The Five Minute Read

The YMCA off Thorndike Street at YMCA Drive in Lowell. (Melanie Gilbert/Lowell Sun)

The New England Quilt Museum at 18 Shattuck St. in Downtown Lowell. (Melanie Gilbert/Lowell Sun)

LOWELL — The Hidden Battles Foundation support group meets Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., at the Greater Lowell YMCA, 35 YMCA Drive (rear entrance). This mental health support group is open to veterans and police, fire, nursing, EMS and corrections employees. For more information, email [email protected]. Tune into Hidden Battles Radio on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on 980 AM WCAP.

LOWELL — Vote for a favorite quilt during the New England Quilt Museum’s Summer Celebrations of New England Quilts 2023 exhibit, which is open until Saturday, Sept. 9, at 18 Shattuck St. in Downtown Lowell.

During the exhibition, entry into the NEQM is “pay what you wish” to provide everyone with the opportunity to participate. At the end of the exhibit, the museum will honor the winning quilt guild with a chance to host an exhibition in the museum next year. Admission includes the exhibits of “Circuitous Routes: The Quilts of Timna Tarr” (through Sept. 30) and “Designing Women (and Men) of the Early Twentieth Century” (through Oct. 14).

Cultural partners within walking distance to the NEQM have joined the celebration by hosting their own free quilt and fiber arts exhibitions: The Arts League of Lowell, 307 Market St., hosts “The Fabric of Life: A 3-D Exhibition of Fiber Art,” through Sept. 17, Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.; and The Brush Art Gallery and Studios, 256 Market St., hosts “Annual Art Quilts: Flower Power,” through Sept. 16, Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information, call the NEQM at 978-452-4207.

LOWELL — Join the monthly Short Story Book Club through the Pollard Memorial Library on Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 7 to 8 p.m.

This month, the club will discuss “Prophets” by Brandon Taylor, “Witness” by Jamel Brinkley and “The Great Escape” by Hilma Wolitzer. Enjoy these quick reads online for free, then join the club to discuss your favorite parts.

Registration is required for this virtual event. To register, go to lowelllibrary.org/events. For information, contact Bridget Cooley at [email protected] or call 978-674-1548.

LOWELL — In partnership with The Megan House Foundation, the city of Lowell hosts an observance of International Overdose Awareness Day on Thursday, Aug. 31, at 5 p.m., JFK Plaza, 50 Arcand Drive.

The public is invited to honor and remember those lost to overdose, raise awareness about the impact of overdose and support those who are currently struggling. Attendees are asked to consider wearing purple, the official color of overdose awareness.

To raise overdose awareness, the John E. Cox Memorial Bridge will be lit purple through Thursday. The bridge lighting projects are completed with private funds managed by the Lowell Waterways Vitality Initiative, operating under the fiscal sponsorship of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.

For more information, contact the Cultural Affairs & Special Events office at 978-674-4260.

CHELMSFORD — Every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Chelmsford Market takes place — rain or shine — on the Town Common, 4 North Road. The market runs through Oct. 7, and features farm-fresh vegetables, crafters, artisans and more. For information, call 978-250-5200.

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