NORTHBOROUGH: Algonquin comes alive with style when the Inclusive DECA Program presents a fashion show on March 30 at 6pm at Algonquin High School, 79 Bartlett Street. Experience a runway show of eclectic outfits individually chosen by Inclusive DECA students to showcase their personal style with support from club advisor Zbysia Giegucz, their peers, and members of the Algonquin Fashion Club. There will also be a concession table with light refreshments. Admission is $8 at the door. Proceeds support the continuation of Inclusive DECA, a self-funded program. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support community food banks.

"Every year we set up a different type of business for the kids to be involved in from start to finish," said Ms. Giegucz. "In past years we have created a business model to make and sell items, but this year I wanted to do something different with them. A fashion show event lets them showcase what they have been learning about, such as appropriate dress for job interviews and other events. Over the years, it has been exciting to see how working on these business projects and events brings out the potential in each student and helps them figure out what skills they are good at. And most of all, they have fun!" 

Inclusive DECA is a business club for students with and without intellectual disabilities. Students learn the basics of business processes such as interview skills, marketing, inventory control, working in groups, money management, and so much more with hands-on activities to create products and plan events. The ultimate goal is for students to learn lifelong business skills that they will carry over to future jobs after they leave Algonquin.

SUDBURY: Chris Brainard takes on the role of Concertmaster of the Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra, a community orchestra resident at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School now celebrating its 50th year.

Brainard, a resident of Maynard, has extensive performance experience, performing in symphony orchestras, musical theater/pit orchestras, and chamber groups across New England. When she is not performing, Brainard teaches elementary and middle school strings in the Lexington Public Schools, where she's been inspiring young musicians since 2010. At eight years old, Brainard began studying the violin with Laurie Kennedy, principal violist of the Portland Symphony, in a public school music program in central Maine. After six months in the program, she came home and announced that she wanted to be a violinist when she grew up. She worked towards that goal throughout her formative years in Maine and then earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Boston University, where she studied violin with Yuri Mazurkevich, and received a Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Connecticut. She began her tenure with the Lincoln Sudbury Civic Orchestra as a substitute player in the viola section in 2017 and was excited about moving into this role. “Being given a leadership opportunity was appealing,” said Chris Brainard. “I do a lot of section playing yet only a small number of people can sit in the front row. So this is a different experience and, as a music educator, it’s important to sit on the other side of the baton. I’m enjoying applying my leadership skills to this position.”

Managing Director William Nicholson is excited to have Brainard in this role. “I recognized the strong values and skills Chris has in her string playing along with her leadership skills and confidence. I am happy to have her valuable voice and expertise as Concertmaster and part of the orchestra’s leadership team.”

When she is not teaching or performing, Brainard is an avid hiker and backpacker, having completed the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, and is making plans to finish the Continental Divide Trail in 2023.

The LSCO will celebrate its 50th anniversary in a gala concert on June 11 at 3pm at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, 390 Lincoln Road. Music Director Alfonso Piacentini will lead the orchestra, and guest conductors Pip Moss and Luca Antonucci, both former conductors of the orchestra will also be featured. Admission is a suggested donation of $20.

Founded in 1973 as a community orchestra for high school musicians to work with adult musicians of Lincoln and Sudbury, LSCO begins its 50th year in operation. The group is always looking for new players. Interested amateur musicians are welcome and encouraged to contact the orchestra leadership by email at lscivicorchestra@gmail.com. Visit LSCO  at https://lscivicorchestra.org.

AMHERST, NH: Plans are coming together for another fabulous fundraiser for Kitty Angels, Inc., so mark your calendars! This year’s event will take place on May 6 & 7, from 9am-5pm at Treasures Antiques and Collectables, 106 Ponemah Road (Route 122). Yes, pets are always welcome! The kitties and vendors have taken the necessary precautions and are excited to have you get out of the house and come visit with them for some fabulous finds, great “free” entertainment and most important of all, to help Kitty Angels!

Look for all your favorite vendors, including artist Eric Nickola, dba WolfpacStudios, Artist Lori-Ellen Budenas of Respect the Wood, Monica Gesualdo of Trading Faces, Food Vendor B’s Grumman Grub, Heart’s Design Jewelry. Forever Clean Soaps, Gabe’s Creations, LAB House, Shire Enduring Creations, Dubz Dyes, Morel Woodworking, Baby Snuggz, SoGo Metal Art, Happy Cat Creations, Vinyl Revival, Dusty Finds, Blueberry Cove Creations, Damsel In Defense, Willey’s Whirleys, Baboosic Lake Gourds, Anthony Acres, Color Street, Paws & Spas, Lynda’s Felted Critters, Custom Care Designs, Fiber Art by Eve Huston, Cam’s Shop, Amherst Animal Hospital and so many more. The bands and soloists for the event, consist of keyboardist/band member Joey Peavey, Side Effects, Jensing, North Sound Duo, Jeff Damon, Sunset Rhythm and Wildwood.

Featured throughout the fundraising weekend and into the month of June, is an electrifying raffle of numerous and diverse prizes, all generously donated by local and national businesses, professional sports teams, private individuals and some of the awesome on-site vendors.

Kitty Angels, Inc. is the sole beneficiary of this event. They are a no-kill cat shelter and are made up of all unpaid volunteers, dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned cats and kittens, furnishing them with treatment for injuries or other health issues and then placing them into new forever homes with compatible owners. They are a non-profit, 501(C)3 charitable corporation where all donations are fully tax-deductible and every penny of every donation is used in the caring of cats. Consider adopting a new life-long forever-friend!

Interested in becoming a vendor at the event? Contact Sherry or Rick Tobin, at (603) 672-2535.  

WESTBOROUGH: On March 11, bring the family and join the Westborough Community Land Trust for the always-popular spring free live animal show! Two one-hour shows will take place, starting at 9am and 11am. Meet some fascinating harmless reptiles you may find while out walking in Westborough, as well as some impressive specimens from around the world. Learn to identify, respect, and protect these fragile creatures.  You will be allowed to touch the animals—this show is always a big hit with the young and the curious of all ages! Presented by Rick Roth of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.

Plan to arrive early as seating is limited. This event will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 17 Willow Street; parking lot in rear. There is no parking along Willow Street. Overflow parking is in Arturo’s parking lot, 54 East Main Street. (Walk behind the Arturo’s building to cross directly into the rear of the KofC parking lot.) No reservation required. Free; donations to WCLT gratefully accepted at the door. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Westborough Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.  Also supported in part by the Westborough Newcomers Club.
 

SUDBURY: The Sudbury Savoyards’ 2023 production is the rarely-performed last operetta of Gilbert & Sullivan, The Grand Duke. Performances will be at the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, 390 Lincoln Road at 8pm on February 24, 25 & March 3, and at 2pm on February 26 and March 4. Tickets are $25 for adults; $22 for seniors/students; $12 for children under 12. Groups rates are also available for groups of 10 and over. For more information and to order tickets, visit www.sudburysavoyards.org and click on “BUY TICKETS”. Tickets are also available at the door as available. The theater is handicapped-accessible. Masks will be required.

The Grand Duke tells the tale of a theatrical troupe of actors that conspire to take over the Grand Duchy of Pfennig-Halbpfennig, but are discovered by the Grand Duke’s detective. To save the company, a statutory duel is suggested between the troupe’s manager and his leading comedian. Drawing playing cards instead of weapons, whomever draws the lower card is deemed the loser and will confess to the plot. Things go awry when the Grand Duke hears of the conspiracy and impulsively takes part in a second statutory duel. Acquired identities, mistaken engagements, and made-up Greek words abound in this pinnacle of operetta. You won’t want to miss this rare and rollicking piece of theatre!