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Semmi-Annual Book Sale

When:
Where: Houghton Building, 697 Main Street

BOLTON: Rain date is October 22, 9:30am-3pm. There are over 5,000 books sorted and “not picked over,” as well as puzzles, CDs and DVDs. This book sale is the Friends' largest fundraiser.  Proceeds from the sale support programs, events, museum passes, and the  Library's online newsletter “ Wowbrary.”
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Ruth Ratner Miller Award for Excellence Lecture

When:
Where: Concord Free Public Library, 129 Main Street

CONCORD: This year’s winner is Concord’s own Robert Gross, PhD. He is a prolific author of carefully researched books on American history, starting with the publication of The Minutemen and Their World (1976) which won the Bancroft Prize in American history. It was re-issued in a 25th anniversary edition in 2001 and published by Picador in a revised edition in 2022 to commemorate the upcoming 250th  anniversary of the American Revolution. The lecture is an in-person event. Tickets can be purchased (cash or check only) at the Barrow Book Store and the Concord Book Shop at $15 for adults, $5 for students. Digital tickets are $16 ($6 for students) through Zeffy at cfpl.info/friendsmiller. This year, advance tickets will not be sold at the Library. Following the lecture and award presentation by the Friends, there will be a book signing and reception in the Library’s Reference Room.
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Fall 2023 Traverse

When:
Where: Groton Conservation Trust

GROTON: Revisit the original 12 mile course traverse course starting at Wharton's Plantation and ending in the center of town. As is the GCT tradition with the traverse, they plan on pot luck food and drink to celebrate the finish. Register here to attend.
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Sy Montgomery: “Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World Shell by Shattered Shell”

When:
Where: Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road

SHIRLEY: Visit with nationally bestselling author Sy Montgomery to discuss her researching articles, films, and her 31 books for adults and children. This fundraising event. Proceeds will benefit both the Ayer Library and Hazen Memorial Library. For tickets, please visit tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com/symontgomery.
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Shaker Village Tour

When:
Where: Shirley Historical Society

SHIRLEY: Also 10/8 & 22. A lovely wooden building was built in the early 19th century by the Believers in the Second Coming of Christ, commonly known as the Shakers. This fall, the Shirley Historical Society, with the cooperation of the Massachusetts Department of Corrections, will lead three guided tours of the historic Shaker Village site. Visitors meet inside this building for an introductory talk about the Shaker lifestyle and the founding of the Shirley community. They then board a prison van for a tour of the property and go inside two more Shaker buildings. Reservations must be made and the $20 fee paid in advance.  Contact mail@shirleyhistory.org for more details.
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Picky Eating in Toddlers with Pediatric O.T. Anna Knox

When:
Where: First Connections via Zoom

ACTON: All parents are welcome to attend this free live webinar. Picky eating phases or patterns typically begin between the ages of 1 and 3, and can feel tricky to manage alone. Picky eating doesn't usually go away on its own, and may require parents to really work at it thru changes to routines, food presentation or expectations, with the goal being safe and joyful mealtime experiences. There are many supports that can help prevent the dinner table from turning into a battleground, and Anna will outline the role of the parent, the child, and the environment in feeding. The spectrum of picky eating behaviors, strategies to prevent and respond to picky eating, and signs that a more formal evaluation might be helpful will also be discussed. To register for the zoom link, email lmatthews@jri.org.
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Classical Favorites and Hidden Gems with Sivan Etedgee

When:
Where: Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear

ACTON: Also 11/30. Open to out-of-town seniors for $20/series. With his signature mix of concert and commentary, pianist Sivan Etedgee will present an entertaining selection of classical music at the piano. Sivan Etedgee appears frequently as a recitalist, chamber musician, and lecturer, giving many performances and presentations each year. For more information, call (978) 929-6652; email seniorcenter@actonma.gov; visit actoncoa.com or visit them on Facebook at facebook.com/actoncoa.
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INSPIRE!

When:
Where: Nature Connection

CONCORD: Get ready to Celebrate 40-years of Inspiring Connections Between People & Nature! Founded in 1983, this year marks a milestone as The Nature Connection’s 40th year of philanthropy! The Nature Connection’s annual fundraising event, Inspire raises critical funds that support fee assistance through a sliding scale for organizations and participants who would otherwise go without the chance to connect with nature. Music, chances to win, silent & online auctions, Nature Explorations, food and drink. Enjoy a special appearance by Eyes on Owls. Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/inspire-tickets-714733235347
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Habitat for Humanity North Central MA The Toast to Hope

When:
Where: Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway

DEVENS: For more information, contact Diana Sinkus at (978) 348-2749; diana@ncmhabitat.org; www.ncmhabitat.org
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Music & Folklore Concert & Lecture

When:
Where: Concord Conservatory of Music, 1317 Main Street

WEST CONCORD: Imagine listening to a musical performance that transports you to a different time and place, where you can experience the stories and emotions of people from various cultures and traditions. Celebrate the oral folk traditions of various cultures through music. Tickets are $25 General Admission and are available online at ConcordConservatory.org or at the door. Tickets are free for students age 18 and under. Email info@concordconservatory.org or call (978) 369-0010 for more information.
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Nashoba Players present "The Fourth Wall"

When:
Where: Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street

WESTFORD: What playwright A. R. Gurney demonstrates in his play The Fourth Wall is that, if you go back far enough to classical Greek definitions of comedy, you can find both wisdom and up-to-the-minute relevance, with a good measure of hilarity as well. Doors open at 7pm. Cabaret seating. Paid Online Reservations*: $23.75/pp. Pay-at-the-Door General Admission**: $26/pp For more information, visit www.nashobaplayers.org
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"Moby-Dick, The Whale" Reading

When:
Where: Old Stow Town Hall

STOW: The Randall Library Friends are hosting the reading. Help read selections from this classic book aloud. Sign up directly at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4fa8a92aa4f8c07-mobydick#/.  This event is free and open to the public and all are encouraged to join the audience to listen. Water and coffee will be provided. There will be a lunch break (please bring your own food) and a short afternoon break.
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Sacred Circle Dance

When:
Where: First Church Unitarian

LITTLETON: Also Nov. 25, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18, June 15.  Easy steps, all dances are taught, NO experience needed. Just bring a willing spirit and your water bottle (and a friend). For more info contact Ron Willett at rwillett@ comast.net.
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Nashoba Symphonic Band: “Vive la France”

When:
Where: Nashoba Regional High School

BOLTON: Including Scenes from “The Louvre” by Norman Dello Joio, Johann de Meij's setting of Ravel's Pavane Pour Infante Defunte, and the glittering Paris Sketches by Martin Ellerby, as well as music by Paul Dukas and Louis Ganne, and perhaps a Can-Can.
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Northboro Junior Woman’s Club 46th Annual Harvest Craft Fair

When:
Where: Robert E. Mexican Middle School, 145 Lincoln Street

NORTHBOROUGH: This is a juried show requiring that all items are handmade. Please visit NJWC’S website for applications and more show details. www.northborojuniors.org/craft-fair.html. The Northboro Junior Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization that has been active in Northboro for over 40 years. They support community projects in Northboro as well as internationally. The Harvest Fair is the club’s major fundraiser.
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Jazz Jam with Joe Virga

When:
Where: Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street

WESTFORD: Also 12/3. Interested in sitting in on a musical collaboration as a player or audience member? Consider a summertime Jazz Jam with host Joe Virga! Just bring your instrument and sit in on a few tunes with other jazz musicians. Vocalists, bringing your own mic is recommended. These jams are a safe space to practice, play and listen to jazz tunes, or just come hang out with friends. Each month there will be a few tunes posted to work on before the jam. If you are not on the jazz jam email list, please email admin@pcawestford.org to hear more, or if you just want to drop by and see what it's all about, all are welcome. $5 suggested cover. Can't make it to this jam? For more information, visit www.pcawestford.org.
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A Year with Frog & Toad

When:
Where: Concord Youth Theatre, 53 Church Street

CONCORD: Waking from hibernation in the Spring, Frog and Toad plant gardens, swim, rake leaves, go sledding and learn life lessons along the way. The two best friends celebrate and rejoice in the differences that make them unique and special. Part vaudeville, part make believe... all charm, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the story of a friendship that endures throughout the seasons. The jazzy, upbeat score of A Year with Frog and Toad bubbles with melody and wit, making it an inventive, exuberant and enchanting musical for the whole family. If you have any questions, please call 978-371-1482 or send an email to concord_youth_theatre@concordyouththeatre.org, or visit concordyouththeatre.org
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Cooking through Italy with Ed & Eleanor Alessi

When:
Where: Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Rd.

CHELMSFORD: Risotto à la Eleanor with Salad. Must register by calling the Center at (978) 251-0533 or email ndussault@chelmsfordma.gov. Cost: $8. Must pre-pay Natalie in the office to reserve your spot. Max. 12 each class.
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Sacred Circle Dance

When:
Where: First Church Unitarian

LITTLETON: Also Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18, June 15.  Easy steps, all dances are taught, NO experience needed. Just bring a willing spirit and your water bottle (and a friend). For more info contact Ron Willett at rwillett@comast.net.
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A Christmas Carol

When:
Where: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 E. Merrimack Street

LOWELL: Back by popular demand! Experience Charles Dickens’ timeless story of redemption with new songs, scenes, and surprises. With a nod to Dickens’ time in Lowell and featuring the extraordinary talent of local young artists, A Christmas Carol is the perfect way to capture the spirit of the season and make memories for the future.A holiday treat for the entire family! Experience Charles Dickens’ timeless yuletide story of transformation and redemption, featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and all of your favorite characters, including some played by local youth. Spooky, heartwarming, and joyful – with a touch of Lowell lore, it’s the perfect way for families to recapture the spirit of Christmas and create memories for the future. Show times vary by day. Show times vary by day, Full details at mrt.org, or call (978) 654-4678
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Classical Favorites and Hidden Gems with Sivan Etedgee

When:
Where: Acton Senior Center, 30 Sudbury Road Rear

ACTON: Open to out-of-town seniors for $20/series. With his signature mix of concert and commentary, pianist Sivan Etedgee will present an entertaining selection of classical music at the piano. Sivan Etedgee appears frequently as a recitalist, chamber musician, and lecturer, giving many performances and presentations each year. For more information, call (978) 929-6652; email
view all events

Jazz Jam with Joe Virga

When:
Where: Parish Center for the Arts, 10 Lincoln Street

WESTFORD: Interested in sitting in on a musical collaboration as a player or audience member? Consider a summertime Jazz Jam with host Joe Virga! Just bring your instrument and sit in on a few tunes with other jazz musicians. Vocalists, bringing your own mic is recommended. These jams are a safe space to practice, play and listen to jazz tunes, or just come hang out with friends. Each month there will be a few tunes posted to work on before the jam. If you are not on the jazz jam email list, please email admin@pcawestford.org to hear more, or if you just want to drop by and see what it's all about, all are welcome. $5 suggested cover. Can't make it to this jam? For more information, visit www.pcawestford.org.
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Sacred Circle Dance

When:
Where: First Church Unitarian

LITTLETON: Also Jan. 20, Feb. 17, Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18, June 15.  Easy steps, all dances are taught, NO experience needed. Just bring a willing spirit and your water bottle (and a friend). For more info contact Ron Willett at rwillett@comast.net.
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Red Riding Hood

When:
Where: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Richard & Nancy Donahue Academic Arts Center @ Middlesex Community College

LOWELL: Theatre for Young Audiences. Wolfgang, the greatest actor in the world, is interrupted while performing his "one-man extravaganza” by a delivery person with a mysterious package. But the show must go on, and the two of them take on all the roles in this fast, funny, and surprising adaptation. The wolf may have dinner plans, but this Red is courageous, clever - and talented! (Recommended for ages 5+.) Running Time: Approx. 1 hour with no intermission. Show times vary by day, Full details at mrt.org, or call (978) 654-4678
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Sacred Circle Dance

When:
Where: First Church Unitarian

LITTLETON: Also Feb. 17, Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18, June 15.  Easy steps, all dances are taught, NO experience needed. Just bring a willing spirit and your water bottle (and a friend). For more info contact Ron Willett at rwillett@comast.net.
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Nashoba Symphonic Band: "On Land and Sea"

When:
Where: Nashoba Regional High School

BOLTON: Featuring Variations on a Shaker Tune by Aaron Copland, Morton Gould's classic Jericho Rhapsody, and Of Sailors and Whaling, a suite of tone poems based on themes from Melvilles's Moby Dick, by W. Francis McBeth, as well as marches by Henry Fillmore and John Klohr.
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Sacred Circle Dance

When:
Where: First Church Unitarian

LITTLETON: Also Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18, June 15.  Easy steps, all dances are taught, NO experience needed. Just bring a willing spirit and your water bottle (and a friend). For more info contact Ron Willett at rwillett@comast.net.
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Dishwasher Dreams

When:
Where: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 E. Merrimack Street

LOWELL: From Bangladesh to New York City, from graffiti crews to baseball games, courageous honesty to emotive humor, Dishwasher Dreams explores the complicated realities of dreams we make for ourselves. When Alaudin sets out to become a film actor in Los Angeles, his Bangladeshi family can’t understand. Driven by laugh out loud writing and accompanied by tablas percussion, Ullah’s edifying and dynamic tour-de-force explores the humor and complexity of the American Dream through a deeply personal story. Show times vary by day, Full details at mrt.org, or call (978) 654-4678
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Sacred Circle Dance

When:
Where: First Church Unitarian

LITTLETON: Also Apr. 20, May 18, June 15.  Easy steps, all dances are taught, NO experience needed. Just bring a willing spirit and your water bottle (and a friend). For more info contact Ron Willett at rwillett@comast.net.
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The Porch on Windy Hill

When:
Where: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 E. Merrimack Street

LOWELL: A bi-racial Korean classical violinist, Mira, and her music history grad-student boyfriend, Beck, escape months of Covid-isolation to the mountains of North Carolina. Their journey takes a surprising turn when they meet Edgar, and Mira faces a flood of memory, pain, hope, and discovery that follows. A moving, modern American play about family- with enough music for a real ‘hoot ‘n’ holler’ as the cast- Lisa Helmi Johanson, Morgan Morse, and David Lutken perform a dozen traditional and bluegrass gems. The quintessentially American melodies running through The Porch on Windy Hill illuminate a young woman’s complex, contemporary tale of healing. Show times vary by day, Full details at mrt.org, or call (978) 654-4678
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Sacred Circle Dance

When:
Where: First Church Unitarian

LITTLETON: Also May 18, June 15.  Easy steps, all dances are taught, NO experience needed. Just bring a willing spirit and your water bottle (and a friend). For more info contact Ron Willett at rwillett@comast.net.
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Nashoba Symphonic Band: "Symphonic Band Originals"

When:
Where: Nashoba Regional High School

BOLTON: Including Vincent Persichetti's Symphony No.6 and the suite of Symphonic Songs by Robert Russell Bennett, as well as music by Robert Sheldon and W.P. English.
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Spiritus/Virgil’s Dance

When:
Where: Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 E. Merrimack Street

LOWELL: In this exploration of the realities of death through the eyes of a watchful and troubled individual, we meet Virgil -- a kid who used to hang out in cemeteries with friends. As an adult, Virgil wonders: what does it mean to live a fulfilled life? Spiritus/Virgil’s Dance is an extraordinary meditation on finding purpose in the midst of the ordinariness of daily life. Show times vary by day, Full details at mrt.org, or call (978) 654-4678
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Sacred Circle Dance

When:
Where: First Church Unitarian

LITTLETON: Also June 15.  Easy steps, all dances are taught, NO experience needed. Just bring a willing spirit and your water bottle (and a friend). For more info contact Ron Willett at rwillett@comast.net.
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Menopause: The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’®

When:
Where: Lowell Memorial Auditorium

LOWELL: All aboard, sisters! The hysterical sequel to the smash-hit Menopause The Musical® is finally here!  Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas. A hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship — plus hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses! Join us on a trip of self-discovery, backed by a new soundtrack of toe-tapping parodied hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s. For these four ladies, menopause was not the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers all, and friendships never fail.
Info: lowellauditorium.com or 1-800-657-8774.
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Nashoba Symphonic Band: "Across the Pond"

When:
Where: Nashoba Regional High School

BOLTON: Featuring Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No.1, English Folk Song Suite by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Knightsbridge March by Eric Coates, and solos by our graduation Senior members.
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Sacred Circle Dance

When:
Where: First Church Unitarian

LITTLETON: Easy steps, all dances are taught, NO experience needed. Just bring a willing spirit and your water bottle (and a friend). For more info contact Ron Willett at rwillett@comast.net.