Sunday, November 6th Events

Film: Growing Outdoors in a Media Age

Time: 3:00 PM
Place: Hooker-Dunham Theater, 139 Main St., Brattleboro, VT (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: older crowd

BEEC and the Windham Childcare Association have teamed up to present Mother Nature’s Child, a film that explores nature’s powerful role in children’s health and development through the experience of toddlers, children in middle childhood, and adolescents. The film marks a moment in time when a living generation can still recall childhoods of free play outdoors; this will not be true for most children growing up today. The effects of “nature deficit disorder” are now being noted across the country in epidemics of child obesity, attention disorders, and depression. The film asks such questions as “Why do children need unstructured time outside?” and “How is play a form of learning?”

Directed and co-produced by Camilla Rockwell, Mother Nature’s Child was an Official Selection at the prestigious Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital.

The film lasts for about an hour, and will be followed by a discussion led by David Sobel, Senior Faculty at the Antioch New England Graduate School. David’s most recent book, Wild Play — Parenting Adventures in the Great Outdoors, offers advice on how to sense and guide your child’s passions, as well as how to use nature to help them grow.

What's special about today?

Basketball day
Saxophone day

Saturday, November 5th Events

NH Open Doors

Time: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Place: All over NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

NH Open Doors, a statewide touring and shopping event for all ages, will be held on November 5 and 6. Visit and shop at the open studios of New Hampshire craftspeople and artisans, local farms, orchards, wineries, and retail shops and galleries filled with NH-made products. When the day is done, find rest and relaxation at a local hotel or inn. Visit www.NHopendoors.com for a listing and map of participants.


The Nature of New Hampshire 

Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Place: Harris Center, 83 Kings Highway, Hancock, NH (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd

Come learn about amazing biodiversity in New Hampshire and the Monadnock region from Dan Sperduto, author of and photographer for the recent book, The Nature of New Hampshire from University of New Hampshire Press. Dan will present a slideshow on the natural communities in our region and have books on hand for sale and signature. Then we’ll head out from the Harris Center for a short driving tour of the natural communities and habitats protected by the Harris Center along Route 123 (Forest Road). Dan is an independent plant ecologist and photographer with Sperduto Ecological Services, LLC in Canterbury, NH. He studied Plant Biology at UNH, and Forest Management at UVM. He has more than 20 years experience with botanical and ecological studies, and with conservation planning with the Nature Conservancy, NH Natural Heritage Bureau, and the University of New Hampshire.

Circus Dreams Movie

Time: 2:00 PM
Place: Bellows Falls Opera House, Bellows Falls, VT (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: $5
Ages: All

Come one, Come All! To the Greatest Little Circus Film on Earth!
The Friends of the Rockingham Public Library proudly present “Circus Dreams” by documentary by filmmmaker Signe Taylor. This film offers an extraordinary window into Circus Smirkus, Vermont’s own – and the nation’s only--traveling youth circus.
There will be a pre-film performance by Troy Wunderle and a discussion after the film with with the director Signe Taylor and Wunderle.

What's special about today? 

The first black woman representative to serve in Congress, Shirley Chisholm, was elected.

Friday, November 4th Events

Contra Dance @ the Library

Time: 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, Herberton Hall
Price: Free
Ages: All

Join us for a fun family dance with caller Mary DesRosiers.

The Keene Public Library hosts a monthly free family dance for children and adults of all ages and abilities. Family Dances started at the Keene Public Library in the summer of 2003.  Now the dances are held the first Friday of each month from November through May.  Over the years, the series has become an important library program that helps to develop early literacy skills and is fun too.  Folk dancing helps to encourage the basic concepts of rhythm, repetition, sequencing, patterning, predictability, anticipation, musical cues, auditory discrimination, and counting.  These are all important early learning skills.  Traditional dance also is a great way to introduce children to the world’s rich diversity, to teach the enjoyment of dance, music, and rhythm and to begin a livelong habit of the social enjoyment and physical activity of dancing.

KidCraft at Mariposa Museum 

Time: 5:00 PM
Place: Mariposa Museum,  26 Main St, Peterborough, NH (19.9 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

To celebrate the continued exhibition, "Along the Silk Road," a reception will follow from 6-7 PM. All events from 5-9 PM are free and open to the public.


Film Festival of Chinese Cinema

Time: See description
Place: Marlboro College, Marlboro, VT (30.9 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

Ages: Older crowd

Marlboro College is pleased to present a weekend–long film festival showcasing some of the best new works in Chinese cinema. The six films include features and documentaries; half the films focus on China’s contemporary environmental challenges, while the other half address a range of social themes. Two scholars of Chinese cinema will give talks placing the films in historical and artistic context.

Friday, November 4, 7:30pm Before the Flood (2005)
Saturday, November 5, 1:00pm Manufactured Landscapes (2006)
Saturday, November 5, 3:30pm Blind Shaft (2003)
Saturday, November 5, 7:30pm Mountain Patrol (2004)
Sunday, November 6, 10:00am Getting Home (2007)
Sunday, November 6, 1:00pm Last Train Home (2009)

Friday Night Rainbow Lights Drop in Group for Teens

Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Place: Marlboro Graduate School, Brattleboro, VT (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Teens

Beginning on November 4, Marlboro College will sponsor a monthly “Friday Night (rainbow) Lights,” a drop-in group for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered, queer and questioning teens. The social and support group, which will take place from 6:00-9:00pm on the first Friday of each month at the Marlboro College Graduate School, will be a place where teens can relax, watch a movie, play a board game, vent, bond and talk about whatever they want. “We work so hard at Marlboro College to create a climate where difference can be discussed and embraced, and are thrilled to offer this opportunity to the local community,” said Ken Schneck, dean of students, Brattleboro select board member host of This Show is SO Gay. Pizza and soda will be provided. 

What's special about today?

King Tut's tomb discovery 1922
Cash register patented
Edison's incandescent light bulb patented

Thursday, November 3rd Events

Food For All- A Community Conversation

Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Antioch in Keene, Community Room.
Price: Free
Ages: older crowd

The forum, featuring leaders in such fields as human services, community gardening, food security and accessibility, will focus on building a sustainable local food economy. By bringing community members to the table, organizers hope "Food for All: A Community Conversation" will provide a platform to engage and take action to improve access to wholesome, affordable, sustainable food.

Farmers, gardeners, consumers, business and community leaders and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend, bring questions and engage in the conversation.

Antioch University New England is committed to "ecological stewardship and social justice, cultivating local as well as global perspectives to educate students with diverse backgrounds and opinions to become leaders of change." Keene Community Garden Connections is building Keene's local capacity to grow food and address issues of food insecurity related to climate change, personal and communal health, and resiliency. Monadnock Community Market Co-op is a cooperatively owned food store, opening in downtown Keene in 2012, that will provide a diverse selection of local, organic, and natural foods.

More information will be available at www.antiochne.edu/cgc. 


Movie at the College

Time: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Place: Keene State College, Putnam Theater
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd

The newly released Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time, is a high-definition documentary that explores the life and extraordinary legacy of Aldo Leopold, widely considered the father of the modern land conservation movement.

For more information, please contact: Brett Amy Thelen 603-358-2065 thelen@harriscenter.org

The Clan of Engineers

Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Dummerston Community Center, West St., West Dummerston, VT (about 24 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd

Join BEEC naturalist Patti Smith on a vicarious trip to the valley inhabited by Willow, Bunchberry, Snowberry, Ducky, Dewberry, and Sundew, the beaver family that she has been studying for the past four years. Take a photographic journey through the seasons and lives of these exceptional engineering mammals,
Patti will then pass the reins to human engineer, Skip Lisle, who will talk about the beavers’ ecological role as creators of wetlands and as an important keystone species throughout their range. The same activities that make beavers so important to other wildlife often fail to endear them to people. Skip will also talk about the technologies he pioneered to reduce human/beaver conflicts. Find out how they can be used to restore beavers to places where they have been unwelcome, and to keep beavers in places where their welcome is wearing thin.

What's special about today?

Sandwich day
First dog in space 1957

Wednesday, November 2nd Events

Lost Bridges of Vermont

Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Rockingham Free Public Library, Bellows Falls, VT (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: older crowd

One of the many poignant reminders of Hurricane Irene’s devastating passage through our area is the fate of our historic covered bridges. Across the country, millions watched a video of the Bartonsville bridge sliding almost intact into the Williams River.
“The number of bridge casualties is devastating,” said Wendy Nicholas, northeast director for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.“These are wonderful landmarks that everyone loves,” she said, “and they are major connections for communities.”
 
Bill Caswell, a vice president of the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges, will give a presentation focused on the history of our covered bridges in the Rockingham area, with special attention on those damaged or lost.
Caswell has visited most of the covered bridges in the U.S. and led a research project documenting those in this country and Canada. His new book “Connecticut and Rhode Island Covered Bridges” will be available at the program.There will be  a slide show and time for questions.

What's special about today?

Daniel Boone's birthday

Tuesday, November 1st Events

National Novel Writers' Month Workshop

Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, Kay Fox Room
Price: Free
Ages: Teens

Do you have a story to tell? A novel to write? Well you're in luck - November is National Novel Writer's Month  and the Keene Public Library is holding events to help all those participating! If you want to share your work,  get advice on writing techniques, or just hear what other people do in their creative process, sign up and come on over!


Astrophotography Tips

Time: 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, Auditorium
Price: Free
Ages: Anyone who is able to use a camera

Join Keith Goodale of the Keene Amateur Astronomers Club for a short presentation on astrophotography tips. Please bring a smart phone or digital camera to practice taking moon and other shots. Goodale is an adjunct lecturer in physics and astronomy at Keene State College.


Henry and Mudge

Time: 10:00 AM
Place: Claremont Opera House, Claremont, NH (about 40 miles from Keene)
Price: Call for information
Ages: Suggested Pre-K-3

Presented by TheatreworksUSA
Based on the best selling series of books by Cynthia Rylant.
Appropriate for Grades Pre K ~ 3 Curriculum Connections: Family relationships, language communication skills Length of Performance: 55 Minutes Moving from the city to a new house in the country can be tough. Just ask Henry, who can't find a playmate in his new neighborhood! Luckily, he's got Mudge, a great big, 182-pound canine buddy, with whom he can share all kinds of adventures! Box Office:  (603) 542-4433


Triangle Six: Writers' and Poet Group 

Time: 6:00 PM
Place: Frost Free Library, 28 Jaffrey Rd., Marlborough, NH (about 5 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Call for information 

With David Aiken. For more information: (603) 876-4479 or email library@frostfree.org

What's special about today?

President first occupies the White House in 1800
National Author's Day
National Weather Service Established
Earthquake, fires, and tsunami leveled Lisbon and claimed 70,000 lives, 1755

November Ongoing Events

Harmonica For Kids

Every Wednesday at 4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Keene Public Library. Starts November 2nd. Kids ages 8 through 12 can learn to play the harmonica with Tad Dreis. Together we'll learn the basics of playing rhythms and melodies using folk, campfire and blues songs.  No prior musical experience is necessary.  Tad of Wildflower Harmonica Instruction  has been teaching harmonica to kids and adults professionally for 12 years. Everything is free - even the harmonicas! Class size is limited, so sign up now for this four week series (Nov. 2, 9, 16, and 30) at the Keene Public Library website.

Open Games at the Library

Every Thursday at 3:00 PM-6:30 PM

Keene Public Library. It is all gaming!  And, gaming of any kind; whether it is board games, card games, video games, big games, role-playing games, or any other kind of game you can imagine, we'll play it.  Each week, we'll provide a different variety of games for you to play; we welcome you to bring in your own games to share with the group.  Throughout the series, we will have a number of gaming tournaments, so keep your eyes peeled and your ears open, because you might be our next grand champion gamer!

Writers' Workshop

Every Thursday at 7:00 PM-9:00 PM

Keene Public Library. Aspiring authors are invited to join this writers' group led by local author Jack Coey.  Join other writers to share ideas, critiques and writing resources. Each week participants will share partial manuscripts with to other members of the group so they may take them home for a week and at the next session have a 'feedback' session.

Storytime at the Library

Every Saturday at 10:00 AM-10:30 AM

Keene Public Library. This drop-in storytime takes place each Saturday that the library is open. The storytime will include stories, songs, finger plays, and sometimes simple crafts. The storytime is appropriate for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers.

Horatio Colony Fall Quest

Every day and any time

Treat the family to a day on the trail and explore the fall colors and wildlife on this exciting and thought-provoking Fall Quest! Enjoy this self-guided hike at your leisure and take the time to absorb the sights and sounds of Autumn in New England as you search for the coveted price at the end of the Quest. Hurry before winter sets in! The Fall Quest closes on December 21st.   

Park your vehicle at the Horatio Colony Preserve parking area off of Daniels Hill Rd., in Keene (off Route 9). Information and Fall Quest guides can be found at the trailhead past the gate near the Horatio Colony cabin. Remember to bring sturdy walking footwear, water/snack, bugsrpray, hat and binoculars. For more information, call Horatio Project assistant Youn Han (770) 846-1157.

Cheshire Ice Skating Rink

Opens November 1st for the season! 

Located at 319 Mondadnock Highway, E Swanzey, NH. Call them at (603) 357-4740 for more details.

Warm Hands Warm Heart

All of November

Harrisville Designs will sponsor the Warm Hands, Warm Hearts Program that will run from Saturday, October 1st through Saturday, December 17th.
All are encouraged to participate by creating handmade hats, mittens, scarves, and socks for the homeless shelters in Keene. There will be patterns, yarns and assistance available at the Knitting and Weaving Center in Harrisville, which is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
 

The finished items can be dropped off at the center in Peterborough at Joseph's Coat and Mariposa Museum. In Keene, items can be dropped off at Hannah Grimes on Main st.
For more details, call 603-827-3996 or 603-924-4227.

Infinite Mirror Art Exhibit
All of November

Keene State College Art Gallery. America's self image is explored through paintings, prints, photographs, and video by 42 artists whose insightful works reveal the triumphs, tragedies, relationships, and traditions that inform our notions of nationhood.

China Modern Art Exhibit

All of November

Keene State College Art Gallery. An in-depth exploration of 20th century Chinese advertising images, mass media, graphic and product design that demonstrate how political ideologies and cultural values are transmitted through everyday objects.

National Novel Writers' Month Workshop for Teens
Every Tuesday 2:00 PM-5:00 PM

Keene Public Library. Do you have a story to tell? A novel to write? Well you're in luck - November is National Novel Writer's Month  and the Keene Public Library is holding events to help all those participating! If you want to share your work,  get advice on writing techniques, or just hear what other people do in their creative process, sign up and come on over!

Puppet Storytime
Every Tuesday 10:00 AM-10:30 AM

At Keene Public Library. This special puppet, story and craft time is designed for older toddlers who are 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years of age.

Preschool Storytime
Every Tuesday 1:30 PM-2:15 PM
Or
Every Wednesday 10:00 AM-10:45 PM

Preschool storytimes are geared towards pre-kindergarteners age 3 to 5 who can sit and listen to short stories, and participate in simple songs and rhymes.  Story will always include read-aloud stories and fingerplays and may include poems, music, dramatic play, and crafts.


Volunteers needed at Nature Museum
Different days & times


Children age 7 and older can join The Nature Museum’s volunteer Docent program. The Nature Museum at Grafton is a small non- profit natural history museum that is open to the public year round on weekends. During the week they provide scheduled programming to schools, home-schoolers and other groups of adults and children. They are located at 186 Townshend Road, Grafton, Vermont.

In order to keep their doors open on weekends they rely on volunteer Docents. A Docent’s duty is to welcomes visitors, introduce them to the museum’s layout and answer questions as they may arise regarding the various displays. The Docent is also responsible for collecting entrance fees and clerking the store sales. All Docents are trained in operation procedures and display interpretation. The Museum does not get heavy use and therefore offers a great opportunity for you and your child (children) to enjoy the museum and for you to do some science instruction through play and observation. E-mail lynn@nature-museum.org for days/times available or for more information.

Monday, October 31st Events

Halloween Party

Time: 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
Place: Chesterfield Town Hall, Chesterfield, NH (about 11 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

The Friends of the Library are holding their annual Halloween Party with prizes and pizza. Join them! 

What's special about today?

Halloween
Mount Rushmore completion

Saturday, October 29th Events

Book Signing and Workshop

Time: 11:00 AM
Place: Toadstool Book Shop, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

Join us at The Toadstool Bookshop in Keene, NH, Saturday, October 29th as we hear the forgotten tale of Professor von Junk and the first pumpkin carving. “Scooped” written and illustrated by Keene’s own Author/Illustrators, Kevin and Rebecca Kelly, takes you and your children on a delightful journey to discover how the first pumpkin carving came to be. Dive into this wonderfully rhythmic voyage and learn how Professor Junk and his repulsive assistant E. Gore work their magic and not only bring joy to the villagers, but invent the jack-o‚-lantern as well. Join us for our "Scooped" workshop where we will immerse ourselves in the wonderful world of Professor Junk. We will begin with a reading of "Scooped"; The Forgotten Tale First Pumpkin Carving. Directly following the reading, the illustrator will demonstrate how he created the whimsical characters that inhabit this unique tale and then work with the children to create their own character. Signed books will be available for purchase.


Hike with Harris Center

Time: 9:30 AM-3:00 PM
Place: Piper gates, Gilsum Rd.
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd (5 mile hike)

Join Roger Sweet and Eric White for this hike looping through the Alison Nims Piper and Olsen Forests in Sullivan. Destination - Giant’s Cradle, one of the interesting glacial features. Meet at the Piper gates on Gilsum Road at 9:30 a.m. for this moderately strenuous, 5 mile hike on blazed trails, crossing 3 small streams and climbing somewhat rugged terrain in beautiful forest land. Return ~ 3 p.m. Co-sponsored with the Forest Society (SPNHF) 847-3463 for more information.

Halloween Costume Contest

Time: 11:00 AM-3:00 PM
Place: Allyson's Orchard, 57 Alyson's Lane, Walpole, NH (about 12 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Dress up in costume and come to Alyson’s Orchard for apple picking, Halloween activities and a fun Costume Contest.  Judging will be at 1 pm.   There will be prizes in a number of categories such as  “silly,” “scary,” “most unique,” “people’s choice” and “best couples costume.” (We want Mom & Dad to dress up too!)  A great time for kids of ALL ages!

Ghost Walk through the Cemetery

Time: 5:30 PM
Place: Meet at the Chesterfield Public Library, 524 Rt. 63, Chesterfield, NH (about 10 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Meet at the library for a spooky stroll through Chesterfield Center Cemetery to to meet some of the men and women who figured prominently in the history of our town.


Spookfest at Stonewall Farm

Time: 1:00 PM-10:00 PM
Place: Stonewall Farm, Keene, NH
Price: Contact for details
Ages: All

Prepare yourself for one of the spookiest events of the year! Creepy crawlies, haunted hay-rides, ghost stories and freaky farm adventures will haunt you for years to come. The first part of the day will be a an all ages spook fest, but when dusk falls the farm will get haunted. 603-357-7278. Stonewallfarm.org.


Halloween Campfire Celebration

Time: 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
Place: Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, 99 Millers Falls Road (Route 63) Northfield, MA (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Around the campfire with Roger Tinckenell.  
This 25+ year-old celebration of Halloween through songs, stories and dance is led by locally loved singer/songwriter Roger Tincknell.

Roger is a two-time Parents' Choice Award-winning recording artist with numerous CD's for children and adults. Imagine a group of young witches, fairies and aliens in the glow of the firelight spellbound by a slightly spooky story - or waltzing around in small family groups to Roger's beautiful music and you can get some sense of the delight this evening brings. 

Wholesome snacks also served. Dress WARMLY, bring blankets to cuddle up with, flashlights and chairs or for seating. In case of poor weather, the program will be held inside the cozy yurt. This event is FREE. No registration required.

Farmers & Foragers

Time: 3:30 PM-5:30 PM
Place: Alstead (contact for more details)
Price: Contact for details.
Ages: 11-14

Mary Castriotta leads the program. Includes maple sugaring, greenhouse planting, building, teamwork and farm life. 603-835-2495

Family Fall Festival

Time: 2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Place: Cornerstone Baptist Church, 125 Goodell Avenue, East Swanzey, NH (a few miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Cornerstone Baptist Church will host it's 3rd annual free Family Fall Festival. There will be a fall theme, games, prizes, candy, face painting, and a bouncy house. For more details, visit www. cbc-nh.org or call 603-357-1229.

What's special about today?

Oatmeal day
The National Organization for women was founded
John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, returned to space at age 77.

Sunday, October 30th Events

4th Annual Autumn Waterfowl Safari

Time: 8:00 AM-1:30 PM
Place: Nelson Village Store (about 11 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

Ages:All

Join NH Audubon staff member and birding enthusiast Phil Brown in search of a dozen or more species of migratory waterfowl that stop over in our region’s numerous lakes and ponds. We’ll visit lakes in eight towns, and may see duck species including large flocks of scoters, as well as migrating loons and several grebe species. Departs from the Nelson Village Square at 8 a.m., and returns early afternoon, with a lunch stop along the way. Contact Phil for carpool and other details. Cosponsored with NH Audubon’s Monadnock Chapter. (Rain or shine.) 

What's special about today?

John Adam's birthday in 1735
Ezra Pound's birthday in 1885

Friday, October 28th Events

Multi-Genre Teen Movie Series at the library

Time: 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St., Keene, NH
Price: Free

Ages: Older crowd/rated PG

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Come learn about different styles of film!  In this afternoon's film selection, Indiana Jones and his feisty ex-flame Marion Ravenwood dodge booby-traps, fight Nazis and stare down snakes in their incredible worldwide quest for the mystical Ark of the Covenant.

Rated: PG

Vanishing of the Bees

Time: 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Place: Harris Center, Babbitt Room, 83 Kings Highway, Hancock, NH (20.89 from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd

Buzz over to the Harris Center for a viewing of this award winning documentary, followed by a delicious honey tasting event - highlighting local honey from members of the Monadnock Beekeepers Association. The film explores the possible contributing factors to Colony Collapse Disorder, and the ways in which scientists and beekeepers are striving to help the honeybee survive. After the film, we’ll celebrate our local bees and beekeepers by enjoying honey and other goodies made with honey. You’ll have a chance to talk with Monadnock area beekeepers, and find out how bees are doing in this part of New Hampshire. 7 p.m. in the Harris Center Babbitt Room. Cosponsored with the Monadnock Beekeepers Association.

Forest Forensics: A Field Guide to Reading the Forested Land

Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St., Brattleboro, VT (18.45 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All


Tom Wessels is an ecologist and founding director of the master’s degree program in Conservation Biology at Antioch University New England. This program is based on Tom’s book, “Reading the Forested Landscape, A Natural History of New England”. It introduces people to approaches used to interpret a forest’s history while wandering through it. Using evidence such as the shapes of trees, scars on their trunks, the pattern of decay in stumps, the construction of stone walls, and the lay of the land, it is possible to unravel complex stories etched into our forested landscape. His books include: Reading the Forested Landscape, The Granite Landscape, Untamed Vermont, The Myth of Progress: Toward a Sustainable Future, and Forest Forensics: A Field Guide to reading the Forested Landscape.
Co-sponsored with the Southeastern Vermont Audubon Society.

4th Annual Lego Contest

Time: 5:00 PM
Place: Museum and Art Center, 10 Vernon St., Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: See below
Ages: All


This event is generously sponsored by G.S. Precision, Inc. and Don Robinson Builder, Inc.

LEGO fans of all ages are invited to take part in BMAC’s Fourth Annual LEGO Contest for All Ages. Design and build an original LEGO structure, or simply come view the contest entries on display at BMAC October 28-30. Prizes for artistry, originality, and architectural design will be awarded in several age groups at an Awards Ceremony on October 28 at 5 p.m.

Admission to the October 28 Awards Ceremony is $4 for adults and teens, $3 for children ages 6-12, and free for children 5 and under. Admission to the museum while LEGO entries are on display is $6 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students, free for BMAC members and children 5 and under.

Contact: Teta Hilsdon — (802) 257-0124 ext. 101

Hamlet Play


Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Claremont Opera House, Clarmeont, NH (46 miles from Keene)
Price: $6 youth under 12/$15 regular
Ages: All

Celebrating 10 years of the BEST youth theatre in Sullivan County
The Playground will bring this re-worked tragedy to the Claremont Opera House on Halloween weekend! The Performer's Playground is known for their experimental staging of literary classic, making them more accessible to the masses. And this reworking of Hamlet will be no different. Follow a troupe of misguided actors as they break into an abandoned theatre to produce their version of Hamlet. As the show begins, so does the madness... for they are not alone! Will they make it out alive or will the tragedy take them all?

Halloween DJ Public Skate Night

Time: 9:00 PM-10:45 PM
Place: Collins Moylan Arena, Greenfield, MA
Price: $6/$4 skate rentals
Ages: All

Halloween Glow-in-the-Dark Lights Out Event! FMC Ice Sports will be getting spooky with live-ice side DJs, Halloween candy, costumes and more at the Collins/Moylan Arena, and you're invited! Want to share the event with your friends? RSVP on Facebook (click here) and let everyone in on this spooktacular event! Come in costume but please, no masks or dangling material below the knees.

What's special about today?

Statue of Liberty dedicated
National chocolate day

Thursday, October 27th Events

Screening of 'Acting Together on the World Stage'

Time:
Place: Rotch 108, Graduate Institute School for International Training Brattleboro, VT 05302 (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd

Join us for a screening of the feature documentary "Acting Together on the World Stage." The film highlights courageous and creative artists and peacebuilders working in conflict zones. It features theatrical works and rituals that reach beneath people’s defenses in respectful ways that support communities to configure new patterns of meaning and relationships. The documentary is designed for students, practitioners, educators, and policymakers in fields related to performance and to peace and conflict studies, and for others who believe – or who want to be convinced – that human communities have the creative capacities to transform conflict non-violently. 

Spooky Ghosts Craft Story Program

Time: 4:00 PM
Place: Jaffrey Public Library, 38 Main St., Jaffrey, NH (17 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Geared to 4-7, but all ages are welcome!

The Children’s Room of the Jaffrey Public Library will be presenting a “Spooky Ghosts” craft-story program on Thursday, October 27, at 4:00 p.m. Ghost stories (not the scary kind!) and a “spooktacular” ghost craft to wear or hang up on Halloween will be featured. The stories and craft are geared for ages 4 to 7, but all ages are welcome to join in on the fun. The program is free of charge. Registration is required, and begins on Monday, October 10. Call the Children’s Room at 532-7301 to register, or for more information. 

What's special about today?

National potato day
Theodore Roosevelt's birthday in 1858
Sylvia Plath's birthday in 1932

Wednesday, October 26th Events

Baseball Movie at the Library

Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St., Keene, NH
Price: Free

All: Older crowd/rated PG

Bang The Drum Slowly.

Robert De Niro and Michael Moriarty star in this superbly crafted film about the unlikely friendship between two baseball players. Michael Moriarty plays the team's ace pitcher and social charmer; De Niro is the farm boy from Georgia who lacks all of Moriarty's sophistication - he is also dying. During their last season on a team fraught with bickering and infighting, the two men grow in manhood and respect for themselves and each other. BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY is moving without being sentimental, and laden with tenderness, humor, honesty, and brilliance in both action and direction.

Robert De Niro, Michael Moriarty

Paramount; Directed by John Hancock

Rated PG; 96 minutes; 1973

What's special about today?
National pumpkin day!

Tuesday, October 25th Events

Scooped: The Forgotten Tale of the First Pumpkin Carving

Time: 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St., Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

Come meet Professor von Junk to the world and his repulsive assistant, E. Gore. two characters in the new children's book 'Scooped: The Forgotten Tale of the First Pumpkin Carving.' The imaginative book describes how the first jack-o'-lantern came to be.  The books authors, Rebecca and Kevin Kelly, will be on hand to share their experiences writing and illustrating the book and to answer questions.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble play

Time: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord, NH (50 miles from Keene)
Price: $7
Ages: Target Prek-3 (but any age is welcome!)

When Sylvester, a winsome donkey, picks up a shiny red pebble, its magic spins a heartwarming story that reveals to him the true importance of family and friends. In Enchantment Theatre Company’s production, Sylvester learns that magic works very well sometimes — he can turn the rain on and off! — but it can also work against him — when he transforms himself into a rock to escape a hungry lion. How will he escape from the rock? How will his loving family ever find him? Will he ever get home?

History of Paper Presentation

Time: 2:00 PM
Place: Mariposa Museum, 26 Main St., Peterborough, NH (19 miles from Keene)
Price:
Ages: All

Terry Reeves Education Director and David Blair Director Mariposa Museum David and Terry will give an account of the history of paper - its roots in China and travels along the Silk Road. They will share examples of beautiful paper crafts from around the world and involve the audience in a hands on paper activity. Terry Reeves is Education Director at the Mariposa and has been co-chair of Children and the Arts for 17 years. She was also an Arts Enrichment Coordinator for Conval school District. Director and Founder of the Mariposa, David Blair has a rich knowledge of world cultures and a background in educating children and adults around the world.

What's special about today?

John Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962

Pablo Picasso birthday in 1881

Monday, October 24th Events

Lego Club at the Library

Time: 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Place: Keene Public Library 60 Winter St., Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

The library's new LEGO club is open to to kids of all ages. For more information, call: Gail Zachariah at 603-352-0157.


Help Plant an Apple Tree

Time: Noon-12:30 PM
Place: South lawn of Antioch University, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

Help plant an apple tree in memory of Dr. Wangari Maathai, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1991 Goldman Environmental Prize winner and 1986 Right Livelihood Award winner, who passed away last month. 

For more information, please contact:
Abi Abrash Walton
2344
aabrash@antioch.edu

Author Priscella Gilman, Presented by Keene is Reading

Time: 4:00 PM
Place: Keene State College, Mabel Brown Room, Student Center
Price: Free
Ages: Older Crowd

The Keene is Reading program, in collaboration with the Symposium committee, is pleased to announce the first of several events around the theme of "What Sustains Us?" with an afternoon talk and discussion with Dr. Priscilla Gilman, author of The Anti-Romantic Child: A Story of Unexpected Joy.

In this extraordinary memoir Gilman writes of her experience as a professor of English at Vassar and at Yale and how the life she expected became something very different with the birth of her first son. His special needs led her to new expertise on autism and early childhood education, and her book looks to how we are all sustained by literature, knowledge, love, sacrifice, and the attempt to live out our deepest values.

A wonderful speaker who will be a keynote at the annual meeting of the Asperger's society soon before speaking at Keene Dr. Gilman's event is for everyone: educators at all levels, parents and caregivers, and students reflecting on the meaning of success and the value of education. Her book is on reserve in Mason Library and for sale in the bookstore. A time for questions and a book-signing will follow the event. Free and open to the public. For more information or for accomodations for a disability please contact William Stroup at 8-2692 or wstroup@keene.edu

Halloween Movie @ Library

Time: 5:00 PM
Place: Rockingham Library, 65 Westminister St., Bellows Falls, VT (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowed/rated PG

Monster House.
Get into the Halloween spirit with this fun film!  Three teens discover that their neighbor's house is really a live, breathing, scary monster, but no adults will believe them.  When they disturb the house creepy events start to take place and they must save the neighborhood in this animated adventure.

What's special about today?

United Nations day

Saturday, October 22nd Events

Haunts, Haints & Hollers: Stories for a Halloween Eve

Time: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, 60 Winter St., Keene, NH
Price: Free
Age: All

With Rona Leventhal.

Will Jack survive the haunted house? No one else has!  What does the dead man want from Mary Culhane?  Join the search for the last panther in eastern Kentucky....or the woman and the milk bottles!   What would you do with a skeleton that won’t die?  With screams you hear in the night?  Who’s the real ghost and who’s not?  You will find all manner of haints, dead folk, shape shifters and mysterious players.......from the spooky and eerie to the silly & transformative!

Pumpkin Festival 2011

Time: 12 Noon-8:30 PM
Place: Downtown Keene, NH
Price: Free
Age: All

The region’s signature event in its 21st year, complete with pumpkin towers and costume parade. Every visitor is asked to bring a carved pumpkin: we're aiming for full participation! Let it Shine!

See more details and schedule here.

Celebrate Samhain

Time: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Place: Peterborough UU Church, 25 Main St., Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: $7 each
Age: All

Celebrate Samhain is New England's premier Samhain festival – dedicated to the ancient Celtic celebration of the final harvest and "day of the dead". Filled with magic, music, crafts, and merriment, Celebrate Samhain offers something for everyone... Be entranced by the bewitching music of a gypsy troupe; browse the wares of mystical vendors; learn something new in a variety of free talks and workshops; make and take home your own magical crafts; enlist a reading by a gifted intuitive;indulge in sumptuous harvest fare; and observe the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain in a traditional, earth-centered ceremony that honors our ancestors and those who have gone on before.

Celebrate Samhain – a festival commemorating the origins of Halloween – seeks to provide a fun and enlightening experience for the whole community. This year's event helps support the Peterborough Town Hall Food Bank and the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church "Mitten Tree Drive".

See more details here.

New Exhibit: China Modern

Time: see description
Place: Keene State College, Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery
Price: Free admission
Age: All

"China Modern: Designing Popular Culture 1910-1970" chronicles 20th century China's changing character through its graphic art and material culture.

Gallery Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Closed September 5 for Labor Day, November 11 for Veterans Day, November 23-27 for Thanksgiving break.

Contact: Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery - 603-358-2720 - thorne@keene.edu

Halloween Costume Parade

Time: 12 Noon
Place: West St., Keene, NH
Price: Free
Age: All

The Halloween Costume Parade will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 12 noon in conjunction with
the Pumpkin Fest. The parade will organize at St. James & West Streets. Lineup will take place at
11:30 AM. Guiding the parade will be staff provided by Keene Recreation Department and local
youth service organizations. The parade is open to the public with costumes on.

Paws to Read with Spike

Time: 10:30 AM

Place: Frost Free Library, 28 Jaffrey Rd., Marlborough, NH (5.29 miles from Keene)

Price: Free
Age: May be for the younger crowd. Contact to be sure.

Children can sign up to read to Spike for 10-15 minute intervals. Registration needed. Call (603) 876-4479.

Try Polymer Clay at Sharon Arts

Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Place: Sharon Arts Center, 30 Grove St., Peterborough, NH (20.30 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Age: Contact for more info.

A mini workshop with Connie Gray.

For further information call Sharon Arts at (603) 924-2787

Beaver Bench Ballard-Style

Time: 11:00 AM-Noon
Place: My Mind's Design Studio, Main St., Grafton, VT (about 30 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Master carpenter Jason Ballard took on a challenge: to create a bench that included a great deal of beaver-chewed wood to sit opposite the beaver diorama at the Museum. The bench had to be sturdy enough to accommodate visiting parents and children, appropriate to the magnificent beaver diorama created by Don Clark, and worthy of honoring Edward Toohey, Windham Foundation Board Member and long-time friend of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Townsend, who had ordered the bench. The date for the dedication has not yet been chosen, but the public is invited in advance to hear from Ballard just how he created the bench. What woods did he chose and why? How did he work the primitively chewed pieces into a practical work of art? Join us for this studio demonstration.

Harvest Candlelight at Franklin Pierce Homestead

Time: 7:00 PM-9:30 PM
Place: Franklin Pierce Homestead, 301 2nd NH turnpike, Hillsborough, NH (about 28 miles from Keene)
Price: Children $5/Adults $7

Ages: All

Enjoy the Pierce Homestead dressed in its Autumnal splendor with live music. Adults $7.00. NH residents 64 and above and students with ID's $5.00. Children 6-17 two for $5.00. Hosted by the Hillsborough Historical Society. Free admission for all HHS Members.

What is so special about today?

First parachute jump in 1797

National nut day