jan-jun 2026 features 

(25-JUN-26) On Thursday, June 25, the Boxborough Historical Society presented Jim Isenberg, age 96, with the Boxborough Cane, given to honor the town’s oldest living resident. Isenberg is the 12th recipient of the Boxborough Cane. 

Isenberg grew up in Brighton, IL, a close-knit farming community of almost 700 residents where “everyone knew each other.” At the age of 10, he started taking on odd jobs, running errands for a nickel, mowing lawns, washing cars and carrying water to a local barber shop. He said he practically “lived on his bicycle” earning a Boy Scout merit badge in the process. 

After high school, he went to Blackburn College and later to the University of Illinois, where he studied engineering, but decided to leave the university and enlist in the Navy during the Korean conflict. He was assigned to a ship in Norfolk, Virginia and traveled to Cuba, Greenland, Trinidad, Bermuda, and Venezuela.

Isenberg met his future wife Nancy at a U.S.O. dance at Newport News, VA. He moved to Massachusetts in 1955, married in 1956, and eventually made his way to Boxborough in 1968. He said Boxborough was a lot like the town where he grew up. It was “quiet and a good place to raise a family of four children.” 

Boxborough was a little different back then. According to the 1970 census, Boxborough had 1,474 residents. Isenberg remembers more farm land back then, a volunteer fire department, and only one police officer in town, who according to Isenberg, drove a Cadillac. 

Over the course of 37 years, Isenberg managed an engineering department at Raytheon, working on the Apollo Guidance Computer and Trident I and II.

Isenberg was active in the Unitarian Universalist Church in the Assabet Valley (formerly First Parish Church of Stow and Acton). He served as president of the church for 2 ½ years, the “clerk of the works” for construction of Fellowship Hall, the Finance Committee, the Buildings and Grounds committee, and generally pitched in wherever he was needed, even baking apple pies for the annual fund raiser. 

When his wife Nancy passed away in 1992, Isenberg said his church gave him a “purpose in life,” and he found companionship with someone special, spending time traveling together. 

These days, Isenberg spends time with his family including seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. 

Hello Boxborough News Readers,

Tomorrow is Fifer’s Day! We are excited to march in the parade tomorrow morning and meet you, our readers, at our festival booth in the afternoon. 

We’re celebrating three years since we launched Boxborough News and our goals remain the same: to strengthen our community and promote civic engagement by delivering unbiased, factual reporting on local events, issues, and people. 

We love Fifer’s Day not just because it brings our community together, but also because it’s our annual opportunity to get your feedback and ideas about Boxborough News. 

What do you want to read in Boxborough News? More board and committee news? More human interest stories and community features? Is there a topic that we aren’t covering that we should add? We can’t wait to hear from you!

And of course, we’re always looking for more people to join our amazing volunteer team. If you want to help us grow this hyperlocal news project, or you’re just curious about what it means to be on the Boxborough News team, come talk to us. 

See you tomorrow!

Cassie LaRussa & Abby Reip

Boxborough News Co-Editors

(11-Jun-26) Over 400 seventh-grade students participated in the fourth annual Civics Fair at R.J. Grey Jr. High School on Tuesday and Wednesday June 9 and 10.  

A civics fair is similar to a science fair; students display their work on civic-related issues and real-world problems. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, “student-led civics projects support the development of civic knowledge, skills and dispositions that are necessary for informed civic participation.”  

Social Studies department coordinator and teacher Anthony Zeese said “The Civics Fair is my favorite project. It is so important for students to be able to identify issues they care about, learn more about them through research and share their knowledge with the community. It is a wonderful way to showcase all the learning our 7th graders do over the course of the year.”  

Student project topics were wide-ranging and varied. Boxborough students Callen Macdonald focused on voter turnout/engagement, while Sahiti Sukuru’s project centered on financial literacy and Yasim Kocer’s project centered on school funding for the arts.  

Sophia Price’s project dealt with protecting the beaver she named “Boxy” at Paddock Estates in Boxborough. “People sometimes forget that this is Boxy's home too,” said Sophia. “The beavers were here before us, and I think we should try to find ways for people and wildlife to live together before choosing lethal solutions. Even though my Civics Fair project is over, my mission isn't. I'm going to keep showing up and speaking up at public meetings because I want to be part of finding a solution.”

Other projects included topics like the dangers of food insecurity, book banning, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, the escalating cost of higher education, immigration, problems with AI and a host of other issues too numerous to mention.  

Certificates of achievement were presented to students by the League of Women Voters – Acton Area (LWV-AA) and community leaders, who listened to student presentations, asked questions, provided feedback and commended students for their hard work. 

“Our hope is that this work provides a foundation for a lifetime of involvement in protecting our democracy, and building a better world community for all of us,” said Boxborough LWV-AA member Susan Bak. 

The Civics Fair was open to the wider community after school on Wednesday June 10, which attracted an estimated 300 attendees.  

Student-led civics projects became a formalized portion of the Massachusetts Junior High School curriculum through the enactment of S2631 – an act to promote and enhance civic engagement.  R.J. Grey social studies teachers approve student projects following the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education guidelines.

(11-Jun-26) by Nate Kim

Under the scorching sun on Friday, June 5, 2026, 413 seniors dressed in blue marched around the Leary Field Track to Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance," some keeping perfect time with the music while others struggled to match the rhythm.

“I couldn't help but feel a bit sad,” said Henry Wang, a junior and National Honor Society Vice President who led the graduating seniors. "Knowing that I won't be able to see and greet all of my senior friends in the hallways hasn't gotten to me yet.”

Abhi Sanal, a graduated senior, had a different reaction. “Finally! I'm just so happy that it's all over.”

The ceremony opened with international greetings from students and the national anthem, performed by the senior vocal ensemble. 

High School Principal Joanie Dean welcomed the graduates, friends, and families with her speech focused heavily on the sense of community and connection that characterized the Class of 2026. 

The student speakers Solaina Chandra and Anna Li both addressed the duality of joy and uncertainty graduation brought. Both encouraged their classmates to embrace their authenticity against the anxiety of others' judgments as they enter the next chapter of their lives.

The ceremony spotlighted eight retiring faculty members including Janet Maxwell, Susan Ropiak, Rob Donaldson, Hye Kyung Dragone, Peter Cacciola, Karen Farrar, Michelle Hirth, and Andrea Koumjian.

Superintendent Peter Light presented the 2026 William L. Ryan Community Service Award to the Acton Food Pantry for their accomplishment in distributing more than 230,000 pounds of food since moving into their new building last year.

Following the award presentation, members of the senior band performed “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

The school then recognized Class Scholars, council officers, National Honor Society officers, and class leaders for their academic achievement and service to the community.

Following the recognition ceremonies, faculty members read the names of all 413 graduates as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. Superintendent Peter Light then formally certified that the graduating class had completed all of their requirements.

To close off the ceremony, retiring social studies teacher Rob Donaldson delivered the ceremony’s final remarks. He challenged the common saying that high school or college are “the best years of your life,” instead encouraging students to believe that their best years are always ahead of them.

With those final remarks, hundreds of blue caps soared into the cooled evening sunset above Leary Field. After four years of classes, competitions, performances, and friendships, the Acton-Boxborough class of 2026 officially became graduates.

(4-Jun-26) This spring, people of all ages flocked to the Sargent Memorial Library to participate in the Spring Movement Series, hosted by the Boxborough Well-Being Committee and the town’s Community & Social Services department.

The series was held on four Saturdays in May; the free classes included Jazzercise/stretch combo, line dancing, Tai Chi/Qi Gong combo, and Bollywood dancing. According to Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks, the May 2026 Movement Series was attended by 72 participants. 

The program continues to grow in popularity, with a significant increase in participation compared with the prior Movement Series, which had 44 participants.

“The series has seen a huge increase in participation over the last three years, as people are looking to move more and enjoy multicultural programs. A big difference in the 2026 series was increased family participation with parents attending alongside children," Trinks told Boxborough News.

Mary Halvey Dove, Movement Series organizer and Well-Being Committee member, also commented on the success of the Series.  “...All sessions were well attended, and when the weather cooperated, they were held outside. Feedback from the attendees was very positive. We hope to continue this series next year." 

The Movement Series was made possible by a grant from the Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council.

(4-Jun-26) On Saturday, June 20, Boxborough will gather to celebrate the 58th Annual Fifer’s Day. The festivities span most of the day and include a road race; a parade from Blanchard Memorial School to Flerra Meadows; a ceremony to recognize this year’s winners of the Golden Fife and Parade Marshal awards; and an old-fashioned fair with food, music, booths, and a volleyball tournament. 

The event is jointly sponsored by the Boxborough District Minutemen Company and the Town of Boxborough's Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee (PCCC). The Fifer’s Day tradition goes back to 1967, when the newly-formed Boxborough District Minutemen Company celebrated the first “Fifer’s Festival” to commemorate local contributions to the American Revolution. 

While the town of Boxborough did not exist during the American Revolution, namesake fifer Luther Blanchard lived in the portion of Littleton that later became Boxborough. Today, it’s a celebration of tradition, connection, and small-town pride. A day when you see everyone you know, the kids run free, and we all feel lucky to call Boxborough our home. 

The day starts with the Fifer’s Four Mile Road Race. The race begins at 9:30 a.m. at the entrance to Flerra Meadows on Stow Road, and follows a flat four-mile course. 

At 10:30 a.m., parade participants start lining up in the Blanchard Memorial School parking lot. The Golden Fife and Parade Marshal winners are revealed as they take their positions of honor in the parade. The Parade Marshal is a person who has done something exceptional for the town. The Golden Fife Award is awarded to a Boxborough resident who has demonstrated long-term volunteer service to the town.

At 11 a.m., the parade steps off and makes its way west on Massachusetts Ave, turning left down Stow Road to Flerra Meadows, where the fair and the volleyball tournament are held.In addition to the Golden Fife and Parade Marshal winners, the parade also features two Blanchard sixth-graders recognized by their teachers for exhibiting Blanchard’s “STARR values”: support, teamwork, attitude, respect, and responsibility. For the parade, the two students play the parts of Luther Blanchard, the Minuteman fifer, and Lucie Hager, the historian who shared Luther’s story. 

  The parade also includes an assortment of Boxborough crowd-pleasers: the Boxborough Police and Fire Departments, Boxborough Minutemen and minutemen companies from surrounding communities, the Blanchard Band, and Boxborough scout troops, community organizations, and businesses. 

  At noon, after the parade arrives at Flerra, the Boxborough PCCC presents the Golden Fife and Parade Marshal awards and recognizes this year’s “Luther and Lucie” sixth-graders. Then, the Captain of the Boxborough Minutemen officially kicks off the Fifer’s Day fair.  

  The fair includes craft, vendor, and information booths; food available for purchase from the Boxborough Minutemen; live music, and kids’ activities. At 12:30, the annual volleyball tournament begins, with three brackets of competition. The fair typically winds down by 5 p.m.

  For more information or to register for the road race or volleyball tournament go to https://boxboroughminutemen.org/fifers-day. To participate in the Fifer’s Day parade, contact pccc@boxborough-ma.gov. 

(4-Jun-26) On May 29 and 30, Democrats from across Massachusetts gathered at the DCU Center in Worcester. Among the more than 4000 delegates who attended the convention were Boxborough students Grace Connor, Andrew Tan, and Nate Kim, as well as Boxborough Democratic Town Committee members Megan Connor (DTC co-chair), Renee Smutney-Fritz, Steve Schmitt, Alethea Tan, and Dick Wagman.

“As a student, it was especially meaningful to participate in a convention alongside delegates with decades of political experience,” said Nate Kim. “It showed me that young people can have a voice in the process, as well.”

(28-MAY-26) Summer is almost here and that means that the Sargent Memorial Library will, once again, host the Summer Reading Program.

This year's theme is “Dig Up A Story,” celebrating paleontology and archaeology all summer long! That means lots of digging and lots of discoveries. There will be ancient artifacts, dinosaurs, and fossils, and they’ll dig up the best stories about all of it.

Boxborough News reached out to Youth Services Librarian Heather Waddell who told us, “After last year's amazing Level Up At The Library theme, we knew we needed to find something just as cool this year. Luckily, just about everyone loves dinosaurs, so we know this year will be RAWR-some. I'm excited to learn new dinosaur facts, dig into great books, make too many dinosaur puns, and have lots of fun at our events this summer. There are also some surprises planned that are going to be hard to keep secret, but I'm trying!”

The Summer Reading Program starts on June 29. Registration for the events, activities, and the Reading Challenge opens on June 10 on the library’s website (boxlib.org). 

The Reading Challenge is open to all ages, from babies through high school. Not-yet-readers are encouraged to participate because listening to books also counts toward the Challenge. 

Some of the “bigger events” this summer include a Dinosaur Egg Hunt Kickoff on June 29 and a Fossil Dig (with real fossils) on July 22. “Readers of the Lost Book”, a music, comedy, magic, and storytelling performance, will take place on July 29, and  “Mindfulness Story Time with Magical Ms. Kimberly” is scheduled for August 3. 

The Summer Reading Program culminates on August 13 with an end-of-summer party, featuring games, ice cream, and a bouncy house.

(20-May-26) This Spring, the Boxborough Birders has collaborated with Fivesparks, a community arts collaborative in Harvard, to present the art exhibit “Birds!”, a collection of 236 works by 97 artists from across the country. 

In connection with the exhibit, the Boxborough Birders have led several bird walks on Harvard conservation lands and have also installed a display at Fivesparks about “practical actions anyone can take to help birds thrive, such as “plant native species, drink Bird Friendly certified coffee, make windows safe, and avoid using pesticides and rodenticides,” said Boxborough Birders Steering Committee member Charlotte Russell. 

“The scale of it has been a first for us,” said Russell who – along with fellow Steering Committee members Rita Gibes Grossman and Liz Markiewicz – first approached Fivesparks with the idea for collaboration back in March 2025. “Boxborough Birders had mounted photography shows in the past,” said Russell, “and doing something together seemed like a good way to broaden community awareness of both organizations.” 

Since last year, Boxborough Birders have worked closely with Fivesparks Executive Director AnaMaria Nanra and Fivesparks Exhibits Committee Chair Mamie Wytrwal, who acted as curators to solicit, select, and install artwork for the exhibit. Boxborough Birder members were among the chosen artists (including Charles Bandes, Patsy Collins Bandes, and Daniela Plesa), as was Boxborough’s Assistant Town Administrator, Rajon Hudson.

Birds!, which opened on April 18, 2026 and runs until May 30, 2026 “explores and celebrates the wonder, beauty and diversity of birds by featuring works that reflect not only birds themselves, but also their habits, homes, interactions, impacts and traces.” “This collaboration could not have happened without AnaMaria’s enthusiasm, creativity, and tireless effort, and we deeply appreciate the support of the entire Fivesparks team of Board members and volunteers,” said Russell.

Other upcoming events connected to the Birds! exhibit include a guided bird walk with the Boxborough Birders on May 23, a poetry reading on May 29, a “PJ Storytime Author Visit” on May 29, and a Live Bird Show with Amazing Animal Ambassadors on May 30.

Fivesparks, founded in 2017, operates with a mission of “cultivating artistic and cultural opportunities for a multi-generational community.” Their vision is “to be a celebrated destination for vibrant arts and cultural experiences.” More information about Fivesparks and their events calendar can be found at http://www.fivesparks.org/.

The Boxborough Birders, founded in 2004, “serves Boxborough and nearby towns by creating a diverse and welcoming community where people of all ages, abilities, and levels of experience can share their enjoyment and knowledge of birds and bird conservation.” The group is led by a Steering Committee of eleven members from Boxborough and surrounding towns.

  “Respect for the habitats we visit and the birds we observe is a core value,” noted Russell. “We always welcome new members and ideas. Though we have expert birders who travel all over the world to birdwatch, there’s a lot to see in our own backyards, and beginners will find Boxborough Birders to be a friendly and helpful community.”

The Boxborough Birders’ 2026 season began with a March Woodcock watch in Boxborough, and walks occur in Boxborough, Acton, Harvard, Littleton, and Stow most Saturdays and Sundays during Spring and Fall migration (weather permitting). 

Aside from their birding walks, the Birders “participate in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, encourage citizen science projects (such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s FeederWatch), host a Google Group for enthusiasts, just started a book club, and have at least one speaker annually,” explained Russell. The Birders also currently have a photography exhibit on display through June 22 at the Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton “featuring seven of our professional and amateur photographers.”

  More information about the Boxborough Birders, including a calendar of events and free sign-up for their email list, can be found at https://boxboroughbirders.org/. They will also have a table at Boxborough’s Fifer’s Day. 

I’m running for re-election to the Select Board because I love our town. I’ve volunteered here since I was right out of college, serving in both town government and the schools, and that experience has shown me the value of collaboration, listening and thoughtful problem-solving. I believe the Select Board should be approachable, and I want residents to feel comfortable sharing their concerns, questions and ideas. Today, three generations of my family live in town, giving me firsthand perspective on the needs of residents at every stage of life. As we face growing budget pressures, I remain committed to balancing services and fiscal responsibility while finding practical solutions that benefit the community as a whole. I will also continue advocating for state and federal funding to support our schools and town services. I would truly appreciate your vote and would be honored to continue serving and working every day to keep Boxborough the community we all value.

As your Select Board representative for the last 3 years, I have strived to provide steady, hands-on leadership to address issues of concern to Boxborough residents. Recognizing the need for a new fire station, I worked to build consensus in the community to advance the project through feasibility study, site selection, design funding and zoning changes. In collaboration with my Select Board colleagues and town administrator, I worked to address staffing shortages in Town Hall, Police and Fire departments. To facilitate resident participation, I brought to fruition volunteer run child care at Town meetings. If re-elected, I will provide steady leadership to take the fire station project to its completion, strengthen town fiscal health through thoughtful commercial redevelopment, advocate for additional state funding, and promote proactive measures on water resources, and climate resilience. I will continue to incorporate transparency, civility, communication and cooperation in all of my endeavors.

I'm running because I want to give back to the town and keep Boxboro as a great place to raise my kids and to keep it that way for future generations to come.

My wife Karen and I have lived in Boxborough for 34 years, where we raised our family and remain deeply involved in the community. Over the years, I have served on the Planning Board, chaired the Economic Development Committee, helped lead the town’s small business grant program, and volunteered in youth sports and other community efforts. I am running for re-election because I believe Boxborough needs thoughtful planning, strong collaboration, and disciplined leadership as we address the opportunities and challenges ahead. I have consistently worked to balance growth pressures with preserving Boxborough’s character, open space, natural resources, and quality of life. That includes thoughtful work on the village center, Mass Ave corridor, MBTA Communities implementation, and redevelopment opportunities for aging office parks and other commercial properties that strengthen our tax base. I also believe the Planning Board should operate with clear expectations, better coordination, and timely, well-grounded decisions that serve the entire community.

I believe that we can bring together the talent and resources in our community to build a better future through smart growth with a community focus. We can achieve thoughtful, low-impact development while protecting the town’s natural resources and growing the commercial tax base. As a long time Boxborough resident, I bring over 30 years of professional experience in environmental permitting for development projects. I understand careful planning needed to grow responsibly and protect our health, especially in our town, where the drinking water flows from local aquifers. As a Planning Board member, I have approved over 700,000 square feet of commercial space while applying the rigorous review necessary to ensure these projects are in the best interest for Boxborough residents and businesses. I am continuing to explore ways to streamline our review processes. I ask for your vote as I look forward to continuing to serve the Town.

Hello, I am Gary Kushner, 31-year resident of Boxborough. We raised our two children through Blanchard and the AB school system. I spent 18 years on the FinCom and 3 years on the Blanchard school committee prior to regionalization. I also served on the library building committee and Boardwalk campus building committee. I created the Boxborough Capital plan and currently reside on the capital committee. I am a program manager at Dell Technologies. I was disappointed that a minority of the planning board members voted against correcting a major mistake made by a previous planning board in leaving "municipal" off our zoning bylaw tables at last year’s STM. This in turn has led to a big delay in the fire station process and an increased cost to the town. I can also see no reason why it should take 8 months to a year to review and either approve or deny a project.

I’m running for School Committee because many issues need to be addressed that require thoughtful leadership. We’re implementing an elementary reset, leading the search for a new superintendent, and managing a budget that is not entirely under our control. These decisions will shape the experience of families and residents for decades, regardless of their participation level in our school district. My background is in managing complex budgets, weighing trade-offs, building consensus, and showing my work. These are skills this committee will need as we monitor progress across these priorities. Effective representation means listening and working closely and respectfully with educators, families, residents, and committee members. It means asking hard questions and being transparent about our answers. We must ensure that every student can take full advantage of the high-quality education that defines our district, and that we are thoughtful about costs and the tax impact for residents.

I am running for School Committee because I want to make a difference within our school district and I am ready to tackle the very important tasks ahead of us. I am committed to a smooth, stable reorganization transition for everyone affected. I believe our next superintendent must fit well with our community, understand our values, and be able to build and maintain trust. I will balance the needs of the district with the financial constraints of the towns and taxpayers, and advocate for strong school funding at both the town and state levels. Given my 14 years of experience in local government and 9 years of volunteering and engagement within the school district — along with a commitment to listening, collaborating, and being transparent — I believe I can contribute meaningfully as a School Committee member and help move our district in a positive direction.

I’m running for the AB School Committee because I care about the future of our schools and community. As a parent with children in the district, a Licensed Professional Engineer, project manager, and youth hockey coach, I bring personal investment and professional experience to this role. My career has centered on balancing budgets, planning for long term needs, solving complex problems, and bringing the right people together to make thoughtful, data driven decisions. Our schools are at an important turning point. We need to support students, families, and educators through the AB Forward reorganization while addressing long term financial sustainability and the search for our next superintendent. We cannot continue reducing services and expect the same outcomes for students. I believe in transparency, collaboration, and respectful communication. My goal is to ensure Acton Boxborough remains a strong, supportive, and academically excellent district for all students, now and in the future.

As a Sargent Memorial Library trustee, I want to continue to build on the great work Director Peishan Bartley and her staff have accomplished to create a welcoming, safe space that supports the changing needs of all community members. Over the last six years, we’ve seen a remarkable transformation in the kind of content, programs and services patrons want from our library. We’ve also had more requests for spaces to convene. The library staff redesigned the patio and indoor space in response to requests by community members. (If you haven’t dropped by lately, come see our new indoor gazebo and study pods!) A rich and varied series of programs for children, adults and families continues to draw in people looking to learn new skills, share ideas, or simply to have fun. I see our library as the heartbeat of our town, and I want to continue to be part of it.

Libraries are more than just places to borrow books — they are welcoming spaces where people of all ages can learn, connect, and grow. My family and I visit the library often, taking advantage of the incredible programs, events, and resources it provides. From children’s and adult activities to community events, I have seen firsthand how important the library is in bringing people together. Libraries inspire curiosity, creativity, learning, and a lifelong love of reading, and I want to help ensure those opportunities continue for everyone in our community. As a frequent library visitor and supporter, I would be proud to serve as a trustee and help the library continue to thrive as a vital community resource for years to come.

I am running for reelection to the one-year term for Town Moderator so that I can continue to serve the Town in this essential role. I offer the voters the right combination of experience, ability, and interest to perform as their Moderator. I have presided over 7 Town Meetings in my 4 terms of service and have demonstrated my commitment to providing a fair and productive meeting experience for all. I understand how Town Meeting is supposed to work and will continue to seek ways to improve the meeting process and voter experience by working in partnership with the Select Board, Town Clerk, and Town Administrator. As the appointing authority over the Finance Committee, I will continue to seek qualified volunteers to serve on the Finance Committee. I welcome the opportunity to continue my service to the Town as its Moderator and respectfully ask for your vote on June 2nd.

(14-May-26) Nate Kim, an Acton-Boxborough Regional High School junior from Boxborough, has won the Congressional Art Competition for the Massachusetts Third Congressional District. 

Each Spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. 

Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

Boxborough News reached out to Nate to congratulate him and ask some questions about his artwork. 

Q: When did you first start painting? Do you or did you take lessons?

After an inspiring visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, I started to study oil paint two years ago by watching many YouTube videos to learn how to paint like 19th century French academics who motivated me to oil paint, but I owe much of my foundation in the medium to Barbara Shapokas  and her thoughtful mentorship at the Art Studio.

Q: What made you decide to enter your painting into the Congressional Art Competition?

I wanted to put my work out there, and I thought it would be fitting to enter a piece set in Boxborough into a competition that celebrates student artists across the district. 

Q: What is the title of the painting? Did you paint from a photo or did the subject pose?

"Midsummer Indolence," the title of my painting, comes from writing my rationale for the MAEA competition earlier this year. The painting is set in a scene I took a picture of while working at Flerra Summer Playground last summer, and being in such a serene environment helped me relieve some of my stress from that summer, and that feeling is where the title came from.

Q: When did you paint this painting? How long did it take to complete it?

I painted it last fall during my Studio Art class at school. The painting itself took around five hours, but building the canvas and planning for the painting, like laying out the design and structuring the values and colors, took more time than painting it.

Q: What is the medium (of the Flerra painting), and what is your preferred medium?

I used oil paint for this painting, and it has settled itself to be my favorite medium to work with. That said, I've come to realize that oil painting borrows so much from other mediums that it feels incomplete to favor just one.

Q: How often do you paint, and what are your favorite subjects to paint? What do you enjoy most about painting and/or creating art?

 I like to paint as much as possible, but recent time constraints have limited me to paint only about two to three times a month. From copying old masters' portraits when I started to learn oil painting, I've loved to paint portraits. Studying facial structure to explain the faces we encounter everyday has fascinated me, and capturing my close friends through drawings and paintings have been one of my favorite ways to celebrate my relationship with them. 

Q: Are you considering focusing on art after you graduate high school?

 I hope to continue learning or at least practicing painting after high school alongside studying my interests in politics and philosophy. 

Q: Will you attend the annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.? 

My family and I will be attending the reception ceremony at the Capitol on June 25th. I'll also take the opportunity of being in DC to visit the Smithsonian and study the work of painters I've long admired.

(14-MAY-26) FreeBee Market, Boxborough’s volunteer-run food rescue initiative, will launch its sixth consecutive season on Saturday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m. at UCC Boxborough on Mass Ave.

This year's season features a later start date and a restructured calendar due to positive shifts in the regional food security network.

“We’re starting later this year,” founder Heather Fleming shared in an update to the organization's volunteer network. “Many of our partnering food resources are experiencing higher demand and have new storage in place, meaning there is less poised-for-waste food to rescue. This is actually a good thing.”

FreeBee Market sources its inventory by rescuing surplus food from local supermarkets, farms, and regional distributors before it goes to waste. Recent infrastructure expansions at regional organizations, including the Acton Food Pantry, mean local entities are successfully storing and distributing more food directly, reducing the volume of immediate surplus available for Saturday rescue markets.

To ensure a consistent supply, FreeBee is partnering with the Acton-based Boston Area Gleaners (BAG). Funded through a charitable subscription sponsored by local resident Kristin Hilberg, the partnership allows FreeBee to reliably source fresh, locally grown food for Boxborough residents throughout the season.

The 2026 schedule includes four major, large-scale Community Markets, supplemented by scaled-back, weekly Saturday food rescue distributions. The four cornerstone Community Markets are scheduled for:

• July 11: Season Opener

• August 15: Back-to-School Market

• September 12: Harvest Fair Market

• October 24: Season Finale and Costume Giveaway

Additionally, the FreeBee garden team is actively cultivating local community plots to supplement the markets with town-grown produce.

Residents interested in volunteering, joining the garden team, or learning more about the program can contact organizers at freebeecommunity@gmail.com, or stop by the FreeBee tent at Fifer’s Day on Saturday, June 20. 

(7-May-26) The Boxborough gardening community will, once again, come together for the Boxborough Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9. Perennially scheduled the day before Mother’s Day, this annual event offers more than just an opportunity to purchase plants; it represents a meaningful gathering involving community spirit, environmental appreciation, and local support.

Held on the lawn of the UCC Congregational Church at 723 Massachusetts Avenue, the plant sale runs from 9 a.m. to noon and welcomes gardeners of all experience levels. Whether attendees are seasoned horticulturists or beginners looking to start their first garden, the event provides a wide variety of options. 

Plants suited for both sun and shade will be available, including annuals, perennials, seedlings, and house plants. This diversity ensures that visitors can find something for their specific needs, whether they are cultivating a backyard garden, enhancing indoor spaces, or experimenting with new varieties.

Boxborough News reached out to Garden Club President Flo Hanover to ask if there was anything new this year. “We have a whole bunch of peonies,” Hanover said, describing some of the colors that will be available for sale. 

Proceeds from the sale are directed toward funding a scholarship for an Acton-Boxborough graduate, reinforcing the Garden Club’s commitment to education and community development. In addition, funds support the Colonial Herb Garden on Hill Road, a local historical and botanical site that reflects Boxborough’s heritage and dedication to preserving traditional plant knowledge. 

At the sale, gardeners share advice, exchange ideas, and learn from one another in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The informal setting encourages conversation and collaboration, making it just as much a social gathering as it is a marketplace. Additionally, the plant sale promotes sustainable practices. 

By purchasing locally grown plants, attendees support environmentally responsible gardening and reduce the environmental impact associated with large-scale plant distribution. Many of the plants are often cultivated by members of the Garden Club themselves, ensuring quality and care.

As spring reaches its peak in early May, the timing of the event is ideal. It allows gardeners to begin or expand their planting at a moment when conditions are favorable, setting the stage for a vibrant growing season. The colorful selection of flowers and greenery enhances landscapes and contributes to local biodiversity, supporting pollinators and other wildlife.

The Boxborough Garden Club Plant Sale reflects the intersection of nature, community, and purpose. It highlights how a simple activity, buying and planting flowers, can enhance spaces, support education, and preserve history. The event offers a chance to engage with the community while embracing the joys of gardening. 

With its combination of practical benefits and meaningful impact, the plant sale stands as a cherished annual tradition in Boxborough. To learn more about the Boxborough Garden Club, visit the plant sale tomorrow or email Flo Hanover at fhanover10@gmail.com. 

(7-May-26) As campers continue to register for Boxborough’s Flerra Summer Playground, Directors Brian Picca, Laura Spurling, and Courtney Stevens are busy preparing for the program’s 2026 season. Flerra Summer Playground is a half-day summer program held outdoors at Flerra Meadows in Boxborough during the month of July. It is open to children who are entering kindergarten through seventh grade.   

As in past years, the program directors are looking to the community for support and enrichment for the campers. Cleaning out the basement? The program directors would welcome donations of board games and craft supplies for this year’s campers. 

Interested in stopping by as a visitor? The directors welcome community members who have a talent, skill, or ability to share with the campers. Any residents interested in being a visitor can contact the directors at flerrasp@gmail.com.

“As always, a push for big community support and participation is what we are all about,” said Director Brian Picca. “We love meeting new members of the community, helping each other out, and making FSP not just a summer camp but a real point of town pride in providing for the children.” 

Flerra Summer Playground will run for four consecutive weeks: July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, and July 27-31. The cost is $150 per week. Campers are organized by grade and participate in arts & crafts, games, and sports. 

This year, the weekly themes will be “Carnival” week July 6-10, “Nations” week July 13-17, “Characters” week July 20-24, and “Nature” week July 27-31. Weekly activities will include the always-popular “Tie Dye Tuesday” and “Water Wednesday.” The directors are also hoping to add “Musical Bingo” on Thursdays.

Campers can be registered through the Boxborough Recreation MyRec page at https://boxboroughma.myrec.com/. Questions about Flerra Summer Playground or the camper registration process can be directed to flerrasp@gmail.com. 

(7-MAY-26) This time of year, we anxiously await the arrival of new birds as they make their way north to their breeding grounds. One of these arrivals is awaited with worried conversations and predictions, “Have you seen a Hummingbird yet?” 

The answer for Boxborough is, “Yes, they are here and more are moving through daily.” The individuals we see today are probably migrating further north and our resident birds will be here soon. 

Many put up feeders and watch them throughout the summer. We see them argue and fight around the territory of the feeder with open aggression and control. The acrobatic skills amaze us. We watch the males arguing for territory, the females looking for nest sites, and later, the babies learning how to be Hummingbirds. We are entertained for hours. 

With that in mind, what will the newly arrived birds find? How successful will they continue to be here? 

Massachusetts has only one species of Hummingbird, the Ruby-Throated. Aptly named by the male's flashy, colorful throat patch. But did you know that most of their food and energy source comes from eating insects? The babies grow exclusively on bugs for protein; it is only when they fledge that they will find nectar from flowers and our sugary feeder. If Hummingbirds lose the insect food source, they will fail in successfully raising their babies. 

Where do the insects come from that feed and nourish the adults and babies? Your stately Oak trees are the number one source. Oak trees host 450 different insect species, eggs, larvae or adults. These insects feed many species beside the Hummingbird. Warblers, Flycatchers, Phoebes, Swallows, Thrushes and Mockingbirds to name a few. 

Other deciduous trees are hosts to various insects, but none rival the sheer number an old Oak tree can provide. If we cut down the Oaks, we lose the food source of many birds and they will not be successful in raising young. Displaced birds cannot simply move to another area of standing trees because that area is already taken by birds who defend their territory because their life and future depend on it. Over a short period of time the population dies out and we walk around wondering why the woods are quieter each year.

Overall, birds need quality food sources, quality nesting sites (in living trees amongst the branches and in dead trees in the holes they can excavate in the wood) and safe places away from cats and dogs. We are not helpless in this scenario, and there are many choices we can make to help the animals that frequent our yards. We need to preserve and protect their nesting and food resources and be better stewards of our yards and properties. If we change the habitat, we lose the species. 

(30 Apr 26) On Saturday, May 2, the newly-minted Boxborough chapter of the Weed Warriors will hold its first “work party” to remove invasive plants from Patch Hill Conservation Land. The Boxborough’s Weed Warriors chapter is led by Boxborough’s Land Stewards Coordinator Dave Barnett. The Town of Boxborough, via the Conservation Commission, has recently joined the “Weed Warriors,” a free program managed by Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT).

“By joining this program,” explained Barnett, “we now have access to the regional experience and expertise of the staff at SVT - as well as that of the volunteer weed warriors in other regional towns with established Weed Warrior chapters.” The goal of the Weed Warrior program is "to have a unified force of trained volunteers to tackle invasive species management throughout the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord River (SuAsCo) Watershed."

The May 2 work party in Boxborough is open to all interested volunteers and will focus on cutting and pulling Asiatic bittersweet vines. The group will meet at 9 a.m. at the Patch Hill Conservation Land trailhead on Liberty Square Road just north of Benjamin Drive. 

Tools will be provided, but volunteers “are encouraged to bring their own digging tools (spades, mattocks, etc.) and/or lopping or pruning shears.” Volunteers are also reminded to wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and work gloves. The work party is not recommended for children.

Says Barnett, “The Patch Hill Conservation Land is one of the Town's largest conservation properties, comprising nearly 220 acres of woodlands. With vernal pools and streams, Patch Hill has great ecological and wildlife habitat value. An extensive network of trails also provides recreational value and access to this important woodland. 

This area, however, is being threatened in several locations by invasive plant species. The Town is currently working with Oxbow Associates to develop an inventory of plant species and an overall invasive species management plan that will be utilized over the next several years. We are initiating the Weed Warrior program at the trailhead on Liberty Square Road because it has been identified as one of the most threatened locations and of highest priority.”

According to Mass Audubon, "all invasive plants were first introduced to our area by humans as landscape specimens, or in some cases, accidentally. Because they did not evolve in our region, the natural mechanisms that normally control these species in their home ranges don't exist. As a result, these non-natives can out-compete, displace, and kill our native species."

When asked whether residents can independently remove invasives from Boxborough conservation land, Barnett replied, “the short answer to this question is that residents should first attend one or more work parties or training sessions, and once their knowledge has been confirmed they will be allowed and encouraged to remove invasives on their own.”

Can’t make it on May 2? “There will definitely be future work parties in this same location, and then additional locations in the Patch Hill Conservation Land as well as other conservation land throughout Boxborough,” says Barnett. “This will be a multi-year, ongoing effort!”

(23-APR-26) When voters pick up their pen and ballot for this year’s town election on June 2, they will have choices to make. There are three candidates running in each race for Select Board, Planning Board, and School Committee, but only two open seats on each. This means that voters will have to choose two of three candidates for each race. 

The Select Board candidates are Kristin Hilberg (incumbent), Priya Sundaram (incumbent), and Patrick Kyle. The Planning Board candidates are Rich Guzzardi (incumbent), Cindy Markowitz (incumbent), and Gary Kushner. The School Committee candidates are Andrew Boncoddo, Hilary Greven, and Felicia Knihtila. 

How to choose?

On Wednesday, May 6, the Acton-Area League of Women Voters (LWV) will host a Candidate Forum for Boxborough residents to hear from the candidates in the contested races. The forum will take place at Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road, at 7 p.m. It will be televised live on BXB-TV and a recording will be available for later viewing. 

Tara Zantow, League member and co-chair for the Boxborough Candidates Forum, confirmed that all candidates in contested races, except for one who will be out of town that day, have confirmed their attendance. The candidates will be asked a series of questions by moderator Sue Flicop, a member of the Wayland Chapter of the League of Women Voters. Flicop may also take questions from the floor if time allows. 

To prepare for the forum, the LWV is soliciting questions from Boxborough residents. Residents can submit a question for consideration to lwvboxforum@gmail.com by Wednesday, April 29. A LWV committee will consolidate and prioritize questions received. 

“We want to give Boxborough voters an opportunity to learn about candidates who will be making decisions that impact our community on everything from human services to law enforcement to environmental protection,” said Zantow. “Find out which candidates reflect your priorities and values!” 

The LWV is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state, and national government. They do not support or oppose candidates or political parties. The LWV has been organizing local candidate forums for the past seven years.

The Boxborough town elections are Tuesday, June 2 at Boxborough Town Hall. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition to the three contested races, there are also three uncontested races for Moderator, Board of Health, and Board of Library Trustees.

(23-APR-26) If you have driven past the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School campus on Hayward Road, you may have noticed three electric school buses plugged into chargers and wondered how the school district acquired them and how they are used. 

According to Kate Crosby, Sustainability Director for the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, the buses and the bi-directional charging stations were paid for through a combination of state and federal grants. They will be used to reduce strain on the electric grid at times of high demand, in addition to transporting students. 

The initial grant for $200,000 was received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Inflation Reduction Act, through a program intended to improve air quality for students. Combined with a $1.4 million grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, a state agency focused on the growth of the clean energy sector, the district was able to acquire the school buses and charging stations. None of the funds used to acquire the buses or chargers came from the school budget.

According to the Electrification Coalition, a nonprofit that works to accelerate the adoption of all types of electric vehicles, electric school buses cost more than traditional diesel-powered school buses but are less expensive to run, saving an estimated $100,000 in fuel and maintenance over the lifespan of each vehicle. Additionally, electricity prices are less volatile than diesel, reducing school budget uncertainty. The district’s three electric buses will charge at night, when electricity prices are typically lower. 

The chargers received by the school district are bidirectional, meaning they can allow power to flow from the grid to the buses and also allow the buses to discharge from the buses’ batteries to power a building or return energy to the grid for compensation at times of high demand. In the summertime, when daytime electricity demand is higher, the buses will charge at night and return energy to the grid during the day. 

In addition to the lower lifetime costs of the electric buses and their charging stations, they are also quieter to drive and eliminate diesel exhaust exposure for both students and drivers. 

A press release from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center with more information about the program is available here: https://www.masscec.com/press/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-participants-groundbreaking-vehicle-everything. 

(16-Apr-26) Every once in a while, something happens in life to remind us how important our daily posture truly is. It can be something acute that has been building for years of bad posture and suddenly you feel it strongly. It can be something that has slow, intermittent pain patterns that keep visiting us periodically until we pay attention. 

But regardless of the feedback, the doctors and the physical therapy technicians give us exercises to help us correct a lifetime of imbalances, and we get frustrated with how slow the progress is. We forget that it has taken us years of unbalanced movement patterns to get where we are today. 

What if I told you that you can begin to make a difference in your future body right now. Small and consistent changes can make a big difference in our perception of pain as well as change the biomechanics which cause higher rates of wear and tear. It is never too late.

Two concepts that I talk a lot about in posture is the idea of Doctors Office Tall. Everyone knows exactly what I am talking about. We go to the doctor and get our heights measured and we stand up as straight as we possibly can in hopes of coming out taller than we are normally. That concept should haunt you as frequently throughout the day as possible. 

Each time you think of it, you should use all your available muscles that make you taller whether you are sitting, walking or standing. Keep repeating Doctors Office Tall and follow how the body immediately kicks in and gets taller.

The other concept is what I call Sensitive Feet. It means actively spreading our toes and pressing the foot evenly into the floor. My yoga teacher spoke of a foot being like a car. There are four pressure points (tires) that need to be used consistently for even use. 

This develops our arches, ankles, knees and hips evenly so those areas are stronger with balanced muscular strength and flexibility. We have less pain and discomfort going forward as we age. Again, this awareness can creep into our day as we sit, stand or walk. 

Once you have the feeling of these two awarenesses, combine them for an even more positive impact. You will feel the action from the ground to the top of your head and everywhere in between. 

Repeat these actions as frequently as you remember them and hold for as long as you can focus. Sometimes that will be fleeting, maybe it will be a couple of minutes of consistent awareness, but regardless of the time, your body will thank you. 

(16-Apr-26) Spring has sprung in Boxborough, and if you live near a wetland, you may be enjoying the loud chirps of the peepers (tree frogs). But the wetlands are also the primary breeding ground of mosquitoes which can carry West Nile virus and the virus that causes Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Both of these viruses threaten the health of humans and livestock and have been found in Middlesex and Worcester counties in the past few years. 

The Boxborough Board of Health coordinates with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) to help reduce the impact of mosquitoes in Boxborough by spraying larvicide over the wetlands. 

Residents can expect to see low-flying helicopters dispensing larvicide over Boxborough’s wetlands starting on or about Tuesday, April 21. The aerial larvicide application (drop) is typically performed during the April school vacation week after the CMMCP field technicians have checked the sample locations to verify larvae status. The goal is to kill the larvae just as they hatch for maximum impact. 

A map of this year’s proposed treatment areas is available here: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6384/Central-MA-Mosquito-Control-Notice-41426 

CMMCP uses an environmentally sensitive product known as Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to control the larval mosquito. When the mosquito eats the Bti spores and crystals, they enter the larvae's stomach and dissolve. These crystals produce a toxin that is fatal to the mosquito, but has little or no impact on other aquatic life that eat it or come in contact with it, and it is harmless to humans. 

According to Boxborough Board of Health chair Marie Cannon, “In past years, the impact rate has been 80-90% reduction which is very good. Since the Blanchard School site is one of the key locations, we prefer to avoid doing the ‘drop’ while school is in session.” Cannon recalls only one time in the past 10-15 years that the drop was done when school was in session and believes that it was delayed likely due to heavy rain.

For more information about the Boxborough Board of Health, visit boxborough-ma.gov/292/Board-of-Health. To learn more about mosquito control, visit CMMCP at cmmcp.org.

(9-APR-26) Note from the Editors: “Being Well in Boxborough” is a column written by the Boxborough Well-Being Committee, led by Chair Mary Pavlik. 

Message for the Community from the Well-Being Committee: After a long cold winter and a demanding flu season, spring has finally arrived. The Well-Being Committee is dedicated to fostering community connection as we emerge into the light of a new season. 

Updates from the Community Services Coordinator (CSC): Wendy Trinks, CSC, recently visited Household Goods in Acton and noticed the urgent need for smaller appliances, kitchenware and linens. If you have further questions, please email wtrinks@boxborough-ma.gov. 

How to Help: Drop off the essential items, listed below, at Household Goods, 530 Main Street Acton on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to Noon.

• Small Appliances: coffee makers (drip/K-cup), toasters, and countertop microwaves, air fryers and more.

• Kitchen Essentials: Silverware, plates, pots, pans, and glassware (no stemware).

• Linens: Clean sheets (they don’t have to match), towels, and blankets in all sizes (no weighted blankets).

• Link to All Accepted Items: https://www.householdgoods.org/donate/donate-goods/donation-guidelines/

(2-APR-26) On Saturday, April 11, Danny’s Place will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a party for the entire community. “Whether you grew up here, raised a kid here, volunteered here, supported us from day one, or have never stepped inside, this party is for you,” says the Danny’s Place team.

The event will take place at their space at 543 Massachusetts Avenue in Acton from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and feature live music from Sons of Businessmen (Acton-Boxborough Regional High School alumni) and food and drink from True West Brewery. All ages are welcome.

For the past twenty years, Danny’s Place has offered after-school programs, creative workshops, leadership development, and “a space where kids ages 3 to 18 can show up exactly as they are.”   

“Danny’s Place is a warm, welcoming space with thoughtful programming and incredible staff,” said Boxborough resident Kristin O’Neil. “The inclusive and supportive community they have fostered has helped both of my children thrive. We feel so fortunate to have this local resource and look forward to being a Danny’s Place family for a lifetime!”

Afterschool programs range from “caregiver-and-child” programs for 3- to 5-year-olds, “Storybook Club” for first- and second-graders; “Penguin Club” to build social skills and emotional intelligence; arts, crafts, and gaming programs for junior high students; and peer support groups and financial literacy programs for high school students. They also offer programming on school half-days and holidays, and throughout the summer months.   

Danny’s Place values and fosters community leadership as well. Students in seventh and eighth grades can participate in the Junior Youth Leadership Council, where they can contribute to the work of Danny’s Place and serve the larger community. High School students can join the “U-Project” and receive support from Danny’s Place staff as they develop “community-passion projects.”

Danny’s Place was founded in 2006 as a tribute to Danny McCarthy, who died three years earlier in a car accident when he was only sixteen.

Says Executive Director Katie Gorczyca, “His tombstone is engraved with one of his favorite sayings: ‘I have a life.’ His friends and family knew exactly what he meant. Danny's house had always been the place — not because of anything they could easily name, but because of him. His warmth, his humor, and his openness made people feel like they belonged.”

Since then, Danny’s Place has encouraged thousands of young people from Acton and Boxborough to “grow into their most curious, courageous, and confident selves.”

"Danny's Place has always been about creating a sense of belonging," said Gorczyca. "Twenty years in, we're evolving, becoming not just a space for young people, but a catalyst for their growth. This night is a chance to celebrate what this community has built and to look forward to what's next."

The April 11 celebration also marks the launch of a Class Year Giving Challenge, inviting past participants to reconnect and give back, organized by graduation year. The campaign will continue through the fall.

Tickets for the April 11 event start at $20, with family and group bundles available. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. More information is available at https://www.dannys-place.org/two-decades.

(2-APR-26) Trevor Smith, an award-winning regenerative landscape designer and founder of ReEarth Solutions was the featured speaker at the Boxborough Conservation Trust’s 2026 Annual Meeting on March 31.

Smith’s talk focused on the importance of adding native plantings to home landscapes, emphasizing the need to address environmental changes by bringing our ecosystem back into equilibrium. He encouraged the BCTrust membership to see the beauty of native planting and to learn about how native plants work in harmony with the other residents of our landscapes from pollinators to birds to mammals.

When considering what types of native plants to include in your garden, Smith noted that Boxborough sits in Ecoregion 59, the Northeastern Coastal Zone. This Ecoregion crosses several planting zones, but what unites the region is the species of plants that are native and most beneficial to that area.  

Massachusetts crosses several ecoregions, but plants that are native to Boxborough actually have more in common with parts of Maine and New York than they do with Cape Cod or the Berkshire area of Massachusetts. That, Smith explained, differentiates ecoregions from planting hardiness zones.

Smith discussed how native plants require much less mowing, weeding, and fertilizing than traditional lawns. Because they have deep, sturdy roots, they’re also naturally drought-resistant, while helping the environment. Smith also explained the differences between native plants, nativars, and cultivars and encouraged everyone to design a landscape they actually want to spend time in, even if that means mixing in a few non-native favorites with the essential native plants. 

In his closing remarks, Smith emphasized the need for biodiversity to create climate resistant landscapes.

To learn more about the BCTrust, please visit https://bctrust.org. 

(26-MAR-26) Margie Callaghan, the music teacher at Blanchard Memorial School, has been awarded the Donna Nagle Excellence in General Music Award. This award is presented annually by the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) to one outstanding general music teacher. 

Callaghan received the award on March 19 at an award ceremony during the MMEA conference at the DCU Center in Worcester, and she will also be listed in the MMEA journal and on their website. During the award ceremony, the presenter read a quote from Christina Whittlesey, who nominated Callaghan, saying “students don't just learn music, they fall in love with it. That's the Margie effect.” 

The criteria for the award include being employed by a public or private school in Massachusetts for a minimum of 10 years, demonstrating outstanding leadership and dedication in the general music field, and making important contributions to the general music field.

Every child at Blanchard takes general music classes, so Callaghan teaches approximately 400 students a year. She also directs the extra-curricular choral program there. Her teaching uses the Kodály methodology, which is focused on singing.

Callaghan, who has been teaching at Blanchard since 2002, told Boxborough News that she enjoys working with elementary-aged children rather than junior high age or older. She loves seeing the growth in children between kindergarten and 6th grade, and said she wants “to get them hooked on music forever.”

Her favorite quote, which she often uses while teaching, is from Ella Fitzgerald: “The only thing better than singing is more singing.”

Said Callaghan, "I'm incredibly grateful to work in a community that values, supports and celebrates the arts. I'm honored to receive this award, and I'd like to thank all of the staff members, administrators, students and community members who help make Blanchard such a special place. I look forward to many more years of making music"

Callaghan earned a Bachelor of Music Education, with a minor in Vocal Performance, from Central Michigan University and a Master of Education with a Kodály emphasis from Anna Maria College. She also holds Kodály certification from the Kodály Music Institute at the New England Conservatory of Music. 

More information about the award, and MMEA, can be found at https://www.massmea.org/awards.

(26-MAR-26) Members of the Boxborough Minutemen Company and the Steele Farm Committee joined together on Saturday, March 21 to perform the unpleasant but much-appreciated job of cleaning up an abundance of dog feces from the trails and meadow areas of Steele Farm and Flerra Field.

Boxborough News reached out to Boxborough Minutemen Company Past Captain Tony Newton to learn how and why the clean-up effort was organized. Newton told us that this was the first year this effort was undertaken and was precipitated by his and his wife Pauline’s frequent visits to Steele Farm. 

“Pauline and I realized the problem as frequent walkers at Steele (with our dog Benny) and thought this would be a good community project for the Minutemen. The Company agreed and supported it. Minutemen are a unique Boxborough institution and are quite visible for our ceremonial and historical activities. We are less known for the civic support we can provide, including organizing Fifers Day, clean up of Mass Ave, help with FreeBee Market, and others. We all enjoy being part of the small town experience.”

Minuteman and Steele Farm Committee member Ray Sanne worked with Newton to organize the clean-up logistics. The Steele Farm Committee purchased the “scoopers” for the job and will store them at Steele Farm for future use. 

The volunteers jokingly referred to themselves as the “poop patrol,” making light of the nasty job, but dog feces has been identified as a human health risk.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, dog feces can contain parasites, bacteria, and viruses which cause significant diseases to humans and animals. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) notes the impact that dog waste has on water quality. “When pet waste is left on the ground, rain or snowmelt carries the bacteria into our surface water supplies…and…goes directly into our streams, rivers and lakes… Bacteria and other parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium found in pet waste can survive for long periods when left on the ground…During the next rainfall, these can get washed into the drinking water supply, compromising water quality.”

According to Newton, after completing their work at Steele Farm, the volunteers decided to “continue the fun” and scooped poop at Flerra Meadows, as well.

(19-Mar-26) The Boxborough Recreation Commission will host the fourth annual Run BXB, a community 5K race on Sunday, April 12 at 11:00 AM. The race will begin outside Craft Food Halls at 500 Beaver Brook Road and follow a scenic route to Fifer's Field. Runners will then complete two loops on a paved path through the field and surrounding conservation area before returning back to the starting point.

This year's race will serve as a fundraiser to support renovations for the playground at Flerra Meadows, with $5 from each registration going directly toward the project. The Flerra playground renovation will include replacing the main playground structure and installing an ADA-compliant surface. The total cost of the project, including a contingency, is expected to be $300,000. 

“Over the years, the current large structure has seen a lot of wear and tear,” Greven told Boxborough News last year, when first seeking Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for the project. “So we are looking to install a new large structure to complete the improvements to the playground, providing a safe and exciting playground for residents and the hundreds of children who attend Flerra Summer Playground.”

On January 8, the Community Preservation Committee approved $300,000 in FY2027 CPA funds. This and other CPA-funded projects will be on the warrant for Boxborough’s May 2026 Annual Town Meeting. This year's Run BXB continues a Boxborough's tradition that combines fitness, community engagement, and support for public spaces. Registration and additional details are available through the links below.

• Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Boxborough/RunBXB

• Race Map: https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6689753545

• More Info: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/788/Run-BXB-2026

(19-Mar-26) On Monday, March 16, the conditions were perfect for a “Big Night” – a warm, rainy night just right for amphibians to emerge from their winter hiding and seek a vernal pool for the spring. Throughout Boxborough and surrounding towns, these lucky creatures were ushered across roadways by brigades of enthusiastic crossing guards armed with flashlights, reflector vests, and buckets, undeterred by the soggy conditions.

Rita Grossman and Ann Seymour are the coordinators for Boxborough’s “frog brigade.” Seymour first began volunteering with an amphibian crossing group from Acton, and Grossman joined her in 2021 when Depot Road was added as a crossing area. 

“We pick them up and move them in the direction they are traveling – almost always towards the vernal pool, which is obvious by the cacophony of frog sound,” Seymour explained to Boxborough News in advance of this year’s Big Night.

This year, roughly 23 volunteers were stationed across Boxborough on Monday night – at Old Harvard Road, Littlefield Road, and two sites on Depot Road.

“We had heard about the salamander brigades last year and thought it would be super fun to join,” said first-time volunteer Caroline, who brought her two young daughters Gwen and Maren (pictured). 

“We wanted to learn more about these beautiful amphibians and their pals and help them safely cross the street and it was an opportunity to do something totally new to all of us gals, together for the first time! With the added bonus of making new friends across age ranges and diverse backgrounds all with the love of nature as a commonality!”

Caroline’s daughter Gwen spotted the brigade’s very first creature of the night, “a teeny tiny spring peeper about two inches from her foot as we were walking.” And then her daughter Maren found the next. “I think their lower to the ground perspective was actually really beneficial!” 

The girls were excited to find several salamanders as well. “What a treat to see creatures that live 90% plus of their lives underground out strutting their stuff and all knowing exactly where to go,” added Caroline.

Boxborough volunteers recorded a total of 201 live peepers (84 dead), 63 live wood frogs (11 dead), 2 live unidentified frogs (23 dead), 22 live spotted salamanders (5 dead), and 7 live red-backed salamanders (1 dead). Combined with the “brigades” operating in Acton and Littleton that same night, volunteers from the three towns saved more than 1,000 amphibians.

More information about the project can be found at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/791/Vernal-Pools-Amphibian-Brigade. 

(12-MAR-26) On April 10-12, the Friends of the Boxborough Library (Friends or FOBL) will host their twice-yearly used book sale, with proceeds supporting library programs and museum passes. 

It will be the final book sale for outgoing Friends president Anne McNeece, who has been leading the organization for the last twenty years. 

(5-Mar-26) Every year, usually early spring or very late winter, on a wet, rainy evening when ambient temperatures are at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit, wood frogs, spring peepers, and salamanders “wake-up,” emerge from their winter locations, and head to vernal pools to “mate” and lay their eggs. This is usually referred to as a “Big Night.”  

Vernal pools are critical habitat locations for these species. The pools provide a “safe” transitional water habitat for these species to mate and lay their eggs before they dry up later in the season. However, frogs and salamanders sometimes have to cross a street to get to their vernal pool – and when driving after sunset on a rainy evening, it is almost impossible to see them until it’s too late. 

So, over the last six years, volunteers in Acton, Littleton, and Boxborough have rallied to monitor the roads in an effort to prevent these species from being run over.  Rita Grossman and Ann Seymour coordinate the “frog brigade” in Boxborough. Seymour first began volunteering with an amphibian crossing group from Acton, and Grossman joined her in 2021 when Depot Road was added as a crossing area. 

When they mobilize for a “Big Night,” usually in March or April, Seymour, Grossman, and other volunteers grab their rain gear and flashlights and head out in search of frogs and salamanders along the roadway. 

“We pick them up and move them in the direction they are traveling – almost always towards the vernal pool, which is obvious by the cacophony of frog sound,” explains Seymour. “If we make a mistake, they will not be deterred and will turn around and go the other way than where we put them. They are smarter than us for sure.” 

Kids get in on the action, too. “I love doing it because it’s helping animals,” says Sadie, age 12. Her advice? “Make sure you put them on the opposite side of the street!” 

“It is really striking how you can get a bit of the amphibian’s perspective when you are out there on a ‘Big Night,’” said Sadie’s mom, Becky. “There are so many frogs, and the speed and carelessness of cars is striking. It’s very hard to avoid hitting some, unless you slow down and take caution in these areas of high crossing for just a few nights a year. The more helpers, the better, because moving live amphibians is much more rewarding than counting dead ones!”

In Boxborough, volunteers work primarily on Depot Road. According to Seymour’s log books from the past several years, the Boxborough group has saved anywhere from 15 to 91 creatures on a “Big Night.”  

Each volunteer gathers data on what species was found, where it was found, and whether it was dead or alive. The data is submitted to Ian Bergemann, the Town of Acton’s Community Conservation Specialist, who coordinates the Amphibian Brigade effort for Acton, Boxborough, and Littleton. 

“For me, the most important thing is that every life is important,” said Seymour. “One female wood frog carries between 500 - 3000 eggs, so every adult life saved is the potential of that many offspring. With the overwhelming environmental pressures we see on all animals around us, whatever number we stop from being run over by a car is helpful to the species. This makes  being outside in the cold wet rain of early spring worthwhile.” 

“These frogs and salamanders are critical to controlling mosquito populations as they eat mosquito larvae,” added Grossman. “Which I consider far preferable to spraying insecticides.” Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more can contact Ann Seymour (Ann@daringdogyoga.com) or Rita Grossman (rgibesgrossman@gmail.com). 

(5-MAR-26) As the snow thaws on Flerra Meadows, Flerra Summer Playground is once again looking for students ready to step into a role that many current counselors once envisioned themselves in.

For Kareem Elsallal, a counselor since 2024, the best part of the job is simple: "The kids. Just being able to get out there and connect with your community," said Elsallal, who attended Flerra as a camper, remembers long summer days spent outside of school with friends and the sense of security counselors provided. One rainy memory stands out for him where a counselor calmly guided campers to safety. "I looked up to them,” he said. "And to be a counselor is to become those whom I looked up to once."

That sense of continuity lives throughout the program. "Many of our counselors were campers themselves and have fond, lifelong memories of their counselors and their time at camp," said Lead Director Brian Picca. "We like to remind our counselors that it is now their job to do the same for their campers.”

Picca added that the role offers students from 7th grade the opportunity to mentor children from Acton, Boxborough, and surrounding communities through sports, games, and arts and crafts. “In an era dominated by screens, Flerra provides the timeless fun of outdoor times, teamwork, and safe play. Counselors model inclusivity, responsibility, and enthusiasm, giving campers space to be energetic and creative outside the classroom,” said Picca.

Elsallal says the role has helped him grow as a mentor and a role model. He particularly enjoys the camp-wide "Gaga Ball" tournaments, which bring together campers of all ages and skill levels. "It includes everyone,” he added, noting that the games highlight individual talents while strengthening the camp's tight-knit culture. Many staff members are familiar faces in the community, and seeing them connect with the younger generation has deepened his pride in being part of Boxborough.

For students considering applying, Picca said, “Flerra offers more than a summer job. It is a great opportunity to step into leadership, build relationships, and create the same lifelong memories that once inspired them.” 

Flerra Summer Playground Counselor Application: https://boxboroughma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29851

(26-FEB-26) March is soon upon us, and with this month comes a visual transition to Spring. The snow begins to melt, the birds begin to sing differently, and sap starts to flow for new growth in the trees. Some birds have already nested, and eggs have been laid; others are feeding newly hatched chicks, and the child raising has begun. Still others are not even here yet to begin their reproductive journey to successful little ones. It is a time of rebirth, a shift in energies, and feelings of renewal and growth abound. 

(19-FEB-26) The Town of Boxborough welcomed Emily Roux as its new Treasurer/Collector in December 2025. 

Roux comes to Boxborough with extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. She started her career working in accounting for a Dunkin franchise. When she had learned all she could in that position, she moved on to a career in the municipal sector. She worked first as an Assistant Treasurer/Collector and later as the Treasurer/Collector in the Towns of Shirley and Leicester.   

Having grown up in Acton, where her parents still live, she liked the idea of being closer to her family. Roux said the position in Boxborough provides a “more equitable work-life balance,” which is important to her.    

So far, she said, the most challenging part of the job is learning the way Boxborough operates. “It’s like trying to put a puzzle together with the pieces face down. In time, the oversight and inconsistencies will dissipate, as my assistant and I are committed to seeing the office succeed.”  

Roux is looking at ways to streamline Treasurer/Collector processes to make them more efficient, in particular, the process for how benefits and payroll were managed. While not finalized, plans are in the works to eliminate the “lockbox” where residents mail property tax payments to a third-party vendor. Eliminating the “lockbox” will reduce expenses for the town.  Either way, residents can still mail in or drop off tax payments at Town Hall.  

There are also plans to mail property tax bills to residents on a quarterly basis, rather than bi-annually, starting in Fiscal Year 2027, making it easier for residents to remember when a tax payment is due.  

Boxborough News asked Roux what she wanted Boxborough residents to know about her. She responded that she wants residents to know that she is accessible either in person, by phone, or by email.  

When she’s not doing bank reconciliations, issuing and paying debt, or the other myriad tasks and daily functions of the Treasurer/Collector’s office, Roux spends her free time making sure her children get to their swim lessons and other activities. She’s an avid and frequent hiker at Wachusett and Mount Watatic, and she and her children love spending time at Wingaersheek, their favorite beach.

(12-FEB-26) Just after sunset on Wednesday, February 10, 2021 the residents of 101 Swanson Road (Leverett House Condominium) heard the fire alarm sound in their building. Many were cooking dinner, doing homework, or relaxing after a day’s work. Over a foot of snow covered the ground, and temperatures hovered around the freezing mark. Some residents fled the building with open-toed shoes and no coats.

(5-FEB-26) On Saturday, January 31, Boxborough residents and friends gathered at Steele Farm on a cold but sunny afternoon to celebrate the town’s annual Winterfest with a bonfire, music, food, drink, and sledding. The event was organized by the Boxborough Recreation Commission. 

For the second year in a row (after many years without) there was plenty of snow on the ground for Winterfest sledding. All afternoon, kids bundled in snow gear sailed down the hill on sleds, snow tubes, and snowboards - only stopping to grab their complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn. 

“Thank you to all the local businesses and groups who participated in Winterfest!  It was wonderful to see so many people come out and enjoy the afternoon with us,” said Hilary Greven, Chair of the Boxborough Recreation Commission. Greven estimated that around 125 people attended the event over the course of the afternoon despite the cold temperatures. 

Visitors enjoyed catching up with friends and neighbors around the bonfire, eating treats from Boxborough small businesses Two Friends Chocolate and Thinking Flower, and perusing the tables of local groups, including the Boxborough Minutemen, Boxborough Conservation Trust, Boxborough News, and the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee.

“Thanks to Boxborough Recreation Services Coordinator Ami Scheen, Boxborough DPW, Fire, and Police, and the folks running the [Boxborough Connects] shuttle,” added Greven.

(29-Jan-26) Boxborough’s annual Winterfest, sponsored by the Boxborough Recreation Commission, will be held on Saturday, January 31 at Steele Farm, 484 Middle Road from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For the second year in a row, Steele Farm will be covered in snow for Winterfest sledding. Last year was the first time in eleven years that Winterfest looked like winter. The recent snowfall on January 25 and 26, dumping more than a foot of snow on Boxborough, will allow for plenty of action on Steele Farm’s iconic sledding hill. 

This year’s celebration will include a bonfire, live music, and face-painting. There will be complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate, and food and beer will be available for purchase from Craft Food Halls of Boxborough and Dirigible Brewing Company of Littleton. Two Friends Chocolate, Thinking Flower, and local Girl Scouts will be selling their goodies as well, and a number of local organizations will be sharing information about events and happenings around town.  

“Enjoy some sledding and warm up by the bonfire after with some tasty treats from our local vendors,” said Recreation Commission Chair Hilary Greven.

Winterfest attendees are encouraged to park at Town Hall, 29 Middle Road, and use the Boxborough Connects MART shuttle for a ride to and from Steele Farm. The rain/snow date for the event is the next day, Sunday February 1, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

(29-JAN-26) The generosity of Boxborough residents and local organizations allowed Boxborough Community Services Coordinator (CSC) Wendy Trinks to assist 145 individuals across 46 families during the 2025 holiday season. This represents a 46% increase in residents assisted compared to the prior year.

“I’m grateful for all the contributions and being able to make the holidays brighter for a lot of families in Boxborough,” said Trinks.

Trinks reported that she collected $8,370 in gift cards from the United Church of Christ Boxborough, St. Vincent de Paul Society of Acton/Boxborough, Keller Williams Boston Northwest, A Friend in Need, the Rotary Club of Acton-Boxborough, and the generosity of Boxborough residents. Trinks delivered holiday gift bags and visited with individuals who were isolated and housebound.

Trinks shared that she also worked to connect Boxborough residents to the Acton-Boxborough Community Compass (formerly the AB United Way) gift drive. 

The Boxborough Children’s Center (BCC) donated gifts to families in need for the third year in a row. The gift drive held at BCC is in memory of Director Amy Paakki’s brother, Scott Paakki. Like last year, the BCC children came to Town Hall carrying bags of gifts. 

The Boxborough Minuteman Company again donated $2,000 to the Community Services Gift Account to support the holiday assistance effort, as well as other emergency needs.  

“The Boxborough community continually steps up; individuals, groups and businesses are willing to help quickly and generously,” said Mary Pavlik, Chair of the Boxborough Well-Being Committee. “Wendy had done a tremendous job with her outreach to those in need and those ready to help.” 

As the Community Services Coordinator, Trinks supports people in Boxborough all year round. The CSC “monitors the social service needs of residents of all ages in the areas of housing, emergency assistance, and mental health. Work includes outreach and communication of locally available resources to Boxborough residents as well as assessing specific client needs and connecting those clients to resources for assistance with follow up as needed.”

The Community Services Gift Account, established in 2024, “enables residents and organizations to support Boxborough residents experiencing financial crises.” To donate, checks can be made payable to the Town of Boxborough and include “Community Services Gift Account” in the memo line.

Trinks has served as Boxborough’s CSC since August 2022. Trinks can be reached at wtrinks@boxborough-ma.gov. 

(22-JAN-26) Patrons of the Sargent Memorial Library can now begin to enjoy a new layout of the library building, as the town finishes installing new study “pods” and rearranging spaces.

The redesign includes a new Young Adult lounge area in the middle of the main hall. This area will be open to the general public during school hours and reserved for young adults during the after-school period. The area will be framed by a three-sided cabana, to be installed in March.

In the former Young Adult Room, now a Study Room, two study “pods” have been installed. The pods are small, enclosed study areas that provide quiet zones for individual or small group work. The Study Room will also feature a copier corner and reading corner. The current printer and copier area will be transformed into a new reading nook with freshly reupholstered chairs and laptop tables. 

The library expects the pods to be ready for public use by the end of January. 

The project also included rearranging the reference shelves, multimedia shelves, and newspaper shelves, and adding new shelving in the Children’s Room. In addition, the library will now offer laptops for in-building use instead of desktop computers.  

“I would like to especially thank Fran Flynn [Building and Grounds Maintenance Team Leader] for his assistance, recommendations, and support of this project,” said Library Director Peishan Bartley. “I would also like to ask visitors to be patient with us as we continue to finish the project.”

The redesign was funded by multiple sources. The Sargent Memorial Library Foundation pledged $200,000, the Friends of the Boxborough Library sponsored $7,500, and the Town approved $50,000 at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

The Sargent Memorial Library Foundation, Inc. is a 501c(3) non-profit that was established in 2003 to provide support for the Sargent Memorial Library. The Friends of the Boxborough Library is also a 501c(3) organization that raises funds through semi-annual book sales and corporate donations and sponsorships.

In a statement provided to Boxborough News, the Friends of the Boxborough Library shared, “[w]ith so many moving pieces, Peishan and her team of wonderful librarians have put them all together to make a beautiful, functional interior. Very impressive job of reimagining the building for the next 25 years.”

The project began back in July 2023, when the town hired Stefura Associates to design a new layout for the library. The initial plan, which included moving interior walls at a cost of $650,000, was deemed too expensive. In 2024, a second design using pods to create new spaces came in at $250,000. The redesign project was initiated in response to repeated community feedback about the need for private meeting spaces within the library. 

(15-Jan-26) Boxborough’s annual Winterfest, sponsored by the Boxborough Recreation Commission, will be held on Saturday, January 31 at Steele Farm, 484 Middle Road from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Winterfest has been a Boxborough tradition for at least twenty years. What began as an afternoon of neighborhood sledding has progressed to an annual community party. Over the years, the Recreation Commission has added to the festivities with music, food and drink, local vendors, and activities for kids. While the event has grown bigger over time, it has always taken place at Steele Farm.

Last year, for the first time in eleven years, Winterfest actually looked like winter, with plenty of snow for sledding on Steele Farm’s iconic hill. This year, the Recreation Commission is “hoping for sledding conditions” again, says Recreation Commission Chair Hilary Greven.

This year’s celebration will include a bonfire, live music, face-painting, and a “human foosball” game courtesy of the Harvard Lions Club.

There will be complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate, and food and beer will be available for purchase from Craft Food Halls of Boxborough and Dirigible Brewing Company of Littleton. Two Friends Chocolate, Thinking Flower, and local Girl Scouts will be selling their goodies as well, and a number of local organizations will be sharing information about events and happenings around town.  

“Come join your friends and neighbors around the bonfire,” said Greven.

Winterfest attendees are encouraged to park at Town Hall, 29 Middle Road, and use the Boxborough Connects MART shuttle for a ride to and from Steele Farm.

The rain/snow date for the event is the next day, Sunday February 1, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

(15-Jan-26) On January 27, Holocaust survivor and celebrated speaker Werner Salinger will be speaking at Boxborough’s Sargent Memorial Library at 7 p.m. in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. 

Salinger’s visit is a rare opportunity for community members to speak with someone who experienced the horror of the Holocaust. Salinger personally experienced Kristallnacht as a child, emigrated to the United States with his family where he was a neighbor of Albert Einstein, and then returned to Germany as a U.S. soldier post-World War II. Now retired, he tours the country sharing his life story.

Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk helped arrange the event as a community-building exercise, in collaboration with the Lappin Foundation, which seeks to educate youth about Jewish identity. The Lappin Foundation did a presentation for students at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School in the Fall, and the foundation has also helped police officers visit Holocaust museums to provide them with cultural training on the Jewish experience.

When announcing the event in November 2025, Chief Szewczyk explained that he felt the community and police officers could benefit from a discussion with a Holocaust survivor. "We are excited to continue to strengthen the bond between the police department and the community as we grow and learn together with those we serve," he said. The event is free and all are welcome to attend.

(8-JAN-26) Happy New Year, Boxborough! How are your “new year” resolutions going? New year resolutions aren’t just about starting diet and exercise programs; they can be about trying or learning something new or spending more time doing something you enjoy. 

Are you pursuing a new hobby or interest? Do you have a passion or expertise that you’re ready to share with others? 

Boxborough News will mark its third anniversary this April. With a small team of dedicated volunteers, we have provided neutral, independent reporting on town news and events, and stories on Boxborough residents. 

Our “new year” resolution is to expand both the breadth and depth of Boxborough News. We want our publication to reflect the lighter side of life in Boxborough, alongside deep dives on the more complex issues. We want to capture stories and entertainment from all corners of our town. We want to offer something for everyone.

Do you have a resolution that might align with ours? 

We’re seeking ideas and volunteers for hobby columns and other fun content this year. Perhaps 2026 is the year we introduce an advice column, a cooking column, a weather column, guest essays, or school sports coverage. 

No journalism background is required. Whether you can contribute occasionally or on a regular schedule – or if you’re just curious and want to learn more about the Boxborough News project – we want to hear from you! Email us at info@boxboroughnews.org.