🌱 Patch AM: How Bedford’s tax-aid program just tripled help for vulnerable homeowners

Hi Bedford! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How Bedford’s tax-aid program just tripled help for vulnerable homeowners
• How one Bedford family turned holiday hosting stress into a dream kitchen
• Why Bedford’s free local news depends on your support this month

Also on today's calendar: The Magic Flute and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Windy with rain, with a high of 59 and low of 27 degrees.
• Saturday: Much colder, temps: high: 38, low: 31.
• Sunday: Windy, with a high of 47 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Taxation Aid Committee Awards Grants for 2025 (thebedfordcitizen.org) — Elderly and disabled Bedford homeowners are receiving a big boost in 2025, with the Taxation Aid Committee tripling its grant awards to help 11 residents stay in their homes. The program is funded entirely by voluntary donations from residents, businesses, and civic groups, with giving options highlighted on local tax bills and through an online UNIPAY portal.
   

2. When kitchen makeovers are the product of stressful holiday hosting (boston.com) — A Bedford homeowner’s frustrating holiday hosting experience led her to completely rethink her kitchen layout, working with regional designers and contractors to improve flow, storage, and seating. Her revamped space now better supports large family gatherings, with a bigger island, reconfigured doors, and brighter finishes. The story also shares broader tips on planning post-holiday renovations for better entertaining.
   

3. You Won't Find a Paywall Here (thebedfordcitizen.org) — Bedford’s own Citizen newsroom reminds readers that all its local coverage remains free to access, but depends heavily on community donations to pay its small staff and keep operations running. Residents are urged to give, especially before the Dec. 31 NewsMatch deadline, either online or by mailing a contribution to the Bedford post office box.
   

4. Pelà Named First Team Scholar All-American (virginiasports.com) — A national Scholar All-America list in men’s college soccer includes defender Harry Bertos, a University of Washington junior whose hometown is Bedford, Mass. The feature centers on Virginia’s Umberto Pelà earning first team Scholar All-American honors, but Bedford readers can take special pride in seeing a local student-athlete recognized among the country’s top academic performers.
   

📸 Around Bedford

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Bedford

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Saturday December 20

• The Magic Flute
  51 Walden St, Concord
  7:30 pm

Sunday December 21

• Pay It Forward Card Shows
  134 N Main St, Leominster
  9:00 am
• The Magic Flute
  51 Walden St, Concord
  2:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• Furniture Clearance Event
  6 Wayside Rd, Burlington
  10:00 am

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Friday December 19

• Class of 2026: Kids Night Out Fundraiser
  Bedford High Bedford, MA 01730
  6:00 pm

Sunday December 21

• The Nutcracker
  The Norwood Theatre , 109 Central St , Norwood
  1:30 pm

Thursday January 8

• Let's Design a Game (gr3-5) Thu 1/8 2:45pm-W26 - Bedford, MA 2026
  Lieutenant Job Lane School , 66 Sweetwater Ave , Bedford
  2:45 pm

Friday January 9

• Builders & Racers (grK-2) Fri 1/9 - W26 - Bedford, MA 2026
  Davis School , 410 Davis Rd , Bedford
  3:20 pm

📣 Bedford Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Friday December 19

• Emotional Health Support Group
  Concord, MA Calendar , 1276 Main St , Concord
  9:30 am
• Seamstress
  Concord, MA Calendar , 1276 Main St , Concord
  10:00 am
• Teen Weekend Reading Kit
  Gleason Public Library , 22 Bedford Road , Carlisle
  10:00 am
• Alphabet Storytime, ages 0-5
  Children's Activity Room Main Library , 129 Main Street , Concord
  10:30 am
• Gleason Knitters
  Gleason Public Library , 22 Bedford Road , Carlisle
  10:30 am
• Mindfulness & Meditation
  Concord, MA Calendar , 1276 Main St , Concord
  11:00 am
• COA Cinema
  Concord, MA Calendar , 1276 Main St , Concord
  12:00 pm
• Poker
  Concord, MA Calendar , 1276 Main St , Concord
  12:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• MCC Student Benefits from Electronics Course Fully Funded by Metallica —Middlesex Community College Read on Patch
• MCC Hosts Walk-in Advising Sessions Ahead of Spring 2026 Semester —Middlesex Community College Read on Patch
• MCC Hosts Annual Engineering Panel —Middlesex Community College Read on Patch

• Wonder posted a job opening for Restaurant Crew Member - $17.50/hr in Bedford. Apply here.
• The Cheesecake Factory, Inc. posted a job opening for Server in Burlington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bedford here.

Ok Bedford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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