The Acton Exchange

Acton Exchange All-Hands Meeting
2025-02-12 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | 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

Housing production plan Forum #3
2025-03-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Acton Memorial Library, 486 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
We need your help to create a plan for housing solutions that contribute toward a healthy, equitable, and prosperous Acton!

Housing Production Plan Open House
Where: Acton Memorial Library
When: Wednesday, March 12th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
This open house will focus on creating the strategies that will help achieve the draft goals established at the last public forum.

View the Flyer…

For more information, contact planning@actonma.gov or call 978-929-6631.

Acton Community Supper
2025-03-05 16:30 - 17:45 | Mt Cavalry Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
How have you fared 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.
March 2025 menu:
Mar 5 — Spaghetti and Meatballs
Sponsored by St John Lutheran Church of Sudbury
Mar 12 — Baked Scrod and Stuffing
Sponsored by Astrid Perko in memory of her husband Gene
Mar 19 — St Patrick’s Day! Corned Beef and Cabbage
Sponsored by Friends of Mt Calvary Community Supper
Mar 26 — Shepherd’s Pie
Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia
** 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.

Celtic Music and Stories at Acton Woman's Club
2025-03-12 11:30 - 14:00 | Acton Woman’s Club, 504 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Jaimee Joroff plays the Celtic harp and tells Irish stories before Stephen Collins’ performs his one-man show: “Irish Voices”.
Light lunch, followed by a short business meeting and the program.
For an invitation, please email awc01720@gmail.com or call 978 263-5275.
The Acton Woman’s Club is open to any woman living or working in Acton or surrounding towns.

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/

Acton COA: LGBTQ+ Pool & pizza social time
2025-03-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Acton Council on Aging (COA) invites you to come by the Senior Center to play pool, snack on some pizza, and socialize! We’ll also have ping pong available if our new table arrives in time. Free event open to older adults in the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) community and allies from Acton and surrounding towns. Please sign up so we have enough pizza either with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov, 978-929-6652 or directly to Chris Chirokas at cchirokas@actonma.gov and same phone number.

Housing Legal Clinics
2025-01-14 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.

DVSN: Volunteer Advocate Training
2025-03-10 15:00 - 18:15 | Lexington Police Department, 1575 Mass Ave, Lexington, MA
The Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN) is offering a three week 3-week, 40-hour classroom training at the Lexington Police Department, 1575 Massachusetts Ave.
Classroom training sessions are scheduled for Monday & Wednesday Evenings: 3:00 PM to 6:15 PM and Friday Days: 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, beginning on Monday, March 10. For those who will activate as volunteer advocates, another 10 to 12 hours of supervised field training will take place after successful completion of the classroom segment.
Call (978) 318-3421 or email training@dvsn.org for more information and/or to request an application.
Applications are due no later than Friday, February 28, 2025.

South Acton Congregational Church Worship of Decommissioning
2025-03-09 15:00 - 16:30 | South Acton Congregational Church, 35 School Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
We invite the Community to join us for a meaningful and reflective service as we mark the closing/decommissioning of our beloved church building and release the ministry and building back to the community. This special liturgy will honor the years of worship, fellowship, and service that have shaped our faith community. It will include prayers, hymns, readings, and a time to share treasured memories. The service will celebrate the joyful moments we’ve experienced together, while also acknowledging the grief of this transition. We’ll reflect on the history of our church and give thanks for the contributions of those who have been part of our congregation over the years.

Concord Band Winter Concert featuring Acton Resident
2025-03-08 19:00 - 20:30 | The Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden St, Concord, MA, 01742, United States
Acton resident Jerry Vabulas will be the featured clarinet soloist at the Concord Band’s Winter Concert, playing Concerto for Clarinet and Wind Band by Óscar Navarro. The concert, titled Music from Warm Places, will also feature music by Nubia Jaime-Donjuan, Shelley Hanson, Terry White, and Lewis Buckley, and a guest performance by the Area 9 Saxophone Quartet.
Cost: The concert admission is free, with a $20 donation requested.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Silver Girl
2025-03-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Silver Girl Restaurant, 251 Arlington Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
The Town of Acton requests the pleasure of your company to join us in celebrating the grand opening of the Silver Girl Restaurant with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
Please RSVP by March 3 if you plan to attend: economicdevelopment@actonma.gov

Acton 250: A Sculptor Speaks for Her Statues
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Nationally renowned sculptor and Acton resident Meredith Bergmann produced inspiring monuments to many great Americans. Her artistic process includes learning about each figure as she creates the bronze statue. Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753 – December 5, 1784), whose bronze statue appears in the Boston Women’s Memorial in Boston, is one such monument. She is considered the first African American author of a published book of poetry. Come learn about Phillis and Meredith’s other subjects. This talk is the 13th in the series sponsored by the Acton 250 Committee leading up to April 19, 2025. All are welcome in Room 204 of Acton Town Hall. For recordings of prior Acton 250 talks, see https://www.actonma.gov/803/Acton-250th-Events.

Literacy Liberates: Bringing Literacy to the Light
2025-03-06 17:30 - 20:30 | Concord-Carlisle High School, 500 Walden Street, Concord, MA, 01742
Concord & Concord-Carlisle SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) presents Literacy Liberates.
Kareem Weaver, an advocate for Literacy as a Civil Right, will be the keynote speaker. He will then join a dynamic panel with Milly Arbaje-Thomas, MSW CEO, METCO, Eavan Miles Mason, Ph.D. CEO, KidCenterED, Katherine Tarca, M.Ed.Director of Humanities & Literacy, MA DESE.
Register at Literacy Liberates.

Church of the Good Shepherd: Ash Wednesday Services
2025-03-05 08:00 - 09:00 | Church of the Good Shepherd, 164 Newtown Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Ash Wednesday services including the imposition of ashes and Eucharist will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 8am and 7pm.
From Reverend Ellie Terry:
“Never been to an Ash Wednesday service before? Maybe this is the year to try it. Begin Lent with this moving worship experience filled with prayer, solemn reflection, and the invitation to come back to God, who always welcomes us home.”
The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal)
164 Newtown Road, Acton

How to Build Your Very Own Hometown National Park
2025-03-04 10:15 - 12:00 | Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Presented by the Acton Garden Club and Neal Sanders, author.

With a style meant to make you chuckle, Neal Sanders, author, will tell us how he and his wife took on the challenge to create a “Hometown National Park” as set forth by ‘Nature’s Best Hope’ author Doug Tallamy. In his book, Tallamy defines the average American lawn as an ‘ecological desert’, and puts forth the radical idea that our properties should be suitable both for humans and desirable species; what he calls ‘Hometown National Parks.’

Neal and his wife took that challenge to heart when creating their garden. It’s almost all native trees, shrubs, perennials, and ground covers. He’ll tell us how they did it… and have continued to refine it.
All are welcome.
Neal’s books will be available for purchase at the event.
Neal’s website www.TheHardingtonPress.com
Neal’s blog www.ThePrincipalUndergardener.blogspot.com

Bugles Across America Service
2025-03-02 17:00 - 17:15 | Acton Fire Station, 7 Concord Road, Acton, 01720
This is a short monthly memorial (15-20 min) to those that paid the ultimate price for their service to our country defending freedom. The service consists of the Pledge, some memorial words and the live playing of “Taps”. Easy parking is behind the fire station.
This takes place across the street from the Acton Monument and grave site of Abner Hosmer and Isaac Davis.

Caring for the caregivers (of adults)
2025-03-02 16:00 - 17:30 | Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Support for caregivers of adults – A Q&A with Rabbi Judith Kummer and the Congregation Beth Elohim clergy and shared stories from community members.
Join us for a discussion of the joys and challenges in caring for ourselves while caring for our loved ones. We will be exploring this topic through a Jewish lens.
This event will be held at Congregation Beth Elohim and available via Zoom. Light refreshments and informal sharing to follow the program.
Please sign up for our planning purposes.
https://www.bethelohim.org/event/caring-for-caregiver.
You will have the opportunity, when you sign up, to, optionally, to donate to the CBE Chesed Committee. Donations are appreciated.

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.

2025 AB Community Skate FUNdraiser & AB STEAM Meet-up
2025-03-02 14:30 - 16:30 | Nashoba Valley Olympia, 34 Massachusetts Avenue, Boxborough, MA, 01719, United States
Activities: Ice Skating (rentals available), Music, Refreshments
Cost: $5/person ($20/family)
Location: Nashoba Valley Olympia, Rink #3
Benefit: All proceeds benefit AB STEAM, area food pantries, community wellness & local climate eco activities.
Who: All are welcome – Skaters & non-skating supporters. Invite friends & neighbors!
What to bring: Wear YELLOW to Celebrate Acton native Caroll Spinney (‘aka Big Bird’) Kindness, and please bring non-perishable food pantry items & healthy snacks to share.
Acknowledgements: Thanks to Nashoba Valley Olympia for the generous rink donation, Colonial Figure Skating Club (CFSC) for skating volunteers and to the annual event & hospitality sponsors, many contributors & attendees. The Acton Lions Club is also making a $250 event donation to the Acton Food Pantry!
Related article: 25th Annual Community Skate FUNdraiser raises $2,000 for Local Causes

Rally for Unity and Justice: Protecting Our Democracy!
2025-03-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Acton Boxborough Regional High School, 36 Charter Road, Acton, MA, 01720
All are welcome to join in a peaceful rally in the Upper Gym at the Acton-Boxborough High School – 36 Charter Rd in Acton. Organized by the Acton Democratic Town Committee. Hear from State Senator Jamie Eldridge and State Representatives Dan Sena and Simon Cataldo. Bring your signs, your friends and family, and your voices! Please share this FLYER with your friends.

Sudbury Valley Trustees Benefit: Cocktails and Constellations
2025-03-01 17:30 - 22:30 | 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 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
2025-02-05 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.
