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The Bulletin Board: March 28, 2026

March 28, 2026
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For volunteer opportunities and other announcements not tied to a single specific time and date, you are in the right place here at the Bulletin Board. Please email your Bulletin Board announcements to bulletinboard@actonexchange.org. (For what’s happening today or tomorrow or on any specific day, see the Calendar. Or use the calendar menu item on the website. Please email your Calendar events to calendar@actonexchange.org.)

Recent government communiques

Acton’s Economic Development director wants to help you shop small and shop local this year by providing a list of Acton businesses. Yes, you might have to leave your house, but you’re also helping to support your local economy!

From the Town:

March Municipal Monthly

From the Schools:

March 17 AB Forward Update

March 25 Digital Backpack

March 20 Superintendent’s Update

Jan. 20 AB Forward Wellness Resources for Families

HONK!

The musical tale of “The Ugly Duckling” is playing now at the Dragonfly Theater in the R.J. Grey Jr. High School auditorium through March 29. The show is written by George Stiles and Andrew Drewe, and is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theater International (MTI). It is sponsored by the Local Cultural Councils of Acton-Boxborough, Ayer, Carlisle, Concord, Harvard, Littleton, Stowe, Sudbury, and Westford.

There’s still time to see performances Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 for most people.

For more information, visit www.opendoortheater.org/current-show

Casino Royale 2026 Silent Auction

The Acton-Boxborough Community Compass / AB Resource Center Call to Auction silent auction is live and stays open through March 29 at 5 p.m.

Bid on curated experiences and thoughtful gifts that celebrate the best of Acton and Boxborough.

Sample items:
– A ride to school in a Police cruiser or visit with their service dog
– 4 tickets to a BC game + parking
– Golf
– Workshops, adventures and lessons

Browse and bid now: https://givebutter.com/c/abcc-2026-silent-auction/auction

Kelley’s Corner Update

Work scheduled for the next two weeks:

WEEK of 3/30

• Prep/grade sidewalks

• Sawcut median sections for curb/islands

• Install wire and install light poles

• Install granite curb

WEEK of 4/6

• Backfill curb and grade sidewalks

• Excavate medians

• Install wire and install light poles

• Install landscaping

For more information visit https://www.acton-ma.gov/742/Kelleys-Corner-Construction-Updates or manager@actonma.gov (978) 929-6611

Acton Clean-up Week

April 17-27, 2026

ACTON CLEAN-UP WEEK, sponsored by Green Acton, is a chance to pick up litter and remove invasive garlic mustard plants. See ActonCleanup.info to sign up. Free orange trash bags are available at Acton Memorial Library in the Solarium. Disposal of these bags is free at Acton Transfer Station.

iNaturalist BioBlitz

April 24-May 4, 2026

The sixth annual BioBlitz, “Nature of Acton and Boxborough 2026, starts April 24 and runs through May 4. Sign up at the iNaturalist app on any smartphone, on the “Projects” page.

Help us photograph, document and celebrate the amazing flora, fauna, and fungi in our towns. Wildlife ecologists monitor and confirm citizen scientists’ observations off the app and use confirmed sightings and data in their research.

Data entered between April 24 and 27 are automatically credited to Greater Boston’s tally in the international City Nature Challenge, so help the Olde Towne compete with sister cities around the world. Who in Acton or Boxborough will document the most species?

For the past five years, it has been Rob Gogan, compiler of the Acton Exchange Nature Watch. He would like nothing better than to see a crop of new entrants challenge his count of 182 species identified in 2025. Last year the BioBlitz had 23 Acton and Boxborough observers who saw 404 species. Let’s beat those marks!

Citizens Police Academy

The Acton Police Department is excited to announce the return of the 2026 Citizens Police Academy this April.

Beginning Wednesday April 1, 2026, this free eight-week program offers Acton residents an insider’s view of The Acton Police Department’s organization and daily operations.

The program runs on Wednesday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. through May 20, 2026.

Topics Include: history of APD, patrol procedures, use of force, criminal investigations, dispatch operations, mental health response, domestic violence, and prosecution & criminal law

Register here: https://actonma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx

Email Lieutenant Chris Hodges at chodges@actonma.gov

The Swap Shop

The Swap Shot, located at the Acton Transfer Station, needs more volunteers!
We are open May through October, Tuesday through Saturday, and volunteers pick their own hours.

The Shop’s goal is to reduce trash by putting perfectly good items into the hands of those who can use them.

We’d love to have more volunteers so we can be open for more hours.

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 HR department and need to complete an online ethics training.

Please contact Debby Andell if you would like the HR forms and/or more information – debbyandell@gmail.com

Access to food and groceries in the Acton area

Food pantries and community organizations in or near Acton continue to provide access to food and groceries for those in need.

For up-to-date details on available programs and more resources, visit here or contact the Community Services Office at (978) 929-6651, or at lducharme@actonma.gov.

Acton Food Pantry

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

The Acton Food Pantry Chef Challenge Fundraiser will run from April 1-14. It hosts over 100 items donated from area businesses and community members to bid on.

See our list of sponsors, auction items (coming soon) and other event information on our webpage www.chefchallenge.org.

Food Pantry Volunteers Needed! Current needs include:

  • Adults who have flexibility to volunteer for daytime shifts, particularly on Wednesdays.
  • 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 potential volunteer, as we always need a large roster of substitutes and have a variety of opportunities.

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete a preliminary application on the Pantry website here or email Cathy at Cathy@actonfoodpantry.org.

Pet food needed

The Acton Food Pantry desperately needs dry and canned dog and cat food. Smaller bags are better so more can be distributed to every family in need.

The following information and more can be found at www.actonfoodpantry.org/food.

Donations can be delivered directly to Acton Food Pantry at the following times:

  • Monday from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday from 12:00 n.-2:00 p.m.
  • Friday from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

​

Please note we cannot accommodate drop-offs on Wednesdays when we are open. Please see the calendar on the home page for open/close times.

If you are unable to bring your donations at those times, please call us at 978-635-9295 and we will arrange another time with you. Donations can also be dropped into the drop boxes at the locations listed [at the website]. Or easier yet, donate via our Amazon Wish List!

YV Art Museum opens exhibition

As the snow begins to melt, our gallery is coming to life with new energy.

Artist Stacey Piwinski, along with her invited friends and students, has been working on site, happily weaving an immersive fiber installation for the upcoming exhibition The Collective in our Downstairs Gallery. The exhibition will open to visitors on March 20, 2026 and remain on view through July 25, 2026.

The museum, administered by Contemporary Arts International (CAI), is a non-profit, 501c3 tax-exempt organization located in its 10-acre art grounds in Acton MA.

The mission of CAI is to promote the creation, understanding, and appreciation of contemporary arts in the global context.

Visit us at www.yvartmuseum.org or www.contemporaryartinternational.org

Childcare Scholarships

The Town of Acton has dedicated $30,000 to offer a child care subsidy program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.

This new Childcare Subsidy Program is made possible through Article 5, approved at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The program is designed to reduce financial barriers by helping eligible families afford childcare while pursuing employment, education, training, or job search activities.

Eligible families may receive up to $2,000 per household to cover childcare or after-school care costs for children ages 13 and under. Funds may be used at EEC-licensed childcare providers, the Acton Recreation “No School Days” program, or the Extended Day program through Community Education.

Subsidies are available on a first-come, first-served basis to families with household incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). Approved funds will be paid directly to the childcare provider. Applications will remain open until June 30 or until the funds run out.

To view the application, Click Here.

If you have questions about the program or application, please contact the Community Services Office at (978) 929-6651 or lducharme@actonma.gov.

Transfer Station Styrofoam Recycling

Recycle bulky styrofoam (polystyrene, #6 PS) at the Acton DPW beginning March 21 one day a month from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. A transfer station sticker is required to participate.

For information on specific dates and requirements, visit https://www.acton-ma.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1873 or call (978) 929-7742.

First Episode of Our Tax Dollars at Work series on Acton TV

The Acton Microburst – Onset of Chaos – Episode 1 of Our Tax Dollars at Work is now available on demand at Acton TV. This five-part series, created by Acton residents Greg Jarboe, John Petersen, and Sahana Purohit, explores how Acton’s town services handle emergencies and how our tax dollars are put to work.

In the first episode, you hear directly from Select Board member Dean Charter, Acton resident Sharon Tchon Gruet, Sergeant Keith Campbell of the Acton Police Department, Dispatch Supervisor Brendan Gray, Assistant Highway Superintendent Jason Kidder, and Tree Warden Ryan Hunt. Together, they walk you through how calls came in, how information flowed, and how crews made split-second decisions that protected residents and restored safety after the September 8, 2023 microburst that tore through Acton just as schools were letting out.

Acton Community Ed enriches summer

Community Ed offers a wide variety of programs during the summer. Our Summer Day Program (SDP) is offered Monday-Friday from 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. with the option to enroll in morning and afternoon extended hours. We also offer a wide variety of half- and full-day programs.

The program is open to students who will enter grades 1-6 in August 2026 and who are registered to attend school in the Acton-Boxborough district. You can learn more about the Summer Day Program and register online via our SDP page.

Information regarding our other offerings will be posted when we know the space that will be available for summer 2026.

Sign up for our email list to get regular updates about upcoming classes and summer offerings when they are posted, or reach out to us at ceregistrar@abschools.org with any questions.

Household Goods

Can you help people in need make a home?

We urgently need volunteers to help in a number of ways:

Thursday and Saturday afternoons help is greatly needed to load furniture onto our clients’ trucks. Haven’t volunteered yet? Sign up for a new volunteer orientation. Find out more or register here.

Assembly Required! We have received a large load of unassembled, flat pack credenzas and cabinets. If assembly skills are your superpower, please join us for one or more of our upcoming flat pack assembly parties. New volunteers are welcome and attending a volunteer orientation session is not required.

For more information, please go to: https://www.householdgoods.org/volunteering/

Pop in at the Prom Pop-up

The Acton Boxborough Resource Center, located at 15 Charter Road, is currently hosting a Prom Pop-up. Dresses of many different styles and sizes, suits, shoes, and jewelry are all available for your prom-going pleasure. Everything is free!

Open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday until 7 p.m.

For more information email abrc@abccompass.org or call (978) 245-7665.

Acton Sustainability Office

The mission of the Sustainability Office is to pursue and promote actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prioritize climate-resilient infrastructure and spaces, enhance nature-based solutions, and advance the community toward a clean and equitable energy future. The office was created in response to the Town Meeting resolution declaring a “Climate Emergency: A Better Future Starting Now,” passed on September 8, 2020, with an overwhelming margin of support.

The Sustainability Office works closely with Energize Acton, a collaboration between the Acton Climate Coalition and the Town that works to bring net Town-wide carbon emissions to zero as quickly as possible, with a target date of 2030.

Are you subscribed to our monthly newsletter? Please click here to subscribe or email sustainability@actonma.gov to be added to the email list. Click here to view past newsletters.

Visit us at: https://www.acton-ma.gov/723/Sustainability

Applications being accepted for McManus Manor affordable housing lottery in Acton

The Chelmsford Housing Authority is handling the applications for the lottery. Applications for income-eligible applicants became available Jan. 5, 2026.

Completed applications must be received or postmarked by April 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in care of the Chelmsford Housing Authority (CHA), 10 Wilson St., Chelmsford, 01824 (M-F 8:30-4:30). Phone: 978-256-7425, ext.10 or lottery@chelmsfordha.com.

The information packet contains eligibility requirements, selection priority categories, and application process for forty-one (41) affordable apartments being offered for rent in Acton through a lottery process. Potential applicants are encouraged to read the packet and submit an application if they think they meet the eligibility requirements. Please note that the lottery is the first step in the application process; should you be selected as a winner in the lottery, you are not automatically assured a unit, as verification of financial claims made in the application must take place. Please see the list of information sessions below. Attendance at the Informational Session is not required for participation in the lottery.

McManus Manor is 100% affordable housing. There are twenty-five (25) units at 60% Area Median Income (AMI) or below. There are five (5) units for income eligible households earning at or below 50% AMI as defined by HUD and eleven (11) for income eligible households earning at or below 30% AMI. Eight (8) will have project-based Section 8 vouchers and residents in these units will only pay 30% of their income in rent. There are also eight (8) Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) vouchers in the building and residents in these units will also only pay 30% of their income in rent. There are four (4) units that are ADA accessible for mobility and two (2) units designed for sensory accessibility. All units have been designed to be universally acceptable, and the building will follow Passive House requirements for sustainable design.

Applications are available in person at the following accessible locations:

  • Chelmsford Housing Authority, 10 Wilson Street, Chelmsford, MA, 01824 (Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.).
  • Acton Housing Authority, 68 Windsor Ave. (Mon-Thur 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.-12 n).
  • Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St. (Mon, Wed,Thurs 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Tues 8:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.-12 n).
  • Acton Memorial Library 486 Main St. (Mon, Wed-Thurs 9:00 am-8:00 p.m., Tues 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Fri 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sun 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.).
  • West Acton Citizens’ Library 21 Windsor Ave. (Mon 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Tues-Fri 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.).
  • Acton Senior Center 30 Sudbury Rd, Acton (Mon, Wed,Thur 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Tues 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m.-12 n).

They are available by mail by calling (978) 256-7425 x10/TTY/TDD (800) 439-2370, via email at lottery@chelmsfordha.com, and at the website: www.chelmsfordha.com.

Persons with disabilities who may require a reasonable accommodation in obtaining or completing an application may call the CHA to make special arrangements.

Editor’s note: The Acton Exchange reported more fully on this housing opportunity in the Jan. 18 issue.

Weekly Pickleball community social events

When:Every Saturday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Acton Racquet Club (Court #6), 10 Granite Rd.

Email: paddleuppickledown@gmail.com

TeamReach Code (iPhone and Android): Paddle-002

Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or perfecting your serve, we have a spot for you! Join our weekly pickleball social clinics at the Acton Racquet Club. Hold your spot here.

For more information, email paddleuppickledown@gmail.com or connect with us on the Team Reach app (iPhone and Android) with code Paddle-002.

Sign Me Up for Pickleball!

See the related article.



Current restrictions on outdoor water use

Due to ongoing drought conditions and shut downs of treatment plants while bringing the new PFAS-treating equipment online, the Water District has declared a Level 4 restriction, which limits outdoor water use to “food and fiber or public health and safety”.

Through an emergency declaration issued by MassDEP, we may be utilizing water from Concord and Littleton while our own facilities are intermittently offline. This work may result in discolored water, changes to the taste, odor, and feel of the water or variable pressure for some customers. Additionally, a level 4 water use restriction is in effect until further notice to help reduce water demand during this time.

If you are having a problem that seems unrelated to the work outlined above, please contact us at 978-263-9107 or email corey@actonwater.com(or alex@actonwater.com).

More information is available at https://www.actonwater.com/conservation/outdoor-water-restrictions and in the minutes of the AWD Commissioners meeting.

Boston Area Gleaners volunteer opportunity

Boston Area Gleaners is a regional food systems non-profit organization working at the intersection of farming, food waste, and food security. Our mission is to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables across our communities while supporting our region’s farms and reducing systemic food waste.

The work we do is possible in large part because of our extraordinary network of volunteers. If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of the local food system, and ensuring that households experiencing food insecurity have access to nutritious produce, then we want you to volunteer with us! You can start by creating a volunteer account on our website here. Once you have an account, you can sign up for any shift that we post on our opportunity list. We hope to see you soon!

Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club has ongoing public events including Lunch Bunch, Movie Night, Book Club, Dinner Group, Trivia Nights, Summer Picnic, wine tastings, and Men’s and Ladies’ Nights.

The Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club is a non-profit social organization open to new and established residents from Acton, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Groton, Littleton, Westford, Maynard, and Harvard. Originally called the Welcome Wagon Newcomers Club of Acton, and then the Acton-Boxborough Newcomers & Neighbors Club, in 2014 it became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club to reflect our current members and their interests. The club welcomes any residents in the surrounding communities who are looking to explore new interests and to make connections with new friends.

Find us on Facebook or visit the club’s website for more information, as well as information on how to become a member of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club, or email info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org. We look forward to seeing you!

Also see the article about us in the Nov. 1, 2025 issue of the Acton Exchange.

English At Large Conversation Classes

Looking to practice your English speaking skills? Join a free conversation group with English At Large to build your skills and confidence speaking English in a group setting with the support of trained facilitators. “English At Large” conversation groups are for intermediate to advanced adult English language learners to practice speaking and listening for 90 minutes once per week. Join a group of 10-12 learners and 2 facilitators to discuss topics including American culture and holidays, idioms, and daily life situations. For more information about English At Large conversation groups, visit our conversation group page, or email info@englishatlarge.org.

Acton Nursing Services offers free loaner equipment

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 anyone 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, and more.

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. Submitted by Adrian Hancock, Chair, Acton Nursing Services Advisory Committee

AB Community Fitness Center is open

Through the AB Community Education website: The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District maintains a fitness center that is open to the public in the evenings and on Saturday mornings during the school year.

The fitness center is located in the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. For cost, hours, and more information, see Fitness Center at Community Education (abschools.org).

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 and junior high school students. We’re looking for enthusiastic helpers/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.

Faith-based organizations serving Acton

Faith-based organizations in and near Acton provide a myriad of opportunities for connecting and serving, as well as worshipping. Check out these websites for more details:

Unless otherwise noted, the organization is in Acton.

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