The Bulletin Board

The Acton Exchange team is working towards a new calendar function that allows more flexible and powerful access to Acton-relevant calendar information. In the meantime, short notices of upcoming events are published in the Bulletin Board. For now, email your Acton-relevant calendar notice (<150 words) to calendar@actonexchange.org. Your notice can include links to a website or email address, but no flyers or other graphics. Calendar editor needed!

Festival of Sharing Holiday Fair

(from Saint Matthews Church)
Sat, Dec 7 9am – 2pm
St. Matthew’s Church 435 Central St Acton

Here is your opportunity to do GOOD this Christmas by supporting charitable organizations that work locally, nationally, and across the globe. 100% of all donations go directly to these groups; Saint Matthew’s doesn’t keep any of the funds. There will be many organizations, as well as the famous Saint Matthew’s “cookie walk” with live musical entertainment throughout the festival. Come and share your holiday generosity with these worthwhile organizations!

FRS Carlisle Greens Sale & Holiday Fair

FRS (First Religious Society) Greens Sale & Holiday Fair
Saturday, December 7 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
First Religious Society of Carlisle, 27 School Street in Carlisle.

For the best selection of greenery (decorated & plain wreaths, boxwood trees, swags, and mantelpieces) and gingerbread house kits, you are encouraged to pre-order online at https://www.uucarlisle.org/2024-greens-sale–holiday-fair.html. On Saturday, December 7, we will have a limited number of wreaths (decorated and undecorated), other greenery, delicious homemade baked goods, and a variety of talented local artisans & vendors. The Holly Jolly Café lunch menu includes turkey & Boursin cheese sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, beef and vegetarian chili, slices of pie, and hot and cold cider. Please place your pre-order for your greenery and Gingerbread House Kits between now and Thursday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. All online orders can be picked up at FRS on Saturday, December 7, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

West Acton Holiday Stroll

Sat, Dec 7, 2024
12:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m followed by Tree Lighting at 4:30 p.m. at 577 Mass Ave (former Middlesex Bank)

Shop to support local businesses – special offers at select businesses! Enjoy carolers throughout the Village. Participate in The Village Hunt to win $50. Three winners will be drawn at 4:00 at the West Acton Baptist Church! Maps can be picked up at the West Acton Baptist Church starting at 12:30 PM.

Enter to win a Raffle Basket at West Acton Baptist Church. 1 for $2, 12 for $10, and 25 for $20. Winners will be drawn at 4:00 PM. Visit with Santa from 1:00 – 3:30 PM at Great Spaces (245 Arlington Street). Vote for your favorite wreath!

Santa Skate & More

to benefit Michele Mosher
Sat, Dec 7 3 – 5PM
Nashoba Valley Olympia Rink, 34 Mass Ave. Boxborough

Ice skating, Photos with Santa, Raffles, Food & Community gathering to support Michele Mosher’s recovery! Skaters & Non-Skating Supporters ALL Welcome!

Hosted by Nashoba Valley Skating School to benefit the recovery of Michele Mosher, beloved AB resident who is recovering from a serious skiing accident last spring. ALL proceeds from the Santa Skate and auction will benefit Michele’s ongoing recovery! Support via the GO FUND ME page for Michele Mosher too. THANK YOU for supporting this wellness cause from Michele’s family, friends & community!

AB Madrigals at Acton Memorial Library

(from Acton Memorial Library)
Where: Acton Memorial Library, 2nd floor by the turret.
When: Sunday, December 8, 2 p.m.

Come hear the Acton-Boxborough High Madrigal Singers perform songs of the season in this special winter concert performance!

Mt. Calvary Community Supper

(from Mt. Calvary Community Supper)
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.

“The only active Community Supper serving in Acton”

“ALWAYS GRATEFUL FOR ANOTHER WEDNESDAY”

“All are Welcome.”

Join us at our Sit-Down Supper! The month of Holiday Celebrations is here. Please, take time to join us for a dinner with new and familiar friends. Join us as we bring cheer into your lives. We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you every Wednesday.

December 2024 Menu

12/4 Meatloaf that we all love.
Sponsored by Thrivent Financial

12/11 Zatar Chicken
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Elohim

12/18 Our Holiday Turkey Dinner with all the Fix’ns
Sponsored by Boston Metro West Bible Church

12/25 Closed – May this month of many Holidays bring you peace!

** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.

As 2024 comes to an end, we wish to express how grateful we are for the support anddedication 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

Acton Lions Christmas Tree Sale

(from Acton Lions Club)
Begins Friday, Nov 29
Fridays 3-6pm / Sat & Suns 10am-6pm
Ace Hardware on 27 – 210 Main St Acton

The Acton Lions continue their over forty-year tradition of selling trees for charity! 6 – 10 foot New Brunswick Balsam trees are $70. Cash or check only. We will help you decide on the tree, trim the base, and tie it down on your vehicle. Happy Holidays everyone!!

Rep. Sena announces December office hours in Acton and Groton

(from Rep. Sena’s office)

Dec. 6 and 13, 2024
Friday, Dec 6 – Acton Coffee House, 525 Massachusetts Ave #103, Acton, MA 017206
Friday, Dec 13 – Groton Public Library, Historical Room, 99 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450
12:00-2:00 p.m. both dates.

State Representative Danillo Sena (D – Acton) announced that he will host office hours from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Acton Coffee House on Dec. 6 and at the Historic Room of the Groton Public Library on Dec. 13, to meet with members of the community. Rep. Sena and his staff will be available to answer questions, assist constituents, and discuss issues.

Office hours provide an opportunity for constituents across the district to meet with Rep. Sena and his team about a variety of issues. He and his staff will be available to assist with state government issues and to discuss local issues. Office hours are open to the public, and anyone from the district is welcome to join. There will be more office hours at other locations in January.

If you have questions, please reach out to legislative aide Will Woodring at william.woodring@mahouse.gov. For information about Rep. Sena, his office, and constituent services, visit his website.

Webinar to review Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Plan Update

(from Acton Sustainability Office)
Dec 10, 2024 12:00 PM

Acton’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Update builds on Acton’s past MVP Plan to further identify climate hazards, assess vulnerabilities, and develop action plans to improve resilience to climate change. Join us for a webinar to review the updated plan and share your feedback!

Learn more about the MVP 2.0 process here or contact sustainability@actonma.gov or (978) 929-6515.

Longest Night Service

Wed, Dec 11, 2024
7:00 p.m.
UCC Boxborough Congregational, 723 Mass Ave, Boxborough

The early church chose to celebrate the birth of Jesus against the backdrop of the winter solstice when the darkness lengthens, and the cold deepens. Even so, Christmas has become not just commercialized but a projection of life perfected – brimming with satisfaction, bursting with more, and always teeming with promise. This is a service for those for whom this may not be “the most wonderful time of the year,” those for whom pain, loss, isolation, or grief is acute. During this service, we acknowledge our suffering and the suffering of the world while affirming the dawning light of God’s love. Organist Joe Camara will be playing, and Sounds of Peace, directed by Gloria Roe, will be singing. You will have an opportunity to express your faith by requesting healing prayer or by lighting a candle. Following the service, you are invited to stay for cider and cookies.

Acton Exchange Team monthly meeting

(from Acton Exchange Team)
Wed., Dec. 11, 2024
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Acton TV station, 16A Craig Rd., street-side entrance, rightmost door
OR
on on zoom, password is “newspaper”

Join other members of the Acton Exchange newspaper team at our monthly meeting. Figure out how you might join the effort. The meeting includes some writer training.

Financial Literacy for HS Students

Groton Public Library, Historical Room 99 Main Street, Groton, MA 01450

Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. from now until Dec. 11.
Cost: FREE

This course offered by Northern Bank and Danny’s Place teaches students crucial money management skills, including budgeting, saving, and using credit responsibly. Grades: 9-12

Meets: Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. from now until Dec. 11. Cost: FREE

Build your financial future. Register today!

Check out the other great opportunities at Danny’s Place.

NAMI Mental Health Course, in Person in Boxborough

(From National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Middlesex)
Mondays, November 11 to January 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (excluding holiday weeks)
Boxborough

Family to Family is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments & therapies, practicing communication & 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 course will meet in person in Boxborough Mondays, November 11 to January 13, excluding holiday weeks, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Additional information and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/family-to-family-fall2024-boxborough.

Latkes & Laughter: Concord/Kerem Shalom Chanukah Celebration

(from Congregation Kerem Shalom)
Wed. Dec. 11, 2024
5-6 p.m.
Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main St., Concord

There is a parking lot behind the building, off Church Street.

Join the Town of Concord and Kerem Shalom for the town’s 4th annual Chanukah Celebration on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 5-6 p.m. at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, 1276 Main Street, Concord. Let’s celebrate the Festival of Lights as one community!

Enjoy interactive Chanukah songs; latkes provided by Debra’s Gourmet; and goody bags from Concord Recreation and the Concord Visitor Center. ASL provided.

Portrait of an ABRHS Graduate

Community Survey – by Dec 12th

What skills and experiences prepare our students for success? We are shaping our Vision of an Acton-Boxborough Regional School District Graduate.

Join our discussion through ThoughtExchange. It helps us see which ideas are most valued by sharing and rating them. Participate several times

BEFORE Dec 12th! Share your thoughts and rate others’ ideas to guide our vision.

Click here to join. See the District website

Beacon Santa Telethon

(From WAVM, Maynard High School’s radio station)
December 13 7:00 p.m – December 15 11:00 p.m.

The Beacon Santa Telethon is a student-run, 40-hour event broadcast live from Maynard High School on radio and television. The annual telethon consists of a variety of acts, segments, radio shows, live entertainment, and more! A large part of the telethon is our live auction, where people can bid on gift cards, toys, clothing, electronics, and hundreds of other items. Auction items are donated before the event by small families, large businesses, and everyone in between! All proceeds raised by the telethon are given directly to the Beacon Santa Fund, a non-profit that supports families during the holiday season.

1 Tiger Drive, Maynard, MA 01754
(978)-897-5213

WAVMproductions@gmail.com
Comcast – Channel 8
Verizon – Channel 28
Learn More About the Event and How to Donate: https://wavm.org/telethon/

Santa Ride and Food Drive

Dec. 14, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The jolly fellow will ride in a vintage 1936 REO fire truck, escorted by the Acton Fire Department. Come one, come all! Be sure to bring your wish list. Santa’s helpers will also collect non-perishable food items for the Acton Food Pantry.

Santa’s Itinerary:

9:00 a.m. Oakwood Road and Fernwood Road
9:15 a.m. 32 Parker Street, Cucurbit Farm
9:35 a.m. 15 Hillcrest Road
9:50 a.m. Faulkner Hill Road at High Street
10:10 a.m. Robbins Street at Heron View Road
10:30 a.m. Lothrub Road at Spencer
10:45 a.m. Joseph Reed Lane at Captain Forbush Lane
11:05 a.m. Ethan Allen Drive at Black Horse Drive
11:20 a.m. Duggan Road at Townsend Road
12:00 noon Nashoba Road at Huron Road
12:15 p.m. Seneca Road at Seminole Road
12:30 p.m. Musket Drive at Fire & Drum Road
1:10 p.m. Acton Memorial Library, lower lot
1:30 p.m. Acorn Park Drive at Walnut Street
1:50 p.m. 47 Nonset Path (Nagog Woods Post Office)
2:10 p.m. NARA Park 25 Ledge Rock Way (Bathhouse)
2:30 p.m. Bayberry Road at Magnolia Drive
2:45 p.m. Alcott Street at Longfellow Park

Luminous Night – A Solstice Celebration

Sun., Dec, 15, 2024 5 p.m.
First Parish Church of Stow & Acton
353 Great Road, Stow

Music Director Chris Hossfeld conducts the FPC Choir with accompanist Trevor Berens, soprano Jessica Tunick Berens, and cellist Gary Hodges. The local community is invited.This will be a multi-faith service with seasonal music, and will include a choral piece titled “Luminous Night of the Soul” by Ola Gjeilo, whose compositional style is often described as cinematic and evocative, with a lush, harmonious sound.

Admission is free, masks are optional. Our building is designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users.

Santa at the Concord Market

(From the Concord Market)
Santa will be at the Concord Market.
Sunday, Dec. 22
10:30am-2:30pm
The Concord Market Mezzanine
77 Lowell Road, Concord, MA

The Concord Market will have Santa visiting to take photos and hear what your kids want for Christmas on Sunday, December 22.

There will also be a chance to write Santa a letter for him to read after getting toys to kids all over the world. A hot cocoa bar with toppings will also be available for all ($6 per person).

Come by and see him before he starts his long Christmas journey!

All are welcome!

Volunteer opportunities

Help plan the Acton Food Pantry’s Annual Chef Challenge Fundraiser

Volunteers Needed!
Are you well organized? Do you love to plan events or parties? Are you a foodie?

If you answered yes to any, then the Pantry’s Chef Challenge Committee needs you! This is an amazing event that brings the community together for a night of good food, great friendship, and philanthropy. Chef Challenge Volunteer Leaders are needed in the following areas:

CC Event Planner- Oversee all aspects of the planning for the Chef Challenge. Hands-on coordinator for the Chef Challenge event

Chef Coordinator- Meet with local chefs to encourage them to participate in the event. Ensure all food permits are in place prior to the event. Collect chefs’ menus. Be on hand to answer any questions from the chefs at the event
Marketing Chair – Coordinate event marketing including yard signs, towncenter banner, flyers, and print advertising.

To learn more, please contact Loretta Crumlish, Chair of the AFP Board at loretta@actonfoodpantry.org.

The Acton Food Pantry volunteering

Ongoing – Volunteers Needed! Current needs include:

Adults who have flexibility to volunteer for day time shifts, particularly on Wednesday.
People who might be interested in helping with the Saturday morning pickups at Stop & Shop or Trader Joe’s.
Fluent Portuguese speakers to help us better serve our large Brazilian client population.

Although these are specific needs, we welcome any interested potential volunteer as we always need a large roster of potential subs and have a variety of opportunities. If you know of anyone who might be interested in volunteering, please have them complete a preliminary application (link on the Pantry website here or email Cathy at Cathy@actonfoodpantry.org.

The Acton Food Pantry has been providing food for residents in need in Acton, Boxborough, and surrounding towns since 1984. They typically serve 350 families per week and rely heavily on volunteers.

Note also: The Acton Food Pantry is seeking donations heading into the holiday season. Please check out the Amazon Wish List for the Pantry.

The Bulletin Board