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The Acton Exchange Bulletin Board is for volunteer opportunities and other announcements not tied to a single specific time and date. Please send your Bulletin Board announcements to editors@actonexchange.org. (Calendar events are submitted separately to calendar@actonexchange.org.)
Message from the Town of Acton re: food availability
The Town of Acton and Department of Health and Family Services inform residents of resources for food availability with the pending delay in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.
The federal government does not intend to issue SNAP payments on Nov. 1, leaving roughly 1,339 Acton and Boxborough residents in danger of food insecurity.
Food pantries and community organizations in or near Acton provide access to food and groceries for those in need:
- The Acton Food Pantry, located at 235 Summer Road, Boxborough, provides four days of dry and fresh food, as well as diapers, baby food, wipes, and other household basics. It is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and is closed the week of the fourth Wednesday of each month.
- Open Table, 33 Main St., Maynard, provides a wide variety of fresh food options along with prepared meals made by their staff. It is open for seniors 65+ only on Tuesdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and for all on Tuesdays between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, provides a weekly community supper with hot meals and restaurant-style service on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:45 p.m.
- First Parish Church, 353 Great Road, Stow, holds a Guest Table Community Dinner, on the second Friday of each month, starting at 5 p.m.
Acton’s transportation services also provide weekly shopping trips to the Acton Food Pantry and local Market Basket free of charge. To request a shopping trip, contact CrossTown Connect central dispatch, 978-844-6809.
“Having access to nutritious food is paramount for the health and sustainability of our community,” said Director of Health and Family Services Penelope Funaiole. “We want everyone, in our community and neighboring communities, to know that they have resources to rely on that can help lessen the blow of the loss of SNAP benefits.”
For up-to-date details on these programs and more resources, visit here,or contact the Community Services Office at (978) 929-6651 or lducharme@actonma.gov.
“These are troubling times for many Acton area residents who utilize SNAP benefits,” said Town Manager John Mangiaratti. “We want our residents to know that we are committed to supporting our community through this difficult time.”
Also, please don’t forget to read your November Municipal Monthly.
Participate in strategic planning at Acton Boxborough Regional Schools
The following materials are adapted from the Schools’ strategic planning website, https://www.abschools.org/read-the-plan .
As we kick off a round of significant community engagement and feedback through our focus groups, community forums, and survey, we wanted to provide materials to help further explain each of the options we hope to gather feedback around. All three resources below are based on the original slides from District Management Group, but are presented in different formats to meet a variety of community members’ needs. We suggest reviewing one or more of the materials below to make the most of your time with us.
District Management Group Slides
Explainer Video (New 10/14/2025) – created using Google’s Notebook LM, a Generative AI Tool
10.30.25 virtual community forum.
We need your feedback about reorganization plans to help make the best decision possible for our community. Here is how you can get involved:
AB Forward Reorganization Survey open until November 9, 2025
All Acton-Boxborough residents, educators, families, and students are invited to take our reorganization survey. Before completing the survey, it is recommended that you review the organizational materials [above]. The survey will be available until November 9th. Thank you for staying engaged and providing your feedback.
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 such as Lunch Bunch, Movie Night, Book Club, Dinner Group, Trivia Nights, Summer Picnic, Wine Tastings, and Men’s and Ladies’ Night events.
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 we became the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club to reflect our current members and their interests. Our 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 of the Nashoba Valley Neighbors Club, or email info@nashobavalleyneighbors.org. We look forward to seeing you!
Also see the article about us in the Nov. 1 issue of the Acton Exchange.
Friends of Pine Hawk- 2025 fall programs
October National Archeological Month. Each year Acton recognizes it by having a series of events that highlight important archaeological information. Events are free but require registration at Friends of Pine Hawk fall 2025 event sign up.
For a complete list of events, along with a full description, see 2025 Fall Programs – Friends of Pine Hawk.
Questions? Email friends.of.pinehawk@gmail.com.
YV Art Museum- exhibitions, visits
YV Art Museum grounds are located at 68 Quarry Road in Acton MA, and are open to the public every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (winter hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Please call 617-699-6401 to schedule an appointment before arriving. The admission is $15/adult, $10/over 65 & under 14.
YV Art Museum is proud to present a solo exhibition of sculpture by James D. Cennamo in the gallery. The Exhibition will run from October 5, 2025, to January 25, 2026. This exhibition features 83 pieces from SHADOW WORK, a miniature sculpture series that revisits unforgettable events — both good and bad, heroic and tragic, celebrated and infamous — that have shaped society from the 1960s to today. Though the sculptures are tiny in size, the stories they tell are monumental.
Fall Registration & School Days Off at Danny’s Place
543 Mass Ave. West Acton Registration for Fall programs is open!
We are now offering programs for little ones ages 3-5 and caregivers, and expanding the rest of our programs to kids from K-12!
Visit us here! https://www.dannys-place.org/fall
School Days off at Danny’s Place
Join the School Days Off at Danny’s Place! Kids in grades K–5 can attend from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and enjoy a day of themed activities, games, and creative fun. Whether the day’s focus is tied to a holiday or simply a special seasonal activity, it’s always a great time to connect, learn, and play.
School Days Off is offered individually (or as a membership). Grab your spot today!
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 2 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.
October Municipal Monthly
Check out the Town’s October Municipal Monthly.
AB Community: Share Your Vision for Our Schools!
Visit the AB Forward Webpage for comprehensive information about the school planning process, its connection to reorganization options this fall, and to review meeting materials. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram too!
Note from Acton Exchange: Want to cover these meetings for this paper? Write to us at info@actonexchange.org to volunteer.
Middlesex County 4-H Fife and Drum Corps
The Middlesex County 4-H Fife and Drum Corps was founded in 1972 in order to pass on New England’s fife and drum tradition to young musicians. The group’s repertoire consists of fife and drum music dating from the American Colonial Period to modern pieces written in the traditional style. Comprising youth ages 8 to 18, the corps is led by its members, who elect their leaders and determine their own events and repertoire each season. Some Acton kids participate and the organization invites new members to join.
The corps performs in parades and at historical commemorations throughout New England during the year.
The corps provides music lessons during weekly Sunday afternoon rehearsals at Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Rd., Lincoln, MA. The corps is happy to welcome anyone, including those who do not yet play an instrument. Instruments, instruction and most uniform parts are provided without charge. The participation fee is $40 per year. For more information, reach out at mc4hfd@gmail.com or mc4hfd.org.
Acton Nursing Services offers free loaner equipment
Submitted by Adrian Hancock, Chair, Acton Nursing Services Advisory Committee
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 else. 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.
AB Community Fitness Center is open! AB Regional High School
Through the AB Schools website: The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District maintains a Fitness Center which is open to the public in the evenings and on Saturday mornings. The fitness center is located in the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. The Center contains free weights, cardiovascular (treadmills, elliptical machines, rowing machines, stair steppers, stationary bikes), and resistance equipment. To utilize the Fitness Center, you must first have an orientation training session with the fitness center supervisor. Students certified through their physical education class are also eligible to participate without attending an orientation. Students in grades 8 and up may use the fitness center, but 8th graders must attend with a parent.
Regular School Year Hours:
Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
7:30-9:00 p.m.
Saturday
9:00-11:00 a.m.
The Fitness Center is open as scheduled on most holidays and vacations. To schedule an orientation or if you have any other questions, please email: abrhs.fitness.center@gmail.com
Drop-in Prices:
Acton-Boxborough Residents
Adult $4/visit
Seniors (Age 62+) $2/visit
HS student $2/visit
Non-Residents
Adult $7/visit
Seniors (62+) $6/visit
High School Student $5/visit
Multiple-use punch cards for reduced rates are available for purchase at the Fitness Center.
Join us! (Enter via upper ABRHS parking lot if ABRHS gazebo entrance is locked). Learn more at Fitness Center at Community Education (abschools.org).
Volunteer 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 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.
The Acton Food Pantry volunteering
Ongoing – Volunteers Needed! Current needs include:
- Adults who have flexibility to volunteer for daytime shifts, particularly on Wednesdays.
- 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 substitutes and have a variety of opportunities. If you know of anyone who might be interested in volunteering, please have them complete a preliminary application on the Pantry website here or email Cathy at Cathy@actonfoodpantry.org.
As a fundraiser this year, the Acton Food Pantry participated in The Ride for Food, which is an annual event organized by Three Squares New England. It returns 100% of the funds raised by participants to the pantry. It includes a 25, 50 mile or 100K bike ride or a 5K walk. It is a no-pressure, fun event. For more information about the Acton Food Pantry team, see the article from September 27.
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.
