Letters to the Exchange

RE: Article “Acton is still one of the best suburbs in Massachusetts to live in"

Although I’m a School Committee member, the views expressed here are my own. Niche combines community feedback with measures such as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) performance, student-teacher and student-counselor ratios, SAT scores, college outcomes, diversity, and per-pupil spending. These are areas where our district typically performs well, which doesn’t happen by chance. They reflect years of community investment, strong leadership, and sustained educator effort. As we look ahead, the same community commitment that helped our schools earn an A+ will be tested by rising costs, limited aid, evolving student needs, and tough choices.

When reviewing data, I compare our district to a set of academic, demographic, and neighboring peers. Niche’s A+ rating aligns with what the data show: many students perform at or above peer averages. One MCAS pattern that stands out is growth over time. In grade 3, student cohorts often begin slightly below peer averages, surpass them by 6th grade, and reach the top of the peer range by high school. That trend, consistent since the updated MCAS in 2017, reflects both quality of instruction and our community’s long-standing commitment to education.

That commitment extends beyond academics. I would love to see Niche include measures like the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which captures student well-being. In 2024, our students performed at or above the area average on nearly every indicator, highlighting progress on the social-emotional priorities in the district’s 2021–2026 Strategic Plan.

Niche’s rating reflects strong student growth, excellent outcomes, and a deep community commitment to education. At the same time, sustaining that success is becoming increasingly difficult amid rising costs and limited state aid, and continued budget constraints will eventually affect the quality and breadth of what our schools can offer. AB Forward is about making thoughtful, strategic choices now so every student has the opportunity to succeed. Much of what defines our schools isn’t captured by MCAS scores or per-pupil spending, but by our Vision of a Graduate: students who demonstrate adaptability, communication, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and integrity. Ensuring that vision remains achievable will take renewed investment, careful prioritization, and a shared community commitment.

Tori Campbell

I am submitting this letter in hopes that other Acton Residents who are interested in maintaining local control over where cell towers would be placed in our community will be inspired to send a comment to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding Docket 25-276.

This ruling would take away the local input and control towns and communities have regarding cell tower placement that congress established over 25 years ago.

If this is an issue that matters to you, the following link will have directions as to how to send comment to the FCC about this issue: https://www.25-276.org/how-to-submit-comments

Thank you,
Deborah Diamond

Friends of Acton,

We recently rehomed 30 fish and our 55-gallon freshwater aquarium after twelve years of having an aquarium.  Here's why.

In late May, I was doing a routine water change in the tank when I scraped the back of my right thumb on the lid of the aquarium.  I put topical antibiotic and a bandage on my thumb and didn't think any more about it.  About three days later, the first signs of infection appeared.  (The day before the aquarium work, I had been working in the gardens with saltwater marsh hay, so the initial theory was that the wound was a spider bite.)

A few days later, red stripes appeared on my right arm.  I went to my Primary Care Physician (PCP), who ordered lab tests and prescribed antibiotics.  The striping got worse, and my PCP advised that I should go to the emergency room (ER) of a major hospital with a significant Infectious Disease (ID) department.

I went to the ER of a major Boston hospital and described my history and symptoms.  Within fifteen minutes, I was being seen by a team of physicians.  There were 100 people ahead of me in line.  This was the first that I realized the seriousness of my situation.

I was admitted for three days and put on multiple intravenous (IV) antibiotics; one called the "antibiotic of last resort."  After discharge, I remained on antibiotics and had various follow-ups with ID doctors and my PCP.

Twenty-three days after one of the uncommon tests ordered by my PCP, the lab results finally came back.  I had a rare (about two in a million) infection called mycobacterium marinum (also known as fish tank granuloma).  It's rare but curable.  It is related to tuberculosis, which is also caused by mycobacteria.

As I write this, I have been on antibiotics for five months, and I will be on them for several more months.  The side effects are unpleasant.  And all of this could have been avoided by wearing aquarium gloves.

So, if you are an aquarium owner, please wear gloves.

Erik J. Heels

In the article “Low-key gathering honors Kirk in Acton” the headline fails to capture the profound significance of the September 21 candlelit vigil for Charlie Kirk, the assassinated Turning Point USA founder. Without context, “Kirk” is non-descript and unclear, and “low-key gathering” trivializes and misrepresents the emotional depth of this community event.

Under a fittingly half-staff flagpole, to capture the tone and spirit of the many attendees and their heart-felt speeches, some read including a memorial poem, and over a dozen personal reflections shared by attendees underscored the vigil’s impact, far surpassing a mere “gathering”. This was a powerful moment of local solidarity amid national mourning.

To better reflect the event’s spirit, these headlines would be proper:

“Sixty Strong in Solidarity: Acton Vigil Remembers Charlie Kirk's Assassination with Stories and Light”

“Candles and Reflections: Acton Vigil Honors Slain Conservative Leader Charlie Kirk Amid National Mourning”

Let Acton’s candles and poignant stories help ensure Charlie Kirk’s vision for young conservatives lives on.

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

The Jasmine Cultural Arts Foundation is hosting a Mid-Autumn Festival Gala, and you’re invited! Join us on Saturday for a day full of traditions! No tickets needed! 

Event Details:

• Date & Time: October 4, 2025, from 5-8 PM
• Location: Acton Boxborough Regional High School, 36 Charter Rd, Acton, MA, 01720
• Admission: Free for all!

Come celebrate with us! From 5:00 to 6:00 PM, guests can enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine and participate in engaging activities. The festivities continue from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, featuring live music, vibrant dances, and classic songs accompanied by traditional instruments and folkloric performances. All are welcome, so don’t miss the fun! We cannot wait to see you there!

This K-pop dance called "Hearts of Gold" will be performed by Meghan Li, Jessie Han, and Olivia Bao, who will be representing the ACLS K-pop class. The dance incorporates iconic K-pop girl group songs as well as the spirit of young, rebellious girls finding their passion.

Best Regards,
Meghan Li 
Student at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School

I was pleased to read the September 27 article by the three students in the Acton Exchange titled “Students convert biogas to energy.” Looks like the ABRHS students got some real-world experience in making stuff. I congratulate them on their first place win at the Massachusetts Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF).

I did want to ask, as they did not mention it in their article, how was the methane gas turned into a useful household energy source? And if that was not part of the project, how do the students justify the statement “The math shows that a family of four could generate up to six kilowatt-hours of electricity a month just from household waste, even assuming a 30% efficiency rate. That’s not enough to power everything, but it’s a meaningful supplement…”? It’s not a meaningful supplement if it cannot be used in a useful way.

A. David Boccuti, P.E.

The Acton Exchange invited the authors to respond to the questions posed by the letter-writer. The reply from lead author Aakarsh Tathachar follows:

Our project was focused on cleaning biogas using bacteria for small-scale applications. In order for the methane to be used for household energy, it would require a small natural gas generator, several of which are available on the market. We could not test this further due to safety concerns in the science fair guidelines. As for our math, we researched how much biogas could be collected from decomposing each form of organic waste, such as food compost and grass waste, through anaerobic digestion. We then found the energy potential of that amount of gas to get our energy calculations. While they are theoretical, we based our calculations on scientific papers, but we can't conduct experimental tests due to the safety concerns as mentioned above. Thank you for your interest in our project; we greatly appreciate any questions and comments.
Regards,
Aakarsh Tathachar

Acton Restaurant Week (October 19–26) is shaping up to be a highlight of the season – and a source of some good-natured rivalry at Town Hall. The Economic Development Committee has tempted our taste buds with its invitation for local restaurants to offer prix fixe menus, hearty discounts, and creative culinary deals. The only question left is: who’ll make the most of it – Acton’s Select Board, or the Acton Finance Committee?

As representatives (and self-appointed chow hounds) of our respective boards, we will admit our priorities may differ. Dean is convinced that the best way to support the local economy is to visit the maximum number of restaurants in as few days as possible – with receipts as evidence. Greg, on the other hand, is drawn to any cafeteria where a “buy one, get one” deal lets you feed twice as many people on a sensible budget.

Regardless of who claims the fabled “Chow Hound Challenge” trophy, we’re in full agreement on one thing: Acton’s Restaurant Week is one of the tastiest ways to showcase our diverse dining scene – and help local establishments reach new customers. Whether you put your faith in longstanding favorites or plan to discover the next hidden gem, there will be no shortage of options, thanks to creative fixed-price menus, generous discounts, and featured treats dreamed up just for this week.

We urge everyone – fellow board and committee members, residents, and visitors – to join in the fun. Participating restaurants so far include Bethencourt Bakehouse, El Huipil, Eve & Murray’s Farm to Home, Harris Hearth Breads, Junior Pizza, Romano Pizza, and Silver Girl. Don’t forget: restaurants have until September 30 to sign up, so reach out to your favorites and encourage them to participate. (Especially if you want to give your side an edge in the Challenge.)

Let the friendly competition – and the feasting – begin! See you out there, forks at the ready.

Dean Charter, Chair, Acton Select Board
Greg Jarboe, Clerk, Acton Finance Committee

I am a member of the Acton Finance Committee, but I’m writing on my own behalf. 

Two bills on Beacon Hill could shape the future of gambling in Massachusetts. S.302, An Act addressing economic, health and social harms caused by sports betting, would rein in practices that make online betting addictive and raise taxes on sports betting companies. Despite being filed last February, it has yet to receive a hearing. 

In contrast, companion bills H.332 and S.235 would legalize online casino games. These bills already had a hearing and are moving forward. 

The risks to our children are enormous. Online sports betting has been aggressively marketed during Red Sox games, the Stanley Cup Finals, and across social media, with celebrities and athletes promoting it as “fun.” But teenagers are the real targets—and they are paying the price. 

• A 2022 National Council on Problem Gambling release found that 60% of high schoolers had gambled in the past year. 
• A 2023 New Jersey study showed that nearly 1 in 5 young adults (18–24) met criteria for problem gambling. 
• A Massachusetts teacher reports 15-year-olds discussing betting lines and odds in class. 

This is more than “adult entertainment.” Gambling addiction can drain savings, cause depression and damage families. Easy smartphone access puts a casino in every kid’s pocket. Attorney General Andrea Campbell has proposed limiting phones in schools—an important step in curbing underage gambling during the school day. 

Here’s how you can help protect our kids: 

• Urge lawmakers to support S.302 to limit harmful online betting. 
• Tell them to oppose H.332 and S.235, which would expand gambling further. 
• Ask Representatives Cataldo and Sena to act quickly on school phone restrictions. 

Contact your elected officials today: 

• Sen. Jamie Eldridge — james.eldridge@masenate.gov 
• Rep. Danillo Sena — Danillo.Sena@mahouse.gov 
• Rep. Simon Cataldo — Simon.Cataldo@mahouse.gov 

Corinne Hogseth

I have a complaint.

Back in the days when I subscribed to The Beacon, I could breeze through an issue in two minutes because there were few articles about Acton and even fewer worth reading. Nowadays I receive several e-newsletters every week, most of which end up in Trash after a quick scan.

But then there’s the time-sucking Acton Exchange.

The Acton Exchange shows up in my inbox every week with well-written, relevant articles that I read word-for-word. I even read articles on topics outside my areas of interest because the content is hyperlocal, the people featured in the stories are my neighbors, and the writing is damn good. 

Please give me a break and make the Acton Exchange less worthy of my time.

With abundant respect and appreciation,

Judy Wolff

I worked at Acton Boxborough Regional High School for 31 years and remember a lot.
My first reaction to your article (Remembering Charlotte Sagoff, advocate for Earth and
social justice) was the quote we used to say, “When you drink the water in Acton, say
Grace.” I brought in bottled water for years.
Jill Colpak

On September 8, 2023, the Acton community was struck by a sudden and severe microburst that left many of our neighbors without power, blocked roads, and caused extensive damage across Acton. In the aftermath, Town employees – from first responders to utility workers – played a crucial role in helping us recover and return to normalcy.

As we approach the second anniversary of this challenging event, our new video podcast team is preparing an inaugural episode dedicated to telling the story of that day – not just from the perspective of Town officials, but from the voices of those who lived through it. We invite Acton residents, business owners, and anyone impacted by the microburst to share your experiences, accounts, or reflections. How did the storm affect you, your family, or your business? Did you witness or benefit from the actions of our Town’s employees as they responded to the crisis?

Your stories matter. By sharing them, you help us highlight the important work our municipal employees perform – often behind the scenes – to keep our community safe and functioning, especially when facing unexpected disasters. We plan to produce additional episodes in this video series, which we have tentatively titled “Our Tax Dollars at Work.”

If you have a memory, photo, or video you’d like to contribute, please email us at actontvpodcast@gmail.com or contact the ActonTV studio Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Selected stories may be featured in our upcoming episode and help us showcase the resilience and spirit of Acton.

Thank you for helping us remember, reflect, and celebrate the dedication of all those who serve our town.

Sincerely,
John Petersen, Co-Host
Sahana Purohit, Co-Host
Bob Ferrara, Co-Host
Marc Duci, Producer
Greg Jarboe, Director
Our Tax Dollars at Work Video Podcast Team

I love my daily morning walks throughout the many neighborhoods of our beautiful town. I must say, however, that it grieves me to find many homes that choose to ignore the important watering restrictions that have been laid out by the Acton Water District. These guidelines are for the benefit and safeguarding of our water resources. Choosing to ignore the guidelines for the short-term enjoyment of a green lawn feels selfish, and watering after 7AM on any day is simply wasteful. You can be fined by the water district for ignoring these guidelines. I am including the most recent level restrictions below, knowing that, as the summer advances, the level may change to Level 3 or beyond. There is additional information regarding odd/even address watering  days, and definitions of nonessential watering guidelines on the Acton Water District website (https://www.actonwater.com/conservation/outdoor-water-restrictions), Please visit the  website to learn more about your rights and responsibilities.

OUTDOOR WATER USE RESTRICTION UPDATE – LEVEL 2 (Effective 06/16/25
Nonessential outdoor water use, 2 day per week, before 7am and after 7pm.

Tuesday & Saturday: North Acton-North of Brook Street including Great Road from Brook Street to Littleton line

Wednesday & Saturday: Acton Center/East Acton–North of Route 2 to South of Brook Street (562 Main Street follows this schedule) including Pope Road and Great Road to Concord line

Thursday & Sunday: West Acton–South of Route 2 and West of Main Street (even side of Main Street follows this schedule)

Friday & Sunday: South Acton–South of Route 2 and East of Main Street (odd side of Main Street follows this schedule)

Cindi Silverman

Multiple times per year, Acton's Department of Public Works (DPW) schedules a hazardous materials (hazmat) turn-in day.  During these events, traffic predictably backs up onto Forest Road from the DPW entrance, turning Forest Road into a dangerous one-lane road.  Weeks before the hazmat event, multiple Forest Road residents contacted both the Acton Police and the Acton DPW about pedestrian safety concerns during past hazmat events and were assured that there would be police presence and traffic control this time around.

But during the June 21, 2025 DPW hazmat day, there was no police presence and no traffic control on Forest Road.  Acton did nothing, ignoring the reasonable safety concerns of the Forest Road neighborhood.  Nobody was directing traffic.  Nobody was preventing cars from unreasonably endangering pedestrians.

Watch the video below and note how one driver (at the 1:50 point) even FLASHED THEIR HIGH BEAMS AT ME, as if I had no right to walk on the side of the road.

In cities and in towns, roadways are designed for - and meant to be shared amongst - bicycles, cars. and pedestrians.  Whether or not the roads have sidewalks (which they should).

Erik J. Heels

DWP Hazmat Day - cars driving on wrong side of the road

This is a still image from the video, click link for full video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTU53cRBDgc (Photo and Video credit: Erik J. Heels)

The Boston International Asian Music Festival, a beloved nonprofit event in the Greater Boston area, warmly invites you and your family to join us for an evening of vibrant cultural celebration with delicious Asian food!

Event Details:

• Date & Time: June 22, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Location: NARA Park Amphitheater, Acton, MA
• Admission: Free

Discover a vibrant showcase of Asian music and dance, featuring Japanese, Chinese and Russian songs, dance and opera, and captivating performances by talented local artists, including the Annie Scherer Band, Utar Artun Band, and Berklee Chinese Traditional Music Club. Get a sneak peek of what’s in store with our preview video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUR0bx4XY2o) or the enclosed photo!

Ying Dong

Dear friends,

 I invite you to an upcoming (not yet scheduled) memorial service to be held in Acton Arboretum at the former site of Dwarf Dawn Redwood. While I understand that the decision to remove her was in everyone's best interest, her loss is shared by many.  While details are being arranged with the Friends of the Acton Arboretum, please contact me if you would like to share a few words at the ceremony or if you would like to learn more. While you are at the arboretum, visit her location.  At her roots, Dwarf Dawn Redwood left her heart, in her core, as a human symbol that our respect and love is mutual. 

Nyanna Susan Tobin
mailto:nyannatobin@gmail.com

My service on the Select Board enhances my awareness of immigration enforcement activity in the Acton community, but I share my own personal views here, not those of the board.

I write today because our immigrant neighbors are not OK. Not only the folks who are living in the community without documentation, but also those with work permits, student visas, and green cards. DACA recipients, naturalized citizens, asylum seekers, refugees. Folks who until recently could count on being free to live life, study, contribute to the community, and provide for their families, are suddenly on shaky ground, not assured of the constitutional rights granted to ALL who reside in the US.

I've been so proud over the past couple of years as Acton residents have embraced families resettling here. Families from Ukraine, Haiti, Afghanistan, and countries in South and Central America, Asia, and Africa. Volunteers have stepped forward to offer their time teaching English, providing childcare, assisting with job searches, finding and furnishing homes, learning about cultural differences, and hosting dinners and dance parties.

Unfortunately, many of those same families have had their protected status suddenly, and arbitrarily, revoked. Families who have secured housing and jobs, families who send their children to AB schools, families who have developed friendships and other relationships, and are now embedded in the social, cultural, economic, and spiritual fabric of the community, are now at risk of apprehension and deportation. Just in the past few months, and for some, just in the past few weeks, their legal right to be here has been stripped away.

Individuals whose legal right to reside here remains intact are also being swept up in ICE enforcement efforts. Immigrant families who have lived in the US for decades are facing ugly rhetoric in the news and from neighbors: praise for the violent enforcement efforts, unwarranted generalizations, and assumptions of criminality.

So, I invite you to reach out to the many immigrants who cross your path. Offer a smile, convey appreciation, fight for their rights in whatever way you feel able. We are all neighbors, so let's act neighborly.

Alissa Nicol

I was so happy to attend the Middlesex and Worcester Senior Conference on April 24th at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough, with 250+ seniors from across the district in attendance. Seniors who attended the conference had access to a multitude of workshops, health screenings, information tables, yoga, Zumba, an art workshop, and of course, our raffle prizes! They also enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and lunch and performances by local Marlborough band “The Romeos Duo.”

I am deeply grateful to the Assabet Valley Superintendent, principal and students for their warm welcome and support to the seniors at the conference. I also want to thank our corporate sponsors: Friends of the Marlborough Seniors, Point32Health, Christopher Heights, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Tufts Health Plan, Harvey Waste and Recycling Services, Bouvier Pharmacy and Home Medical Solutions, Fallon Health, Boston Scientific, Avidia Bank and Digital Federal Credit Union. I appreciate the incredible vendors who offered valuable information to the attending seniors and the companies and agencies who provided raffle prizes.

Thank you once again for attending this wonderful event. I hope you can join us next year for the 45th Annual Senior Conference. If you have ideas for new sessions, programming, or entertainment, please be in touch with my office at James.Eldridge@MaSenate.gov.

Sincerely,
Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough)
Middlesex and Worcester district

(Submitted by Afnan B. Nehela, Communications Director & Policy Adviser, Office of Senator James B. Eldridge)

After taking time to reach out to family, friends, supporters, and the immediate school community I have been serving (as part of my Parent Teacher Organization role); I wanted to take a minute to thank you— the voters.

No matter who you voted for, I am proud of you for exercising your right to be part of democracy. Thank you for participating. For those of you who provided support, encouragement, and your votes— you have my deepest gratitude.

Regardless of who supported who, my hope is for all of us to stand together to support our schools and bear in mind our shared values. Shared values are what bring us together. Working towards a thriving community with well-educated future members of society are what keep us engaged and active in upholding our responsibilities as community members. If not us, then who? There is always work to be done and it requires the minds and hearts of many.

Our excellent schools have been a cornerstone of the community and a great source of pride for many generations. I look forward to contributing to that legacy as it is a tremendous honor to be able to serve you.

Warmest regards,
Lisa Adil

First, I would like to congratulate all the elected winners!

It was an exciting day, and so much fun to be with everyone, voters and candidates alike. Seeing friends and neighbors, people from all over Acton, coming to vote and hearing many thanking the candidates for their efforts, was wonderful.

I’d also like to say that without everyone who has helped me run for the Select Board seat, their time and efforts towards educating me about town government and all that’s required to run a great campaign, well, it couldn’t have happened. The support and training by two highly skilled advisors who had previously held town positions was amazing. I am so grateful to them. There were also others ready to jump in and also assist in many ways who I’m also grateful to.

To those who helped support me in other ways, bless you!

Acton has been my hometown for many decades. I’ve enjoyed living here and watching it grow. So now I plan to continue finding more ways to be involved, to help keep it a beautiful town with such wonderful caring, kind, and supportive people.

I urge everyone to get involved too, in ways that they might share their own energy and ideas. Help in doing so is available, and really will come to you, if you express an interest! Our town needs more new people to bring their skills and volunteer some time. Thank you!

June Leslie

I congratulate Barry Rosen on his re-election to the Acton Water District (AWD) Board of Commissioners. Barry’s experience and historical knowledge of Acton, the protection of our water supply and management of water distribution will continue to add value to the work of the AWD. I will continue my term as a member of the Acton Water District Finance Committee. My campaign discussions with residents about the Water District will inform this work.

Contested elections are fundamental to a healthy town government, my thanks to Barry for running a strong campaign and engaging in public forums (Green Acton/The Acton Exchange, League of Women Voters and Acton Democrats), online, and with signs and conversations around town. I thank everyone who participated in the town election campaigns and, in particular, the voters who cast their ballots in the Town election. I also thank everyone involved in this year’s elections as a candidate, as a supporter, or as an audience member.

An objective of my campaign was to raise the visibility of the AWD in town. I believe that was successful. However, durable success requires citizens to become more active participants in AWD regular meetings and critically the annual meeting. This past year, the annual meeting had an audience of twelve which is simply too little engagement for the $8 million budget of the district and the strategic importance of water supply to the well-being of our town.  

The town meeting represents the culmination of a year’s hard work for many citizens and elected officials and can properly be viewed as the end of the year. Town meeting is also correctly seen as the start of the next year (for the Water District, the starting line was a month ago). The best opportunity to influence town government is at the beginning of the year as each group is trying to decide which issues are important and how they should be approached. I hope that citizens who are interested will engage as we start this next year.

John Petersen