True West Brewery and SWELL yoga are happy to present Yoga and Brews!  Head to True West for a Saturday morning flow appropriate for all levels even beginners. Following class you will be treated to a flight of beers of your choice brewed in house included in the ticket price. 

Since you've worked up an appetite why not stay for lunch after (not included in ticket). Bring a friend or make a friend, do yoga, and drink beer!

Tickets are $25 pp and must be purchased prior to event
Register and pay at https://www.swellyogawellness.com/book-online

Join Wish from 5-6pm on Wednesday evening, July 12 for Shoe-a-palooza!  Sip some wine and get 10% off ALL shoes - including new arrivals!

Who doesn't like to shop with a glass of wine in their hand? HOME by Stamm & Black, Wish Acton, Modern Barre, and Birch Tree Esthetics host their first Sip 'N Shop night next Thursday, June 29th, from 5pm-830pm. Start your holiday weekend off right a night early! Bring a friend and receive 10% off!

Come to Acton Coffee House for a evening of poetry as Sandra Kohler & Jennifer Page read their original poems in the cafe.  Admission is free, and sales go to support the poets.

Come by Wish for wine, shopping, and a good time! Bring a friend (or a few) to introduce them to Wish and you'll all receive 10% off for the night and a fun gift. This is just a casual evening but RSVP's are encouraged to help us prepare accordingly.

More info and RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/919186544887023/

Jeff Jam is coming to West Acton!

The Acton-Boxborough Family Network, True West Brewery, and West Acton Villageworks are pleased to present Jeff Jam in concert!  Bring your kids for the show while you enjoy a locally-made craft beer and family-friendly concessions from True West.  If you are hungry for more than snacks, present your tickets at True West before or after the show (same day only) and receive 10% off your meal.

About Jeff Jam

Jeff Jam is a friendly, goofy guy who sings and performs songs for children of all ages. He travels all over Massachusetts, New England, and the world with his acoustic guitar, bringing songs and smiles to children everywhere.

Born in Massachusetts, Jeff Jam grew up watching Sesame Street, reading Dr. Seuss, and listening to The Beatles. Three of his favorite things are books, music and baseball. When he gets to sing Take Me Out To The Ballgame in a library, Jeff Jam is in heaven.

Jeff Jam is a certified Music Together ® teacher, and leads music classes in Cambridge, Arlington, Somerville, and Belmont. He has five CDs of music available, including his latest, Snores, a collection of quiet songs for lullaby time. -JeffJam.com

ABFN members, please visit BigTent to access your ticket promo code. There is a limited number of discounted tickets available, so order today! 

Interested in becoming an ABFN member? Go to www.abfamily.org to join!

Tickets: $8 general admission / $5 for ABFN Members
Tickets Available on-line HERE

Presented by Acton-Boxborough Family Network, with support from Acton-Boxborough United Way. 

In Race to Nowhere, director Vicki Abeles unveiled the dark side of America’s achievement culture. In her follow up documentary, Beyond Measure, Abeles travels to public schools across the country as they embark on a journey to transcend the limits of our outmoded, test-driven education system and create a more equitable, empowering, student-centered education culture from the ground up. By putting research and innovative models into practice, groundbreaking school communities are transforming how and what they teach. In chorus with experts including Sir Ken Robinson, Linda Darling-Hammond, Yong Zhao, Alison Gopnik, Jo Boaler and Daniel Pink, the change makers in Beyond Measure prove that both a new vision and a higher purpose are within reach for American education.

Tickets: $10 in advance online / $15 at door

Order Your Tickets Online Now

Questions?  Contact Michelle Shoemaker at fundraising@abfamily.org

Join artist Janet Shapero from 1pm-3pm on Sunday May 21st for the opening of her new installation "In Suspension" designed specifically for The Gallery at Villageworks.  

"In Suspension" premiers over 20 new works.  For almost two decades, Janet has been applying thin layers of pigment, both directly and indirectly to open-weave backings in order to create images of varying translucencies, held afloat in a diaphanous grid.  Rete-Chrome (pronounced rět-ě-krōm - derived from rete, Latin for net; and chrome, Greek for color) is the term she coined for the process and the resulting two-dimensional artwork.  Similarly, the term Rete-Form relates to a like use of pigments applied to metal screen which is then modulated into sculptural forms.  Ranging in size from miniature to monumental, Rete-Chromes and Rete-Forms have been widely exhibited; as individual pieces and as elements in larger installations.

Our first Boston Comedy Night in February was a hit. Hosted by Wes Hazard (named one of “5 Boston Comedians to Watch” by Boston Globe Magazine), four Boston-based comics rocked the house. If there was ever a time when people needed to get together and just laugh and smile, it is now, right? Wes is bringing another great line-up to us on May 19.

DEB FARRAR-PARKMAN
Toted by the Boston Globe as “one of the most consistently inventive performers” on the Boston comedy scene, Deb has been featured in numerous comedy festivals throughout the country, including Ladies of Laughter, Laugh Your Asheville Off, and the New York and Boston Comedy Festivals. She has been featured on NPR’s Commonwealth Journal, Lifetime’s Girls Night Out, and local television stations WCVB and WBZ. Deb is the founding producer of and a performer in ColorStruck: Women of Color in Comedy, as well as the co-executive producer of You’ve Crossed the Line: Diversity, Humor and Freedom of Speech, a humor and dialogue platform for college campuses and the larger community. She is also an Emmy Award-winning documentary producer. 

NICK CHAMBERS
Born and raised in Worcester, Nick began performing stand-up comedy on a whim in 2009 and hasn’t been able to stop since. His laid back delivery and conversational tone has quickly led to becoming a regular performer all over the East Coast where he has opened for national headliners like Kyle Dunnigan and Bridget Everett. In 2016, Nick was a semi-finalist in the Boston Comedy Festival and performed in the Oddball Comedy Festival. He also made is feature film debut in the comedy, “Good Kids.”

TIM McINTIRE has been one of the most popular and prolific comedians in Boston for over a decade. His career has been eclectic — he’s hosted the Boston Music Awards, written for Nickelodeon, released two comedy albums, and been featured on NPR. His Thursday Night Fights and Geek Council shows are legendary. He’s performed on TV (Comcast Comedy Spotlight), at comedy festivals (Boston, Chicago), and on film (Long Distance). And as one of the owners of Mottley’s Comedy Club, he helped give the next generation of comics a space to find their own comedic voices.

WES HAZARD (our host)
A New England native, Wes was named one of “5 Boston Comedians to Watch” by The Boston Globe Magazine. A writer and storyteller as well as comedian, Wes brings wit, energy and honesty to the stage, qualities that have made him a regular performer in Boston venues as well as at The Boston Comedy Festival and The Women in Comedy Festival. Wes is a multiple-time winner on The Moth StorySLAM stage and he’s appeared as a guest on the Comedy Bang! Bang! Live! podcast — based on the critically-acclaimed IFC television show — with Scott Aukerman & Paul F. Tompkins. His debut book, Questions For Terrible People, was released in 2016 and named a Barnes & Noble humor pick.

Doors open at 7:30pm
$12/online • $15/door
Purchase your tickets now. Last time they sold out!
Beer & wine provided by True West.
Parking map

Questions? Please contact Fugitive Productions directly at (617) 823-2313 or dg@fugitiveproductions.com.

The 3nd Annual West Acton Wellness Fair is a family friendly festival that highlights local health, wellness and education-based businesses of W. Acton, MA & surrounding communities.  Health & wellness vendors, live music, fresh farm produce, demonstrations, and food available at West Acton Villageworks cafes & restaurants.  

Bring the whole family!  Kids events include:

FREE Music with Mister Vic sponsored by Acton Real Estate: 12:00pm at Gardner Field (across the street from Villageworks)
FREE Kids Dance Class with Julia from Modern Barre: 1:00pm at Gardner Field
FREE Kids Yoga Class with Christine from Revolution Community Yoga:  1:30pm at Gardner Field
FREE Animal Presentation from Animal Adventures: 2:00pm on the lawn next to Twin Seafood

Ages 4+ FREE Helmet Give Away from Pedal Power - Bike & Ski (On-going 1st come, 1st Serve)

The fair runs rain or shine.  

Vendors and more info at the Wellness Fair Facebook page.

Organized by Revolution Community Yoga, Revolution Community Bodywork, Wellness at Villageworks, and The Town of Acton Health Department.  Sponsored in part by OMR Architects.

On May 10th, join thousands of organizations, companies, schools, museums, libraries and homes — anywhere people already gather — in a global conversation about what it will take to get to a more gender-balanced world in all sectors of society: business, politics, culture, home, and more.

The event will be facilitated by Kathy Elkind of elKind Nourishment.  The evening will consist of the following:

• Introduction to 50/50 Day: 10 mins
• Screening of short film: 20 mins
• Small or Large group discussion using age-specific questions: 30 mins
• Wrap-up: 15 mins

FREE and open to the public.  Please RSVP on Eventbrite so we know how many people to expect.  

Sponsored by elKind Nourishment, Wellness at Villageworks, and West Acton Villageworks.

Join Neighbor Brigade for a special performance of "Neighbors", an original play written, directed and produced by Acton-Boxborough High School Senior Julia Lasker and inspired by the stories of Neighbor Brigade. The theatrical performance illustrates the stories of four Neighbor Brigade recipients, revealing the often hidden struggles and triumphs happening all around us. 

We will also take this opportunity to thank our retiring Neighbor Brigade Chapter Leaders who have given years of dedication to our mission of helping families and individuals facing crises. 

*Appetizers and beverages will be available. 
**Please see important parking instructions at www.westactonvillageworks.com/visit

Jeff Purchon & Friends is back. Jeff has performed with some of music’s greats. At the age of 17 he was signed to EMI records and was playing in a warm up band for renowned acts like Black Sabbath, Free, Genesis, Robert Palmer, and others. He toured with Noel Redding (ex Jimi Hendrix), Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull) and during his career has played with Robert Palmer, Ginger Baker, Buddy Miles, Steve Holley (Wings), and Mick Ronson (Bowie).

Jeff will be accompanied by some of the best musicians in the area. Tonight's band features Stax recording artist Suzanne Buell, Vicki Zelski, and Michael Payette (of course) on vocals, Ron Pastore on bass, keyboardist Phil Clements, Philip Antionades on drums and Hal Denham on percussion.

Questions? Please contact Fugitive Productions directly at (617) 823-2313 or dg@fugitiveproductions.com.

Doors open at 7:30pm • Band starts at 8pm
$15/online • $18/door
Order your tickets online now.
Beer & wine provided by True West.
Parking map

elKind Nourishment presents a 2 hour workshop we will explore the feelings that come up around Body Image. Eating Psychiatrist Kathy Elkind will share steps to healing body image and ways to feel empowered. The workshop will be limited to 8 women for an intimate group.  If you have not seen the movie, "Embrace", please watch it.  It is available from iTunes. 

$38 for registration.  Register HERE.  The group will meet at Wellness at Villageworks.

ORIGINAL PROGRESSIVE ROCK, BLUES, AND IMPROVISATION

“The Response” plays originals created by Carlisle’s Jic Davis, Jon Golden, George Middleton, and Mac Ritchey, along with bandmate Emilie Faucher of Shirley. Their CD release party in February, with guest performers Jodie Rachman and Neal Kruzkowski, sold out the 300-seat Bull Run Main Ballroom.

The unusual instrumentation, timbres, and diverse musicality offer up a sonic journey for the ears that weave and wander through the styles of progressive/atmospheric rock, blues, improvisation, and global influences.

Formed a decade ago as “The Carlisle Organics,” they played self-made instruments created from found objects and recycled materials. Over time, as the band and friendship evolved, they renamed themselves “The Response,” to play for a tribute ceremony in honor of Carlisle ”first responders.”

The group continues its original mission of making music and fostering friendship. Lead singer Faucher is the primary conveyor of the group’s lyrical tales, exploring such diverse topics as environmental concerns, international conflict, interpersonal human relationships — and one story of an aging dog sitting on a porch. Davis plays an instrument of his own invention, the “batar” — an electric guitar/bass hybrid from which much of the band’s signature sound emanates. Ritchey sings and plays the electric oud, a reinvention of the ancient Arabic lute. It is processed through a variety of effects, creating ethereal, atmospheric sound textures. Middleton strums mellifluous, sweet sounds and delivers incisive solos on electric guitar. Golden serves up a labyrinth of percussive styles to complement the core batar/oud/guitar arrangements.

SPECIAL OFFER:  True West Brewery offers 10% off food on the night of our performances if you order your tickets online. Just show them a digital or printed receipt of your purchase to receive your discount.

Doors open at 7:30pm • Band starts at 8pm
$15/online • $18/door
Tickets available from Fugitive Productions.  
Beer & wine provided by True West.
Parking map

Questions? Please contact Fugitive Productions directly at (617) 823-2313 or dg@fugitiveproductions.com.

Ron Fournier: Love That Boy - What Two Presidents, Eight Road Trips, and My Son Taught Me About a Parent's Expectations

In his book Love That Boy: What Two Presidents, Eight Road Trips, and My Son Taught Me About a Parent's Expectations, award-winning political journalist Ron Fournier writes movingly about the causes and costs of parental expectations in 21st century America through the lens of his relationship with his son Tyler. He lurches between the two poles of parenthood: what we want for our children - popularity, normalcy, achievement, genius - and what they truly need - grit, empathy, character.

Their journey turns the spotlight on all parents, urging us to do as Ron ultimately does: learn to love our children for who they are, not who we wish them to be. Love That Boy is a deeply personal and honest look at the universal pitfalls of modern parenting.

Ron Fournier is the senior political columnist for The Atlantic and National Journal, and a frequent contributor on politically themed TV shows, including NBC's Meet the Press, CBS's Face the Nation, FOX News's Special Report, and MSNBC's Morning Joe. He began his family and career in Arkansas, covering then governor Bill Clinton before moving to Washington in 1993, where he reported on politics and the presidency during the administrations of Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Fournier also served as a fellow at the Harvard Institute of Politics,where he cowrote the New York Times bestseller Applebee's America. He holds the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi Award for coverage of the 2000 elections, and he is a four-time winner of the prestigious White House Correspondents' Association Merriman Smith Memorial Award.

This event is free of charge, but pre-registration is required. A wait list is expected.
REGISTER HERE
Cash bar and light refreshments from True West will be available.
Ron will sign copies of his book, Love That Boy, following the presentation.

Join photographer Kathryn Costello for a reception celebrating her exhibit After Dark in the Wellness at Villageworks Gallery.

AFTER DARK
Kathryn Costello is a portrait artist specializing in head shots, magazine-style portraiture and dance photography. This exhibit of her night photography—stars and dancers (most of whom were photographed outside after dark) uses time to illustrate what cannot be seen with the naked eye.  Whether it is freezing motion at 1/5000 of a second or a three-hour exposure to burn onto film the motion of the night sky, Kathryn captures the fleeting and the eternal.

 http://kathryncostello.com/afterdark/

WGBH's Brainiacs & Brews returns to True West in April! This event is free to attend, but registration is required. Registration is now open!

How it works-
Spend the evening with fellow brainiacs solving a variety of brainteasers, puzzles and challenges as you move through the brewery in an open flow format. This is not a seated event. Each correctly solved challenge wins you points. The individuals or teams with the most points will compete in a head-to-head, puzzle-solving showdown for the title of "Brainiac of the Brewery!" The winners will receive a WGBH prize pack.

Teams can be no more than 4 people.
This is NOT a seated event.
Must be 21 or older to attend with a valid ID.

Registration and more info on Eventbrite.

Menswork Inc. presents "Out of Their Heads", a documentary film of the 20th Men’s Wisdom Council.  A moving film of interest for both men and women, the screening will also include a special presentation of Walt Whitman by guest artist Stephen Collins.

Ericka Boenis of the "Glam Room" will be doing a 2 hour workshop on how to create a professional everyday look with your make-up.  This is going to be another fun, educational night out at HOME!  Registration $50 (includes 2 hours of professional instruction, beverages, light snacks, conversation and plenty of good cheer!) 

ONLINE REGISTRATION at http://stammandblack.com/press.html.  Space is limited, register to reserve your spot!

If you’ve been curious about what the Revolution Community Yoga Studio is all about, now is your chance to pop in and take a casual look around! Revolution Community Yoga will be hosting their 4th Annual Open House (rescheduled due to snow in January) on Saturday, March 25th from 2:30 – 6:30pm. Free classes, live music, free chair massage, and more!  

Full details at https://yogaacton.com/rcy-open-house.

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!  Miss your chance for tickets?  More family-focused events are in the works!

The Puppets Take West Acton!  The Acton-Boxborough Family Network, True West Brewery, and West Acton Villageworks are pleased to present two family classics from Drawbridge Puppet Theater: The Three Little Pigs and Chicken Little.  Bring your kids for the puppets while you enjoy a locally-made craft beer and family-friendly concessions from True West.  If you are hungry for more than snacks, present your tickets at True West before or after the show (same day only) and receive 10% off your meal.  

ABFN members, reserve your tickets on BigTent!  
Interested in joining ABFN? Go to www.abfamily.org to join today!

Tickets: $8 general admission / $4 for ABFN Members
Non-ABFN Members: Order your tickets at https://puppetsinthegallery.eventbrite.com

Join Susan Edwards Richmond, as she reads from her new poetry collection, Before We Were Birds, published by Adastra Press. The poems illuminate more than a decade of the poet’s fascination with the interactions of humans with wild nature. Richmond explores this kinship through close observation and immersion in the natural world, and by suggesting connections with animal spirit guides.

The event will open with selected readings by Polly Brown, Terry House, Dawn Paul, Mary Pinard, Joanne DeSimone Reynolds, and Hilary Sallick from a new poetry anthology Birdsong edited by Eric Rounds and Bart White.

"With stunning imagery and gentle, meditative music, Richmond conjures a sense of sacred wildness in all things. In a world as endangered by meanness and indifference as ours, no lesson seems more important."  –Fred Marchant, Said Not Said (Graywolf Press)

Bring your friends, your partner, your grown daughters to view and discuss this empowering documentary about women's self image. Wellness at Villageworks and elKind Nourishment present a community screening and facilitated discussion of the 2016 documentary Embrace.

"Despite being happily married and successfully juggling motherhood while running a thriving photography business, Taryn Brumfitt was privately struggling with crippling body image issues. Close to resorting to plastic surgery to ‘fix’ her post-childbirth body, Taryn decided that what she really needed to change was not in fact her body, but her attitude towards it."

Following the movie, Eating Psychology Coach Kathy Elkind will facilitate a community dialogue to share thoughts and reactions.

• Cash bar with wine, craft beer, tea, and coffee served by True West at 6:30pm
• Movie screening and dialogue begins at 7pm
• Tickets: $8 purchased in advance or at the door
• All ticket holders receive 10% off food at True West pre or post event.

Purchase your tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/embrace-community-screening-and-discussion-tickets-32172252072

Join Modern Barre for a FREE introduction to the Modern Barre technique focusing on alignment, core stability, and flexibility. Classes utilize body weight exercises, light resistance and the ballet barre to gently wake up your muscles and give you a feel-good whole body stretch. This class is a perfect choice if you are new to barre, haven’t worked out in a while, or are looking for a break between higher intensity workouts -- all ages and fitness levels are welcome.  Sign up here: http://bit.ly/2l9Bwnf 

After the class, head upstairs to The Gallery at Villageworks for a screening and discussion of "Embrace".  Click for a full description of the Embrace Screening & Discussion.

Presented by Indian Hill Music and Fugitive Productions

Get ready for a fresh take on acoustic folk & bluegrass! This band's tapestry of tones — guitar, upright bass, banjo, mandolin, dobro, foot percussion, and multi-layered vocal harmonies — pulls from a wide range of genres. Mumford and Sons meets Fleet Foxes (well, sort of). Dance to the music and enjoy refreshments from True West Brewery, serving wine, award-winning homemade beers, and food from their pub menu.

Matthew Migliori, vocals, acoustic guitar, dobro
Jon Kaplan, vocals, mandolin, percussion
Nate Pelletier, vocals, banjo, percussion
Joseph Pierog, vocals, upright bass, percussion (Indian Hill Music Faculty)

WATCH THE BAND PERFORM

Doors open at 7:30 pm
$15 online | $18 at the door
Order your tickets now or purchase tickets by phone at 978.486.9524 x116

Hosted by Highrock Covenant Church, come dance with DJ Shin Maeng, enjoy appetizers, dessert, and a cash bar, raffles of coveted items from local merchants, tastes of Congolese culture, and more.  Come for a NIGHT OUT to have some fun, make new friends, and have an impact that reaches all the way to children in Congo.  

All proceeds from this event support the CONGO CLINIC INITIATIVE.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is a growing vibrant nation whose infrastructure has been destabilized by years of civil war, leaving some areas in extreme poverty. One out of every five children die before the age of 5 in Congo due to preventable diseases.  The mission of the Paul Carlson Partnership (www.paulcarlson.org) is to catalyze the growth of self-sustaining families and communities in places of deep poverty in Africa through investment in medical and economic development.  Highrock Acton has come alongside the Paul Carlson Partnership, and become one of 108 churches to support 108 medical clinics in the Congo that are providing accessible, front-line life-saving health care to those who need it the most.  Highrock Acton partners with the Kanana Clinic, a village of over 4,000 people that is 21 miles away from the nearest hospital. We have made a five-year commitment to come alongside the Kanana Clinic, sending at least $10k a year, to raise the standard of healthcare and provide preventative medicine, electricity, refrigeration, sustainable solar energy, clean water and salaries for the 3 person clinic staff. 

Tickets: $30 per person available for purchase until February 7.  
More info at the Event Facebook Page.

The Discovery Museums Speaker Series Presents: "The Decline of Outdoor Play in Children and the Rise of Sensory Issues" by Angela Hanscom, MOT, OTR/L.

This event is free of charge, but pre-registration is required.
Cash bar and light refreshments will be available.

As we continue to decrease children's time and space to move and play outdoors, we are seeing a simultaneous rise in the number of children that are presenting with sensory and motor deficits. At the same time, classroom teachers are observing more and more children having trouble with attention, falling out of their seats in school, increased clumsiness, and even aggressiveness with games like tag on the playground. 

So, how can we reverse this alarming trend of sensory and motor issues in children? How can we ensure that children are fully engaging their body, mind, and all of their senses? 

Using the same philosophy that lies at the heart of her popular TimberNook program-that nature is the ultimate sensory experience, and that psychological and physical health improves for children when they spend time outside on a regular basis -- Angela Hanscom offers several strategies to help children thrive in outdoor environments using a therapeutic approach to outdoor play.

Angela Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and the founder of TimberNook, an internationally recognized program in the United States and New Zealand. She is the author of the book, Balanced & Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by New Harbinger. Angela has been featured on the Children & Nature Network, Huffington Post, MindShift, Babble.com, NPR's Education blog, the DIY Network, The Jerusalem Post, Times of India, Johnson & Johnson TEDx Talks, and is a frequent contributor to the Washington Post Answer Sheet.

Dunham Shoe Factory is a collaboration between Anna Patton, Mac Ritchey, Todd
Roach and Dave Haughey. They are a contemporary acoustic ensemble playing original compositions influenced by world traditions. Combining the clarinet, oud, percussion,
and cello, their music draws from a myriad of styles including Brazilian, Egyptian, Jazz,
Turkish, Classical, and Indian music.

Currently based in New England, individual members have performed in a variety of
settings locally, nationally, and internationally over the past 25 years. Coming together
as Dunham Shoe Factory in 2016, the group has created a unique sound by weaving
the threads of common experience that exist between the players — two hold
masters degrees in music performance; two have studied traditional Arabic and
Turkish music; two have performed with the Paul Winter Consort; and all have spent time improvising in a variety of settings.

PRESENTED BY FUGITIVE PRODUCTIONS.  PLEASE VISIT THE FUGITIVE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO.

Doors open at 7:30pm • Band starts at 8pm
$12/online • $15/door
Order your tickets online now
Parking map

*There is no bar service for this event but you can visit True West brewery’s full bar — located in the building — before, during the break, and/or after the performance.
 

Learn from Bay State Elder Law, Minuteman Senior Services, and Acton Law Enforcement - Senior Fraud Prevention about care-giving issues, helpful community resources & steps you can take to ease your caregiver journey.

This FREE Event is sponsored by AB United Way, LWV-Acton Area, and CHNA15.