The Acton Exchange

Acton 250: “I Screamed with All My Might” – The Civilians Trapped Behind the Boston Siege Lines
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720
In the aftermath of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, numerous civilians found themselves trapped within Boston, encircled by the newly formed Massachusetts Grand Army. The constant fear of an American assault, coupled with outbreaks of disease and the erosion of civil liberties under martial rule fostered an atmosphere of desperation. The experiences of those trapped behind enemy lines unveil another dimension of the Revolution: the quiet endurance of ordinary men, women, and children who faced hunger, fear, and hardship in their struggle to survive. Author and Historian Alexander Cain will explain this difficult period on history.
Remote Participation: You can watch live on YouTube at Acton TV http://tinyurl.com/Acton-TV. Recordings will be available at Acton TV https://actontv.org/ and on our website https://www.actonma.gov/250.

Library: Virtual - Agents of Change -- The Women Who Transformed The CIA
2026-01-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Register for the Zoom link here.
Author Christina Hillsberg will discuss her new bestselling book, Agents of Change: The Women Who Transformed the CIA. Explore the pioneering women who changed the insulated world of international espionage — from the barrier-crashing challenges of the 1960s to the present-day reckoning — told through the eyes of a former intelligence operative herself.
RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.
This program is in partner with the Tewksbury Public Library

Umbrella Arts: Artist Reception
2026-01-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Emerson Umbrella, 40 Stow Street, Concord, MA, 01742
Marsha Wilcox’s ANCIENT LIGHT and Carl Ristaino’s INSPIRATIONAL JAM center two artists who, through unique processes, capture ephemeral moments in time that evoke wonder and imagination.
Wilcox uses a powerful telescope camera to create photos of great depth from dozens of long exposures that capture ancient starlight in deep space. Ristaino uses freestyle paint application techniques to layer acrylic colors that build energetic scenes inspired by improvisation

Acton-based Marsha Wilcox’s ANCIENT LIGHT illuminates celestial landscapes through March 22.
Hopkinton-based Carl Ristaino’s INSPIRATIONAL JAM builds freestyle acrylic paintings January 26-March 29.

An opening reception for both exhibitions takes place Wed., January 28, 6 to 8 pm.

RSVPs requested.

Acton Community Supper - January
2026-01-07 16:30 - 17:30 | Mt Cavalry Lutheran Church, 472 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA, 01720
Happy New Year to Everyone! Please join us to welcome in 2026. We look forward to sharing a meal and friendship with you every Wednesday.
January 7: Chicken Chili with Cornbread
Sponsored by Society of St. Vincent DePaul
January 14: Turkey Tetrazzini
Sponsored by Thrivent Financial
January 21: Pork Chop Cacciatore
Sponsored by Friends of Mike Tobia
January 28: Spaghetti and Meatball
Sponsored by West Acton Baptist Church

** Please note that the meals we serve may contain gluten, nuts, seeds, or dairy.
Doors open at 4:15 pm. 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.
As 2026 begins, we wish to express how grateful we are 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.

Technology Assistance Clinic
2026-01-28 13:30 - 15:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
All seniors are welcome to participate in this drop-in Technology Clinic whenever the need arises. Bring your technology questions, problems, and issues related to your computer, phone, or tablet.
If possible, bring the problem hardware (phone, iPad, computer) with you to the session. Several regular attendees are willing to share their experiences, and work with you, one-on-one, to address technology issues, from Windows system difficulties, email setups/usage, networking issues, upgrades, and assistance with “how do I” frustrations.
MAC and Chrome/Android users are welcome. If you are unable to attend in person and would like to talk with a Clinic member via Zoom or phone, please contact the COA and we will forward your information to a Clinic member.
Open to all/60 + free

Community Focus Groups: Help shape a healthier and more connected Acton
2026-01-06 10:00 - 23:30 | Zoom
The Town of Acton wants to hear people’s stories, ideas, and hopes for making our community stronger and fair for everyone. These small group talks are part of a big project to learn what people need and to help everyone feel healthy, included, and supported.
For any questions or accessibility accommodations, send an email to actonforproaction@3×3.co.
See a list of the available focus groups and register here:
tinyurl.com/2sjvdu7b
All focus groups are online – Zoom link sent after registration.
Sign Up Today!
Each session lasts from 60 to 90 minutes and centers on a particular perspective, but all Town of Acton community members are welcome at any session. Everyone who lives or works in Acton is welcome to join and share their perspective!

Library: Yarn & Needle Club
2025-03-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and sewers, join the library to work on your project and socialize! We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month.

Library: Gentle Yoga with Revolution Yoga
2026-01-26 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Register Here
Experience harmony and balance through this mindful practice designed to reduce stress, release tension and promote relaxation. Emphasis on self-awareness, breath, and honoring the body. This class is for all levels and beginner friendly.

Library: English at Large - Spring Beginner English classes
2026-01-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Acton Memorial Library Conference Room (2nd floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
This 90-minute class for complete beginners meets twice a week from January to April. You will learn basic English speaking skills to talk about yourself, daily routines, food, clothing, and more. This is part two, a continuation of the fall Beginner English class.
The class is free, but registration is required.
Sign up to receive information about the Acton class on the English At Large here. You will receive an email in January with the class schedule and the registration form.

Friends of Acton Libraries Winter Book Sale (Canceled Sunday)
2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Winter is upon us! What a great time to stay inside and read!
The Friends of the Acton Libraries will hold a live and in person used book sale the weekend of January 23 – 25.

Friday — Members of the Friends night — Be sure your membership is up to date before the Book Sale so you can have first crack at the great selection of used books at the sale preview. If you aren’t yet a member, you can join on Friday night. But why wait? Go to the Friends of the Acton Libraries website and pay online!
Saturday — General sale from 9 am until 4 pm.
Sunday — Cancelled due to impending snowstorm.

While not required, face coverings while inside at the sale are encouraged.
Both cash and credit cards are accepted!
For more information, contact The Friends at friendsofactonlibraries@gmail.com.

Theatre III presents Miss Holmes
2026-01-24 19:30 - 22:00 | Theatre III, 250 Central St., Acton, 01720
A play by Christopher M. Walsh.

When an anonymous note sends a newlywed wife looking for help, Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson work together to uncover the secrets surrounding a corrupt police inspector whose wives keep turning up dead. But this Holmes and Watson face far greater challenges than bringing the cunning criminal to justice.

In an era where gender roles are rigidly defined, these women dare to challenge societal norms. Inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, this theatrical fan fiction explores what added obstacles would be faced by these two iconic characters if they were women.
NOTE: Due to weather storm warnings, the Sunday, Jan. 25 show has been postponed to Thursday, Jan. 29. For more information, see https://www.theatre3.org/visit/tickets.

AB Community Compass: Share the Love Community Shoe Event
2026-01-23 17:30 - 19:00 | AB Resource Center, 15 Charter Road, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Acton-Boxborough Community Compass is partnering with Operation Warm and McGovern Subaru of Acton to “Share the love” with a donation of 100 pairs of new athletic shoes and socks for children from Acton or Boxborough.
Acton-Boxborough Community Compass se ha asociado con Operation Warm y McGovern Subaru de Acton para “compartir el amor” con una donación de zapatillas deportivas y calcetines nuevos para niños de Acton o Boxborough.

O Acton-Boxborough Community Compass está em parceria com a Operation Warm e a McGovern Subaru de Acton para “compartilhar o amor” com a doação de tênis e meias novos para crianças de Acton ou Boxborough.

Each child present from Acton or Boxborough will be gifted a new pair of shoes and socks (While supplies last). We will have sizes from 11 toddler through 8 big kid. While supplies last.
Please pre-register at bit.ly/AB-shoes so we can have enough pizza!

Library: Virtual - How Librarians Became The Unlikely Spies Of World War II
2026-01-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Register for the Zoom link here.
Author Elyse Graham will discuss her new book, Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II, the true untold story of the academics who became OSS spies, invented modern spycraft, and helped turn the tide of the war to defeat the Nazis.
RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.
This program is in partner with the The Tewksbury Public Library

Acton Republican Town Committee
2026-01-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Faulkner House, 5 High Street, Acton, 01720
Monthly meeting:
6:30 PM Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Faulkner House (circa 1700), 5 High Street
Friends of Acton RTC Welcome! please RSVP to Chair or ARTC Officer
acton-repubs@pm.me

Meeting Agenda: 6:00 to ~9

Library: Teaching Tech @ AML – Google Docs
2026-01-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Acton Memorial Library Conference Room (2nd floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Register Here
This month’s topic: Google Docs
No experience necessary—just bring your questions and curiosity!
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 library@actonma.gov.

Library: Teaching Tech @ West - Google Docs
2026-01-21 14:00 - 15:00 | West Acton Citizens’ Library, 21 Windsor Avenue, Acton, 01720
Register Here
This month’s topic: Google Docs
No experience necessary—just bring your questions and curiosity!
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.

America 250 comes alive with Paul Revere and Friends
2026-01-21 13:30 - 14:30 | Boxborough Community Center, 30 Middle Road, Boxborough, MA, 01719, United States
As our nation proudly marks America’s 250th Anniversary, the Boxborough Council On Aging invites the community to a spirited, patriotic celebration featuring Boston’s national award-winning musical ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll, appearing as Paul Revere and Friends™ on Wednesday, January 21st at 1:30 PM at the Boxborough Council On Aging, Boxborough, Massachusetts.

Blending history, humor, music, and heart, Kevin Driscoll’s Paul Revere and Friends™ brings America’s revolutionary spirit to life in a fun, engaging, and unforgettable way. With his signature wit and interactive ventriloquism, Driscoll will entertain audiences of all ages while honoring the courage, unity, and enduring values that shaped our nation.
Join us for an afternoon of patriotic fun, laughter, and reflection as Boxborough celebrates 250 years of the American story—told with music, puppets, and plenty of Revolutionary spirit!
Open to any seniors (60+).

Flu and COVID catch-up clinic
2026-01-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
D9d you forget to get your flu shot this fall? It’s not too late!
The Acton Nursing Service and Council on Aging are hosting a flu and COVID-19 clinic, with the help of the West Acton Pharmacy.

Flu vaccines are available for individuals ages 9+
COVID-19 vaccines are available for individuals ages 12+

To register for a flu or COVID vaccine, fill out the Vaccine Consent Form.
Viruses don’t care about your status; if you have any questions about eligibility or problems with the online form, phone the Acton Nursing Service at 978-929-6650.

Visit with Sophia Darsch from Acton’s Sustainability Office
2026-01-21 11:00 - 12:30 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
Do you have questions about home energy updates; Mass Save incentives & rebates; heat pumps, weatherization, and energy-saving devices; cost-savings, and energy bills?
Stop by the Senior Center for drop-in office hours with Sophia from the town of Acton Sustainability Office.
Bring your questions, your utility bills or just come to learn more about your energy- and cost-saving options. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please contact sdarsch@acton-ma.gov.
Open to all.

Energy Costs & Strategies to Reduce your Bills
2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Concerned about winter energy bills? Join Carrie Katan, of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, at an online meeting as she helps us understand our utility bills, reveals energy saving options from the utilities themselves, and looks at energy efficiency actions to take in your household. Topics include consumer energy rates (e.g. income eligible options and heat pump discounts), significant efficiency savings through Mass Save, and a look at possible future directions in the energy market. Co-sponsored by Energize Acton and MassEnergize.org.
For more information and to register, go to https://community.massenergize.org/ActonMA/events/2108.

Library: AML Book Discussion Group
2026-01-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Acton Memorial Library Meeting Room (1st floor), 486 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720, United States
Acton Memorial Library Book Discussion Group. Check this link to see this month’s and upcoming month’s books:
https://www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/kids-teens-and-adults/just-for-adults/book-groups/
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request by emailing library@actonma.gov.

Acton Songsters Concert of Songs by The Beatles
2026-01-20 13:00 - 13:30 | Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear, Acton, MA, 01720
The Acton Songsters, the Senior Center’s singing group of folks age 60+, led by Dr. Ed Knights, will perform some of The Beatles most beloved songs. You are welcome to sing along! New members are always welcome to join the Songsters group! If you’re attending the luncheon beforehand, make sure to sign up for that with the Council on Aging.
Open to all.

Martin Luther King Breakfast
2026-01-19 09:15 - 11:00 | Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton, MA, 01720
Please Join Congregation Beth Elohim for their 24th annual Martin Luther King Breakfast.
This year’s speaker is William Harlan Dickerson II, also known as Brother Will, Executive Director of the Brockton Interfaith Community.
Brother Will is a seasoned community organizer and faith-rooted leader with over 14 years of experience advancing justice and collective liberation. He currently serves as Co-Executive Director of the Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN).
Doors open at 9:15 for breakfast, 10 am guest speaker Brother Will.
Registration required: www.bethelohim.org/mlk-2026.

Nashoba Valley Chorale 50th Anniversary Concert!
2026-01-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Groton-Dunstable Performing Arts, 344 Main Street, Groton, MA, 01450
Come join the Nashoba Valley Chorale as it celebrates its 50th anniversary season.
The performance will include music by Bach and Britten and will close with Beethoven’s magnificent Mass in C, featuring four professional vocal soloists and full orchestra. The concert’s repertoire “reflects the different aspects of our history and showcases where we are now,” says Anne Watson Born, the group’s musical director.

Beethoven Mass in C
Britten Rejoice in the Lamb
Music of Bach, Vivaldi, Thompson, and Woo

Pay what you can. Tickets: www.nvcsings.org
