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Bulletin Board: September 26, 2026

September 26, 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. (Please email Calendar events to calendar@actonexchange.org.)

Recent government communiques

From the Town of Acton:

From the Acton-Boxborough Regional Schools:

From the Acton Water District (AWD)

  • Outdoor Water Use Restriction Update – Effective September 23, 2026, the Acton Water District has moved to Level 3 outdoor water use restrictions. Level 3 allows non-essential outdoor water use on one day per week, with each property’s allowed day shown on a map on this website. AWD explains: “While groundwater levels in Acton’s aquifers remain low due to the persistent drought conditions over the past year, operations at the South Acton Water Treatment Plant have normalized following recent unexpected maintenance activities and [it] is now providing reliable system capacity necessary for eased restrictions.” 
  • Importance of Water Conservation webpage explains why water restrictions are sometimes necessary, describing Acton’s medium-yield groundwater aquifers, Water Management Act limitations, peak usage challenges, water quality issues, and infrastructure costs. 
  • Summer 2026 Water Words, including Report on Water Quality. Address questions to Corey Godfrey or 978-263-9107.

See What’s Happening in the Towns Around Us

Check out the free weekly newsletters and websites of some of our neighboring towns:

GOINGS ON AROUND TOWN

McManus Manor is now open and seeking residents

McManus Manor on Route 27 is now open, and the Acton Housing Corporation is looking for tenants for these brand-new affordable senior apartments. The Acton Exchange has several articles about the new apartment complex, such as Lottery open for affordable rental units in new McManus Manor.

The rent for these move-in ready apartments is $1,861 a month, including utilities. The apartments have fully equipped kitchens, walk-in showers, and beautiful shared spaces.

For more information, see https://mcmanusmanor.com/ or call 978-256-7425, ext. 34.

Team AFP rides for the Acton Food Pantry

Team AFP will be riding in the annual Three Squares New England Ride & Stride for Food, which will be held on September 27, 2026.  One hundred percent of donations to any of the participants goes to support the Acton Food Pantry; riders themselves fiscally support the ride through their entrance fee.  

Ten members participated in Team AFP’s ride/walk last year, raising over $17,000.  Team captain Andrew Gruskay is hoping to add new members to the team this year, with the goal of raising at least $20,000.    

Food insecurity doesn’t always look the way people expect, especially in communities like Acton.  On a weekly basis, the Acton Food Pantry supports over 400 households from Acton and the surrounding towns of Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Littleton, Maynard, Westford and Stow.  

To learn more and sign up, go to the AFP team webpage. You can ride virtually by making a donation to the team or to one of the individual members, listed on the webpage. 

Get ready for the 11th Annual Cucurbit Farm Scarecrow Contest

Cucurbit Farm is getting ready for its 11th Annual Scarecrow Contest, a fall tradition that brings creativity, community spirit and a little friendly competition to the farm while raising money for local charities.

For the past 10 years, proceeds from the annual contest benefited NAMI Central Middlesex. Following the closure of the local NAMI organization, Cucurbit Farm is continuing the charitable tradition this year with a new focus: helping address food insecurity in the local community.

Proceeds from the 2026 Scarecrow Contest will be divided equally among Acton Food Pantry, Maynard Food Pantry and Open Table in Maynard. “We wanted to make sure the Scarecrow Contest continued to support organizations that make a real difference right here in our community,” said Cucurbit Farm. “Food insecurity continues to affect our neighbors, and we are excited to have three wonderful local organizations benefiting from this year’s event.”

How to Enter

Throughout September, you (or your business or community group) are invited to stop by Cucurbit Farm and enter the contest for a $25 fee. The fee gets you a scarecrow frame to take home and supports the three participating charities.

From there, creativity takes over!

Brainstorm, design and build your best scarecrow during September before returning your completed creation to Cucurbit Farm for display. The scarecrows line the farm field throughout October, creating a colorful and entertaining fall attraction for visitors and passersby. For some of last year’s entries, see Scarecrows lining up on Parker Street.

During October, the general public is invited to visit the farm, enjoy the scarecrows and vote for your favorites with your dollars.

More than a fundraiser, the annual Scarecrow Contest has become a fun way for local residents, families, businesses and organizations to show off their creative side while supporting the community.

Cucurbit Farm encourages you to begin planning your entries now. Scarecrows can be clever, traditional, whimsical, humorous or completely original. Businesses and organizations are also welcome to participate and may incorporate appropriate signage or information about their organization into their display.

Old Frog Pond Farm & Studio: 20th Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit

The Old Frog Pond Farm & Studio’s 20th outdoor sculpture and poetry exhibit, titled “The Art of Noticing” opened to the public August 26 at the farm’s property at 38 Eldridge Road in Harvard. The exhibit will run from Aug. 26 through Oct. 12, open Wednesdays through Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for children. 

Curated by orchardist and artist Linda Hoffman and her daughter, artist Ariel Matisse, “The Art of Noticing” is a sculpture and poetry exhibit that invites contemplation and slowing down. The sculptures, from a variety of artists, are contemplative, playful, poetic, mysterious, and interactive. Poetry has been organized by the farm’s poetry editor, Terry House.

Old Frog Pond Farm is a certified organic farm that brings together agriculture, art, and community. In addition to the annual sculpture exhibit, the farm hosts a variety of artistic and community events. There is a self-serve farm stand offering seasonal fruit, honey, jams, herbal teas, beeswax candles, and other specialty items. Click here to learn more about the farm. 

Registration is Open for Acton Parks and Rec Fall Programs

The Acton Recreation Department runs programs for people of all ages in Acton, from young children to adults and families.  For children, the range of programs includes sports such as soccer and archery, outdoor exploration for young children and and introduction to AI for older children.  Adults can learn pickleball or enhance mindfulness with research-supported training. To learn more about the offerings and memberships available, and to sign up for programs, go to the Acton Rec website.  

Boxborough FreeBee Market

The Boxborough FreeBee Market holds weekly “Food Rescue Saturdays” from July 11 through October 2, on the lawn at UCCB (United Church of Christ, Boxborough), 30 Middle Road in Boxborough. The goal is to avoid letting food go to waste. 

On four Saturdays during the season, the FreeBee network holds expanded Community Markets. These are designated as larger community events with additional activities and opportunities for people to learn about food rescue, gardening, sustainability, and community organizations. The final Community Market will be held on Oct 24: The  Halloween/costume finale, where you can donate gently used Halloween costumes.

For more information about the origins and goals of the FreeBee Market, see this related article.  

Note that due to weather, the September 26 Freebee Market is canceled. However the market will be holding an open house for Volunteers (both existing and those who would like to join in the fun), instead. The event is inside the Community Center at 30 Middle Road, Boxborough. 

New volunteers, please send an RSVP to FreeBeeCommunity@gmail.com so they have a rough head count. 

See how you can get involved with the FreeBee Markets in the ‘Volunteer Opportunities’ section below. 

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 two 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 loans of home-health equipment

Acton Nursing Services (ANS) offers a range of home-health equipment on free loan on a first-come-first-served basis for Acton residents of any age. 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. 

Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council Community Survey

The Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council (ABCC) supports performances, arts, humanities, and cultural programs in and around Acton and Boxborough. Each year, the Massachusetts Legislature appropriates funding to the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), which distributes those funds to the 329 all-volunteer local cultural councils throughout the commonwealth. These grants are guided by MCC funding priorities, along with local community needs.

We invite all community members to participate in our Community Cultural Survey, using the link below. Your feedback will help the ABCC better understand the cultural interests and needs of our residents and guide future funding priorities for local arts and cultural programming. Thank you for helping shape the future of cultural programming in our community!

Take the Survey

ABCC also invites any interested residents from Acton-Boxborough to join the council. To learn more about the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council, visit actonboxboroughculturalcouncil.org or email abccinformation@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market seeks volunteers

The Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market is open for the season on Sundays from mid-June through mid-October, and is seeking volunteers to help with a variety of tasks. Community members can play a hands-on role in supporting local farmers, small businesses, and facilitating access to fresh, healthy food.

Volunteers help with a variety of activities, such as market setup and breakdown, greeting visitors, helping vendors, and other tasks. Visit the Volunteer Information Website to learn more about the types of volunteer opportunities available and how you can sign up. 

See related article in the June 6, 2026 edition of the Acton Exchange.

Acton Food Pantry seeks volunteers and donations of food, diapers, and personal care items

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.

We always need a 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 volunteercoordinator@actonfoodpantry.org.

For information about donating food and other goods, including times and critical needs see www.actonfoodpantry.org/food.

Boston Area Gleaners seeks volunteers

Boston Area Gleaners was established to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for residents in our communities, while also supporting local farms and reducing food waste. 

This work is made possible by our network of extraordinary volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering with us, visit our website to learn more and sign up, and to see our list of current opportunities. We hope to see you soon!

Danny’s Place seeks volunteers

Calling all high school and junior high school students! Volunteer at Danny’s Place, 543 Mass Ave., after school or on your days off.

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.

Household Goods seeks volunteers

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.

For more information, please go to: https://www.householdgoods.org/volunteering/ or email: volunteercoordinator@actonfoodpantry.org

The Swap Shop seeks volunteers

The Swap Shop, located at the Acton Transfer Station, helps keep good things out of the trash. We are open May through October, Tuesday through Saturday. See Town of Acton Swap Shop website for details.

We’d love to have more volunteers so we can be open for more hours. Volunteers choose their hours. To learn about volunteering, contact Debby Andell debbyandell@gmail.com

Community Supper seeks volunteers

Community Supper provides free dinner and companionship every Wednesday night, year round, to approximately 130 people who live in and around Acton. 

This weekly supper is made possible entirely by volunteers. We welcome volunteers from Acton and surrounding communities. Whether you can help in the kitchen, dining room, or with cleanup, there are a variety of opportunities available before, during, and after the meal.

To learn more or to sign up to volunteer, email Lynne at mtcalvarycommunitysupper@gmail.com or call 978-844-0315. Your help ensures we can continue serving meals to our community. Thank you!

Volunteer at Boxborough Freebee Market 

See item in ‘Goings On Around Town’ section above to learn about the Boxborough FreeBee Market.

You can get involved with the Boxborough FreeBee Market by going to our website volunteer page. Here are some of the ways you can help:

  • Gardening for veterans and novices. Sign up here: 
  • Volunteering. Indicate your interests here.
  • We also need a volunteer to keep our social media feeds on Facebook, Instagram, and perhaps TikTok. 

Volunteer with archaeology project at Faulkner Homestead 

Have you ever dug up something and wondered what it was?

The oldest house in Acton has a tailings pile that we will screen to recover and document artifacts! These objects will potentially interpret the daily lives of Mill Corner starting in 1702 and potential ties to the events of April 19, 1775.

No experience is needed as training will be provided. This is for adults only.

The project is sponsored by Iron Work Farm of Acton, stewards of the Faulkner House and Jones Tavern. The project will be directed by Kimberley Connors, former Acton Historical Commission Chair, and founder of Archaeology Outreach. She is well known for her work documenting and protecting sites, as well as her hands-on mock excavations with ABRSD students.

Upcoming project work dates are scheduled for:

  • Sunday, Sept 27: Canceled due to weather
  • Monday, Oct 5, 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
  • Monday, Oct 12, 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
  • Monday, Oct 19, 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct 25, 3:00p.m.-5:00p.m.

You can volunteer for one session or as many as you wish.  

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/oEtogMw3Tdz9y8bd6 or email k.connors@post.harvard.edu.

Minuteman Senior Services needs meal delivery drivers 

Minuteman Senior Services is a non-profit agency providing a variety of services to older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers in Acton, Concord, Maynard and other nearby towns. One of the roles they play is providing meals to the growing number of older adults who rely on access to nutritious meals and the social connection of a friendly visit in order to remain safely and independently at home. 

Minuteman Senior Services is looking for caring volunteers to deliver meals to homebound older adults. Delivery hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and volunteers can choose to serve once a week or twice a month. Mileage reimbursement is available. This service can have a lasting impact on the life of an older adult in the community. 

To learn more or sign up to volunteer, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 781-221-7093 or email volunteer@MinutemanSenior.org. 

ONGOING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Faith-based organizations

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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