Christmas 2013

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

   ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

A cold November day, a brisk 3 mile walk, then coming home to freshly baked pumpkin whoopie pies and hot chocolate by the fire. What could be better?

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies ~ Makes 9

Ingredients:

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup vegetable oil

¾ cup solid packed pumpkin puree

1 egg

½ tsp. vanilla extract

1 ½ cups flour

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

2 ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon

¾ tsp. ground ginger

¾ tsp. ground cloves

Filling:

¼ cup butter, softened

2 ¼ cups confectionery sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

2-3 Tb. milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheet.

In a mixing bowl mix the oil and brown sugar. Stir in the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat well.  In a small bowl combine the dry ingredients. Stir into pumpkin mixture.

Drop by heaping 2 TB. onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

While cooling make filling by beating all ingredients together in an electric mixture until smooth.

Invert 9 of the cookies and top with filling. Place remaining cookies on top to form a sandwich.

Fall 2013

Autumn burned brightly, a running flame through the mountains, a torch flung to the trees.~ Faith Baldwin

Here is a list of some great events happening throughout the month of October:

8 Tuesday 8am. Accessible Birding With Joe at Millers River Environmental Center 100 Main St., Athol. This fall the Athol Bird and Nature Club will offer a number of opportunities to observe both fall migrants and resident birds. Contact ABNC president Dave Small (978-413-1772 or dave@dhsmall.net) for additional info. and to participate in this nationwide annual event. More info. about the club is available on the web at www.atholbirdclub.org. New members are welcome.

8 Tuesday 7pm. Civil War Round Table: Leominster Public Library, 30 West St. Topic will be "Slavery, What do we know?" The primary purpose of the table is to explore the history of the war and raise funds for Civil War preservation.

9 Wednesday 2pm-3pm. Balance Rock Trail, at the ski area parking lot 499 Mountain Rd. Princeton. Discover what the rocks can tell us about the history of Wachusett Mountain. Join the Park Interpreter for a guided hike to Balance Rock. The hike is approximately one mile roundtrip.  The trail is moderate in difficulty and involves some sections of tricky footing over rocks. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, and be sure to bring water. This program is most appropriate for people age 6 to adult. Parent/guardian must accompany all children. This program meets at the trailhead for the Balance Rock Trail, located at the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area parking lot, 499 Mountain Rd. – park your car near parking aisle number 5. This is a free event. Call 978-464-2987 for more info.

10-14 Friday-Monday. Wachusett Mountain's 23rd Annual Columbus Day Ski/Board Sale/Swap. Bring in your used equipment to sell for cash or Wachusett credit! Buy new skis or snowboard with cash or the credit you earn! This is the perfect chance to upgrade your gear for the coming winter. For more information, visit www.wachusett.com.

10 Thursday 1pm-3pm. HIVE Community Art Workshop at Fruitlands. Cost...  FREE with museum admission. Take part in Artist-in-Residence, Jodi Colella's community art project, HIVE. During the meetings aluminum screen chambers are stitched together with steel wire. Later they will be assembled into the existing structure that grows organically. No experience necessary. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org/hive_august8. 

10 Thursday 6pm. Ethnic Night at the Gardner Museum, hosted by Doris Forte. From 6-8pm. guests will experience ethnic music and culinary treats that are representative of the Greater Gardner Community. Members $5, non-members $8. Call 978-632-3277.

10-13 Thursday-Sunday, 8pm. Shout! The Mod Musical at Theater at the Mount. This smashing '60s musical revue tracks five groovy gals as they come of age during those liberating days that made England swing! With its irresistible blend of hip-swiveling hits, eye-popping fashions and psychedelic dances, this fun-filled musical will make you want to put on your go-go boots, throw your head back and SHOUT!  This is a Special "Alumni Night" Performance Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of MWCC. For more information, visit mwcc.edu/tam/shows.

11-13 Friday & Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Stratton Players presents DINING ROOM by A.R. Gurney, Directed by Janet Cragin. Tickets $12. The Dining Room is a humorous and compassionate play from the author of Sylvia, Later Life and The Cocktail Hour. A series of eighteen overlapping scenes, the play visits a host of characters as they go about their daily business. The scenes, which range from the comic to the serious, explore the dynamic relationships of family life. For more information, visit www.strattonplayers.com/showsandtickets.htm.

11 Friday 8pm-10pm. Black Diamond Summer Music Series at Wachusett Mountain. FREE music from 8-10pm by New Pond Fondle outside under the tent. A BBQ will be available outside as will a bar both inside and out. Great for the whole family! For more information, visit www.wachusett.com/?TabId=115.

11 Friday 8pm. The No-Reply Band performs a Celebration of Beatles Music at the Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A, Shirley. Tickets, $17.25. For details, visit
www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

12-14 Saturday-Monday 9am-5pm. Tower Hill's Harvestival! A fun family celebration. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

12 Saturday 8am-10am. Orange Historical Society BREAKFAST ON THE PORCH 41 North Main Street Orange. Menu: Quiche, French Toast, Pancakes, Waffles, Donuts, Beverages. Cost: $6.00.

12 Saturday 10am. Fruitlands' Harvest Weekend. Cost...  Free with museum admission. Celebrate the season with a variety of hands-on activities!  Learn how to throw a Native American atl-atl, create cornhusk dolls and learn how to can and preserve the fall harvest with jams and jellies.  Apple pie maven, Eileen Kronauer, will be on hand on Sunday to share her secrets for making the best apple pie and the Nashoba Valley Weaver’s Guild will have several types of looms for you to try your hand at! For more information, visitwww.fruitlands.org.

12 Saturday 10am. Phillipston Fall Fair & Pumpkin Weigh-In. The Town Common comes alive each October for the annual Phillipston Pumpkin Growing Contest, better known as the ‘great pumpkin weigh-in.’ While such events have become popular throughout region in recent years, the Phillipston weigh-in has the honor of being the oldest continuing giant pumpkin contest in New England; it has been going on for a quarter of a century! For years now, it has been held as part of the annual Phillipston Fall Fair.

12 Saturday 10am-5pm. Sholan Farm 12th Annual Scarecrow Festival (rain date Oct 13). Come build your own scarecrow or view and vote on your favorite. Enjoy free entertainment on Saturday and Sunday, great food, numerous free, interactive children’s events and so much more at this fun family festival! For information call 978-840-FARM or visit us online at www.sholanfarms.com for more information about events, volunteer, and membership opportunities. All events are subject to change.

12 Saturday 10am. A VIEW FROM THE TOP —10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m Wachusett Mountain. Meet the Park Interpreter next to the summit pool. There’s so much to see at the summit! Take a 45-minute tour with the Park Interpreter, and immerse yourself in the cultural history of Wachusett Mountain. This “great hill” has shaped our past and our present, and has helped to create the stories of the people who have been here. This tour involves an easy walk around the summit, though some ground is uneven and rocky; and there is one small incline on a paved surface. This program is appropriate for all ages. Parent/guardian must accompany all children. Meet the Park Interpreter next to the summit pool for the guided tour. This is a free event. Call 978-464-2987 for more info.

12 Saturday 11am. Fun In The Sun Rail Jam during the Columbus Day Ski & Snowboard Sale & Swap event at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, Princeton. Test yourself on multiple features and see how well you’ve maintained your skills from last season. Registration starts at 10am. Divisions foramateurs, women and pros in ski and snowboard categories. Visit www.wachusett.com for details.

12 Saturday 8pm. Candye Kane. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

13-14 Sunday-Monday 8am-6pm. Lanni Orchards' Columbus Day Apple Festival.  Rain date 19th & 20th.  There will be hayrides, bounce house, myo caramel apples, warm apple crisp, pick your own pumpkins, cider donuts, paint your own pumpkins, coloring contest and much more! For more information, visit www.lanniorchards.com.

13 Sunday 9am–3pm. Celebrate the Harvest Car Show, Craft Fair and Parade at Butterfield Park in Orange. The Orange Business Association and North Quabbin Cruisers present a 300-plus car show, more than 50-booth craft fair, lots of food, and a parade through downtown Orange. Free admission. Call 978-544-5335.

13 Sunday 10am. Forest Foliage 10K run, starting and ending at Dennison State Park in Winchendon. The final event of the North Country Quad Series. To register, visit 
www.ncquadseries.com.

13 Sunday 6:30pm. Dance2Swing presents Eight to the Bar at the Leominster Elks, 134 N. Main St., Leominster. Beginner group lesson at 6:30 (singles and couples welcome), Swing Dance at 7:30pm. For information call 978-263-7220 or visit www.dance2swing.com. Admission $14.

14 Monday 1pm-3pm. HIVE Community Art Workshop at Fruitlands. Cost...  FREE with museum admission. Take part in Artist-in-Residence, Jodi Colella's community art project, HIVE. During the meetings aluminum screen chambers are stitched together with steel wire. Later they will be assembled into the existing structure that grows organically. No experience necessary. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org/hive_october10. 

16 Wednesday 7pm. Censorship Roundtable Discussion What is the role of censorship in our society today - both formal and informal?" Panel discussion with leaders in the community. How do leaders view this question? Is censorship necessary? Excessive? What is appropriate? Moderated by Shirley Wagner, PhD, emeriti faculty. Location: Fitchburg Historical Society | free. For more information, visit www.fitchburghistoricalsociety.org or call 978-345-1157. 

16 Wednesday 7pm. Fahrenheit 451 Progressive Art Exhibition Day at the Fitchburg Historical Society, 781 Main St., Fitchburg. The third Fahrenheit 451 Project event hosted by the Society. Free admission.

17 Thursday 7pm. Film Screening and Conversation: Storm Center. Bette Davis stars as a librarian in the 1950s who "stands up" to local pressure from the City Council to remove a controversial book- The Communist Dream- from the shelves. Location: Fitchburg Public Library | free. For more information, visit fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

18-20 Friday-Sunday 9am-3:30pm. Tower Hill's Garden Sculpture Workshop. Instructor: DJ Garrity. Create a unique marble sculpture for the garden, home or gallery in this three-day workshop with Sculptor DJ Garrity. Workshop participants will discover how to use basic hand tools to finesse an image from stone which carries their unique creative imprint, in a program designed for both the novice or those with experience. The format of the workshop will follow techniques established in the artist's book titled "The Rhythms Of Stone", a basic guide to direct stone sculpture. For more information, e-mail registrar@towerhillbg.com or call 508-869-6111x124.

18-19 Friday & Saturday dusk till 10pm. Athol Lions Haunted Hayrides at Silver Lake Park, Athol. Take a mile-long trip around the lake in wagons pulled by antique tractors. Try not to be frightened by the skits, graveyard and creepy crawly things. Scary fun for everyone. Call Ricky Misner at 413-522-6899 after 4pm.

18-19 Friday & Saturday 7-11pm. Haunted Trail at Barrett Park, 40 Barrett Parkway, Leominster. Take a scary ride in Johnny’s hometown! Ticket sales end at 10pm. Repeats Oct. 25-26.

18 Friday. Westminster Farmers' Market presents Pumpkin Fest. For more information, email hertel@mapleheightsfarm.com.

18 Friday 7pm. Bucky Lewis, the hilarious comic,  returns to the Old Mill Restaurant, 69 State Road (Route 2A),  Westminster. Dinner and show $35 (Adults only). Advance purchase only, call 978-874-5941 to reserve or for more information)   Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:00 p.m.

19-20 Saturday- Sunday 10am-4pm. Fruitland's presents Marjorie Glick: Luminous Autumn Landscape: Transformed by Color Use and Principles Behind the Hudson River Painters. Members $180, Nonmembers $210. The workshop will begin with a visit to the Fruitlands Museum Art Gallery to view and study the museum's collection of Hudson River School paintings focusing on their luminous use of color. Inspired by these paintings, and by the spectacular landscape at Fruitlands, learn to capture the unique glow and luminosity of the Autumn Landscape in Plein Air . Students may work in any medium of their choice and instruction will focus on seeing and mixing color and composition. Registration required. E-mail education@fruitlands.org or call 978.456.3924 x239. For more information, visit fruitlands.org.

19-Saturday, Keene Pumpkin Festival, Main St., Keene NH. www.thekeenepumpkinfestival.com.

19-20 Saturday-Sunday. Wachusett Mountain's 30th Annual AppleFest. Our most popular fall festival celebration including over 70 craft exhibitors, farmers' market, special family fun side shows both weekends! Kids entertainment and peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Oktoberfest themed food specialties and music. For more information, visit www.wachusett.com. 

19-20 Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. APPLE TASTING & TASTE OF LOCAL at Lanni Orchards.  Rain or Shine. Stop by and try a Macoun or Honeycrisp and vote on your favorite apple.  For more information, visit www.lanniorchards.com.

19 Saturday. Altered Book Display at Rollstone Studios. For more information, click here: Rollstone Studios rollstoneartists.com/upcoming-events-old-format.

19 Saturday 11am. Progressive Art Exhibition Day. Make your way from the Art Museum to Rollstone Studios with a stop at the Historical Society for a hands-on altered book art creation. On display at the locations will be the art created by participants of the Altered Book Workshops as well as school workshops- with artists in attendance. Locations: 11 a.m. at the Fitchburg Art Museum | noon at Fitchburg Historical Society | 1 p.m. at Rollstone Studios | free. 

19 Saturday 11am. Pumpkin Decorating and Nature Walk at Cogshall Park in Fitchburg. Meet us at the Gazebo at 11:00 for some fall fun. A snack and drink are provided. (suggested ages 2-8) siblings welcome. Contact Noreen Alves at strengthfam@gmail.com or 978-602-8657 for more information.

19 Saturday 11am–3pm. A Glimpse of Pepperell’s Past at the Community Center, 2 Hollis St., Pepperell. As part of Archeology Month in Massachusetts, Pepperell’s Historical Society will provide a glimpse into the past, including Colonel William Prescott, famous for leading troops during the Battle of Bunker Hill, and Prudence Wright, who captured a British spy during the Revolutionary War… and much more! Free admission. Contact Diane Cronin, 978-433-3232.

19 Saturday 7:30pm. Wachusett Music Series presents Kate Redgate Band at First Church of Christ Unitarian, 725 Main St., Lancaster. Kate Redgate has never let a life less than easy stand in the way of her creative process; indeed her choices and the results have fueled her songwriting for the better part of 20 years. Tickets, $18 in advance, $22 day of show. Visit www.wachusettmusic.com or call 978-365-2043.

19 Saturday 8pm. Peter Yarrow, singer-songwriter known for hits like “Puff the Magic Dragon” and “The Great Mandala” performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A, Shirley. Tickets, $30. Visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

19 Saturday 9:30pm. Strand Theatre Proudly Presents. LIVE STAND UP COMEDY! Doors open at 9 pm. Comedians include Patty Ross, Stephen Donovan, and Paul Nardizzi. Tickets available at The Strand Theatre Box Office of by calling (978) 365-5551. For more show information, visit www.strandmovies.com/comedy.shtml.

20 Sunday. Wachusett Mountain presents the Cider House 5K Run/Walk. Join Wachusett for this first year race to kick off the second day of AppleFest. the Cider House 5K takes place on off-road terrain across the mountain. For more information, visit www.wachusett.com.

22 Tuesday 6pm. Fitchburg Historical Society's TV Film screening: Premiere of “The Bicycles of Fitchburg: 50 Years of Iver Johnson” with collectors Scott Kinsman, Peter Capodagli and Joel Kaddy, an Anne O’Connor Production. Free admission. For more information, visit www.fitchburghistoricalsociety.org or call 978-345-1157.

22 Tuesday 6:30pm. Country Auction at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest St., Baldwinville. This live auction features something old, something new, always something interesting, from jewelry to furniture. Preview at 4:30pm.

23 Wednesday 8pm. Richard Marx at the Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

24 Thursday 2pm-4pm. HIVE Community Art Workshop at Fruitlands. Cost...  FREE with museum admission. Take part in Artist-in-Residence, Jodi Colella's community art project, HIVE. During the meetings aluminum screen chambers are stitched together with steel wire. Later they will be assembled into the existing structure that grows organically. No experience necessary. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org/hive_august8. 

24 Thursday 7pm. Twelfth Annual Veterans’ Round Table at the Gardner VFW on West St. Alan Dernalowicz will again return as the moderator of this popular speaking program that connects military veterans from World War II with those who have served in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. Discussion from 7-8pm. Free program. Call 978-632-3277.

25-26 Friday & Saturday 7pm-11pm. Haunted Trail at Barrett Park, 40 Barrett Parkway, Leominster. Take a scary ride in Johnny’s hometown! Ticket sales end at 10pm.

25 Friday. Westminster Farmers' Market's Last Open Market. For more information, email hertel@mapleheightsfarm.com.

25 Friday 10am-noon. Halloween Stroll in downtown Gardner (Route 68). Trick or treating for pre-school age kids. Look for the bright orange flyer in the windows of participating businesses. Free story hour at the Levy Heywood Memorial Library at 10am. Children must be accompanied by parents, teachers or guardians. Visit www.gardnersquaretwo.com.

25 Friday 7pm.  “Mountain Moonshine Mystery,” a Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner at the Old Mill Restaurant, 69 State Road (Route 2A),  Westminster. All yew Yankees come along and try to figure out this one, y’all. Dinner and show $35 (advance purchase only, call 978-874-5941 to reserve or for more information. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show begins at 7:00 p.m.

25 Friday 7pm. 3rd ANNUAL LUCY'S LOVE BASH MONSTER MASH. Fundraiser-Halloween themed dance and raffle. All proceeds to benefit Lucy's Love Bus...www.lucyslovebus.org. The Colonial Hotel Gardner.

25 Friday 7:30pm. Music from the 60s & 70s with Lee Wolloff in the pub at the Old Mill Restaurant, 69 State Road (Route 2A), Westminster. Call 978-874-5941. 

26-27 Saturday-Sunday. Wachusett Mountain's 4th Annual BBQFest. The fun continues weekend two with crafters, farmers' market, entertainment-- and the finger-licking great time of the BBQ Fest! Benefits the Greg Hill Foundation.  For more information, visit www.wachusett.com. 

26 Saturday. Halloween Party & Ghost Walk on Shirley Town Common. After dark the spirits of yesteryear inhabit the common; take part in a spooky ghost walk, attend the Halloween Party at the Center Town Hall. You’ll be led by lantern light on a narrated walk and be treated to some local folk lore and ghost stories, then enjoy refreshments and music. Adults $5, Children, $3. Visit www.shirleymeetinghouse.org.

26 Saturday 9am-2pm. First Parish Unitarian Church of Hubbardston On the Common in Hubbardston hosts the Annual Fall Indoor YARD SALE. Chinese Auction, Spices, Rummage, Coffee & Pastry, White Elephant, Toys & Games, Books & Puzzles, Knitting, Jams and Jellies, Quilt Raffle. Lunch available.

26 Saturday 9am–4pm. Harvest Fair at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest St., Baldwinville. Raffles, theme baskets, handcrafts, baked goods and more.

26 Saturday 10am-4pm. Fruitland's Jill Pottle: Collage Workshop. Members $85, Nonmembers $115. Explore materials and learn the art of collage using existing images, paper, paint and mixed media, in this one-day workshop with Jill Pottle. Registration required. E-mail education@fruitlands.org or call 978.456.3924 x239. For more information, visit fruitlands.org.

26 Saturday 10am. Solidarity Saturday Tour and Market at Seeds of Solidarity Education Center, 165 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange. Experience Seeds of Solidarity’s farm, home and education center that integrate solar greenhouses, energy efficient buildings, abundant market gardens, and solar electric and hot water systems. This is a free tour with no preregistration required. Donations to support their youth and community programs are appreciated. If you wish, bring a potluck dish to share andvisit the solar powered farm stand after the tour. Visit www.seedsofsolidarity.org.

26 Saturday 12:30-2:30pm. Trick or Treat on Main Street, Fitchburg, starting at the MBTA station at 100 Main St., Christ Church at 569 Main St., or the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St. Children up to age 12 are invited to trick or treat in a safe and fun environment, while supporting Main Street businesses. The festivities include a costume contest and Halloween Bash at the New Players Theater Guild Center for the Performing Arts on Rollstone Street. Call 978-400-0171.

26 Saturday 1-4pm. Halloween Parade in downtown Leominster. Lineup at 12:30pm at Leominster Credit Union parking lot, 20 Adams St. Rain date, Oct. 28.

26 Saturday 8pm. The Alexis P Suter Band performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A, Shirley. Tickets, $22. Visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

27 Sunday 1pm. New England Vampire Folk Belief: Archaeological Evidence at Fruitlands. Cost...  Free with museum admission. Were there vampires in New England? Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni will talk about how areas of New England were hot spots of vampire folklore in the 19th Century. Bellantoni worked to excavate a grave site – whose location was revealed when two children playing in a quarry found human skulls – of suspected vampires. The evidence revealed a posthumous mutilation of the corpse, likely by townspeople who believed the deceased to be a vampire. Presented as part of the Massachusetts Historical Commissions’ Massachusetts Archeology Month. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

27 Sunday 6:30pm. Dance2Swing presents Dan Gabel & The Abletones Big Band at the Leominster Elks, 134 N. Main St., Leominster. Beginner group lesson at 6:30 (singles and couples welcome), Swing Dance at 7:30pm. For information call 978-263-7220 or visit www.dance2swing.com. Admission $14.

27 Sunday 8pm. Steve Forbert "Alive On Arrival Tour". Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

Apples!

Paul at Honey Pot Hill Orchard

It’s that time of year again! One of the best things about living in New England is the fall apple-picking season! There are so many wonderful apple orchards right in our back yard, including Sholan Farms, Lanni Orchards, Ashby Apples, Bolton Orchards, Berlin Orchards, Red Apple Farm, Honey Pot Hill Orchard, Nashoba Winery, and Carlson Orchards. Grab "the apple of your eye" and take them out for a treat.

Art in the Park 2013

"A Touch of Green" by Karen Winterholer 

The Monadnock Area Artists Association will present its 55th annual Art in the Park, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 2013 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., at Ashuelot River Park, West St., Keene NH. 85 New England artists, who work in a wide variety of media, will be exhibiting and selling their work in this beautiful setting. Refreshments will be available, and musical performances will be provided by the Keene Music Festival. Art raffle proceeds fund scholarships for college bound art students. Enter to win a work of art! Free admission. Contact information: 603-357-4382. www.monadnockareaartists.org. For more information on Karen Winterholer please visit her website at www.maiadesigns.com




Heath Bar Brownies

Fudge Brownies with Heath Bar Topping

I modified the original Hershey recipe for these brownies. Here's my version:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 eggs

2 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate

3/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1 8 oz. bag Hershey Heath Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease the bottom of an 8" square pan.

In a medium saucepan (or double boiler) melt butter and chocolate. Remove from heat; stir in sugar. Blend in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla. Stir in flour and salt. Mix well. Spread in pan. Bake for 18-20 mins. or until brownie mixture begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from oven; sprinkle with entire bag of toffee bits. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and let cool completely in pan on a wire rack. When cool remove foil and cut into squares. Makes approx. 12.

Books & Cooks

Some of the books from Books & Cooks

A good book has no ending.  ~R.D. Cumming


Seven years ago Paul and I started a book/dinner club we aptly named Books & Cooks. Once a month we get together with a diverse group of friends and family to discuss our recent pick over dinner. This time together has become very special to me as we agree, disagree, debate, laugh (a lot!), cry (a little), and share our perspectives with each other. As is often the case with great conversations, one subject leads to another and sometimes we end the night with barely a nod to the book we’ve read. Other times we could go on for days discussing the book, never running out of things to say.

I thought it would be fun to share the books we’ve read with you. I know I’ve forgotten a few, but here are the ones I remember.

Please feel free to suggest ones we should add to our list!

1.    A Drinking Life by Peter Hamil

2.    All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remaque

3.    American Assassin by Vince Flynn

4.    An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski

5.    Away by Amy Bloom

6.    Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

7.    Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn

8.    Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

9.    Defending Jacob by William Landay

10.Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

11.Feast of Love by Charles Baxter

12.Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

13.Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo

14.Inferno by Dan Brown

15.Ireland by Frank Delaney

16.Life of Pi by Yann Martel

17.Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel

18.Look Again by Lisa Scottoline

19.Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

20.Manhunt The Search for Lincoln’s Killer by James Swanson

21.Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

22.Mephisto by Tess Gerritson

23.Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder

24.My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud’Homme

25.My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Piccoult

26.Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

27.Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

28.Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

29.The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

30.The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness by Joel Ben Izzy

31.The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

32.The Cave by Jose Saramago

33.The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

34.The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jeremy Leggatt

35.The Gilder by Kathryn Kay

36.The Girl Who Fell from the Sky by Heidi Durrow

37.The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

38.The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

39.The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by

40.The Help by Kathryn Stockett

41.The Keeper’s Son by Homer Hickam

42.The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

43.The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant

44.The Measure of a Man by Sydney Poitier

45.The Naked Now by Fr. Richard Rohr

46.The Places in Between by Rory Stewart

47.The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay

48.The Road by Cormac McCarthy

49.The Secret Life of Bees By Sue Monk Kidd

50.The Shack by Wm. Paul Young

51.The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

52.The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

53.The Time of our Lives by Tom Brokaw

54.The Widow’s War by Sally Gunning

55.Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

56.Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

57.Welcome to the Monkey House by Kurt Vonnegut

58.Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Robert Pirsig

July Events

Here are some fun events happening throughout the month of July

6 Saturday 12:30pm. Fourth of July Celebration in Pepperell. Parade starts at 12:30 from Town Hall to VFW Post 3291, followed by music and food at 4 pm, and fireworks at dusk. Visit pepperell4thofjuly.org for updated details.

6 Saturday 6pm-8pm. Groton Sumer Concert Series presents Gary Wilson Blues Project: Hard-hitting blues. Enough said! Weather permitting at the town gazebo behind the Library. Refreshments are available from Main Street Cafe. For more information, visit mainstreetcafegroton.com/summer-music-2013.html.

6 Saturday 7:30pm. Outside the Wire, the life-changing impact of war–on returning soldiers and their families–is explored in a play featuring Fitchburg State students and alumni that is headed for a prestigious national theater festival in July. Local showing at the WESTON AUDITORIUM, 353 North St. Admission is $15 for the public and free for veterans.

6 Saturday 3pm. Ayer’s Fourth of July celebration, with a traditional parade on Main Street, starting at 3 pm. Call David Maher, 978-772-8206 weekdays.

6 Saturday 9pm. Fireworks at Pirone Park, School Street in Ayer. The Fourth of July celebration ends with a spectacular fireworks display starting at dusk, approximately 9 pm.

7 Sunday 4pm-6pm. Opening Reception. Natural Connections: Clay and Landscape: Ceramics by Joan Sinatra Hathaway. Petersham Art Center. All welcome. Meet the artist, enjoy fine art, delicious refreshments. On exhibit July 7-August 15. 8 North Street, a short distance from Petersham Common.

7 Sunday 7:30pm. Petersham Brass Band Concert on Petersham Common. Hotdogs, baked goods. All welcome. Free.

8 Monday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. WACHUSETT COMMUNITY BAND: This band has been playing in Sterling’s summer concerts for the past 9 years. The band has 25 plus musicians from the Wachusett Area.  They play a variety of marches, show tunes, & more. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

8 Monday 9:30pm. Groton Fireworks 99 Main Street.

9 Tuesday 7:30pm. Leominster Colonial Band Concert at Leominster’s historic Carter Park on Main Street. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in City Hall, 25 West Street.

10 Wednesday 1pm-4pm. Museum of Russian Icons presents Matryoshka Nesting Doll Workshop. Traditional Russian artist and lecturer Marina Forbes offers a unique three-hour workshop on the rich Russian folk tradition of nested doll painting. For more information, visit museumofrussianicons.org.

10 Wednesday 6pm.  Concert on the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. Enjoy various performers in this free concert. Rain date: August 21.

10 Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. MOONSHINE: Moonshine serves up the best mix of new country, blues, and rock music in Central MA.  The band features Melissa Perkins on vocals covering songs by Adele, Pink, Grace Potter, Gretchen Wilson, Kelly Clarkson, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, and more!! For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

10 Wednesday 7pm. Meet Native Amphibians Frogs & Salamanders. Petersham Memorial Library. Join Chris Eaton of MassAudubon for this up close and personal program with the wonderful world of amphibians. 23 Common Street on Petersham Common. All welcome. Free.

11 Thursday 2pm. Digging To New York at the Fitchburg Public Library. Learn how Fitchburg helped build the Hoosac Tunnel. For more information, visit fitchburgpubliclibrary.org. 

11 Thursday 3pm-5pm. Fruitlands presents HIVE. HIVE is an ever-evolving community art piece that explores the chemistry between people when they work together. During meetings with several diverse groups of participants - aluminum screen chambers are stitched together with steel wire. Later they’re assembled into a sculpture that grows organically as a representation of community effort and time spent together. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. No experience necessary – come one and all. FREE with Admission. For more information, visitwww.fruitlands.org.

11 Thursday 7:15pm. Fruitlands Summer Concert Series presents The Concord Band. Join the Concord Band as they grace Fruitlands hillside for the 28th year. Bring a picnic, grandma, the kids and the dog and settle in for old fashioned Americana music on a summer evening. The July 4th concert will have our famous picnic contest. Judges will pick the most elaborate picnic setup to win a special prize. So break out the candelabra and the good linens. Gates open at 5:30 for picnics, concerts begin at 7:15. This is an outdoor venue so please bring a blanket or chairs (chairs are for sale at the Museum Store) and dress appropriately. Handicapped seating is available under the tent. For more information, visit http://fruitlands.org/summerconcerts.

11 Thursday 7:30pm. The Twangbusters with Paula Bradley. Blues and bop with a heapin' helpin' of twang. $10. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

12 Friday. Westminster Farmers' Market presents How Does Your Garden Grow: Basic Gardening Q&A for Midway Through the Growing Season. For more information, email hertel@mapleheightsfarm.com.

12 Friday 3pm–6:30pm. Joe Reidy performs at the Westminster Farmers Market, Academy Hill, Westminster. 

12 Friday 6pm-7:30pm. Riverfront Children's Theater's FUN FRIDAY Summer Theatre Workshop FOR 10 & UP, $15. VISIT: www.riverfrontkids.blogspot.com or EMAIL:sallycragin@verizon.net.

12 Friday 8pm. Roy Book Binder. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

12 Friday 8pm-10pm. Black Diamond Summer Music Series at Wachusett Mountain. FREE music outside under the tent by Rainy Day Activities. A BBQ will be available outside as will a bar both inside and out. Great for the whole family! For more information, visit www.wachusett.com/?TabId=115.

13-14 Saturday-Sunday. Worcester JCC Presents Circus Smirkus at Wachusett Mountain. Grab your Ruby Slippers and click your heels together, as Circus Smirkus goes "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with a new spin on the Wizard of Oz. It will take acrobatic thinking, highwire hearts, and courageous clowns to embark on this Emerald City adventure! This time it's all flying monkey business as we cartwheel down the yellow brick road to a new twist in the tale. Pull back the curtain and discover fun for the whole family (and your little dog, too,) as Circus Smirkus presents Oz Incorporated. For more information, visitwww.worcesterjcc.org/smirkus.

13-14 Saturday & Sunday 11am–3pm. Birds of Prey at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. Have you ever wanted to see a bald eagle up close? At Davis Farmland we are giving you that chance! Meet eagles, hawks, owls, and more! You can’t miss this unbelievable chance! This is one show you will never forget! Show times are at 11 and 2 Saturday and Sunday. Call 978-422-MOOO.

13 Saturday. Annual Congregational Church Fair. Petersham Common. Special events, food, attic treasures, lunch galore, music, raffles, and more throughout the day. Huge live Auction on the Bandstand. Drew Paton 1940s Hit Parade on the Bandstand - sponsored by Petersham Cultural Council.

13 Saturday 8am-10am. Orange Historical Society BREAKFAST ON THE PORCH 41 North Main Street Orange. Menu: Quiche, French Toast, Pancakes, Waffles, Donuts, Beverages. Cost: $6.00.

13 Saturday 8am–3pm. Royalston Church Fair on the Common, Royalston. Food, live music, attic treasures, games, face painting.

13 Saturday 9am-2pm. Tower Hill The World Up Close: Exploring Macro Photogrraphy. Non-members $60., Members $50. Instructor: Steve McGrath. Spring, summer, winter, or fall, macro photography opens the door to a wonderful new world of photo opportunities. With instructor Steve McGrath as your guide, this beginner to intermediate level course will show you ways to use your existing camera gear to make spectacular macro photographs. The close-up world is a magical place full of pattern, color, and abstract imagery. Flowers become abstract works of art; rusty doors become textured canvasses; stones become polished gems; butterflies and other insects can become sci-fi monsters! After a short lecture, this class will move outside to practice technique in the gardens, and end with review of student work.For more information, e-mail registrar@towerhillbg.org or call 508-869-6111x124 or visitwww.towerhillbg.org.

13 Saturday 9am-5pm. Tower Hill Lily Show. Included with admission to garden, $12 adult, $9 senior, $7 children 6-18. New England Lily Society presents 54TH ANNUAL LILY SHOW at Tower Hill Botanical Garden off Routes 290 & 70 in Boylston, MA. Exhibits of Oriental, Asiatic, Orientpet and other hybrid lily stems will be enhanced by bouquets of flowers featuring lilies in classical and ikebana styles of flower arranging. Sponsored by: New England Lily Society

For more information, e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

13 Saturday 1pm-5pm. Lifefest at Coolidge Park! Free food, music, games, petting zoo, and more.

13 Saturday 6pm. Gardner Concert in the Park Presents: Rhythm. Monument Park Community Bandstand Contemporary, Pops, Blues & Country. Rain Date: July 17.

13 Saturday 6pm-8pm. Groton Sumer Concert Series presents Very original trio Trusting Fate. Energetic  Weather permitting at the town gazebo behind the Library. Refreshments are available from Main Street Cafe. For more information, visit mainstreetcafegroton.com/summer-music-2013.html.

13 Saturday 7:30pm. The Jolly Beggars. The Jolly Beggars add a dimension to Celtic Music that's unique and welcome. Their harmonies are delightful and soothing to the soul and every show is a feast for both eyes and ears. $10. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

13 Saturday 8pm. Donna the Buffalo. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

14 Sunday 9am-4:30pm. Tower Hill Lily Show. Included with admission to the garden, $12 adult, $9 senior, $7 children 6-18. New England Lily Society presents 54TH ANNUAL LILY SHOW at Tower Hill Botanical Garden off Routes 290 & 70 in Boylston, MA. Exhibits of Oriental, Asiatic, Orientpet and other hybrid lily stems will be enhanced by bouquets of flowers featuring lilies in classical and ikebana styles of flower arranging. Sponsored by: New England Lily Society. For more information, e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org or visitwww.towerhillbg.org.

14 Sunday 2pm. Concert in Coggshall Park, off Electric Avenue, Fitchburg. Enjoy live entertainment on the shores of Mirror Lake. Rain date, July 28. Free admission.

14 Sunday 3-5pm. Artists' Town Meeting at the Fitchburg Art Museum. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

14 Sunday 4pm. Natraj. Indian classical music, West African traditional music, and jazz. $15. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

15 Monday 2pm. Mini-Beast Menagerie at the Fitchburg Public Library.

Real little animals that creep and crawl.  For more information, visit fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

15 Monday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. SOUTH CENTRAL: The acoustic duo of Neil Lucey and Ron Stacy. Their music selection ranges from the 60’s to today’s hits and includes many of those one-hit-wonders you’ve heard many times before, but just can’t remember the name! Guests enjoy interacting with the band by trying to guess the names of these forgotten artists and those of more well known artists. With their wide variety of music and rich acoustic sound, a great listening experience is guaranteed for all. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

16 Tuesday 7:30pm. Leominster Colonial Band Concert at Leominster’s historic Carter Park on Main Street. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in City Hall, 25 West Street.

17 Wednesday 6pm.  Concert on the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. Enjoy various performers in this free concert. Rain date August 21.

17 Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. THE ILLUSIONS: Play music from the 60’s, 70’s, & 80’s including contemporary top 40’s and across all genres, Country, Pop, Rock, etc. They get audiences of all ages involved. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

18 Thursday 5:15pm-7pm. Museum of Russian Icons presents SnapShot Gallery Talks. SnapShot tours are a series of short in-depth talks given by our volunteer tour guides. Free with Museum admission. For more information, visit museumofrussianicons.org.

18 Thursday 7:15pm. Fruitlands Summer Concert Series presents The Concord Band. Join the Concord Band as they grace Fruitlands hillside for the 28th year. Bring a picnic, grandma, the kids and the dog and settle in for old fashioned Americana music on a summer evening. The July 4th concert will have our famous picnic contest. Judges will pick the most elaborate picnic setup to win a special prize. So break out the candelabra and the good linens. Gates open at 5:30 for picnics, concerts begin at 7:15. This is an outdoor venue so please bring a blanket or chairs (chairs are for sale at the Museum Store) and dress appropriately. Handicapped seating is available under the tent. For more information, visit http://fruitlands.org/summerconcerts.

18 Thursday 7:30pm. Alasdair Roberts | Sam Moss. Lively Scottish ballads. | Pre-war American country, blues, and folk. $12. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

20 Saturday. Sleepover at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. This fun-filled, two day adventure includes an all-you-can-eat cookout, hayride, campfire sing-a-long, and s’mores! Wake up to breakfast on the grill. Reservations required, space fills quickly. Call 978-422-MOOO (6666).

20 Saturday 9am-4:30pm. Tower Hill Daylily Show. Included with admission to the garden, $12 adult, $9 senoir, $7 Children 6-18. The Daylily Exhibition is open to the public. Come see hundreds of the finest daylilies grown in New England, featuring Speakers, Flower Arranging Demonstration, Flower arrangements featuring lilies, and Potted lilies for sale. Judged Divisions include Extra Large 7+, Large, Small, Miniature, Double, Polymerous, Spider, and Unusual Form. The Exhibition presents a wonderful opportunity to view the incredible diversity of daylilies, the most popular and easiest to grow perennial. Sponsored by: New England Daylily Society. For more information, e-mail thbg@towerhillbg.org or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

20 Saturday 10am–3pm. Summer Festival and Chicken BBQ at the Otter River Sportsman’s Club, Lord Road, Otter River. St. Martin’s Church celebrates summer with a festival featuring raffles, games of chance and skill, free games and craft activities for children, and a wonderful chicken dinner served from noon – 1 pm. For dinner reservations (recommended), call 978-939-5588.

20 Saturday 5pm. The Rafters at Groton Gazebo. 70's Night! Groton Summer Concert Series, Gazebo at the Groton Town Field (behind Library). Price: free! Teaming up with Elizabeth Lorrey to go Back to the 70's!! A great outdoor concert series with food & snacks provided by Main Street Cafe.Downtown Groton, Massachusetts.

20 Saturday 6pm. Gardner Concert in the Park Presents: Riverboat Stompers. Monument Park Community Bandstand. Jazz Band. Rain Date: July 24.

20 Saturday 6pm-8pm. Groton Sumer Concert Series presents Elizabeth Lorre, The Rafters, and Back to the Garden: That 70s Show…! Weather permitting at the town gazebo behind the Library. Refreshments are available from Main Street Cafe. For more information, visit mainstreetcafegroton.com/summer-music-2013.html.

21 Sunday 1pm. Fruitland's An Herbal Walk and Wildcrafting. Cost...  Free with admission. Search for wild herbs with botanist and herbalist, Rachel Ross and learn about the practice of wildcrafting. Herbalist Angie Adams will present information on when and what parts of the plant to harvest, the drying process and much more. A brief meeting of the Herbal Community of Central Mass. will precede the program. All are welcome to attend.

21 Sunday 4pm. Ecology of Sound. Presenting RICARDO FROTA. African, Native American, indigenous people's, South American, and Brazilian music. $10. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

22 Monday 2pm. Ed the Wizard at the Fitchburg Public Library. Reading is Magic!  For more information, visit fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

22 Monday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. WORCESTER COUNTY BLUEGRASS ALL STARS Paul Della Valle and the Worcester County Bluegrass All Stars are Sterling songwriter Paul Della Valle backed up by some of the best acoustic musicians in the area.  They include the legendary Walter Crockett on guitar, Fran McConville and Dave DiBiasio of Slo-Grass on mandolin and banjo, and Bob Dick of the Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band on base. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

23 Tuesday 7:30pm. Leominster Colonial Band Concert at Leominster’s historic Carter Park on Main Street. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in City Hall, 25 West Street.

24 Wednesday 6pm.  Concert on the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. Enjoy various performers in this free concert. Rain date August 21.

24 Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. RAMPAGE TRIO: The Rampage Trio is a high energy, blues-rock boogie, dance band featuring singer-songwriter-guitarist, Brian Owens, singer-bassist, Iain Perry and singer-harmonica player-drummer, Kevin Crowley.  They have five CD’s to their credit and have shared the stage with the Edgar Winter Band, Mountain, Joe Bonamassa, James Cotton, Candye Kane, Otis Clay, Buckwheat Zydeco, Big Sandy, and others. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

24 Wednesday 7:30pm. Soapmaking. Contact North Country Sustainability Center for more info. Email Pat@northcountrysustain.org or call (978) 827-1305.

24 Wednesday 7:30pm. Fitchburg Art Museum's Launch an Artists' Critique/Coaching Group. Ready to take your artwork to the next level? Looking for support and constructive feedback? Attend this meeting to learn about the value of artist critique/coaching groups, different models for organizing one, and guidelines for conducting a group critique. $5M, $10NM. If a group develops out of this meeting, the Museum will help launch it by providing meeting space for the first three meetings for a small fee.  For more information, visitwww.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

25 Thursday 11am. Fruitland's Simply Shaker Summer Storytime. Cost...  Free with admission. Reconnect with traditions of the past during this hour-long story and craft program. Learn about the daily lives of Shaker children and try your hand at one of the chores that children had to master: buttermaking! Materials provided. Limited to 30 children. RSVP requested. Email education@fruitlands.org or call 978.456.3924 x239.

25 Thursday 3pm-5pm. Fruitlands presents HIVE. HIVE is an ever-evolving community art piece that explores the chemistry between people when they work together. During meetings with several diverse groups of participants - aluminum screen chambers are stitched together with steel wire. Later they’re assembled into a sculpture that grows organically as a representation of community effort and time spent together. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. No experience necessary – come one and all. FREE with Admission. For more information, visitwww.fruitlands.org.

25 Thursday 5:15pm-7pm. Museum of Russian Icons presents SnapShot Gallery Talks. SnapShot tours are a series of short in-depth talks given by our volunteer tour guides. Free with Museum admission. For more information, visit museumofrussianicons.org.

25 Thursday 6pm-8pm. The Golden Road Band. A country band. Performing at Carter Park in downtown Leominster. Free admission.

25 Thursday 7:15pm. Fruitlands Summer Concert Series presents The Concord Band. Join the Concord Band as they grace Fruitlands hillside for the 28th year. Bring a picnic, grandma, the kids and the dog and settle in for old fashioned Americana music on a summer evening. The July 4th concert will have our famous picnic contest. Judges will pick the most elaborate picnic setup to win a special prize. So break out the candelabra and the good linens. Gates open at 5:30 for picnics, concerts begin at 7:15. This is an outdoor venue so please bring a blanket or chairs (chairs are for sale at the Museum Store) and dress appropriately. Handicapped seating is available under the tent. For more information, visit http://fruitlands.org/summerconcerts.

25 Thursday 7:30pm. Tall Heights. A new and lasting fixture in Boston's Folk/Rock scene. $10. 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

26 Friday 8pm. North Shore A Cappella. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

27-28 Saturday & Sunday 11am–3pm.  Mike the Music Man at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. Sing, Dance at Davis Farmland with Mike the Music Man and his friends Snappy the Alligator and Smelly the Skunk perform silly versions of kid’s favorite songs and some of their own original songs like Ducky Rock and Roll. Show times are Saturday and Sundays 11 and 2. 

27 Saturday. Petersham Mountain Bike Fun Ride. Registration 7:30 am -12:00 noon. Petersham Common. All loops start at the Common in the center of town Loops will be marked for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. Cost: $15 donation to the John Jenkins Memorial Fund (under 16 - free). Supported by the Petersham Lions Club. 

27 Saturday 8am–10:30am.  Breakfast at the Finnish Center at Saima Park , 61 Scott Rd. , Fitchburg. Finnish oven pancake, bacon, sausage, fruit, juice, coffee, Finnish coffee bread. $6. For more information call Maija 978-582-7717 or email ldsulin@verizon.net. 

27 Saturday 6pm. Gardner Concert in the Park Presents: Boothill Express. Monument Park Community Bandstand. Country, Folk, Southern Rock. Rain Date: July 31.

27 Saturday 6pm-8pm. Groton Sumer Concert Series presents Groton’s own Blue Taxi: Groove jazz, blues, Latin, and funk. Weather permitting at the town gazebo behind the Library. Refreshments are available from Main Street Cafe. For more information, visit mainstreetcafegroton.com/summer-music-2013.html.

27 Saturday 7:30pm. Patty Larkin. Critically acclaimed singer/songwriter. An urban folk/pop music phenomenon! $15. CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION PRECEDING CONCERT 1794 Meetinghouse: North Quabbin's Center for the Performing Arts, 26 South Main St. New Salem. For more information, visit www.1794meetinghouse.org.

27 Saturday 8pm. Trampled Under Foot. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

28 Sunday. Blues Barbecue - Roomful of Blues at Tower Hill. With a special guest opening act Bruce Bears and threadbarefynn. With their masterful combination of jumpy, horn-heavy, hard-edged blues and R&B, it’s no wonder Count Basie called Roomful of Blues “the hottest blues band I’ve ever heard.” With a non-stop performance schedule for over 40 years, Roomful of Blues has earned critical, popular and radio success and a legion of fans around the globe. They have always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world. They have never sounded fresher or stronger than with their current line-up. A barbecue meal by BT's Smokehouse will be available for purchase from 5 pm-6:30 pm. The concert will begin at 5:30 pm. Tickets: Nonmembers $40, Members $35, Students $29 (with ID). $3 Surcharge for tickets purchased on the day of the concert. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

29 Monday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. HELP WANTED: This exciting group consists of some of the industries finest, award winning artists. Individually each is multi-talented but together they create a high-energy show that is a brand of country all their own. A mix of rockin' country, rhythm and blues combined with a lot of class. For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.

29 Monday 6:30pm. Games & Stories around the Campfire with Todd Goodwin at the Fitchburg Public Library.  For more information, visit fitchburgpubliclibrary.org.

30 Tuesday 7:30pm. Leominster Colonial Band Concert at Leominster’s historic Carter Park on Main Street. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be held in City Hall, 25 West Street.

31 Wednesday 6pm.  Concert on the Upper Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. Enjoy various performers in this free concert. Rain date August 21.

31 Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Sterling's Summer Concert Series at Memorial Park on Cross St. THE NOWHEREMEN:  Boston’s feistiest Beatles band who will have you dancing and singing. Each Nowhere Man is a powerful singer capable of leading the song or blending in harmony. The quartet remains faithful to the fab four’s concept of three guitars up front with cuddly drummer in back.  For more information, visit www.sterling-ma.gov/Pages/SterlingMA_Recreation/concerts.