Calendar

Calendar

7 Friday Author Event – Tomie dePaolo Tatnuck Booksellers, 18 Lyman St., Westborough, is proud to host beloved children’s book artist and author Tomie dePaolo from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. as he presents his new book, “Brava, Strega Nona!” For info, call (508) 366-4959 or visit www.tatnuck.com. MHS “Salute to Marlborough Veterans” A “Salute to Marlborough Veterans” special exhibition will be presented at 7 p.m. by the Marlborough Historical Society, 377 Elm St. (Peter Rice Homestead), to honor all those from Marlborough who proudly served. Also Nov. 8 and 9. Visit www.HistoricaMarlborough.org or call (508) 485-4763 for info. Boxwell’s Holiday Preview Boxwell’s Home Décor, Gifts & More, 122 Turnpike Rd. (Route 9 east), Westborough, will hold its Holiday Preview 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Also Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., and Nov. 9, from 2-6 p.m. For info, visit www.boxwells.com or call (508) 898-3933. WHS Center Stage Presents “Stardust” Westborough High School's Center Stage will be performing the hilariously silly comedy "Stardust" by Walter Kerr through Nov. 9. Featuring a cast of 18 actors, "Stardust" tells the story of students at a dramatic academy who have a very odd idea as to what it means to be an artist. The play is full of wit, mistaken identity, bizarre acting exercises and a performance gone haywire. Performances are at the WHS auditorium Nov.7 and 8, at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and available at the door. For more info, contact Joe Marrella at (508) 836-7720 ext. 6030 or marrellaj@wesstborough.k12.ma.us. Games Night! at UCMH From 7-9 p.m. it’s “Games Night!” at the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson, 80 Main St., Hudson. Bring your favorite board/card game and join the fun for word challenges, trivia, strategy games and more. For more info, visit www.ucmh.org, e-mail administrator@ucmh.org or call (978) 562-9180. Shrewsbury Woman’s Club Meeting The Shrewsbury Woman’s Club will hold its monthly meeting at the Congregational Church on the Common. Dessert will be at 12:15 p.m., followed by a business meeting. Program: antiques appraisals by Bill Lapan of Gina’s Antiques. Appraisal cost: $5 for one item or $10 for three. Guests are welcome. Spaghetti Supper and Mini Bazaar A Spaghetti Supper and Mini Bazaar will be held 5-7 p.m. (doors to the bazaar open at 3 p.m.) at the Salvation Army, 72 Cambridge St., Worcester. Take-out dinners will be available. Admission: $5 advance, $6 at the door, $3.50 for ages 12 and under. For info, call (508) 799-0528. 8 Saturday Symphony Pro Musica Hudson Concert Symphony Pro Musica begins its 2008-2009 season at 7:30 p.m. at Hudson High School, 69 Brigham St. The orchestra, led by founder and Music Director Mark Churchill, will begin their 26th season with “Take Time for Music.” Season tickets are priced at $68 for the four concert series and $56 for senior citizens. Individual tickets are $18 or $16 for seniors, when paid in advance by calling the box office at (978) 562-0939. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $20 and $18. Students and children under 18 are free. Craft Fair, Coffee House at Mount Olivet From 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., there will be a craft fair and coffee house at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, corner of Prospect and Spring streets, Shrewsbury. Includes hand-crafted holiday and household items, flower arrangements, jewelry, collector’s nook, homemade baked goods and an all-day coffee house. For more info, call (508) 842-2731 or e-mail office_mtolivet@townisp.com. “Alice in Wonderland” Performance A non-musical version of “Alice in Wonderland” will be presented at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main St. Also Nov. 9 at 2:30 p.m. The Sunday matinee will be followed by a “Meet and Greet the Characters.” Tickets ordered in advance are for reserved section seating, while tickets at the door are for general admission. Tickets are $12, $9 for seniors/students/children (save $2 by purchasing tickets in advance). For more info, call the Arts Alliance at (978) 562-1646 or visit ww.upwitharts.org. SELCO Municipal Light Energy Expo SELCO and seven other municipally-owned electric utilities will be hosting a Municipal Light Energy Expo from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Thomas Prince School located on Route 62W in Princeton. The free event will bring together different vendors from throughout Central Massachusetts to provide a forum in which municipal electric customers can ask questions about alternative methods of heating your home, the value of adding insulation, installing solar hot water, changing to Energy Star appliances and the impact on your electric use. SELCO's residential energy auditor will be on-hand to answer questions and to set up a free energy audit of your home. Westborough Newcomers Craft Fair Fund-Raiser The Westborough Newcomers’ 29th annual Craft Fair fund-raiser will be held from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Westborough High School, 90 West Main St. General admission is $4 ($1 off with donation to the Westborough Food Pantry), $1 for seniors, and free for children 12 and under. The fair will feature over 70 crafters, a raffle and bake sale, and free color photo IDs and digital fingerprinting for children. For more info on the club, visit www.westboroughnewcomers.org. Hudson Emblem Club Sponsors Psychic Fair Hudson Lodge of Elks, 99 Park St., will be the site of a Psychic Fair sponsored by the Hudson Emblem Club. Registration is from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with the fair running 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Readings are $15 for 15 minutes, and the fair will also have tables of jewelry, books, photos, psychic art, crystals and more, as well as free refreshments and tables to sit, relax and share experiences. Profits from the event will benefit Hudson Emblem Club charities. For info, call Beverly Beyloune at (978) 568-3632 St. Anne’s Church Holiday Fair Stop by St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Tpke. (Route 9) in Shrewsbury, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for its Holiday Fair. Includes holiday items, raffles, food court, gifts, crafts, fall harvest area, cakes, Kid’s Korner with face painting and activities, and more. For info, call (508) 799-4169. St. Stephen's Fall Marketplace All are invited to St. Stephen's Fall Marketplace from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The Marketplace will be held at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 3 John St., Westborough, opposite the high school. There will be handmade crafts, baked goods, children’s activities, a silent auction and a large yard sale and refreshments. ARHS Ski Team Ski Sale A ski sale to benefit the Algonquin Regional High School Ski Team will be held 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Church, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough. Includes alpine, cross country, and snow board packages, ski jackets, ski pants, gloves, hats, more. Animal Shelter of Sterling “Fur-Raiser” The Animal Shelter of Sterling, 17 Laurelwood Dr., will hold a “Fur-Raiser,” a pets and their people photo fund-raiser, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Have a Santa photo of your pet or you and your pet done by a professional photographer, with all proceeds going to benefit the shelter. For an appointment, call Melissa at (978) 422-8585 ext. 114 or visit www.sterlingshelter.org. 9 Sunday St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Organ Recital Joshua Lawton, the son of the late Rev. Jack Lawton of Westborough, will give an organ recital at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3 John St., Westborough, at 3 p.m. The community is invited to attend. Lawton has studied organ under Peter Sykes, a leading American organist, and has worked on the staff of the New England Conservatory of Music and has been the bass section leader in the choir of the First Unitarian Universalist Parish in Framingham. Cats Plain and Fancy, Half Moon Cat Club Cat Show Cats Plain and Fancy and Half Moon Cat Club will be holding a joint CFA Allbreed Cat Show from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Riverview at the Portuguese Club, 13 Port St., Hudson. Household pets are welcome. Cat trees, furniture, supplies and holiday gifts will be available for purchase. Admission: $6, $4 kids 12 and under. For more info, call Rose at (617) 247-1151. WPL Hosts Great Depression Lecture Series The Westborough Public Library, 55 West Main St., will present the second in a four-part video lecture series on the Great Depression at 2 p.m. Also Nov. 16 and 23. The program includes a 50-minute video with an introduction and lecture by Professor Daniel Breen of Newbury College. Free and open to the public. For info, call (508) 366-3050. Symphony Pro Musica Westborough Concert Symphony Pro Musica begins its 2008-2009 season Nov. 8, at 3:30 p.m., at the Mill Pond School in Westborough. The orchestra, led by founder and Music Director, Mark Churchill, will begin their 26th season with “Take Time for Music.” Season tickets are priced at $68 for the four concert series and $56 for senior citizens. Individual tickets are $18 or $16 for seniors, when paid in advance by calling the box office at (978) 562-0939. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $20 and $18. Students and children under 18 are free. 10 Monday Post Road Art Center Pastel Demonstration Pastel artist Jeanne Smith will be demonstrating her pastel technique at 5:30 p.m. at the Post Road Art Center, 1 Boston Post Rd. East, Marlborough. The event is free and all of Smith’s new work will be on display in the gallery. For info, visit www.postroadartcenter.com. WEF Trivia Bee The Westborough Education Foundation is hosting its annual Trivia Bee and Silent Auction at 6:30 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel on Route 9 in Westborough. The event is free to adults and children and will feature 36 sponsored teams (businesses, community and school organizations, neighborhoods) in a spirited contest to name the best “trivialists” in Westborough. Pizza and dessert will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event will fund WEF’s educational grants to faculty and staff schools for the 2009-2010 year. Fall Energy Workshop Series The grassroots group Hudson Climate Action Network (HCAN) will offer the last of three energy-saving workshops to citizens of Hudson and surrounding towns from 7-8:15 p.m., at Hudson Public Library, 3 Washington St. The workshops are designed to help people understand energy and environmental challenges that are driving up fuel costs while also helping them learn ways to save energy dollars. In addition, attendees will learn how conservation helps stabilize our climate by reducing global warming pollution. Donations accepted. For more info, visit www.hudsoncan.org. 12 Wednesday Colonial Garden Club Hosts Meteorologist The Colonial Garden Club of Marlborough will welcome Channel 5 meteorologist David Epstein as he presents an entertaining and informative talk on how to put your garden to bed for the winter. The program will start at 7 p.m. at the Jaworek Elementary School, Hosmer St., Marlborough. The public is welcome to attend for a $5 donation.  Refreshments will be served. Marlborough Community Blood Drive The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 2:30-7:30 p.m. at the Masonic Hall, Main/Newton Sts. All donors will be entered into a drawing for a $50 grocery gift card. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. For info or an appointment, call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.givelife.org. First Church in Marlborough "Simple Supper Plus" First Church in Marlborough, 37 High St., will be holding a "Simple Supper Plus," a community event that focuses on children and family. Part 1 at 4:30 p.m. is a family event focusing on children under age 8. Topic is Play and Prayer. Part 2 is a spaghetti supper at 5:30. Price is $5 for adults. Part 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., will have Reverend Sarah leading all ages in acting out Jonah and the Whale. Guests can come to all or any of the parts. For further info, call (508) 485-6297. 13 Thursday Healthy Paws Open House Healthy Paws Veterinary Center, 6 Old Flanders Rd., Westborough, will hold an Open House from 4-8 p.m. Stop in to view the state-of-the-art facility and learn about its pet care services. Refreshments will be served. For more info, call (508) 475-5051 or visit www.healthypawsvetcenter.com. Grafton Country Store Trunk Show A John Medeiros Trunk Show will be held 6-8 p.m. at the Grafton Country Store, 2 Grafton Common. Join the Grafton Country Store and the local John Medeiros representative as she shows the entire jewelry line, including those items that are not available locally. The event will also have refreshments and prizes for a special night out. For info, call (508) 839-4898. Mothers and More Meeting The Assabet Valley Chapter of Mothers and More will meet at 7 p.m., at Whitney Place, 238 West Main St., Northborough. Topic: "Starting Your Own Business.” Stop in to learn the ins-and-outs of starting a business while enjoying refreshments and fellowship with other area mothers. For more info, visit www.mothersandmoreassabetvalley.org. “Golden Days of Television” at Boylston Historical Society Entertainer Mel Simons will present “Golden Days of Television” at 7:30 p.m., at the Boylston Historical Society, 7 Central St. (behind the deli). Open to the public and all are welcome. Admission: $3. Refreshments will follow the presentation. For info, visit www.boylstonhistory.org or call (508) 869-2720. 14 Friday Grafton Inn Evening of Music and Dance Music returns to the Grafton Inn, 25 Grafton Common, as the Dixie Swing Band performs from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in the upstairs ball room. Tickets are $10. For info, call (508) 839-5931 or visit www.thegraftoninn.com. Renovo MD Open House Renovo MD, a leading-edge medical aesthetics practice, will hold an Open House from 5-9 p.m. at its state-of-the-art facility at 512 Main St., Shrewsbury. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and exclusive offers while learning about Renovo MD. Please RSVP by calling (508) 842-6898 or e-mailing info@renomd.com. Tatnuck Bookseller Author Event Tatnuck Bookseller, 18 Lyman St., Westborough, will host Archer Mayor, author of the “The Catch,” “Chat” and “Open Season,” at 7 p.m. as he discusses and signs his books.  For info, visit www.tatnuck.com. 7th Annual New England Crime Bake Northborough author Cathy Cairns will be on hand, along with international best-selling author Harlan Coban and a line-up of mystery and crime writers, forensic experts, agents and editors, at the 7th Annual New England Crime Bake – “Playbook for Murder” – through Nov. 16 at the Hilton Boston in Dedham. The event is open to the public with pre-registration. For more info on Crime Bake’s program and presenters or to register, visit www.crimebake.org. Westborough Blood Drive Westboro Tennis & Swim, 35 Chauncy St., will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. All donors will be entered to win a $50 grocery gift card and Regal Cinema movie tickets. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. For info or an appointment, call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.givelife.org. Musicians of the Old Post Road Concert Musicians of the Old Post Road will perform “The Humanity and Humor of Mozart and Haydn” at 8 p.m. at First Parish, 327 Concord Rd., Sudbury. Tickets are $25, $20 seniors/students, free for ages 7-17. For advance tickets or info, call (781) 466-6694 or visit www.oldpostroad.org. BMB Hosts MassWildlife Program The Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester will host MassWildlife’s Tom French from 7-8:30 p.m. as he discusses “Wildlife Once Lost, Now Back in Central Mass.” Come hear uplifting conservation success stories from French, who has been integral in the peregrine falcon and bald eagle restoration programs. Free for WOO Card members, $5 for adult Audubon members, $7 adult non-members. For more info and to register, call Broad Meadow Brook at (508) 753-6087. 15 Saturday Southborough Friends Autumn Fair Southborough Friends of the Council on Aging will be holding their “Autumn Fair” from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Senior Center, 9 Cordaville Rd. Tables will include white elephants, knitted goods (hats, mittens and scarves, and much more) and scrubbies, as well as medallions sold at half price, jewelry, baked goods, raffles, and coffee. FUMC Hudson “Amazing Grace” Movie Screening The public is invited to the 6 p.m. screening of “Amazing Grace,” the story of 19th century reformer William Wilberforce, at First United Methodist Church of Hudson, 34 Felton St., off the Hudson rotary. A second screening will be held Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. There will also be an opportunity to sign up for a 4-week study group. For info, call the church at (978) 562-2932. Author Events at Tatnuck Bookseller Tatnuck Bookseller, 18 Lyman St., Westborough, will host CJ West, author of “A Demon Awaits,” the second book in the Randy Black series, from 1-3 p.m. Also, Amy K. Pearson will discuss and sign her new book, “Coastal Bermuda: 10 Walks and 73 Plants… You’ll See Along the Way,” from 2-4 p.m. For more info, visit www.tatnuck.com. Assabet Valley Mastersingers Concert The Assabet valley Mastersingers and orchestra will present two choral masterpieces at St. Mark’s School, Marlboro Road (Route 85) in Southborough. “Reflections on Innocence and Peace” will take place at 8 p.m. and will feature the choral favorite Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Intimations of Immortality by Gerald Finzi.  Advance sale tickets are discounted $1 from the regular price of $20 and $18 for students and senior citizens. For info, call (978) 562-9838 or visit www.avmsingers.org.  Post Road Art Center Artist Demo Stop by the Post Road Art Center in Marlborough, 1 Boston Post Rd., to find out why "It's Better In Leather" with Carolyn Joyce of Greco USA leather. PRAC will host Joyce from 10-11:30 a.m. as she teaches techniques for using genuine cowhide leather cord in jewelry design. Materials will be available for sale or bring your own beads or pendants. For info, visit www.postroadartcenter.com or call (508) 485-2580. Northborough Garden Club Holiday Enchantment The Northborough Garden Club will present “Holiday Enchantment,” featuring Bill Graham from Beautiful Things in Salem, starting at 12 p.m. at Peaslee School, 31 Maple St., Northborough. One of New England's leading floral design professionals, Graham delights in creating traditional floral expressions and exploring new and innovative designs. Advance tickets are $8 by calling Cessy at (508) 393-8464. Admission at the door is $10. A light luncheon will be served. GMPI Workshop Greater Marlboro Programs, Inc. will present a workshop on “Legal Issues and Future Care Planning for your Relative with a Developmental Disability” from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Employment Options, 82 Brigham St., Marlborough. Cost: $15 for GMPI families, $25 non-GMPI families, $35 professionals. For info or to download a registration brochure, visit www.gmpinc.org or call (508) 485-4227. Church of the Nativity Novemberfest The Church of the Nativity, 45 Howard St., Northborough, will hold its annual Novemberfest from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The day’s program includes a silent auction, luncheon, boutique and entertainment by Nativity musical groups. Baked goods, handcrafted items and attic treasures will also be available, as well as a country store, book table and a special area for children to shop. For info, call (508) 393-3146 or visit www.churchofthenativity.org. MetroWest Humane Society Auction The MetroWest Humane Society’s Annual Auction will be held at Indian Meadows Country Club, Route 9 in Westborough. The silent auction (and previewing of the live auction items) starts at 5:45 p.m., with the live auction starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 advance or $30 at the door, and include appetizers and a pasta bar. For tickets or info, call Sheryl Merchant at (508) 628-9694. “Christmas in November” Fair The Parish Community of St. Mary in North Grafton (Waterville Street) will be holding its annual "Christmas in November" Fair from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be raffles for everyone, children's activities, attic treasures, and numerous shopping opportunities/gift baskets at affordable prices. Mrs. Claus will be on hand to receive children's letters to Santa. The Children's Shopping Room is back again - a great place for youngsters to shop for their parents, siblings, teachers, and aunts and uncles, with gift wrapping available. High Hopes Gala Joslin Diabetes Center's 9th Annual High Hopes Gala, the Center's signature black-tie event, will be held 6 p.m.-midnight at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. WROR-FM morning favorites Loren and Wally will emcee the evening, featuring gourmet dining, a silent and live auction, and dancing to Flipside. Tickets now available at $400 each. For info or tickets, call (617) 732-2513 or visit www.joslin.org. 16 Sunday Bacon’s Wine & Spirits Grand Wine Tasting Bacon’s Wine & Spirit, 234 Washington St., Hudson, will hold a Grand Wine Tasting from 2-5 p.m. Sample over 80 wines from around the world while enjoying hors d’ouevres from Harvest Café and Brad’s Deli. For more info, visit www.baconspirits.com. Upcoming Friends of the Shrewsbury Senior Center Performance “Gypsy and Her Exotic Dancers” will perform Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. at the Shrewsbury Senior Center, 98 Maple Ave. Bring a friend and enjoy an entertaining afternoon with fun, friendship and food, sponsored by the Friends of the Shrewsbury Senior Center, Inc. Northborough Art Guild Meeting The Northborough Art Guild will hold its monthly meeting Nov. 18, at 7:30 p.m., at the Northborough Historical Society, 50 Main St. Ed Turner will present a program on the Art of Cartooning. Good Shepherd Harvest Craft/Book Faire The annual Celebration of Arts and Crafts at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 183 West Main St., Westborough, will be held Nov. 22, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Join the church for a day of fun, arts and crafts, a bake sale and more. For info, call the church at (508) 366-7095. B’nai Shalom 2008 Coffee House Dan Nichols, a nationally known entertainer specializing in Jewish-style music, will perform during a coffee house Nov. 22, at 8 p.m., at Congregation B’nai Shalom in Westborough. Doors will open at 7:15 p.m., when desserts will be served. Tickets, which range from $8/10 for children and youth groups to $15 and $20 for adults, can be obtained in advance by calling the temple at (508) 366-7191, visiting www.cbnaishalom.org/news/dannichols.php or at the door.    FUMC Hudson Friendship Dinner First United Methodist Church of Hudson will host a delicious all-you-can-eat pasta dinner Nov. 22, from 5-7 p.m. The menu consists of spaghetti with homemade sauce and meatballs, fresh, crispy salad, hot garlic bread and an array of desserts. All are cordially invited, so bring your appetite and a friend or two. Donations are welcome. First United Methodist is located at 34 Felton St., just off the Rotary. Jewish Women's Circle - Illumination In preparation for the upcoming festival of Chanukah, The Jewish Women's Circle (JWC) is planning its next session Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m., at the home of interior decorator Laureen Edelson, 29 Nash St., Westborough. Guests will enjoy a delicious array of latkes at a latke bar. The group will be enriched with insights into the upcoming Jewish month of light, Kislev. Edelson will enlighten the guests by sharing trade secrets and insider decorating advice. Her work will be seen in the 2008 issues of Spectacular Homes of New England and Boston Design. Question and answer period will follow. Guests should bring any visuals such as floor plans, room photos and paint/fabric swatchesCost is $10 for the event and $50 for a yearly membership. Women of Note Open Rehearsals Starting Nov. 24, Women of Note will be having open rehearsals for a holiday chorus for anyone who would like to sing with them for their holiday season, as well as in any of their performances in December. Come and join the chorus for their holiday season and sing your favorite holiday tunes such as “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World,” and more. Visit www.womenofnote.org for more info or stop on by a Monday night rehearsal from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Grace Baptist Church, 353 River Rd., Hudson. Mothers and More Meeting The Assabet Valley Chapter of Mothers and More will meet Nov. 25, at 7 p.m., at Whitney Place, 238 Main St., Northborough. The topic will be on allowances: How old should a child be when he/she starts getting an allowance? How much should he/she get? Should allowance be tied to completing chores? Mothers and More is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of mothers. For more info, visit www.mothersandmoreassabetvalley.org Gobble Wobble 5K Run The 2nd annual Gobble Wobble 5k Run, a 5K run or two-mile walk and kids fun run, begins at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 27 at the Trottier School in Southborough, with registration from 7-8 a.m.  Pre-registration for run or walk is $20 and includes T-shirt, or $25 day of the race. Kid’s run is free. Register in person at Southborough Recreation, 21 Highland St., or on-line at NRG-BAR.COM. Sponsored by NRG-BAR and Southborough Recreation. For info, call (508) 229-4452. Saint Mary Craft Fair The annual Saint Mary Craft Fair (formerly the Holly Fair) will be held Dec. 6, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Dec. 7, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., in the church hall, 16 Summer St., Shrewsbury. The fair will feature unique gifts, local crafters, advent supplies and baked goods; all kinds of greenery including natural wreaths, door swags, kissing balls, cemetery boxes, boxwood trees and poinsettias; and photos with St. Nick, a crafters raffle and more. For info, visit www.stmarysparish.org/School/. FUMC Hudson Holiday Craft Fair  Mark Dec. 6 on your calendar for this year's Holiday Craft Fair from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Hudson, Felton St. off the Hudson rotary. There will be handcrafted seasonal items, an array of tasty baked goods, and a country store with all sorts of gift items, as well as a silent auction, gift baskets, games and special events for children, and photos with Santa. For info, call (978) 562-2932. UCC Westborough Holiday Fair A Holiday Fair will be held Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Church, 64 West Main St., Westborough. The fair will offer a gift boutique, fresh holiday greens, handmade crafts, bake sale, breakfast, lunch, and, especially for children, a cake walk, face painting, shopping for the family, cookie decorating, and a photo opportunity. Tables for crafters are available. For more info, call Lori at (508) 366-2635 or e-mail uuwestboro@yahoo.com. Annual Westborough Ski Swap The 41st annual Westborough Ski Swap will be held Dec. 13, starting at 9 a.m., at its new location: the Hastings Elementary School, East Main Street (Route 30). Equipment will include new and used downhill skis, boots and clothing, skates and some cross country equipment. Used equipment may be dropped off only on Dec. 12, between 7-9 p.m. Used equipment is sold on a consignment basis. Explorer Post 85 will again run and benefit from this year's swap. Boar’s Head Festival The Master Singers of Worcester will present its sixth Boar’s Head Festival Dec. 13, at 4 p.m., at Wesley Methodist Church, 114 Main St., Worcester. The event will highlight the Worcester Children’s Chorus, Shrewsbury Youth Singers, Shrewsbury Ringers, organist Brett Maguire, brass and percussion in songs expressing the joy of Christmas and Hanukkah and the mystery of the winter solstice. Tickets: $20, students/seniors $18, WOO discount. For info or tickets, call (508) 842-1349 or visit www.mswma.org. Snow date: Dec. 14. Holiday Family Concert On Dec. 14, at 3 p.m., the second annual Family Holiday Concert with folksingers Chuck & Mud will be held at Unitarian Universalist Church, 64 West Main St., Westborough. Tickets: $6 advance, $8 door, free for children. For info or advance tickets, call (508) 366-2635 or visit www.uuwestborough.org. Ongoing “Illuminations” Opening Reception The opening reception of "Illuminations," new work by portrait and landscape artists Jeanne Smith, will be on exhibit through Nov. 26 at the Post Road Art Center, 1 Boston Post Rd. East, Marlborough. Gallery hours: Mondays through Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. For info, call (508) 485-2580 or visit www.PostRoadArtCenter.com. “Transitive” Exhibit at Hudson Town Hall “Transitive,” an exhibit of very recent work painted by Randi Isaacson of Post Road Art Center in Marlborough is currently on display throughout the first floor of Hudson Town Hall, 78 Main St.. The public is invited to enjoy viewing the Marlborough resident's acrylics and oil pastels weekdays during regular Town Hall hours of 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. through November. For more info, visit www.upwitharts.org or call the Arts Alliance at (978) 562-1646. Westborough Woman’s Club Holiday House Tour The Westborough Woman's Club is finalizing plans for their annual Holiday House Tour Dec. 13. Each year 4-5 homes are featured on the tour, and for the second year a local religious building will be included. The house tour committee is looking for another home to feature in December. For info, call Priscilla at (508) 366-4538 or Judy at (508) 870-1895. Tickets for the tour will be available beginning in mid October. For info on the club or membership, call (508) 870-1895. Mount Olivet Play Group A drop-in play group for children up to grade 1 (accompanied by a parent, guardian or caretaker) is held Fridays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, Prospect/Spring Sts., Shrewsbury. The free play group includes light refreshments, toys, games, music and arts & crafts. For info, call (508) 842-2731 or e-mail office_mtolivet@townisp.com. BNI Meetings The local BNI Chapter in Westborough meets at noon every Wednesday at Tatnuck Bookseller, 18 Lyman St., Westborough. BNI is a non-profit business networking group. Artist Guild of Shrewsbury Meetings The Artist Guild of Shrewsbury meetings are held the first Monday of each month (if a holiday, the meeting will be held the second Monday) at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at Southgate, Julio Drive, Shrewsbury. Meetings are held September through May and new members are always welcome. Visit www.artistguildshrewsbury.com for more info. ACONE Support Groups Adoption Community of New England (ACONE) offers monthly support groups for all those touched by adoption, including adult adopted persons, birth families, adoptive parents and those waiting to adopt. Groups are free of charge, but RSVP is requested. The meetings are held at ACONE, 45 Lyman St., #2, Westborough. For info, call (508) 366-6812, e-mail info@AdoptionCommunityofNE.org or visit www.AdoptionCommunityofNE.org. Colonial Spirit Chorus Do you like to sing and dance? Are you looking for an educational experience that will stretch your mind and body while having fun? Join the Colonial Spirit Show Chorus each Thursday night from 7-10 p.m. at the Church of The Good Shepherd on Newtown Road (off Route 27, Acton. For further info, call (978) 692-2270 or (978) 263-0562 or visit www.colonialspirit.org. FUMC Agape Café Every Thursday evening, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the Agape Café at First United Methodist Church, 34 Felton St., Hudson. The doors to Lamson Hall open at 4 p.m. for coffee, tea, cribbage and visiting with friends or meeting new folks. A hearty three-course dinner is served from 5-6:30 p.m. and the menu varies weekly. Everyone is welcome, from young families to seniors and in-between. All meals are free and guests are encouraged to bring family and friends. For info, call (978) 562-2932. MWHS Adoption Hours The MetroWest Humane Society, 30 Pond St., Ashland, holds regular adoption hours Sundays, 1-4 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Visit www.webpaws.com/mwhs or call (508) 375-3776 for info. Women For Sobriety Self-Help Group Women For Sobriety, Inc announces a new self-help group for women with substance abuse issues. This group will practice the “New Life” Program that teaches women ways to cope with life's problems and live a life free from substances of abuse. Meetings are held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 90 Holden St., Worcester, weekly on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. Call Becky at (508) 853-3413 for info and to receive free program literature. AV Pastoral Counseling Support Groups Are you looking for support, a listening ear, compassion from someone coping with a similar situation? Join a small group of others who come together to share and receive leadership and perspective. The new spring support groups available at Assabet Valley Pastoral Counseling Center in Westborough include a caregivers group for anyone feeling overwhelmed while taking care of another; a divorce group for anyone considering or going through separation or divorce or have been legally divorced; and a grief and loss group. For info, call Mary Taber at (508) 366-4000. Alcohol Dependence Counseling for Women The Couples Project for Women (CPW) offers free treatment for women with alcohol dependence that are married or live with a male partner. Weekly one-on-one outpatient therapy for 5 to 6 months promotes women’s recovery. Some women also receive couples counseling to promote recovery and improve communication. The study is conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School and AdCare Hospital. For more info, call AdCare Hospital of Worcester at 1-800-345-3552 extension 4043. Safe Place Support Group Safe Place, a free, confidential support group for people who have lost loved ones to suicide, meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, from 7-9 p.m., at the Plymouth Church, 87 Edgell Rd., Framingham, starting May 14. For info or directions, call Kim Kates at (617) 536-2460. Westborough Fibromyalgia Support Group The ongoing support group meets on the first Thursday of each month at Tatnuck Bookseller, 18 Lyman St. (Westborough Plaza), at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome  (people with fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue, as well as family and household members) for discussion, coping tips and understanding. For more info, call Diana at (978) 568-0566. Free GED Classes in Hudson The Hudson Maynard Adult Learning Center offers a free GED preparation program in Hudson, including ABE classes in Basic Skills, pre-GED and GED. Registration is ongoing. Classes run through June at the Hudson High School on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Practice GED testing is also offered year-round. For more info, call (978) 567-6250 ext. 0137. MAB Car Donations MAB Community Services (formerly the Massachusetts Association of the Blind) is accepting the donation of unwanted cars to benefit its services and programs. Free tow and quick pick up. Boats, trailers, campers, motorcycles, jet skis and snowmobiles also accepted. For info, call (888) 613-2777 or (508) 854-0700. Home School Social Held at Hudson Public Library, 3 Washington St. (at Wood Square) on the first Thursday of every month at 1 p.m. Come discuss common issues/interest, meet other home school parents, and let the kids play board games together. No sign up is required. For info, contact Children’s Librarian Deborah Backman at (978) 568-9645. Westborough Seniors Cribbage Group The Westborough Seniors Cribbage Group welcomes new members at its Tuesday get-togethers, held 9:30 a.m.-noon at the Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Rd. For info, call (508) 366-3000. Rice Memorial Baptist Church Morning Prayer Morning prayer at 85 Lincoln St., Northborough, is held 6:30-7:30 a.m. Spend a few moments of quiet time before beginning the day. Christian/non-denominational, all are welcome. Call the church office at (508) 393-3481 for info. Whitney Place at Northborough Offers free support groups for people with early-stage memory disorders and their care partners. Groups meet 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month from 10:30 a.m.-noon, at 238 W. Main St., Northborough. All meetings open to the public and other support groups are available. For info or to reserve a space, call Aimee at (508) 393-5655 ext. 256. Toastmasters Meets every Thursday from 7:45-9 a.m. in the Hanover Insurance Building, 440 Lincoln St., Worcester. Call (508) 756-5677 or visit http://earlyrisers.freetoasthost.org/ for info. The Couples Project for Women CPW offers free treatment for women with alcohol dependence who are married or live with a male partner. Weekly one-on-one outpatient therapy for 5 to 6 months promotes women’s recovery. Some women also receive couples counseling to promote recovery and improve communication. The study is conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School and AdCare Hospital. For info, call AdCare Hospital of Worcester at (800) 345-3552 ext. 4043. Horizons for Homeless Children Seeking volunteers to help out 22 family homeless shelters in Central Massachusetts. A commitment of 2 hours a week is required for at least 6 months. Day and evening hours are available. For info or to register for training, visit www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org or call (508) 755-2615. VNA Care Hospice Grief Support Group Free grief support group for adults coping with the death of a loved one. The group meets from 1-2:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at Whitney Place Assisted Living at Northborough, 238 West Main St. To register or for info, call Susan Tarantino at (800) 521-5539 ext. 5624, e-mail starantino@vnacarenetwork.org or visit www.vnacarenetwork.org. Road to Recovery Drivers are needed in the greater Westborough area to transport local cancer patients to treatments. For info on volunteering, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345. American Lung Association Seeks the donation of unwanted cars to help support its lung health programs. Call (800) 577-LUNG or visit www.donateyourcar.com for info. Worcester Animal Rescue League Now open for adoptions until 7 p.m. on Thursdays, at 139 Holden St., Worcester. Visit www.worcester-arl.org for info. Overeaters Anonymous Now meets at St. Luke the Evangelist Church’s Parish Center, 1 Ruggles St., Westborough, at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening. Boys & Girls Club Car Campaign Seeking the donation of unwanted cars to benefit local clubs. Call (800) 246-0493 for info. No restrictions. S.T.A.R.S. Students Teach and Reach Seniors invites Westborough seniors to learn the computer from high school students every Monday 2:15-3:15 p.m. at the high school library. Free, all levels of experience welcome. For info or to register, call (508) 366-3000. Crossroads FM The fibromyalgia/CFS support group meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Tatnuck Booksellers & Cafe, 18 Lyman St., Westborough. For info, e-mail Merle Portnoy at meport@charter.net or call (508) 366-7998. Marlborough Hospital CPR Classes Offered to the community on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Heartsaver CPR classes cost $45 per participant ($55pp for Heartsaver and automatic electronic defibrillation classes). Call Michael Sawtelle at (508) 486-5465 for info or to register. Elder “Keep Well” Clinic The Northborough Senior Center, 1 Centre Dr., holds an Elder “Keep Well” Clinic the 3rd Tuesday of each month, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Call (508) 393-5035 for info. NAMI National Alliance for the Mentally Ill support meetings are held 7-9 p.m. the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 373 Plantation St., 2 Biotech Park, 3rd floor, Worcester. The New Parent Group For first-time parents with a child under 6 months, the group meets at Assabet Valley Area Family Network, 169 Pleasant St., Marlborough. Call (508) 485-0085 for meeting times, dates or other info.   Women in Transition A mutual support group for women that meets 2nd Monday of each month, 7:30-9 p.m., at the Church of the Nativity in Northborough. For info, call Jenny Church at (508) 393-5447. MetroWest Parent Support Group For parents of kids/adolescents with behavioral, emotional or mental health special needs. Meets 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 7-9 p.m., at Wayside Youth & Family Network, 75 Fountain St., Framingham. Free, confidential. For info, call Lois DeRusha at (508) 620-0010 ext. 342. Parents Helping Parents Offers free, confidential and anonymous weekly support groups throughout Massachusetts. Volunteers are also being sought as group facilitators. For info, call (800) 882-1250.