Throughout the area

Narranganset Class of 1988 plans reunion

The Narragansett Regional High School Class of 1988 is planning a 20th class reunion for the upcoming Thanksgiving Weekend starting on Saturday, Nov. 29. For more information, contact Lauren (Schlapak) Hubbard at (781) 662-3305 or by e-mail at laurenhubb@gmail.com or Danielle (Laperriere) Hill at (978) 368-6141.

Wachusett Mountain program brings children outdoors

PRINCETON — The world is a fascinating place, full of all sorts of exciting plants, animals, and other cool stuff that even the youngest kids love to see. To encourage this discovery, Wachusett Mountain State Reservation is offering a kid-friendly, hands-on environmental experience for very young children. Weekly topics are based on a monthly theme, in which children will play games, do an activity and read a story exploring a different aspect of the natural world.

Meet the park interpreter at the Visitor Center on Fridays from 10 to 11 a.m., to bring you and your child closer to the world around us. This month's theme is mammals. Free; recommended for children ages 3 to 6 with a parent or guardian. For information, call Jennifer at (978) 464-2987.

"Indian Summer" art exhibit showcases area talent

FITCHBURG — Cafe Destare, located at 320 Main St., presents a unique exhibition of original art by resident artists at Rollstone Studios. The "Indian Summer" exhibit has paintings in acrylic and mixed-media and floorcloths in acrylic by Helen Obermeyer Simmons, Elaine De Lisle Membrino and Anne Giancola. The exhibition is on display now through October. Admission is free. For information, call (978) 345-5734.

Auditions being held for "Home for the Holidays"

GARDNER — Celebrate the most joyous of seasons with the Theatre at the Mount family. Their Christmas spectacular will get everyone in the festive spirit with dazzling sets, stunning costumes, Broadway-style dancing, the traditional holiday songs and a visit from Santa. "Home for the Holidays" is a greeting card to the audience - filled with love, laughter and holiday cheer.

Children's auditions will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7; Teen and adult auditions will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, and at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Room 182.

Cast requires are 12 to 16 children (ages 8 - 12); 16 dancers (ages 16 and up) - tap dancing ability preferred, pointe ability desirable; large teen and adult chorus plus featured soloists. Everyone should prepare a short singing selection (accompanist provided). Dancers will be taught a short dance combination (please wear appropriate clothing and footwear).

Tentative rehearsal schedules are Sundays, Mondays and Thursday evenings. Performance dates are Nov. 28, 29, Dec. 5, and 6 at 8 p.m.; Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. For detailed information, contact Professor Gail Steele at (978) 630-9162 or at g_steele@mwcc.mass.edu.

VFW to host annual pig roast and chicken barbecue event

GARDNER —Veterans of Foreign Wars District 11 will host its annual pig roast and chicken barbecue from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, at the PACC, Kendall Pond, Route 2 West. Enjoy '60s and '70s music, horseshoe games, swimming and volleyball. Tickets, available at the local VFW or at the event, are $15 for adults, $7.50 for children under 12. Open to the public. For more information, call (978) 632-0122 or (978) 632-8875.

Camera Club of Central New England to meet

The Camera Club of Central New England will hold its first meeting of the 2008-2009 season on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 15 West St., Leominster.

Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. and are held on the second and fourth Thursday of the month, September 2008 through May 2009. There is no meeting in the month of December.

The first meeting of the season will be an orientation, also a slide show by the Coulter's. In addition there will be, "Legalities and Ethical Aspects of Photography" by Tammy Hopkins.

The second meeting of the month will be on Sept. 25. Scheduled is a slide show of Monhegan Island, in Maine, and will be shown by various members.

There are several field trips scheduled for this month, including a trip to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

There are annual dues. Paid-up membership is required for entering photos into the competitions. As always, new members and guests are welcomed. For information, call club president Dan Cox at (978) 534-0366.