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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.