June 1-8 Events

This Week in Central Massachusetts

Check out the local Calendar of Events for many exciting and interesting events happening this week, June 1-8.  For events happening later on in the month visit appleseed.org.

1 Sunday 10am-5pm. The United Native American Cultural Center is hosting its 18th Annual Native American Powwow this weekend. Groton’s Lorena Novak, Secretary of the group, writes in a press release that this year’s celebration is dedicated to “Celebrating Freedom & Honoring our Military. Grand entry ceremony at noon. Festival highlights are traditional drumming, traditional dancing, a wide variety of good food, and fun raffles. Children’s games and art activities are always popular. The powwow also features a variety of native American arts & crafts vendors selling their wares. The powwow takes place at the UNACC offices, 29 Antietam Street, Devens, MA. For more information, call (978) 772-1306 or Novak at (978) 448-5574.

1 Sunday 2pm. New Players Theater Guild presents Cosi Fan Tutti (or How I Met Your Mother). A delightful comedy featuring Mozart's beautiful music. For more information, visit www.nptg.org.

1 Sunday 2pm-4:30pm. Sogetsu Ikebana - Especially for Beginners at Tower Hill. Member: $40., Non-member: $55. Sogetsu Ikebana is an internationally recognized school of Japanese flower arranging known for creative self expression. Kaye provides the flowers for each class and will have supplies and equipment for purchase. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

1 Sunday 4pm. Historical Piano Concert at the Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham Pianist Dmitry Rachmanov will play works by Alexander Scriabin on a period grand piano selected from the Frederick Historical Piano Collection.. Admission $10; students and children free. Visit www.frederickcollection.org.

1 Sunday 6:30pm. Swing Dance and Lessons at the Leominster Elks, 134 N. Main St., Leominster, with Reminisce Doo Wop Group. Dance2Swing presents beginning group lessons at 6:30 and a swing Dance at 7:30 Admission, $14. For information, visit www.dance2swing.com or call 978-263-7220.

3 Tuesday 11:30am-noon. Story Time Tuesdays at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Included with Admission. Free for members. Enjoy a story in the conservatory, or outside if the weather is nice! For all ages with parent of caregiver. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

3 Tuesday 7pm. Experience the birth of the American Revolution and the new American nation through the eyes of the foremost printer of that generation. Isaiah Thomas – Patriot Printer will be presented at the Leominster Public Library, 30 West St. Professional actor Neil Gustafson will portray the Boston-born printer (1749-1831). Free. (978) 534-7522, Ext. 3.

4 Wednesday 5pm-9pm. Tower Hill presents Tea tasting with Jan's Teapot. Free with regular admission. Custom blended loose tea - all natural with no preservatives. Creative tea related accessories. Will have delicious tea blends to sample! For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

4 Wednesday 6pm-8pm. Tower Hill presents Jon Weinberg and Dave Coleman - Twilight at Twigs Cafe. Free with regular admission. Jon Weinberg and Dave Coleman - Hammered Dulcimer and Guitar performing together in the acoustic string band Allemande North. They play a variety of traditional and contemporary music from the New England, Southern, French Canadian, Celtic, and Scottish traditions and perform throughout New England at contra and square dances, festivals, concerts and other public and private events. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

5-9 Thursday-Monday. Winchendon’s 250th Anniversary Committee is sponsoring The Moving Wall visit to Winchendon to honor all veterans as well as those veterans, families and friends of those who died or are missing in Vietnam, especially those who may not have the opportunity to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC. For more information, visit www.townofwinchendon.com.

5 Thursday 5:45pm-7:45pm. Parent Cafe Series- health & Safety Workshop w/a focus on summer. Email strengthfam@gmail.com for more information.

5 Thursday 7pm-9pm. The Summer Concert Series at Carter Park in downtown Leominster. FREE family fun! Enjoy the sounds of local talent while relaxing under the stars. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic. Not time to pack a picnic? Visit one of the food vendors. Most importantly….bring your dancing shoes!!! Featuring The Golden Road Band, Country/Southern Rock/Classic Rock. For more information click here.

6 Friday 11am-2pm. Take it to the Curator at the Museum of Russian Icons. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

6 Friday 8pm. Jeff Pitchell & Charles Neville at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley. 

6-8 Friday-Sunday. THE CIVIL WAR COMES TO HARVARD. Harvard Center will be host to a number of Civil War related activities. Visitors are welcome to participate in any or all of the scheduled events. All events are free to the public. Children welcome - hands on activities. For more information, visit www.harvardhistory.org.

7-8 Saturday & Sunday. Statewide Free Fishing Weekend is June 7- 8, 2014! Recreational anglers may fish on both fresh and salt water in Massachusetts for free (no license or permit needed) during this weekend in June. Click here for more information.

7-8 Saturday & Sunday 11am–3pm. Old Farm Days – Sheep Shearing at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. It’s time to shear those woolly coats farmers Fred and Barbara are back to shear our sheep, llamas, and alpacas. See spinning demos, learn how wool goes from the sheep’s back to your favorite sweater and make your own farm craft using real wool! Visit www.davisfarmland.com/dffa_wp or call 978-422-6666.

7 Saturday. National Trails Day - At Wachusett ReservationNational Trails Day - At Wachusett Reservation. For more information, visit www.wachusett.com.

7 Saturday 6:30am. Fruitland's Birding at Fruitlands: Nesting Birds Cost... Free. Blue-winged Warbler Carrying Food. Join ornithologist Patricia White for a walk on Fruitlands trails and discover nesting birds. The group will walk about two miles over meadows and varied terrain. Dress for the weather and the bugs! For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

7 Saturday 9am–3pm. Athol Congregational Church Country Fair, 1224 Chestnut St., Athol. Food, games for the kids, entertainment, theme baskets, tag sale, plants, jewelry, books and fun for all! Contact Terry Noyes, 978-249-6202.

7 Saturday noon to dusk. Annual Shirley All Town Hoe Down on the Common in Shirley Center, Route 2A. The Annual Hoe Down is a community day of family friendly events. There is a variety of music, games, craft tables, information booths, and lots of food. Admission is free and there is plenty of parking. See www.shirleyhoedown.net.

7 Saturday 2pm-4pm. Opening Reception for KALEIDOSCOPE, an exhibition that represents Sally Sargent's exploration of acrylic and mixed media. Sally’s love for art started at a young age. In a letter recently received written by her mother to her sister, she writes, “Sally is different. All she does is read and draw.” She studied art at the School of Practical Art, now Boston Institute of Art. She first approached watercolor in a class at the Fitchburg Art Museum, and went on to study watercolor, mixed media, and oils with various artists from New England to Texas. She now works in several mediums – pastels, watercolor, collage, and mixed media. She has exhibited throughout New England and Texas, and has over 80 paintings in private and corporate collections. Rollstone Studios, 633 Main Street, Fitchburg.

8 Sunday. Groton Greenway River Festival 2014 at the Petapawag boat launch on Rt. 119 in Groton. Come join in a celebration of the Nashua River. Once again Nashoba Paddler will be offering free canoeing if you'd like to explore a different part of the river. All activities are free including environmental hands-on exhibits, live music, children's yoga, children's arts & crafts, and the famous cardboard canoe race!

8 Sunday 9am–noon. Open House at the historic Old Murdock School, as part of the Winchendon 250th Anniver-sary Celebration. A continental breakfast will be served. Free admission. For more information, visit www.townofwinchendon.com. 

8 Sunday 1pm-2:30pm. Tower Hill's Clematis: Queen of the Climbers. Member: $15, Non-member: $25. Presenter: Cheryl Monroe. Clematis reigns supreme as one of the most versatile and beautiful plants we can grow in our New England Gardens. Come learn how to successfully grow this wonderful vine in the garden , in container plantings and even as a houseplant! Weather permitting there will be many clematis flowers on hand to inspire and delight. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

8 Sunday 1pm-3pm. First Parish Cultural Series at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church 923 Main Street, Fitchburg presents master tabla musician Shivananda Sharma.

8 Sunday 6:30pm. Swing Dance and Lessons at the Leominster Elks, 134 N. Main St., Leominster. Dance2Swing presents beginning group lessons at 6:30 and a swing Dance at 7:30 Admission, $14. Visit www.dance2swing.com or call 978-263-7220.

Banana Crumb Muffins

Banana Crumb Muffins

Unlike dense banana bread, these muffins are so delicate and light, they practically melt in your mouth.

Banana Crumb Muffins

1 ½ cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

3 bananas, mashed

¾ cup white sugar

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/3 cup melted butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 TB. flour

1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon

2 TB. butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease 12 regular muffin tins, or 6 jumbo muffin tins.

In a large bowl, mix together 1 ½ cups flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix together the bananas, white sugar, egg, and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture, until just blended. Spoon into prepared muffin tins.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, 2 TB. flour, and cinnamon. Cut in 2 TB. butter until it forms a crumb mixture. Sprinkle topping over muffins.

Bake for 20 mins. for small muffins and 25 mins. for jumbo size or until a knife inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Historic Piano Concerts begin this April

1871 Streicher

The Frederick Historic Piano Collection Spring 2014 concerts begin on Sunday, April 27 and continue for the next 5 Sundays until June 1.

Schedule:

April 27 Matthew Odell, on the 1871 Streicher, music by Brahms, Seven Fantasien (Op.116), Eight Klavierstuke (Op. 76) and Sonata No. 3 (Op. 5).

May 4 - Constantine Finehouse will present a selection of polonaises, ballades and fantasies by Chopin and Schumann on the 1846 Streicher.

May 11 - Artem Belogurov performs a program titled The New England Romantics, a selection of pieces by Arthur William Foote, Arthur Whiting, John Knowles Paine, George Whitefield Chadwick, and Margaret Ruthven Lang, on an 1862 Chickering piano built in the Tremont Street factory in Boston.

May 18 - Shiela Kibbe, playing the 1839 Trondlin, and Heather Braun, violin, present the Grand Duo sonata by Franz Schubert and pieces by Robert Schumann.

May 25 - Beatrice Long in a solo recital featuring Chopin's Sonata No. 3 and a selection of Liszt transcriptions of Schubert Lieder, on the 1840 Erard.

June 1 - Dmitry Rachmanov, music by Scriabin, in recognition of the hundredth anniversary of the composer's death in April 1915, playing the 1877 Erard "Extra-grand modele de concert".

All concerts are held in the Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham MA on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. Admission:  $10.00 per adult. Children and students, free.
For more information visit: www.frederickcollection.org.

St. Patrick's Day 2014

Shamus Pender and E. Moore Quinn playing at McNally's


There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met.

                   William Butler Yeats

Celebrate St. Patrick!
"The Music Makers!"
Seamus Pender and Eileen Moore Quinn
Sunday, March 16, 2-6 p.m.
McNally's Grille & Pub
88 Sargent Rd., Westminster MA 01473
(978) 874-1444
Reservations Recommended!

Fun in the Snow!

The perfect snow for skiing is finally here! Stay two consecutive nights in February and receive 2 half-price lift tickets to Wachusett Mountain or 2 free cross-country ski passes to Windblown Ski area in New Ipswich NH. Based on availability. Not valid Valentine’s weekend. www.maguirehouse.com

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.