Launching Collaboration with Feb. 21 Storytellling Event

What makes us feel like we belong? This Friday, February 21 at 8:00 p.m. in the Gallery at Villageworks in West Acton, the public is invited for a fun evening of live off-script true stories on the theme of “Belonging.”

Sponsored by local businesses, the storytelling evening features four Moth-style, award-winning champions and storytellers from the local community. All proceeds benefit the Acton-Boxborough United Way (ABUW), providing funding for essential services helping local children, teens, seniors, the differently-abled, and families.

“Storytelling events demonstrate the very deep human connection that comes from hearing someone live, right in front of you, sharing a moment of their lives,” says David Gerratt, Founder of Fugitive Productions, presentation sponsor. “This is a chance for neighbors to come out for a a great evening that also benefits people in need, right in our own community. Villageworks has helped bring West Acton back to life. And now we launch landmark collaboration between business, the arts, and neighbors helping fellow neighbors. It makes sense for the Acton-Boxborough United Way to be the first beneficiary of this new impulse."

Local sponsors, including AB PIP STEM, Fugitive Productions, Market Dynamics, West Acton Villageworks, and Q Cleaner & Tailor are making this event possible. Many see the new businesses in West Acton as the beginning of a new era for all the surrounding communities. There is increased foot traffic, new sidewalks, and more participation. There are forty new businesses in Villageworks alone, yet many people have not yet heard of the new gathering places.

“Part of what we look for in the businesses that join us is what they can add to the community—not just a place to consume,” says Villageworks Founder Mathias Rosenfeld. “We want them to add to the life of the community.”

“The theme of "Belonging" makes a lot of sense for us because the Acton-Boxborough United Way mission is all about inclusivity and fighting for the well-being of every community member,” says Kristina Rychlik, ABUW president.

Griet Dehandschutter, ABUW executive director and one of the evening’s storytellers adds, “We need to build intentional community. We can address issues together if we have shared aspirations, and the desire to belong is one of those. Coming from an immigrant background, this resonates with me. The feeling of belonging is very important for survival. Standing on stage without a script, allowing that vulnerability, can be the beginning of important community conversations.”

Rychlik says, “These conversations are at the heart of our work. We need to deeply understand each other. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a significant increase in racial, cultural and socioeconomic diversity in our two towns. This gives the potential for growing an ever more vibrant community.”

Rosenfeld concurs. “We designed the Gallery at Villageworks with the idea of creating a place for the community to gather and share ideas. We aimed to provide an environment where people could just be themselves and hang out together as a community. This event promises to be a perfect fulfillment of the space.”

Dehandschutter says, “West Acton is a beautiful example of revitalization and coming together. People and local organizations are investing in a ‘can-do’ approach. We hope this event can help this growing sense of community expand. It’s like connecting points of light. “

Belonging, an Evening of Storytelling, takes place Friday, February 21 at the West Acton Gallery at Villageworks, 525 Mass. Ave., West Acton, Mass. Stories begin at 8 p.m. Doors open for general seating at 7:30 p.m. Mingle with neighbors with complimentary light refreshments. 100 percent of the ticket price benefits the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Tickets are $25 at the door or $20 online at fugitiveproductions.com. It’s a great date night activity and ages 13+ are also welcome. Villageworks is ADA handicap accessible.

“Belonging” is presented by Fugitive Productions, offering “the best of Boston in the ‘burbs.” Space is limited, so advance purchase is recommended. Contact abuw@abuw.org or 978.263.1777 for more. True West Brewing next door offers a 20 percent discount to ticket-holders for dining that evening.

Acton-Boxborough United Way is a local nonprofit, focused on identifying and addressing the area’s most pressing social issues and needs. These include mental health, housing, hunger, domestic violence, and isolation, as well as emergency support.

Founded 39 years ago, ABUW channels expertise to the local community. To receive the AB United Way monthly news updates, contact abuw@abuw.org.