CALENDAR

20 FRIDAY The St. Joseph's Variety Show will be held at 7 p.m. in the Stratos G. Dukakis Performing Arts Center, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Route 2A, Fitchburg. Tickets are $10; $8 for senior citizens and children. Tickets can be bought at the door, at Crystal Cleaners at Park Hill, or by contacting any cast member.

21 SATURDAY An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Townsend Congregational Church, 5 Brookline St.,

Townsend.

The Ashburnham Conservation Trust will hold its Annual Meeting at 10 a.m. in Overlook Middle School, Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham. The meeting will feature updates on current projects, membership voting for Board members, and a free showing of Al Gore's film, "An Inconvenient Truth," followed by a discussion about global warming and its impact upon our environment led by Chris Picone. Childcare will be provided and the film "Happy Feet" will be shown for the youngsters. Light refreshments served. For information, call (978) 827-6427.

Join Cathy and Emily as they explore vernal pools, searching for egg masses, fairy shrimp and tadpoles from 10 a.m. to noon. Help them gather the evidence to certify and protect these wetlands. Some waders will be available, but bring your own if you have them. Meet at Memorial Hall parking lot in

Townsend center and carpool to the vernal pool sites from there. For more information, call Emily Norton at (978) 597-3553.

Following their Annual Business meeting at 10 a.m. the Ashby Land Trust will host the VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) Nature Center's Live animal program "Raptor Encounter" at 11 a.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Church, Main Street, Ashby. This first hand encounter with live falcons, hawks, and owls focuses on the natural history, ecology and adaptations of these efficient predators. Touchable artifacts and hands on materials round out this special experience. Free. For information, call (978) 386-5591.

The Fitchburg Public Library presents Karen and Friends at 10 a.m. at the Fitchburg Youth Library, 610 Main St. Karen Bellefeuille brings stories and conversations to children with the help of her puppet friends. After the program, the children are invited to stay and meet the puppets. For children ages 6 and up. Free. For information, call (978) 345-9637.

The Central Massachusetts Genealogical Society will hold a Genealogical Workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. in Room 205 and 209 at Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner. For information, contact Mary Hasselman at (978) 297-4484.

The St. Joseph's Variety Show will be held at 7 p.m. in the Stratos G. Dukakis Performing Arts Center, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Route 2A, Fitchburg. Tickets are $10; $8 for senior citizens and children. Tickets can be bought at the door, at Crystal Cleaners at Park Hill, or by contacting any cast member.

The Ryan C. Joubert Memorial Skateboard Park presents "Park Nite" from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, Electric Avenue,

Fitchburg. Music with Johnny Girouard and the Darlins and Ben & Brad will be featured, along with raffles and prizes. Tickets are $10 and are available at the Fitchburg City Hall, Parks Department, Eastern Boarder in Leominster, or by calling (978) 342-1256. 22 SUNDAY The Townsend Rod and Gun Club will hold its Spring Fishing Derby today. Registration begins at 7 a.m., followed by the derby from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. held at the club pond on Emery Road off Route 13, Townsend. Entry fee is $15 per person with a four-fish limit; re-registration is $10 after the four-fish limit. There will be cash prizes for the five biggest fish. Raffle tickets for a Stihl Farm Boss Chain Saw will be sold and the winning ticket will be drawn at noon, winner need not be present. The derby is open to all area adults and children. The club kitchen will be open for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Townsend Rod and Gun Club membership is not required and a fishing license is not needed. For information, call (978) 433-9404.

A pancake breakfast will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. at the V.F.W. Hall on Eaton Street, Westminster. Proceeds to benefit the Westminster Little League. Pancakes (with as many second helpings as desired), ham, orange juice, coffee and milk will be served. Tickets are $3 each; children under 6 years old eat free. Sponsored by the Westminster Lions Club.

An Open House will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the 4-H Camp Middlesex, located on Willard Brook, 1031 Erickson Road, Ashby. For information, call (978) 386-7704 or e-mail office@campmiddlesex.com.

A special celebration of Earth Day will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Merriam Parkway. Design and paint a biodegradable container and go home with a native tree seedling to plant in your yard or neighborhood. For information, prices, or reservations, call (978) 345-4207.

The St. Joseph's Variety Show will be held at 2 p.m. in the Stratos G. Dukakis Performing Arts Center, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Route 2A, Fitchburg. Tickets are $10; $8 for senior citizens and children. Tickets can be bought at the door, at Crystal Cleaners at Park Hill, or by contacting any cast member.

First Church of Templeton, located on Templeton Common, will hold a Contemporary Music Service at 5 p.m. The service will feature "AWAKEN," a local Christian music band. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the service. For information, call (978) 939-8688.

Dance2Swing Studios presents The Jump City Band at 7 p.m. at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main St. A group swing dance lesson will be held at 6 p.m. For information, visit their web site at www.

24 dance2swing.com. TUESDAY A Preschool story and craft time will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Ashby Free Library, 812 Main St., Ashby. For children ages 3-, 4-, and 5-years-old and a caregiver. For information, call (978) 386-5377.

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

"The Skinny on Fad Diets" will be presented at 5:30 p.m. in the Guild Conference Room, HealthAlliance Hospital, Leominster Campus. This is a free program, however preregistration is required. For information, or to register, call (978) 466-2191.

Twin City Toastmasters will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ronald M. Ansin Foundation Community Conference Room, 1 Main St., third floor (above the Bank of America),

Leominster. For information, visit www.twincitytoastmasters. com or call (978) 343-7259.