The Acton Exchange

Sudbury Valley Trustees Benefit: Cocktails and Constellations
2025-03-01 17:30 - 22:30 (America/New_York) | Charter Oak Country Club, 394 Chestnut Street , Hudson, MA, 01749
Charter Oak Country Club
394 Chestnut Street, Hudson, MA

Saturday, March 1
5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited to SVT’s 2025 Annual Benefit!
The evening will include:
– Cocktail Hour and Hors d’oeuvres
– Dinner and Program
– Fund-a-Need Paddle Raise
– Silent Auction and Online Auction
– Live Bourbon Pull
– Dancing: DJ Greg Lanzilotta
– Dessert Bar, After Dinner Mingling
The emcee for the evening will be Joyce Kulhawik, Emmy Award-winning Arts & Entertainment journalist (JoycesChoices.com).
Register at svtbenefit2025.funraise.org

Artist's Reception: 6 Bridges Gallery
2025-03-01 17:00 - 19:00 | 6 Bridges Gallery, 77 Main Street, Maynard, MA, 01754
6 Bridges Gallery is pleased to present at 77 Main Street in Maynard, MA: “Mended” by Acton artist Véronique Latimer.
The exhibit will be on view February 26 – April 5, with an in-person artist reception on March 1
from 5-7 pm.
The exhibit can also be viewed at /6bridges.gallery/mended.

Acton Clean Energy Home Tour #1: Heat Pumps in Action
2025-03-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-03-01 11:00 - 12:00 | MA
Think local! Despite huge federal cutbacks on environmental work and uncertainty about federal clean energy rebates, the Mass Save program still offers great incentives on home electrification in Massachusetts. Are you thinking about heat pumps? Join Acton Clean Energy Coach David Martin as he shares how he has electrified his home, from heating to the kitchen and the laundry room and beyond.
Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org as part of its 2025 monthly clean energy home tour series. More info and registration HERE.Or go to “Events” on our website, EnergizeActon.org.
Sign up for location.

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A Snapshot of Acton’s Early Black Residents
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:30 | Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Please join local historians Bob Pion, Bill Klauer, and Anne Forbes discussing recent discoveries about Acton’s early Black residents. Black citizens were among the residents here when Acton first became a town in 1735 and several fought in the Revolution at the Concord Bridge and other important New England battles. This talk is the twelfth in the series sponsored by the Acton 250 Committee leading up to April 19, 2025. All welcome in Room 204 of Acton Town Hall. For recordings of prior Acton 250 lectures, see https://www.actonma.gov/803/Acton-250th-Events.

Economic Development Plan: Final Workshop
2025-02-26 19:00 - 20:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Join the Acton Economic Development Commission for the Final Workshop Presentation of the Ecomic Development Plan at the Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room or via Zoom.
Hosted by the Economic Development Office and the Acton Planning Department.
Snow Date: Wednesday, March 5.
Please click here to view the slide presentation by RKG Associates from the first workshop held on Jan. 22 and click here to view the posters prepared by RKG Associates that were displayed at that meeting.

Acton Community Supper
2025-02-26 16:30 - 17:45, 2025-02-19 16:30 - 17:45, 2025-02-12 16:30 - 17:45, 2025-02-05 16:30 - 17:45 | Mt Cavalry Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
How have you been with all this cold weather? Please join us each week to keep warm. We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you every Wednesday.
February 2025 Menu
Feb 5 — Spaghetti and Meatballs
Sponsored by West Acton Baptist Church
Feb 12 — Chicken and Biscuits
Sponsored by Mt Calavary Pre-School
Feb 19 — Amish Casserole
Sponsored by Boston Metrowest Bible Church
Feb 26 — Chicken and Rice Casserole
Sponsored by the Boxborough Minutemen
** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
Doors 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.

Stay in Touch with the Discovery Museum
2025-02-26 11:30 - 12:30 | Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
What’s next for the Discovery Museum? You’re invited to find out!
Join us at the Museum for an exclusive opportunity to find out what we learned from our community during a 6-month data collection period, and hear our vision for the future as we launch our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan.

Meet our CEO, Marie Beam
See the results from our community research
Dive into our 2025-2027 Strategic Plan
Mingle with other Museum enthusiasts
Enjoy light refreshments

Wednesday, February 26, 11:30am – 12:30pm OR
Sunday, March 2, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
RSVP here with your preferred date!
More info is here.

Learn and Celebrate Inclusion: Experienced Authors Share Stories
2025-02-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Diversity and inclusion are under attack. Yet we have evidence that these values are a strength and good for business. Come hear from those who have seen successes of inclusion, diversity and equity in our workplaces and communities.
Colette Phillips, returns to Congregation Beth Elohim during Black History Month and will talk about her book, The Includers. She will be joined by author David DeLong, author of Hidden Talent.
In The Includers: The 7 Traits of Culturally Savvy, Anti-Racist Leaders, Colette Phillips explores the core qualities that inclusive leaders share: character, cultural intelligence, connections, communications, collaboration, courage, and commitment. With humor and poignance, and backed by research, Phillips shares stories of real Includers: the CEOs, politicians, and public figures—all white male allies—she’s admired, known, and, in some cases, counseled.
Colette Phillips has been praised by the Boston Globe for “changing the conversation about diversity in Boston.” She is president and CEO of Colette Phillips Communications Inc., and a impactful and respected leader of the Boston business community.
In Hidden Talent: How to Employ Refugees, Formerly Incarcerated, and People with Disabilities, David DeLong has written a book with innovative approaches and practical solutions for tapping overlooked talent pools.

Author, researcher, and president of Smart Workforce Strategies consulting firm, DeLong is a nationally recognized expert on the changing workforce and critical skill shortages. His book provides innovative approaches and practical solutions for tapping into overlooked talent pools.

Join us to hear from the insights of these authors. Register here: https://www.bethelohim.org/event/authors
Sponsored by Na’aseh and Adult Education committees of Congregation Beth Elohim.

Open Town Meeting Panel Presentation
2025-02-19 19:00 - 20:30 | MA
Would you like to learn about alternatives to Open Town Meeting?
The 2024 League of Women Voters (LWV) – Acton Area Town Meeting Study Report summarizes a year’s worth of data gathering, study, reflection, and debate over the options available for town governance plus current and future opportunities for increasing community accessibility and engagement.
To register for this Zoom seminar and download the 2024 Town Meeting Report on Town Meeting alternatives go to https://www.lwv-actonarea.org.
Panelist include: Mark DiSalvo – MA Moderators Association, Gerri Slater – Norwood Moderator, Rob Rosenblum – Ludlow experience, Patricia Lloyd – Collin Center for Public Management.

Acton Republican Town Committee Meeting
2025-02-19 18:30 - 21:00 | 5 Wampanoag Drive, 5 Wampanoag Drive, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Friends of Acton RTC Welcome! please RSVP to Chair or ARTC Officer
The Acton Republican Town Committee meets monthly to discuss local, state, and national politics.
Our meetings are open to all individuals interested in furthering the principles of limited Constitutional government and individual liberty.

Dave Lunger
Chair, Acton Republican Town Committee
State Committee, MA GOP Middlesex-Worcester

Acton Commission on Disabilities presents "Crip Camp"
2025-02-18 13:00 - 15:30 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Acton’s Commission on Disabilities and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is showing the award-winning documentary film, “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, 1 p.m to 3:30 p.m. at the Acton Senior Center at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.

Popcorn and beverages provided. Pre-registration is helpful by calling 978-929-6611 and ask for Wanjiku.

Acton Democratic Town Committee Monthly Meeting
2025-02-16 17:15 - 19:30 | Provided after registration
Please join us for our monthly meeting, followed by an optional group dinner. Learn what you can do to help protect Democracy in these perilous times.
For location and more information, contact actondtc@gmail.com.
We meet at 5:15 for schmoozing, 5:30 meeting, and dinner (pay your own way) immediately following.

Acton DPW polystyrene (styrofoam) collection
2025-02-15 10:00 - 13:00 | DPW, 14 Forest Rd, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
On the third Saturday of every month (except June, which is 2nd Saturday), you can recycle your clean styrofoam containers.
For details about the 2025 schedule, and what you can recycle, see https://actonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10278/Polystyrene-collection-days-and-guide-2025.

Carlisle Potluck and Contradance
2025-02-14 18:30 - 22:00 | First Religious Society of Carlisle, 27 School Street, Carlisle, 10741
The Carlisle Dance, with its accompanying potluck dinner, is known as the most sociable dance in the area. Arrive at 6:30 for dinner and conversation, and then dance from 8 until 10. Live music by the Carlisle Band, who bring an eclectic collection of instruments. Outstanding local callers call mostly contradances, plus occasional square and circle dances.
Admission is just $6-10 (self-determined sliding scale) for all ages, along with your tasty and creative contribution for the meal.
You’ll find us at the lovely Unitarian Church in Carlisle Center on the Common. Navigate to 27 School St, Carlisle MA and look for a classic New England church with the town clock in the steeple.

Acton Exchange All-Hands Meeting
2025-02-12 19:00 - 20:30 | ActonTV offices, 16a Craig Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Acton Exchange team holds monthly meetings that are open to our active volunteers and anyone who might want to become a volunteer. If you have an Acton connection and want to contribute to independent community journalism in our town, it is likely that the AE has a role for you, whatever your skill sets and interests might be. Each meeting begins with an opportunity to learn what has been going on at the Acton Exchange, followed by an opportunity to improve our journalism skills. Meetings are either hybrid (in-person or zoom) or zoom-only. For this month’s venue and topic, email info@actonexchange.org

Green Acton monthly meeting
2025-02-11 19:00 - 20:45 | Zoom
Green Acton works to protect and enhance Acton’s natural environment and resources for present and future generations, and to help resolve the urgent environmental issues that transcend Acton’s boundaries. The group meets monthly (except for August) on the second Tuesday of the month, usually by zoom but occasionally in person. To learn more about Green Acton’s mission, accomplishments, and ongoing work, visit https://greenacton.org/
To get the agenda and zoom link for the upcoming monthly meeting, email info@greenacton.org
In addition to the all-topics monthly meeting, the individual committees hold more specialized meetings; topical committees are Biodiversity, Energy, Materials (e.g plastics, toxics, recycling), Land Use (e.g. zoning), and Water. To find the dates for committee meetings visit the Green Acton Upcoming Events page at: https://greenacton.org/calendar/

Housing Legal Clinics
2025-02-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Acton Community Services office, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
The Acton Community Services Office within the Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with MetroWest Legal Services, will host a monthly housing legal clinic beginning in January.
Housing Legal Clinic appointments will begin on Jan. 14 and will be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 4-6 p.m. at the Human Service and Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear.
Before you attend a session, you must complete the following registration form, which can be found here.
The program, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, will run until Dec. 31, 2026.

Theatre III play: Radium Girls
2025-02-09 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-08 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-02-07 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-02-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Theatre III, 250 Central St., Acton, 01720
Theatre III, 250 Central St., West Acton, will continue its 2024-2025 season with the presentation of the play “Radium Girls” by D.W Gregory, Feb 1st through Feb 9th.
Performances at the theatre will be at 8pm on Feb 1st and Feb 7th-8th, and at 2pm on Feb 2nd and Feb 9th. Tickets are $24 for general admission and $21 for seniors, students and groups of ten or more.
The play is directed by Eric Roberts (Swampscott) produced by Jill Tokac (Somerville), and stage managed by Adam Conn (Maynard). It stars Elyse Barber (Somerville), Liz Chirico (Leominster), Eliya-Quaye Constance (Medford), Delaney Jackson (Tewksbury), Mike Lague (Sudbury), Ben Martin (Dracut), Colin McIntire (Boston), Alex Press (Auburn), Webb Tilney (Maynard) and Meghan Trask (Fitchburg).
For information, email publicity@theatre3.org, and to buy tickets, visit https://www.theatre3.org.

AB Family Network Sweetie Valentine's Day Party
2025-02-08 09:30 - 11:30 | Blanchard School Gym, 493 Mass Ave, Boxborough, MA, 01719
Members and local families welcome! Kids will enjoy live music by Rockabye Beats, plus crafts and hands-on activities led by local preschools. For a quieter experience, our Sensory Friendly Party is open from 9:30 to 10 am. Afterwards, the general party will be from 10am-11:30am. Free for ABFN members! Non-member families can join for $10. (Not a member? Signup and enjoy member perks!)
Pre-registration is REQUIRED for non-member families and greatly appreciated for members to help us keep everyone safe. Only member families can walk-in. Pre-registration closes at 9:00 AM on Feb 8. Please register here. Give Back with Us! This year, we’re supporting First Connections by collecting diapers (sizes 4-7) for their diaper pantry. Bring your diaper donations to the party. Info about the Acton-Boxborough Family Network can be found here.

Acton Memorial Library redesign public forum
2025-02-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Do you have ideas about how to improve Acton Memorial Library? The library is working on a redesign — How can we improve the library (without taking down exterior walls)?
The AML redesign committee and consultant are holding a series of public forums and you are invited to join us. Tonight’s discussion is focused on “Imagine the future of AML.”
Come join us and bring your ideas for the future of your local library!

Acton Memorial Library redesign public forum
2025-02-04 18:00 - 19:00 | True West Brewery, 525 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA, 01720
Do you have ideas about how to improve Acton Memorial Library? The library is working on a redesign — How can we improve the library (without taking down exterior walls)?
The AML redesign committee and consultant are holding a series of public forums and you are invited to join us. Tonight’s discussion is focused on “Young Adult Engagement.”
Come have a beer at True West and discuss the future of your local library! Note that you do not need to be a young adult to attend.

What's wrong with my houseplant?
2025-02-04 10:30 - 12:00 | Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
As with our outdoor gardens, many things can go wrong when you grow plants indoors. Learn the factors that make for happy houseplants, including light, water, and soil…and how to provide them. Common houseplant pests and diseases are also on the agenda, as well as how to treat them.

Bonnie Power has been a Massachusetts Master Gardener since 2016 (now a Lifetime MG) and member of the MMGA Speakers Bureau since 2018 and a serious outdoor/indoor gardener most of her life. Curious and research-oriented by nature, she has many horticultural interests and areas of expertise. Bonnie holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Zoology, which informs her perspective on the management of garden insects. She is a member of the MGA Soil pH Testing team and also volunteer guide at Garden in the Woods, a Native Plant Trust botanical garden in Framingham. She learned to grow vegetables as a child from her father, and flowers and houseplants from her mother. Early in her marriage her father-in-law provided her first lessons in organic gardening. At home in Marlborough, Bonnie grows a variety of vegetables and ornamentals (with a bias for natives).

High School Quiz Show live taping
2025-02-02 08:15 - 10:00 | GBH Studios, 1 Guest Street, Boston, MA, 02135
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (ABRHS) is fielding one of 17 teams that will be competing in the 16th season of High School Quiz Show, GBH’s academic tournament for Massachusetts high school students. The show, which is hosted by Joe Hanson, will showcase the academic talent of students from across the Commonwealth, providing a platform for them to demonstrate their knowledge across various subjects like math, history, and science. Season 16 of High School Quiz Show will be filmed on Jan. 24-26 and Feb. 2.
Members of the public are invited to attend the live tapings at the GBH Studios in Brighton. Acton-Boxborough’s currently scheduled matches are on Sunday, January 26 and Sunday, February 2.
You can reserve free tickets for the ABRHS and other matches from the GBH High School Quiz Show website.
Season 16 premieres with a Wild Card match between Deerfield Academy and Milton Academy on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m. ET on GBH 2 and the High School Quiz Show YouTube channel. New episodes will air each Saturday through May 17.
