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

Carlisle Potluck and Contradance
2025-02-14 18:30 - 22:00 | First Religious Society of Carlisle, 27 School Street, Carlisle, 10741
The Carlisle Dance, with its accompanying potluck dinner, is known as the most sociable dance in the area. Arrive at 6:30 for dinner and conversation, and then dance from 8 until 10. Live music by the Carlisle Band, who bring an eclectic collection of instruments. Outstanding local callers call mostly contradances, plus occasional square and circle dances.
Admission is just $6-10 (self-determined sliding scale) for all ages, along with your tasty and creative contribution for the meal.
You’ll find us at the lovely Unitarian Church in Carlisle Center on the Common. Navigate to 27 School St, Carlisle MA and look for a classic New England church with the town clock in the steeple.

Acton DPW polystyrene (styrofoam) collection
2025-02-15 10:00 - 13:00 | DPW, 14 Forest Rd, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
On the third Saturday of every month (except June, which is 2nd Saturday), you can recycle your clean styrofoam containers.
For details about the 2025 schedule, and what you can recycle, see https://actonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10278/Polystyrene-collection-days-and-guide-2025.

Acton Democratic Town Committee Monthly Meeting
2025-02-16 17:15 - 19:30 | Provided after registration
Please join us for our monthly meeting, followed by an optional group dinner. Learn what you can do to help protect Democracy in these perilous times.
For location and more information, contact actondtc@gmail.com.
We meet at 5:15 for schmoozing, 5:30 meeting, and dinner (pay your own way) immediately following.

Acton Commission on Disabilities presents "Crip Camp"
2025-02-18 13:00 - 15:30 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Acton’s Commission on Disabilities and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is showing the award-winning documentary film, “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, 1 p.m to 3:30 p.m. at the Acton Senior Center at 30 Sudbury Rd, Rear.

Popcorn and beverages provided. Pre-registration is helpful by calling 978-929-6611 and ask for Wanjiku.

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.

Acton Republican Town Committee Meeting
2025-02-19 18:30 - 21:00 | 5 Wampanoag Drive, 5 Wampanoag Drive, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Friends of Acton RTC Welcome! please RSVP to Chair or ARTC Officer
The Acton Republican Town Committee meets monthly to discuss local, state, and national politics.
Our meetings are open to all individuals interested in furthering the principles of limited Constitutional government and individual liberty.

Dave Lunger
Chair, Acton Republican Town Committee
State Committee, MA GOP Middlesex-Worcester

Open Town Meeting Panel Presentation
2025-02-19 19:00 - 20:30 | MA
Would you like to learn about alternatives to Open Town Meeting?
The 2024 League of Women Voters (LWV) – Acton Area Town Meeting Study Report summarizes a year’s worth of data gathering, study, reflection, and debate over the options available for town governance plus current and future opportunities for increasing community accessibility and engagement.
To register for this Zoom seminar and download the 2024 Town Meeting Report on Town Meeting alternatives go to https://www.lwv-actonarea.org.
Panelist include: Mark DiSalvo – MA Moderators Association, Gerri Slater – Norwood Moderator, Rob Rosenblum – Ludlow experience, Patricia Lloyd – Collin Center for Public Management.

Learn and Celebrate Inclusion: Experienced Authors Share Stories
2025-02-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Diversity and inclusion are under attack. Yet we have evidence that these values are a strength and good for business. Come hear from those who have seen successes of inclusion, diversity and equity in our workplaces and communities.
Colette Phillips, returns to Congregation Beth Elohim during Black History Month and will talk about her book, The Includers. She will be joined by author David DeLong, author of Hidden Talent.
In The Includers: The 7 Traits of Culturally Savvy, Anti-Racist Leaders, Colette Phillips explores the core qualities that inclusive leaders share: character, cultural intelligence, connections, communications, collaboration, courage, and commitment. With humor and poignance, and backed by research, Phillips shares stories of real Includers: the CEOs, politicians, and public figures—all white male allies—she’s admired, known, and, in some cases, counseled.
Colette Phillips has been praised by the Boston Globe for “changing the conversation about diversity in Boston.” She is president and CEO of Colette Phillips Communications Inc., and a impactful and respected leader of the Boston business community.
In Hidden Talent: How to Employ Refugees, Formerly Incarcerated, and People with Disabilities, David DeLong has written a book with innovative approaches and practical solutions for tapping overlooked talent pools.

Author, researcher, and president of Smart Workforce Strategies consulting firm, DeLong is a nationally recognized expert on the changing workforce and critical skill shortages. His book provides innovative approaches and practical solutions for tapping into overlooked talent pools.

Join us to hear from the insights of these authors. Register here: https://www.bethelohim.org/event/authors
Sponsored by Na’aseh and Adult Education committees of Congregation Beth Elohim.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.
