What do an abolitionist and a social justice advocate both share? Their lives and connections to Concord will be explored during the third annual People of Concord Summer Series at the Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Road. On Aug. 16, the letters of abolitionist Mary Merrick Brooks will be reviewed by professor Sandra Harbert Petrulionis of Penn State University. The series closes Aug. 21 with a lecture about Ellen Garrison’s childhood and life as a social activist in the 1800s. That presentation will be given by Maria Madison (above), president of Robbins House, and Kerrie Greenidge, who teaches African-American history at Tufts University. The series is free for members, $10 for nonmembers. The one-hour lectures begin at 7 p.m. Visit concordmuseum.org or call 978-369-9763, extention 216.
A drug disposal kiosk is now open to the Needham community, thanks to a partnership between Beth Israel Deaconess-Needham and the Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham. Ridding a home of these drugs “helps reduce the chance that children, the elderly, or others may accidentally take medication, or even intentionally misuse it,’’ said Joe Giovangelo, director of the hospital’s inpatient pharmacy. The kiosk is located in the hospital’s main lobby at 148 Chestnut St. No needles or illegal drugs may be disposed of at the kiosk. Visit bidneedham.org or call 781-453-3000.
Applications for Middlesex Community College’s Links Program in Bedford are now being accepted. The tuition-free program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is designed to help nontraditional students enroll in college classes. The program helps participants by assessing their skill levels, assisting with career planning, and offering academic guidance and support, in addition to services already offered by the college. Undergraduates can take up to three classes a semester. To be considered, students must be a Massachusetts resident, have a high school diploma or a general education diploma, and take a college placement test. Classes begin Sept. 4. Visit middlesex.mass.edu/links or call 1-800-818-3434.
Cochituate State Park at 43 Commonwealth Road in Natick is offering adaptive kayaking lessons at Cochituate Lake. The lessons are funded through the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Universal Access Program, which helps people with disabilities access and interact with the outdoors. Participants receive adaptive equipment, life jackets, and instructions on how to navigate the waters every Monday through Aug. 20. A lifeguard will be on duty. Pre-registration is required; admission is $5. Visit mass.gov/dcr/universal-access or call 413-584-2052.
Medfield’s poets, storytellers, musicians, and singers of all abilities are invited to Espresso Yourself’s open mic performance at First Parish Unitarian Universalist on Saturday, July 28. Ric Allendorf, a two-time national finalist in songwriting, will headline the night at 26 North St. For a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $3 for students, amateurs can take center stage for six minutes. The suggested donation for audience members is $10. Participants are encouraged to follow this month’s theme of “leading by example.’’ Expresso Yourself is held on the last Saturday of the month at 7 p.m.. Visit firstparishmedfield.org or call 508-359-4594.
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, the Newton Police Department, and the Newton Fire Department were among the crowds gathered at The Shops at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., as part of a countywide initiative aimed at reducing child deaths. During a game of beanbag toss, staff members from the district attorney’s office offered children summer safety tips. Meanwhile, first responders taught parents how to administer CPR and police officers checked and installed infant car seats. Educational pamphlets with advice on preventing drownings were distributed to adults, and youngsters were allowed to explore the inside of an ambulance vehicle. For more on the initiative, visit middlesexda.com/prevention and click on “Safe Babies Safe Kids,’’ or call 781-897-8300.
Cynthia Fernandez can be reached at cynthia.fernandez@globe.com.
