People & Events

Friday, November 17 The Ashburnham Conservation Trust's "ACT 3rd Friday" coffeehouse will hold its third coffeehouse of the season at 7:30 p.m. in Stevens Memorial Library, Ashburnham, with a series of open mike performers. The featured performers this month will be local artists Keith Penniman and Elaine Bomford. They have been performing their unique blend of folk and inspirational music for more than ten years, combining vocal harmonies with guitar and percussion. For this performance Paul Luria, a multi-talented musician on banjo, mandolin, and harmonica, will join them. Baked goods as well as coffee and herbal teas will be available. Suggested donation is $5. If you would like to sign up to perform on the open mike portion of the program, call (978) 827-6005.

"Moonchildren" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. in McKay Auditorium, Fitchburg State College. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (978) 665-3347.

A Russian/Finnish Folk Concert, featuring the folk group Sattuma, will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Kaleva Lodge, 32 Perry Road, Fort Pond, Lancaster. Tickets are $12. For information, call (978) 697-3895.

Saturday, November 18 The No. 6 Community Center Inc. will hold a Fall Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the "Little Red School House", corner of Pleasant and Wachusett streets, Leominster. Flea market items, crafts and gifts, along with baked and homemade goods by members, will be for sale. For information, call (978) 537-0850.

The 50th annual Holiday House Artisan Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ashburnham Community Church, Route 12. Muffins, hot cider, tea and coffee will be served from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Luncheon will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Among the holiday booths will be Santa's Cookie Jar, the Boutique Table, an auction, Ye Olde Bake Shoppe, and a Christmas Corner.

An old-fashioned Christmas Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, 26 Lake Ave., East Templeton. Featuring a visit from Santa; a children's shopping room; handmade gifts, baked goods, crafts, refreshments, raffles and auctions.

Townsend United Methodist Church will hold its annual Holiday Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair begins with a coffee and donut time at 9 a.m., then mid-morning and throughout the day, a full lunch will be served with beef stew, hot dogs, corn chowder and desserts. This year's fair will offer a wonderful selection of handcrafted items, baked goods, and gifts. There will be stamped Christmas cards, herbs, "Decorate a Cookie" (for children), " The Candy Shoppe," a "Cookie Walk" where you fill a tin with cookies, and "Santa's Attic" with good used items. The church is located at 265 Main St. For information, call (978) 597- 2486.

The Fitchburg Historical Society will sponsor a Natural History Tour of Fitchburg from 10 a.m. to noon. Jonah McKenna, a geologist and society volunteer, will lead the tour. Tickets are $15. For information, or to make reservations, call (978) 345-1157.

A Thanksgiving Harvest Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday, Nov. 19, at Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston. Featuring food, fun and music! Food donations, to benefit the Worcester County food banks, gratefully accepted. Call (978) 249-6763.

The Westminster Democratic Town Committee will meet at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Hall/Senior Center, 127 Main St. For information, contact Kimberly B. Caisse at (978) 874-1157 or westminsterdtc@gmail.com.

Sunday, November 19 A Hollyberry Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 135 Main St., Westminster. The fair will feature a gift table, fudge and candy, baked goods, SERRV International Crafts, a children's shopping room, a coffeehouse and luncheon.

"ACT for Acres" will be held at 1 p.m. at Cushing Academy, 39 School St., Ashburnham. This is Ashburnham Conservation Trust's major fundraiser of the year, and will feature a silent and live auction, complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres, live music, and lots of fun. If you would like to donate an item or service to be auctioned, call Paul or Lois Somers at (978) 827-4301. Tickets are $20 each, and may be purchased at the above number, from any board member, or at the Ashburnham Pharmacy.

"Gallery Talk: Bits and Pieces" will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Merriam Parkway. Get the inside scoop on the artists from the Boston Sculptors Gallery and their creative processes. For information, call (978) 345-4207, Ext. 303.

Former Fitchburg resident Ray Andrews will speak on "How a Small Connecticut City Honors Its Signer of the Declaration of Independence," at 3 p.m. at the Fitchburg Historical Society, 50 Grove St. For information, call (978) 345-1157.

Monday, November 20 The Ashburnham Council on Aging is hosting a "Cranberry Surprise" at 12:45 p.m. at 1 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham. Join them for a cranberry dessert assortment. Donation is $1. For those who would like lunch before at noon, the menu is herbed roasted chicken, whipped potatoes with chives and carrots. Donation is $2. For information, or to make reservations, call (978) 827-5000. Van transportation available.

Tuesday, November 21 First Church of Templeton, located on Templeton Common, will hold a Thanksgiving Pie Sale from 2 to 6 p.m. Pies may also be ordered now through Wednesday, Nov. 15. Cost is $8 each. For information, or to place an order, call (978) 939-5450 or (978) 939-2784.

The Leominster Art Association will meet at 7 p.m. in the Congregational Church of Christ, 583 Main St., North Leominster. Guest artist, Michael Thompson, will demonstrate a seascape in oil. Refreshments served. Guest fee is $5, which may be applied towards membership. For information, call Eleanor DeLibero at (978) 537-3898.

The Twin City Toastmasters will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ronald M. Ansin Foundation Office, 1 Main St., Leominster. To learn more, contact Sara Marks at (978) 343- 7259 or visit www.twincitytoastmasters.com.

Thursday, November 23 A Thanksgiving Dinner for people in need will be served from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ginny's, 52 Mechanic St., Leominster. Enjoy the holiday with fellowship and a delicious dinner.

Friday, November 24 Stratton Players presents the classic fairy tale musical "Into the Woods" at 8 p.m. at the Playhouse, 60 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. Tickets are $18; reservations recommended and can be obtained by calling the theatre at (978) 345-6066.

Saturday, November 25 Rollstone Performing Arts Series will host the return of folk-fusion sensation Mad Agnes at 7 p.m. at Rollstone Congregational Church, 199 Rollstone St., Fitchburg. Tickets are $15 and are available at the door or by visiting www. RollstoneArts.org.

Oakmont Regional High School, Class of 1996, will hold its high school reunion at 7 p.m. at Hidden Hills, Rindge N.H. Tickets are $50 per person. For information, contact www. oakmont1996.blogspot.com or Jennifer Miettinen at (860) 461-0436.

Stratton Players presents the classic fairy tale musical "Into the Woods" at 8 p.m. at the Playhouse, 60 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. Tickets are $18; reservations recommended and can be obtained by calling the theatre at (978) 345-6066.