The Acton Exchange team is working towards a new calendar function that allows more flexible and powerful access to Acton-relevant calendar information. In the meantime, short notices of upcoming events are published in the Bulletin Board. For now, email your Acton-relevant calendar notice (<150 words) to calendar@actonexchange.org. Your notice can include links to a website or email address, but no flyers or other graphics.
Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville
Theater III, 250 Central St., West Acton
Remaining show is November 16 at 8 p.m.
This musical comedy features the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville”, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”, and many more. This hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for! For tickets and more info go here.
Financial Literacy for HS Students
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 PM from now until Dec 11.
Cost: FREE
This course offered by Northern Bank and Danny’s Place teaches students crucial money management skills, including budgeting, saving, and using credit responsibly. Grades: 9-12
Meets: Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 PM from now until Dec 11. Cost: FREE
Sign Up: https://www.hisawyer.com/dannys-place/schedules/activity-set/963253
Build your financial future. Register today!
Check out the other great opportunities at Danny’s Place.
The Acton Food Pantry
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
NAMI Mental Health Course, in Person in Boxborough
(From National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Middlesex)
Mondays, November 11 to January 13 6:30 – 9:30 pm (excluding holiday weeks)
Boxborough
Family to Family is a free, evidence-based, eight-session, weekly course from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for those who love someone living with a mental health condition. Topics include understanding the symptoms of mental health conditions, learning about treatments & therapies, practicing communication & problem-solving skills, creating a positive team approach, and self-care. Importantly, the course offers family members the invaluable opportunity of open conversation and mutual support in a stigma-free environment.
The course will meet in person in Boxborough Mondays, November 11 to January 13, excluding holiday weeks, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Additional information and registration: namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/family-to-family-fall2024-boxborough.
Popular Music and Veterans program at Acton Senior Center
(From Jon Waterman)
Acton Senior Center
Thursday, November 14 – 1 pm
On Thursday, November 14, Jon and Li Waterman will perform “Popular Music and Veterans” at the Acton Senior Center on 30 Sudbury Rd. Rear in Acton at 1:00pm. The program consists of original and traditional songs about the history of veterans in America and some related music history.
Jon and Li have performed their music and history programs in venues throughout New England as part of a series called Live Music Making History Live. The series was designed to encourage the celebration and exploration of history through music. Jon and Li perform regularly as the duo Sultana. Jon is a lifetime musician and songwriter and licensed history teacher in MA. Li is also a lifetime musician and a visual artist.
Acton Arboretum Walk
(From The Friends of Pine Hawk)
Saturday, November 16, 9:30-11:00 am
Acton Arboretum, 2 Taylor Rd., Acton. Limited to 12, adults only.
Event is free, but registration is required at tinyurl.com/pinehawk-2024
Join Friends of the Nashobah Indians members Kevin Gallant and Bettina Abe for a walk through the Acton Arboretum to observe what may be Native American Ceremonial Stone Landscapes (CSLs). Many cultural structures have been destroyed by development but some may still exist. The walk will be on and off the trail over uneven ground.
Presented by The Friends of Pine Hawk.
Jewish Book Month with Joan Leegant
Sunday, November 17, 2024
7:00 PM – 9:00 p.m.
Congregation Beth Elohim
With the Sisterhood, Adult Ed will host author Joan Leegant for the Jewish Book month Author event. The book is called Displaced Persons, and it was selected by Hadassah as its “One Book, One Hadassah” choice for August.
To RSVP https://www.bethelohim.org/event/author-joan-leegant
You can get your books from the Congregation Beth Elohim office. Please make checks out to the CBE Adult Education Fund. Cost is $18.
Acton-Boxborough United Way’s Casino Royale Fundraiser
Saturday evening, November 16
Wedgewood Pines Country Club, Stow
Casino Royale, the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Acton-Boxborough United Way (ABUW), will be held on Saturday evening on November 16 at the beautiful Wedgewood Pines Country Club, Stow.
Last year’s Casino Royale fundraiser and silent auction raised over $40,000, which helped to underwrite the vital community support A-B United Way and its grantees provide to residents throughout the A/B community. Organizers anticipate this year’s event will be even bigger and better. For more information and tickets, go to abuw.org/casino.
Business leaders: ABUW’s Casino Royale is a great way to spotlight area businesses while making a meaningful contribution to people in our community who need it most. For more information, Contact ABUW Executive Director Katie Neville at 978-254-2806 or abuw.org/sponsor.
New Revival Coffeehouse presents The Smack Dabs
(from First Parish Church of Stow and Acton)
November 16, 2024
7:30 p.m.
First Parish Church of Stow and Acton,
353 Great Road Stow MA 01775
Good-time swing blues music from the 1930’s, featuring the songs of artists like Tampa Red and Big Bill Broonzy
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Concert at 7:30 p.m.
Website https://www.fpc-stow-acton.org/coffee-house_smack-dabs
Kids’ Fall Play Date
(from 24 Windsor)
Sunday Nov. 17, 2-5 pm
24 Windsor Ave., ACTON 01720
Games, (outdoors, weather permitting) arts and crafts, snacks and cider at a large Victorian home and community space. We host inclusive gatherings for the purposes of learning and sharing in the hopes of creating a better world. All ages welcome! Come and enjoy the waning days of fall with friends!
Please RSVP Karen Boutet 617-875-1790
karenboutet@gmail.com
“Does Parenting Have to Be This Hard? What Can Babies Teach Us”
(from Discovery Museum)
Tuesday, November 19
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST
Live, via Zoom webinar
“Does Parenting Have to Be This Hard? What Can Babies Teach Us,” a free Discovery Museum 2024 Speaker Series event: Dr. J. Kevin Nugent, Founder and Director Emeritus of the Brazelton Institute in the Division of Developmental Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital
Free with advance registration, which is required, at http://bit.ly/DMSpeakerSeries.
Community Documentary Viewing- Who We Are, a Chronicle of Racism in America
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
6:00-9:30 p.m.
Maynard Fine Arts Theatre, 19 Summer St., Maynard, MA
The Town of Acton in collaboration with Community Teamwork, Inc. and other local community organizations are hosting a Community Documentary screening of Who We Are, a Chronicle of Racism in America, at Maynard Fine Arts Theatre, 19 Summer St., Maynard, MA. Facilitated discussion to follow the screening. Co-sponsored by several organizations, including Saint Matthews Methodist Church, Indivisible Acton, Out Metrowest, Congregation Beth Elohim, and UCC Boxborough. Register at link.
Acton FinCom- First Listening Session
(from Acton Finance Committee)
November 19, 2024
7:30 pm
Acton Memorial Library
The Acton Finance Committee (FinCom) is seeking your input. We will be holding a series of listening sessions to give residents and taxpayers an opportunity to share their thoughts on what they consider to be “essential” services, as well as their ideas on which costs could be cut.
In a normal year, the FinCom reviews the budgets for the Town and Regional Schools. We make recommendations to the Select Board and other appropriate entities, such as the Acton Leadership Group (ALG). The FinCom also presents our assessment to the Annual Town Meeting and issues an opinion on each of the warrant articles presented at Town Meeting.
But this is not a normal year. On April 30, 2024, Acton voters narrowly approved an “override” of the tax levy limit. So, your comments will help the FinCom to articulate a clear and united fiscal message, to develop and advocate for unified policies, as well as to share information and work together to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal service delivery.
Our first session will be held at the Acton Memorial Library on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. We invite you to participate.
Needle Arts Fair 2024
(from Friends of Acton Council on Aging)
Tues & Wed, Nov 19 & 20
10:30 – 1:30pm
Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Rd Rear, Acton
Our Needle Arts group has been busy creating many beautiful items just in time for the holidays! Please stop by and browse our collection. Help the Friends of Acton Council on Aging (COA) support programs and events at the Acton Senior Center. Your support is appreciated!
For more info see here.
A Day in the Life of a Local Archaeologist
(From The Friends of Pine Hawk)
Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 pm
In person at the Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton and via Zoom.
Event is free, but registration is required at tinyurl.com/pinehawk-2024
David Gutbrod, professional archaeologist and chair of Westford’s Historical Commission, conducted research in North Acton, the first application of Acton’s new Archaeological Protection bylaw. He will share significant highlights from the Acton project as well as remote sensing projects conducted in Tampa Bay’s lost cemetery and the hidden remains of Ethel, Florida.
Presented by The Friends of Pine Hawk.
Questions? Email Friends of Pine Hawk.
Free Parenting Webinar
(from First Connections)
Thursday, November 21
8-9:00 p.m
Live Webinar
First Connections invites the public to a free parenting webinar: The Magic of Co-Regulation and How it Wires Developing Brains for Resilience. In recent years, self-regulation has become widely recognized as one of the critical “soft skills” associated with emotional and social wellbeing for humans at all ages and stages of development, but how do we help kids to develop it? Join Chrissy Dagostino, M.A., for a workshop exploring co-regulation, a prerequisite for self-regulation. Learn how providing consistent and effective co-regulation for our young children lays the very foundation for their own self-regulation to develop. We will look at the science behind this relational process, as well as practical examples for co-regulating with our young ones, even in the trickiest of moments. This live webinar will take place on Thursday, November 21, 8-9:00 p.m followed by Q & A. To receive the link, email lmatthews@jri.org. FREE Live parenting webinar.
Drop & Shop our Local Businesses!
(from Danny’s Place)
Fri, Nov 22, 5 – 8:15 pm
Danny’s Place, 543 Mass Ave, W Acton
Drop off your kids at Danny’s Place and buy local! Looking to get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local businesses? The Friday before Black Friday, is all about community – bringing small businesses from all around the world together for one awesome day of SHOPPING SMALL FIRST!
At Danny’s Place, we’re making this experience even better by offering our Drop & Shop service, so parents and caregivers can shop stress-free while their kids are having a blast with us. Click here to pre-register your child (5-9 year olds). Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! Let’s make this holiday season special by supporting local businesses and creating fun memories for the whole family.
For more info, reach out to us at info@dannys-place.org or see here.
Sip ‘n’ Shop – Pink Friday
Friday, November 22
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: West Acton
Details: Multiple Small Businesses in West Acton participating!! HOME, Wish, Silver Unicorn, E. Drumm Designs, Smudge Ink, Bees Knees, Eve and Murray’s.
Pink Friday is the Friday BEFORE Black Friday, and the idea is to get people to #shopsmallfirst. Before shopping at all the big retailers, don’t forget your small local retailers for your holiday shopping!
The Acton Lions Club’s 44 th Annual Ski & Skate & Gear Sale
(from Acton Lions Club)
Where: Conant Elementary School, 80 Taylor Road, Acton.
When: Drop-off:
– Friday November 22nd; 6:30 – 8 pm
– Saturday November 23rd; 8 – 10 am
Sale
– Saturday November 23rd; 11 am – 4 pm
– Sunday November 24th; 10 am – 2 pm
Pay-out or Pick-up:
– Sunday November 24th; 3 – 5 pm Pick up unsold items and consignment payout Sunday. The Lions Club will pay consignment donors 70 percent of the sale price of each item sold. Any items not picked up by 5 p.m. on Nov. 24th will be considered a donation. All money raised will go to local charities.
Like us on Facebook!
Walks in Wetherbee Woods
(from Acton Conservation Trust)
Acton Conservation Trust will hold walks of Wetherbee Woods, along a viewing trail built earlier this year. Walks will be held during the week before the November 25 Special Town Meeting. The walks are free and open to the public.
Friday 11/22, 10:00 am
Friday 11/22, 1:00 pm
Sunday 11/24 10:00 am
Sunday 11/24 1:00 pm
For more information and to sign up for a walk, please visit ACT’s website events page.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit Acton Women’s Clubhouse
(from Acton Woman’s Club)
Saturday, November 23.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Santa! Take the kids and grandkids to see Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Acton Woman’s Clubhouse, 504 Main St., Acton Center. No charge, but donations gratefully accepted. [Santa is actually 93!] Acton Woman’s Club
Merrie Christmas Fair in Boxborough
Saturday, November 23
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
UCC Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Avenue, Boxborough.
A Joyful Local Shopping Experience
Now in its 91st year, this well-known fair has something for everyone, regardless of the season. Shop home crafted, homemade gifts for birthday, holiday and Thanksgiving hosts. Enjoy the delicious Sugar Plum café with jazz singers, Santa dancing and an outside firepit for s’mores. Explore the ultimate thrift shop in Attic Treasures with floor to ceiling goods. Scoop up fresh greens and arrangements to place on the Thanksgiving table. Shop the online auctions with over 150 items beginning November 13 at https://www.biddingforgood.com/UCCBSilentAuction. Proceeds support the Boxborough Church (a FreeBee partner) with 10% going directly to North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity. The Fair is located at UCC Boxborough, 723 Massachusetts Avenue, Boxborough. Meet a friend, have fun with your neighbors, and know that your dollars buy more than gifts, you are supporting your community as you shop.
UCC Boxborough (a partner with FreeBee Market) has its Merrie Christmas fair on November 23 at 723 Middle Road Boxborough from 9-1pm with its online Silent Auction opening November 13-November 23 at https://www.biddingforgood.com/UCCBSilentAuction
For more information, contact the church office at 978-263-7387.
Acton-Boxborough Farmers Winter Market
(from Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market)
Sun, Nov 24 10am – 1pm
Indoors at W. Acton Villageworks!
525 Mass. Ave. West Acton
Stock up on winter provisions, staples and specialty foods for your celebrations!
See https://abfarmersmarket.org for more information.
Special Town Meeting – Purchase of 19 and 35 Wetherbee Street
Monday, November 25, 2024
6 p.m.
Check In starts at 5:15 p.m. in the cafeteria area.
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Auditorium, 36 Charter Road
This purchase of 19 and 35 Wetherbee Street has been the topic of Select Board Executive Session discussions for several years. According to Town Manager Mangiaratti, state grant funding is now available, but to use it, a Special Town Meeting vote must be taken before the end of this calendar year. See related article about the LAND grant in the November 2 issue of the Acton Exchange as well as a short article about Town Meeting in this issue.
Heat Pump Pizza Party
(from Town of Acton Sustainability Office)
Wednesday, December 4th, 2024
6:00 PM -7:00 PM
Acton Memorial Library, First Floor Meeting Room (486 Main St., Acton, MA)
We hope to see you at the first annual Heat Pump Pizza Party hosted by the Town of Acton Sustainability Office and Energize Acton! Local volunteers and experts will share info on how heat pumps work, explain how to retrofit your home, review available incentives, and offer pricing information. There will be plenty of time for Q&A, and Acton residents who have installed heat pumps in their homes will be in attendance to share their experiences. Register here: https://bit.ly/HeatPumpParty.
Native Americans and the Revolution: The Times are Exceedingly Altered
(From The Friends of Pine Hawk)
Thursday, December 5, 7:00-8:30 pm
In person at the Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main St., Acton and via Zoom.
Event is free, but registration is required at tinyurl.com/pinehawk-2024
At the end of the 1780s, a group of Mohegans bemoaned that “[t]he times are exceedingly altered, yea the Times have turned everything topside down.” That was true for indigenous peoples in southern New England who survived the devastations of King Philip’s War a century earlier, as well as those between the Appalachians and the Great Lakes who were subject to a half-century of displacement and wars between European powers. Daniel Mandell, Professor of History Emeritus, Truman State University, and author of Tribe, Race, History: Native Americans in Southern New England, 1780-1880, will present information on how thousands of Native people were involved in and impacted by the Revolution, and how they sought to secure their rights in different ways.
Presented by The Friends of Pine Hawk. Funded by Freedom’s Way and cosponsored with Acton 250.
Questions? Email Friends of Pine Hawk.