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
RUN BXB 2025
One of our favorite events of the year is back! Boxborough's Recreation Commission is hosting the annual Run BXB 2025 on Sunday April 27 at Craft Food Halls.
This is always a great community event. Come out and have some fun!! See the flyer for registration information or call Ami at Town Hall 978-264-1730.
Boxborough Connects MART – New Stop
As of April 7th, the Boxborough Connects MART van now stops at the Discovery Museum in Acton. The van makes stops on the hour from 9AM to 4PM. We are happy to offer this service just in time for April School vacation.
This service runs along Route 111 including a dedicated stop at The Acton Food Pantry on Thursdays. The service runs Monday through Friday, from 7:30AM with the last stop of the day at 6:54PM at the Boxborough Town Hall. The cost is $1 per passenger per ride. Tickets can be purchased when boarding the bus (cash only) or at Boxborough Town Hall. Ages 10 and up can ride the MART alone, younger siblings can ride with an adult or with an older sibling.
The Town is so thrilled to be able to offer this service which has increase ridership from last May from 5 riders/week to now 15 riders/day.
Information about specific routes, stops, and times are provided on the Boxborough Connects schedule, available on the Town website at //bit.ly/BoxboroughConnects
Town Conservation Agent and Sustainability Coordinator
Press Release - Conservation Agent and Sustainability Coordinator.pdf
League of Women Voters to host candidate forum in Boxborough
The League of Women Voters – Acton Area will host a Candidates Forum at Town Hall, 29 Middle Road in Boxborough, on Thursday, May 1 at 7 PM. The forum is free and open to the public. A recording will also be televised on Boxborough TV for viewing afterwards.
All Boxborough candidates in contested races (Select Board, Planning Board and Library Trustees), whose names appear on the ballot, have been invited to participate.
Tara Zantow, member of the Acton Area League and co-chair for the Boxborough Candidates Forum said, “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. Find out which candidates reflect your priorities and values!”
Submit your questions for the candidates to lwvboxforum@gmail.com by Monday, April 21 for consideration.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that encourages informed and active participation in local, state and national government. The League develops positions on issues, but does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. It has a long tradition of providing important voter information services, such as this forum.
Your participation in the Candidates Forum will help strengthen our community and our democracy! We hope to see you there or tuning in on television!
Save the date! The last day to apply for a “vote by mail” application is Tuesday May 13. In-person absentee voting ends at noon on Monday May 19. Town elections are Tuesday, May 20 at Boxborough Town Hall.
Boxborough Democrats Elect Delegates for Fall State Convention
Boxborough’s Democratic Town Committee held a successful caucus on March 30, where members gathered to elect delegates for the Massachusetts Democratic State Convention. The meeting provided a vital opportunity for community members to engage in the democratic process and vote for candidates to represent Boxborough at the convention.
Each candidate explained why they would like to be involved in the convention, which is taking place this fall. The following individuals were elected as delegates or alternate delegates to the convention::
Priya Sundaram
Becca Edson
Renee Smutney-Fritz (alternate)
Dick Wagman
James Cooley
Andrew Gruskay (alternate)
The Massachusetts Democratic State Convention will take place on Saturday, September 13, in Springfield, MA at the Mass Mutual Center, where delegates and officials will have the opportunity to discuss and vote on the party’s platform for the upcoming election cycle. The convention serves as an important platform for shaping the future direction of the party and discussing key issues facing the community and the state.
“Sunday’s town Democratic caucus was a fantastic demonstration of civic engagement and democratic participation, and I’m glad we will have such a great crew attending,” said Megan Connor, a member of Boxborough’s Democratic Town Committee. “We need to move the Democratic platform messaging forward now more than ever.”
To learn more about the Boxborough DTC, email boxborough.dtc@gmail.com
Thank you for the Boxborough Book Sale!
The Friends of the Boxborough Library would like to thank everyone who helped make our recent book sale a success. Thank you for donating such a wonderful selection of books, and a special thank you to everyone who helped sort and arrange the books! Thank you also for coming to the library to buy books. Because of your support, we will continue to be able to provide the community with museum passes and exciting programs for both children and adults.
Anne McNeece, President Friends of the Boxborough Library
Update From the Strengthening Police Community Partnerships (SPCP) Council
Among the many clubs, groups, and volunteer organizations in Boxborough is a newly-formed coalition called Strengthening Police Community Partnerships, the (SPCP) Council. The goal of this advisory council of volunteers is to build a stronger relationship between the residents of Boxborough and the police force that serves this community. The team has already learned much about how the police force operates and what ways the police are trying to communicate with the community, but there is still a question of how to open that line of communication from the community’s side of the partnership.
In March 2024, there was a workshop at Blanchard Elementary School called “Boxborough, MA SPCP Meeting.” This interesting day-long exercise was attended by about 60 Boxborough residents with diverse interests, members of the police department, and experts from the U.S. Department of Justice. The event concluded with a prioritized list of topics that attendees voted as the biggest concerns about the police department. The event also formed the Boxborough SPCP, a group of town volunteers to follow up on these concerns.
After some DOJ bureaucratic delays, the Boxborough SPCP Council had a kick-off meeting in August 2024 and agreed to meet monthly starting in September. The first couple of meetings were spent forming a charter for the group. The group determined to stay independent from any town office and to act as an advisory council on behalf of the citizens of Boxborough and agreed to focus initially on the top six items of concern from the March workshop.
In their November meeting, the SPCP council focused on how to communicate between the community and the police department. The Police Chief granted the SPCP volunteers special access to his office and his officers, but there remained the question of how to let the community know about SPCP, how to provide feedback to the community, and how to get input from the community. The group decided to use the online publication Boxborough News to report their activities, and developed an email address to collect input from the community: spcp.bxb@gmail.com.
In the December meeting, the SPCP finalized their charter and verified that the email address was working. They also discussed a project the department was working on: publishing the Boxborough portion of the shared dispatch log on the town website. The group were surprised at how much goes on with the Boxborough police department.
In subsequent meetings, the council discussed a social media post that questioned hiring practices by the police department. Some members of the SPCP did not want to include social media postings as part of the discussion, but others noted that this is actually a line of communication coming from the community side of the partnership.
Until this point, most of the discussions were about the operation of the police department and were focused on the police department’s perspective. To strengthen the partnership, the SPCP needs to be open to any form of dialog coming from the community side as well. It is far more difficult for a diverse community to present points of view than an organized institution like the department, so the SPCP really needs to lean harder towards community input.
The SPCP would like to hear from you. If you have an inquiry about the Boxborough Police Department, have any ideas that you would like to see implemented to strengthen the partnership between the community and the police, or if you would like to get involved with the SPCP, please reach out. Email inquiries to spcp.bxb@gmail.com and look for updates in Boxborough News.
UCC Boxborough Hires New Pastor
The United Church of Christ Boxborough is excited to announce the hiring of a new permanent settled pastor, Pastor Fran Graveson. As the “only church with a building” in town for over a century, UCC Boxborough is a community focused congregation with extended outreach in support of Boxborough and surrounding area. The members of UCCB are thrilled to have found in Pastor Fran Graveson a minister who will continue to lead them forward in their commitment to be a place of hope, welcome and caring for the world, both locally and globally.
Pastor Fran Graveson graduated from Boston University School of Theology in 2021, after a successful corporate career in project management at both large and small technology companies. For the past several years, Pastor Fran has been serving several Central Massachusetts churches in sabbatical and bridge ministry as well as collaborating with Open Spirit (a multi-faith collaborative) and the UCC Mass Conference where she coordinated community faith events, speaker events and art installations. Her most recent positions were as Migrant Family Support Project Coordinator at Worcester Area Mission Society as well assisting in faith formation at Edwards Church (UCC) in Framingham. Pastor Fran Graveson began in March and has already been busy getting to know the church and the Boxborough community.
To learn more about UCC Boxborough church programming and opportunities, as well as more about their new minister, see https://boxboroughucc.org/
Hazardous Waste Day
Route 111 Bridge Work Anticipated for March 31 to April 11
The work zone is now 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.
Read more: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5096/Work-Anticipated-for-March-31--April-11
March Police Statistics
Obituary of George Cornell Krusen II
George Cornell Krusen II (96) of Boxborough, MA, died March 22, 2025. He was born in Philadelphia, the son of the late George Elliott and Grace (Faden) Krusen, and grew up in Delanco, NJ. He attended Quaker schools K-12 and graduated from MIT in 1950 and Cornell University in 1952 with a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemical Engineering. He served during the Korean War from 1952 until 1954 in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah.
George was a passionate environmental advocate, as a chemical engineer specializing in water quality control and with a lifetime of personal projects. He led the effort and saved the Boxborough Esker from being stripped for gravel and also preserved land containing a Native American solstice alignment. He managed his farm for 65 years with a deep commitment to sustainability. George collaborated with land trusts, NEARA, the Nature Conservancy, and the Boxborough Conservation Commission to further these and numerous other environmental efforts.
Read full obituary here: https://obits.badgerfuneral.com/george-krusen-ii
Boxborough Minutemen 2025 Patriots’ Day Activities
On Saturday April 19, the Boxborough Minutemen Company will convene at 6:30 a.m. outside the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road, to commemorate the events of the original Patriots’ Day. The Museum is located at the edge of Boxborough’s Old Town Center Historic District where some of the original Minutemen from what became Boxborough mustered on April 19, 1775.
The list of company officers is confirmed by a drumhead election. This is an old tradition whereby minutemen company members indicate their approval by tapping on the company bass drum. The company cannon is fired to announce that the company is ready to meet the enemy. There is a short march to Boxborough North Cemetery for a commemorative musket volley after which the names of men from Boxborough who joined in the battle on April 19, 1775 are read out. At 7:00 a.m., the Boxborough Minutemen Company will take a bus to Concord where it will march in the 250th anniversary parade.
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. All are welcome to come and make new connections with others. For information please contact Captain Chad Childers at captain@boxboroughminutemen.org.
Open Mike Night
Fire Station Questions Part 4
The Library is now offering Notary Services
The Library has added notary services to its offerings. Depending on staff availability, this service will be available during most of our open hours. To request the service, please visit the library’s website https://boxlib.org/services/notary for details and the service request form.
Boxborough Police Department Partners with Sargent Memorial Library in Book Discussion
The library is hosting a book discussion in collaboration with the Boxborough Police Department. The selected book is The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey. It is a mystery set in 1920s India, featuring one of the first female lawyers in the country as the protagonist. The book promises to be enjoyable and offers excellent opportunities to explore gender issues in the workforce, cultural differences, and more. The discussion will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, at the library. Copies of the book are available at the library.
Fire Station Questions Part 2
Fire Station Questions Part 3
Fire Station Questions Part 1
Council on Aging Encourages Older Citizens to Read Fire Station Q&A
There’s no question about it: for the safety of Boxborough’s residents, businesses, and visitors, the town is in serious need of a new fire station. More than 50 years old, the current station is beyond renovation and cannot accommodate the size nor technology of current apparatus, nor meet the needs of a 21st Century public safety facility. Of importance to all our citizens and visitors, provision of safety services is of vital concern to the over-60 community, which represents more than 30 percent of the Boxborough population. Hard at work on the many challenges of everything from the design of a new station to its potential location, the citizens, fire fighters, and architects of the Fire Station Building Committee have produced a detailed Q&A document addressing a range of related issues, ranging from why the station is needed, to where it might be located, to how an architect could be selected. The Q&A may be read on the town’s website at https://tinyurl.com/4dveszwf
Message from Boxborough Fire Chief John Kivlan
As we enter the open burning season in Boxborough, I want to remind you of the regulations and safety measures to ensure that this practice is conducted responsibly and safely. Open burning season runs from January 15 to May 1, as regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
Here are some key guidelines to follow:
Permit Requirement
You must obtain an open burning permit from the Boxborough Fire Department.
Permits can be applied for online or at boxborough-ma.gov/251/Burn-Permits.
What You Can Burn
Only natural materials such as brush, branches, and pruning debris are allowed.
Leaves, grass, and construction materials are prohibited.
When You Can Burn
Burning is only permitted between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Fires must be completely extinguished by 4:00 PM. No fires may be started after 1 p.m.
Safety Guidelines
Always burn at least 75 feet away from buildings and structures.
Have a water source, such as a hose or buckets of water, nearby to control the fire.
Never leave the fire unattended.
Air Quality and Weather Conditions
Burning is allowed only on days when weather conditions are safe and conducive to proper smoke dispersion.
You must check daily with the Fire Department to confirm if burning is permitted that day.
Alternatives to Open Burning
Consider alternatives like composting or chipping your yard debris. These eco-friendly methods help reduce air pollution and are safer for our community.
We rely on your cooperation to maintain a safe environment during open burning season. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the Boxborough Fire Department.
Thank you for helping us keep our community safe.
Sincerely,
John Kivlan
Fire Chief
Boxborough Fire Department
Boxborough Conservation Trust Seeks Volunteers
Are you passionate about the open landscapes in Boxborough for nature, hiking and farmland? Would you like to get more involved in land preservation, community engagement, and stewardship of conserved land? The Boxborough Conservation Trust (BCTrust) is seeking volunteers to help us further our mission in governance and other volunteer work. We will have upcoming vacancies on our Board of Directors. Board meetings are typically held monthly, often via Zoom, making it easier to participate. If you’re interested in learning more about what’s involved, please reach out to our Vice President, Dave Barnett, at dbarnett@bctrust.org.
Not ready to join the Board? No problem! There are plenty of opportunities to contribute through our Stewardship and Community Engagement initiatives. Email our Vice President, Dave Barnett, at dbarnett@bctrust.org to find out more.
Founded in 1997, BCTrust is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving and protecting Boxborough’s rural character and natural resources.
We’d love to have you join us in making a difference!
Boxboro Rec Dept_Live4 Injury Prevention Fitness Class Flyer.pdfBeyond boxborough
AB Youth Track & Field Clinic at Leary Field
Acton-Boxborough High School on GBH's High School Quiz Show
Acton-Boxborough High School will be featured on Season 16 of GBH’s High School Quiz Show next Saturday. They’ll go head-to-head against Hopkinton High School for a spot in the semifinals on April 26 at 6 p.m. on GBH 2 and streaming on the High School Quiz Show YouTube channel.
High School Quiz Show is GBH’s televised academic game show for Massachusetts high school students that celebrates academic achievement. This year, 17 schools from across the state are competing for the championship title.
Four Winters, A Story of Resistance & Bravery in WWII Featuring the Jewish Partisans
Wednesday, April 30, 2025, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM at Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton
In commemoration of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), the Adult Education Committee will be screening Four Winters, followed by a conversation with the film director, Julia Mintz. There will be a short religious service before the screening.
FILM SYNOPSIS
Over 25,000 Jewish partisans fought back against the Nazis and their collaborators from deep within the forests of WWII’s Eastern Europe, Ukraine and Belarus. Against extraordinary odds, they escaped Nazi slaughter, transforming from young innocents to courageous resistance fighters. Shattering the myth of Jewish passivity, these last surviving partisans tell their stories of resistance in FOUR WINTERS, revealing a stunning narrative of heroism and resilience.
Congregation Beth Elohim is committed to fostering an open, diverse community that acts as a place for spiritual development, as well as the celebration of Jewish culture and values. As an independent congregation, we forge a unique balance between preserving Jewish traditions and embracing progressive ideals, creating an environment that is inclusive to all. Our leadership is committed to the personal and spiritual growth of our members, providing guidance and support throughout life's journey.
Ride to Support Acton Food Pantry
Ride for Food 2025 Flyer.pdfIMLS Library Funding Cuts
IMLS info sheet.pdf
The Revolution Sings
The Revolution Sings is a concert of protest and social justice music from throughout America's history to benefit the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. The concert is being produced by Musicians for the Greater Good, a non-profit network of musicians that supports social change organizations. Performers include leading New England singer-songwriters, such as Tom Smith, the Lied Tos, Chris and John Boehmer, Howie Altholtz, Steve Azzaro, Mark Hastings, Karen Sauer, Tom Maynard, Dan Tappan, John Ferullo and Ron and Tristan Israel. It will take place on Friday April 18 from 7:00-9:00 PM live at Five Sparks, 7 Fairbanks Street, Harvard, Mass and also can be viewed via livestream. Tickets to the live show are available at TheRevolutionSings.Eventbrite.Com and at the door. The Live Stream will be available starting at 7:00 PM Friday the 18th at https://tinyurl.com/3ddjr6fx. Donations can be made at the following link https://tinyurl.com/ACLUM-MGG
Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Warns Community of Ongoing Scam Attempts
WOBURN, Mass. – The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) continues to urge residents to be aware of ongoing scam attempts targeting residents using sophisticated tactics via text, call, email, and online platforms.
Among the fraudulent schemes the MSO is warning of are jury duty and arrest scams. In these scams, perpetrators claim individuals have missed jury duty or threaten arrest over the phone for failing to pay fines or fees. The scammers advise individuals to make payments using unconventional methods – like cryptocurrency or gift cards – or surrender themselves to law enforcement agencies at specific locations. In these cases, the perpetrators will often use the name of current or retired law enforcement professionals.
The MSO Administrative Office and Inner Perimeter Security (IPS) Unit field calls weekly from residents targeted by scammers claiming to be members of the MSO and other law enforcement agencies. Please remember that no legitimate law enforcement agencies will contact you this way.
In addition to jury duty and arrest scams, the MSO warns residents to be cautious of:
IRS impersonators:
The IRS advises people to beware of impersonators demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest. Check for odd or misspelled website links that can direct you to harmful sites.
Road toll scams:
Scammers have been attempting to steal money and sensitive information by sending texts claiming drivers have unpaid tolls. The texts prompt individuals to pay their bill to avoid excessive fees.
Bank scams:
You may receive a call, text, or email claiming to be from your bank asking if you made suspicious charges on your card. Scammers try to trick you into providing sensitive information, like account numbers or security codes, to “verify” that the charge was fraudulent. This can allow scammers to then access your funds.
The MSO encourages residents to learn the tell-tale signs of a scam, including, but not limited to:
Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails from people, especially if they request private information, like your social security number or bank account information.
Requests to send payment using unusual methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
High-pressure scenarios where you are encouraged to send payment as soon as possible.
Spelling errors in emails and text messages.
If you are suspicious, the MSO encourages you to hang up the phone or halt correspondence with the individual and contact local authorities.
Residents who receive scam calls in which individuals falsely identify themselves as MSO deputies or officers may contact the MSO at (978) 667-1711 and ask to speak with the Inner Perimeter Security Unit.
As part of the MSO’s Law Enforcement and Residents Networking (LEARN) initiative, the MSO is proud to provide presentations to the community that cover the common and emerging scams targeting residents; tips to avoid falling victim to scammers; and red flags to look out for.
Organizations interested hosting a presentation can contact the MSO’s Director of Community Affairs Ken Doucette at KDoucette@sdm.state.ma.us for more information.
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.