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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.