The Five Minute Read

CCHS student commits to Saint Anselm College

DRACUT >> Central Catholic High School studentathlete senior Katherine Fox recently committed to Division 1 and 2 collegiate athletics at Saint Anselm College, N.H., where she will study physical therapy and play softball starting in the fall 2024.

In addition to being an active member of the CCHS varsity girls softball team, Fox is also a peer leader. She participates in travel softball, does farm work and makes time to help those in need such as volunteering for the One Wish Project, which organizes toys for children in need for Christmas.

Fox noted the support she received from faculty and staff members during her CCHS experience, specifically softball coach/social studies teacher Stacy Ciccolo,

“Ms. Ciccolo has impacted my experience at CCHS greatly,” Fox said. “Not only was she my sophomore year history teacher, but she has been my coach for the last three years and has taught me great things. I am very grateful for her and all that she has done for me.”

Chess Club

LOWELL >> The Lowell Chess Club meets Tuesday, Jan. 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., in the ground floor Community Room of the Pollard Memorial Library, 401 Merrimack St. All skills levels are welcome. Bring or borrow a chess set, and learn or share board moves with other chess aficionados. No registration is required. For more information, email chessinlowell@gmail.com or call the library at 978-674-4120.

Want to play more?

Join the fun at Mill No. 5, Coffee & Cotton, Sundays 1 to 3 p.m., 250 Jackson St.

Open mic night

LOWELL >> Enjoy poetry, music and storytelling during the Untitled Open Mic at Coffee & Cotton the first and third Wednesdays of every month including Wednesday, Jan. 3, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Mill No. 5, 250 Jackson St. Talent sign up starts at 6 p.m. This event will include a poetry feature after the open reading segment.

“We strive to foster a space of inclusivity and respect,” the Lowell Poetry Wheel organizers said in a statement. “We ask everyone to not bring (in no particular order) ableist, ageist, body shaming, classist, homophobic, misogynist, misandrist, racist, transphobic, oppressive language, attitudes, and actions at the space. We look to hold ourselves and one another accountable to creating a culture in which we treat each other with consent and respect. This includes but is not limited to respecting people’s physical and emotional boundaries and receiving explicit verbal consent before touching someone or crossing other personal boundaries. If you are disrupting our safer space we will ask you to leave.”

For information, visit facebook.com/untitledopenmic or call 978-9252626.

Refundable tax credits for senior citizens

CHELMSFORD >> An owner or renter of a principal residence located in the commonwealth who is age 65 or older at the close of the taxable year may be eligible to claim a refundable credit up to $2,590 for tax year 2023 against personal income taxes. Known as the “circuit breaker credit,” this credit is based upon the actual real estate taxes or rent paid by a taxpayer eligible to claim the credit. To learn more, stop by the Senior Center on Wednesday, Jan.

17, at 10:30 a.m. 75 Groton Road. For information, call 978-251-0533, or email dsiriani@chelmsfordma.gov.