CALENDAR

Celebrate Family this weekend at Fitchburg State Fitchburg State College is opening its doors to students' families this weekend. The main event for Family Weekend is a performance by The Pendragons, magical theatrical illusionists, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, in Weston Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for FSC students; $15 for family, faculty/staff and alumni; and $20 for the general public and tickets at the door. Other events include a Mardi Gras-themed parade starting on North Street in front of Weston Auditorium at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, followed by the crowning of Mr. and Ms. FSC, fireworks, and an outdoor showing of "Shrek the Third" in the vicinity of the Wallace Civic Center. The general public is encouraged to attend these free events. On Saturday, Sept. 29, families can check out a women's soccer game against Worcester State College at 10 a.m. at Elliot Field. There's also an Autumn Fair Lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Elliot Field, followed by a football game versus Bridgewater State College. A campus fair will be held at Elliot Field from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A Continental Feast dinner will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Holmes Dining Commons. Cost is $7 for guests; free for students on the meal plan. For information, or to purchase tickets, call (978) 665-3163 or (978) 665-3164. Pictured are The Pendragons.

28 FRIDAY

 An Italian Festival and Fair will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at St. Boniface Church, 817 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg. The fair will feature Italian food and pastries, theme baskets to be auctioned off, raffles, homemade crafts, and children's games.

The Eighth Annual Pasta Feast Fundraiser & Raffle for the House of Peace & Education, Inc. (HOPE) will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at P.A.C.C., 171 Kendall Pond West,

Gardner. Tickets are $8; $3 for children and are available at HOPE, the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, Gardner Community Action Center, Community Development Corporation, Templeton Council on Aging and at the door the night of the event. For information, call HOPE at (978) 630-4752.

Crossroads Community Church, 839 Ashby State Road, Fitchburg, presents "Friday Night Live" at 7 p.m. For information, visit their Web site at www.thecrossroadscommunity. com

Stratton Players will perform "Proof" at 8 p.m. at the Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Ave.,

Fitchburg. Tickets are $15. For information, or to make reservations, call (978) 345-6066.

A "Comedy for Cats" fund-raiser will be held at 8 p.m. at the Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A, Shirley. This family friendly comedy show will feature three comedians, an auction and raffles. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 and includes appetizers, homemade desserts, coffee and tea. Purchase your ticket today by calling the Bull Run at (978) 425-4311. Proceeds to benefit Pat Brody Shelter for Cats.

Singer/songwriter Livingston Taylor will perform in concert from 8 to 10 p.m. Oakmont Regional High School, Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham. This concert is being sponsored by the Ashburnham Conservation Trust in order to benefit their land conservation efforts. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance by phone at (978) 827- 6427, at the Ashburnham Family Pharmacy, or by PayPal at the ACT Web site: www.ashburnhamconservationtrust. org. Unsold tickets will be available at the door.

29 SATURDAY

 The 15th annual Alzheimer's Association Northern Worcester County Memory Walk will be held at Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner. For information, call Kristi Mendoza at (978) 365-4537 or Paula Doucet at (978) 537-1661.

The third annual Brian's Gift Road Race will be held at 9 a.m. at Winchester Park, Ashburnham. This year's proceeds will be donated to the William J. Bresnahan Scouting and Community Center, the site where Brian participated in the Ashburnham swimming lesson and scouting programs. Events include a 4.5 mile road race (runners and walkers welcome); a Chinese auction; face painting and children's activities; raffles, food and music. For information, to obtain a registration, or to make a donation, please visit briansgiftroadrace.com or contact George and Judy Simmons at (978) 927-4714.

Biketoberfest will be held at 10 a.m. at the Gardner Nichols Street municipal parking lot,

Gardner. Sponsored by the Gardner Rotary Club with proceeds to benefit The Greater Gardner Youth Foundation Inc. For detailed information, call (978) 754-4424.

A Family Health Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nashoba Valley Medical 30 Center, 200 Groton Road, Ayer. Event highlights include games, food, free health screenings, music, puppet shows, a giant inflatable slide, moon walk and give-a-ways.

A moonlight hike will be held at 7 p.m. at Coggshall Park, Fitchburg. Participants should meet at 6:45 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus parking lot in Fitchburg; the group will enter the park at 7 p.m. sharp. Anyone who arrives late will not be allowed in. Hikers should bring a flashlight, hiking pole and safety glasses or goggles. After the hike, participants are invited to the Stone House for refreshments. For information, or to sign up, call Andy Roy at (978) 345-9572.

A Harvest Dance Celebration will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. at "The Maja," located on Erickson Road, Ashby. The celebration will feature Ted Wirt and his New England Live Music Orchestra; refreshments and door prize. Admission is $8; $5 for students and senior citizens. Sponsord by the Ashby Grange 172 and the Ashby's Arts Cultural Council. Proceeds are earmarked for the gala 250th celebration of Ashby in 2017.

Stratton Players will perform "Proof" at 8 p.m. at the Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. Tickets are $15. For information, or to make reservations, call (978) 345-6066.

SUNDAY

Step Out to Fight Diabetes will be held today at Doyle Field, Leominster. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m., followed by the event start time at 10:30 a.m. Routes range from two to six miles and are accessible to people of all ages and levels of mobility. For information, call the American Diabetes Association at (800) 342-2383 or visit www.diabetes.org.

The Fitchburg Art Museum will host a special exhibition opening from noon to 4 p.m. at the museum, located on Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg "On The Edge: Contemporary Origami," "Contemporary Sculpture," and "Contemporary Prints and Sculpture" will be on display. For information, call (978) 345-4207 or visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org

Stratton Players will perform "Proof" at 2 p.m. at the Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. Tickets are $15. For information, or to make reservations, call (978) 345-6066.

The Sunday Performing Arts Series presents the New Piano Quartet at 2:30 p.m. at the Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St. Doors open at 2:15 p.m. Admission is free. For information, call (978) 345-9635.

Classic cars, classic tractors, and a classic apple orchard are available for viewing at "Memories of Yester Years" from 3 to 7 p.m. at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. Classic American fare such as hot dogs and hamburgers will also be available along with music and hayrides. For more information, call (978) 840-FARM or go to www.sholanfarms.com.

Elm Street Congregational Church will hold its monthly Sunday Family Celebration Service at 6 p.m. at the church, 264 Elm St., Fitchburg. The service will include praise music, the Dance Revelations dance team, and a video clip. Fun activities for the children begin at 4:45 p.m., followed by a free dinner at 5:20 p.m. Call Pastor Steve at (978) 342-4257 for information.

Dance2Swing Studios presents The Velvet Elvis Band at 7 p.m. at the Leominster Lodge of Elks, 134 North Main St. Admission is $12. A beginner-friendly group swing dance lesson will be held at 6 p.m. For information, visit www.dance2swing.com

1 MONDAY

Chess Club will meet from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Forbush Memorial Library, 118 Main St., Westminster. For children ages 8 and up. For information, call (978) 874-7416.

Charity Night at The Yarn Basket will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Yarn Basket, 12 Ray Ave., Fitchburg. Bring a baked goodie; refreshments will be served. A free raffle will be held, as well as a 20 percent discount off anything purchased. For information, call Dianne St. Laurent or Sandra Long at (978) 353-6796.

2 TUESDAY

The Fitchburg Senior Center will host a "one-stroke" painting class from 1 to 3 p.m. at the center, 14 Wallace Ave. Donna Lynch will teach the class. Usual class size is approximately 10 people. For information, or to register, call (978) 345-9598.

Chess instruction will be held from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. at Forbush Memorial Library, 118 Main St., Westminster. For information, call (978) 874-7416.

Michael DiPierro, of the organization Patrons of the Vatican Museums, will present a talk at 7 p.m. at the Fitchburg Art Museum, 185 Elm St. DiPierro will give an insider's look at the artwork found at the Vatican Museums. Tickets are $7 at the door. Sponsored by the Center for Italian Culture at Fitchburg State College and the Fitchburg Art Museum. Refreshments and a reception will follow the event. For information call (978) 665-3347.

3 WEDNESDAY

The 6th annual Successful Women's Trade Show will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton, Leominster. Stay for the day, attend a seminar or stop in for the lunch break, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Sponsored by North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. For information, call (978) 353- 7600.

Dr. Matthew DeLisle will present the workshop "The Role of Respiration in Postural Dysfunction" at 7 p.m. at his office, located at 285 Central St., Suite 205, Leominster. He will discuss the role respiration has on posture, and locomotor control and how proper breathing patterns can aid in a faster recovery from chronic conditions. Free. For information, call (978) 537-2490.

4 THURSDAY

Knitting lessons will be held from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. at Forbush Memorial Library, 118 Main St., Westminster. For ages 7 and up. Materials provided or bring your own size 8, 9, or 10 knitting needles. Registration required by calling (978) 874-7416.

Guidance Inc. and the Christian Performing Arts Center will perform "Faces of Eve" at 7 p.m. at Applewild Alumni Center for the Performing Arts, 98 Prospect St., Fitchburg. For information, call (978) 345-2915.

Nick d'Arbeloff, one of the thousand people trained by former Vice President Al Gore to educate audiences about the science underlying global climate change, will give a free presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Westminster Country Club, 51 Ellis Road, Westminster. D'Arbeloff, executive director of the New England Energy Innovation Collaborative, is a representative of The Climate Project, a nonprofit organization with a mission to raise public awareness of global warming. His presentation will be one of the first in North Central Massachusetts. A cash bar and free light refreshments will be available. Sponsored by WEST (Watchdogs for an Environmentally Safe Town) and the Westminster Democratic Town Committee. For information, contact Kim Caisse at cpwestminster@gmail.com or (978) 874- 1157.