Saturday, May 19th Events

Common Ground Tour

Time: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Place: Central Square, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

This is a library curated tour of some of the 'CommonGround' sites of Keene.  'Common Ground' sites are markers for collective memory.  Our tour will start at Central Square.  We will then tour several nearby sites such as the Summer Knight Chapel and Woodland Lawn Cemetery, Ashuelot River Park, Horatio Colony House Museum, The Keene State College Brickyard, and Wyman Tavern.  Experts along the way will provide background information and insight into our community. We will take breaks for reflection and lunch along the way.

This event is co-sponsored by the Horatio Colony House Museum and is part of our Building Common Ground: Discussions of Community, Civility and Compassion which has been made possible through a grant from the American Library Associationand the Fetzer Institute.

Bird Walk

Time: 8:00 am-11:00 am
Place: Walcott Lot, Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

With the Harris Center. Walcott Lot--site of the latest land protection partnership with the Peterborough Conservation Committee. Susan and Charles Walcott, life-long avid birders, gave the tract to the town of Peterborough in 1986. And the commission has just orchestrated donating a conservation easement to the Harris Center, permanently protecting the 145 acres(!) including donating a conservation easement to the Harris Center, encompassing a section of the Contoocook River Rail Trail which runs through great birding habitat. Meet Conservation Commission chair, and birding by eye and ear fan, Francie Von Mertens at 8 a.m. at the pullout area just beyond the Peterborough Recycling Center—on Scott Mitchell Road off Route 202 North. Back by 11 a.m. 

Children and the Arts Festival

Time: 9:00 am-7:00 pm
Place: Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

This year's theme is "Flower Power"!

The 17th annual Children and the Arts Festival will be held on Saturday, May 19th, 2012 in downtown Peterborough. A year of planning and great community cooperation culminates in this all-day event, where the streets will be closed to vehicular traffic and filled instead with song, laughter, parading Giant Puppets, food, fun, dancing, chalk art, the Art Walk, and something for everyone who loves art and children.  Our schools, businesses, organizations, and families come together to create this very special day and it attracts children and their families from throughout the Monadnock region and beyond.

From Generation to Generation 
POSTPONED

Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Mariposa Museum, Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: $7 non-members/$5 members
Ages: Older

Mary Catherine Bateson is a writer and cultural anthropologist. She taught at Harvard, Amherst College, George Mason University, Northeastern University and Spelman College in the United States, as well as in the Philippines and Iran. She has been interested in how women and men work out distinctive ways of adapting to culture change, learning from those around them and improvising new ways of being. Her latest book, Composing a Further Life: The Age of Active Wisdom (2010), describes a new life stage, Adulthood II, before old age, which is characterized by health, energy, continued learning and spiritual development that builds on years of diverse experience.

See more info 

Kayak With Your Kiddo

Time: 9:00 am-10:30 am
Place: Northfield Mountain Recreational and Environmental Center, Northfield, MA (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: $20 per adult child pair
Ages: 7 and older

Using a tandem kayak is a great way for an adult and child to give paddling a try. As the group explores the special nooks and crannies of Barton Cove, kids can paddle as they are able and parents can provide the power and direction for the boat. The group will begin learning kayaking basics, turning right, left and going straight and then set off across the Cove while singing a classic paddling song. Bring along a snack and drink to enjoy while the group takes a break from the boats and skips stones. Then paddle, explore and return to our starting place. No prior kayaking experience required. Life jackets will be worn by all participants during the program. Pre-registration required by calling 1-800-859-2960.

Circesta

Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Place: Johnathan Daniels School, 179 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH
Price: n/a
Ages: All

Wonderful family fun day filled with hayrides, bouncy house, face painting, dunk tank, midway games, crafts, food and much more. Rain or shine.
Contact: (603) 352-8012
Flyer 

2nd Annual Dray 'N' Fly 5K

Time: All day
Place: Town Hall, Church St., Deerfield, NH (about 70 miles from Keene)
Price: See below
Ages: All

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Hampshire,
the Deerfield Cooperative Preschool, and the Dragon Playground fund at the Deerfield Community School.

10 a.m. start at Town Hall.
$20 for pre-registration thru April 15
$25: April 16 to May 16
$30 Race day registration; 8:30-9:30  a.m. @ Deerfield Town Hall
Choice of commemorative "tech" T-shirt or cotton t-shirt for those over 14 registered by April 15.
Raffle prizes.

Kid's Fun Run to follow event.
$10 ages 6-14 cotton t-shirt (shirts only guaranteed if registered before April 15 )
Children 5 and under enter free
Registration April 16 -May 16
Prizes for the top finishers in the Men's,Women's, and Under 14 divisions

Peregrine Falcon Festival

Time: 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Place: Amoskeag Fishways, 4 Fletcher St., Manchester, NH (about 60 miles from Keene)
Price: $3 per person/$6 per family
Ages: All

The Amoskeag Fishways presents a special event to celebrate peregrine falcons.  The fastest bird in the world lives right here in Manchester!  A live falcon will be our guest.  Participants will enjoy raptor presentations and community art projects throughout the day.  Groups will walk across the bridge to the Brady Sullivan building where an interpretive naturalist will be on hand to assist in spotting our Manchester peregrine falcons.  Please bring binoculars if possible.

Cost: $3 per person or $6 per family.  No registration required.  Call 626-3474 for more information.  www.amoskeagfishways.org

Pawsitively Pets Expo

Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Place: Daniel Webster College, 20 University Drive, Nashua, NH (about 45 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Come and celebrate all things with four legs, fins, wings and whiskers! Pets from all over NH are bringing their owners to the Expo to visit with pet-related vendors and enjoy a day full of activities.

Animals help us to live longer and happier lives. They depend on us for care, love, food, and shelter. We're pairing up with the Humane Society for Greater Nashua to celebrate that bond. Don't have a pet? The Humane Society for Greater Nashua will have pets available for adoption.

Bring your favorite four-legged friend! Dogs who are spayed or neutered and on a short leash, may attend the event with a responsible guardian.

Event highlights include a K-9 demonstration by the Nashua Police Department, a pet psychic and intuitive communicator, an opportunity to get your photo taken with your pet, as well as a basic training and tricks demonstration for dogs.

Social dogs are  invited to attend a free 25-minute training class taught by Puppy Please!  For those interested in participating in the training class, please visit www.telegraphevents.com for the complete registration form.  Owners are reminded to bring pieces of dog treats to reward dogs for their good behavior during the class. This class is for well-adjusted dogs who get along well with others; this is not one-on-one training.
Contact: (603) 594-6471

Gerbil Show

Time: 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Place: Holiday Inn, 9 Northeastern blvd., Nashua, NH (about 45 miles from Keene)
Price: $2
Ages: All

Saturday, May 19th, 11am-5pm,  Holiday Inn in Nashua, NH. Gerbil owners and fans are invited to this family-friendly event. Serious gerbil owners and breeders may compete in official judging for the Best-in-Show honors. A fun Pet Class competition for kids gives awards for pets' endearing characteristics. There will be Gerbil Olympics events, exhibits on gerbil colors, gerbil art, other pets, specialty merchandise and a Parade of Gerbils. Admission is just $2.00 (maximum $10.00 per family). Visit www.agsgerbils.org or call 603-620-9906 for more information.

Monadnock Humane Society Open House

Time: 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Place: Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Rd., Swanzey, NH ( a few miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

The Monadnock Humane Society invites the public to attend the 2012 MHS Spring Open House.

Come and experience the joy of community with others who love animals, and learn all about how MHS serves the Monadnock Region. Bring the children for a wonderful learning experience while having fun! Everyone is welcome – admission is free! Plenty of parking available. 

Guests are invited to tour the facility, meet our staff, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Watch live demos of dog training for agility, obedience, and rally obedience. Meet some of our adoptable pets and learn about how they are cared for. Enjoy refreshments while touring the facility and talking with staff, trainers, and volunteers. 

Tickets for our Spring Fundraiser Raffle will be available throughout the night, and the drawing will take place at 8 p.m. (you don’t need to be present to win). Seven prizes in total include a beautiful hand-crafted cedar Kitty Condo, a “Learn to Kayak” package for 2 from EMS, a hand-stitched lap quilt from the Monadnock Quilters’ Guild, and more! 

There will be a special presentation on the new Tribute Tile Mural project that will be installed at the MHS Adoption and Learning Center. This collaborative project with local artist Carol Lake and mosaicist Heather Stockwell is designed to permanently recognize and pay tribute to a special pet in your life.  Place an order for a memorial tile that will celebrate the memory or life of your beloved pet, or the pet of a loved one.

Wetland Walk

Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Place: Horatio Colony Persevere, Daniels Hill Rd., Keene,  NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

A long woodland hike to visit wetlands and learn about ‘swamp” ecology.
Hike the Horatio Colony Nature Preserve Red Diamond and Ridgeline Trails to visit featured wetlands to learn about “swamp” ecology. The group will also visit sites highlighted in the Preserve’s Spring Quest, a guided treasure hunt for natural and historic wonders. Best for adults and children familiar with hiking.

Please wear shoes and clothes comfortable for a long hike in the woods. Be prepared for bugs.
www.horatiocolonymuseum.org

Super Spring Community Jam & Plant Sale

Time: 10:00 am-10:00 pm
Place: The Kindle Farm School, 1 Rte 30 at Newfane/Townshend line, Townshend, VT (about 33 miles from Keene)
Price: $5 suggested donation
Ages: All

The Kindle Farm School and Pizza Hippo jointly present The Super Spring Community Jam and Plant Sale to benefit the Kindle Farm vocational logging program.

Musical guests include Flabberghaster, Acoustic Roots, Medicine Warriors, Black Mountain FM, and Toni Atari. Flabberghaster kicks off the music from noon to 2pm. Everyone else to follow. $5 suggested donation.

The Annual Kindle Farm Plant Starter Sale features a variety of cold weather plant starts to give folks a head start on their home gardens. Currently there are approximately 12,000 starts growing in the KF greenhouse. Varieties include broccoli, cauliflower, kales, chards, lettuces, spinach, radishes, multiple herbs, eggplant, tomatoes, and more.
Additionally, there will be a bake sale, a cord wood raffle, and the opening day for Pizza Hippo’s Townshend Pizza Stand, serving local, organic pizzas all day long. All activities to take place at The Kindle Farm School, #1 Route 30, Townshend, VT 05353.
Pizza Hippo and Kindle Farm have formed a sustainable partnership dedicated to transforming communities through the power of organic food. Kindle Farm will grow the lion’s share of Pizza Hippo’s organic vegetables on-site. Additionally, the Kindle Farm vocational program is building the Pizza Hippo Townshend Pizza Stand from wood grown on campus, logged by the students, milled on-site, and finally transformed into a traditional New England architectural form by students under the supervision of staff carpenter Earl Cook.

“Growing everything from the tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables to the wood for the Pizza Hippo building here at Kindle Farm and then creating value added products just feet away from where it was grown minimizes our carbon footprint in a very meaningful way. It’s a level of sustainability most farm-to-table operations can only dream about, and most importantly, the Kindle Farm students are involved in this unique entrepreneurial enterprise on every level,” says Malcolm Hood, Pizza Hippo’s founder and executive chef.
Amber O’Reilly, Kindle Farm’s farm and vocational program manager adds, “Pizza Hippo’s operation has given new meaning to the work our students are doing as part of their education. Not only are they gaining hands on experience in farming, logging, and carpentry, they’re seeing first hand how to turn these skills into a small business enterprise.”
More details and the full music schedule can be found at www.pizzahippo.com

Why Some Politicians Are More Dangerous Than Others

Time: 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Place: Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St., Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older

Dr. James Gilligan will discuss his new book, Why Some Politicians Are More Dangerous Than Others.

Gilligan is best known for his books drawing on 25 years of work in the American prison system to describe the motivation and causes behind violent behavior.
In his most recent book he draws on research that connects election results and the rise of murder and suicide rates in the Untied States

The reasons are all too obvious: rates of every form of social and economic distress, inequality and loss – unemployment, recessions, poverty, bankruptcy, homelessness also ballooned to epidemic proportions. When that has happened, those in the population who were most vulnerable have “snapped”, with tragic consequences for everyone.
These epidemics of lethal violence have then remained at epidemic levels until the more liberal party regained political leadership and dramatically reduced the amount of deadly violence by diminishing the magnitude of the economic distress that had been causing it.
This pattern has been documented since 1900, when the US government first began compiling vital statistics on a yearly basis, and yet it has not been noticed by anyone until now except with regard to suicide in the UK and Australia, where a similar pattern has been described.

This book is a path-breaking account of a phenomenon that has implications for every country that presumes to call itself democratic, civilized and humane, and for all those citizens, voters and political thinkers who would like to help their country move in that direction.

Carol Gilligan and Elayne Clift

Time: 7:30 pm-9:00 pm
Place: Next Stage, 15 Kimball Hall, Putney, VT (about 27 miles from Keene)
Price: $17/$15 students
Ages: Older

“The Scarlet Letter: An Evening with Special Guest Carol Gilligan and Local Author Elayne Clift”. Ms. Gilligan is a noted feminist author and psychologist who teaches at NYU and Harvard.
She wrote the critically acclaimed 1993 book, In a Different Voice, and more recently, Joining the Resistance (2011). Carol has written both a play (“The Scarlet Letter”) and an opera (“Pearl”) which revisits Nathaniel Hawthorne’s classic tale from a contemporary, feminist perspective.
Clift, a local feminist writer, journalist and lecturer, has written a novel, Hester’s Daughters, which does the same.
They will be reading from their works, and Carol Gilligan will also be giving a talk titled “A is for Able: The Legacy of Hester Prynne.”
Admission $17 / $15 Students & Seniors
802 387 8500
www.nextstagearts.org

Author Signing in Keene

Time: 11:00 am
Place: Toadstool Bookshop, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages:

Dennis Michael Burke co-authored Granny D's American Century with Doris "Granny D" Haddock. Their book tells the story of Doris Haddock as a young woman whose bedrock New England values were tested during the Great Depression, and as a no-nonsense nonagenarian putting those values to work in the causes of voters' rights, women's rights, and campaign finance reform.
Dennis Michael Burke will be joined on Saturday, May 19 at 11:00 by actresses Alice Hale and Kathy Manfre highlighting events recounted in Doris "Granny D" Haddock's memoir.

Saturday Book Party

Time: 10:00 am-11:00 am
Place: Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library, 7 Forest Rd., Wilton, NH (about 30 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: 6-10

Stories and crafts for children ages 6-10. Contact: 654-2581

Plant Sale

Time: 9:00 am-11:00 am
Place: Wyman Tavern, 339 Main St., Keene, NH
Price: n/a
Ages: All

Plant Sale sponsored by the Monadnock Garden Club, at historic Wyman Tavern, 339 Main Street, Keene, Saturday, May 19th from  9am-11 am, rain or shine. 
Perennials from members' gardens will be featured. 

Concert + Dinner

Time: 4:15 dinner/6:0o pm concert
Place: Beth-El Bible Church, 13 Village Rd., Surry, NH (a few miles from Keene)
Price: $5 for dinner
Ages: All

The Jacobs Brothers in Concert

Saturday, May 19^th at 6:00 p.m. at Beth-El Bible Church, 13 Village Road, Surry

Dinner before the concert, cost is $5 per person.  You must choose the 4:15 seating or the 5:00 p.m. seating; and payment must be received by Sunday, May 13^th.  Call the church office at 352-5775 for more information and leave a message to reserve your seat(s).

 

www.bethelbiblechurch.com

Children & the Arts Festival & Parade

Time: 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Place: Peterborough, NH (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Come with The River Center and participate in Children in the Arts Parade!   FLOWER POWER. Contact The River Center in Peterborough if you would like to join in the fun!  924.6800


An Evening of Poetry

Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Place: Sharon Arts Center, Peterborough, NH (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Sharon Arts Center's Good Neighbor Series presents an evening of poetry by Jen Monroe, Tucker Samson, and Don Coutu. At the gallery. Free and open to the public.

What's special about today?

Bike to work day
The colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Harbor met to form the New England Confederation, 1643
Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy Birthday” to president John F. Kennedy, 1962
Malcolm X birthday, 1925