Alissa Nicol

“What We Can Do Fair” showcases opportunities for taking action

March 15, 2025

by Alissa Nicol

Established local organizations working to make a better, more just world gathered to share information about their current efforts and how attendees could get involved at a “What We Can Do Fair” on Sunday, March 9. A few dozen residents attended the event, hosted by Congregation Beth Elohim’s…

A man in a work apron shows a group of women a piece of a flute that he's working on.

Acton makes music: Touring the world’s oldest flute-making company

March 1, 2025

by Alissa Nicol

On Wednesday, February 19, close to two dozen members of the Acton Woman’s Club (AWC) were treated to a tour of the Wm. S. Haynes Company. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest flute-making company in the world and specializes in professional custom-level instruments, although student, intermediate, and…

Acton staff and electeds learn and win an award at Connect 351

February 1, 2025

by Alissa Nicol

This past weekend, several elected and appointed leaders of Acton’s government attended the annual conference, newly named “Connect 351” and in a new venue, hosted by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). The number 351 is a reference to the 351 towns and cities in the Commonwealth. The MMA…

Full house at the Annual Martin Luther King Day Breakfast

January 25, 2025

by Alissa Nicol

Despite a storm the night before, which dropped almost six inches of snow on Acton, and frigid winds Monday morning, January 20, there was a full house for the 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Breakfast, hosted by Na’aseh, Congregation Beth Elohim’s Social Action Committee. Na’aseh…

ABFN observes Native American Heritage Month

November 22, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

On Saturday, November 16, the Acton Boxborough Family Network (ABFN) sponsored a free program for members and non-members alike at the Acton Memorial Library in observance of Native American Heritage Month. ABFN’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, Jessica Schroeder, said, “This is the first cultural event we’ve held.…

South Acton history walk

November 17, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

About 20 participants, including several high school students, were led on a tour of South Acton the afternoon of Saturday, November 9, by Acton resident Amy Cole. Cole, who has been leading tours of Acton Center sponsored by the 250 Committee, was assisted in the development of the…

A smashing success: Acton’s first pumpkin smash

November 17, 2024

Alissa NicolandLauren West

On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the Sustainability Subcommittee hosted Acton’s very first “Pumpkin Smash” at the DPW Facility. About 35 attendees and 10 staff stopped by with their own leftover pumpkins and other gourds or to help carry the bright orange orbs during the two hour afternoon event. Black…

Colonial Books & Brews at Acton Memorial Library

October 19, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

The age 21+, after-hours Colonial Books and Brews event at the Acton Memorial Library on Tuesday, October 1, was attended by more than 200 people. Co-hosted by the Acton 250 Committee and the Acton Memorial Library, with funding from the Acton Memorial Library Foundation and the Acton Lions…

Veteran and family come home to Acton

October 12, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

On Saturday, October 4, Keith Anderson and his family received the warmest welcome from the Acton community in a ceremony to turn over the keys to the house in West Acton that is the fulfillment of a dream of the late Mark Starr. As described in an earlier…

Flag retirement ceremony

October 4, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

On Sunday, September 22, a Flag Retirement Ceremony was held at Woodlawn Cemetery on Concord Road in Acton. The United States Flag Code stipulates the proper method of disposal for a flag that is “in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display.” Traditionally,…

Launch of Isaac Davis Brown Ale

September 21, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

On Wednesday, September 11, the Acton 250 Committee hosted a launch of the commemorative Isaac Davis Brown Ale at Dirigible Brewing Company located at 24 Porter Road in neighboring Littleton (a brewery on Porter Road… how about that?!). The ale was crafted by Dirigible’s head brewer, Colin Knirk,…

National Night Out with local first responders

August 30, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

On Tuesday, August 6, the Town of Acton hosted another well-attended National Night Out event at the Public Safety Facility on Main Street. The annual event is held in municipalities across the country and aims to foster awareness of the services provided by law enforcement and an opportunity…

A man shows an old black and white picture.

Water District leads abutters on preview hike

July 5, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

Two families enjoyed an early evening hike on the newly acquired Acton Water District (AWD) land located at 549 Main Street on Thursday, June 28. AWD District Manager Matt Mostoller and AWD Environmental Manager Alex Wahlstrom organized the Public Access Preview event for abutters to the property. Mostoller…

Five women posing in the sun. Four of the women are wearing Helen Roper costumes -- Curly red wigs, bright kaftans, and chunky jewelry. The 5th woman is wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, as befits the perfect weather.

Acton can be proud of this well-attended Pride Fest

June 21, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

On Saturday June 15, at NARA Park in North Acton, rainbows were in abundance despite the clear blue sky with nary a single cloud. The second annual Pride Fest, organized by the Acton Recreation Department, welcomed the Town of Westford this year to join in the family-friendly celebration…

Another booth -- the awning says Acton Water District. There are people behind the table talking to a group of fair attendees.

Festival offers opportunity to learn about and celebrate climate action in Acton

June 14, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

Acton’s Sustainability Office, with funding from the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program grant program, organized a Climate Resilience Festival that was held on Saturday, June 8 at the Gardner Playground in West Acton. Participating organizations included Green Acton, Acton Boxborough Farmers Market, Acton Water District, Acton Conservation Trust (ACT),…

A smiling woman in a purple coat sits in a chair outdoors. She is wearing a large purple and gold ribbon rosette that says "Meredith Bergmann, Sculptor."

Acton sculptor honors women through Lexington monument

May 16, 2024

by Alissa Nicol

Acton sculptor Meredith Bergmann’s “Something is Being Done” was unveiled at the Lexington Green on Wednesday, May 15. A crowd of hundreds gathered to celebrate the monument, installed on a granite plaza, as well as the work of dozens of women “to make women visible and honor their…