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.)
Acton Exchange seeks (paid!) Digital Production Assistant
The Acton Exchange has now completed three years of publication with an all-volunteer workforce. Thanks to our recent fund-raising efforts, we are now in a position to bring on board a paid, part-time assistant to relieve the volunteers of some of the recurring tasks of producing a weekly news publication.
If you or someone you know might be interested in this role, please direct them to this job description.
Recent government communiques
Acton’s Economic Development director provides 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:
From the Schools:
April 29 AB Integrated Monitoring Review Notification
April 10 Superintendent’s Update
Jan. 20 AB Forward Wellness Resources for Families
“Tidal Memory”: Kelly Faville’s wave paintings
At Wellness at Villageworks, the quiet rhythms of the natural world take center stage in “Tidal Memory”, a new exhibition by Acton painter Kelly Faville.
The ten‑painting collection, on view through June 2026, explores the shifting forms of waves — moments of motion that refuse to stay still. Faville’s canvases capture the instant before a curl breaks, the soft collapse of foam, and the way water holds shape only long enough to let it go again.
“I focus my work on that which does not stay,” Faville says. “Each painting starts with something seen. Then it shifts — edges soften, forms loosen, and the image resists settling. What remains is a trace, held briefly, then gone.”
The exhibition is part of an ongoing effort to bring local creativity into community spaces.
New View Cohousing welcomes visitors at open houses
Curious about cohousing? In celebration of our 30 years in West Acton, New View Cohousing Neighborhood is holding a series of open houses and multi-age activities this year. Come learn about this intentional community and opportunities for non-resident participation. Based on a model begun in Denmark and Sweden, cohousing neighborhoods are designed with external parking, common space, and pedestrian walkways, to encourage interaction among neighbors. Write to outreach@newview.org to learn more about upcoming open houses. Stroll or drive over for a visit, enjoy kids’ play space and refreshments, at the next event which is this Sat. May 9, 9-12 and 2-5.
Council on Aging Series for Seniors
Still Burning Bright, 8-week series for seniors
An 8-week guided journey for Acton adults over 60 to explore life’s changes, losses, and the meaning we continue to carry forward. Like a candle whose flame remains steady, this program reminds us that our inner light endures. Through reflection, conversation, and gentle activities, participants will discover ways to stay connected, find purpose, and embrace each day fully, learning how to nurture their inner light so it continues to burn brightly.
The program began on May 7 and continues for eight weeks. Free but registration is required (call 978-929-6652). Please register only if you plan on attending each week.
The group will be led by Kathy Arena, a Certified Grief Educator and Leadership Trainer who supports individuals in navigating loss, change, and living with purpose
Living Well, Staying Connected Series
For anyone 60+. Join the Council on Aging for a five-week group designed to help you build practical tools for wellbeing while connecting with others. Each week, you’ll learn science-backed mental health skills in a supportive setting, including mindful awareness, stress management, and ideas for finding meaning and fulfillment in everyday life. The series is led by Jenn Staples, PhD, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of guts, a nonprofit dedicated to making evidence-based mental health tools accessible to the community.
Participants will be asked to complete brief surveys during the series to help us understand what is most helpful and how we can continue improving the program. As a thank you, you will receive a $20 grocery gift card after completing the final survey.
The program begins May 27 and runs for five weeks. Free but registration is required (call 978-929-6652). Please register only if you plan on attending each week.
Camp Invention comes to Acton Rec this summer
Camp Invention®, a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment camp program, is coming to Acton Recreation Department the weeks of July 13 and July 20.
The weekly programs challenge children in grades K-6 to tap into their natural curiosity and use their creativity to solve problems. Through hands-on activities, Camp Invention promotes STEM learning; builds confidence, leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship — all in a fun and engaging environment.
For more information or to register, visit invent.org/camp.
Acton Rec Summer Camps
Acton kids have multiple choices for activities at Acton Rec sponsored camps this summer. Choose a classic summer camp experience at NARA Park, or offerings from “zoo and goo” to astronomy and chemistry. Or sports camps like lacrosse, archery, and field hockey. Or explore Legos or learn about law enforcement with local police.
At NARA Park, swimming, sports, and arts and crafts programs are based on weekly themes from June 29 through August 28. Camp runs weekdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, with before and after programs starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m.
Also, adults can go to camp with us for pickleball, garden therapy, and mindful movement classes, to name several.
For information about all of the camp offerings through the Acton Recreation Department, see the Acton Rec Programs page.
MA DESE to visit ABRHS
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (Department) Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct an Integrated Monitoring Review of Acton-Boxborough Public School during the week of May 25, 2026. Each school district, charter school, vocational school, and virtual school undergoes an Integrated Monitoring Review every three years. The areas addressed during an Integrated Monitoring Review are organized into two groups, known as Group A Universal Standards and Group B Universal Standards.
AB public schools will be undergoing a Group Bmonitoring review that focuses on special education, student identification, and special education eligibility timelines; Individualized Education Program (IEP) development; programming and support services; and procedural requirements for suspensions and equal opportunity.
For additional information please also see Integrated Monitoring Parent and Family Orientation.
The process includes interviews with school staff and administrators, a review of student records, policies and procedures, and school building visits. The process may also include parent/caregiver, student and teacher focus group meetings to gather additional information. Interpretation will be provided, if needed.
The Department will also send a parent survey in multiple languages and formats, as needed, to parents/guardians of special education students in order to gather key information on the special education processes and procedures.
Parents/guardians and other stakeholders may call Corey Steinman, monitoring review chairperson, at (781) 338-3742 or Corey.E.Steinman@mass.gov to request a telephone interview. If anyone requires an accommodation such as translation in order to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary arrangements.
Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will provide the district or charter school with a report that includes information on further actions if required.
The public can access the report at https://www.doe.mass.edu/psm/tfm/default.html.
Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market needs volunteers
The mission of the Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market (market) is to showcase local sustainable agriculture and promote organic practices; to educate the public on food and agriculture topics; to provide for direct, informed relationships between farmers and consumers; and to benefit local farmers and the local economy, as well as public health, community vitality, and regional environmental and economic sustainability.
As the upcoming market season approaches, the team behind the Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make this year’s market a success. Community members are encouraged to get involved and play a hands-on role in supporting local farmers, small businesses, and accessing fresh, healthy food.
Volunteers are essential to the smooth operation of the market and contribute to creating a welcoming, vibrant community space. Opportunities include assisting with market setup and breakdown, greeting visitors, helping vendors, supporting children’s activities, and other tasks as they come up. The AB Farmers Market is led by volunteers and depends on community members to help keep it operating.
No prior experience is required, and flexible scheduling options are available. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, meet new people, and support local agriculture. No need to commit to a weekly schedule — signing up to help just three or four times this summer and fall still has a meaningful impact and helps keep the market thriving.
Visit the Volunteer Information Website to learn more, including typical tasks performed by volunteers and the Volunteer Interest Form.
Join us in making the AB Farmers Market season the best one yet!
Umbrella Arts Center offers “Hairspray”
The Umbrella Stage Company’s new production of the Tony Award-winning “Hairspray, the Broadway Musical” aims to resonate with a new generation of audiences eager for hopeful stories at a time when racial equality, social freedoms, and democratic norms are under attack. It runs April 24-May 17, 2026, at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord. Tickets at TheUmbrellaArts.org.
Our tax dollars hard at work: Acton Microburst TV series
Five episodes of the Microburst TV series are now available on YouTube.
Acton Community Ed enriches summer
A-B Community Education is running a wide variety of half-day and full-day summer programs! Kids can explore their interests and try something new with classes in science, robotics, arts & crafts, tennis, pottery, movie making, theater, basketball, animation, and many more.
Acton 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 Regional School District.
You can 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.
NARA Summer Camp
Acton kids have multiple choices for activities at the NARA camp this summer. Choose a classic summer camp experience, or offerings from “zoo and goo” to astronomy and chemistry. Or sports camps like lacrosse, archery, and field hockey. Or explore Legos or learn about law enforcement with local police.
Swimming, sports, and arts and crafts programs are based on weekly themes from June 29 through August 28. Camp runs weekdays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, with before and after programs starting at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m.
For more information visit: https://actonma.myrec.com.
Also, adults go to camp with us for pickleball, garden therapy, and mindful movement classes, to name several.
To learn more, go to https://actonma.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx?type=activities.
The Swap Shop
The Swap Shop, 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 at debbyandell@gmail.com
Learn about integrated pest management
GOT MICE? Learn how to exclude them before any more move in!
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health toolkit shows building managers and homeowners how to implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM practice favors sealing up and excluding rodents from entry points around your house. See this 1-minute YouTube video for how to do this.
For more information about making Acton less friendly to pests but safer for our raptors, attend Green Acton’s Biodiversity Committee meeting the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.. For information about the agenda and how to connect, email biodiversity-contact@greenacton.org.
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 email 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.
Current needs include:
- People who have flexibility to volunteer for daytime shifts, particularly on Wednesdays.
- People who might be interested in helping with Saturday morning pickups at Stop & Shop or Trader Joe’s.
- Fluent Portuguese speakers to help us better serve our 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 volunteercoordinator@actonfoodpantry.org.
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:
- Mondays from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- Thursdays from 12:00 n.-2:00 p.m.
- Fridays 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 exhibition
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 is open to visitors through July 25, 2026 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m..
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 and/or call 1-617-699-6401 to make an appointment (short notice is fine).
Email: ypeet@verizon.net
Childcare Scholarships
The Town of Acton has dedicated $30,000 to offer a childcare subsidy program for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year.
This 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 untilJune 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 is available 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.
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.
For more information, please go to: https://www.householdgoods.org/volunteering/
or email: volunteercoordinator@actonfoodpantry.org
Acton Sustainability Office outreach for multifamily buildings
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.
Acton residents are advised that authorized representatives from the Town’s Sustainability Office will be visiting multifamily residential buildings on weekdays throughout the months of April and May.
The outreach aims to share information about energy efficiency and clean energy programs that can help reduce costs through state and utility incentives. Representatives will carry official identification, and participation is voluntary.
For more information, residents can contact the Sustainability Office at 978-929-6515 or sustainability@acton-ma.gov.
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
Weekly Pickleball community social events
When:Every Saturday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Acton Racquet Club (Court #6), 10 Granite Rd.
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.
See the related article.
Acton Water District restrictions on outdoor water use continue
The emergency declaration issued by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has been lifted, and construction of the PFAS treatment facilities has been completed. As we work to bring these new treatment systems fully online, and complete annual maintenance activities at our wells, intermittent facility interruptions will limit normal water production capacities. To support this transition, the District will maintain the current Level 4 Water Use Restriction through April 2026 and then re-evaluate in May. Any updates or changes to outdoor water use restrictions will be communicated on our website under Outdoor Watering Restrictions, through our WaterSmart Program, and via social media on X and Facebook @ActonWater.
We appreciate the community’s continued cooperation and support as we complete this critical water quality improvement effort.
Level 4 Water Use Restrictions — no outdoor water uses except for the production of food and fiber or public health and safety.
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, 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 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 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.
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).
Help out 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.
Steeple Beautification Repair Project
The West Acton Baptist Church at 592 Massachusetts Avenue has launched a steeple project beginning in April.
The project includes resurfacing the 24k. gold-leafed dome and exterior painting, repair and maintenance of the dome, steeple, and belfry, which houses a bronze bell cast in 1857 in a foundry once owned by Paul Revere.
The project goal is $300,000; every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by an anonymous donor, up to half the total cost of the project.
For more information & updates or to donate, visit the West Acton Baptist Church steeple project website.
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:
- Acton-Boxborough Regional Islamic Community Center
- Acton-Concord Chabad (Jewish)
- Acton Congregational Church
- Acton Korean Church
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Littleton)
- Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal)
- Congregation Beth Elohim (Jewish)
- Faith Evangelical Free Church
- First Church Unitarian (in Littleton)
- First Parish in Concord (Unitarian Universalist, in Concord)
- First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (Unitarian Universalist, in Stow)
- Holy Annunciation Orthodox Church (in Maynard)
- Great Road Church (Covenant Church)
- Kerem Shalom (Jewish, in Concord)
Unless otherwise noted, the organization is in Acton.
