Roudenbush

🧓👵 Caring for Your Aging Parent: A Community Journey Through Elder Care with True North Therapy November 8, 2025 - As our loved ones age, many of us find ourselves facing the complex, and often overwhelming, responsibility of caring for aging parents. This shift can be challenging, yet with the support of our community, we can make this journey together. The Roudenbush Parent Connection Speaker Series is thrilled to present “Caring for Your Aging Parent,” a special event to help guide families through this new experience. Led by Rachael O'Toole, LICSW of True North Therapy , this event offers essential insights and resources for families at any stage of the caregiving journey. 🤝 Join Your Community in Navigating Elder Care One of the most comforting aspects of caregiving is knowing you’re not alone. This event invites you to join friends and neighbors, all seeking the same knowledge, sharing similar concerns, and building connections as we each navigate the complexities of elder care. Together, we’ll explore the following topics: 📝 Key Topics and Insights Recognizing When It’s Time to Seek Additional Support How do you know when it’s time to step in and offer more help? What are the signs your aging parent may need additional care? Rachael will share guidance on recognizing when it might be time to consider extra support. Overview of Basic U.S. Healthcare Systems Navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance options can be overwhelming. This session will provide an overview of the essential components of the U.S. healthcare system, empowering you to understand and utilize available services. Understanding Short-Term vs. Long-Term Care What’s the difference between short-term and long-term care, and what might be best suited for your loved one’s needs? We’ll dive into the different options and their implications, helping you make informed decisions. Where to Find Resources Caring for an aging parent isn’t something you have to handle alone. This event will guide you to valuable resources and organizations that offer support, from caregiver networks to local support services, and show you how to connect with the help you need. 🌟 Why Attend? This session is more than just an educational event; it’s an opportunity to build a support network with others in similar situations. Elder care can be challenging, but as a community, we can provide each other with empathy, understanding, and shared knowledge. With the guidance of Rachael O'Toole, a licensed clinical social worker with years of experience, you’ll gain the tools to make confident, informed decisions for your loved one’s well-being. 📅 Event Details and Registration Don’t miss this chance to take the next steps in understanding and navigating elder care with the support of your community. To learn more and register, please visit the Roudenbush Community Center’s events page . https://www.roudenbush.org/events/roudenbush-parent-connection-caring-for-aging-parents Let’s support each other as we embark on this journey, transforming what can be an isolating experience into one of community connection and shared resilience.

❤️ Introducing a New Monthly Support Group for the Sandwich Generation, Hosted by Roudenbush Parent Connection Are you part of the “sandwich generation” —the group of adults caring for both their own children and aging parents? If so, you know how challenging it can be to juggle these responsibilities while still making time for yourself. To support those navigating this unique life stage, Roudenbush Parent Connection, led by Amy Chervin, is launching a new monthly support group designed just for you! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What is the Sandwich Generation? The sandwich generation refers to adults, typically in their 30s to 60s, who are "sandwiched" between taking care of their own children and aging parents. For many, this role can feel overwhelming as they manage the physical, emotional, and financial demands that come with caring for multiple generations. Having support is essential, and that’s why we’re excited to create a space specifically for you to connect with others who understand what you’re going through. 🤝 Why Join Our Monthly Support Group? This support group offers: A Welcoming Space to Connect : Share experiences, challenges, and successes with others who truly understand. The connections and friendships that form here can be invaluable sources of strength and encouragement. Resources and Tips : Learn practical strategies and gather resources on managing both childcare and elder care. Each session will offer valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of being in the sandwich generation. Flexibility : Join the meeting at any time that fits your schedule. We understand that life can be unpredictable, and we want this group to be as accessible as possible for everyone. 📝 How to Join We ask that you please register so we can notify you of any schedule changes and stay in touch. By registering, you'll also receive reminders and additional resources to support you throughout the month. 🌈 Why Community Matters Caring for both children and aging parents can be a journey filled with both rewarding and challenging moments. By creating a community of support, we hope to help you feel less alone and more empowered in your role. Our goal is to make this support group a safe, supportive, and inspiring place where you can relax, recharge, and find a little peace amid the demands of daily life. 💬 We’re Here for You Whether you're looking for emotional support, practical advice, or just a break from your daily routine, this group is here for you. Join us each month, connect with others, and leave feeling a little lighter, a little stronger, and a lot more connected. For more details and to register, please [insert registration link or contact information]. If you or someone you know is part of the sandwich generation, please feel free to share this information with them. Together, let’s build a strong support network that makes this journey a little easier for everyone. Register here .

🎩🧤 Roudenbush Community Center Hat & Mitten Drive: Spread the Warmth this Winter! 🧤🎩 🥶 It’s Cold Outside! Help Us Keep Our Neighbors Warm The winter chill is here, and we’re calling on our amazing community to join us in spreading warmth and kindness! From December 9 through January 3 , the Roudenbush Community Center will be hosting our annual Hat & Mitten Drive . Every donation of new hats and mittens will go directly to the Lowell Transitional Living Center, where they’ll be distributed to those in need. 📍 Drop Off at Any of Our 3 Westford Locations Supporting this drive is simple! Just drop off new hats and mittens at any of our three convenient locations in Westford. Each warm item you donate will make a real difference for someone this winter. Drop-off locations include: Roudenbush Community Center (65 Main St.) Frost School (73 Main St.) Nabnasset School (99 Plain Rd.) 🎁 Bring Holiday Cheer & Warmth This Season Imagine the joy and comfort a cozy hat or pair of mittens will bring to someone facing the cold weather. With your help, we can brighten the holiday season for our neighbors in need and ensure they stay warm through the winter months. 🌟 Spread the Word, Spread the Love If you’re unable to donate in person, you can still support the drive by spreading the word! Share this event with friends, family, and neighbors, or post it on social media to help us reach as many people as possible. ❤️ Thank You, Roudenbush Community! Thank you for helping us make this winter season warmer and brighter for all. With your kindness, we’re working together to ensure no one faces the cold alone. Let’s make this Hat & Mitten Drive a heartwarming success from December 9 to January 3 !

🎉 Roudenbush Community Center Kicks Off New Year with Baby Essentials Drive 🎉 January 6, 2025 - January 31, 2025 - The Roudenbush Community Center is ringing in 2024 with a heartfelt initiative, inviting the community to come together and support local families in need. From January 6th to January 31st , Roudenbush will host a Baby Essentials Drive 🤱, collecting donations for Community Teamwork Youth and Family Foundation of Lowell . This drive continues Roudenbush’s “Season of Giving,” encouraging neighbors to make a difference by contributing essential items for families in need. 🌟 How You Can Help 🌟 Throughout January, the community is encouraged to drop off baby essentials like: Diapers 🍼 Baby Lotion 🧴 Baby Wash 🛁 Onesies 👶 Blankets and Warm Items 🛏️❄️ These are everyday necessities that many of us may take for granted but are vital for families facing financial challenges. Together, Roudenbush and Community Teamwork are working to ease the burden on parents and caregivers, helping to keep babies warm, comfortable, and clean during the winter months. 🫶 Why This Drive Matters 🫶 Nearly one in three families struggles to afford basic items like diapers. Access to these essentials is critical not only for a child’s health but also for a caregiver's peace of mind. With the rising cost of living, community-led efforts like this Baby Essentials Drive provide vital support for those who need it most, making sure every child has what they need to thrive. 📍 Where to Drop Off Your Donations 📍 Donations can be dropped off at the Roudenbush Community Center (65 Main Street Westford, MA, 170 Plain Road Westford, MA or 73 Main Street, Westford, MA) between January 6th and January 31st . With convenient hours and a welcoming atmosphere, the center makes it easy for anyone to give back and start the new year with a meaningful act of kindness. ❤️ Continue the Season of Giving ❤️ This Baby Essentials Drive is part of Roudenbush’s commitment to service and support for our community. Although the holiday season has passed, families continue to face struggles, and events like these are a reminder that the spirit of giving can continue throughout the year. Let’s make 2024 a year of compassion, connection, and care! Whether it’s a pack of diapers or a cozy blanket, your donation will go a long way toward helping local families thrive. Thank you for joining us in this effort to spread warmth and love in our community!

Online Classes back at Roudenbush! 🎓 October 29, 2024 - Roudenbush Community Center is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Ed2go, a premier provider of online education, to offer over 200 online courses designed to support personal growth, professional development, and career advancement. Through this collaboration, community members will now have convenient access to a wide range of courses covering fundamental skills, career training, and specialized areas of interest.   This extensive course catalog offers something for everyone—whether individuals are looking to explore a new career path, advance in their current role, or build essential life skills. Courses are available entirely online, providing the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, with instruction from experienced educators.   “We’re very excited to partner with Ed2go to make these valuable learning resources available to our community,” said Amanda Sullivan, Executive Director of Roudenbush Community Center. “This initiative allows us to provide affordable, high-quality education and training that fits the diverse needs of our community members.”   Course topics range from business, healthcare, and technology to creative writing, personal finance, and project management, ensuring that learners of all backgrounds and goals have access to the tools they need to succeed. Registration is now open, with courses accessible year-round. For more information about available courses and enrollment, please visit the community classes section of www.roudenbush.org.   About Roudenbush Community Center Roudenbush Community Center is dedicated to fostering learning, growth, and community connection through a variety of educational and recreational programs for all ages. Partnering with organizations like Ed2go allows us to expand our mission and provide enhanced resources to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Roudenbush Community Center Hosts Annual Holiday Market – December 1st 🎁 December 1, 2024 - Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit at this year’s Roudenbush Holiday Market on Friday, December 1st, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM ! Located at the Roudenbush Community Center in Westford, MA, the market is a perfect destination for those who love to shop local and support talented artisans from the community. With over 40 local vendors set to fill the venue, visitors will find an impressive selection of unique, handcrafted gifts that are sure to add a personal touch to holiday celebrations. From jewelry and home décor to specialty foods and seasonal crafts, there’s something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Families with young ones can also enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities, including a dedicated ornament-making station for an added touch of festive fun. And for those needing to check off “Christmas tree” from their holiday to-do list, the Boy Scouts will be selling trees just outside, making this a one-stop holiday shop! A Tradition That Brings the Community Together Over the years, the Roudenbush Holiday Market has grown into a beloved local tradition. Amanda Krohn, the Market Manager, shared her enthusiasm for how the event has evolved: “The Roudenbush Holiday Market has grown so much over the years, and it’s amazing to see how it brings the community together. It’s not just about shopping; it’s about creating memories and starting the holiday season in a special way. We’re thrilled to offer such a diverse selection of local artisans, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to this festive event.” Keep the Festivities Going with the Holiday Tree Lighting When the market wraps up at 4:00 PM, the celebration continues at the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on the town common. This festive gathering is the perfect way to end a day filled with community spirit, holiday joy, and beautiful seasonal traditions. Event Highlights What : Roudenbush Holiday Market When : Friday, December 1st, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Where : Roudenbush Community Center, 65 Main Street, Westford, MA Highlights : Over 40 local vendors with unique, handmade gifts Crafts and ornament-making for kids Christmas tree sales by the Boy Scouts After the Market : Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on the Town Common

40 Years of Halloween Magic at the Roudenbush Community Center Parade in Westford, MA! 🎃 October 27, 2024 - Halloween is just around the corner, and the Roudenbush Community Center is once again bringing out the costumes, candy, and community spirit for an event that has become a beloved local tradition! Last Sunday, October 27th, families and friends in Westford, MA, were invited to the 40th Annual Halloween Parade from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM . This milestone event, has delighted residents for four decades, was followed by the Carve for Carson fundraiser —a festive pumpkin-carving activity to support a wonderful cause. A Longstanding Tradition Led by a Familiar Face The Halloween Parade is more than just an event; it's a community tradition that embodies the heart and soul of Westford. Leading the parade for the 40th consecutive year was Grand Marshal Patti Mason , who has played a vital role in fostering this special occasion. Reflecting on the event’s legacy, Patti shared, “It’s truly a joy to see the families and kids come together each year, all dressed up and sharing in the Halloween spirit. This year’s 40th celebration is special, and I’m honored to be part of a community that brings such warmth and fun to our town.” The festivities began at the Roudenbush Community Center, with a procession that traveled to the town common. To add even more excitement, the first 150 children in costume receiveed a Halloween goody bag filled with treats from Alcorn and Owens, PLLC! Honoring Carson Sallett: Carve for Carson 11th Annual Fundraiser Following the parade, families stayed to take part in the 12th Annual Carve for Carson fundraiser in honor of Carson Sallett, who tragically passed away 12 years ago due to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). The event proceeds go directly to the SUDC Foundation , working toward a future where no family has to endure the heartbreak experienced by Carson’s parents, Lynne and Peter Sallett. Participants of all ages came together to carve pumpkins, watch a magic show by Stephanie Beech , get their face painted by Face Escapse and jump in the bounce houses and to celebrate Carson’s memory, and help support the mission to raise awareness and funding for SUDC research. This meaningful gathering reminded everyone present of the power of community in honoring loved ones and making a difference. A Spooktacular Celebration for the Books Sunday’s Halloween celebration was a milestone for the town of Westford, highlighting the incredible community spirit that makes these events possible. From festive costumes to heartfelt memorials, the Roudenbush Halloween Parade and Carve for Carson fundraiser reinforced the importance of community tradition, togetherness, and compassionate support. Thank you to everyone who participated, helping make this 40th anniversary celebration truly unforgettable!

Roudenbush Teams Up for the Westford Family FunFest House & Pumpkin Decorating Contest! 🎃 October 21, 2024 - Get ready, Westford! Roudenbush Community Center is excited to co-sponsor the Westford Family FunFest Annual House and Pumpkin Decorating Contest , bringing all the fall vibes to our community. This festive tradition invites residents to showcase their autumn creativity by decorating their homes and pumpkins, transforming Westford into a fall wonderland! To be part of the contest, residents can register their homes at roudenbush.org . Starting on October 21st , all registered addresses will be posted on our website and across social media. Get out with your family and friends to tour these festive displays around town, then head back to roudenbush.org  to vote for your favorite!  (One vote per person, please!) Not only can you cast your vote, but our special panel of judges—including members from the Westford Police Community Action Team, Westford Rotary, and Westford Family FunFest —will also select their top picks, so make sure to bring your decorating A-game! Brian Gendron, from the Westford Police Community Action Team, shared his excitement: “We’re thrilled to be part of such a fun and positive community event. This contest not only brings out the creativity of Westford residents, but it also gives us all a chance to connect in a festive and friendly way. We can’t wait to see the amazing decorations this year!” Event Details What : Westford Family FunFest Annual House and Pumpkin Decorating Contest When : Address list available starting October 21st Where : Homes throughout Westford, MA How to Vote : After you’ve toured the decorated homes, cast your vote at roudenbush.org Let’s make this fall the most festive season yet—grab your pumpkins, deck out your house, and join us in bringing some seasonal spirit to Westford! For more information and to register check out the contestants ! Download the full map of homes here: Vote here:

Exciting News: Acorns to Oaks Program is Back at Roudenbush Community Center! 📚 May 15, 2024 - The Acorns to Oaks program  is back in action at the Roudenbush Community Center! After taking a break during the pandemic, our fabulous seniors from the Cameron Senior Center  are once again bringing their magic to Frost Day Care  at 73 Main Street. This fantastic program, which resumed in May of 2024 , will now occur quarterly , so get ready for some heartwarming fun as they reconnect with the littlest members of our community! The Acorns to Oaks program is all about making delightful connections between generations. Picture this: seniors reading stories, sharing their wisdom, and swapping laughs with kids who have endless energy and creativity! It’s a win-win—seniors get to sprinkle their experience, and kids soak up that wisdom like a sponge. Plus, who doesn’t love a good storytime? Kori Marshal, the Director of Roudenbush Children’s Center at Frost, is just as excited as we are “We are overjoyed to see our seniors back at Frost Day Care! Their presence brings warmth and a sense of community that our children truly cherish. The relationships formed through Acorns to Oaks are heartwarming, and we’re thrilled to bring this special experience back to life!” Program Details What : Acorns to Oaks Intergenerational Program is back! When : Started in May of 2024  and will occur quarterly . Where : Frost Day Care, 73 Main Street, Westford, MA Contact : If you’re a senior and want to join the fun, reach out to Katie Russell at the Cameron Senior Center! Seniors if you would like join the program please contact Katie Russesl at The Cameron Senior Center! Join the Fun! Let’s celebrate the return of Acorns to Oaks and the amazing connections it fosters! Whether you’re a senior ready to share some wisdom, a child excited for storytime, or a parent eager for your little one to make new friends, this program is the perfect way to engage, learn, and have a blast together. Come on down and be part of the magic! 🌈✨