primarily in playing rhythms from many different cultural sources, using a wide variety of drums and percussion instruments. In addition to being drummers, each member of the group is also able to play melodic instruments which augment the rhythms, adding an exciting musical dimension. They love working with dancers and flow artists as a means of adding visual appeal to their exotic sound.  This performance will be one part performance; one part interactive audience Drumming Circle!

PHOTO: Drum Nomads Creative Director Dave Curry

Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-23-26-drum-nomads/Z2UDNM3UVXWZHWZ55QF3WPUP

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

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333
Harmonies abound when merrimack valley a cappella

Harmonies Abound When Merrimack Valley A Cappella Take the PCA Stage January 24

WESTFORD, MA: The Parish Center for the Arts will be filled with harmony and song on January 24, 2026 at 7:30pm when Merrimack Valley A Cappella takes the stage at 10 Lincoln Street (on Westford Common). Tickets to this family-friendly performance are $20 for Members; $22 for Non-Members; $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be cabaret style. BYOB and snacks. Doors open one half hour prior to the show. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.
With “50 Years of Changing Lives Through Song,” Merrimack Valley A Cappella (MVA), previously known as Merrimack Valley Chorus, is based in Andover (MA). They are an award-winning chorus that performs throughout greater Boston and southern New Hampshire. MVA is a proud member of Sweet Adelines International, the largest nonprofit women’s singing association in the world, welcoming women from all backgrounds who enjoy high quality vocal harmonies with energetic visual presentation in both the barbershop and contemporary genres. The women of MVA celebrate the joy of singing and achieve musical excellence through continuing education and performance while fostering individual growth. They are the Season 1 Adult Large Group Champions of Sing That Thing!
This event is sponsored by the Don and Patti Mason Community Fund
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-24-26-merrimack-valley-a-cappella/76LU6GSWP2UGD3SIAHVJGB6H

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

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333

Please Come Donate BLOOD or PLATELETS 
(And a have chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LX!)

Cornerstone Congregational Church is sponsoring our next blood drive with the American Red Cross on Saturday, January 17 from 9AM to 2PM. Each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in our community and across the country. An estimated 38 percent of Americans are eligible to give blood or platelets, but of those, less than 10 percent actually donate each year. If you are healthy and eligible, please come out to donate. Most donations take about an hour, so book your appointment, roll up your sleeve and become a part of the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.
Thank you!!

Cornerstone Congregational Church
32 Graniteville Road
Westford, MA 01886
For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org
Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
High energy stellar artistry

High Energy & Stellar Artistry is What You’ll See & Hear at 1/31 Fódhla Performance

WESTFORD, MA: Enjoy the sounds of Ireland on 1/31 when Celtic trio Fódhla performs at The Parish Center for the Arts at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 for Members; $22 for Non-Members; $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be cabaret style with dancing in the Gallery (should the mood hit). BYOB and snacks. Doors open one half hour prior to the show. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.

Fódhla proper is a protective Spirit of Ireland. Fódhla, the trio, brings both high energy and stellar artistry to the traditional music stage. Their sound is firmly rooted in the traditional Irish melodies and ornamentation that fiddler Ellery Klein and flute player Nicole Rabata honed during years spent abroad in Ireland’s Cork, Limerick and Ennis. Fiddle and flute tunes are superbly supported by guitarist Bethany Waickman, whose inventive, tasteful chords unfold with driving rhythm perfected from years of playing for contradances. Cognizant of their North American roots, Fódhla aims to appeal to a broad audience by bringing variety, inventive harmonies and unique arrangements to traditional music. A typical concert starts off with high-energy traditional sets of Irish reels and jigs, includes trade melody and harmonies and a joyful and toe-tapping pair of barn dances soaring out on a high note. Finally, the soft notes of guitar bring in a melancholy, exquisite slow air – music that brings out audible sighs from a rapt audience.

Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-31-26-f-dhla/WSS5TL5HBMM3QDLKKOFE3YFD

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

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333

Littleton Lyceum: The Oak Hill Project

The Littleton Lyceum will present The Oak Hill Project: From Lady Slippers to Slippery Slopes
on Friday, January 9, at 7:30 pm in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center at 56 King St.
Littletonian Bernadette Morey Stockwell will show her vivid slides of the results of a family
challenge during covid to hike the Oak Hill Conservation Land daily for a year. This all-ages
presentation blends visuals and story-telling, celebrating how the experience grew into a shared
discovery of place, community, and meaning.

Family season tickets are available for $40.00, and single tickets may be purchased at the door
for $12.00, seniors and students for $5.00.

For more information, check out our website at littletonlyceum.org or follow us on Facebook or X

Prevent a Winter Blood Shortage:
Give Blood or Platelets Now

 
Donors have chance to win trip to Super Bowl LX during National Blood Donor Month
Red Cross, Saquon Barkley huddle up for a lifesaving play in January

BOSTON, Jan. 5, 2026 — The American Red Cross is teetering on a blood shortage this winter, which could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now.

The Red Cross blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season when winter weather and packed schedules made it even tougher to ensure hospitals have the blood products needed for critical care. Without immediate action, doctors may have to make difficult decisions about which patients receive blood transfusions and who will need to wait. Donors with types O, A negative and B negative blood are especially needed now.

Don’t wait – make an appointment to give blood or platelets now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

For the seventh year, the Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering in January for National Blood Donor Month to urge individuals to kick off 2026 with a blood donation. As a thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LX giveaway. The winner and guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, access to day-of in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

Join a lifesaving team
The Red Cross and Pro Football Champion and blood donor Saquon Barkley are teaming up to remind donors that the best offense against a winter blood shortage is making and keeping blood donation appointments. The blood supply can drop quickly – now’s the time to get in the game and give blood or platelets.

"I gave blood once in college and that was the only time I had ever been asked to give, until the Red Cross reached out this fall,” said Barkley. “It was a no-brainer for me to give again. It only takes about an hour and once you realize in that short amount of time how much help it can bring – it’s a beautiful thing."

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 5-31:

Westford
1/5/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., First Parish Church, 48 Main Street
1/15/2026: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., H.E. Fletcher Club, 11 Brookside Rd
1/17/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Cornerstone Congregational Church, 32 Graniteville Rd
1/18/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Roudenbush Community Center, 65 Main Street
1/30/2026: 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Nashoba Valley Technical High School, 100 Littleton Road
Sing dance at suzanne buell’s

Sing & Dance at Suzanne Buell’s PCA Gospel Connection 1/17


WESTFORD, MA: Don't miss a stunning musical experience when local favorite Suzanne Buell brings an extraordinary group of singers and musicians in the most recent evolution of her Gospel journey through traditional spirituals and stirring gospel music! To be held at Parish Center for the Arts (10 Lincoln Street) on January 17, 2026 at 7:30pm, this event’s tickets are $20 for Members; $22 for non-Members; and $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be cabaret-style. BYO food and drink. Doors open one half hour prior to the show. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.
In The Gospel Connection, not only does Suzanne Buell explore the roots of the traditional spiritual and historic gospel that defined the Civil Rights movement, but also the musical connections that inspire contemporary artists. Buell, a former Stax recording artist and graduate of Boston Conservatory, leads this project with a 7-piece band including David Hunte on keyboard and vocals, Phil Antoniades on drums and percussion, Mike Payette on bass and vocals, Chris Leadbetter on guitar, mandolin and vocals, Vicki Zelski on vocals, Russell Watts on vocals, and Buell on lead vocals. In their repertoire, you’re likely to hear music by artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan. The concert is a celebration of the musical traditions that is a must-see for fans of gospel music and history. You'll be moved to dance and sing along - both of which are strongly encouraged.
A graduate of Boston Conservatory and manager of the Threshold Singers at Groton Hill Music, Suzanne Buell appears as a regular soloist in the Boston Pops Gospel Choir and the Millennium Gospel Choir. Her CD “Tell the World” was recorded in Memphis (TN) in 2001. She is a featured lead vocalist in several professional bands locally and records for Hundreds Records.
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-17-26-the-gospel-connection/JYRC47DIWI4Z6V632NFU7NCD

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

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333

Take Control: Why Budgeting Doesn’t Have to Feel Restrictive

 
Budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive. In fact, it can be empowering. A budget simply helps you understand your money flow and align it with what matters most.

You might need a budget if you're starting out in life, spending more than you earn or working toward a big goal like buying a home or retiring. Major life changes — marriage, a new baby, job or retirement — are also great times to reassess.

Start small: track your income and expenses for 30 minutes a week. Pair it with something enjoyable to make it easier. Use apps or spreadsheets to simplify the process.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you prefer detailed categories or broad ones, find what works for you.

Review regularly and adjust as life changes. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. A good budget frees you to spend wisely on what matters the most and save with confidence.

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.

The Acton Community Chorus Presents Our Winter Concert, I Hear The Stars Still Singing

The Acton Community Chorus presents our winter concert,  I Hear The Stars Still Singing, a constellation of contemporary choral music contemplating the stars and the ways they guide our lives, featuring a multi movement work by Kenneth Riggs called "Starlight Songs", plus written works by other living composers such as J. Michael Saunders, Jacob Narverud, Susan LaBarr, and Victor C. Johnson. The concert will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 4pm at the Acton Congregational Church with an inclement weather date of Sunday, January 11th at 4pm. Tickets are available through the link on our website or at the door. There will be a reception following the concert.  Every year we seek out a community partner to support, and this season we are partnering with NAMI of Central Middlesex County. They will have volunteers in attendance to share the resources they have for individuals and families living with mental health conditions. The Acton Community Chorus is a nonprofit organization supported in part by grants from the Acton Boxborough, Concord, Littleton and Stow cultural councils which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a State agency.

The Acton Community Chorus invites all area singers to attend our Open Sing for our Spring 2026 Concert Movie Night. We will be featuring iconic songs from iconic movies including My Heart Will Go On, Both Sides Now, Danger Zone, Bohemian Rhapsody, (I've Had) The Time of My Life, and so many more! We will meet on January 26, 2026 at 7:30pm at the Faith Free Evangelical Church 54 Hosmer Street in Acton, MA. Please see our website www.actoncommunitychorus.org for more information about our vibrant choral group that has been bringing choral music and friendship to the Assabet Valley area since 1984!

Psychosis Program

"Psychosis Unveiled" is an in-person presentation for people living with symptoms of psychosis and those who love them. Join the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and speakers from the MA Psychosis Access & Triage Hub (M-PATH). Join us on Monday, January 26th, at the Edinburg Center, 205 Burlington Road, Bedford MA, rear entrance. The event kicks off at 6:30 PM with dessert & social time. At 7:00 PM the presentations begin. Learn more about the program and please RSVP here: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/psychosis. 
Motor development babies3

Motor Development in Babies 0-18 Months

A free live webinar presented by pediatric physical therapist Christina Marinelli from Emerson Health, will be held via Zoom on Thursday, January 29, 1-2:00. Babies begin progressing both gross and fine motor skills from birth. They are the building blocks to your baby's ability to explore their environment as they grow. In this webinar, you will learn 1) what typical development looks like, 2) general tips and strategies to support baby's skill acquisition, and 3) helpful resources for continued learning. Time for questions will be allowed. To receive the link, email lmatthews@jri.org at First Connections.

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 video conference. For more information, call Doreen 617-957-0838 or contact paulbaker01@verizon.net
Nashoba valley chorale

NASHOBA VALLEY CHORALE 50TH ANNIVERSARY WINTER CONCERT

Program Highlights:
  • “Hallelujah!” The Nashoba Valley Chorale is celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season with a concert on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The performance will include music by Bach and Britten and will close with Beethoven’s magnificent Mass in C, featuring four professional vocal soloists and full orchestra. The concert’s repertoire “reflects the different aspects of our history and showcases where we are now,” says Anne Watson Born, the group’s musical director. 
Event Details:
  • January 18, 2026, 3pm at the Groton-Dunstable Performing Arts Center (344 Main St., Groton, MA) 

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

Littleton Lyceum: The Oak Hill Project

 
The Littleton Lyceum will present The Oak Hill Project: From Lady Slippers to Slippery Slopes
on Friday, January 9, at 7:30 pm in Littleton High School’s Performing Arts Center at 56 King St.
Littletonian Bernadette Morey Stockwell will show her vivid slides of the results of a family
challenge during covid to hike the Oak Hill Conservation Land daily for a year. This all-ages
presentation blends visuals and story-telling, celebrating how the experience grew into a shared
discovery of place, community, and meaning.

Family season tickets are available for $40.00, and single tickets may be purchased at the door
for $12.00, seniors and students for $5.00.

For more information, check out our website at littletonlyceum.org or follow us on Facebook or X
Bluegrass fan favorites

Bluegrass Fan Favorites The Hosmer Mountain Boys Play Westford 1/10/26

WESTFORD, MA: On 1/10/26, Bluegrass fan favorites The Hosmer Mountain Boys take the stage at Parish Center for the Arts at 7:30pm! Tickets are $20 for Members; $22 for non-Members; and $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be cabaret-style. BYO food and drink. Doors open one half hour prior to the show. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.
The Hosmer Mountain Boys are a retro bluegrass band that is quickly rising in the New England Bluegrass scene (while having a lot of fun in the process). They were voted the “Fan Favorite” at the 2023 Podunk Bluegrass Festival, performed in Lexington (KY) on WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour, and crossed the pond for the 2024 Battlefield Bluegrass Festival in England.  Keegan (guitar) and Simon (banjo) met at Mando Camp North in 2018 at age 16 and instantly connected over their passion for Flatt & Scruggs. Cathy Bumgarner Day (fiddle) and Tom Bowman (bass) complete the lineup with decades of regional bluegrass experience. Simon (banjo) has been described by some attendees at the Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival in Brunswick (ME), as Connecticut’s best‑kept secret. You’ll hear that Keegan’s major guitar‑picking influences include Riley Pucket, Don Reno, and the thumb‑picking style of Lester Flatt. Mandolinist Red Day is the newest, having been a semi-regular guest with the band of late. Rounding out the band is Cathy Bumgarner Day on fiddle and Tom Bowman on bass, both staples in the New England Bluegrass Music scene for decades.
The Folk/Acoustic Concert Series is sponsored by Marshall-Ben Tisdale, CEPA®, AAMS®, Edward Jones Financial Advisor, 270 Littleton Rd Suite 17, Westford - 978-692-5665; edwardjones.com/marshall-ben-tisdale
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-10-26-hosmer-mountain-boys/218
Facebook: facebook.com/ParishCenterfortheArts
Twitter: twitter.com/PCAWestford
Instagram: instagram.com/pcawestford
Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333

AI in Personal Finance: The Promise and the Limits


Imagine this: Your budgeting app flags unusual spending and suggests a transfer. Later, a robo-advisor rebalances your portfolio. Welcome to the age of artificial intelligence — or AI — in personal finance.

AI tools can track spending, forecast bills and offer advice via text. They can monitor credit scores, suggest budget tweaks and even negotiate lower bills.

Meanwhile, robo-advisors build and manage portfolios, and educational apps simplify complex financial concepts.

But AI has limits. It can’t weigh emotional trade-offs like saving for college versus retiring early, and it can’t help partners merge their financial visions.

That’s where human advisors shine. They help you stay focused, balance priorities and offer support through life’s changes.

As AI evolves, the key is treating it as a tool, not a guide.

The best approach? Use AI for insights and lean on human wisdom for guidance. Stay curious about what tech can do — and clear about your financial priorities, which only you can define.

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 (Donelan's Plaza) 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.

Discovery Museum Announces Free Events for Visitors with Disabilities and their Families for January to June 2026

Especially for Me events offer free Museum access and dedicated hours for families that would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience.
ACTON - Discovery Museum announced upcoming dates for the first half of 2026 for the Especially for Me series of free events for families and groups with members who may have a disability, including sensory sensitivities, visual impairments, learning differences, and/or hearing loss.
The popular events offer accommodations that increase access to and enjoyment of the Museum’s ADA-compliant facilities. Because admission is free, families may come and go based on their needs without concern for cost. Visitors also have the chance to meet others in similar circumstances, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and judgement by others often described by families dealing with special needs. A medical diagnosis is not required to attend.
All Especially for Me events are free to attend, but preregistration is required. Dates and registration links can be found online at http://bit.ly/EspeciallyforMe.
January to June 2026: Especially for Me Event Schedule
Inclusive Afternoons, Tuesdays 1:30 to 4:30pm Museum is open to the public, but lower visitation is expected.
  • January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2
Special Evenings, Saturdays 5:00 to 8:00pm Museum is closed to the public. Dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at no cost.
  • Autism-Friendly Evening – January 10
  • Evening for Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind – January 31
  • Inclusive Evening – February 28, March 21, May 16, June 27
  • Mask On, Play On! – April 11
  • Morning for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and KODA visitors – date tba
Discovery Museum’s campus is ADA-compliant and all exhibits are accessible, designed according to Universal Design principles to be both aesthetically pleasing and usable by the widest possible range of people, without regard to age or ability.
Special resources are always available including noise-reducing headphones, a Social Story and Sensory Map (both online and on-site; available in eight languages), and a designated “Take a Break” space. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters may be requested during registration. Parking is always free and dinner, including a gluten-free option, is provided at all evening events.
Especially for Me is part of the museum’s Open Door Connections program to provide opportunities for those who face a variety of barriers—financial, developmental, or cultural—to experience the Museum.
Especially for Me is made possible by DCU for Kids, with additional support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

HAPPY Holidays from Fresh Start Furniture Bank

Www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

     The Fresh Start family would like to wish you all a happy and safe holiday season.  Our shelves and stockroom and display areas are pretty well stocked now, thanks to donations from so many people in the area who responded to our specific requests for linens and kitchen items and furniture.
     At present what we need most is MONEY to pay our bills and to buy mattresses and to keep our truck fueled and maintained.  If you can help, please click on the link above and look for the big green DONATE button.  You can donate online with PAYPAL or with Venmo and you can always bring or send a check payable to Fresh Start Furniture Bank at 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749.  Your donation is tax deductible.
     Thank you for helping us to help others.  We supply furniture and furnishings at no charge to prequalified clients coming out of homelessness.  Please help us to keep doing what we do so well.

Groton Grange Contra Dance January 3, 2026

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

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

We know it’s a big ask.
With the economy in flux, unemployment on the rise, grocery prices still too high, every dollar is being stretched as tight as possible.
But if you can spare a few dollars for the Beacon Santa, we will make sure the money goes to put a smile on a young child’s face.
Every dollar that you donate will help a family in need.
“Working overnight is great when you have small children who need you to be home during the day. But also impossible, with small children, when the other parent is gone on random military assignments and not home to watch them,” writes one mother of five young children.
All she wants is some money to take her children shopping for clothes.
“Although things are getting better and we are solely focused on improving our finances, for our children’s sake, the holidays fast approach and we cannot celebrate without help, so please choose our home, Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

Night Lights Voted #1 Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights Display in the Country!

New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill is thrilled to announce that Night Lights was named the winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights. Thank you to our wonderful community for taking the time to help the Garden earn this national recognition. We look forward to the rest of this year's dazzling displays (tickets are still available) and hope you’ll join us in experiencing this award-winning event!
Visit https://nebg.org/ for more information.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts & Gillette Bring “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football Event to Inspire New Mentoring Relationships

 
BOSTON, FOXBORO, Mass. - On December 7, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) and Gillette partnered for a unique “Mentorship in Action” Flag Football event that brought together youth, volunteers, and New England Patriot Quarterback and Gillette athlete Drake Maye, New England Patriots Wide Receiver and BBBSEM ambassador DeMario Pop Douglas and Patriots Hall of Famer Rob Ninkovich for a day of sports and community engagement. Held on the field at Gillette Stadium, the event highlighted the importance of mentorship, offering a fun opportunity for prospective volunteer mentors to get involved while making a lasting impact on local youth.
The event kicked off with a lively pep talk from BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O'Donnell and Pat the Patriot, the official mascot of the New England Patriots. This spirited opening set the tone for a day full of energy and connection. Ninkovich, Maye, and Douglas also joined the action, each participating as a "Big for a Day" to underscore the power of mentorship and encourage others to volunteer. The event marked Douglas’ official debut as a BBBSEM ambassador.
Over 25 current BBBSEM matches, along with youth on the organization’s waiting list to be matched with their mentors, took to the field for drills, skills clinics, and friendly flag football games. The day was designed to foster new connections and inspire potential Bigs to begin their own mentoring journeys.
“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Gillette and bring attention to the critical need for mentorship in our community,” said Mark O'Donnell, President & CEO of BBBSEM. “This event not only gave us the chance to showcase the power of mentorship but also provided an opportunity for new volunteers to experience firsthand how they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.”
The event featured several key moments, including a speaking program, a skills clinic, and a series of flag football games, which gave participants the chance to demonstrate teamwork and leadership. The day concluded with a heartfelt recognition ceremony, thanking volunteers and mentors for their dedication to youth empowerment.
The BBBSEM event was one of ten flag football experiences happening across the country as part of a larger national partnership between men’s grooming brand Gillette and Big Brothers Big Sisters.Through this partnership, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Gillette are coming together to bring more mentors into the lives of young men through the unifying power of sports.
BBBSEM continues to grow its impact, matching over 4,000 youth annually with caring adult mentors. The event underscored the organization’s mission to defend the potential of children and to create a community where every young person has access to the guidance and support they need to succeed. Mentorship is a necessity and through sports, connections across cultures and generations are made, helping to build a more unified, inclusive society.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child has the support of a caring adult mentor who can help them reach their full potential,” said O'Donnell. “Today, we’ve seen the impact that such mentorship can have, and we hope this event inspires even more people to step forward and become Bigs.”
For more information on how to volunteer, or to learn more about BBBSEM’s programs, visit www.emassbigs.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of over 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 76 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org..
Cormac mccarthy

Always Truthful, Cormac McCarthy Speaks Through His Art and Performance


WESTFORD, MA: The Parish Center for the Arts’ stage becomes folk singer/songwriter Cormac McCarthy’s palette on January 9 at 7:30pm, part of the PCA’s Coffeehouse Series! Tickets are $20 for Members; $22 for non-Members; and $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be cabaret-style. BYO food and drink. Doors open one half hour prior to the show. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.
“A distinctive songwriter with a warm, powerful, inherently melodic baritone, a fine guitarist and a devastating wit … enormous writing gifts, capable of putting chills into your spine or a silly grin on your face…” Jeff McLaughlin, The Boston Globe

Born in Ohio, Cormac made his singing debut on WKRC Radio in Cincinnati, as a three-year old belting out “Davy Crockett” on his father’s radio show. He returned to public performance some twenty years later, singing his own compositions with a bit more experience in his voice. It wasn’t until his sister made a visit home from college, bringing an armful of recordings by Dylan, Baez, and Eric Anderson that things clicked musically for McCarthy: he traded his clarinet for a Western Auto guitar, purchasing the Black Diamond strings across the street at the barber shop.

Angry, peaceful, lovely and silly - in whatever form it takes, Cormac McCarthy's music is always truthful.  Says the artist, "Speaking the truth through art and performance is my contribution in my attempt to fight the reality of our time – the movie you would not pay to see. There is still plenty of room for laughter and warm feelings. That has not changed."  Rooted in rural New England since the age of ten, McCarthy grew up in towns where the economies teetered on marginal subsistence from logging and paper and woolen mills. Through his music Cormac has succeeded in bringing lyrical magic to some of these rougher edges of life.

Cormac has performed nationally on many stages including three times at the Newport Folk Festival, twice on NPR’s Mountain Stage Live Radio Show, Boston’s WUMB Folk Radio 10th anniversary celebration, headlined at the Night of Humor and Songwriters and American Troubadours with Eric Andersen and Townes Van Zandt at Boston’s Somerville Theater, Ben & Jerry’s One World, One Heart Festival, Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and more.

The PCA Coffeehouse Series is generously sponsored by Rockland Trust.
 
Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/1-9-26-cormac-mccarthy/7YXHVX7FHNNHIHQAALBAN2AN

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

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333

Harvard  Unitarian Universalist Church Presents Messiah Sing In Dec. 21, 4 p.m.

Join us on Sunday, December 21st at 4:00 pm for the 61st Annual Community Sing-In of the MESSIAH ORATORIO here in our church, open to the wider community. The Music Director for this event is the renowned Leon Burke. This is a marvelous opportunity for singers and listeners to join professional soloists and orchestra to share this treasured tradition. No experience required! Bring a friend!
Bring your own music score or buy one at the door. There is a suggested donation of $25 to help pay our professional musicians, but of course no one is turned away! Harvard UU Church is located at 9 Ayer Rd, Harvard.

Littleton Historical Society Holiday Open House

The Littleton Historical Society on 4 Rogers Street will host a Holiday Open House on Sunday,
December 14, from 1-4 pm. A performance by the Congregational Church Handbell Choir will
be featured from 1:30-2:00. Tasty old-fashioned refreshments will be served and there will be a
craft for children.

Come see our building decked out for the holidays, socialize with friends, and check out our
museum displays!

Christmas Eve Services at United Methodist Church of Westford
December 24, 2025 at 5:30 pm and 10:00 pm

Join us as we celebrate our Savior’s birth! Our 5:30 pm Family Service will include “Silent Night” by candlelight (with glow sticks for the children). Our 10:00 pm Traditional Service will include Holy Communion, music from our Adult Choir, and “Silent Night” by candlelight. All are welcome! A pre-recorded Christmas Eve service will also be available on our website. Parking is available at the church, and our building is accessible for people with disabilities. Weekly worship is offered Sunday mornings in-person at 9:30 am, or you may view our worship service on our website each Sunday. For more information, visit www.umcw.org or Facebook.com/UMCWestford.

Live Nativity at United Methodist Church of Westford
December 14, 2025 at 7:00 pm

A Live Nativity will be performed outside at the United Methodist Church of Westford, 10 Church Street in Westford. Come celebrate Christ’s birth with a recreation of that special Bethlehem night – a tradition for our church and the community proudly offered by our Youth Group. Join us to sing carols, warm ourselves by a roaring bonfire and witness that special night so long ago that changed our lives and changed the world. Enjoy delicious hot cocoa and light snacks. Special thanks to the Chelmsford Community Band for providing music for this event! In case of inclement weather, we will move our performance inside the church in the sanctuary, followed by refreshments in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome! Parking is available at the church, and our building is accessible for people with disabilities. For more information, visit www.umcw.org or Facebook.com/UMCWestford. 

Give Blood or Platelets and Give Patients Time this Holiday Season

Amazon Gift Card or new long-sleeve tee for coming to give in December

BOSTON, Dec. 8, 2025 — Time is critical for patients this December. The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply steady over the busy holiday season. Types O positive, O negative and B negative blood donors are especially needed now and in the coming weeks.
December is National Month of Giving, and your Red Cross blood or platelet donation can bring hope and healing. Create a new holiday tradition and help spread comfort and support lifesaving care. When the unexpected happens, it’s the blood products already on the shelves that matter.
Redefine the meaning of a gift bag; give something that means something and schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
For a limited time, those who come to give Dec. 8-18, 2025, will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card by email. Those who come to give Dec. 19, 2025-Jan. 4, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. For details on December offers, see RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts. If you’re unable to give, consider making a financial donation to support our lifesaving mission at redcross.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 8-31, 2025:

Westford
12/15/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., First Parish Church, 48 Main Street
12/21/2025: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Roudenbush Community Center, 65 Main Street
12/23/2025: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., H.E. Fletcher Club, 11 Brookside Rd

Managing Risk at Different Stages of Life

As an investor, risk is always part of the journey – but how you manage it can depend on where you are in life.

Early in your career, you can invest for growth and take on more risk, knowing you have time to recover from market downturns.

In midlife, with goals like retirement and college savings, it’s generally time to balance growth with stability.

Near retirement, preserving wealth becomes key – though growth still matters to help keep up with inflation.

And in retirement, you may want to reduce risk, but not eliminate it entirely. A balanced mix in your portfolio and a smart income withdrawal strategy can help your money last.

And while you’ll seek balance based on your life stage, even a diversified portfolio doesn’t fully protect against loss.

Risk tolerance changes over time, and your strategy should too. Staying informed and flexible can help you better navigate market volatility and stay on track toward maintaining long-term financial success.

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 (Donelan's Plaza) 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.

Fresh Start Furniture Bank

 Welcome to winter!  The volunteers at Fresh Start on Tuesday morning arrived with the first snow of the season.  Fortunately, it was not enough to necessitate closing.  We had four client visits scheduled but three cancelled because of the weather.   We met our new volunteer & administrative coordinator and look forward to working together.  As we worked, sorting linens, cleaning and testing lamps and small appliances, unloading and loading furniture, and entering items into inventory we shared thoughts about our Thanksgiving celebrations and the Patriots win.
Four (!) trucks arrived filled with linens and blankets and comforters  from the Hudson and Marlborough Lions Clubs who did a blanket drive for us.  Our crew couldn’t get through it all today to make an accurate count.  What a wonderful “Giving Tuesday” gift!

An inventory check showed some gaps in our supplies.  We need new bed pillows and mattresses and box springs for our clients.  Also rugs and dressers.  We seem to always be low on kitchen items like silverware, non-slotted spoons, measuring cups and spoons, strainers, vegetable peelers, tongs, can openers and whisks.

Please check our website to learn more about our organization and help us to help others.  We love cash donations to pay the rent and keep the truck fueled!  We accept small donations on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 until noon.  Furniture donations as well as household items can be brought on Saturday mornings from 8:30-10:30(furniture)and until noon for small items.  We are located at 16 Brent Drive in Hudson.  Check us out!

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

 
It is a magical time of year – lights shining bright, ornaments glistening on Christmas trees, and Santa visiting throughout the area.

But for many people, the holiday magic is fraught with anxiety, and they have reached out to the Beacon Santa for help in providing a little Christmas cheer.

And so, we are reaching out – asking you to help us. Please consider donating this year – every little bit helps.

One mother writes that she is struggling to make ends meet, especially after her children’s father died in June. “I am worried that I will not be able to provide my children with a Christmas they deserve because there simply is not anything left for gifts and holiday extras after covering basic needs. I do my best to keep things stable for my children, but the holidays can be especially hard. Your generosity would make a world of difference for my children,” she writes.

One mother struggling to leave an abusive husband is asking for help for three of her five children this year. “I am hoping the holiday season with all its magic of Santa will bring them joy, laughter and smiles during this tough time. I don’t think I will be able to afford gifts under the tree this year and I don’t want to see disappointment and more sadness, so I am reaching out for help,” she writes.

The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.

Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.

A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
By mail:  Beacon Santa Fund, PO Box 643, Maynard, MA  01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate with Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965

New Tutors Trained in Wayland Library’s ESOL Program

Immigrants in our area who want to improve their competency in English now have greater opportunities.  Fourteen generous and enthusiastic people have just completed a training course and are now certified to be tutors of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).  These recent “graduates” include seven from Wayland – Lois Bruss, Sue Feldman, Lidet Girma, John Mead, Dona Mitra, Clinton Savidge and Wendy Sobel; one from Sudbury – Carol Abbot; one from Natick – Ginit Marten; one from Acton – Louisa Chase, one from Wellesley – Jackie Leung: one from Waltham - Mimi Facher; one from Carlisle - Kathy Wasserman; and one from Marlborough - Luba Robidoux. These new tutors, like those who were trained last spring, and some who have been tutoring for years, work one-to-one with learners. Learners currently working with our tutors have come from many different countries, including Korea, Ukraine, Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico, Latvia, Turkey and China.
Much tutoring is now done remotely, using whatever technology works for both tutor and learner, be it FaceTime, Skype, Zoom or simply phone and email.  Some tutor/learner pairs work in person, typically in a local library.
As usual, we can put all possible tutors to work with waiting learners.  The next two tutor-training courses have been scheduled: one starting in January and one starting in early March.  Tutors do not need to know another language, nor do they need to know every detail of English grammar.  For more information see the Wayland Library website.

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

BEGINNING PAINTING CLASSES

Taught by local artist Judith-Grace Miller, these 6 week classes start the week of January 5 at the Parish Center for the Arts in Westford and are perfect for beginners and those looking for a refresher working in oil or acrylic. We'll cover design and composition, value, color mixing and more to help you best express yourself as an artist. There will be weekly demos and plenty of personalized easel-side assistance in these small group classes. Choose from day or evening: Monday evenings Jan 5–Feb 9 from 6:30–8:30pm or Wednesday mornings Jan 7–Feb 11 from 10:30am—12:30pm. $275. Instructor will provide materials list upon registration. Register here https://parisharts.square.site/arts-in-the-loft

Become a Tutor of English

Have you ever thought about tutoring someone in English? Since 1990 the library has been
training adults to become volunteer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutors.
Most people who decide to become tutors are thinking of the good it can do, helping others
become more proficient in English and better able to cope with employment, landlords, schools
or the medical profession. But then they discover the rewards, the satisfaction that comes as
progress is made and a relationship develops that enriches both learner and tutor. Tutors often
speak of their pleasure in learning about another culture and their greater appreciation of the
challenges facing those who are adapting to ours.

No prior knowledge of a foreign language is needed, just an openness to other cultures and the
desire to share your knowledge of English. The training is free, although it is necessary to
purchase a textbook for about $40.

Tutors will be prepared to work with their learners either remotely, as we often do now, or in
person, as is sometimes possible. Tutors now are using Teams, FaceTime, Zoom, telephone and
email as they “meet” with their learners and enjoy both success and personal connection.
We still have learners who need our help.

Registration for tutor training is now open! Two sessions are currently scheduled:

- The January 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors are scheduled for five Wednesday
evenings, 6:00PM – 9:00PM. Dates are January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4. Only
the last session will be held in-person in the Wayland Library conference room. The
rest of the sessions will be held on Zoom. Pre-registration is required.

- The Spring 2026 classes for new ESOL tutors will meet on Monday mornings
9:00AM – noon on March 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6. Only the April session will be
held in-person at the library; all others will be on Zoom. Preregistration is required.
If you are interested in participating, wish to enroll or have questions, please contact Ginny Steel
and Jane Albert at esol@waylandlibrary.org

Community Public Menorah Lighting

Come and join for a Community Chanukah Menorah Lighting at the Littleton Town Common on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Menorah Lighting followed by music, hot latkes, delicious donuts, Chanukah cookies and drinks.
Menorah will stand on the town common throughout the Chanukah festival.      

Ginger Bread Village
Presents
A Nutcracker Experience

Wander through the sugar plum fairy's magical land of Sweets!
Creations made from gingerbread, candy and so much more!

SATURDAY, DEC 6 TH:   1-5 PM
SUNDAY,  DEC 7 TH:   3-7 PM

ALL SAINTS' ESPICOPAL CHURCH
10 Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA    01824

A fundraiser to support:
Outreach programs at All Saints' Church      
Low lily winter solstice

Low Lily Celebrates the Winter Solstice December 21

WESTFORD, MA: Come celebrate winter’s light with a night of soul-stirring music, powerful harmonies, and the joyful energy of the season! The Parish Center for the Arts is welcoming back audience favorites Low Lily for a special Sunday afternoon event on December 21 at 4pm! This high energy show will feature instrumentals alongside impeccably arranged songs to honor the season. Tickets are $20 for Members; $22 for non-Members; and $25 at the door (if available). Seating will be cabaret-style. BYO food and drink. Doors open one half hour prior to show. Advance reservations are recommended. Visit pcawestford.org to reserve your seats.
American Roots band Low Lily celebrates the Winter Solstice with a concert featuring fiddle, mandolin, guitars, banjo, and soaring three-part harmonies. Low Lily blends the energy of fiddle tunes, the intimacy of folk, and the drive of Americana into a rich soundscape. With award-winning recordings and songs embraced by audiences worldwide, Low Lily delivers a high-spirited and heartfelt celebration of winter’s light and community.

Led by the talents of Liz Simmons (vocals, guitar), Flynn Cohen (vocals, guitar, mandolin), and Natalie Padilla (vocals, fiddle, banjo) Low Lily has captivated audiences across North America and the UK with their with their signature blend of tradition and innovation. Their distinctive sound has earned them two #1 songs on international folk radio and two Independent Music Awards, affirming their place as a powerful voice in today’s acoustic music scene.

Direct Ticket Link: https://parisharts.square.site/product/12-21-25-low-lily-s-winter-solstice-celebration/HJ74SFDSSSDBX6LG4EESKMTG

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

Parish Center for the Arts
978-692-6333

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CHORUS PRESENTS
ANNUAL CONCERT TO BENEFIT FOOD PANTRY

Community Christmas Chorus will present its annual concert to raise money and collect food for the Westford Food Pantry on Sun., Dec. 14, at 7:00 p.m., at First Parish Church, 84 Main St., at Westford Common.  Thirty-one singers from several area towns, directed by René Minalga-Rheault, will perform sacred songs dating from high renaissance to the 21st century, plus a lively arrangement of “Jingle Bells.” The women’s ensemble, Elements, will perform “Tundra,” a piece by the contemporary composer Ola Gjeilo.  Donna Olson, a Westford native and voice teacher, who has had leading roles in opera and oratorio throughout the country, will also perform. The program also includes an audience carol sing-a-long.

Suggested donation for admission is $5 a person, $15 a family, plus 2 non-perishable food items for the food pantry.  All money collected at the door will be donated to the pantry.  For further information, please call 978-692-8416.

Beacon Santa Needs Your Help!

Will you help the children?
Hundreds of applicants have reached out, as they do every year, asking the Beacon Santa for help in making their Christmas just a little bit brighter.
It is a request we can’t meet without your help.
One single grandmother writes that she has custody of her teenage grandchildren and struggles to make ends meet. She is asking for help from Beacon Santa because Christmas presents are simply not in the budget.
“I know they no longer believe in Santa … [but] they still love the magic,” she writes.
Another grandmother writes that she and her husband have had custody of their grandson since he was 3 ½. They both work to help pay for an advocate and the therapy her grandson needs for his autism and anxiety. Once again, they are asking Beacon Santa for help to put a few presents under the tree.
“Every Christmas he has been blessed with the help from the Beacon Santa,” she writes.
The Beacon Santa Fund, which originated in 1965, raises money to give holiday gift cards to families in 12 communities: Acton, Boxborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Chelmsford, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Stow, and Westford.
Beacon Santa turns once again to its readers, without whose generosity some families will not receive holiday help. Donations are tax deductible, of course.
A final note, so that would-be donors can feel assured that their good intentions actually do good. The Board of Directors are all volunteers. Donations are intended entirely to help families in need; no funds are ever diverted for member stipends or salaries.

How to donate
By mail: Beacon Santa Fund, c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, Maynard Crossing, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754
Online: Through PayPal, https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1541809.  A PayPal account is not needed to donate.
New this year, you can donate through Venmo:  @beaconsanta1965