October 07, 2025
Gourd Vibes
Gourd Vibes in Fall
Fall is creeping in fast. The days are getting shorter, the nights a little chillier, and spooky decorations are multiplying on lawns like gremlins after midnight. Porch lights glow earlier, skeletons are back on front doors, and somewhere a fog machine is warming up for its big October debut.
And if you notice your porch pumpkin has a few bites taken out of it, watch out for local wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, teenagers, or even deer. Everyone seems to have a taste for autumn.
The more this newsletter spreads, the better it gets. If you’ve got a neighbor, coworker, friend, family member, or even a fellow commuter who could use a dose of Chelmsford in their inbox, give that little referral box at the bottom a look.
A few shares go a long way toward keeping this whole thing rolling. And hey, just like the candy haul from the 4th of July parade, you won’t walk away empty-handed — there’s a C-Town Lowdown mug waiting for anyone who hits 5 referrals.
Upcoming Local Events
- Tue, Oct 7 @ 5:00 PM (Chelmsford Performing Arts Center) – Escape the Vape Symposium: Free family-friendly forum on youth vaping. Features an expert speaker, an interactive “Hidden in Plain Sight” display, free pizza and prizes, and a Chelmsford hoodie for the first 100 attendees.
- Fri, Oct 10 @ 7:00 PM (Chelmsford Center for the Arts) – Sober Karaoke: Alcohol-free karaoke night (free entry) with mocktails, pizza, and other refreshments.
- Sat, Oct 11 – Town-wide Leaf & Brush Pickup: Fall curbside collection for leaves and yard brush (have materials out early in the morning for pickup).
- Sat, Oct 11, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration at Chelmsford Town Common. Join the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for cultural performances, a generational panel discussion, informational tables, and kids’ activities in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
- Fri, Oct 17 @ 8:00 PM (Chelmsford Center for the Arts) – Janelle’s Dirty Basement Comedy Show: Local comedian Janelle Draper returns for an adults-only night of raunchy stand-up (18+). Tickets $20 online, $25 at the door.
- Sat, Oct 18 @ 11:00 AM (Chelmsford Dog Park) – Howl-O-ween Dog Party: A Halloween carnival for canines with spooky games, a pumpkin contest, and a dog costume parade (rain date Oct 19).
- Sat, Oct 18 @ 8:00 PM (Chelmsford Center for the Arts) – “Little Lies” Fleetwood Mac Tribute: Live tribute concert to Fleetwood Mac at the CCA auditorium. Doors open 7:30 PM; tickets $25 (students/seniors $20 with ID at door).
- Sat, Oct 25 @ 9:00 AM–1:00 PM (McCarthy Middle School) – Zero Waste Day & Shred Event: Free “one-stop drop” event to help keep usable goods out of the waste stream (drop off clothing, electronics, paper for shredding, etc.).
- Fri, Oct 31 @ 6:00–8:00 PM – Town-wide Trick-or-Treat: Official hours for Halloween night trick-or-treating in Chelmsford (rain or shine).
Committee Meetings
- Tue, Oct 7 – Board of Health (Town Hall)
- Tue, Oct 7 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (Town Hall)
- Tue, Oct 7 – School Committee (Town Hall)
- Wed, Oct 8 – Planning Board (Town Hall)
- Wed, Oct 8 – Council on Aging Board (Town Hall)
- Thu, Oct 9 – Board of Assessors (Town Hall)
- Thu, Oct 9 – Recycling Committee (Town Hall)
School News
- Chelmsford High School honored six seniors as its Lions Pride/Rotary Students of the Month for September, recognizing their leadership and academic achievements.
- The CHS Theatre Guild announced the cast for its fall musical, “Oklahoma!”, which will hit the stage November 20–22 at the high school’s performing arts center.
Local Politics & Town Business
Road Work: Crews are scheduled on Ansie Rd, Lauderdale Rd, Reid Rd, and Oak Street this week. Also ongoing: utility/bridge work around Westford and Gorham Street. Expect intermittent delays and please move or flag any sprinklers, stakes, or fencing near the curb. Access will generally be maintained.
Fall Annual Town Meeting: Gavel set for Mon, Oct 20 @ 7:30 PM. Residents can attend in person or watch via Chelmsford Telemedia as representatives vote on local spending and bylaw articles.
Public Health Updates
Flu Clinic – Tue, Oct 14 (Town Hall Gym, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM): Family flu vaccines for ages 3+; most insurances accepted; walk-ins welcome.
Emergency Alerts: Chelmsford Police have migrated to RAVE Mobile Alerts. Residents can enroll or confirm contact info to receive emergency notifications.
Community Resources
- Weights & Measures: Chelmsford’s Sealer of Weights & Measures certifies commercial scales, gas pumps, and scanners, and investigates consumer complaints to ensure accurate pricing. More information on the town website.
- Fuel Assistance: As temperatures drop, residents can explore heating-aid programs via the state HEATLINE (1-800-632-8175) or by contacting Chelmsford Community Services for local resources.