People & Events
Saturday, January 6

A Winter Wonderland Crop will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Townsend Methodist Church, Townsend. The day will include food, beverages and snacks all day; four-feet of scrapping space; free use of stamping and die cut stations; and hourly door prizes. Cost is $30. For information, call (978) 877-0569.

The Oakmont Varsity Cheerleaders will hold a Bottle and Can fund-raiser from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with proceeds to help defray costs for their trip to the Nationals Competition in Disneyworld, Fla. in March. Drop-off locations are at the Wine & Roses parking lot in Westminster and at the St. Denis Church parking lot in Ashburnham. Pick up is available. For information, or to have items picked up, call (978) 874-2337 and leave a message with your name, address, telephone number and pick up time/instructions.

Sunday, January 7

A swing dance will be held at 7 p.m. at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main St. DJ Alan "Hep2theJive" will play a mix of boogie woogie.îA beginner friendly swing dance lesson will be held at 6 p.m. Admission is $10. For information, visit www.dance2swing. com.

Monday, January 8

The Ashburnham Council on Aging, 1 Memorial Drive, will host a Forever Young Club meeting with lunch at noon, followed by a meeting at 1 p.m. Lunch will consist of cream of spinach soup, roasted chicken with tarragon gravy, mashed potatoes and mixed fruit. Following the meeting, Herschel Hall will provide musical entertainment. A donation of $2 is requested for lunch; reservations required. For information, call (978) 827-5000.

The Friends of the Townsend Seniors will hold their annual meeting at 7 p.m. in Room 2 of the Townsend Memorial Hall. The meeting is open to all members of the Friends and any other interested parties. Board members will be elected as well as voting to increase the board members from their present seven to nine members. Plan to attend.

Tuesday, January 9

The Townsend Public Library will hold a story-time with craft making at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2 of Memorial Hall. For children ages 2- to 4-years-old and their siblings. For information, call (978) 597-1714.

The Ashburnham Council on Aging, 1 Memorial Drive, will conduct an Adult Wellness Clinic, in partnership with the Nashoba VNA, from 11 a.m. to noon. Seniors may have their blood pressure checked as well as ask questions regarding health issues and concerns. Anyone over age 55 may participate in the program. For more information, call (978) 827-5000.

The Townsend Public Library will hold a Book Discussion Group at 7:30 p.m. in Room 1 of Memorial Hall. The group, open to adults only, will read and talk about "Arson and Old Lace" by Patricia Harwin. Stop by the library to sign up and pick up a copy of the book. For more information, call (978) 597-1714.

Wednesday, January 10

A 'Birthday Card' paper-crafting workshop will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Townsend Cooperative Playschool, Route 119, Townsend. In this "round robin" workshop, you'll move through four stations, making four of each card- that's 16 hand-made holiday cards! Cost is $15. Pre-registration required. Proceeds to benefit the school. For information, call (978) 877-2143.

Thursday, January 11

The Leominster Land Trust and the Leominster Recreation Department are co-sponsoring a womenís snowshoe/ cross-country ski hike at Sholan Farms in Leominster. For information, call Deanne Comeau at (978) 537-3018 or the Leominster Recreation Department at (978) 534-7529.

The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) invites the public to a panel discussion on "Spirituality and Ecology" from 7 to 8:45 p.m. at the Leominster Public Library, Crossroads Office Park Religion and spiritual exploration help to shape our attitudes toward nature in both conscious and unconscious ways: that is, how we should relate to nature and how we should treat other humans. Free. For information, call (978) 448-0299.

Saturday, January 13

Stop by the Townsend Public Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to say hello to its new staff members - Children's Librarian, Stacy Schuttler and Library Technician, Karen Savage; and enjoy warm beverages and goodies while you are there. For information, call the library at (978) 597-1714.

A Chicken Pot Pie Supper will be served at 5 p.m. at First Church of Templeton, located on Templeton Common. The family-style supper includes chicken pot pie, vegetables, beverage and a piece of homemade pie for dessert. Tickets are $8 per adult, $4 per child, with children under 5 free. For information, or to make reservations, call (978) 939-2784.

Sunday, January 14

A swing dance will be held at 7 p.m. at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main St. A beginner friendly swing dance lesson will be held at 6 p.m. Admission is $10. For information, visit www.dance2swing.com.

Tuesday, January 16

The Townsend Public Library will hold a story-time and craft making at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2 of Memorial Hall. For children ages 2- to 4-years-old and their siblings. For information, call (978) 597-1714.

Wednesday, January 17

The Townsend Public Library will hold a Parent-Student Book Discussion Group at 7:30 p.m. in Room 1 of Memorial Hall. The group will be reading and talking about "Sahara Special" by Esme Raji Codell. Struggling with school and her feelings since her father left, Sahara gets a fresh start with a new and unique teacher who supports her writing talents and the individuality of each of her classmates. This group is open to fourth- and fifth-graders and their parents. Stop by the library to sign up and pick up your copy of the book. Refreshments served. For more information, call (978) 597-1714.

Thursday, January 18

Ashburnham senior citizens and

friends are invited to a Holiday Party at noon at the Ashburnham Council on Aging, 1 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham. Lunch will consist of chicken stuffed classic sage, rice pilaf with mushrooms, brussels sprouts, and a brownie for dessert. A donation of $2 is requested. For more information, or to make reservations, call (978) 827-5000. Transportation available.

Sunday, January 21

A swing dance will be held at 7 p.m. at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main St. The Duke Robillard Band will perform. A beginner friendly swing dance lesson will be held at 6 p.m. Admission is $10. For information, visit www.dance2swing.com.

Tuesday, January 23

The Townsend Public Library will hold a story-time and crafts-making at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2 of Memorial Hall. For children ages 2- to 4-years-old and their siblings. For information, call (978) 597-1714.

Wednesday, January 24

The Ashburnham Council on Aging, 1 Memorial Drive, will host a "Banana Bonanza"at noon. Enjoy banana cream pie, banana splits and banana bread. Donation is $1. For those who would like, lunch is available beforehand at noon and will consist of roast turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, winter squash and oatmeal bread. Donation is $2. For more information, or to make reservations, call (978) 827- 5000.

Sunday, January 28

Dance2Swing Studios presents a Beach Bop Swing Dance Party at 7 p.m. at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main St. Loaded Dice and DJ Alan ìHep2theJiveî will perform. A beginner friendly swing dance lesson will be held at 6 p.m. Admission is $10. For information, visit www.dance2swing. com.

Tuesday, January 30

The Townsend Public Library will hold a story-time and crafts-making at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2 of Memorial Hall. For children ages 2- to 4-years-old and their siblings. For information, call (978) 597-1714.

The Ashburnham Council On Aging, 1 Memorial Drive, will host their monthly Pizza and Bingo for a Buck at noon. One dollar buys your lunch, dessert and a bingo card. All seniors welcome. Transportation available. For more information, or to make reservations, call (978) 827-5000.

Wednesday, January 31

The Townsend Public Library will host a Writers' Group at 7:30 p.m. in Room 1 of Memorial Hall. Are you writing a novel? A Children's Book? Something else? Would you like some support? Bring what you are working on and have other writers share their experiences and give you feedback. The group is open to adults. For more information, call (978) 597-1714.

Friday, February 2

The Leominster Land Trust and the Leominster Recreation Department will co-sponsor a Coed Moonlight Snowshoe Hike from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Meet at the Parmenter Road gate of Leominster State Forest on Elm Street. Wear headlights if you have them. Bring your own snack and water. Dress in layers for the weather. Led by members of the Leominster Land Trust Trails Committee. For information, call Deanne Comeau at (978) 537-3018 or the Leominster Recreation Department at (978) 534-7529.

Tuesday, February 6

The Townsend Public Library will hold a story-time and crafts-making at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2 of Memorial Hall. For children ages 2- to 4-years-old and their siblings. For information, call (978) 597-1714.

Thursday, February 8

The Leominster Land Trust and the Leominster Recreation Department will co-sponsor a women's cross-country ski/snowshoe hike at Windblown Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Ipswich, N.H. Hikers will meet at 9 a.m. at Barrett Park to carpool. Windblown charges a per person fee. Equipment available for rent. For more information, call Deanne Comeau at (978) 537-3018 or the Leominster Recreation Department at (978) 534-7529.

Saturday, February 10

The Winter Carnival at Pearl Hill State Park will celebrate the cold and snowy season with a full day of outdoor activities for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nature walks, crosscountry skiing, snowshoe treks, winter survival and ice fishing demonstrations, children's games and much more are planned for the day. Meet Smokey Bear, enjoy stories around the campfire, and satisfy your appetite with hot soup, cocoa and home-baked goodies. A special prize drawing is planned for all memberships and $10 donations collected during the day. Get outdoors and enjoy the state forest! For information, contact Emily Norton at (978) 597-3553 or email at emily@willardbrook.org. Sponsored by the Friends of Willard Brook.

A Pot Roast Supper will be served at 5 p.m. at First Church of Templeton, located on Templeton Common. The family-style supper includes pot roast, vegetables, beverage and a piece of homemade pie for dessert. Tickets are $8 per adult, $4 per child, with children under 5 free. For more information, or to make reservations, call (978) 939- 2784.

Tuesday, February 13

The Townsend Public Library will hold a story-time and craft making at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2 of Memorial Hall. For children ages 2- to 4-years-old and their siblings. For information, call (978) 597-1714.

Tuesday, February 20

The Townsend Public Library will hold a story-time and craft making at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2 of Memorial Hall. For children ages 2- to 4-years-old and their siblings. For information, call (978) 597-1714.

Tuesday, February 27

The Townsend Public Library will hold a story-time and craft making at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2 of Memorial Hall. For children ages 2- to 4-years-old and their siblings. For information, call (978) 597-1714.