Winter Specials

Ski and Stay Special

Ski Free at Wachusett Mountain when you stay two or more consecutive nights, mid-week, during January, February, and March. Half price off lift tickets on weekends and holiday periods (Dec. 24-Jan. 2; Jan. 15-Jan. 17; Feb. 19-Feb. 27) with a stay of two nights or longer. One ticket per person per stay. Based on availability. Mention Free Ski with reservation. Must be booked directly through our website or by calling toll free at 877-827-5044. Can be combined with our Spa Special. Gift Certificates also available.

Dining Special

Receive a $50.00 gift certificate to Sonoma Restaurant, Harrington Farm, or Michele’s Ristorante when you stay two nights or longer mid week or on weekends. Available through March 31, 2011, excluding Valentine’s Weekend, Feb 11-14. Based on availability of room and restaurant. Mention Dining Special when booking. Must be booked directly through our website or by calling toll free at 877-827-5044. Can be combined with Spa Special. Gift Certificates also available.

Spa Special

Treat yourself or someone you love to a one-hour individual massage or 75-minute tandem massage at the Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Includes warm stones, refreshments, and tea. May be added to any room of your choice for $60/individual or $150/tandem massage. Based on availability of room and spa. Can be combined with our Ski and Stay Special or our Dining Special. Must be booked directly through our website or by calling toll free at 877-827-5044. Gift Certificates also available

Gift Certificates

Looking for the perfect gift? We have just the solution: a Gift Certificate to The Maguire House Bed and Breakfast. Certificates are available for $165.00 for the Country Room, $175.00 for the Rose Room, and $185.00 for the Wisteria Room. Our guests are treated to a full breakfast, complimentary afternoon refreshments, including wine and cheese and homemade goodies, gourmet chocolates, and fresh flowers in their room.

Interested in add-ons? Tell us what you are looking for and we’ll help you plan the perfect getaway for someone special. Here are a few suggested add-ons:

Bouquet of flowers to take home: $35.00

Birthday/Special Occasion Cake: $25.00

Mylar balloons: $15.00

Individual Massage: $60.00

Tandem Massage: $150.00

Restaurant Gift Certificate: $100.00

We are happy to assist with any other special requests. Please email your request to us. We will then send a beautifully designed gift card to you or directly to the recipient.

Merry Christmas

I saw a stranger yesterday; I put food in the eating place, drink in the drinking place, music in the listening place. In the sacred name of the Holy Trinity, He blessed myself and my house, my cattle and my dear ones; and the lark said in her song: Often, often, often, Goes the Christ in the stranger's guise. Often, often, often, Goes the Christ in the stranger's guise. ~ Celtic Rune

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our home to yours. We wish for all of you a season of peace and love.

The recipe for December is from Helen McCarty, a dear family friend who passed away many, many years ago. Helen used to work for my parents in the family business. Every year she made the most wonderful gingerbread boys. They were absolutely my favorite holiday treat. When I was eighteen I worked alongside her in the office. That Christmas she shared her recipe with me. When she passed away I kept her tradition alive and I’ve been making her recipe ever since. It is always a special day in our home when we make Helen’s gingerbread boys.

Helen McCarty’s Gingerbread Boys ~ Makes approx. 12 boys

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup molasses

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. vinegar

6 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. ground ginger

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

½ tsp. ground cloves

Chocolate chips

Cream the butter. Gradually add the brown sugar. Cream thoroughly. Blend in molasses.

Sift 2 ½ cups flour with the soda, spices, and salt. Stir into molasses mixture. Add vinegar and remaining flour alternately with the buttermilk.

Chill dough for one hour or overnight. On floured surface roll to ¼ inch thickness. Press out as many boys as you can fit. Roll up remaining scraps and press again.

Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 12 minutes.

Let cool slightly and then decorate with chocolate chips. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was "Thank You", that would suffice. Meister Eckhart

November is a quiet month. The summer birds have taken flight to warmer places. The leaves are mostly down, the sun sets earlier, the fire burns warmly, my garden sleeps, and I feel peaceful. November gives us Thanksgiving, one of the best days of the year. It is the perfect holiday, where we gather together in love and friendship with gifts of food and good cheer. Every passing year becomes more precious than the year before. We linger longer, laugh easier, sing louder, and pray more deeply. We give thanks; for our parents, our siblings, our children, our friends, our guests. Happy Thanksgiving.

Paul makes the most incredible Pumpkin Cheesecake ever! I only let him make it once a year because I would be HUGE otherwise. I just can’t resist. Here is his “secret recipe”

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Crust

2 cups ground graham cracker crumbs

¼ cup brown sugar

½ cup finely chopped pecans

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Melted butter

Filling

3 – 8 oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 ½ cups pumpkin puree

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. allspice

3 eggs, room temperature

4 oz. white chocolate, melted

Butter a 10” spring form pan. Preheat the oven to 375°.

In a medium bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup of brown sugar, pecans, and cinnamon with enough melted butter to bind the mixture. Press into the prepared pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.

In a large bowl beat the cream cheese and 1 cup of the brown sugar until well combined. Add the pumpkin and spices. Add the eggs, one at a time, then the melted white chocolate. Do not over beat. Pour the filling into the baked crust. Place the pan in a water bath*. Bake in a 375° oven for about 45 minutes until set.

* Set spring form pan with cooled crust on 18-inch-square doubled layer heavy-duty foil and wrap bottom and sides with foil; set wrapped spring form pan in roasting pan. Pour filling into spring form pan and smooth surface; set roasting pan in oven and pour enough boiling water to come about halfway up side of spring form pan. Bake until center of cake is slightly wobbly when pan is shaken, and center of cake registers 145 to 150 degrees on instant-read thermometer. Set roasting pan on wire rack and use paring knife to loosen cake from sides of pan. Cool until water is just warm, about 45 minutes. Remove spring form pan from water bath, discard foil, and set on wire rack; continue to cool until barely warm, about 3 hours. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours or up to 3 days.

Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread

This is a favorite recipe, especially in the fall and winter. The aroma of this bread baking will have friends and family standing at the ready to sample it as soon as it cools. This recipe makes 3 loaves which is great because it goes FAST! Enjoy.

Cinnamon Swirl Raisin Bread

1 ½ cups milk

1 cup warm water (110°)

2 (.25 oz.) packages active dry yeast

3 eggs

½ cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup golden raisins

8 cups flour, divided

2 Tb. milk

¾ cup sugar

2 Tb. ground cinnamon

2 Tb. butter, melted

Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles around the edges. Remove from heat. Let cool to lukewarm.

Dissolve the yeast in warm water and set aside until yeast is frothy, approx. 15 minutes. Mix in eggs, ½ cup sugar, butter, salt, and raisins. Stir in cooled milk. Gradually add 7 cups of the flour.

Knead dough on a lightly floured surface, gradually adding the leftover 1 cup of flour. Knead for a few minutes or until the dough is stiff. Place in a large, greased, mixing bowl and turn to grease the surface of the dough. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in size (approx. 2 hours).

In a small bowl mix together ¾ cup sugar and cinnamon.

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle ½ inch thick. Moisten dough with 2 Tb. milk. Sprinkle cinnamon mixture over moistened dough.

With a sharp knife divide the rectangle into thirds. Roll up each section tightly and tuck under ends. Place each loaf into a well greased 9 x 5 inch pan. Lightly grease tops of loaves. Let rise again for 1 hour.

Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until loaves are lightly browned and sound hollow when knocked. Remove loaves from pans and brush with melted butter. Let cool before slicing. Makes wonderful toast or base for French toast.

October Events

"Beneath an autumn sky grateful hearts gather to share in the blessings of this beautiful life".

Wood smoke drifting in the air, leaves falling silently to earth, pumpkin pie baking in the oven, family and friends gathered together, this must surely be October. Here are some fun ways to spend an October day:

1-2 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm. Leading Ladies at Theater at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. The musical comedy who-dunnit from the creators of Cabaret and Chicago. Tickets $20. Call the box office, 978-632-2403 or visit the mwcc.edu website. Repeats Oct. 8 – 10.

1-3 Friday and Saturday, 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm. Moonlight & Magnolias at Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Avenue, Fitchburg. The hysterical behind-the scenes story of how the beloved novel Gone with the Wind was brought to the big screen. Tickets $12, call 978-345-6066 or Stratton Players

2 Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. The Annual Horseshed Crafts Fair at the First Church of Christ Unitarian, on the Town Green, Lancaster. Over 80 crafters offer hand made items such as jewelry, quilts,baskets, ceramics, painted clothing, needlework, toys, wood items, silk flowers, holiday gifts, art works and more. Call the church at 365-2427. 



2-3 Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. 12th annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival at Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange. Always scent-sational, it’s the ‘Festival that Stinks.’ Two days of peace, love and garlic, with chef demos, food courts, music, workshops, and garlic games galore. Admission $5/day, $8 for weekend pass. Kids 12 and under free. Visit www.garlicandarts.org.

2-3 Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–4 pm. Harvest Festival at Overlook Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. Explore the homes in the Heifer Global Village to learn about traditional harvest celebrations in Peru, Poland, Kenya and more. Take a hay ride to the gardens, purchase local organic produce, browse the shop featuring fair trade and handcrafted items from around the world, meet the farm’s animals and learn about Heifer International. Admission $5 (under 12 free). Call 508-886-2221. 



3 Sunday, 4 pm. Historical Piano Concert, Ashburnham Community Church, 9 Chapel St., Ashburnham. Pianist Malcolm Halliday and tenor, Stanley Wilson: Works of Chopin and Mendelssohn, with a piano of the composers’ lifetimes, from The Frederick Collection of Historical Grand Pianos. For details, Frederick Collection. Admission $10, children and students free. Call 978-827-6232. 

http://www.frederickcollection.org

5 Tuesday, 4:30 & 7 pm. Remembering Galileo: Scenes from The Life of Galileo at Percival Auditorium, Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. Remembering Galileo opens with a theatrical performance scenes from Bertolt Brecht’s play The Life of Galileo. Professor Richard McElvain will re-enact his stellar performance of the title role; with additional characters in the play performed by Fitchburg State theater students. Open dress rehearsal on Oct. 4 at 6 pm. Tickets: $5/general public; $3/students (at the door). Call 978-665-3709. www.fsc.edu/cultural. 



7 Thursday, 3–9 pm. First Thursdays celebration in downtown Fitchburg. Main Street in Fitchburg becomes home for the First-Annual “Fall Music Fest.” Community members, the University community and all of North Central Massachusetts residents are invited to celebrate fall, and Fitchburg’s distinction as the region’s premier town/gown community. Contact First Thursdays Director David M. Roth, 978-340-0486. 



7 Thursday, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Opening of Exhibit on NatureWorks at Rollstone Studios, 633 Main St., Fitchburg. Light refreshments. Part of the “First Thursdays” events in downtown Fitchburg. Call 978-348-ART1. 



8-10 Friday & Saturday, 7:30 pm, Sunday, 2 pm. The Cemetery Club at Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. Three Jewish widows meet once a month for tea before going to the cemetery to visit their husband’s graves. When Sam enters the scene, everything goes awry! Call 978-355-2096. 



9 Saturday, 10 am–5 pm. Scarecrow Festival at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster Come build your own scarecrow or view and vote on your favorite. Enjoy free live entertainment, great food, children’s activities. Call 978-840-3276. Rain date, Oct. 10.

9, 10 Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Art Tour - Monadnock Art/Friends of the Dublin Art Colony presents the Art Tour each October during the peak of the colorful foliage season in southwestern New Hampshire. The Tour is self-directed, and it's free for the interested public. Art lovers from all over New England, and beyond, enjoy touring the beautiful countryside, following the distinctive Art Tour signs, and discovering the often tucked-away places where artists work. Studios are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. During the last Art Tour there were 50 open studios with 58 artists participating. To purchase advance tickets, visit: www.macdowellcolony.org/NHBenefit2010. or call 603-924-3886.

9-10 Saturday, 8 am–5 pm, Sunday, 8 am–3 pm. Battle of Sayler’s Creek Civil War Re-enactment at Murdock Farm, Elmwood Road, Winchendon. The last battle, in 1865, between the North and South will be re-enacted by the New England Brigade and the Liberty Greys. For details, call the Winchendon Historical Society, 978-297-2142. 



9-11 Saturday—Monday. Fall Harvest Days at Laurel Ridge Farm, Route 119, Ashby. Bring the kids to a real working farm. Hands-on events all weekend! See cider pressing, wool spinning, butter making, horse-shoeing, sheep dog demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides. Enjoy a pulled pork BBQ or local foods like cheeses, jams, ice cream. Call 978-386-0200 or www.laurelridgefarm.com. 


10 Sunday, 9 am–3 pm Celebrate the Harvest Festival, Butterfield Park, 83 East River St., Orange. Craft fair, huge car show, multi-division bi-centennial parade and more. Visit www.orangebusinessassoc.org. 



10 Sunday, 4 pm. Historical Piano Concert, Ashburnham Community Church, 9 Chapel St., Ashburnham. Pianist Cicilia Yudha: Music from the Romantic Period, including Sonata No. 3 in b-minor, Op.58 by Chopin; other works to be announced. 
Piano from The Frederick Collection of Historical Grand Pianos. For details, visit Frederick Collection. Admission $10, children and students free. Call 978-827-6232. 



12 Tuesday, 7 - 8 pm. Native Americans: Introduction to New England Ethnohistory at Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard. Curator lecture series with Dr. Mike Volmar. Several early accounts describing southern New England before 1650 will be presented and discussed. Object examination will include King Phillip’s war club, the James the Printer deed and Mary Rowlandson, a colonial American woman who was captured by Native Americans and wrote about it. Call 978-456-3924. 



14 Thursday, 6 pm. Red Apple Farm talk at the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. Al Rose of Red Apple Farm talks about the orchard, cider making and other apple activities. Wine and cheese reception at 6, talk at 7. Admission $3. Call 978-632-3277. 



15-17 Friday & Saturday, 7:30 pm, Sunday, 2 pm. The Cemetery Club at Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre.

16, Saturday, 20^th Anniversary of the Keene Pumpkin Festival, Main St. Keene NH. The Keene Pumpkin Festival is held on a Saturday in mid-October from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. While you're waiting to see what that many pumpkins lit at one time looks like, the entire family can spend the day downtown with special activities for the kids including a costume parade, a seed spitting and pie eating contests, live music on three stages, facepainting, craft booths, lots of food provided by area non-profits, and much more. The evening ends with a spectacular fireworks display. www.pumpkinfestival.org.

16 Saturday, 10 am–5 pm. Forge-in and Blacksmith Festival at Riverfront Park, off Boulder Drive, Fitchburg. Features include an artistic blacksmith competition, Great Pumpkin Carve, artists, crafters, live music, seasonal foods and children’s activities. Watch blacksmiths create works of art. Bring your carved pumpkin, or carve one at the festival. Free admission. Visit www.achla.com or call 978-343-7475. 



16 Saturday,10 am–5 pm. Tully Lake Triathlon at Tully Lake Campground, Royalston. The Trustees of Reservations sponsor this full day of activities, capped off with the main event: a 17-mile paddle/run/bike triathlon. Food vendors, music, free kids fun-o-thon (ages 6-12). Visit www.coolrunning.com or call 978-249-4957. 



16-17 Saturday & Sunday, 10 am –5 pm. Octoberfest at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area at 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Over 60 craft exhibitors, farmers’ market, chainsaw carving demo, apple pie contest kids entertainment, music and more. Call 978-464-2300 or visit www.wachusett.com. Tickets $10 adults, $6 kids. 


17 Saturday, Peak into Peterborough, On Saturday October 17, at the height of the fall foliage season in New Hampshire, the town of Peterborough will be awash in bright gold and orange banners signaling the beginning of the Annual "Peak Into Peterborough" celebration. 

The name of the event is a play on words that is intended to capitalize on what should be the "Peak" of the fall foliage season. But hearing the name suggests that you give Peterborough a quick glance. Either way, the Monadnock Region is the place to be for spectacular fall foliage. Reserve today, rooms fill up early! 

Turn that quick glance into a day-long detour into the Currier and Ives corner of New Hampshire. The event is going to hit the peak of foliage right on the head. And the colors this year are going to be absolutely incredible. Gold and orange street banners will welcome visitors to "Our Town." 



20 Wednesday, 2 & 7 pm. Remembering Galileo: “Galileo’s Battle for the Heavens” at Ellis White Lecture Hall (Hammond Campus Center), 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. Simon Callow portrays Galileo in this stirring blend of documentary and re-creation. Conversation after the film will continue exploring the center themes of the series. Post-performance talkback with Drs. Bruce Duncan and John Paul after the 7 PM screening. Free.Call 978-665-3709 or www.fsc.edu/cultural. 


23 Saturday, 9 am–2 pm. Historic Leominster Homes Tour sponsored by Pilgrim Congregational Church-UCC will include the Doyle House, Pilgrim, several other private homes built in the 1700s and an 1812-horse power house are included. Advance sale tickets are $15. Tour day price is $20. Call 978-534-5164 or pilgrimchurch1743@comcast.net. 



23 Saturday, 7 pm. Wachusett Music Series at the First Church of Christ Unitarian (Bulfinch Church) 725 Main Street, Lancaster. Les Sampou performs. ‘Lonesomeville’ is the diary. It takes you through lonely hotel rooms, endless highways, and the bedrooms of hard-living lovers. $15 in advance, $18 day of show. Call 978-365-2043 or visit www.wachusettmusic.com. 



23 Saturday, 8 pm. Cherish the Ladies at Weston Auditorium, Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. With their virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish culture and puts it forth in an entertaining package. Tickets: $28/$25/$10. Call the box office, 978-665-3347. 



23-24 Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm. Celtic Fest at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area at 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton. Over 60 craft exhibitors, farmers’ market, 
chainsaw carving demo, apple pie contest kids entertainment, Irish dancers, music and more. Call 978-464-2300. Tickets $10 adults, $6 kids. 



24 Sunday, noon - 5 pm. Bluegrass and Brews at Nashoba Vallery Winery, 100 Wattaquaddoc Hill Rd., Bolton. Relax, sit back, and enjoy some bluegrass music by Southern Rail. The festival highlights the hand crafted micro-brewed beers of Nashoba brewer Thomas Knight. Winery tours available. No admission or parking fees.

27 Wednesday, 7 pm. Remembering Galileo: A Conversation with Dava Sobel at Kent Recital Hall (Conlon Music), 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. The Remembering Galileo series concludes with a talk by Dava Sobel, author of Galileo’s Daughter, winner of the 1999 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for science and technology, a 2000 Christopher Award, and was a finalist for the 2000 Pulitzer Prize in biography. Tickets: $10 general public; $7 seniors; $3 students (at the door). Fitchburg State College, 978-665-3709 or visit www.fsc.edu/cultural. 



29 Friday, 2–4 p.m. Symposium at Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. Christ Enthroned as Orthodox Image and Poetic Text: The Revolutionary Iconophilia of Vladimir Mayakovsky, with Michael Flier, the Oleksandr Potebnja Professor of Ukrainian Philology at Harvard University, and Sally (Sarah) Pratt, Professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Southern California. Call 978-598-5000. 



30-31 Saturday & Sunday. Fall Harvest Days at Laurel Ridge Farm, 1128 Main St., Ashby. Farm and horse demonstrations, carriage rides, bring the kids to see the baby animals. Locally grown produce and meats, local glass bottled milk and more. Call 978-386-0200 or visit www.laurelridgefarm.com.

Pumpkin Cookies

Today was a perfect day; bright sun, cool temperatures, no humidity, and a touch of fall in the air. Emily came home for the weekend and baked these incredible Iced Pumpkin Cookies. She found the recipe on allrecipes.com, one of our favorite sites. They have a very nice cake-like texture and a wonderful pumpkin flavor. She did change the glaze a bit: instead of vanilla extract she used maple extract. The guests ate them almost as fast as she served them!

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

For the Icing

2 cups confectioner's sugar

3 Tb. milk

1 Tb. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla (or maple) extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup butter and sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 tsp. vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.

3. Bake for 15-20 min. in preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze over top.

4. To make glaze: Combine all glaze ingredients. Add milk as needed to achieve drizzling consistency.

September

"By all these lovely tokens September days are here, with summer's best of weather and autumn's best of cheer."

~unknown

As much as I love summer and the frenetic desire to fill every possible moment with fun, fun, and more fun, I am always grateful for the arrival of September. It's as if the whole world takes a collective deep breath and then exhales, slowly. Life gets back to normal. I love everything about September, from apple picking, to hiking, to fall festivals, to doing absolutely nothing. Here are some great ways to spend the Harvest Month:

Apple picking! One of the best things about living in the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed is the abundance of apple orchards. There are over 40 apple orchards in central Massachusetts alone! The best cider donuts can be found at Ashby Apples, Bolton Orchards, and Red Apple Farm. The best Macoun apples I've ever tasted come from Stowe Farm Orchard. Sholan Farms offers Classic Auto Shows and a scarecrow festival. Some orchards offer hayrides, petting zoos, picnic areas, and gift shops while others are strictly pick-your-own. All are delicious!

September 2 - First Thursdays in downtown Fitchburg, 3-9 p.m. Presented monthly by the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance these celebrations include family activities, gallery openings, special sales, music, performances, guest food vendors, free admission to the Fitchburg Art Museum, and more. 978-340-0486

September 2 - The White Heat Orchestra at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens. Dance under the stars to this high energy band featuring 15 pieces playing the swing and jazz of the 1930's and 1940's for dancers of all ages. The White Heat Orchestra, also known as the "Roxy Band", was the house band for almost 5 years at the upscale Roxy nightclub. They play music for both the swing dancers and for those who prefer to sit and tap their toes. Fast or slow, they hit every note without missing a beat. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Adults $22.00. 508-869-6111 ext. 135

September 3-6 - Labor Day Sale at Wachusett Mountain. Awesome value-packed deals await you at Mountainside Ski & Sports Shop. Huge savings on ski and snowboard packages. Blow out prices on winter apparel including parkas and pants.

September 4 and 5 - Art in the Park, Asheulot River Park, Keene NH - 80 + artists will be displaying and selling their artwork! Enjoy a lovely day in the park surrounded by artwork, live music, and refreshments. 10: a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

September 10 - Twilight hikes at Sholan Farms, Leominster Ma, Join us for our twilight hike series which take place on the second Friday of each month. Gathering time is 8:00 p.m. 1 hour hike with a 1 hour campfire. Bring a friend or family member to enjoy the hike. For after the hike bring your favorite treat (hotdogs, marshmallows, etc) to share. Hot chocolate and tea will be provided by the Friends of Sholan Farms. 978-840-3276

September 12 - Historical Piano Concerts, Ashburnham MA- Constantine Finehouse, piano, playing music of Beethoven and Schubert. $10.00, 4:00 p.m. Presented by Frederick Historic Piano Collection See website for additional concerts on Sept. 19 and 26.

September 12 - 13th Annual Music Festival at Wachusett Mountain. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for great music on the mountain. Great food, brews, and our scenic stage area make this a highlight for all music fans.

September 24-26 - Moonlight and Magnolias at the Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Fitchburg. The hysterical behind-the-scenes story of how the beloved novel Gone With the Wind was brought to the big screen. Tickets $12.00. 978-345-6066. 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

September 25 - Orchard House, Home of Louisa May Alcott presents, "Welcome to Our Home", A Living History Tour. Your visit to Orchard House becomes a trip to the past as you have an interactive tour with an expert, authentically costumed guide portraying an Alcott family member or one of their famous friends. Hear fascinating anecdotes and learn first-hand about their lives and times. 4:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Adults $12.00. Space is limited. Reservations and prepayment strongly suggested. 978-369-4118 ext. 106 While in Concord why not also visit the homes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

September 25 - Johnny Appleseed Festival in downtown Leominster. A full day of activities, food, music, and of course, apples!

Great Events coming in August

Days filled with delicious food, warm summer nights filled with sweet music and live theatre and then, fireworks. New England summers can't be beat. Here are some fun ways to spend sweet August days and nights

4-15 Peterborough Players will perform Tartuffe, a classic comedy by Moliere. New translation by Gus Kaikkonen Tartufee is the epitome of a houseguest from hell. Under a cloak of piety, he works his way into Orgon’s household, coveting the family’s fortune and anything else he can lay his hands on – including Orgon’s wife and daughter. Everyone but Orgon sees through Tartuffe’s pose, but is it too late to save them from ruin? Moliere’s most popular play, Tartuffe spins religious hypocrisy into high comedy, complete with an anti-hero you love to hate. Rated PG-13. August 4-15, Tuesday –Saturday, 8:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

6-7 Friday, 9 am – 7 pm and Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm. Experience Gardner Summer Festival and Sidewalk 
Sale. Downtown Gardner turns into a pedestrian mall filled with vendors, entertainers, raffles, games for the kids and more.

7 Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm. The Beast of the East Massachusetts State Chili Cook-Off at Bentley Field, Winchendon. Cooks from across the nation compete for the state title to qualify for entry into the world chili championship. Enjoy chili tastings, music, games and family fun. Call 978-297-1815.

8 Sunday, 10 am - 8 pm. Wachusett Valley Folk Festival at the Wachusett Village Inn, 9 Village Inn Rd,, Westminster. Artists include Ashbrook Haynes, Brooks Williams, Don White, Maeve, Mustard’s Retreat, Pesky J. Nixon, Susan Werner, and Vance Gilbert. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 after August 1, $90 VIP. Call Denise Hurley at 978-365-2043.

11-15 Wednesday–Sunday. Bolton Fair at The Fairgrounds at Lancaster, Route 117. An old-fashioned agricultural fair with animal shows and contests, an exhibit hall, entertainment, fireworks, and an expanded midway. “Midway preview night” on Wednesday, fair opens Thursday. Free parking.

13-14 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm. Broadway Sensation The Wedding Singer at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. If you believe in “true love” you’ll “walk down the aisle” with excitement for our summer musical spectacular! Due to contract requirements and a national tour this winter, we can’t tell you the title just yet. Call 978-632-2403. Repeats Aug. 20-22.

14- Saturday, Richmond Blueberry Fiddle Festival, Cheshire Fairgrounds, Swanzey NH. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. There will be fiddlin', pickin’, jammin', grinnin', eatin’, dancin' and singin' at this day of old-fashioned, wholesome family fun. There is a lineup of great performers, music workshops, dancing, traditional folk games and races, a blueberry bake-off, auction and other events. 603-239-6495. Free entrance, $5.00 parking.

21- Saturday, Festival of Fireworks, Jaffrey NH, Live music, dancing, tons of food and novelty items, sky diving exhibition and games for children of all ages! And of course - Atlas PyroVision's award-winning fireworks!!!