Acton/Boxboro/Maynard Action

12/24/2022

Visit www.actionunlimited.com/non-profit-notations to vote for January's featured non-profits! Deadline: 1/20/23

To nominate a non-profit for consideration, email [email protected]. This promotion will be giving all year long!

12/24/2022

12/21/2022

ACTON: The Acton Woman's Club (AWC) is a place for fun and companionship. They host monthly lunches, social/cultural events, and clubs. This month, AWC members served pies (made by Concord Farms) at the Acton Council on Aging/Senior Center. The delicious pies were distributed as part of our continuing community service. Any woman who lives or works in Acton or a surrounding town may join the Acton Woman’s Club for society and good works. For more information, contact Posy Dyer at (978) 369-1295; or Jane Bungard at (978) 263-7260 for a luncheon invitation.

To read this article in full, please visit The Action online at www.actionunlimited.com/acton-boxboro-maynard.

12/20/2022

Theatre III is accepting applications to direct the first two shows of our 2023 - 24 season:

Blood Relations
by Sharon Po***ck
Performances scheduled for the weekends of October 20 and 27, 2023

Something Rotten!
Book by John O'Connell and Karey Kirkpatrick
Music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick
Performances will take place between January 19 and February 10, 2024 (this range includes snow dates)

Interested parties should fill out this application by January 5. (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoLI8EDZqxNEH2Tv5lqXBUx8sBSyQ1MBoIEt8TPxClZbi5mQ/viewform)
Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

Theatre III is a nonprofit community theater committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As such, we encourage artists of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages to apply for this position.

12/20/2022

ACTON: On December 19, Mt. Calvary Community Supper of Acton partnered with ABUW, Tom Lowe’s Meat Market of Northborough, and Bisousweet Confections to prepare 100 holiday meals of a delicious roast turkey dinner with all the “fix-ins” along with a special dessert. Meals were delivered to Acton and Boxborough and surrounding residents by Acton Senior Housing Authority, the Acton Social Services, and members from Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church.

Founded in 2011, this is the tenth year in a row for the event. Tom Lowe took on the task of cooking 16 turkeys at his market and Karen Collins, owner of Bisousweet Bakery provided delectable biscotti treats. All the carving, dicing, mashing, and remaining cooking took place at the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton. The dedicated MCC Supper volunteers worked from early morning till noon when the final selections were ready for the packing process. Thanks to the additional help from members of ABUW and 2 returning college students, “many hands made light work” in the assembly line of rapid speed as 100 meals were readied for pick-up and hand delivery.

All are welcome to join each Wednesday at sit-down dinners, sharing in friendship while being served. As a non-profit organization, Mt. Calvary Community Supper sincerely appreciates support from community residents as they continue to serve all those who are experiencing food insecurity and social isolation.

Should you, your business, or a group of individuals wish to recognize a special person or family member, please consider donating to Mt. Calvary Community Supper, P.O Box 1125, Acton, MA 01720.

To read this article in full, please visit The Action online at www.actionunlimited.com/acton-boxboro-maynard.

12/20/2022

Monthly Breakfast
Thursday, December 22nd, 9:00am (note different day this month!) Acton seniors only
Join us for a warm, delicious breakfast which may include French toast, scrambled eggs, fruit, bacon or sausages prepared by Veteran Services Officer James MacRae. Cost is $3.00.

12/19/2022

Have you been playing The Action's Winter BINGO! this season? The game will be wrapping up soon, so be sure to dab your numbers, cross your fingers, and when you find yourself with a row completed horizontally, vertically or diagonally, copy or scan your cards and send them to "[email protected]" or 100-1 Domino Drive, Concord, MA 01742. One winner will be drawn from all verified submissions.

Deadline is 12/30/22, so to review/download your card and get the history of numbers already called visit The Action online at www.actionunlimited.com/acton-boxboro-maynard

12/18/2022

12/18/2022

MAYNARD: 6 Bridges Gallery is proud to present New Year, New Work, a group exhibit of new works by member and associate member artists. On view at 6 Bridges Gallery, 77 Main Street, January 6-February 11, 2023. A reception will be held January 7 from 5-7pm (snow date: February 4). This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please visit 6Bridges.Gallery, Facebook and Instagram. Gallery hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10am-5pm.

To read this article in full, please visit The Action online at www.actionunlimited.com/acton-boxboro-maynard.

12/16/2022

Santa is coming to town on Saturday!

12/16/2022

Reservations are now available for the 12/20 MHS Holiday Cafe! This event features the MHS Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, A Ca****la, and Madrigals. Go to www.maynardmusic.org to reserve your spot ("Tickets for the Holiday Cafe"). 🎤🎺☕️🍪

12/12/2022

DEVENS: Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School announced the enrollment season for the 2023-2024 academic year is now open. Parker is a free public charter school open by lottery to students entering grades 7, 8 and 9. Applications can be submitted online at www.parker.school/apply until February 1, 2023. The lottery will be held on February 7, 2023 at 4pm. All application, lottery, and enrollment regulations, as outlined in the enrollment policy will be followed.

In addition, Parker has limited openings in grades 7 and 9 for mid-year entry during the current (2022-23) school year. There are no openings in grade 8 for the 2022-23 school year at this time. Applications for the current school year can be submitted online and will be accepted until January 4, 2023. If more applications are received than there are available spaces, a lottery will be drawn on January 12, 2023 at 4pm. Enrollment offers will be made with an intended start date of the first day of second semester (January 24, 2023).

Parker Charter School educates 400 students in grades 7-12 from more than 40 towns in Massachusetts. Founded in 1995, Parker is committed to the principles of progressive education—inclusive community, low student-teacher ratio, project-based learning, and promotion based on mastery of core intellectual skills. Learn more at www.theparkerschool.org. Sign up for an information session at www.parker.school/infosession.

12/12/2022

12/12/2022

12/12/2022

ACTON: Household Goods (530 Main Street) has many volunteer shifts but especially needs help on Saturdays. Volunteering on Saturdays is also a terrific way to spend some time with your teenage children, or with your spouse/ partner, or with a group of friends who want to make a difference in the lives of others. Start by registering for a New Volunteer Orientation. The next on-site orientation is January 2 at 10am, with remote orientations held via zoom scheduled for December 20 and January 17 at 7pm. You’ll take a tour and learn about different volunteer opportunities. To register, visit https://householdgoods.org/volunteering.

12/11/2022

ACTON: Acton BSA Troops 1 and Troop 284 are teaming up once again to pick up and dispose of your Holiday Trees from both Acton and Boxborough residents on January 7 & 14, 2023. 100% of your suggested donation of $20 will be used to support Acton Scouting activities including the upkeep of camping gear, camping trips, hiking activities, camp, merit badge workshops, high-adventure trips, Courts of Honor and much more. These hardworking scouts are an active part of the Acton/Boxborough community. Acton and Boxborough residents interested in a contactless tree pick up may visit www.ActonBSA.org for more sign-up information. Payment can be made by check (Checks can be written out to Troop 284 Acton) or Cash can be easily affixed to your tree, or you can use Paypal (even if you do not have an account). No computer to sign up, no problem! Just give a call to (978) 795-4152 and leave a message.

12/10/2022

12/06/2022

Holiday Decoration Clean Out and Share
Beginning December 8th, 9:00-3:00pm and December 9th, 9:00-11:30am
Many of us are trying to downsize the amount of decorations we have. We also know of many people who are just starting out or starting over that do not have many decorations. Please bring clean decorations that are still in good condition to the Senior Center on Thursday, December 8th from 9:00am-3:00pm or Friday, December 9th 9:00-11:30am.
Monday, December 12th at 10:00am until Tuesday Dec. 13th at 6:00pm our doors are open during business hours for residents of all ages to take what they can use.
We will not be accepting any large items (i.e. trees, outdoor decorations) or outdated lights. Please drop off only at designated times.

12/04/2022

12/04/2022

12/04/2022

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Minutemen Company with help from the Boxborough DPW, will be collecting and chipping Christmas trees from Boxborough residents this year on January 7, 2023. In late December, look for the sign up forms on the Boxborough Minuteman website at https://boxboroughminutemen.org. Hard copy forms will also be available around the same time at the Town Hall if you prefer to use mail. The cost for pickup is $15; deadline for all payments is January 3rd. If you prefer not to sign up for tree pickup, you can also deliver your tree for disposal to the “old” Boxborough DPW facility located at 577 Mass Ave (Rte. 111) on January 7 between 10am and 2pm. A disposal fee of $10 will be collected on site when you drop off your tree. For questions, email [email protected].

11/30/2022

The Family to Family course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI of Central Middlesex, MA) could prove helpful to you. This is a free, evidence-based, weekly, eight-session virtual course for family members and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments and therapies, practicing communication and problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment. The class is taught by NAMI trained family members from the local NAMI Central Middlesex affiliate. The course will meet Mondays via Zoom, starting January 16, 6-8:30pm. Registration is required. Go to namicentralmiddlesex.org/educational-courses for additional information, the registration link, and more course offerings. To converse with one of the teachers, contact Patti at [email protected]; (978) 621-1065 or Lindsay at [email protected]; (781) 864-7003.

11/30/2022

MAYNARD: The Maynard Community Band’s 33rd Annual “A Christmas Pops” Holiday Concert (MCB) - December 18, 5pm (doors open at 4pm) at Sanctuary, 82 Main Street. MCB is the longest standing tradition in the town with continual performances since 1947. For those unable to attend or wanting to view the concert from home, it will be LIVE streamed on Facebook https://fb.me/e/2qq0tSLcu?mibextid=RQdjqZ or Youtube https://youtu.be/fwXDkW7hb_0.

To read this article in full, please visit The Action online at www.actionunlimited.com/acton-boxboro-maynard.

11/29/2022

Christmas In New England Home

BOXBOROUGH: UCCB’s Annual Bluegrass Christmas Concert will take place December 10 (Doors open at 7pm) at United Church of Christ in Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Avenue. Many people consider the annual Christmas In New England (CINE) concert in the UCCB Sanctuary to be an important part of their holiday season. Tickets $15 at the door. To learn more, visit

How wonderful this concert was! Must confess that I got a little teary at times. It was so beautiful. You and your crew did a fantastic job. What a wonderful gift to us, your fans.

11/29/2022

Timeline photos

Please welcome Kristin MacLeod as the new Library Manager of Citizens'. Kristin worked at AML for 12 years & was most recently Head of Circulation. When not at the library, she enjoys time with family, reading, hiking, & travelling. Drop by Citizens' to say hello!

11/23/2022

Residents are reminded that a winter parking ban is in effect from November 1 until April 1. On street parking is not allowed between the hours of 1:00 am. and 6:00 a.m. Vehicles that are illegally parked may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense if they interfere with snow removal operations. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

11/22/2022

MAYNARD: The 56th Annual Maynard Holiday Parade will take place on December 4 in downtown Maynard. At 1:45pm, look up to see Santa waving at the crowd from a helicopter! Then, the parade kicks off at 2pm with food collection trucks leading the way. Each parade attendee is asked to bring one or more canned food items to donate to our local food pantries. The parade will also feature special guests of honor, local businesses, organizations, musical groups, and entertainers. For more parade details, visit Maynardholidayparade.com. WAVM, the Maynard High School radio/tv station, will be emceeing the event live from Sanctuary at 82 Main Street. Add to the excitement by arriving early or staying afterward to enjoy a meal and some holiday shopping.

11/22/2022

11/21/2022

MAYNARD/CONCORD: Open Table, the Concord and Maynard charity dedicated to fighting hunger and building healthy communities, announced that the Open Table Family-to-Family Gift Bag Drive is back for the third year in a row. The program offers community members the opportunity to create special holiday gift bags for clients of Open Table.

Open Table will provide a list of suggested items to fill a gift bag and follow up with reminders on each of the first 12 days of December. Gift bags will be collected in Maynard on December 16 and in Concord on December 17. Each client will receive a gift bag with their final food distribution of 2022. Families can use the following suggestions to create a gift bag for a family or a senior:

Day 1: Movie Night Snack
Day 2: Special Breakfast
Day 3: Fun activity
Day 4: Gift card
Day 5: Favorite baking mix
Day 6: Moisturizer
Day 7: Hot beverage makings
Day 8: Festive holiday napkins
Day 9: Favorite store-bought treats
Day 10: Cozy accessories
Day 11: Favorite spread for toast
Day 12: Dried fruits and/or nuts

Please note, Open Table is unable to accept home-baked goodies for the gift bags. Sign up to make a gift bag at: opentable.org/family-to-family

11/21/2022

11/21/2022

ACTON: Did you know: the Green Acton Land Use Committee studies, proposes solutions, and advocates at the intersection of land use and Acton's many environmental issues, such as climate, biodiversity, water, toxins, growth/ consumption and social justice. Currently, they are working on (1) a draft Town bylaw to limit tree/land clearing; (2) issues at the nexus of development/construction, land use and social and environmental justice; and (3) influencing changes to Acton’s zoning bylaws.

The committee’s progress on these efforts requires additional volunteers. They need help with research, writing, phone calls, and other advocacy activities. Would you consider learning about and joining in this important work! If you are interested, attend a Green Acton Land Use Committee meeting. They meet by videoconference on the last Wednesday of the month, 7:30-9:30pm. Email [email protected] to receive more information and meeting access, and to join the email list.

11/21/2022

At the 2022 Annual Town Meeting, voters approved a new bylaw banning the use, sale, and distribution of polystyrene and disposable plastic utensils. This bylaw will be effective January 1, 2023.

For more information on this bylaw, please contact the Health Department at 978-929-6632 or email [email protected].

11/20/2022

JP's All-Star Dance Party

JP's All-Star Dance Party

Join us as we kick off the Thanksgiving long weekend with JP’s dance party at Sanctuary. Dance off a few pounds before you put them back on.

11/20/2022

11/20/2022

11/20/2022

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough author, FFrancie Nolde has written a biography-memoir about her mother who had a remarkable life as a pioneer aviator during WWII and the Cold War. Nolde will give a reading at the Boxborough Sargent Memorial Library on December 7 at 7pm. Bring a book from The Silver Unicorn Bookstore at 12 Spruce street, West Acton, for signing.

Nolde writes: "She dreamed of becoming an opera star. She did perform in a Gershwin musical with Fred Astaire, and she did become the star of a 1930s radio serial. But after Frannie married a wealthy textile manufacturer and became the mother of seven children on his Pennsylvania estate, she looked to the sky."

11/14/2022

MAYNARD: ArtSpace Maynard welcomes you to their Artists’ Holiday Shop—an Art Gallery and Gift Shop presented at their community gallery and satellite space at 63 Nason Street. They’ll be featuring a wide variety of original creative art including paintings, prints, sculpture, photographs, jewelry, and textiles from 20 ArtSpace studio artists! The Artists’ Holiday Shop will be open on Fridays (4pm-8pm), Saturdays (10am-5pm), and Sundays (12pm-4pm) beginning December 2 and continuing through December 18. The storefront gallery space is conveniently located in Downtown Maynard across from Veteran’s Park.

There will also be an opening reception on December 3 from 6–8:30pm at the Artists’ Holiday Shop! This special event will coincide with Maynard’s Holiday Sip & Stroll, hosted by the Maynard Business Alliance. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments as you shop, for one night only!