The Acton Exchange

Acton COA Presents: Aging Alone: A Sexual Wellness Perspective with Dr. Jane Fleishman
2025-09-25 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Aging provides us with significant challenges and aging alone can lead to loneliness and social isolation. Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called social isolation a public health crisis in need of the same investments in research as other public health challenges.
From a sexual wellness perspective, Dr. Jane Fleishman will offer up-to-date research, recommendations, and tips for aging alone. Join us for a thought-provoking, compassionate, and positive perspective on aging alone. Jane Fleishman, PhD, MEd, MS, is an educator, writer, researcher, and author of The Stonewall Generation: LGBTQ Elders on Sex, Activism, and Aging. She is on a mission to promote the sexual wellness in older adults and co-hosts an award-winning podcast on sex and aging, Our Better Half. Her TEDx talk, Is It OK for Grandma to Have Sex? has reached over 100,000 viewers. Find out more about Jane’s work at www.janefleishman.com.
Open to out-of-towners age 60+ for $5

Book Talk: Lynda Mapes of the Seattle Times
2025-09-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720
A call to rethink our relationship with forests.
The Trees Are Speaking: Dispatches from the Salmon Forests, with Lynda
Mapes of the Seattle Times.
This work focuses on the critical role of forests everywhere, but especially on both coasts of the US, and the role of indigenous voices in advocating for ecosystem integrity. Lynda will be speaking in Acton on Sept. 25 !
In person or online.
To register or for more information: https://www.energizeacton.org/events/2011.
Save the date for this Book Talk, sponsored by Energize Acton, Acton Conservation Trust, the Acton Garden Club, and the Silver Unicorn Bookstore.

Acton Oktoberfest
2025-09-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Gardner Field Playground, 530 Massachusetts Ave, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Come to Gardner Field to catch fantastic live music, enjoy a cold drink, tasty snacks, local shopping and the opportunity to get to know local organizations!

Acton 250: South Acton Walking Tour
2025-09-27 13:00 - 15:00 | Faulkner House, 5 High Street, Acton, 01720
Walking in and around South Acton’s historic Mill Corner, you will learn about Acton’s earliest colonial settlement and its development into a hub of industry and commerce. You will learn about the people, places and practices that shaped the town’s history and our nation’s as well. Topics include Native American history, the use of natural resources, the importance of Colonel Francis Faulkner and Acton’s West Militia Company, the longtime role of the Jones and Faulkner families, the impact of the railroad, and visit nearby historic buildings, including those owned by the Iron Work Farm.
Tour leader Amy Cole is an accomplished professional tour leader and has been improving this tour every time she does it. She grew up near Acton Center and knows the town well. She has a wide-ranging interest in Acton’s unique history. Parking on the 27th will be available at the Jones-Faulkner Homestead.
The walk is free but registration is required. Limit 25 people. Please register at https://tinyurl.com/Sep27-Acton250

Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market
2025-06-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Elm Street Playground, Elm Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Stock up on local produce and artisanal goods while you enjoy music, artisan offerings, our community table . . . and friends and neighbors.
Every Sunday, 10AM – 1PM, June 15 – October 12.

Iron Work Farm Open Houses
2025-09-28 13:00 - 17:00 | Jones Tavern, 128 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Iron Work Farm open houses and living history program
The Iron Work Farm continues its “4th Sundays” at Jones Tavern (1 to 3 p.m.) and the Faulkner Homestead (3 to 5 p.m.), as well as the latest living history family program, “Crown Resistance and other Matters of State.”
At 1:00 at Jones Tavern, former Acton Minuteman Captain Steve Crosby will read the declaration of the town’s resistance to the restrictions imposed by the British government in 1774.
At the Faulkner House, in connection with one act of local “resistance,” members of the Nashoba Valley Weavers Guild will demonstrate the surge in “home-spun” textiles that took place during that time.

Acton-Boxborough Annual Democratic Picnic
2025-09-28 14:00 - 17:00 | NARA Park Picnic Pavilion, 71 Quarry Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Please join the Acton and Boxborough Democratic Town Committees for their 38th Annual Picnic.
Come enjoy an afternoon of great friends, food, and freedom in support of Democracy! Hear your representatives speak, meet candidates, and learn more about what you can do to move democracy forward.
Suggested donation: $10 for individuals or $20 per family
Pay in advance at Act Blue: Act Blue AB Picnic or pay at the picnic by cash or check payable
to the Acton Democratic Town Committee.
Please help us support the Acton Food Pantry and bring a non-perishable item to donate.

Combatting Antisemitism in MA with Rep. Simon Cataldo
2025-09-28 16:00 - 17:30 | Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton, MA, 01720
The social action group Na’aseh (We will Act) of Congregation Beth Elohim, is proud to host State Rep. Simon Cataldo. Rep. Cataldo will speak about the findings and report of the Special Commission Combatting Anti-Semitism.
Rep. Cataldo co-chaired this commission formed in 2024. In time for the start of school, the commission issued its K-12 recommendations. Read the report HERE. The final report will be released in November. Rep. Cataldo will speak about the commission’s process and its recommendations for school districts, followed by Q & A. A short reception will follow.
Note that this event will be free and open to the public. For security reasons, attendees must pre-register at http://www.bethelohim.org/event/combatting-antisemitism.

Library: Meditation Series - Remaining Stable in Challenging Times
2025-09-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
This meditation series explores practical ways to remain centered and resilient. Discover how to create powerful layers of inner protection and experience a deep sense of stability from within.
Free event – Conducted by Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center, Watertown, MA

Space is limited, sign up on the program page on our website here.
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing library@actonma.gov.

Virtual - Who REALLY Wrote Shakespeare? with Author and Historian David Kruh
2025-09-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Hear the story of one man’s search for the “real” author of the works attributed to William Shakespeare and how – in a stunning piece of historical irony – that search played a role in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Register for the Zoom link here.
This program is in partner with the Ashland Public Library

Library: Sewing and Embroidery Club @ West
2025-09-30 12:00 - 13:00 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
Space is limited, sign up on the program page on our website here.
Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, come learn new techniques, share ideas, and enjoy crafting in community.
This month’s craft is: Fabric Teabag Bookmarks
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing WACL@actonma.gov. Please note that the West Acton Citizens’ Library has limited accessibility. More accessible programs are offered at the Acton Memorial Library.

Library: Sewing and Embroidery Club @ AML
2025-09-30 17:30 - 18:30 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Space is limited, sign up on the program page on our website here.
Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or a complete beginner, come learn new techniques, share ideas, and enjoy crafting in community.
This month’s craft is: Fabric Teabag Bookmarks
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing library@actonma.gov.

Beyond the Bridge - an Acton 250 Lecture
2025-09-30 19:00 - 20:30 | Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720
In 2023, Professor Bob Allison inaugurated the Acton 250 Lectures Series with an account of the Boston Tea Party of 1773 and the pivotal events that sparked the American Revolution. He returned to explain the critical changes occurring in the year 1774 when the Crown’s response solidified the colonial opposition. We are thrilled to have Bob for his third visit to discuss the events after the start of the Revolution.
Professor Allison is renowned for his expertise in American colonial history, and the political, social, and economic factors that converged in the 18th century, leading to Massachusetts’ significant role in the creation of the American nation. He has taught history at Suffolk University since 1992 upon receiving his doctorate at Harvard University. He chairs Revolution 250, a consortium of organizations planning commemorations of the Revolution’s 250th anniversary and is a life-trustee of the USS Constitution Museum.

Acton'sTrails Challenge
2025-09-03 14:30 - 16:00 | Provided after registration
“I Hiked Acton’s Trails!”

Walk the trails in Acton’s conservation areas with the goal of earning a sticker and a sew-on patch! These weekly walks are a joint effort between Acton Conservation Trust and Acton Conservation Division. We’ll walk a different conservation area weekly. Check out the “I Hiked Acton’s Trails” Challenge form HERE for more information about the challenge.

Date: Wednesdays from September 3 to November 19. Once you register, the location of each hike will be sent out each Sunday before the walk.

Time: 2:30-4:00 pm. Plan to arrive a few minutes early as we will start our hikes on time.
Typical distance: 1-2 miles

REGISTER HERE

Acton Community Supper - October
2025-10-01 16:30 - 17:30 | Mt Cavalry Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
Join us for our weekly community supper! We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you.
October 1: GRAB & GO: Pasta and Meatballs
Sponsored by St. John Lutheran Church of Sudbury
October 8: GRAB & GO: Chili and Cornbread
Sponsored by West Acton Baptist Church
October 15: SIT DOWN: BBQ Chicken Dinner
Sponsored by Boston Metro West Bible Church
October 22: SIT DOWN: Middle Eastern Chicken Dinner
Sponsored by Acton Boxborough Regional Islamic Cultural Center
October 29: SIT DOWN: Halloween Goulash and Spooky Slides
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Elohim

** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
Doors open at 4:15pm. Please, do not enter earlier 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.
For more information, see http://www.facebook.com/CommunitySupperofActonMA.

We are so grateful for the support and dedication of so many individuals, community
organizations, church members and the team of our Supper volunteers. Together we
hope that each meal we share will bring us closer together.

Acton COA Presents: Decluttering Without Burning Out: 5 essentials to make it easier (even enjoyable!)
2025-10-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or embarrassed just thinking about all the stuff in your home? You’re not the only one! Come learn 5 essential, practical ways to reduce your stress so you can stay motivated and make steady progress without the emotional roller coaster.
Forget “attacking” your clutter or “revving up” to get rid of it asap. There’s a better way: a more respectful, sustainable approach. Clutter is just part of life—together, everything is figure-out-able!
Let’s Start Now! Bring your clutter—clean towels, sheets or blankets, and Laura will donate them for you to Household Goods! Attendees have a chance to win a PDF copy of “Paper Clarity: What to Keep, Where and When to Shred.”
Laura Moore, M.Ed. is a life skills mentor and founder of ClutterClarity, LLC. For 30 years she’s helped families bring balance to their homes and lives through in-home services, personal coaching, and her weekly decluttering support group, Women with ClutterClarity (on Zoom). Author of “Paper Clarity: What to Keep, Where, and When to Shred.”
Open to all 60+/free

Council on Aging: Navigating Grief Group (Virtual)
2025-10-02 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Open to all Seniors (60+)/free

Are you experiencing grief from the death of an older loved one and finding it hard to cope with everyday life? If so, please join us in a new grief support group that will meet once a month for one hour via Zoom to discuss ways of coping with grief. Listening to others’ experiences can help you to better understand your own experience and may provide you with new insight in more constructive ways of dealing with this stage of life. This group will be led by Julie Norstrand, PhD, an experienced eldercare consultant who has worked with older adults and family caregivers for many years.

Please sign up with the Council on Aging at seniorcenter@actonma.gov. Funded by an Executive Office of Aging & Independence grant.

Library: Adult Writing Group
2025-10-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Conference Room (2nd floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Sign up on the program page on our website.
Writing Club is a free group for prose, poetry and non-fiction writers to come together, connect, share and create in a welcoming environment.
Optional Prompt: Describe a character, object or location in 3 paragraphs. Then strip it down to one paragraph, then three sentences and finally one sentence.

Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing library@actonma.gov.

Discovery Museum: First Friday Night Free
2025-10-03 16:30 - 20:00 | Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Free admission on the first Friday night of each month kicks off on Friday, October 3
Visitors can enjoy the Museum with free admission from 4:30pm to 8:00pm on the first Friday night of each month, October through June.
Though not required for admission, visitors are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation to be distributed to the Acton Food Pantry and Open Table.
First Friday Nights Free are made possible by MathWorks.

Danny's Place: Book Event about Raising Trans Kids
2025-10-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Danny’s Place, 543 Mass Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
Danny’s Place is thrilled to host author Rebecca Minor for a family-friendly celebration of her book, Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting This.
This event is designed for parents and caregivers, with engaging activities available for children while adults take part in the conversation.

Enjoy refreshments, meet the author, and get your book signed.
Books will be available for purchase through Silver Unicorn.
Build community, support LGBTQ+ families, and discover resources for your family’s journey.

All are welcome—come for the conversation, stay for the community! RSVP https://www.dannys-place.org/events/book-event-rm

Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest
2025-10-04 12:00 - 18:00 | St Elizabeth of Hungary, 89 Arlington Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Kick off October at the Food Truck & Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, October 4 from 12–6 PM at St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Acton (89 Arlington St.). Enjoy local food trucks, craft beer, live music from Final Approach, Sunrise Rock, and Wicked Betty and the Bad Habits, plus a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
$10 suggested donation (kids under 12 free).
For more information, see Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival.

Iron Work Farm Open Air Tap Room
2025-10-04 15:00 - 20:00 | Faulkner House, 5 High Street, Acton, 01720
Join us for an evening of family-friendly activities, music, and munchies!

Date: Saturday, October 4th
Time: 3:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: Jones-Faulkner Homestead, 5 High St. Acton, MA
Parking available in nearby commuter lots. Limited handicap parking available on site.
Faulkner Homestead
5 High Street, Acton

Family-friendly!

Enjoy face painting, an egg hunt!!, bobbing for apples, and lawn games for kids and grown-ups.
Take a “colonial” selfie at the photo booth, roast popcorn or make s’mores at the fire pits.
Enjoy live music by Babylon!

Tickets: $25.00 includes 1 drink/food ticket, kids under 18 are free!

Purchase tickets in advance through Paypal. Pick up your tickets at the will-call section of the admission table.
Please enter “Tap Room Tickets” in the special instructions section on PayPal.

For more information, see www.ironworkfarm.org.

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
2025-10-04 17:00 - 20:00 | Acton Boxborough Regional High School, 36 Charter Road, Acton, MA, 01720
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 can not wait to see you there!

14th Annual Ride for Food and 5K Walk
2025-10-05 07:30 - 13:30 | Noble and Greenough School, 10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA, 02026
Ride for Food 2025 to support the Acton Food Pantry

Choose from a 25-mile, 50-mile, or 100-K bike ride, or a 5K walk

Email Team Captain Andrew Gruskay gruskay@verizon.net to join AFP Ride for Food Team
Register your profile on the AFP Team page. Share with family and friends
Riders between 14-18 must be accompanied by an adult
5K walk open to all
Entry fee: $85, Fundraising Minimum (supports Acton Food Pantry)

Sign up to Ride/Walk Today!

Here’s the Anticipated Schedule:
7:30 – Attendees begin arriving for registration and check in
7:45 – Breakfast foods, coffee, snacks
Bike mechanics available for quick safety checks
DJ starts spinning
7:45 – Registration for 50 & 62.2 mile opens
8:15 – 62.2 mile riders depart
8:30 – First wave of 50 mile riders departs
9:00 – Registration for 25 mile opens
9:15 – Second wave of 50 mile riders depart
9:45 – 25 mile riders depart
9:45 – Registration opens for 5K walkers
10:00 – Walkers depart
11:00 – Band starts up
11:30 – Lunch begins: BBQ, food truck, beer, beverages and more
1:30 – Event concludes

Library: Meditation Series - Remaining Stable in Challenging Times
2025-10-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Sign up on the program page on our website.
This meditation series explores practical ways to remain centered and resilient. Discover how to create powerful layers of inner protection and experience a deep sense of stability from within.
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing library@actonma.gov.

Isaac Davis Toastmasters Open House
2025-10-06 19:00 - 20:30 | Acton Public Safety Facility, 371 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Please join us for the Isaac Davis Toastmasters Club open house at the Acton Public Safety Building.
Find clarity in your thoughts, sharpen your message, and step boldly into your confident voice.

Acton Garden Club: All About Cranberries
2025-10-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Learn about about cranberries with the Acton Garden Club! We won’t travel to Cape Cod for a tour, but this is the next best thing. How are cranberries grown and harvested? What makes them such a special New England crop?

Deb Kanady is a retired cancer center mental health counselor and researcher who moved to South Plymouth and lives in the cranberry bogs. She is a trained cranberry tour guide for Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association and several local farms and an avid birder and trekker.

Library: Teaching Tech - Libby @ West
2025-10-07 12:00 - 13:00 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
Sign up on the program page on our website.
Join us each month for Teaching Tech, a free, hands-on series where we explore a new technology topic in an approachable, beginner-friendly way.
This month’s topic: Libby
Please bring your smartphone, tablet, or laptop if you have one. If you don’t have a laptop, one can be supplied for you.

Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by emailing WACL@actonma.gov. Please note that the West Acton Citizens’ Library has limited accessibility. More accessible programs are offered at the Acton Memorial Library.

Acton COA Presents: Introduction to Reflexology with Rebecca Howard
2025-10-07 15:00 - 16:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
During this introductory presentation, local reflexologist Rebecca Howard will share information regarding the many benefits of foot reflexology as well as the historical development and practice of modern reflexology. Rebecca will teach participants some hand reflexology self-care techniques and provide demonstrations as time allows.
