The Acton Exchange team is pleased to announce that calendar events will now be shared in our online calendar. We invite organizations to learn how to enter their own events into the calendar. Write to calendar@actonexchange.org for more details.
Volunteer opportunities and other announcements
(Please send your announcements for the Bulletin Board to editors@actonexchange.org.)
COA Seeking Event Coordinator for LGTBQ+ Programs for Older Adults
The Acton Council on Aging is seeking someone to coordinate a monthly event at the Senior Center for older adults in the LGBTQ+ community. Gatherings may include entertainment, speakers, socializing with refreshments, pool & ping pong. It would be ideal if this person could attend Acton COA Rainbow Team meetings (via Zoom or hybrid) where members discuss ideas for programming. The coordinator would work with the COA’s program manager in planning events. A monthly stipend is available. For more information, please contact Chris Chirokas at the Council on Aging, cchirokas@actonma.gov or 978-929-6652.
The Swap Shop, located at the Acton Transfer Station, needs more volunteers!
The Swap Shop is open May through October, Tuesday through Saturday, and volunteers pick their own hours.
The purpose of the Swap Shop is to reduce trash by putting perfectly good items into the hands of those that can use them.
We’d love to have more volunteers so we can be open for as many hours as possible.
Will you have a few hours this year to help keep good things out of the trash?
Here is the Town of Acton link to the Swap Shop Program: http://www.actonma.gov/507/Swap-Shop
All volunteers for the Town of Acton are screened by the Human Resources department and need to complete an online ethics training.
Please contact Debby Andell if you would like the Human Resources forms and/or more information – debbyandell@gmail.com.
Opportunity for Sponsorship Program Leader(s). (short term considered)
The nonprofit ACTON EXCHANGE seeks one or more dedicated volunteers to implement its new sponsorship program. Strong communication and organizational skills needed and a passion for local nonprofit journalism and community engagement. A retired professional person is ideal for this position. May make your own hours.
To learn more, please email Marion Maxwell at maxwell.house1@verizon.net or call 978-264-4840.
Funds raised through sponsorships will be used to maintain and upgrade the ACTON EXCHANGE’s website and support two professional staff members important for the smooth functioning of our volunteer-based organization that serves the Acton community.
Help Support People Affected by Domestic Violence in Our Communities
Domestic Violence Services Network, Inc. (DVSN) is pleased to announce a FREE Volunteer Advocate Training program for interested community members. DVSN provides emotional support, risk assessment and safety planning for victims of domestic violence in our 13 member 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 the Concord District Court, and at Emerson Hospital to people affected by domestic violence.
The March 2025 training will be held at the Lexington Police department starting on March 10 to March 28; Monday and Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and Fridays from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There is an additional 12 hours of field training for those who wish to activate as Advocates.
The training is provided at no cost to attendees. All necessary materials will be provided. To learn more about DVSN and its programs, services, and events, visit DVSN.org.
Those interested in more information about the training or who want to request an application should call (978) 318-3421 or send an e-mail to training@dvsn.org. Applications are due no later than Friday, February 28, 2025.
DVSN member communities: Acton, Bedford, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Maynard, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, and Hanscom Security Forces..
Acton Nursing Services offers free loaner equipment
Submitted by Adrian Hancock, Chair, Acton Nursing Services Advisory Committee
Did you know that Acton Nursing Services (ANS) offers a range of home-health equipment on free loan on a first-come-first-served basis for Acton residents? Often we think of our very own home health organization as being focused only on older members of the community, but it can also be very helpful for everyone else. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall accident on snow or ice, a sports accident, a motor vehicle incident, or recovery time at home after a hospital procedure, ANS can often offer free equipment like crutches, canes, wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs, etc.
Recovery can be hard enough; why make it more expensive than it has to be? Call:978.929.6650 to check availability. These items are also available on loan to residents hosting visitors from out of town who may need them during their stay. Full information about ANS’ year-round services for all Acton residents is available at https://www.actonnursingservice.com.
AB Community Fitness Center is open! AB Regional High School
The Acton Boxborough Community Fitness Center at ABRHS is a fun, flexible, fitness resource for AB residents! Volunteer led and sponsored by AB Community Education, the Center is open Mon, Wed, Thurs 7:30-9 p.m. and Sat 9-11 a.m., including most holidays including AB School Vacation week. New members (age 16+) are welcome. Check in with an AB Fitness Center volunteer on duty. Join us! (Enter via upper ABRHS parking lot if ABRHS gazebo entrance is locked). Learn more at Fitness Center – Community Education (abschools.org). Check out the AB Fitness Center discounted punch cards.
Volunteer at Danny’s Place! 543 Mass Ave. West Acton
Volunteer at Danny’s Place after school or on your days off! Calling All High School & Junior High Students. We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team at Danny’s Place! Support our programs, gain valuable administrative skills, and make a difference in your community. Flexible hours & meaningful opportunities await! Email us to apply: info@dannys-place.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.