NOTICES

The announcements posted below are submitted to Boxborough News by organizations in Boxborough and surrounding towns. These announcements are posted here as submitted by the organization; they are not written by the Boxborough News team, nor are they vetted for accuracy or edited. Please use the contact information listed in the announcement for any questions about the content of the announcement. Submissions are posted at the discretion of the Boxborough News editors. To submit an announcement to Boxborough News for posting on this page, email boxboroughnews@gmail.com. 

      In Boxborough    

Littleton Water Department public forum

The Littleton Water Department is working with the Town of Boxborough on a project to provide safe, reliable drinking water. Please join us for a public forum held on January 15th, at 7pm. The webinar will present a more detailed update on the project and questions may be sent in advanced below or by using the chat feature on the webinar. To register for the webinar and submit questions in advance go to lelwd.com/boxborough-water-main/ 

I-495/Route 111 Bridge Replacement Project Update

Work Anticipated for January 6th to January 17th.

It is currently anticipated that by the end of the two weeks addressed by this look, the work zone will be in its stage 1 traffic configuration with a single lane of traffic in each direction on the Route 111 bridge shifted onto the structure’s south (eastbound – towards Acton) side and the approaching sections of Route 111 marked to channel traffic into a single lane before the intersections with ramps connecting to I-495. More information will be provided during the week of January 13th. For more information, see https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4833/Work-Anticipated-for-Jan-6-17 

Boxborough Minutemen Welcomes New Members January 25

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen is always looking for new members. The Company is holding its annual Wine and Cheese party for current members and prospective new members on Saturday January 25 at 7:00 p.m. For information please contact Captain Chad Childers at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org .

The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company. Dues are only $30 a year and the Company can provide uniforms for those who want to march.

Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including participating in town celebrations, marching in parades for neighboring celebrations of the 250th  anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to the FreeBee Market,  community suppers, and other service organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.

All are welcome to come and make new connections with others.

For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org. 

The Library presents - Culturally Curious Art Talk - Rhythm and Hues: The Harlem Renaissance and Its Legacy

Thursday, February 13 7:00 - 8:00 PM

**PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A VIRTUAL PROGRAM THAT WILL TAKE PLACE VIA ZOOM. Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom Webinar via email.**

Registration required via Zoom.

The Harlem Renaissance, a cultural explosion in the 1920s, saw African American artists challenge stereotypes and celebrate their heritage. From the poetic simplicity of Jacob Lawrence to the cosmopolitan portrait photographs of James Van Der Zee, this era produced works that continue to resonate today. Discover the visionaries who gave voice to the African American experience and forever changed the landscape of American culture.

The program is presented by Jane Oneail (pronounced OH-neel), the founder of Culturally Curious, an arts education consulting firm specializing in art appreciation programs. Oneail holds a master’s in Art History from Boston University and a master’s in Education from Harvard University. Born and raised in NH, she has worked at some of the state's most esteemed cultural institutions, including the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, where she served as Executive Director, and the Currier Museum of Art, where she held the role of Senior Educator. Jane has also taught at the college level for more than a decade, most recently at Southern New Hampshire University. For more information visit iamculturallycurious.com.

Brought to you in partnership with the Maynard Public Library, Wayland Public Library, Acton Memorial Library, and the Randall Library (Stow).

Liberty Field Update

The nets are down, and the tennis and pickleball courts are locked. They are scheduled to reopen in the spring.

NorthEast ComicCon

Get ready for an extraordinary weekend at the NorthEast ComicCon & Collectibles Extravaganza! 2025’s Cabin Fever edition, taking place from March 7-9, 2025 at the Boxboro Regency Hotel in Boxborough, MA, promises an unforgettable experience for nerds, fans, collectors, and their loved ones.

The Boxborough Minutemen Company Wants You!

The Boxborough Company of Minutemen will hold a Company meeting on Sunday January 19 at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road starting at 8 p.m. For information please contact Captain Chad Childers at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org.

The Boxborough Minutemen Company is open to anyone of least 18 years of age, regardless of gender or town of residence, who is interested in service to the Town and/or perpetuating the memory of the Minutemen of 1775.  You do not need to be a marcher or revolutionary war re-enactor to join the Company.

Our members may participate in any number of the Company's activities including marching in parades, organizing the annual Fifer's Day town festival, performing seasonal clean-ups on Route 111, sponsoring the Boy and Cub Scouts, providing volunteers to town organizations, and participating in our various social functions. The Company also provides financial support to a variety of service organizations and sponsors a number of annual scholarships to Boxborough students who are continuing their education after high school.

All are welcome to come and make new connections with others.

For more information visit www.boxboroughminutemen.org.

Come see Boxborough’s Treasures 

The Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road will be open from  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday January 12.  Come see Boxborough’s historic treasures including the 1850’s scale which is sensitive enough to weigh a penny and strong enough to calibrate a 50 pound weight, the “new” hearse built in 1881, and the “old” hearse (come and see how old is old).  Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information or if anyone wishes to arrange a private tour for a small group at a different time please call John Fallon at 978-264-0069.

Blanchard Winter Concert to be Held on January 14


On Tuesday January 14, the Blanchard Memorial School will present its Winter Chorus & Strings Concert. The concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Blanchard Gymnasium and is free and open to the public.

  

Blanchard's Chorus and Orchestra is made up of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. The program will consist of a wide variety of pieces, including Bonse Aba (acapella piece from Zambia), Good News, and Chariot's A-Comin' (an arrangement of several African American Spirituals). The finale will be an arrangement of Beethoven's Ode to Joy, featuring both the Chorus and Orchestra performing together.

Eagle Project Fundraiser

My name is Prakhar Shukla, and I am currently a Life Scout from Troop 32 in Acton, MA. The goal of this fundraiser is to collect money for my Eagle Project of constructing benches and picnic tables at Liberty Field in Boxborough, MA. Liberty Field just went through multiple renovations, including the assembly of a basketball court, a gym, a playground, and multiple pickleball courts. These benches and picnic tables will provide a place to relax after exercise, comfortable spots for spectators to watch soccer games, and areas for families to gather for picnics. The collected funds will contribute towards the purchase of the materials needed to make these picnic tables and benches, and any additional funds will be given to the Conservation Commission. All donations are greatly appreciated. Link to the GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/prakhar-shuklas-eagle-project-fundraiser 

Beyond boxborough

West Acton Village: A Historic Homes Happy Hour Tour 

May 18, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. | 1 hour (approx.)

Step inside historic homes and see and learn about many more as we tour West Acton! Once known simply as the “west part of town,” in 1845 the railroad arrived in this section of Acton, transforming the sleepy hamlet into a vibrant village of new commerce and homes. Today, it retains much of its 19th-century charm, including charming storefronts, workers’ cottages, and storybook Victorians.

Join us for this unique experience to see historic homes, inside and out, and immerse yourself in culture and history. Offered one time only! Space is limited.

This is a guided walking “happy hour” tour, no libations but a lot of fun packed into 60 minutes! We will meet in West Acton; location details coming soon.

https://histoury.org/historical-tour-calendar-and-tickets/ 

ABFN Valentine's Day Party February 8

Join us for the annual Sweetie Valentine's Day Party – All ABFN members and local families are invited to join us at the Blanchard Elementary School gymnasium for a morning of fun and festivities. Kids will enjoy live music by Rockabye Beats, plus plenty of crafts and hands-on activities led by local preschools. For those who prefer a quieter experience, we invite you to our Sensory Friendly Party from 9:30 to 10 am. Afterwards, the general party will be from 10am-11:30am. 

Free for ABFN members! Non-member families can join for $10. (Not a member? [Signup and enjoy member perks!]) Pre-registration is REQUIRED for non-member families and greatly appreciated for members to help us keep everyone safe. Only member families can walk-in. Pre-registration closes at 9:00 AM on Saturday, February 8th.

Give Back with Us! This year, we’re supporting First Connections by collecting diapers (sizes 4-7) for their diaper pantry. Bring your diaper donations to the party.

Let's celebrate Valentine's Day with fun, friendship, and community spirit – we can’t wait to see you there!

Registration Link: https://www.abfamily.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=802795&item_id=2438080

Symphony Pro Musica Celebrates Thea Musgrave

Date:     January 25, 2025

Time:     7:30 pm

Venue:   Hudson High School 69 Brigham Street Hudson MA

link for info/tickets:   https://www.symphonypromusica.org/programs/concert-ii

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Breakfast

Monday, January 20, 2025 • 20 Tevet 5785

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM   Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton                                                          

Join us for Congregation Beth Elohim’s our 23rd annual community breakfast event to commemorate Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day.

Doors open and breakfast will be available at 9:30 AM.  The speaker program will begin at 10:00 AM.  If you are unable to join us in person to enjoy the breakfast, the speaker program will be available via Zoom. 

Our speaker will be Colette Phillips, speaking on "Bridging Communities: Reaffirming the Black-Jewish Alliance"

Colette Phillips is President and CEO of Colette Phillips Communications, Founder and President of Get Konnected! and The GK Fund.  She is the author of The Includers, The 7 Traits of Culturally Savvy, Anti-Racist Leaders.

For our planning purposes, we appreciate it if you would register.   All will receive the Zoom login information upon registration.

There is no charge for this event.  Donations to the Na'aseh (We will act) Social Justice Fund are appreciated.  You will have the option to include a donation when you sign up.  Donations will support next year's MLK event and other activities of Na'aseh.

Colette Phillips bio:

Colette Phillips is a transformative leader, an iconic social change catalyst, celebrated DEI pioneer, thought leader, innovator, practical visionary, influencer, PR and marketing Maven, social commentator, philanthropist, serial social impact entrepreneur and uber connector. A passionate advocate for inclusion, and a driving force behind positive social change in Boston. As the CEO of Colette Phillips Communications and the Founder of the award-winning cross-cultural Get Konnected! business networking organization.  She has dedicated her life and career to empowering individuals, bridging communities, and fostering a more inclusive society and has played a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of Boston's business and social scenes.

PLEASE HELP A FRIEND IN NEED!


The holidays are just around the corner, and we need your support. This is the time of year when those less fortunate than us have the hardest time. There are bills to pay and groceries to buy. Help us to give one-time emergency financial aid to people in need in the Acton/Boxborough /Maynard area.


Our mission is to provide immediate assistance until a family can receive more substantial aid from other agencies. Much of our money comes from generous community residents.  Our resources are now lower than they have been for years, and we ask that you consider donating to AFIN.


Our mailbox is located at the South Acton  Church. Our volunteers pay for postage and all other costs, so we can give away 100% of the money we receive.


Anyone in urgent need can be considered for financial assistance by going to a member of the clergy or social service representative and asking them to contact A Friend in Need on their behalf. We do not discriminate and will try to help anyone with a genuine need. We can also be contacted at afriendinneedacton@gmail.com.


All donations, no matter how small can make a real difference to someone in need. If you want to donate, please send your check to A Friend in Need, c/o South Acton Church, 35 School St., Acton MA 01720.

Grief_Support_Flyer11.20.24-2c36f99d.pdf

Vision of a Graduate at ABRSD


What are the most important skills and experiences our students need to prepare them for success in learning and life? This is the question that is fueling the development of our Vision of an Acton-Boxborough Regional School District Graduate!


On Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 p.m., we will be hosting a Vision of a Graduate workshop where we will examine the results of the ThoughtExchange, and talk more about the opportunities that await our students after their time in ABRSD.  The result of this workshop will be the development of an ABRSD Vision of a Graduate that delineates the skills and knowledge that our community most values which will then be explicitly mapped onto our continuously evolving curricular experiences for our students.  For the workshop, we are seeking participants in our community with many perspectives who represent: 


If you are interested in being a part of the workshop on January 8, please share your interest using this FORM.  We are seeking a representative group of participants and will use a random selection process if there is more interest than we can support.  

17 Massachusetts High Schools to Compete on Season 16 of High School Quiz Show 

 

Boston, Mass. - (Nov. 25, 2024) – High School Quiz Show, GBH’s Emmy award-winning academic tournament for Massachusetts high schools, has announced the 17 teams that will compete on Season 16. The top 17 teams earned the highest scores on a written quiz at High School Quiz Show’s Super Sunday qualifying events at GBH in Brighton on Nov. 17 and on Nov. 18 at GBH’s sister station, New England Public Media in Springfield. A total of 65 high school teams from across the Commonwealth competed for a chance to join the High School Quiz Show bracket. 

 

Defending their title from last season, Lexington High School (Season 7 and 8 winner) will return after winning Season 15 in a final against Cambridge’s Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (Season 14 winner), which is also back this season. Joining them are Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (Season 5 winner), Andover High School (Season 9 winner), and North Quincy High School (Season 4 and 13 winner). Four schools will make their High School Quiz Show debut, including Deerfield Academy, Maimonides School, Milton Academy, and St. John’s Prep.

 

“Congratulations to all of the teams joining the Season 16 bracket for High School Quiz Show, and thank you to all of the schools who joined us for Super Sunday,” said GBH Executive Producer and Director of Youth Media Hillary Wells. “High School Quiz Show remains a celebrated showcase for academic talent from all across the state. We look forward to watching these 17 teams, from returning victors to first-time competitors, represent their schools and vie for the title of High School Quiz Show State Champion.” 

 

The top 15 teams with the highest scores earned an automatic spot in the competition bracket. Two additional teams, representing high-scoring schools that have not previously been on the show or have not competed in five or more years, will face off in a Wild Card match for the 16th and final spot on the bracket. This season, those teams are Deerfield Academy and Milton Academy.

 

Hosted by Joe Hanson, the 16-round academic tournament will feature teams of four students competing head-to-head, with the winners advancing through each round until the final two teams face off for the State Championship. High School Quiz Show Season 16 will premiere on GBH 2 and the High School Quiz Show YouTube channel on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 6 pm ET. 

 

The full list of teams competing for the title of Season 16 High School Quiz Show State Champion is as follows: 

 

Major funding for High School Quiz Show is provided by Safety Insurance. Additional funding is provided by the Museum of Science, Massachusetts Teachers Association, Xfinity, UMass Amherst, and Subaru of New England. High School Quiz Show is endorsed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education and the Massachusetts PTA.

 

For more information, visit highschoolquizshow.org and follow the show on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.