August Events

Zinnias in the front garden

Check out what's happening in our area during the month of August:

1 Wednesday 6pm-9:30pm. Northfield Mountain Sunset-Moonrise Hike. A 3 mile hike with a small amount of rock scrambling on steep slopes. Wear sturdy, close toed shoes that can get wet or muddy and bring a snack, water, and flashlight. Ages 12+. Free. Preregister by calling (800) 859-2960. For more information, visit www.firstlightpower.com/northfield.

1 Wednesday, 6 pm. Concert on the Common, Main Street, Fitchburg. A different band performs every Wednesday evening from July  11 to August 16.  Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy the music in downtown Fitchburg. Free.

2-4 Thursday–Saturday, 8–11 pm. Fitchburg Underground One-Minute Film Festival at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. Call 978-345-4207 or visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

3 Friday 10am-noon. Northfield Mountain's From Whirligigs to Water Scorpions: Exploring Life in a Pond. Join Northfield Mountain on a family adventure exploring life in a pond.  The class takes place both indoors and outside. Please wear clothes and shoes you do not mind getting wet. And bring a picnic lunch for afterwards. Ages 5+. Free. Preregister by calling (800) 859-2960. For more information visit.  www.firstlightpower.com/northfield.

3 Friday, 5–6:30 pm. Joe Reidy performs at the Westminster Farmer’s Market at Academy Hill, Westminster. Joe combines a blend of jazz, blues, rock, funk, folk and Latin influences to create a unique style all his own, one that is instantly recognizable.

3 Friday 8pm. John Eddie. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

3-4 Friday & Saturday. Experience Gardner summer festival and sidewalk sale in downtown Gardner. Downtown turns into a pedestrian mall filled with vendors, entertainers, raffles, games for the kids and more.

4 Saturday. Farmland sleepover. Reservations required, Davis Farmland. www.davisfarmland.com/farmland/farm_calendar.html.

4-5 Saturday-Sunday. Jumptown's Rookie Fest  For more information, visit www.jumptown.com.

4 Saturday, 8:30 am. Wind Turbine 5K Challenge Walk or Run in Templeton. Runners gather at Narragansett Regional High School, 464 Baldwinville Road, for the start of this event. For information and registration, visit www.templeton1.org. Proceeds go toward scholarships. 

4-5  Saturday–Sunday, 11 am & 2 pm. Flippo the Clown at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd. Flippo’s back to perform another high energy, hilarious performance. He’ll bedazzle you with magic tricks, awe you with juggling talents, and make balloon creations.  Call 978-422-MOOO.

4 Saturday, 11 am–4 pm. Mass. State Chili Contest and Annual Fun Day at Bentley Field, Winchendon. Cooks from across the nation compete.  Enjoy chili tastings, music, kids’ games, more. To enter the contest, call Bruce Cloutier at 978-297-1815. Visit www.chilicookoff.com.

4 Saturday, 2–4 pm. Tea in the Historic Garden at the Narragansett Historical Society, 1 Boynton Road, Templeton. Enjoy a quiet afternoon reminiscent of years gone by. For details, visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.

4 Saturday, 6–8 pm. Point ‘n Swing Big Band  performs at Monument Park, Gardner.

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

5 Sunday 10am-5pm. Fruitland's Family Sunday: Bear Day. Free for stuffed bears and their friends. Bring your favorite stuffed bear to Fruitlands for a picnic in the grass! Everyone who brings their favorite stuffed friend gets free admission. We'll have storytimes, songs and crafts. For more information, visit fruitlands.org/familysunday.

5 Sunday 2pm-4pm. Opening Reception for Immigrants in New England: An Old American Tradition at Rollstone Studios. Free and open to the public. Photographer Mario Quiroz showcases immigrants' contributions to Massachusetts. His photographs visualize passion, entrepreneurship, diversity, talent, hard work, education, family values, creativity, courage, and empowerment. Come and discover the faces of the Commonwealth's new members. Together, they are helping to maintain the Massachusetts tradition of ingenuity and progress for the benefit of all of us. Located at 633 Main Street, Fitchburg (across from the Library). For more information, visit rollstoneartists.com or call (978) 348-ART1.

5 Sunday, 3 pm. Concert on Templeton Common, Routes 2A and 101. The Narragansett Community Band performs. Special feature is the annual “Puppy Promenade” — bring your canine for a walk around the common as the band plays. 

5 Sunday, 6:30 pm. Beginner Group Swing Dance Lesson, followed by Swing Dance at 7:30 pm at the Leominster Elks,  134 N. Main St., Leominster.  Admission $12. For more info, visit www.dance2swing.com.

5 Sunday 8pm. Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

8 Wednesday 8pm. Judy Collins. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

9-12 Thursday–Sunday.  The Bolton Fair returns to the Fairgrounds at Lancaster, 318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster. Midway-only preview from 5–10 pm on Thursday.  Fair open Friday–Sunday, 9 am – 9 pm.  Agricultural exhibits, craft fair, horse and oxen pulls, livestock contests, farmer’s market and more. Adults, $10, children 6 and up, $5. Free parking. For information, visit www.boltonfair.org.

10 Friday. FREE FUN FRIDAYS comes to Fruitlands. All Day! Fruitlands is pleased to be part of the Highland Street Foundation's FREE FUN FRIDAYS program this year. On Friday, August 10, Fruitlands will offer FREE admission to all visitors. We'll be hosting children's book authors, games, activities and scavenger hunts. Don't miss out on this special FREE day at Fruitlands!

10 Friday 9am-5pm. Painting the Gardens in Pastel at Tower Hill Botanic Gardens West Boylston, MA www.towerhillbg.org.           

10 Friday, 3–4:30 pm. Tom diBuono performs at the Westminster Farmer’s Market at Academy Hill, Westminster.

10 Saturday 8pm. The James Montgomery/Barrence Whitfield Band. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA. 

10-11 Friday & Saturday 8pm. Theater at the Mount. Legally Blonde. Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before – Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. This all singing, all dancing, feel-good musical comedy is so much fun it shouldn't be legal! $20 adults $10 children. mwcc.edu/tam/shows/

11 Saturday. Farmland Sleepover. Reservations required, Davis Farmland. www.davisfarmland.com/farmland/farm_calendar.html.

11 Saturday. Nashua River River Trip. Ayer, MA, (EASY). The Souhegan Watershed Association is sponsoring several river trips. Nashoba Paddler is able to provide rental boats for the for any of the following trips, reservations are required. Enjoy a leisurely paddle on a quiet section of the Nashua. Meet at 9:30 in Shirley, Ma. Directions: From Rte 495, exit 30, take Rte 2A toward Ayer. Continue on East Main, West Main, then take first right after going over the Nashua River and just after crossing the Shirley line. (Approximately 1.7 miles after the intersection of East Main/West Main where you leave 2A to continue on West Main. Trip Leaders: Gwen and Doug Whitbeck (603) 878-9046.

11-12 Saturday–Sunday, 11 am & 2 pm. Steve Charette, Magician at Davis Famland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. Do you believe in magic? Magician Steve Charette will be at Farmland to amaze and WOW you with his award winning performance. Call 978-422-MOOO.

11 Saturday, 2–4 pm. Tea in the Historic Garden at the Narragansett Historical Society, 1 Boynton Road, Templeton. Enjoy a quiet afternoon reminiscent of years gone by. Visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.

11 Saturday, 3 pm. Button Box Shadow Theater at Westminster Farmer’s Market, Academy Hill Road, Westminster. Original puppet theater telling familiar tales and obscure works from world cultures.  

11 Saturday, 6–8 pm. Mark 6 Polka Band  performs at Monument Park, Gardner.

11 Sunday 8pm. Paula Cole. Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

12 Sunday. Jumptown's GoBig Training Day.  These days will be "team for a day" events to improve big way skydiving skills.  Day will consist of safety talk, more extensive than usual dirt dives, and video debriefs, plan on making 5 skydives for the day.  This is not a walk-up event, you must pre-arrange your participation.  Email gobig@jumptown.com for more info. For more information, visit www.jumptown.com.

12 Sunday 10am-5pm. Family Sunday: Louisa May Day. Free with Admission. Louisa May Alcott lived at Fruitlands when she was eleven years old. Come to the Fruitlands Farmhouse to "meet" Louisa and her sisters and learn about her life here and how it helped to transform her into one of the country's best loved writers. For more information, visit fruitlands.org/familysunday.

12 Sunday, 2–4 pm. Mood Elevators Concert at Coggshall Park, off Electric Avenue, Fitchburg. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the concert on the shores of Mirror Lake. Rain date, September 16.

12 Sunday, 7:30 pm. Glen Miller Orchestra at the Leominster Elks, 134 N. Main St., Leominster. Dance to music by this world-famous orchestra. Admission $25 at the door. Visit www.dance2swing.com.

16 Thursday, 5–9 pm. Ladies Night Out in downtown Leominster and beyond. Over 30 businesses open their doors for this event, followed by a fashion show at City Hall, raffle and more. Visit www.leominsterevents.com.

17 Friday 10am-3pm. Print-Making with Artist-in-Residence Andy Moerlien. Class for children at the Fruitlands Museum. Members $60, Nonmembers $80 (bring a lunch). For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org/artistworkshops.

17 Friday, 3–3:30 pm. Buttonbox Shadow Puppet Theater at the Westminster Farmer’s Market, Academy Hill, Westminster. 

17 Friday 8pm-10pm. Wachusett Village Inn Summer Music Series Presents Rainy Day Activities. Free Admission. Come see live music outside under the tent with an indoor and outdoor bar, outdoor food stations and BBQ, and the new Black Diamond Restaurant serving a full menu inside.

17-19 Friday & Saturday 8pm Sunday 2pm. Theater at the Mount. Legally Blonde. Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone "serious," Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before – Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. This all singing, all dancing, feel-good musical comedy is so much fun it shouldn't be legal! $20 adults ($15 matinee) $10 children. mwcc.edu/tam/shows/


18 Saturday, Jaffrey Fireworks, Jaffrey NH Airport. Gates open at 4 p.m. http://www.jaffreychamber.com/events/fireworks/

18 Saturday. Jumptown's Sport and Classic Accuracy Meet. This meet will be Sport accuracy And Classic Accuracy with Novice, intermediate and advanced divisions. (Raindate - Sunday 8/19)  For more information, visit www.jumptown.com.

18-19 Saturday-Sunday. Our Birthday Weekend, Davis Farmland. www.davisfarmland.com/farmland/farm_calendar.html.

18-19 Saturday, 8:30 am–3:30 pm. New England Jet Rally at the Gardner Municipal Airport, Route 2A.  A radio-controlled aircraft event featuring dozens of model aircraft in a high-tech jet air show.

18-19 Saturday, 10 am–5 pm & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm. Templeton Crafts Festival on the Common, Routes 2A and 101, Templeton. The 38th annual festival features over 100 artists, craftspeople and vendors, along with entertainment, food and more. For information, visit www.templetonartsandcraftsfestival.com.

18 Saturday 10am-11:30am. Lighting Things Up at Northfield Mountain. Come learn about Northfield Mountain's new solar facility while children can experience some hands on science and art activities to further understand solar energy. For ages 9 and up. Free admission. Preregister by calling (800) 859-2960. For more information, visit www.firstlightpower.com/northfield.

18 Saturday 10am-3pm. Print-Making with Artist-in-Residence Andy Moerlien. Class for adults at the Fruitlands Museum.  Members $85, Nonmembers, $115 (bring a lunch). For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org/artistworkshops. 

18-19  Saturday–Sunday, 11 am & 2 pm. Birthday Weekend at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. Oink!  Moo! Cock-a-doodle-doo! Davis Farmland wants to celebrate its birthday extravaganza with you! Play birthday games with the Farmers. Call 978-422-MOOO.

18 Saturday, 2–4 pm. Tea in the Historic Garden at the Narragansett Historical Society, 1 Boynton Road, Templeton. Visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.

18-19 Saturday-Sunday 4:30pm. Jumptown's PD Flight-1 Canopy Course  For more information, visit www.jumptown.com.

18 Saturday, 6–8 pm. Marty’s Reminisce Orchestra Swing Band  performs at Monument Park, Gardner.

18 Saturday 8pm. Cheryl Wheeler at the Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

19 Sunday. Nashua River. Lancaster, MA (EASY). The Souhegan Watershed Association is sponsoring several river trips. Nashoba Paddler is able to provide rental boats for the for any of the following trips, reservations are required. A continuation of our May 20 trip without the fast water. We'll paddle from Lancaster Center through the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge. Meet at 10:00 am in Lancaster. From Rte 495, take exit 27, Rte 117W toward Bolton. Through Bolton 5.0 miles. Left onto Main Street/MA70 1.2 miles. Put-in is a left turn on dirt road after the bridge in Lancaster Center. Trip Leader: Peter Urban (978) 407-6551, email: ptrurban@yahoo.com.

19 Sunday 10am-5pm. Fruitland's Family Sunday: Doll and Tea Party Day. Free with admission for dolls and their friends/$10 per person for Tea Party. Do you have a favorite doll? Louisa May Alcott and her sisters did when they lived here at Fruitlands. Each child who brings a doll to Fruitlands will get free admission. Come to the Family Learning Center to make a rag doll or a quilt patch for our Big Quilt. We'll also host a Tea Party and etiquette session for you and your doll ($10 per person) at 1pm and 3pm. Plan a picnic on the grass near the Fruitlands Farmhouse or near the Native American Longhouse! Sign up for Tea Party required as space is limited 978-456-3924 x239. For more information, visit fruitlands.org/familysunday.

19 Sunday 11am-7pm. Wachusett Village Inn Folk Festival 2012. Wachusett Village Inn hosts its annual outdoor Folk Festival with great music in the fresh air! Joan Osborne is the feature performer. Also including John Gorka, Mustard's Retreat, Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli, The Rafters, Perry Desmond-Davies, Mark Mandeville and Rainne Richards. Visit www.wachusettvillageinn.com for more information.

19 Sunday, 2 pm. 2012 Birthday Party at the Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, 21 Prichard Street, Fitchburg. Adult admission ($5) also admits one child free. The Museum first opened its doors to the public on August 19, 2000, so every year in August we celebrate our “birthday,” along with Katharine and Orville Wright’s birthdays. Call 978-342-2809.

19 Sunday 6pm-8pm.  Visceral Murmurers Exhibit Opening.  Fruitlands Museum.  Visceral Murmurers includes three artists: photographs by Scott Erb and paintings by Cynthia Woehrle and Brian Burris. An exhibition of their combined works will show not only how each has independently responded to the Fruitlands setting but also how they have inspired each other’s work. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments. 

19 Sunday, 3–4:30 pm. Concert on Templeton Common, Routes 2A and 101. The Narragansett Community Band performs its final concert of the summer season.  

19 Sunday, 6:30 pm. Beginner Group Swing Dance Lesson, followed by Swing Dance at 7:30 pm at the Leominster Elks,  134 N. Main St., Leominster. Admission $12. Visit www.dance2swing.com.

20-23 Monday-Thursday. Common Ground Chinese Culture Camp. A camp for families with adopted children from China (any kind of family is welcome to join). Would you and your family like to learn more about Chinese culture? Then join us for cultural fun in Vermont!  Visit www.cgcvt.org/content/chinese-culture-weekend for more information.

24 Friday, 5–6:30 pm. Joe Reidy performs at the Westminster Farmer’s Market at Academy 

Hill, Westminster. 

24 Friday 8pm. VanRet. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant

     Shirley, MA.

25-26 Saturday–Sunday, 10 am–5:30 pm. Opening Weekend at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. Entertainment, apple picking, hayrides, hiking and good old-fashioned fun. Fresh picked apples, homemade jelly, honey from our own hives, cider and when in season; gourds, mums, squash, pumpkins, apple deserts and other treats.  Visit www.sholanfarms.com or call 978-840-3276.

25-26  Saturday–Sunday, 11 am & 2 pm. Mike the Music Man at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. Sing, dance, and get silly at Davis Farmland with Mike the Music Man and his friends Snappy the Alligator and Smelly the Skunk. Call 978-422-MOOO.

25 Saturday, 2–4 pm. Tea in the Garden at the Narragansett Historical Society, 1 Boynton Road, Templeton. Visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.

25 Saturday, 2–5 pm. Kids Day in downtown Leominster. Enjoy this chance to get kids together before school begins@! Entertainment ad fun for all, including a bouncy house, games, arts and crafts, and even a Bed Parade! For details, call 978-534-7500.

25 Saturday 8pm. Leon Redbone. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

26 Sunday 10am-5pm. Family Sunday: Kite Day. Free with Admission. Come to enjoy beautiful kites flown by skilled flight enthusiasts. Learn about different types of kites and simple techniques you can learn to fly them successfully! Kids will have a chance to make their own kites at the Family Learning Center. For more information, visit fruitlands.org/familysunday.

26 Sunday, 6:30 pm. Beginner Group Swing Dance Lesson, followed by Swing Dance at 7:30 pm at the Leominster Elks,  134 N. Main St., Leominster. Music by Reminisce 1940s Doo Wop Band. Admission $12. For more info or easy directions, visit www.dance2swing.com.

26 Sunday 8pm. The Roys. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

30 Thursday, 7 pm. Love Dogs Concert at the Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard. Finish off your summer in style with the Love Dogs band at Fruitlands Museum. Jump blues, rock n’ roll and everything else rolled into one will have you on your feet and grooving to the beat.  $15/car, on sale in advance. www.fruitlands.org.

31 Friday. Wachusett's MTNside Shop Opens For the Season. Come snag some great early season pricing as you get set to gear up for the 2012-13 Ski and Snowboard season! Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

31 Friday-Monday Sept 3. Wachusett's MTNside Shop Labor Day Sale. A full weekend of fantastic sales on new and used ski and snowboard equipment and winter apparel. Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

31 Friday, 3–4:30 pm. Tom diBuono performs at the Westminster Farmer’s Market at Academy Hill, Westminster. 

31 Friday, 5–9 pm.  Carnival Rides open at the Spencer Fair, Spencer Fairgrounds, Smithfield Road, Spencer. The annual agricultural fair opens with carnival rides today. The agricultural and exhibitor activities open at 8 am on Saturday through Monday. Visit www.spencerfair.org.

31 Friday 6pm-8pm. Northfield Mountain's Once in a Blue Moon Paddle. Join Kim Noyes for an evening to celebrate the end of summer and the blue moon (the 2nd full moon in a calendar month-happens every 2 1/2 years). For ages 16+. Free with your own kayak or $25 kayak rental fee. Preregister by calling (800) 859-2960.Formore information, visit www.firstlightpower.com/northfield.

31 Friday 8pm. Popa Chubby. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

31 Friday 8pm-10pm. Wachusett Village Inn Summer Music Series Presents Rugged Road. Free Admission. Come see live music outside under the tent with an indoor and outdoor bar, outdoor food stations and BBQ, and the new Black Diamond Restaurant serving a full menu inside.

31-Sept 3. Wachusett Mountain Labor Day Sale. MTNside Ski & Ride

Opens for the 2012-2013 Season! Awesome value-packed deals await you at MTNside Ski & Ride. Huge savings on ski and snowboard packages- blow-out prices on winter apparel including parkas and pants. Visit www.wachusett.com

Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup butter, melted

2 TB. white sugar

3 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened

1 cup white sugar

3 eggs

1 (8 oz.) container sour cream

¼ cup brewed espresso or strong coffee

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup white chocolate chips

Whipped cream

Caramel ice cream topping (I used Stonewall Kitchen’s Coffee Caramel Sauce)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Mix together the graham crackers, melted butter, and 2 TB. of sugar until well combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared springform pan, and 1 inch up the sides. Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.

Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, beating until blended. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Stir in sour cream, espresso, white chocolate chips, and vanilla. Pour batter into the baked and cooled crust.

Bake cheesecake for 1 hour and 5 minutes, then turn the oven off, partially open the door and allow the cheesecake to rest for 15 minutes more. Remove from the oven and run a knife around the edges. Cool cheesecake on a wire rack to room temperature, then cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 8 hours.

To serve, cut the cheesecake into wedges and garnish each slice with whipped cream and caramel sauce. ~ Serves 12

Summer Sunset

Summer Sunset over Upper Naukeag Lake

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.     ~John Lubbock

Lime Tart with Berries

I found this recipe on Epicurious.com. It was originally printed in the June 2010 Bon Appetit Magazine. I substituted the blackberries for raspberries and the blackberry jam for raspberry jam. Delicious! 

A press-in crust makes this party-worthy dessert easy to put together. For a pretty presentation, don't cover the lime curd completely with berries. The contrast between the dark berries and the bright lime curd is striking.

Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings


Ingredients


Lime curd:
3 large eggs
3 large egg yolks
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup fresh lime juice
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 6 pieces

Topping:
2 6-ounce containers fresh blackberries
1 6-ounce container fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon blackberry jam

Crust:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 large pinch of salt

For lime curd:
Set fine metal strainer over medium bowl and set aside. Whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in another medium metal bowl to blend. Whisk in lime juice. Set bowl over large saucepan of gently simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk constantly until curd thickens and instant-read thermometer inserted into curd registers 178°F to 180°F, about 6 minutes. Immediately pour curd through prepared strainer set over bowl. Add butter to warm strained curd; let stand 1 minute, then whisk until blended and smooth. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of curd, covering completely. Refrigerate until cold, about 4 hours. DO AHEAD: Lime curd can be made up to 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.

For crust:
Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in medium bowl until well blended, 1 to 2 minutes. Add egg yolk; beat to blend. Add flour and salt and mix on low speed until mixture resembles large peas. Using hands, knead in bowl just until dough comes together.
Transfer dough to 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Break dough into pieces, then press dough evenly up sides and onto bottom of pan. Cover and chill 1 hour. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Uncover crust and bake until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack.

For topping:
Remove sides from tart pan and place crust on plate. Spread lime curd evenly in baked crust. Arrange blackberries in 2 concentric circles just inside edge of tart. Mound blueberries in center of tart. Place jam in small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave until jam is melted, about 15 seconds. Whisk to loosen and blend, adding water by teaspoonfuls if thick. Brush jam over berries. DO AHEAD: Tart can be made up to 8 hours ahead. Chill uncovered.

June Events

Here are area events happening now through the end of the month:

20-24 Wednesday-Saturday 7pm, Sunday 2pm. The newly formed Fitchburg Theater Company presents Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost. Outdoors on the beautiful campus quadrangle of Fitchburg State University. Admission will be donation-based, “Pay What You Can.”  Patrons are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair.  Parking is available in any lot on campus. For more information, visit www.fitchburgtheater.org.

21 Thursday 6:30pm. Strawberries and Champagne and Concord Band Kick-off. Sip champagne and linger at Fruitlands on the longest day of the year at this free Members-only summer kick-off at the tent. Stay a while to enjoy the Concord Band's first concert of the season, Music for the Solstice, starting at 7:15. RSVP to kcastorano@fruitlands.org or 978.456.3924 x289.  For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

21 Thursday 7:15pm. Summer Concert Series with The Concord Band. Join Fruitlands for the 27th year of the Concord Band! Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food from The Harvard Lions Club. Perch on the hillside for a concert of classic Americana music and spectacular sunsets. Admission is per car: $10 for museum members, $15 for nonmembers. Gates open for your picnicking pleasure at 5:30. No rain dates. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

22-24 Friday-Saturday 8pm Sunday 2pm. Theater at the Mount. Father of the Bride. You are cordially invited to a June wedding at TAM. This hilarious comedy is about a father who is overwhelmed by all of the turmoil – not to mention finances – caused by his daughter's out of control wedding. Wedding planners, florists, dress makers and pretty much everyone and everything that goes with a wedding invade his home as the wedding plans get bigger and more outrageous by the day! $20 ($15 matinee) $10 children. mwcc.edu/tam/shows/

22 Friday, 3–4:30 pm. Live entertainment at the Westminster Farmer’s Market at Academy Hill, Westminster. History teacher Keith McLinden revives folk/rock classics by Simon and Garfunkel, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and many more along with contemporary songs and jazzy/bluesy/flamenco instrumentals on acoustic guitar.

22-24 Friday-Sunday. Zoar Outdoor DemoFest. Co -Sponsored by The Outfitters Shop at Zoar Outdoor and the Paddling School at Zoar Outdoor, this event is an opportunity to try out boats and gear on the river. The weekend is full of mini-classes and gear demos on the Deerfield River for beginner to advanced paddlers. Contact greg@zoaroutdoor.com for information and registration. 

22 Friday 5pm. Blacksmith demonstration at Westminster Farmer's Market Academy Hill Road Westminster. For more information visit www.WestminsterFarmersMarket.com.

22 Friday 8pm. The Flatlanders. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA

23 Saturday. GoBig Training Day Jumptown Orange, MA. GoBig Training Day.  These days will be "team for a day" events to improve big way skydiving skills.  Day will consist of safety talk, more extensive than usual dirt dives, and video debriefs, plan on making 5 skydives for the day.  This is not a walk-up event, you must pre-arrange your participation.  Email gobig@jumptown.com for more info.

23 Saturday 8am-10:30am. Solstice Party 2012 Beer Breakfast at the Gardner Ale House. $11 Breakfast Buffet and 12 oz. beer. First 75 guests receive a Beer Breakfast Commemorative 12 oz. glass. Plus a performance by Millers River Morris Men at 9am. For more information, visit www.gardnerale.com.

23 Saturday 9am-noon. Rose Ledge Photo Hike with Beth Reynolds.  The striking, rocky ledges, blooming mountain laurel and a visit to a porcupine den will provide plenty of photographic opportunities for hikers exploring one of the most scenic places on Northfield Mountain. Photographer and teacher Beth Reynolds will coach participants on shooting quality images while packing light, so bring only one camera, a light weight tripod and one or two lenses. The group’s focus will be on learning to pay attention, reading the light and sharing in the observations of other group members to create better photos. Northfield Naturalist Beth Bazler will share information on mountain laurel, rocky ledges and the other plants and animals, who love this beautiful habitat. Wear a hat, long pants and sleeves and bring bug repellant, so we can take time and shoot comfortably. There is a fee of $10 per person and the event is for ages 12 and older. Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-859-2960.

23-24  Saturday–Sunday, 11 am–3 pm. Carnival Weekend at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. Tackle an inflatable obstacle course, test your luck at carnival games, noodle blast a farmer, and enjoy crafts for kids of all ages. There’s Popcorn, sno-cones, and so much more! It’s fun, fun, fun at farmland. Call 978-422-MOOO. www.davisfarmland.com/farmland/farm_calendar.html..

23 Saturday 10am-noon. Open House at the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. According to author Lewis Carroll, “it’s always teatime!”  At the Gardner Museum, we have taken Carroll’s quotation to heart and are presenting “Tea and Comfort.” The exhibit will highlight antique and vintage tea pots, tea cups and tea accessories and hand-made antique quilts.  Local quilters will be on hand to demonstrate their skills.  Also, walking Tours of the Gardner Uptown Historic District. Tours begin outside the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. Free.

23 Saturday 10am-3pm. Community Art Experiences with Andy Moerlien at the Fruitlands Museum. Free with Admission. Join in the creative process with Artist-in-Residence Andy Moerlein. This is an outdoor event. Heavy rain or risk of lightning cancels. Visit fruitlands.org/events/DIYArt for more information.

23 Saturday, 11:30 am–2:30 pm. Old-fashioned picnic on Templeton Common, Routes 2A and 101, Templeton. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a summer’s day in a picturesque setting. Part of Templeton’s 250th anniversary celebration, the day will include kids’ games, entertainment and more. For details visit www.templeton250.com.

23 Saturday, 1 pm. Civil War Encampment demonstrations at the Narragansett Historical Society, 1 Boynton Road, Templeton. For details visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.

23 Saturday, 1–5 pm. Summer Stroll in downtown Leominster. Come “stroll” down memory lane as we celebrate the Leominster of decades past. Parade, classic cars, music, food, sidewalk sales. Visit www.leominsterevents.com.

23 Saturday, noon–2 pm. Tea Party (afternoon social) at the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. A tea party social will feature beverages, finger sandwiches and desserts. There will be live music. Adults $6, Children $3.00. Call 978-632-3277.

23 Saturday 8pm. Heather Maloney, The Rafters, Elizabeth Lorrey. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

24 Sunday. The 106th KESAJUHLA (Summer Festival) sponsored by the Finnish Center at Saima Park and the Raivaaja Foundation will be held at the Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420, off Ashby State Road, Route 31. For information call Maija at 978-582-7717 or email mailis1@aol.com. For more information, visit www.saima-park.org.

24 Sunday. Groton Greenway River Festival. The Groton Greenway Committee is bringing back this FREE EVENT celebrating the Nashua River! Everyone is welcome! Includes free canoeing, live music, children's activities, environmental exhibits, and the famous cardboard canoe race! 

24 Sunday, 9 am–5 pm. Rose Show at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston.  Call 508-869-6111 or visit www.towerhillbg.org.

24 Sunday 12pm-5pm. Old Fashioned Lancaster Community Day  at the Lancaster Community Center, 39 Harvard Road, Lancaster. The following artists will be performing: 12pm-1pm Perry Desmond-Davies, 1:15pm-2:30pm Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli, 2:45pm-3:45pm The Rafters, 4pm-5pm Kim Jennings.

24 Sunday, 1-3 pm. Opening Reception for the 77th Regional Exhibition of Art & Craft at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 25 Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. Call 978-345-4207 or visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

25 Monday 6:30pm. Summer Kick-off with Ellen Allard at the Fitchburg Public Library. Join FPL for a musical evening with Ellen Allard as we begin our special activities for the summer in the Garden Room of the Youth Library.  This program is free and open to all who love to sing and move to music!  No registration is required. For more 27 Wednesday 2-6pm. Stanley Park Fitchburg. Fitchburg Parks Week. Get Up, Get Out, Let's Move. Percussion Deminstration, Riverfront Children's Theater, Bocce Clinic, Zumba, etc. Free to the public. For more information, go to www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us or call (978) 829-1818.

27-30 Wednesday-Saturday 7pm. The newly formed Fitchburg Theater Company presents Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost. Outdoors on the beautiful campus quadrangle of Fitchburg State University. Admission will be donation-based, “Pay What You Can.”  Patrons are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair.  Parking is available in any lot on campus. For more information, visit www.fitchburgtheater.org.

28 Thursday 11am. Summer Storytime: Legend of the Raven. Free with Admission. Near this time of the summer solstice, come learn about the Native American Legend of the Raven, and discover how the raven stole the sun. This family program will be held by Fruitlands Early Education teacher, Larissa Fagundes. A craft will also be available - all materials will be provided. Limited to 30 children. RSVP requested. EMail education@fruitlands.org or call 978.456.3924 x239. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

28 Thursday 7:15pm. Summer Concert Series with The Concord Band. Join Fruitlands for the 27th year of the Concord Band! Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food from The Harvard Lions Club. Perch on the hillside for a concert of classic Americana music and spectacular sunsets. Admission is per car: $10 for museum members, $15 for nonmembers. Gates open for your picnicking pleasure at 5:30. No rain dates. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

28 Thursday 8pm. Slaid Cleaves. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA

29 Friday, 3–4:30 pm. The Smile Makers at the Westminster Farmer’s Market at  Academy Hill, Westminster. Original music with complex rhythmic song structures, seamless vocal harmonies and poetically crafted lyrics.  

29 Saturday 8pm. Air Traffic Controller. Live music at The Bull Run Restaurant Shirley, MA.

30 Saturday. Deerfield RiverFest. This annual festival takes place in the town fairgrounds just east of Zoar Outdoor. Lots of paddling vendors, music, raffles, and demonstrations to raise money for the non-profit river conservation organization American Whitewater. For information contact American Whitewater.

30 Saturday. The fourth Nashua River Brewers Festival at Riverfront Park in historic downtown Fitchburg.  Taste the finest in local craft beers and listen to great music along the banks of the Nashua River. For only $10 in advance ($15 day of the event) you get a free collectible tasting glass and a free beer ticket.  Additional beer coupons $1. This is a 21+ event - bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy the music.  Angry Johnny and the Killbillies, The Allstonians and Camden will be performing.  See www.beersforgood.com for the latest information and tickets. This is a charitable event.  All proceeds to benefit the Cleghorn Neighborhood Center food pantry, Meals on Wheels, and Fitchburg Civic Days.

30 Saturday 10am-11:30am. Clematis: Queen of the Vines at Tower Hill Botanic Gardens West Boylston, MA. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

30 Saturday noon-3pm. Spectacular Summer Salads at Tower Hill Botanic Gardens West Boylston, MA. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

30 Saturday, 2–4 pm. Tea in the Historic Garden at the Narragansett Historical Society, 1 Boynton Road, Templeton. Visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.

30 Saturday 7pm-9pm. Firefly Watch. Join Northfield Mountain staff and visit a firefly meadow on a summer evening for a memorable experience.  Become immersed in the world of fireflies, a world filled with imposters, femmes fatales and poisonous blood.  Learn about this amazing insect with its variety of flash patterns and colors as well as how to get involved in an exciting citizen science project sponsored by the Boston Museum of Science.   The program begins indoors with an introduction to fireflies and Firefly Watch and then continues outdoors for the summer ritual of watching fireflies. This free event is for ages 12 and older. For more information please visit www.mos.org/fireflywatch.

Rose Garden

 

"Won't you come into the garden? 

I would like my roses to see you."

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

                                                                                                                             

Peterborough Players Summer Theatre

We are excited about the upcoming summer program at Peterborough Players. Our Theatre Package includes an overnight stay, 2 theatre tickets, and dinner for 2 at a great Peterborough restaurant. Ask about our Theatre Special when booking.

AULD LANG SYNE

June 20 - July 1

A World Premiere comedy/drama by Jack Neary

NYPD Blue Emmy-award winning actor Gordon Clapp stars in this world premiere as Joe LaCedra, a gangster with unsavory intentions. You will laugh, you will laugh, you will laugh! And you may even shed a few tears.

I DO! I DO!

July 4 - 15

A musical with book and lyrics by Tom Jones, music by Harvey Schmidt

A musical chock full of song and dance, based on the Jan de Hartog play The Fourposter, with music by the same team who wrote The Fantasticks.

THE 39 STEPS

July 18 - 29

A mystery/comedy adapted by Patrick Barlow from the book by John Buchan from the movie of Alfred Hitchcock

Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre. Patrick Barlow adapted the play from the novel by John Buchan and the film by Alfred Hitchcock to create over 150 zany characters (played by a ridiculously talented cast of four, including Tom Frey and Kraig Swartz).

THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON

August 1 - 12

A comedy by J. M. Barrie

Downton Abbey meets Swept Away, from the playwright who brought us Peter Pan! Once a month, Lord Loam invites his servants to the drawing room for tea, whereupon the household is forced to abandon class distinctions for an hour.

PRESENT LAUGHTER

August 15 - 26

A comedy by Noel Coward

An audacious comedy, starring Jack Koenig as the popular and pampered actor, Garry Essendine, who is busily making preparations for an extended overseas tour. His plans are complicated by a beautiful stage-struck ingenue and an ardent, aspiring playwright who both insist on his attentions. When his wife, his agents, and his numerous admirers arrive, Garry is hard pressed to escape.

ROUNDING THIRD

August 29 - September 9

A comedy with heart by Richard Dresser

Two coaches. One believes that his job is to shield the kids from the intense pressure of competition while making sure everyone has a good time. The other coach thinks he should be teaching the kids how to win. Out of these conflicting philosophies, the real issues of the play emerge: how should we raise our children? And what does it mean to be an American man?

JANIE CONDON: RAW & UNCHAINED!

September 19 - 23

A comedy by Jane Condon

A hilarious and moving account of how a girl with working class roots became a Greenwich, CT housewife and an award-winning comedian. Janie Condon has been a storyteller and comedian since she was born the youngest of four in an Irish Catholic family and wanted attention. She learned comedy at the knees of the masters, her fellow students at Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton, MA.

Second Company

A DUCK CALLED UGLY

10:30am Jun 29, 30, July 6, 7, 11, 13, 14, 20 & 21

By Catherine Gray, adapted from the book "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Andersen

A heartwarming tale of finding true beauty, happiness, and a sense of belonging. Watch the “ugly duckling” grow into a swan and discover that what’s on the inside is what counts! Suitable for age 4 and up.

Tickets: $8 children, $10 adults

LITTLE MEN

2pm August 18, 21, 24 & 25; 7pm August 20

adapted by Gus Kaikkonen from the book by Louisa May Alcott

Boys—they bring joy as well as troubles! Little Women’s Jo, after inheriting the house, turns it into a school for boys and helps them to be good in studies and to be good human beings. Suitable for age 8 and up.

Tickets: $8 children, $10 adul

Fabulous Vegan Blueberry Muffins

Vegan Blueberry Muffins – makes 12 regular or 6 jumbo muffins

2 cups flour

1 ½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

zest from 1 lemon

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup white sugar

1 cup  soy or rice milk 

1/3 cup canola oil

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1 Tb. white vinegar

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries*

Topping

1/4 cup flour

1/4  cup sugar

1/4  tsp. salt

1/4  tsp. cinnamon

3 Tb. Earth Balance, softened

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease muffin tin.

In a small bowl mix topping ingredients together until small clumps form.

In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.

In a large bowl combine the sugars, milk, oil, lemon juice, and vinegar. Mix well.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not over mix.

Gently fold in the blueberries. *If using frozen blueberries lightly dust them in flour first.

Fill the muffin tins about 2/3rds full.

Sprinkle a little topping over each muffin.

Bake approx. 22 mins. for regular muffins, 30 mins. for jumbo muffins or until a toothpick inserted into the muffins comes out clean.