Calendar

21 Friday Family Bingo Night at Kane School Kane Elementary School, 520 Farm Rd., Marlborough, will be hosting a Family Bingo Night from 6-8 p.m. There will be two bingo sessions throughout the evening, with lots of fun prizes for the winners. During the break, there will also be a toy raffle. Pizza and other refreshments will be for sale. Westborough Players’ Club Opens Season Westborough Players' Club is launching its 72nd season with its children's theater production of “Anne of Green Gables, the Musical.” Featuring the talents of 33 children from MetroWest and Central Massachusetts, the production will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Gibbons Middle School, Fisher St., Westborough. Also Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 and may be reserved on line at www.westboroughplayers.com or by calling (508) 616-6945. JCC Fair With A Flair Come to the Fair with a Flair from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Westborough JCC, 45 Oak St. Get your holiday shopping done early and have some fun, too. For info, call (508) 366-6121. Wingate at Sudbury Arts & Crafts Fair Wingate at Sudbury, 136 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury, will be holding its annual Arts & Crafts Fair from 12-4 p.m. Also Nov. 22, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Over 35 artists and crafters will present handmade items, along with resident-made crafts, baked goods, raffles, knitted items, artwork, much more. Free admission and free parking. For info, call (978) 443-2722 ext. 2243. 22 Saturday Holiday Gifts on the Common Stop by the Southborough Community House, 28 Main St., from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. for Holiday Gifts on the Common. Twelve New England artisans will be presenting pottery, quilts, baskets, painting and more. Admission is free, so get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping at this holiday event. 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 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. Tatnuck Author Event – Sean Glennon Join Sean Glennon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tatnuck Bookseller, 18 Lyman St., Westborough, as he discusses and signs his new book, "The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: New England Patriots." "The Good, the Bad & the Ugly" (with a foreword by John Hannah) presents all the best (and worst) moments and personalities in the history of the New England Patriots. B’nai Shalom 2008 Coffee House Dan Nichols, a nationally known entertainer specializing in Jewish-style music, will perform during a coffee house 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.    “Hearts for Heat” Fund-Raiser “Hearts for Heat,” a gala to raise funds for Grafton’s fuel assistance program, will be held in the grand ballroom at Highfields Golf Course and Country Club. Hors d’oeuvres will be enjoyed from 5-8 p.m., followed by music and dancing from 8-11 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at Sir Loin’s Deli, 8 Williams St.; the Selectmen’s Office and Grafton Senior Center, both at 30 Providence St.; and Highfields Golf Course and Country Club.  FUMC Hudson Friendship Dinner First United Methodist Church of Hudson will host a delicious all-you-can-eat pasta dinner 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. Grafton Inn Hosts Musician Chris Reddy The Grafton Inn, located at 25 Grafton Common, will present the music of Chris Reddy at 8 p.m. in the bar area. No charge. For info, call (508) 839-5931. Christopher House Pumpkin Patch Fair The annual Christopher House Pumpkin Patch Fair benefit for resident’s activities will begin at 9 a.m. and run through 3 p.m. There will be crafts, notions, Christmas gift items, home baked goods, fudge, flea market, crocheted items, restaurant and refreshments, as well as free door prizes. The public is welcome and admission is free. Christopher House is located near the entrance to Green Hill Park and Worcester Technical High School, 10 Mary Scano Dr., Worcester. First Parish of Bolton Holiday Bazaar The First Parish of Bolton, 673 Main St., Bolton, will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The bazaar includes a gallery of hand-made items from local artisans, smaller handcrafted gifts and ornaments, a bake shop, a candy shop, and much more. Jewish Women's Circle - Illumination In preparation for the upcoming festival of Chanukah, The Jewish Women's Circle (JWC) is planning its next session 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 swatches Cost is $10 for the event and $50 for a yearly membership. 23 Sunday Shrewsbury Community Thanksgiving The Shrewsbury Community Thanksgiving Service will start at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, 19 Church Rd., hosted by Rev. Dr. Paul Adkins and Rev. David Nason. Preaching at the service this year is Rev. Fr. Nicholas K. Apostola, who has been the Pastor of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church for over 20 years. The Community Thanksgiving Services is hosted by a different Shrewsbury church each year, with a guest preacher from one of the participating churches. Holiday Decorations Workshop at St. Anne’s A Holiday Decorations Workshop will be hosted from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at St Anne’s Father Smith Center, Route 9, Shrewsbury. All materials will be supplied and participants will be shown how to make wreaths, garlands and kissing balls with mixed greens. Wreath costs are: 12-inch, $10; 16-inch, $25; 24-inch, $45; and 36-inch, $60. Garlands cost $2.50 per foot and kissing balls cost $25. Bows, pinecones, and berries will be available. Reserve your space and supplies by e-mailing gardengirls@artisanwomen.com or calling (508) 925-4600. Walk-ins welcome, but reservations will be taken first. St. Luke's Free Community Supper St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hudson will be hosting a Community Supper from 5-6 p.m. Meals are prepared with the season in mind - hearty and flavorful for those chilly fall evenings. Come on down and experience tasty food and a friendly atmosphere. St. Luke's is located at the rotary in Hudson. Parking is available behind the fire station or on the street. For more info, visit www.stlukeshudson.org. Simon Evening of Giving Solomon Pond Mall in Marlborough will be reserved exclusively for a private after-hours shopping event from 7-9:30 p.m. The evening will include special sales at participating stores, holiday festivities and a chance to win numerous door prizes. Cost is $10 per person, with proceeds going to charity. For more info, contact Sheila Hennessy at (508) 303-0204. WPL Great Depression Lecture Series The Westborough Public Library, 55 West Main St., will present the last session in a four-part video lecture series on the Great Depression at 2 p.m. 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. 24 Monday Women of Note Open Rehearsals Women of Note will start 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 the Monday night rehearsal from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Grace Baptist Church, 353 River Rd., Hudson. UMass Memorial Health Insurance Counseling  Need health insurance? UMass Memorial health insurance counselors will be available to explain health insurance and food stamp programs, answer questions and fill out and submit paperwork to determine if you are eligible. Visit the UMass Memorial Ronald McDonald Care Mobile from 9 a.m.-noon at the Worcester Youth Center, 326 Chandler St., Worcester. For more info, call (508) 334-9300 or e-mail needinsurance@ummhc.org. 25 Tuesday Mothers and More Meeting The Assabet Valley Chapter of Mothers and More will meet 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. 26 Wednesday Hudson Blood Drive An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Hudson Elks Lodge, 98 Park St. All donors will receive a pair of Wachusett Mountain ski lift tickets (certain black out dates apply). Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are also welcome. For info or an appointment, call (800) 448-3543 or visit www.givelife.org. 27 Thursday 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. 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. 28 Friday Stephanie G Jewelers Pandora Event Stephanie G Jewelers, 77 Main St., Hopkinton, will be hosting a “Pandora Jewelry for the Holidays Event” through Nov. 29. During the event, customers will receive a free Pandora travel case with the purchase of $100 in Pandora Jewelry. Also, Pandora will introduce a new line of earrings that reflects your mood, a special occasion or latest trends. For info, visit  www.stephaniegjewelers.com or call (508) 435-4444. 29 Saturday Christmas at the Farm “Festival of Trees” The Peter Rice Homestead, 377 Elm St., Marlborough, will host its 1st annual Christmas at the Farm “Festival of Trees” from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Includes holiday decorations, crafts, gift items, wreaths, baked goods, music, raffle and more. Free admission and free parking. Merger of Local Granges Event The Westborough Grange will merge with the Worcester and Boylston granges to form the Center Communities Grange at 3 p.m. at the Boylston Town House, 221 Main St. (Route 70), Boylston. The merger ceremony is open to the public and will be followed by a free spaghetti supper. Reservations for the supper are due by Nov. 24 and can be made by contacting Nancy Sundstrom at (508) 366-4776. 30 Sunday Westborough 2008 Festival of Lights The Rotary Club of Westborough has announced that the Festival of Lights annual tree lighting will begin at dusk (around 4:30 p.m.) at the downtown rotary. This year’s participants include the Westborough Community Chorus and, of course, Santa Claus. If weather is poor at the time of the event, a notice to that effect will be posted at the rotary. Peggy’s Place Holiday Event Peggy's Place Boutique, One Grafton Common, Grafton, will be holding its annual Holiday Event with special event hours from 12-7 p.m. Offerings will include door prizes, a gift an hour all day, discounts and great hors d'oeuvres. Also, a selection of Pandora Jewelry will be on display for sale during the event. Upcoming Pieta Support Group Memorial Mass Dec. 1, the Pieta Support Group will host a Mass at 7 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Manning St., Hudson, in honor of their children who have died. Names for the memorial booklet will include those who were previously listed, while additional names can be included by calling (978) 562-3016 or (978) 562-3798. A reception and supper will be held in Parish Center Room. All are welcome. Friends of the Marlborough Public Library Concert “Gala Holiday Concert,” the first concert of The Friends “YACYSHYN Concert Series” 39th season, will be presented Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature Quintessential Brass in the Bigelow Auditorium, Marlborough Public Library, 35 West Main St. Admission to the concert is free and open to the public.  For further info, call (413) 648-9663 or e-mail rajohnson36@verizon.net. Hudson Downtown Holiday Stroll The 6th annual Hudson Downtown Holiday Stroll will be held from 4-10 p.m. Dec. 5. The event will feature Santa, food, music, horse-drawn hayrides and fun for all ages throughout downtown Hudson. For more info, visit www.hudsonstroll.com. The Friends Annual Holiday Party The Friends of the Marlborough Public will hold their annual Holiday Party Dec. 5 at the Wildwood Steak House, Boston Post Road East (Route 20), Marlborough. The event starts at 6 p.m. with a social hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and a holiday gift exchange at 8 p.m. Friends members and guests, as well as the public, are cordially invited. Cost: $30. For reservations, call Friends VP Teresa Stefanski at (508) 485-4204. For info, call (508) 485-4204 or 413-648-9663 or e-mail rajohnson36@verizon.net. UCMH Craft Fair, Ornament Making Night Dec. 5, from 4-8 p.m., there will be a “Craft Fair and Ornament Making Night” at the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson, 80 Main St., Hudson. Enjoy hot cider and doughnuts while perusing unique handmade items or making handmade ornaments. For this event, there will be a materials fee based on projects selected. For info, visit www.ucmh.org, e-mail administrator@ucmh.org or call (978) 562-9180. Santa to Arrive in Southborough Come and welcome Santa as he stops by for a visit to Southborough. He will arrive by helicopter at noon on the field in front of St. Mark’s School, intersection of Routes 85 and 30, before crossing the street to the Community House, where he will be available for photographs and to listen to individual gift requests. Cost of $5/child or $10/family price of admission includes a photo with Santa, craft projects and light refreshments. Organized by Southborough Kindergroup. For info, e-mail kmarous@kindergroup.com. 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/. Westborough Senior Center Breakfast with Santa Have “Breakfast with Santa” Dec. 6, from 8-11:30 a.m., at the Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Rd.  The breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice. Tickets are $3 and free for children 3 and under. 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. Shrewsbury Friends Holiday Open House The Friends of the Shrewsbury Library invite the community to its Holiday Open House Dec. 6, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at the library, 609 Main St., Shrewsbury. Includes make-and-take holiday crafts, stories for the season, music starting at 11 a.m., dreidel game and more. Refreshments will be served. Valentine Workshop for Dogs Deserve Better A Valentine Workshop to benefit Dogs Deserve Better, a group dedicated to helping formerly chained or penned dogs, will be held Dec. 6, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Northborough Historical Society, 50 Main St. For ages 7 to adult, participants should bring some of their own supplies to the workshop. Pets Gone Healthy Holiday Open House Pets Gone Healthy, 505 Boston Post Rd. West, Marlborough, will hold its 4th annual Holiday Open House Dec. 6 and 7. For info, call (508) 485-3881 or visit www.petsgonehealthy.com. River Visions 2008 Watershed Forum The SuAsCo Watershed Community Council presents River Visions 2008, “Greening the SuAsCo Watershed: LEED, LID and Other Tools for Responding to Climate Change,” Dec. 6 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The event will be held at Clock Tower Place in Maynard. Registration: $35 if postmarked by Nov. 26, $40 is postmarked by Dec. 1, $45 at the door. For more info, visit www.SuAsCo.org. Northborough Chiropractic Center Workshop Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m., the Northborough Chiropractic Center, 6 Maple St., will host Karen Davis, CK, Holistic Nutritional Consultant, on “Staying Healthy in the Cold & Flu Season.” The workshop is free, but seating is limited. For more info or to register, call (508) 393-2513 or visit www.northborochiropractic.com. Whitney Place Hosts Alzheimer’s Presentation Whitney Place at Natick, 3 Vision Dr. (Route 9 west), will offer a free presentation Dec. 10 on “Facing the Difficult Truth: Resisting, Denying and Accepting Alzheimer’s” with Gary Davis, LSW, CDP, director of the Tapestry Program. Light refreshments and tours will be held 5:30-6 p.m., followed by the one-hour presentation. Space is limited and reservations should be made by calling Sharon Ostiguy at (508) 655-3344 ext. 3952. 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. GFWC – Westborough Woman’s Club Holiday House Tour Start off the holiday season with family and friends at the GFWC-Westborough Woman's Club Holiday House Tour Dec. 13 from 1-4 p.m. Refreshments for all ticket holders will be at the vestry of the Evangelical Congregational Church, West Main Street, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Each ticket holder will get directions to the homes and church, a brief description of each home and refreshments. Tickets are $20 per person for ages 12 and up, and may be purchased in advance by mailing a check payable to Westborough Woman's Club at PO Box 182, Westborough MA 01581. Tickets may also be ordered by calling Kathie at (508) 366-0902, Priscilla at (508) 366-4538 or Judy at (508) 870-1895. 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. 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. For info, call Priscilla at (508) 366-4538 or Judy at (508) 870-1895. Tickets for the tour are now available. For info on the club or membership, call (508) 870-1895. Holiday Nature Crafts Open House Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Dr., Worcester, will host a Holiday Nature Crafts Open House Dec. 13, from 1-4 p.m. Come to the visitor center to view the Christmas tree decorated with all-natural ornaments before going to the program room to make your own. Cost: $4 adult members/$5 nonmembers, $3 kids/$4 nonmembers. Snow date: Dec. 14. For info or registration, call (508) 753-6087. 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 “Open Microphone” at Mulligan’s Got Talent? Then share it during Mulligan’s “Open Microphone,” which will be hosted by blues guitarist JBB and friends from 5-7:30 p.m. on Sundays. All styles are welcome, including acoustic, blues, folk, alternative, country, Celtic and spoken word. Mulligan’s is located on Route 30 at the Westborough Country Club. For info, call (508) 361-4111. Wayside Inn Gallery Hosts Exhibit Marlborough photographer Edward Roche will exhibit his newest work at the Wayside Inn Gallery, Wayside Rd. in Sudbury, through Dec. 28. The work will be displayed on two floors, including the main lobby area of Longfellow’s Wayside Inn and a special gallery space located above the gift shop. All photographs are available for sale, with 20 percent of all proceeds benefiting the non-profit mission of the Wayside Inn Historic Site. For more info, call (978) 443-1776 or visit www.wayside.org. “Illuminations” Exhibition "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. Anytime Fitness Toys for Tots Drive Anytime Fitness of Hudson and Northborough will again participate in its annual Toys-for-Tots membership drive. Through Dec. 15, local residents and members are encouraged to drop off unwrapped toys that will be distributed to the needy children of the community. The drop-off boxes are located at Anytime Fitness Northborough, 4 West Main St., and Anytime Fitness Hudson, 312 Main St. For more info, call Anytime Fitness at (508) 393-0724 or visit www.anytimenorthboro.com. Westborough Woman's Club to "Keep the Heat On" The Westborough Woman's Club and Westborough schools recently announced a partnership to help with the town's fuel assistance program. "Keep The Heat On'' will involve community members of all ages collecting coins or making donations of any amount to the fuel assistance program in town. Fales Elementary and Mill Pond Intermediate Schools will have coin collection jars in their building for donations. Coins will be collected through Dec. 15. A donation may also be made by check, payable to the Friends of the Senior Center, P.O. Box 1072, Westborough, MA 01581. For info, call Judy at (508) 870-1895. “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. Young at Heart Club 2009 Trips The Young at Heart Club has already planned some trips for 2009, including a three-day trip to Indianhead Resort in New Hampshire, March 11-13; a seven-day trip to Mackinac Island, MI, June 14-20; and a few day trips also. For more info, call Sue at (508) 476-3438. Deposits for the trips are now being accepted. 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.