Acton/Boxboro/Maynard Action

05/01/2025

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Visit Boxborough Resident
The following article has been condensed for print. To read the full article, visit BoxboroughNews.org/news
Saturday, April 19, started out as most mornings do for Joel Richman, a long time Boxborough resident. It was just after 8 a.m. when Richman headed outside with his two dogs for their morning walk in the woods behind his house.
After about five minutes, Richman told Boxborough News, the dogs emerged from the woods and started barking and running toward his driveway; Richman ran after them to the front of his house. When he reached the front of his house, Richman said, he saw that at least six plain clothes officers “had surrounded his house” and “one was banging on his front door.” At least six unmarked vehicles lined the street in front of his home, Richman recalled.
The officers identified themselves as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, Richman said. They informed him that they were looking for someone who was using his address, but they did not give any specifics.
Richman told Boxborough News that the first 30 seconds after he came back to his house were “terrifying…It happened so fast…these guys were not there five minutes ago. Within minutes, they had the house surrounded.”
When asked to comment, Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk provided the following statement to Boxborough News: “US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contacted Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch District (NVRDD) who in turn contacted the Boxborough Police Department to make us aware that they were in Boxborough and would be conducting an investigation. Boxborough Police was not on scene and did not provide assistance to ICE.” Boxborough Police has received no further communication from ICE regarding the case.
When asked about Boxborough Police policy “not to voluntarily comply with ICE detainer requests absent a judicial warrant,” Chief Szewczyk indicated that the policy is rooted in state law.
In 2017, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held in Commonwealth v. Lunn that Massachusetts law does not provide law enforcement the authority to hold individuals based solely on a federal civil immigration detainer. An ICE detainer is not a judicial warrant; it is an administrative request from a federal agency. Accordingly, holding an individual beyond their lawful release time solely based on an ICE detainer is considered an unlawful arrest under Massachusetts law.
If police or ICE are at your home, you have rights under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of your immigration status. For “know your rights” information, you can visit the American Civil Liberties Union page: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights -or-ice-are-at-my-home

Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn more here about your rights as an immigrant, and how to express them.

05/01/2025

Boxborough News Celebrates Two Years
It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since we launched Boxborough News.
In that time, we’ve published more than 1,000 stories, sent almost 100 weekly email newsletters to our ever-growing list of subscribers, and posted countless stories and photos on social media.
We started this project with a small group of volunteers dedicated to creating a resource for unbiased news and information about town government and community events.
Over the past two years, we’ve been able to increase our coverage of town boards and committees and add lifestyle columns such as Pam’s Gardening Tips, Mediations with Ann, and Sustainability Matters.
Each week, we are amazed by how much is happening in our town. We know that there are many more stories than our small team can cover. We’re looking for volunteers to report on town issues, write special features, cover high school sports and performing arts, and help us with social media.
If you would like to contribute to Boxborough News in any way, we would like to hear from you. Please reach out to us at [email protected].
As always, we are grateful to the publisher of Action Unlimited for providing print space for Boxborough News and helping us grow our audience.
We are also grateful for the hard work and dedication of our team members: Al Murphy, Ann Seymour, Anne McNeece, Barbara Birt, Brittany Zorn, Ellen Hickey, Isabella Hill, James Rober, John Fallon, Joy Mendonez, Mary Pavlik, Nathaniel Kim, Pam Collins, Sharon Garde, Sunitha Paravasthu, and Susan Bak.
Lastly, we thank you, our readers, for the encouragement and positive feedback you’ve given us. It keeps us going!
Abby Reip & Cassie LaRussa
Editors
Boxborough News
Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

Boxborough News is committed to independent, neutral reporting of town news and information

05/01/2025

17 Animal Rescues Join PAWS IN THE PARK
this Sunday, May 4, 10 am - 3 pm
Longfellow’s Wayside Inn, Sudbury
Have you been thinking of adopting a pet?
Join Save A Dog this Sunday, May 4, from 10 am to 3 pm on the grounds of historic Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury as we celebrate the 25th Annual PAWS IN THE PARK – one of the largest gatherings of people and pups in New England!
Rain or shine, this is the place to be for canine and family fun!
This year, PAWS IN THE PARK also offers a great opportunity to visit with representatives of 17 animal rescues from Massachusetts and beyond, and meet some of their amazing, adoptable pets.
Joining in the day-long festivities are:
• Baypath Humane Society (Hopkinton)
• B.O.N.E.S. (Beagles of New England States - NH)
• Brown Dog Coalition and Rescue (Hopkinton)
• Buddy Dog (Sudbury)
• Collie Rescue League of New England (VT)
• Commonwealth Cats (Peabody)
• Crops and Flops Rescue (Westminster)
• Greyhound Friends (Hopkinton)
• Long Island Bulldog Rescue (NY)
• Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (Salisbury)
• National Great Pyrenees Rescue (NY)
• Northeast Coonhound Rescue (Lexington)
• Paw-Affection Dachshund Rescue (Taunton)
• PittieLove Rescue (Framingham)
• Save A Dog (Sudbury)
• Stray Pets in Need (Natick)
• Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue (Hudson)
Don’t miss this celebration filled with music, food vendors, kids games and face painting, dog games and contests, a dog agility course with try-outs, alumni and littermate reunions, raffles and a silent auction... plus 67 vendors and exhibitors.
Special highlights include a Group Dog Walk at 11 am led by Anna Meiler, WBZ News Anchor and host of WBZ’s Sunday morning “Pet Parade.”
The Adoptable Dogs Parade at noon will feature dogs from our participating rescue organizations.
And TRAX, the Worcester Railers Hockey Club mascot, will make a special appearance right after the parade from at 12:30 pm.
Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children 5-12.
Kids under 5 are free, and strollers are welcome.
(Admission is waived for those who set up a personal online pledge page and raise $15 or more. Go to www.saveadog.org/paws2025-pledges.asp)
And of course bring your dog—if they enjoy being around people and other dogs—on a 6 foot or shorter leash (no retractable leashes, please).
All proceeds from PAWS IN THE PARK benefit the life-saving rescue and adoption work of Save A Dog, a 501c3 tax exempt humane society.
Now entering its 27th year, Save a Dog has found loving forever homes for more than 8,500 pets through its Sudbury shelter and dedicated network of foster homes.
See you Sunday!

05/01/2025

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, The Amazing Race & more.
Campers entering grades 6th-9th in the Eco Adventures program will play kayaking games on the pond, laser tag in the woods, 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 24- and then choose two weeks or more to be at camp.
There are 6 weekly sessions that run June 30 – August 8, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm.
Before/After Care is available!
Campers from all towns are welcome!
See the website for more details and to register: tomdenneynaturecamp.org
Questions: [email protected] (best means of communication) or 978-429-3004 (voice mail)

05/01/2025

The Council on Aging at the Human Services & Senior Center is located at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.
Telephone: 978-929-6652
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.actoncoa.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/actoncoa​
Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8:00am-5:00pm, Tues 8:00am-7:30pm, and Fri 8:00am-12noon

Monday Movie Matinee

The Russians Are Coming The Russians Are Coming

Monday, May 5th, 1:00-3:05pm
(1966) Comedy depicts the chaos and hysteria that follows the grounding of a Soviet submarine off the coast of fictional Gloucester Island, Massachusetts. Directed by Norman Jewison; stars Eva Marie Saint, Carl Reiner, Alan Arkin, Brian Keith, and Jonathan Winters

Acton Songsters with Ed Knights
Wednesdays, May 7th and 21st, 1:00-1:45pm
Open to all seniors/free
Join Ed Knights for this group that sings familiar popular songs and learns the mechanics of singing. Don’t worry about your level of singing—the group is open to anyone interested in singing. Lyrics provided. Sign up with the COA if you are new to the group. See page 4 for information on this month’s performance.

Caregiver Support Group via Zoom
Wednesdays, May 7th and 21st, 3:00-4:30pm
**Note change of meeting day for this month**
Open to all caregivers of older adults/free
Caregivers of older adults, please join Julie Norstrand, PhD, MSW, for this group that meets via Zoom and offers practical and emotional support. New participants always welcome! The challenging work of caregiving may leave you feeling stretched thin, which may cause feelings of exhaustion and isolation. Julie ensures safe, non-judgmental settings where members can share and learn from one another and witnesses the strong bonds that develop between members. If you are new to the group, please sign up with the Council on Aging at [email protected]. Funded by an Executive Office of Aging & Independence grant.

Technology Help Appointments with Acton Memorial Library
Thursday, May 8th, 10:00-11:00am
Acton seniors only
Need help with common smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet or laptop functions? Join Olivia Wennerod, Acton Memorial Library Adult Programming Librarian, at the Senior Center for one-on-one help with your device! Bring your fully charge device and your questions, and Olivia will troubleshoot technology problems alongside you. If Olivia can’t help with a specific problem you are having, she will do her best to find the right resources that can help you. Call the COA to reserve a 15-minute appointment.

Fraud Prevention Tips with Middlesex Savings Bank
Thursday, May 8th, 1:00-2:30pm
Open to all seniors/free
Fraud department specialists from Middlesex Savings Bank will discuss the recent frauds and scams that are targeting seniors in our community. Ways to identify fraud & prevent being scammed will be covered.

The 20th Century: A 1920-1929 Review with Dawn Gomez
Thursday, May 8th, 2:00-3:00pm
Open to all seniors/free
It’s now time to take a deep dive into the third decade of the 20th century. The progressive era is over and the 1920’s was the decade when modern society began. Americans were excited by the technological advances that were becoming a part of their lives. But they were also a little frightened, for technology was changing the world faster than ever before. For many Americans, it was a time when they felt torn between the simple, traditional rural life and the new Jazz Age that beckoned from the city. From the introduction of the radio that reached right into people’s homes to women who could now vote showing a new spirit of independence. From cheaper cars that could carry Americans farther from home than ever before to the restrictions of Prohibition and hatred stirred up by the Ku Klux Klan. It was a blooming and booming decade…until it wasn’t. Americans were buying on credit, living it up and expecting that their prosperity would continue until the stock market crash of 1929 hit. Suddenly the bright lights of the Jazz Age went dark as if America had gone from a carefree summer into a freezing winter. Come and learn more and share your own family stories as well. Dawn Gomez, Reminiscing Round Table founder, provides topic-based programs for seniors at several local assisted living and senior center communities

Coffee and Conversation with Tracy Woods
Friday, May 9th through 30th, 10:00-11:00am
Open to all/free
Join Tracy Woods for a weekly coffee and conversation group where you can talk about what’s on your mind with your peers. Tracy Woods is a certified Older Adult Peer Specialist. All are welcome to this joint venture between the Acton Council on Aging and the Northeast Independent Living Program.

Acton COA | Acton Senior Center

05/01/2025

“ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER WEDNESDAY”
“All are Welcome.”
Spring has arrived. Mother Nature always returns us to many colors and warmer temps in May. Please, join neighbors and friends at the tables in Fellowship Hall. We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.
Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church of Acton 472 Massachusetts Ave. Acton MA 01720
Time: Dinner is served 4:30pm – 5:45pm Doors will open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter prior so our volunteers can prepare your Supper.
Parking: Park your car in the back parking lot and enter from the walkway to the church door.
May 2025 Menu
5/7 Cinco de Mayo – Mexican Burrito Bake
Sponsored by United Church of Christ Congregational, Boxborough
5/14 Amish Casserole with Burger and Pasta with Cheese
Sponsored by The Acton Lions Club
5/21 Pork Chops with Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Sponsored by Friends of Mt. Calvary Community Supper
5/28 Raviolis And Meatballs
Sponsored by Kate Zhong and Friends
** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
We are so grateful for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.
http://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/Community-Supper http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA

Every Wednesday , between 4:30PM and 5:30pm we will have a sit-down dinner at Mt. Calvary Lutheran. Doors open at 4:15pm. All are welcome!

05/01/2025

Now Seeking Plant Donations for the
Maynard Community Gardeners Plant Sale
Preparations are underway for the Maynard Community Gardeners Plant Sale, which will be held on Saturday, May 17th, 9am - 12 noon, in the Maynard Elks parking lot at 34 Powdermill Road in Maynard. The success of the MCG plant sale each year depends on plant donations from both members and non-members alike! Do you have any excess or unwanted plants you’d like to donate to the plant sale? We can pick up or even dig up any plants you’d like to donate. Please contact Lizza Smith at [email protected] as soon as possible with your name and address to make arrangements. If you need assistance with digging the plants, please let us know in your email. Proceeds from the plant sale help cover the costs of the many flower planters along the sidewalks and in public spaces downtown, including the beautiful flower-filled alleyway off Nason Street, the seasonally changing downtown triangle, and places along the bike path such as Maplebrook Park.
And don’t miss the plant sale on May 17th. Come early for the best selection! This is a great opportunity to choose from a wide variety of plants that flourish locally, at bargain prices. Flowers, vegetables, hanging plants, perennials, annuals, herbs, and shrubs will all be available in an assortment of sizes, types, and colors. There will also be a small flea market of deeply discounted garden-related tools and items. The plant sale will be held rain or shine.
The Maynard Community Gardeners welcomes everyone interested in gardening, from beginners to experienced gardeners, and brings beauty and joy to all who live in and visit Maynard. Visitors to our downtown often stop to admire and comment on the unique charm of the flower-filled streets and spaces of Maynard. The annual MCG plant sale makes this all possible, and your plant donations help!

05/01/2025

Boxborough Democratic Town Committee Establishes a Scholarship for A-B Graduating Senior
The Boxborough Democratic Town Committee recently established a $500 scholarship that will be presented to a Boxborough graduating senior who has displayed a significant commitment to their community and the cause of social justice. The chosen individual shall have demonstrated qualities of compassion, integrity, leadership, and service through activities such as improving the lives of those in need and protecting the rights of the marginalized in our society. Preference may be given to a student who is pursuing a degree in public service, politics, government, or education.
The 2025 scholarship will be presented in memory of Anne K. Canfield. Anne loved the town of Boxborough, working and volunteering tirelessly over the years in many capacities, including serving on the Boxborough Democratic Town Committee, as well as on the Select Board, Council on Aging, School Committee, Finance Committee, and working at the polls.
This year’s scholarship will be presented at the Acton Boxborough Regional High School awards ceremony on May 21at 7 p.m. at the ABRHS Auditorium.
To donate to the scholarship fund, please visit

Show your support with a contribution.

05/01/2025

Grieving Mother’s Support Group
Myles Above in Heaven
An intimate support group in the loss of child........
Saturday May 17th
10:30am-12:30pm
Hudson Public Library
Hudson, MA

Saturday May 24th
10:30am -12:30pm
Duffy Properties
135 Beaver St
Waltham, MA

05/01/2025

Maynard Democratic Party Caucus
Registered Democrats in Maynard will hold a caucus on May 3, 2025 to elect Delegates and Alternates to the 2025 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.
The caucus will be held May 3 at the Maynard Public Library, Roosevelt Room, 77 Nason Street, Maynard, Massachusetts. Doors open at 10am, we encourage attendees to arrive early. Everyone who arrives by 10:45 will be admitted.
Maynard can elect 8 Delegates and 4 Alternates to the Convention. The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Maynard. Pre-registered Democrats who are 16 by March 29, 2025 will be allowed to participate and run as a Delegate or Alternate. We welcome any registered Maynard Democratic to run for one of the delegate seats.
Same-day voter registration will be available at the caucus - paper registration forms will be available and those who are interested should come a few minutes early. Any person who is not shown on the Democratic Party list must either provide proof of Party registration or preregistration or must register before the end of the caucus registration period.
Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are not elected as a Delegate or Alternate may apply to be an Add-on Delegate at the caucus or at www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
The 2025 Massachusetts Democratic Party Convention will take place on September 13, 2025 in Springfield, Massachusetts. This year is a platform convention.
Those interested in running to be a delegate or alternate or to get involved with the Maynard Democratic Town Committee should contact the Committee via email at [email protected]. Or check the Maynard Democratic Town Committee page.

05/01/2025

Heritage Chorale Spring Concert 2025: Heaven and Earth
The online box office is open for Heaven and Earth, a wonderful choral concert on Sunday, May 18 at 4pm at the Fuller Middle School, 31 Flagg Drive in Framingham. We hope you’ll join us!
The concert will feature a selection of sacred and secular pieces, including some stunningly beautiful settings of psalms and poetry about the natural world.
One highlight of the concert will honor Alice Parker, a world-renowned champion of choral singing who was born in Boston and spent most of her life in New England. The Parker pieces will include some of her most famous spiritual arrangements, as well as “An American Kedusha,” a setting taken from the Jewish Sabbath morning liturgy.
Another local connection is Dominick Argento’s “Walden Pond,” a song cycle using texts by Henry David Thoreau, accompanied by the unusual instrumentation of three cellos and harp.
Guest performers will be Cantor Vera Broekhuysen, soprano and Cantor David Wolff, tenor.
Please visit https://www.heritagechorale.org for more details and to order tickets online in advance.

Presenting its 88th season of high-quality choral performances for Metrowest music-loving audiences. Read about concerts, volunteer and support opportunities.

05/01/2025

“Shop for Free at Trinity: The Free Sale”
- Trinity Church, 14 Wattaquadock Hill Rd., Bolton, will be hosting an indoor yard sale on Saturday, June 7th, 9:00AM - Noon. All items are free. Household goods, toys, books, movies, sporting goods, clothing, more. Enjoy free refreshments as well!

Trinity Church, Congregational serves Bolton Massachusetts and surrounding towns including Stow, Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough, Berlin, Clinton, Lancaster and Harvard plus all of MetroWest, Worcester and Middlesex counties.