illuminated birth & company event

Taught by Jen Patashnick, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician of Wonderful Welcome Postpartum Doula Services. Learn how to safely transport the most precious cargo of all and get your car seat installed with a pro!

This workshop begins with a half hour info session discussing standards and best practices with your car seat, as well as common errors. We'll go into detail about how to use the seats, including how to fit it to your little one and how to adjust it as your child grows, whether it's an infant rear-facing bucket seat, a convertible seat, or a combination booster. Then, head out to the parking lot and verify that your car seats are installed correctly and securely in your vehicle under the careful eye of a CPST. REGISTER HERE

danny’s place youth services event

Join Danny’s Place on April 20th, 2024 from 12-2pm for Stop-In Saturday.  All are welcome to this free open house-style event, featuring activity stations for children and an opportunity to tour the space and talk with staff and volunteers about programming. Visit dannys-place.org/saturdays to learn more

Next Stop-In Saturday: May 11th, 2024

The Silver Unicorn bookstore event

The 2nd Annual Kids Graphic Novel Festival hosted by our neighbors, The Silver Unicorn Bookstore will feature fabulous and award-wining creators of kids' comics including Lincoln Peirce, Kayla Miller, George O'Connor and many more, plus stage hosts Maddie Frost and Jarrett Lerner!

The festival is free to attend! For more info visit: silverunicornbooks.com/KidsGraphicNovelFestival

illuminated birth event

Birth Story Circle Hosted by Meryl Estabrook and Megan Peasley

Join Illuminated Birth for an evening of sharing and listening to birth stories! Attendees are invited to share their birth story, or just listen to others and give support. Whether your birth experience was joyful, difficult, or complicated, we need safe spaces to share these stories. We carry our birth stories with us throughout our lives; sharing them with a supportive group can be cathartic, healing, and validating.

Hosted by two doulas in a cozy, welcoming space. Open to all women and birthing people. Babies in arms are welcome, but please leave older babies and children at home. Click here to register.

revolution community yoga class

Come as You Are Family Yoga: An Adaptive Family Yoga Class
For Children Ages 5 – 12 & Their Caregivers
Sunday, April 7th • 2pm @ RCY’s Upper Studio
$25 For Groups up to 3 / +$10 for Additional
Led by Meaghan Brazell & Meagan MacNeill
{REGISTER}

★ Come as You Are Family Yoga Questionnaire ★
(please fill out this form if you intend to register or have already registered)

Come as You Are Family Yoga invites children ages 5-12 and their caregivers to do just that… come to their yoga mats as they are!

This class offers the benefits of yoga to children with attention, sensory, and learning needs that might not be met in a traditional Kids Yoga or Family Yoga class.  It is a safe, judgment-free space to explore movement, expand imagination, and strengthen bonds, both within the family and within the community.  Taught by two teachers and capped at a small class size, this class is designed to provide developmentally appropriate activities with a variety of supports offered, depending on the needs, preferences, and learning styles of the participants.  Caregivers and children participate together, so come ready for creative movement and mindful relaxation as a family!

danny’s place youth services parent-focused event

Join Danny’s Place on Thursday, February 29th, at 7pm for a fascinating and practical presentation by Dr. April Hirschberg, a board-certified Psychiatrist with Harvard Medical School and MGH who is also board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine and a certified Health and Well-being Coach. Dr. Hirschberg will present Resiliency Tips to Stress Less and Be More, a parent-focused workshop that will teach how the relaxation response can promote well-being and resilience and uncover lifestyle behaviors and adaptive coping strategies.

Dr. Hirschberg's material is presented in partnership with MindBodySpace LLC, which provides an 8-week live virtual course to train parents in science-backed skills and strategies to reduce the toxic effects of everyday stressors and promote resilience. One lucky attendee will be selected in a drawing at the 2/29 workshop to receive free entry to this 8-week course.

trew west brewing co event

Calling all parents and little artists! Join the fun during Kids Week at True West - Friday, February 23rd, as they dive into the creative world of painting piggy banks! Hurry, the sign-up deadline is approaching on 2/13. Click HERE and scroll to ‘Kids Week’ on the top menu.
Sign ups available for 12pm slots + 3pm slots.

true west brewing co event

Gather your family and join the excitement at True West Brewery on Monday, February 19th, for a night filled with Disney and Marvel-themed trivia! They have questions suitable for even the youngest team members, promising family fun for everyone! The trivia kicks off at 6pm, and the best part? It's absolutely FREE to participate! PRIZES for winning trivia team and for best Disney or Marvel themed costume! Don't miss out on the magic – see you there!

west side creamery event

Beat the winter blues by shaking up your weekend morning routine with a sweet little treat! National Ice Cream For Breakfast Day, is coming up on Saturday, February 3rd. Join West Side Creamery at their shop from 8AM-12PM for...

In the mood to stay in instead? Pre-order a take-home cinnamon roll sundae kit to enjoy breakfast in bed. The pre-order link will be available shortly!

True west brewing co event

Join True West for a New Years Brunch on January 1st from 10am-2pm. Walk ins and reservations welcome bright and early!

illuminated birth workshop

Learn what to expect with a newborn!  Using the touchstones of ABC - Appearance, Behavior, and Care - we cover all the basics, along with oodles of tips and tricks for ensuring a successful "fourth trimester".

NOTE: This workshop is best for expectant families to attend in the third trimester.  Grandparents can benefit from this workshop as well, since current thinking based on evidence-based practice is presented.

Learn more and register: wonderfulwelcome.com/get-started/classes

true west brewing co. event @ verrill Farm

True West Brewery and Verrill Farm have teamed up for our first ever Winter Wonderland Festival. Join them for a festive day that promises to be fun for the whole family - s'mores, kids activities, wreath decorating, True West beer, mac and cheese flights, True West food and more. Plus they'll be selling exclusive festival merchandise!

Pre-order your holiday wreath and festival long sleeve shirt today to guarantee your purchase. And all those who purchase tokens online will receive extra tokens to use for activities, wreath upgrades, hot chocolate, s'mores and more! —> https://verrill-farm.myshopify.com/.../winter-wonderland...

danny’s place youth services event

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 2nd from 12:30-4pm for Stop-In Saturday at Danny’s Place during the West Acton Holiday Stroll. Meet a few of the Danny’s Place staff members and tour the new space while children participate in a craft or scavenger hunt.

For more information on Stop-In Saturdays visit dannys-place.org/saturdays.

west acton village merchants association Event

Originally scheduled for September 30th, the West Acton Village Mercahnts Association was moved to its rain date, Saturday October 14th.

true west brewing co. event

OKTOBERFEST

September 23rd from 12-6

-Epic sausage menu (more like OktoberFEAST)
-FRESH Festbier and other TRUE WEST pours
-LIVE MUSIC
-Family focused and designed festival on a farm! INCLUDING an array of farm games and activities
-Curated German wine offerings

It's an Oktoberfest with something for everyone.

danny’s place youth services event

Grand opening event and inaugural annual cornhole tournament fundraiser, to be held in West Acton. (The cornhole tournament is the event rescheduled from the rained-out May date.)

Registration here

Festivities will include:

✂️ 11 am: Ribbon-cutting ceremony to take place in front of Danny’s Place new location at 543 Mass Avenue, open to the public.

🙈 11:15 am - 12:30 pm: Doors open to the new space at 543 Mass Ave, offering the opportunity to walk through the rooms and speak with our staff to learn more about our unique programming. No entrance fee; an Advanced RSVP to anne@dannys-place.org is appreciated.

🛝 12 pm: The community celebration will kick off at the newly renovated Gardner Field, with DJ music sets and kids' outdoor activities. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from sponsors True West and West Side Creamery. No entrance fee but free general admission registration is requested so we can inform our food vendors.

👏 12:30 pm: "Bags fly" for a fun-for-all cornhole tournament, run by Wicked Cornhole. No experience is required! (Player check-in from 12-12:30 PM) Advanced registration is requested on our online form.

Join us for any or all of the exciting activities! We are eagerly looking forward to seeing you there. If you have any inquiries, please contact anne@dannys-place.org 🐧

revolution community yoga event

Car Seat Safety & Installation w/ Jen Patashnick, CPD, CLE, CBWE, CPST

Sunday, Sept. 17th @ 10:15am (right after RCY’s Prenatal Yoga class) at RCY in the downstairs Lotus Room

Cost: $40 (EVENT SPECIAL!) for one seat (one base included if infant seat); +$20 for each additional base or seat

Info and registration at https://www.wonderfulwelcome.com/events

REVOLUTION COMMUNITY YOGA WORKSHOP

Family Yoga with Kids Ages 4+
Select Monthly Sundays @ 1:30 – 2:30pm
w/ Julie Iatron in the Upper Studio at 525 Mass. Ave. (next to Acton Coffee House)
$25 for 2 Family Members / $10 for each additional family member

UPCOMING CLASSES:
Sunday, May 21st 1:30 – 2:30pm • {REGISTER}

Come explore yoga together! In this class you’ll have fun with movement and play to become more aware of your body and breath.  Together, you will learn partner poses and breathing techniques that will foster relaxation, strength and flexibility of both body and mind.  Come join us for a unique opportunity to promote family wellness and deepen the bond between you and your family members. All abilities and levels of experience welcome.

danny’place youth services event

Join DPYS for their first annual Danny's Place Cornhole Tournament fundraiser for all ages! Music, activities, games, and food and drink - bring the whole family. 

Featuring: 

• Music from the Wicked Cornhole DJ during the tournament (2-5pm)

• A live music performance after the tournament by local group Red Van Jazz Band & Co. (5-7pm)

• A kids' area, with games and activities throughout the day and evening

• Food and drink from local businesses available for purchase throughout the event

Cornhole tickets include access to all activities, music, and food and drink stations.  General Admission tickets are available to watch the tournament and enjoy the other activities.   

All proceeds will support Danny's Place Youth Services programming and community events, serving Acton-Boxborough youth and their families. Learn more at dannys-place.org.

For sponsorship package options, please reach out to katie@dannys-place.org.  

To register click here.

west acton merchants association event

Come and join The West Acton Merchants Association for a wonderful day of scavenger hunt, sidewalk sales, kids activities, food, music and more!

Info on Facebook

Acton-boxborough united way event

Moving together to move our community's mental health forward!

All are welcome at this family-friendly run/walk event to support Acton-Boxborough United Way. Let's come together as a community (rain or shine!) and enjoy the power of connection.

Yankee Timing will be there to provide professional race timing to all participants, and medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each age group. But don’t let that intimidate you — you can go at any pace… run or walk, stroll with neighbors, or mingle with new friends. It’s all about having fun together!

Get the kids involved in giving back to the community with a One-Mile Fun Run! They'll be cheered along the route with bubbles and noisemakers. Fun prizes for the fastest and most spirited!

Learn more and register: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Acton/ABUW5K

westside creamery event

Westside Creamery turns 4 and they’re celebrating by offering a super limited edition batch of their homemade Cake Batter ice cream, and will be selling $4 mini cups all day long. They can’t wait to party with you all!

Two Free Events, One Evening
5:30pm: Margaret Moody Puppets
6:30pm: ”Make Me Dance” Documentary

Come for one or stay for both.

Make Me Dance (65 min)
Tatyana Bronstein, Director | USA | 2016 | Doc

“Make Me Dance” is a documentary that takes an in-depth look at one of the most prestigious dance schools in the United States, The Boston Conservatory. World-renowned choreographer, Darrell Grand Moultrie, has chosen to hold the residency at the Boston Conservatory to craft his new work, “Winds of Now” for young students. The film documents Moultrie’s choreography and preparation for his piece from conception through rehearsals, culminating in the opening night at BoCo Theater.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACxMGYlk4Pg

Margaret Moody Puppets

Margaret Moody loves the way two hands and a few puppets can present a whole story. She studied with master puppeteer Li Tien-lu of Taiwan for three years, and continues to use the intricate puppets and choregraphy of Bu Dai Xi (‘cloth bag drama’) in performance. Margaret performs mainly for children and enjoys creating shows with fairies and other magical creatures. In addition to her solo work, Margaret performs with Dream Tale Puppets and Galapagos Puppets. margaretmoodypuppets.com

Click Here for the Full Event Listing

Are you expecting? Do you ever wish you could just get away for a couple of hours to relax and recharge? Now you can! Join certified prenatal yoga teachers Jenny Meshna and Valerie Kacian for an afternoon of community (sangha), prenatal slow flow practice accessible for all trimesters, and lots of well-deserved pampering.

What to Expect:

• Time to chat about everything and anything pregnancy, childbirth, and #momlife

• Prenatal Slow Flow practice that is accessible for all trimesters in pregnancy even if you are new to yoga

• Optional gentle assists during practice

• Learn ways to keep calm while balancing doctor’s appointments, work, family life, and everything in between

• Practical tips and tricks to ease the aches and pains of pregnancy

• Learn ways to keep your yoga practice safe (and still super effective) during pregnancy

• Bliss out with a supportive restorative practice in a “spa” candlelit atmosphere that includes light essential oils and Reiki treatments.

• A chance to win a special giveaway and useful takeaways

We are both super passionate about prenatal yoga and working to create a prenatal community at RCY. As mothers, we both know the importance of taking time for self-care, as well as connecting with other mamas-to-be. We are looking forward to offering you a safe space to relax, recharge and reconnect.

With Jenny Meshna & Valerie Kacian
$40 Pre-registration is required by Sept. 27th
Minimum of 6 pre-registered participants by Sept. 27th to run
{REGISTER}

Watch Toy Story under the stars at Gardner Field Playground across the street from Villageworks!

But first... Pre-movie music and picnic @ 6pm
True West locally brewed BEER + WINE!
Legends Cafe grilled hot dogs and burgers.
New London Style Pizza.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and find a space in front of the projector screen before showtime at 7:55pm. Lawn space for blankets and chairs is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note, the movie showtime will begin +/- 20 minutes from 7:55pm depending on the light that evening.

Finally, while this is a no-admission-fee family event, it is a FUNDRAISER hosted by the Friends of Gardner Field Organization. This committee was established to revitalize this hidden gem of a park in West Acton. Over the past few months, we gathered feedback from Town of Acton residents on how we should improve Gardner Field. In the coming months, we will work with the Acton Recreation Department, park design professionals, and community members to craft a plan for the space. Our committee hopes to raise $100,000 to be used for Gardner Field improvements. Once we meet this goal, we will apply with the Town of Acton Community Preservation Committee for the additional funds needed to complete this project.

You can donate at: gardnerfield.org

Join Paper Moon Workshop at Modern Barre for fun, music, singing and dancing! This is a great FREE event to bond with your child through music without the pressure of a class. Best for caretakers and kids ages 0-5yrs.

Presented by The Friends of Gardner Field! Join your neighbors at Gardner Field across the street from Villageworks for a viewing of the film “SING”. Food will be available for purchase on the lawn beginning at 6pm. There will be hotdogs and hamburgers for sale, grilled by Legends Cafe. Pizza by the slice for sale, from our friends at New London Style Pizza.

Please bring a blanket or lawn chair and find a space in front of the projector screen before showtime at 6:30pm. Lawn space for blankets and chairs is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are in need of an accommodation to better attend this movie night, please contact us at: FriendsofGardnerField@gmail.com

The film “SING” has quite a few popular songs throughout the movie: the ABRHS Chorus will be on hand to lead the crowd in sing-along!

Finally, this is the FIRST FUNDRAISER hosted by the Friends of Gardner Field Organization. This committee was established to revitalize this hidden gem of a park in West Acton. Over the past few months, we gathered feedback from Town of Acton residents on how we should improve Gardner Field. In the coming months, we will work with the Acton Recreation Department, park design professionals, and community members to craft a plan for the space. Our committee hopes to raise $100,000 to be used for Gardner Field improvements. Once we meet this goal, we will apply with the Town of Acton Community Preservation Committee for the additional funds needed to complete this project.

For expectant parents who are considering hiring a birth doula or postpartum doula.

Space is limited – Pre-Registration is Required:
https://yogaacton.com/free-event-meet-the-doulas/

This gathering is intended for expectant parents who are considering hiring a birth doula or postpartum doula or would like to learn more about doula support. During the event, you will meet several local doulas all in one place and get the chance to chat one-on-one with each of them. You’ll learn about what services the doulas provide, how they support their clients, and you’ll get a feel for their personalities. You will leave with a handout about each of the doulas and can contact folks you clicked with for follow-up interviews if you’d like. It’s a great event to learn about how doulas can support you and your families during pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. There is no obligation to hire anyone you meet.

You will also learn some common things about birth and postpartum doula services, such as:
• What does a doula do?
• What do services usually entail?
• Why would I want to hire a doula?
• How would a doula work with my partner?

Studies* have shown many benefits of working with a doula, including:
• Shorter labors
• Fewer requests for epidurals
• Less frequent use of forceps or vacuum
• Increased confidence in birth partners
• Fewer cesareans [OR Lower cesarean rate]
• Increased success with breastfeeding
• More time to bond with your baby
• An easier transition into parenthood

Doulas:
Amanda Hemm, Postpartum Doula
Becca Schillaci, Birth Doula, Birth Doula
Heather Chiancola, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Kerri Babish Doula Services, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Lindsay Wolff, Birth Doula
Natasha Trapp - Quiet Waters Doula, Birth Doula
*see https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

The Acton-Boxborough Family Network, True West, and West Acton Villageworks are pleased to present The Stupendous Mr. Magichead in The Gallery! Bring your kids for the show while you enjoy a locally-made craft beer from True West.  If you are feeling hungry, present your tickets at True West before or after the show (same day only) and receive 10% off your meal.

About The Stupendous Mr. Magichead
Hilarious, high-energy kid's entertainer The Stupendous Mr. Magichead, performing exclusively for children since 1997!  Appearing (and disappearing) to rave reviews at thousands boffo family & children's magic shows to date, Mr. Magichead has achieved master status among kid's entertainers. Aimed at children aged 3-10 and their families, Mr. Magichead's wild & wacky magic show combining physical comedy, and quickly-paced fresh original trickery.

TICKETS
ABFN Members: $5/pp - Must Reserve in Advance with ABFN via BigTent to get discount!  Discounted tickets are limited, so order today.  Interested in becoming an ABFN member? Go to www.abfamily.org to join.

Non-Members General Admission: $10/pp - Purchase online at EVENTBRITE.

PLEASE NOTE: These events can sell out and we cannot guarantee that tickets will be available at the door. Order tickets in advance to reserve space for your family!