Community
Amphibian Crossing Brigade Prepares for Spring Crossing Nights
(4-FEB-25) Every spring, on rainy nights as temperatures approach the forties, the Amphibian Crossing Brigade, a coordinated group from Acton, Littleton, and Boxborough, ventures out to designated crossing areas armed with flashlights to help frogs and salamanders cross the roads and reach their breeding grounds in vernal pools.
These crossing nights typically occur in March or April. Although the amphibians’ movements usually extend over a longer period, there are often a few nights of peak activity.
Amy Green, the conservation agent in Littleton, is the leader of the Amphibian Crossing Brigade. She determines when the temperatures are right (monitored by scientists all over New England) and how many nights the crossings will go on, and she keeps track of all of the total volunteers’ records. To read more about the Amphibian Crossing Brigade, visit https://bit.ly/4hj6V2V.
Ann Seymour and Rita Grossman lead the team from Boxborough. Ann began in 2019 with a group from Acton, and Rita joined her in 2021 when Depot Road was added as a crossing area. Ann and Rita hope to recruit enough volunteers to monitor sections of Littlefield Road and Flagg Hill Road, as well. They have also been overseeing a section on Old Harvard Road and have designated a point person in charge of that area. Point people can assist new learners if they gain additional volunteers, but they need volunteers to do that.
Ann says, “The owls are calling; it is quiet, and the peepers are starting to call. Saving the lives of these critters feels important. This effort makes a difference for the future success of our amphibian numbers, just as planting a pollinator garden helps pollinators, feeding birds at feeders helps birds; this is how we can support frogs and salamanders.”
Volunteers are asked to park on roads adjacent to the area of the crossing to minimize the number of cars going through the crossing area. Volunteers walk up and down the crossing area with flashlights to find frogs and salamanders that need help. They pick them up, carry them to the other side of the road, and head them in the right direction, noting the species in a log and possibly taking a picture.
Volunteers must wear rain gear, warm clothing, and a safety vest. They should bring a bright flashlight or headlamp, a data sheet, and either a pen or a pencil. Volunteers are advised not to attempt to stop a vehicle or run in front of one to rescue an animal.
In 2023, the log notes that 29 wood frogs, 24 peepers, and one spotted toad were helped to cross the road to safety in Boxborough.
Ann says, “This is also a super fun thing to do with kids. And one last thought: another way people can help if they don't want to volunteer is to really think twice about the necessity of driving around on those nights. Less cars equals less road kill.”
If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the Amphibian Crossing Brigade, contact Ann Seymour (Ann@daringdogyoga.com) or Rita Grossman (rgibesgrossman@gmail.com).
Boxborough By The Numbers: 2024 Data
(4-FEB-25) Curious about population data, voter numbers, and licenses issued by the town? Boxborough Town Clerk Rebecca Harris provided Boxborough News with annual data that her office keeps in the normal course of business.
With respect to population, the town counted 5,302 total residents on the 2024 annual street listing. In 2023, the town counted 5,314 residents.
Voter data shows Boxborough had 4,080 registered voters as of the May 2024 town election. The town also processed 368 new voter registrations over the course of 2024. In 2023, there were a total of 4,036 registered voters.
In 2024, there were 42 births, defined as “children born this year to parents living in Boxborough,” and 33 deaths, defined as “people living in Boxborough who died this year or died in Boxborough, living elsewhere.” In 2023, the town recorded 38 births and 24 deaths.
Harris also provided the following tallies on other paperwork processed by the Town Clerk’s office in 2024: 11 marriage licenses, 576 dog licenses, and 6 kennel licenses. In 2023, there were 12 marriage licenses, 633 dog licenses, and 7 kennel licenses.
Boxborough Celebrates First Snowy Winterfest in Eleven Years
(30-JAN-25) On Saturday, January 25, Boxborough celebrated Winterfest at Steele Farm with a bonfire, live music, food and drink -- and snow! For the first time in eleven years, Winterfest saw Steele Farm’s iconic sledding hill in full swing with a constant stream of bundled kids (and plenty of grown-ups too) flying down the slope and climbing back up for more.
“It was great to see so many Boxborough civic groups, small businesses and nonprofits out on such a beautiful, cold and sunny day!” said Megan Connor of the Boxborough Recreation Commission, who hosted the event.
Connor noted that her son, now 11 years old, was only five months old the last time there was snow on the ground for Winterfest. “A lot of families came out for sledding on one of the most beautiful views in the region!”
Visitors enjoyed catching up with friends and neighbors around the bonfire, listening to music from Sara Rice of Bolton, enjoying food and drink from the Boy Scouts, Dirigible Brewing, and Two Friends Chocolates, and perusing the tables of local groups, including Acton-Boxborough United Way, the local Girl Scouts, the Boxborough Minutemen, Boxborough Historical Society, Boxborough Conservation Trust, Boxborough News, and the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee.
“Special thanks to the Boxborough Police and Fire Departments for keeping everything in order,” added Connor. “We even had the Boxborough Connects MART shuttle help bring people to and from Town Hall to avoid walking in the ice and cold, and it made parking easier too.”
The Boxborough Recreation Commission’s next community event will be the “RunBXB” 5K on Sunday, April 27 at Craft Food Halls.
Tai Chi at the Library and More Movement Classes To Come
(30-JAN-25) On January 25, a group of fifteen gathered at the Sargent Memorial Library for a free Tai Chi class with Narcyz Latecki of Chinese Martial Arts in Acton.
The class was the first in a four-part “Movement Series” organized and overseen by the Boxborough Well-Being Committee and supported through an Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council grant secured by Boxborough Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks.
“The class was a great distraction from the cold weather outside,” said participant and Well-Being Committee member Mary Halvey Dove. “In addition to sharing some secrets to remaining young, the instructor taught us proper breathing techniques, six Tai Chi movements we could do at home and also demonstrated part of the Tai Chi Long Form. Future movement series classes include Bollywood dance, yoga and Zumba. These are all great ways to get moving in these cold and somewhat dreary winter months.”
The series will continue for the next three Saturdays, all at 10 a.m., at the Sargent Memorial Library. February 1 will be a Bollywood dance class, February 8 will be a yoga class, and February 15 will be a Zumba class. Each session is free and open to all, but registration is required. Each session must be registered for separately.
The second session on February 1 will be led by Shikha Vashishtha of Studio Bollywood Boston. She says, “In this session we will explore the rich and vibrant forms of dances that celebrate the diverse traditions, emotions, and storytelling of Indian cinema popularly called Bollywood….”
The third session on February 8 will be led by Ann Seymour of Daring Dog Yoga in Boxborough, who “has 37 years of yoga experience with extensive training in Iyengar which has inspired her to learn more about anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and how to modify traditional yoga poses.” For this session, she says “please wear layered comfortable clothing and bring a mat if you have one.”
The fourth session on February 15 will be led by Gina Flaherty of Gina’s Studio in Boborough. She says, “All are welcome to join for fun and dance in our family friendly Zumba class. We will have lots of upbeat music and moves that will have everyone moving their feet to the beat. All you need to participate is comfortable clothing, sneakers, water, and your smile.”
Boxborough's 2025 Burn Season Has Begun
(28-JAN-25) After the storms in 2024, many homeowners face the challenge of cleaning up their yards. Burning of brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris is allowed in Boxborough from Jan. 15 to May 1, as regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
Boxborough News reached out to Fire Chief John Kivlan for more information. Kivlan provided guidelines that include the permit requirement, what you can burn, and when you can burn. He also provided some safety guidelines and alternatives to open burning. Visit the Boxborough News Notices page (www.boxboroughnews.org/notices) to read Chief Kivlan’s note.
The Boxborough Fire Department’s web page outlines the rules and regulations for burning and provides a link to register for a daily burn permit when conditions are safe: boxborough-ma.gov/251/Burn-Permits.
Free Movement Series at Sargent Memorial Library Begins January 25
(16-JAN-25) “Let’s do it again!” was the refrain heard immediately following the free movement series offered at Sargent Library in June 2024, which included serene Tai Chi, an energetic Zumba lesson, and joyful Bollywood dancing. The Winter 2025 series will offer these three sessions and add yoga for anyone to enjoy, including beginners, families and seniors.
The series will take place on four consecutive Saturdays at the Sargent Memorial Library beginning January 25th, all at 10 a.m. Each session is free and open to all, but registration is required. Each session must be registered for separately.
The series is organized and overseen by the Boxborough Well-Being Committee. “Our primary goal is to support the health and well-being of Boxborough residents. What could be better than offering a chance to be together doing something healthy?” says Well-Being Committee Chair Mary Pavlik.
The Winter 2025 series is supported through an Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council grant secured by Boxborough Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks.
As she did for the series last summer, local yoga instructor Ann Seymour - a former Well-Being Committee member and current VP of the Friends of the Library - contacted local instructors to lead a varied set of four sessions free to the community. Seymour’s enthusiasm for the series is contagious. She shares, “the Movement Series at Sargent Library is a wonderful opportunity to build connection and community. We are all grateful to be able to share our specialties with others. Nothing makes us happier than watching people play with new ways of moving their bodies through space and having a fun time doing it. Plus, this program encourages people to come to the library to meet new people and no one goes away as a stranger."
The first session on January 25 will be led by Narcyz Latecki of Chinese Martial Arts in Acton. According to the description for this session, “Master Latecki has over 40 years of martial arts and Tai Chi experience. He continues to study, research, and share his knowledge with his students. Tai Chi combines the Healing energies of Qi for relaxation, breath control and energy with martial arts movements for strength and focus. This Tai Chi class will introduce you to basic Tai Chi principles, breathing methods, relaxation, stretching, balance exercise, and fundamental Tai chi movements.”
Town of Boxborough’s Annual Winterfest Will Be Held Saturday, January 25
(15-Jan-25) Boxborough’s annual Winterfest, sponsored by the Boxborough Recreation Commission, will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 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. It began when a group of residents wanted to get their families out for some sledding and fresh air, and the Boxborough Recreation Commission decided that a sledding event would be a great way to get neighbors together during the doldrums of winter.
What began as an afternoon of 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, it has always taken place at Steele Farm. Last year, the event brought approximately 200 people together.
This year’s celebration will include a bonfire, sledding if possible, live music, and a “human foosball” game courtesy of the Harvard Lions Club. Local organizations and vendors expected to attend include the Boxborough Historical Society, the Steele Farm Committee, and the Boxborough Minutemen. Ace Hardware will be donating free popcorn and Dunkin Donuts will be donating free hot chocolate, both of which will be served by high school volunteers. Local musician Sara Rice will sing and play guitar.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase from Dirigible Brewing, a local favorite just over the town line in Littleton. Two Friends Chocolates and local Girl Scouts will be selling treats as well. “The highlight, of course, is the sledding and the bonfire,” says Recreation Commission member and event organizer Megan Connor.
“We hope that we will have a fun afternoon of sledding, but the last 10 years that I have run this event, no luck! Except for the one year we cancelled due to too much snow that had fallen the day before and people could not dig out to make it there. We hope it will be a snowy afternoon, but if not, we have lots of activities planned for all to come on out and enjoy some fresh air with their friends and neighbors.”
For the first time this year, Winterfest attendees are welcome to park down the street at Town Hall and use the Boxborough Connects MART shuttle for a ride to and from Steele Farm.
The rain/snow date for the event is Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m
Boxborough’s 2024 Holiday Gift Drive Assists More Than 30 Families
(10-JAN-25) The generosity of Boxborough residents and local organizations allowed Boxborough Community Services Coordinator (CSC) Wendy Trinks to assist almost 100 individuals across more than thirty families during the 2024 holiday season. This represents a 45.5% increase in residents assisted compared to the prior year.
Trinks “would like to thank all residents and organizations who generously donated to the Holiday Gift Drive.” In early January, she reported to Boxborough’s Well-Being Committee that “more than $4,000 was collected in gift cards with generous donations from many town residents and also larger donations from several organizations, including Saint Vincent de Paul of Acton/Boxborough, Acton-Boxborough United Way, Acton-Boxborough Rotary Club and Keller Williams Boston Northwest.”
Trinks also noted that several Boxborough residents participated in “family gift sponsorships” and that there were also many donations from a “group of Boxborough moms who decided to limit gift giving for their families and help those in the community with need.”
The Boxborough Minuteman Company donated to the Holiday Gift Drive for the third year in a row – this year making a monetary donation of $2,000 to the new Community Services Gift Account “from their extra successful Fifer’s Day event in June.” The CSC accepted the check from Captain Chad Childers and past Captain Tony Newton in front of the Select Board in December.
The Boxborough Children’s Center (BCC) also donated gifts to families in need for the second year in a row. The gift drive held at BCC is in memory of Director Amy Pakki’s brother, Scott Pakki. This year all the children came to town hall carrying bags of gifts.
“Wendy [Trinks] continues to expand an already highly successful program,” said Mary Pavlik, Chair of the Boxborough Well-Being Committee. “She not only reaches out to residents in need personally but publicizes the opportunities for support extensively. As a result, more and more groups and residents have responded to see how they can help. It’s a win-win for the community. I am very grateful for her commitment to Boxborough.”
Trinks also noted that local organization “Beacon Santa of Maynard” assisted 29 Boxborough children ages 1-17 (a 107% increase from 2023) with $1,975 in Target gift cards.
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.”
Says Trinks, “please consider donating to the newly created Community Services Gift Account, which helps with other types of emergency support, (i.e. rent or utilities) throughout the year, or consider donating grocery gift cards, gas or Visa at any time.”
Trinks has served as Boxborough’s CSC since August 2022. Trinks can be reached at wtrinks@boxborough-ma.gov.