Tuesday, January 19, 2016

January 23, 24, 2016



Snowshoeing at Fruitlands

Have fun indoors or outdoors this weekend! 

23, 24, Saturday and Sunday- Winterfest at Fruitlands – 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Winter at Fruitlands means outdoor fun and adventure! Bring your sleds, snowshoes, and cross country skis for some high-energy fun as you explore our snow-covered hills and woodland trails. If you prefer a little quiet contemplation and reflection, make a visit to the Art Gallery to view a selection of objects from the permanent collections or visit our special exhibition Hidden Hudson. Whatever your preference, hot chocolate and a toasty fire will help to keep you warm this winter season! Cost: Members Free, Nonmembers $5/person 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard MA – fruitlands.org

23, 24 Saturday, Sunday,  Windblown is open! Welcome to Southern New Hampshire’s Premier Cross Country Ski Area. Since 1972 skiers from all over New England have been returning each year to ski their favorite trails at Windblown. Here in what Thoreau called “The Front Range”, on the beautiful high terrain at the gateway to the Monadnock Region, you will find 40 kilometers of trails with a variety to please every member of your family. We take special care to provide exceptional grooming, the highest quality rental skis and snowshoes, and a family-friendly handcrafted Base Lodge with healthy food and pleasant wood-heated spaces. We hope you take the short drive to discover our scenic trails that undulate and curve with rhythms and landscapes that say, “Ski me one more time”, 1180 Turnpike Rd., New Ipswich NH 603-878-2869, The Lodge and Trails are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the snow conditions permit. Rentals and lessons are available and our CafĂ© is fully open with hearty soups, chili, sandwiches, drinks and snacks. Most trails are freshly groomed each morning. Rates vary ~ www.windblownxc.com

23, Saturday - Snowshoeing for Families at Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center and Wildlife Sanctuary. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! We'll teach you how to use snowshoes and practice in our field before heading out onto the trails. We will teach you how to look for signs of wildlife as we enjoy the beauty of the sanctuary in winter! If Mother Nature does not provide us with enough snow, we will go for a hike. Bring your own snowshoes or rent them for an additional $2 per pair. Please wear boots and other clothing appropriate for winter. Hot chocolate and coffee will be available. 414 Massasoit Ave., Worcester. For ages 5 and older. For more information and to register, call 508.753.6087. Cost: $6 Adult Members, $8 Adult Nonmembers, $3 Child Members, $4 Child Nonmembers – massaudubon.org

23, Saturday, Pot Et Fleur at Tower Hill Botanical Garden, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Betsy Williams will lead the session on planting a lovely winter garden to grow indoors while you are waiting for the garden to grow outdoors! Combine potted plants with fresh cut flowers in a decorative container. With proper care, the plants will last for many months and the fresh flowers can be replaced when desired. Please bring floral scissors and an apron to class. Plants, flowers, container and mechanics will be supplied by the instructor. 11 French Dr., Boylston MA, 774-230-7153,  http://www.towerhillbg.org

23 Saturday – Full Moon Family Adventure, Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield, MA – 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  - Join Northfield Mountain staff for a fun, family adventure by the light of the moon. Learn how to navigate like nocturnal creatures, pretend to be predators sneaking up on prey and learn about the shocking scientific mysteries rolled up in Wintergreen Lifesavers! A cup of cocoa and snacks around our wood stove will warm us on our return to the Center. No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary. Bring water; wear lightweight waterproof pants, warm socks and dress in warm layers that can be shed as we get moving. If we are open for skiing, snowshoes are required. Warm footwear is essential. All levels of experience are welcome. The program meets inside the cozy, pellet-stove heated yurt behind the Visitor Center. Please call to pre-register at 1-800-859-2960. For ages 7 and older. gdfsuezna.com

23, Saturday - Mechanics Hall Winter Holiday Soiree - 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. An evening of dinner and dancing for small-office staff, families, colleagues, or friends. Come and enjoy a holiday party without having to plan it! $45.00 per person. 508-752-0888 mechanicshall.org.

23, Saturday – Comedy Show at Wachusett Mountain. 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  - Join us in our new Maple Room for dinner, a cash bar and a hilarious comedy show! "Raging Parent" is an act that deals with the comedic ironies of raising kids, being married and getting old. Focusing attention on finding the humor and meaning in being a parent as the kids grow from infants to adults. Dinner from 6:30-7:30pm * Show starts at 8pm, Tickets: $45 per person
Includes: a buffet dinner, cash bar and comedy show. Only 100 tickets available, act fast! Open seating, recommended ages 18+ wachusett.com

23, Saturday – 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. - The Bull Run in Shirley presents, AfterFab: The Beatles Solo Years AfterFab is America’s only tribute to the solo years of all four Beatles and their unique concept has fans buzzing. The genius of The Beatles didn’t stop with Abbey Road, and AfterFab brings the brilliant solo careers of Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, and Starr to life with high energy and high fidelity to the original recordings. Over 70 hit singles and numerous iconic tracks compose one of the best-loved classic-rock canons ever, from Band on the Run and It Don’t Come Easy to Imagine, What Is Life and dozens more.
Cost: $20 advance; $24 day of show, Website: http://tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com/AfterFab
E-mail:bullrungeorge@gmail.com, Phone: 978-425-4311 – 215 Great Rd., Shirley MA


Monday, January 18, 2016

Winter 2016


"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself." 
                                                                                       ~ Ruth Stout