(9-OCT-24) Typically quiet on a weekend morning, the Grange Room inside Town Hall had over 30 visitors on Saturday, September 28 for “Trash Talk,” an interactive event focused on the household waste generated by Boxborough residents. 

The event was cosponsored by the Boxborough Sustainability Committee and the Office of Land Use and Permitting.

Tables with specific “trash” themes were set up throughout the room, where visitors could learn about the problem (increased waste tonnage) and possible solutions...

(9-OCT-24) The Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) has announced dates for a series of public outreach forums throughout October. 

The forums will be held Wednesday, October 16 at 10 a.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library; Wednesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library; Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. via Zoom; and Wednesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library. 

According to a discussion at the most recent FSBC meeting on September 26, the forums are intended to be an opportunity for the town to share information with the public, as well as hear questions and feedback from the public...

(8-OCT-24) At its meeting on October 1, the Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed the certification of free cash, underspent budgets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the town’s pension liability, a Select Board warrant article regarding the town’s investment strategy, and a budget workshop with the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD).

The town received notice that the Department of Revenue (DOR) certified the town’s free cash (money that was not spent as of the end of the fiscal year plus any outstanding unspent cash) at $3.3M for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The portion of the free cash attributed to budgets that were not fully spent was approximately $787K...

(8-OCT-24)At its meeting on Monday, September 30, the Boxborough Planning Board reviewed a draft warrant article to amend the zoning bylaw for Accessory Dwelling Units and scheduled a public hearing regarding the same, discussed potential zoning bylaw changes along Route 111, voted on an earth removal permit at 100 Codman Hill Road, and provided comments on an application before the Zoning Board of Appeals.  

In preparation for the special town meeting on February 10, 2025, the Board reviewed draft language for a warrant article to amend the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 21 at 7:05 p.m. The ADU bylaw changes are needed to bring Boxborough’s zoning bylaw into compliance with the Affordable Homes Act, which was signed into law in August 2024...

(9-OCT-24) Boxborough Community Services Coordinator (CSC) Wendy Trinks will, again, serve as a co-signer for “Beacon Santa” applications this year. The Beacon Santa Fund provides gift cards for holiday gifts for children 1 to 18 years old across twelve area towns. 

The Beacon Santa Fund is managed by three volunteers from Maynard who are committed to making sure the “Beacon Santa” program continues to serve those in need. The program used to be administered by the now-defunct local newspaper, The Acton-Boxborough Beacon...

(9-OCT-24) The Acton Boxborough Resource Center (ABRC) has become a lifeline for Acton and Boxborough families who have come through its doors since it opened in September 2023. Almost 350 local families have been helped, including more than 500 children. 

Run by Acton-Boxborough United Way (ABUW) staff and volunteers, the ABRC is centrally located at the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District Administration Building thanks to a partnership with the district. The ABRC is open to all residents of Acton and Boxborough.

“Thanks to the generosity of the community, we’re able to provide free clothing for all ages. This tangible draw has been key to bringing in residents who might not have otherwise sought out help. So many people in our community are struggling to get by, and the needs are growing every day,” says Katie Neville, ABUW Executive Director...

(8-Oct-24) The Boxborough Birders, with funding from the Friends of Sargent Memorial Library and the Boxborough Well-Being Committee, will present an “Eyes on Owls” program on Thursday, October 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library. The program is free but requires registration in advance.

The program will be run by teacher/naturalist Marcia Wilson and author/photographer/naturalist Mark Wilson...

(8-Oct-24) The Town of Boxborough purchased Steele Farm in the fall of 1994. The Steele Farm Committee will host a 30th anniversary celebration on the property at 484 Middle Road on Saturday October 19 between 2 and 4 p.m. 

The event will feature seasonal refreshments and tours of the barn and Boxborough’s only remaining ice house. There will also be displays of various farm implements. While the public cannot tour the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse, there will be a “look in,” and pictures of the interior will be available...

(1-OCT-24) On Sunday October 13, the Boxborough Historical Society will present Ted Reinstein speaking on his book “New England Notebook: One Reporter, Six States, Uncommon Stories”. 

The presentation will be in the Grange Room at Boxborough Town Hall (29 Middle Road) starting at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free, all are welcome, and registration is not required...