Sunday, February 5th Events

Westward Ho-Exploring the Wilds of Lake Warren

Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Place: Warren Lake, Alstead, NH (about 15 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: For those who ski

Join for a cross country ski across the lake, visiting several new conservation easements held by the Monadnock Conservancy. We'll start at the church on North Road, ski down to the lakefront, then across the lake to two easements on the southern shore. On our return, we'll stop on Curll Island for hot chocolate and a bonfire before skiing back to our cars. To join this moderately easy ski party, meet leaders Emily Hague and Sandy Brewer at 1 pm, at the church on North Road in East Alstead to carpool. Back about 3 pm. Cosponsored with the Monadnock Conservancy.

What's special about today?

National weatherperson day

Saturday, February 4th Events

Rare Plant Species Workshop with the New England Wildflower Society

Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Place: Harris Center, Hancook, NH (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older kids

Join John Burns of the New England Wildflower Society for an (indoor) introduction to the joys, process, and benefits of monitoring rare plant populations as a Plant Conservation Volunteer (PCV). The PCV program was established in 1992 to help “Natural Heritage” programs throughout New England maintain accurate records of rare plant populations, and has since expanded to include invasive plant management as well. The requirements are motivation, discretion, and a basic knowledge of wild flowers. 10 am to noon at the Harris Center.

Snowshoeing in the Moonlight

Time: 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
Place: Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center
Price: $5 per person
Ages: 12 and older

The Mountain is a magical place on a moonlit evening. Join us as we explore how to best navigate at night, share inspiring quotes from literary lovers of the moon and stars, and take a short “solo” walk by moonlight. A warm cup of cocoa and snacks will be the perfect ending to this two-mile hike. No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary for this adventure by the light of the moon. Wear wind pants or gaiters if you have them, dress in warm layers that can be shed as we get moving, and bring a water bottle to take on the trail. No prior experience is necessary.
Registration required. To register, please call (800) 859-2960.

Bring Your Child to Library Day!

Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Place: Springfield Public Library, Springfield, VT (about 36 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Face painting, cupcakes, and goody bags!
Cathy Ann will paint faces from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Cupcakes and goody bags will be offered (while supplies last). For more information, call the library at 802-885-3108. This program is free and open to all thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Springfield Town Library.

Little Red Riding Hood Puppets

Time: 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
Place: Sandglass Theater, 17 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT (about 27 miles from Keene)
Price: Contact for more info
Ages: 3 and up

(2 & 4pm.) Little Red is sent into the big woods to deliver a basket of goodies to her sick Grandmother, but is hounded by a hungry wolf who wants the basket for himself.
Will Little Red be able to outsmart the wolf and save her Grandmother? The wolf is not overly scary, but children under 3 may be too young for this tale.
This is Crabgrass Puppet Theatre’s Thirtieth Anniversary Season! It is also the tenth anniversary of their first performances at Sandglass.
www.sandglasstheater.org

Quinzee Building Workshop

Time: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Place: Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, NH (about 46 miles from Keene)
Price: $10 per person
Ages: All

Build a huge pile of snow. Take a break. Hollow it out. Enjoy the warmth and peace inside. Whether you need a snow-fort or snow-shelter, building a quinzee is an amazing way to experience the wonders of winter. A quinzee (pronounced /kwinzi/) is a shelter made by hollowing out a pile of settled snow; similar, yet different to an igloo which uses blocks of hard snow. It's a silent, insulated winter hideaway perfect for an overnight or an hour of play. Join us for this fun and useful event. Learn the basic steps of quinzee building, including taking a play or lunch break while the snow sets. Be prepared to play in the snow. Dress in warm, waterproof layers, and bring a lunch, shovel, and friend. Perhaps, bring a shovel for a friend. Call 603-465-7787 to register. Friends of BBA $10 per person/ $25 per family. Or $12/$30.

Gallery Walk

Time: 10:00 AM
Place: Historical Society of Cheshire County, Keene
Price: Free
Ages: All

Gallery Walk of HSCC's winter feature exhibit on Speed, Safety and Comfort: A History of the Railroad in Cheshire County, 1844-1984 begins at 10:00 a.m. in HSCC's Exhibit Hall. For further information, please contact HSCC by email or at 352-1895.

Artist's Demonstration

Time: 12:00 PM-3:00 PM
Place: Sharon's Art Center, Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Shana Brautigaum on hand-building ceramics. For more information call: 924-7676

What's special about today?

George Washington and John Adams are elected the president and vice president of the United States, 1789
Charles Lindbergh's birthday, 1902
Rosa Park's birthday, 1913

Friday, February 3rd Events

Trek to Trout Pound

Time: 10:00 AM-3:30 PM
Place: Pierce Reservation, Stoddard, NH (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older kids

A moderately strenuous 4½ mile outing with 400 feet of elevation gain, and potential views all the way to the White Mountains. (Think hare and moose sign!). Meet leaders Lee Baker and Ollie Mutch at 10 am, at the southeast corner of the Ocean State Job Lot parking area at the junctions of Routes 101 and 202 in Peterborough. Ends about 3:30 pm.

Celebrate Passing Winter's Halfway Point - in the Moonlight!

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Place: Harris Center, Hancock, NH (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

A mile and a half ascent of Mount Skatutakee over well maintained trails, and with the moon nearly full. Meet leaders Brian Bishoff and Denny Wheeler at 5 pm, in the Harris Center’s parking area. Back about 9 pm.

Movie at the Library

Time: 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library
Price: Free
Ages: PG rating

A League of Their Own.

Come learn about different styles of film! This film takes place in 1943, as a washed-up ballplayer is hired to coach in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League while the male pros are at war.

Rated: PG

Contra Dance at the Library

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

A monthly free contra dance hosted by the Keene Public Library. For all ages and abilities!

First Friday - Downtown Peterborough

Time: 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
Place: Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

The First Friday of each month holds a special opportunity to spend time exploring downtown Peterborough. First Friday promotions on dining and shopping, special entertainment, and MacDowell Downtown (seasonal) are only some of the exciting offerings you might find on these fun evenings - come join!

Give Kids a Smile Day

Time: Call for info
Place: Call for info
Price: Free
Ages: 3-18

Does your family lack dental insurance? Have you put off having your children see a dentist due to financial difficulties? Call today to sign up your child for a free dental appointment on February 3rd. 762-3770 or email givekidsasmileday@yahoo.com. This event is supported locally by dentists and dental hygienists in the Cheshire County.

Homeshcool Social

Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Place: Rindge Rec Department, Rindge, NH (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

A time to socialize with other homeschoolers.

What's special about today?

National carrot day
Rock singers, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and Big Bopper died in a plane crash, 1959.
Col. Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot the space shuttle when the Discovery blasted off, 1995 
Elizabeth Blackwell's birthday, 1821
Norman Rockwell's birthday, 1894

Thursday, February 2nd Events

Astronomy: Myths and Misconceptions

Time: 7:00 PM-8:30 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, Auditorium
Price: Free
Ages: Older kids

Our universe is so big and full of mystery, it can be hard to know what’s true about space and what’s a bit out there. This lecture presented by astronomer Matt Marulla will help you distinguish fact from fiction. Matt will discuss a variety of unusual astronomical beliefs, from the moon landing being faked to being able to balance an egg on its end during the spring equinox. He’ll set the record straight as to what’s accurate astronomy and what’s mere celestial superstition.

The program is co-sponsored by the Keene Amateur Astronomy Club. 

Homeschool Program at Discovery Center

Time: 2:15 PM
Place: McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, NH (about 50 miles from Keene)
Price: $15 per student
Ages: Contact for more info.

All About Engineering.
Discover the world of engineering – each level will take a look at concept goals, design, engineering, building and evaluation. After instructional warm-up activities, each group will have its own design and trial competitions! 

Romeo and Juliet

Time: 10:00 AM
Place: Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, NH (about 50 miles from Keene)
Price: $7
Ages: Grades 7-12

Experience Shakespeare’s original language from the award-winning and vibrant Classical Theatre Project. This stunning production of Romeo & Juliet is inspired by 16th century morality plays, but designed specifically with the 21st century audience in mind. Wandering players transform an Elizabethan marketplace into a playing space with a chalk circle and the audience’s imagination. This stunning production captures the youthful passion and ultimate tragedy of Shakespeare’s best-loved story.  Romeo & Juliet was nominated for Outstanding Performance in the Theatre for Young Audiences Division at the Dora Mavor Moore Awards in 2007. The performance captures the youthful passion, beauty, and ultimate tragedy of Shakespeare’s timeless and unforgettable story.

Over the last ten years, Classical Theatre Project has inspired, educated, and entertained over a half a million students, proving that Shakespeare doesn’t have to be boring.
Website

What's special about today? 

Groundhog day
James Joyce's birthday, 1882

Wednesday, February 1st Events

Building Voices

Time: 2:00 PM-3:30 PM
Place: Keene State College, Redfern Arts Center.
Price: Free
Ages: Older kids

Sandra Howard - 358-2344 - showard1@keene.edu 
The 2011-2012 "Music Education Guest Lecture Series" sponsored by the KSC Dept. of Music presents this lecture on vocal singing development by Ms. Emily Jaworski, International Soloist and Choral Director at John Stark Regional High School. This event is free and open to the public. 

Beatles Trivia and Film

Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Phelps Barn at the Grafton Inn, 92 Main St., Grafton, VT (about 32 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Join for free at the Phelps Barn at 7pm on January 4, February 1 and March 7 for Beatles Night! The evening will be narrated by Daniel Star-Tambor and activities will include showings of the films "A Hard Days Night" (January 4), "Help" (February 1) and "Yellow Submarine" (March 7). Fresh popcorn will be provided. Come one come all and celebrate the Beatles through Trivia and Film! 

Movie at the Library

Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, Auditorium
Price: Free
Ages: Older kids

Gasland
In 2009, filmmaker Josh Fox learned his land was on top of the Marcellus Shale, a giant reservoir of natural gas, and that he would be paid to lease his land for natural gas extraction. Fox documented his cross-country trek to find out if the controversial process of hydraulic fracking is actually safe. What he unearthed was a shocking discovery about a practice that is understudied and inadequately regulated, and raced to find answers about fracking before it was too late.

HBO Documentary Films, 2010.

What's special about today?

Robinson Crusoe day

Ongoing February Events

Wii Games
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 AM-10:30 AM

Peterborough Community Center. 9-10:30 a.m. Realistic sporting, gaming and fitness activities.
$3/residents; $4/nonresidents 

924-8080 

Painting Group
Every Thursday at 10:00 AM-12:00 PM 

The Keene Public Library along with the Monadnock Area Artists Association has a painting group meeting every Thursday morning from 10:00 to noon. The program is open to the public with no fees or admission. One simply needs to provide ones own art materials. The group meets in Heberton Hall next to the Library and is a wonderful place to paint. No advance notice is required. Just show up, meet some fellow artists, new friends, and enjoy yourself.

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.

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 7:00-9:00 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 other members of the group so they may take them home for a week and at the next session have a 'feedback' session.

The workshops are for motivated teen and adult writers of writers of realistic fiction and all experience levels. Jack is the author of Lights from Monadnock and Two Legged Foxes both of which deal with the Dean Murders.

Poetry Out Loud
Every Saturday 3:00-4:30 PM

Keene Public Library.  Students interested in participating in the Keene Public Library's Poetry Out Loud competition are required to attend these poetry workshops.

Workshops will explore how to choose and memorize a poem. Practice contests and writing exercises will also be included.

Poetry Out Loud is a program for high school aged students that encourages teens to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation.The date of the library's competition will be Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m.

Yoga4Kids
Every Tuesday and Thursday 4-5 PM through Feb. 16th

At Monadnock Quaker Meeting House, 3 Davidson Rd., Jaffrey, NH. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-5 p.m., through Feb. 16. With Creative Dance. Rosemary Moran Weidner, CYT: 933-0251 or rmweidner@yahoo.com.$7

Tuesday, January 31st Events

Little Einstein's Science Club

Time: 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Place: Antrim Elementary School, Antrim, NH (about 26 miles from Keene)
Price: $10
Ages: Grades 3-5

Goo and Gunk.

Children in grades 3 to 5, come to the Antrim Elementary School Gymnasium to join naturalist Jenn Sutton as she experiments with solar energy, tornados, and goo! Conduct safe science experiments of your own with items found around the house. Satisfy the curiosity of the mind by participating in and understanding hands-on experiments including soap explosions, solar cooking, and tornado tube racing. Be ready to be amazed! Please sign up soon, as space is limited. Call Sara LeFebvre 525-3394, or email her at lefebvre@harriscenter.org. Sponsored by the Harris Center and the Antrim Recreation Department. 

Winter Bird Fest

Time: 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Place: Hancock Town Library, Hancock, NH (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Join Harris Center Naturalist Susie Spikol Faber and Hancock Children’s Librarian Rennie Timm for an afternoon of finding out about New Hampshire’s winter birds. We’ll discover which birds stay in NH during these cold months, and we’ll make tasty bird treats to hang outside the library. Bird legends and stories will fill your imagination, and you’ll get to make and take your own bird field guide and bird-feeding treat. Elementary-age children, come join us for this special tweet! 3:30 to 5 pm at the Hancock Town Library. Call the library at 525-4411 to register. Cosponsored with the Hancock Town Library. No Charge. 

The Stinky Cheese Man

Time: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Capitol Center for the Arts, 44 South Main St., Concord, NH (about 50 miles from Keene)
Price: $7 for all ages.
Ages: Recommended Pre-K-3

Poor Jack. He's got to use his wits to save himself from the terrible Giant, but a host of familiar fairytale characters keep messing up his plans -- and then there's that annoying Stinky Cheese Man! The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales deconstructs the tradition of the fairytale. Characters slide in and out of tales; Cinderella rebuffs Rumplestiltskin and Goldilocks meets the Three Elephants. Nothing is quite the same and you remember it. Buy a Ticket.

Yoga4Kids

Time: 4:00 PM
Place: Mondadnock Quaker Meeting House, 3 Davidson Rd., Jaffrey, NH
Price: $7 a class
Ages: All

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4-5 p.m., through Feb. 16. With Creative Dance. Rosemary Moran Weidner, CYT: 933-0251 or rmweidner@yahoo.com.

What's special about today?

The House of Representatives approved the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States, 1865

Monday, January 30th Events

Homeschool Ski/Snowboard at Pat's Peak

Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Place: Pat's Peak, Henniker, NH (about 34 miles from Keene)
Price: See below
Ages: 6 and up

Enjoy skiing and snowboarding with other homeschoolers  at Pat's Peak!  The following package options are available:

lift ticket only = $20

lift ticket + rental=$25

lift ticket + rental + lesson=$35

lesson only=$10

This is a great deal and a great place to learn to ski.  Prices are for kids and adults.  Pat's Peak gives great lessons - several times, some of our children were the only person in their class level and received a private lesson.  No lift ticket is needed for the bunny hill.  

Lessons are at 10 and 11am and are 1 hour each.  The prices listed let you stay all day to ski or snowboard.  You must sign up 1 week in advance on the Pat's Peak Website. 

You'll find other homeschoolers with young ones hanging out in the lodge.  Kids often connect after lessons to ski together.  

What's special about today?

National croissant day
Franklin D Roosevelt's birthday, 1882

Sunday, January 29th Events

2-3 Mile Hike with Harris Center

Time: 12:30 PM-3:30 PM
Place: Rhododendron Rd., Fitzwilliam, NH (about 13 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

Ages: Older crowd

Join volunteers Brian Bishoff and Denny Wheeler, consulting forester (and the trail blazer) Swift Corwin, and Emily Hague from the Monadnock Conservancy for a moderately strenuous two mile, three hour trek featuring “lovely dark and deep” woods, two pretty ponds and some interesting stone work. Outing departs at 12:30 pm, from the Fitzwilliam Recreation Area parking lot on Rhododendron Road, just off Route 119, about 1 ½ miles past the Rhododendron State Park. Cosponsored with the Monadnock Conservancy.

1st Annual Chili Chowder Cook Off 

Time: 1:00 PM
Place: 105 Route 101A, Milford, NH (about 37 miles from Keene)
Price: Children under 12 $5/ $10 per person
Ages: All

Join in the fun of sampling the entries of 30 professional and amateur chefs competing for the title of Best Chili or Best Chowder in the Souhegan Region. A Sampling Garden will be available for tasting micro and craft beers and local wines.

What's special about today?

William McKinley's birthday, 1843
National puzzle day
Edgar Allan Poe's The Raven was published, 1845

Saturday, January 28th Events

Mid Winter's Day Ski and Snowshoe to Dark Pond

Time: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Place: 19 Charcoal Rd., Dublin, NH (about 13 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Those who can ski and snowshoe

A wild and scenic gem saved from development by Dublin devotees a half century ago! Good chance of seeing signs of critters active in winter (moose, mink, fisher, otter, etc.). Moderately easy outing departs at 1 pm, from the home of outing leader and trustee Tom Warren—19 Charcoal Road, off Rte 101 in Dublin. Back before dark.

Northern Roots Traditional Music Festival

Time: All Day
Place: New England Youth Theater, 38 Walnut St., Brattleboro, VT (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price:
Ages: All

Northern Roots Traditional Music Festival
Saturday, January 28, Day & Evening,
at New England Youth Theater
Now in it's 5th year the Brattleboro Music Center's annual Northern Roots Festival brings together local and regional musicians representing the best of various northern musical traditions including Irish, Scottish, English, Swedish and French Canadian.The Northern Roots Festival is a daylong event with participation workshops, concerts, pub sessions, a family dance and evening performance.

Mammal Tracking for Families

Time: 9:00 AM-Noon
Place: Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, Northfield, MA (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: $5 per person/$12 with snowshoe rentals
Ages: 8 and older

Who are the predators at Northfield Mountain and who are the prey? By looking at posters, mounts, skulls and books indoors and following tracks outdoors to observe behavior, the group will try to answer this essential question. Families will learn through activities and the use of tracking journals, and will do their best to find answers about who eats whom – or maybe discover even more fascinating questions! Please bring water bottles; wear wind pants or gaiters if you have them; and dress in warm layers that can be shed as we get moving. Granola bars will be shared on the trail and the group will return to the building to warm up with hot chocolate at the end of the program.

Valentine's Day Gift Workshop

Time: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Place: AlterEco Shop, Baker Building 122 NH Rt 12A, Langdon, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Contact for details
Ages: Contact for details

Who needs ties? No one — we already have too many in our closets. Learn to MAKE USE OF THOSE OLD TIES to create a unique gift or keepsake for Valentine’s Day in this 1/2 day workshop on Saturday, January 28th at the AlterEco shop in Langdon, New Hampshire.
Learn how to take a handful of ties and create a large round pillow with spokes of color OR a small crazy-quilt collage to frame.
We’ll give you design instruction. You lay it out, and, depending on your cutting and sewing ability, we will make it for you, make it with you, or simply get you started.
All necessary tools (except the ties and frames) will be on hand at our shop space for you to complete your project at our Saturday workshop, January 28th, 9 AM to 1 PM.
Space is limited. Reservations required. Information, Registration and directions by calling Alice Fogel at 603-499-6783 or email at lyriccouture@gmail.com.

Animal Science Bonanza

Time: 9:30 AM-3:00 PM
Place: Keene State College, Morrison Hall
Price: Free
Ages: All

• Quiz Bowl-Beef, Sheep
• Skillathon-Beef, Sheep, Dairy
• Farm Bingo !!!! 
• Team Building Activities
• Prizes for Participation and Awards
• Bring your own lunch
• Speakers- Judging, Feed, Marketing, Veterinarian,  Other
• Silent Auction - To support Cheshire County Beef Field Day & Animal Science Bonanza

This event is open to all animal species statewide and is organized by Cheshire County volunteers.

RSVP by January 15th.
See flyer for more information.

Storytime with Nancy Paquin

Time: 11:00 AM
Place: The Colony Mill, Toadstool Book Store, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: 4 and up

Join local author, artist, and poet, Nancy Paquin on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 11:00 a.m., for a fun and engaging selection of stories for children ages 4 and up, who are accompanied by an adult.

The theme for this Storytime will be heroes.

Stonewall Farm's Frozen Farm Festival

Time: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Place: Stonewall Farm, Keene, NH
Price: Call for more information
Ages: All

Learn what happens on a New England farm during the winter season today & historically. A special event for all ages. Activities: sleigh rides, live musical performances, historical artifacts, wool crafts, dairy barn tours, wildlife walks, fire pit and more. Traditional local food and drinks for sale.
Call for more details: 603-357-7278

Introduction to Tracking 

Time: 1:00 PM-3:30 PM
Place: Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center, Brattleboro, VT (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Donations welcome
Ages: All

Winter is the season during which we can learn the most about the wildlife around us. Through tracks in snow we can learn the intimate details of an individual animal’s activities, which species are active in a particular area, how abundant it is, how far an animal travels, where it shelters …

BEEC naturalist Patti Smith will start the program with a slide presentation that introduces the species active in Vermont’s winter woods, the track patterns that reveal their gaits and speed, and tips for recognizing the tracks of each species. We will then head out into the woods and fields to see how many tracks we can find and follow and see what stories they tell.
Snowshoes may be needed. This program is weather dependent.

Please contact BEEC at 257-5785 if the snow conditions are questionable, or check BEEC’s website:www.beec.org.

Artist's Demonstration

Time: Noon-3:00 PM
Place: Sharon Arts Center, Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Needle felting by Ella Rank. 

Call for more information: 924-7676

Storytelling Festival 2012

Time: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Place: Chesterfield Town Hall, Chesterfield, NH (about 10 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

The Friends of the Chesterfield will be hosting a storytelling workshop from 9:00 am - 11:00am. This is open to the community and beyond to see examples of storytelling techniques and learn how to practice and tell a story yourself or with a group. We have some young people storytelling if you would like to see what it looks like. Be prepared to participate and/or watch the activities. After 11:00 am, there will be an opportunity to document your own stories on video if you would like and archive them - see details on the storytelling festival guidelines. We encourage all ages to participate and have fun during this workshop! Come with a story, create one there, or just enjoy watching others tell stories.
Agenda:

1. Introductions
2. Warming up - activity for all
3. Samples storytelling and sharing techniques and styles - four different groups
4. Activity on creating story - individually or as a group
5. Practice and/or demonstrate storytelling
6. Participate in one last story as an entire group.
7. Anyone who wants his or her stories video-taped can stick around for taping.

If you have any questions, please contact Elaine Belawske at (603) 363-2701

What's special about today?

National kazoo day
National blueberry pancake day
Sarah McLachlan's birthday, 1968

Friday, January 27th Events

Movie at the Library

Time: 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library.
Price: Free

Ages: All/Slightly scary

The Goonies.

Come learn about different styles of film! In today's film, two kids find a treasure map just as they're about to lose their house. They and their friends go on a search for the treasure, but not without trouble from a few ne'er-do-wells.

Rated:  PG

Little House Book Club

Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Place: 1163 Brookline Rd., Mason, NH (about 34 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

The monthly meeting will be a discussion of winter scenes throughout any of the books in the Little House series. We will read Winter on the Farm (one of the My First Little House books), and if any children want to read an excerpt or share a project they have done relating to the books that would be wonderful.

There will be using an antique coffee grinder to try grinding wheat as Laura and her family did in The Long Winter. For anyone that is gluten sensitive we will have an alternate activity.

The Two Weeks by Larry Duberstein

Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Hancock Library, Hancock, NH (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd

We are fortunate to host novelist Larry Duberstein who will read from his latest book, The Two Weeks. “A novel of love and lust, memory and desire. Duberstein’s narrative technique allows him to approach The Two Weeks indirectly, 30 years after the event. This chronological dislocation allows the characters to match the reality of their lived experience against the distortion of memory. Duberstein writes vividly and explores the space between life as we live it and as we wish we could.” –Kirkus Reviews And the New York Journal of Books has this to say: “A sensitive...story that is assured in what it wants to say. The Two Weeks is written by a veteran author who is not trying to dazzle with literary showmanship but with intimate storytelling.” Mr. Duberstein, a native of Brooklyn, New York, was an undergraduate at Wesleyan University and a graduate student at Harvard University. He now resides mostly in Hancock, sometimes in Cambridge. This event is free and open to all.

Kids Night Out

Time: 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Place: YMCA gymnasium, Keene, NH
Price: See below
Ages: K-5th grade

Kids Night Out is a fun evening of activities for those in K-5th grade. Join us for swimming, gym games, activities and pizza supervised by our qualified School's Out staff. Registration begins at 6:15pm in the Y Gym and pick up is by 8:30pm (late fees will be assessed). Youth must be signed in by an adult. Sneakers and swim suits/towels are required for gym games and pool use. 

Family Members: $5 Youth Members: $10 Community: $15  

What's special about today?

National chocolate cake day
Thomas Edison was granted a patent for his incandescent light, 1880

Wolfgang Mozart's birthday, 1756

Thursday, January 26th Events

Winter Shrub Identification

Time: 9:30 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Rd., Hollis, NH (about 46 miles from Keene)
Price: Call for info
Ages: Older crowd

Do all shrubs look like a collection of sticks to you in winter. Would you like to be able to tell them apart on your property or on your hikes? This is an introductory class on winter shrub identification.  We'll begin with some indoor instruction on plant parts and use of a dichotomous shrub key then head outside to key out a number of common native shrubs. Dress for the weather.  Must call to register:  603-465-7787

The Mouse that Roared Play

Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Keene Public Library, Herberton Hall, Keene
Price: $5 per person/$10 per family.
Ages: All

Monadnock Waldorf High School's 9th and 10th grade present Leonard Wibberley's Play, The Mouse That Roared. In this anti-war comedy set in a tiny country in the Alps, the young ruler, Duchess Gloriana, strategically declares war on the United States and hilarity ensues! Appropriate for all ages. Refreshments available. 

Islamic Urban Design: Observations, Ideas and Common Cultural Practice

Time: 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
Place: Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: $6 Adults/$3 Students
Ages: Older crowd

A lecture by Marlboro College art historian Felicity Ratte on medieval Islamic cities, their monuments, and their contemporary selves.

What is special about today?

Australia day

Wednesday, January 25th Events

The Dorr Rebellion: The Politics of the People's Sovereignty

Time: 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Place: Brooks Memorial Library, Meeting Room, Brattleboro, VT (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd

In his talk Dr. Chaput will detail the history of the often forgotten 1842 Dorr Rebellion in Rhode Island - one of the most significant political and constitutional events before the Civil War. Chaput will explain how the politics surrounding Thomas Wilson Dorr's attempt at extralegal reform in Rhode Island affected politics throughout New England.

Erik J. Chaput received his doctorate in early American History from Syracuse University in 2011. His dissertation was the first full-scale history of the 1842 Dorr Rebellion in Rhode Island in nearly four decades. Dr. Chaput teaches United States History at Northfield Mount Hermon School in western Massachusetts. He is also an instructor in the History Graduate Program at Providence College.

Dr. Chaput's research has appeared in numerous publications, including Rhode Island History, Common-Place.org, American Nineteenth Century History, the Catholic Historical Review, and the Massachusetts Historical Journal. Dr. Chaput is also the principal reviewer of books on early America for the Providence Journal.
Check out the video on the Dorr Rebellion. http://library.providence.edu/dps/projects/dorr/index.html

Homeschool Irish Dancing Workshop

Time: 1:30 PM-2:30 PM
Place: Stark Hall, 3 Church St., Goffstown, NH (about 52 miles from Keene)
Price: $12.50 per student
Ages: 6-18

John Cunniffe of the Cuniffe Academy of Irish Dance, located in Boston is bringing Irish Step Dancing back to the NH homeschool community. He is offering a 1 hour try it class workshop to introduce homeschool students to this form of dance with no further commitment. If there is enough interest we will have a 9 session class starting Feb. 1st, with the option of marching in the Manchester St. Patrick's Day Parade - this is completely optional and up to you and your child!

Attire is shorts, t-shirt, and socks. Each dancer should please bring a bottle of drinking water.The class is challenging but incredibly fun! No child is pushed for perfection or to perform, this is about fun, new cultural experiences and learning a new form of artistic expression.

Website

Star Party with Scott McCartney

Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Hancock Library, 25 Main St., Hancock, NH (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Elementary age and up

Come take a look at the winter sky out behind the library! Hancock resident and amateur astronomist Scott McCartney will bring his telescope and teach us a bit about the planets and stars we can see. Appropriate for elementary school aged children and up. Free and open to all! Dress warmly as we’ll be outside. Snow date is February 1st.

Duct Tape Designs

Time: 2:45 PM-4:30 PM
Place: Hancock Library, Hancock, NH (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Middle school ages

Middle school students come join us for an afternoon of duct tape creations. We will start simple, making wallets. Duct tape diva, Mackenzie Wetherill will lead the session. Tape will be supplied by the library, but feel free to bring your own supplies. Registration recommended. Please email hancockkidlib@comcast.net 

Anime Drawing

Time: 4:00 PM
Place: Jaffrey Public Library, Jaffrey, NH (about 17 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: 8 to adult

Thursday, Jan. 25, 4 p.m. Ages 8-adult. How to draw this popular Asian cartoon style. Registration required.

Call to register: 532-7301

What's special about today?

Alexander Graham Bell inaugurated transcontinental telephone service, 1915

The first Winter Olympic games opened at Chamonix, France, 1924
Virginia Woolf's birthday, 1882

Tuesday, January 24th Events

Little Einstein's Club

Time: 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Place: Antrim Elementary School, Antrim, NH
Price: $10

Ages: Grades 3-5

Children in grades 3 to 5, come to the Antrim Elementary School Gymnasium to join naturalist Jenn Sutton as she experiments with solar energy, tornados, and goo! Conduct safe science experiments of your own with items found around the house. Satisfy the curiosity of the mind by participating in and understanding hands-on experiments including soap explosions, solar cooking, and tornado tube racing. Be ready to be amazed! Please sign up soon, as space is limited. Call Sara LeFebvre 525-3394, or email her at lefebvre@harriscenter.org. Sponsored by the Harris Center and the Antrim Recreation Department. See additional program on January 31st.

Author Visit: Brett Markham -Mini Farming 

Time: 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Place: Ingalls Memorial Library, Rindge, NH (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd

At the Ingalls Memorial Library Brett Markham, from New Ipswich, will share with us his book on Mini Farming: self sufficiency on 1/4 acre. He will visit us on Tuesday evening January 24th at 7 PM where he will speak for half an hour, entertain questions  and end with signing copies of his book. We will have some copies of his book available for purchase. His book deals with many subjects that all relate to gardening and keeping chickens. Come with your questions on soil composition, composting, watering, pests and disease, chickens and selling produce. This author visit is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Duck For President

Time: 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Lebanon Opera House, 51 North Park St., Lebanon, NH (about 64 miles from Keene)
Price: $5 child/$10 adult
Ages: Recommended for K-4 grade

An all-new musical revue featuring mini-musicals based on best-selling children’s books.
Duck for President – When a politically ambitious Duck is elected as the leader of the farm, and then as the governor of the state, voters across the nation wonder: can Duck bring a new bill to Capitol Hill?

Fancy Nancy – Nancy just doesn’t understand why she’s the only one who appreciates the value of frilly accessories and a prodigious vocabulary. It’s time to teach her family how to be fancy!

Babymouse: The Musical – Curtain up, light the lights! Will the irresistible, irrepressible Babymouse win the lead in the school musical, or will Felicia Furrypaws steal the show?
I Have to Go! – It’s time for a car trip! Andrew insists that he doesn’t need to use the restroom first, but one he’s zipped, snapped, buttoned and buckled in the backseat, he hears the call of nature.

Leonardo, The Terrible Monster – Though he isn’t big, Leonardo just knows he can frighten the biggest scaredy-cat in school! But maybe it’s better to be a wonderful friend rather than a terrible monster.

Pirates Don’t Change Diapers – When Jeremy Jacob’s old seafaring mateys show up to claim a buried treasure, they wake up his caterwaulin’ little sister and must go on babysitting patrol — or walk the plank!

Wii Games

Time: 9:00 AM-10:30 PM
Place: Peterborough Community Center, 19 Elm St., Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: $3 residents/$4 non-residents
Ages: All

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10:30 a.m., beginning Jan. 17. Realistic sporting, gaming and fitness activities.

What's special about today?

National peanut butter day
Gold was first discovered in California, 1848

Monday, January 23rd Events

Film and Discussion Trudell

Time: 6:00 PM
Place: Keene State College, Young Student Center
Price: Free

Ages: Older crowd

The film "Trudell" will be shown and discussion will follow. 

TRUDELL follows the extraordinary life of Native American poet and activist John Trudell, from his impoverished childhood in Omaha to his leadership in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and his reincarnation as an acclaimed musician and spoken word poet. Using decades-old 16 mm and Super 8 film and video footage as a backdrop, filmmaker Heather Rae paints an intimate portrait of a man whose spirit and words have awakened the Native consciousness. Contact: Dottie Morris - 358-2206 - dmorris@keene.edu

Lego Club

Time: 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Place: Keene Public Library
Price: Free
Ages: All

The library's Lego Club open to kids of all ages.

Homeschool Ski/Snowboard at Pat's Peak

Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Place: Pat's Peak, Henniker, NH (about 34 miles from Keene)
Price: See below
Ages: 6 and up

Enjoy skiing and snowboarding with other homeschoolers  at Pat's Peak!  The following package options are available:

lift ticket only = $20

lift ticket + rental=$25

lift ticket + rental + lesson=$35

lesson only=$10

This is a great deal and a great place to learn to ski.  Prices are for kids and adults.  Pat's Peak gives great lessons - several times, some of our children were the only person in their class level and received a private lesson.  No lift ticket is needed for the bunny hill.  

Lessons are at 10 and 11am and are 1 hour each.  The prices listed let you stay all day to ski or snowboard.  You must sign up 1 week in advance on the Pat's Peak Website. 

You'll find other homeschoolers with young ones hanging out in the lodge.  Kids often connect after lessons to ski together.  

Children's Detective Day Camp

Time: 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
Place: Historical Society of Cheshire County, 246 Main St., Keene, NH
Price: $25
Ages: Grades 4-8

A day-long children’s Detective Camp to solve “The Mysterious Disappearance of Martin Ahern.” Martin Ahern went missing in March of 1869. Although his body was discovered a month later, his disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his death have remained an unsolved mystery. A recent discovery of some older documents in the Historical Society’s archive about Ahern and stolen bonds sheds new light onto this case. HSCC would like to solve this mystery, and seeks detectives who are willing to review the evidence and use good detective investigative skills to unravel the clues to finally solve the case of Martin Ahern’s disappearance and perhaps locate the stolen bonds.

Tom Haynes, HSCC’s Director of Education, will be the chief detective for this day-long camp. It is open to all detectives in grades 4 through 8. The camp will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the cost for a day of investigation and snooping around is $25 for HSCC members and $35 for non-members and is limited to 12 children. Each participant needs to bring their lunch, drink, and snacks for the day, along with warm outside winter detective clothing. Trench coat not required!

Registration and prepayment is required. To register or for further information, please contact HSCC by email or at 352-1895.

Wildlife Tracking Workshop

Time: 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Place: Springfield Public Library, 43 Main St., Springfield, VT (about 36 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Author and naturalist Lynn Levine will present a Wildlife Tracking Workshop for all ages. This program is free and open to all thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Springfield Town Library. For more information, call the library at 802-885-3108. 

Read with Jubilee

Time: 3:30 PM-4:30 PM
Place: Jaffrey Public Library, Jaffrey, NH (about 17 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All  

Jubilee, the registered therapy dog who visited the library this past summer, will be returning with her owner and trainer, Amy Willey, for three sessions in 2012. All three will be on Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30. The first session will take place on Monday, January 23, and the following sessions are on February 27, and March 19.
           

Jubilee loves to listen to stories, so any young readers who would like to share a good story with her are invited to sign up for a 10 minute “Read to Jubilee” spot. Registration is required, and begins on Tuesday, January 2. Call the Children’s Room at 532-7301 to register, or for more information.

What's special about today?

John Hancock's birthday
Handwriting day
National pie day

Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman physician in the U.S., 1849

Three Free Theatre Workshops in Rindge, NH

Children's Stage Adventures is offering three theatre workshops free of charge in Rindge (about 20 miles from Keene). The details are as follows:

Monday January 16th
3:10 – 4:00 pm
Theatre Games
Rindge Meeting House

Tuesday January 17th
3:00 – 3:50 pm
Stage Skills
Rindge Meeting House

Thursday January 19th
2:45 – 3:30 pm
Creative Dramatics
Rindge Meeting House

Class Descriptions:

Theatre Games
A sampling of theatre games as warm-ups, focus and team building exercises.
Stage Skills
Introduces students to the basic skills actors use
Creative Dramatics
Students participate in creating plays out of stories and songs.

Please sign up by contacting me as soon as possible. And feel free to spread the word. These workshops are open to ALL homeschoolers, grade K and up.

If you have any questions, please contact me.

Thanks,

Dawn Smith
603-585-9063
tim_dawnsmith@myfairpoint.net

New Homeschool Group in Townsend, MA for Ages 11ish-16ish

(I'm not too thrilled about the terms tween and teen, but I am placing it here exactly how it was originally written by Melanie Kohli)

Hi Everyone,

Our elementary age playgroup has really taken off in Townsend, MA (about 38 miles from Keene) and now we are working on forming a tween to teen age group! No commitment required! We are currently forming a group for tweens and teens at the Townsend, MA library on Wednesdays from 10-12. You do not have to be a member of the library to participate and it is free! Bring games, use the library's extensive young adult section, get to know other homeschool teens and/or just hang out! Special events and fieldtrips will also be planned once the group gets established.

Have younger siblings? Bring them along! We have an established group of elementary and preschool age children meeting already at the same time, same location!

 

Please email melaniekohli [at sign] dot com for more details. We look forward to meeting you!

Sunday, January 22nd Events

What's special about today?

Francis Bacon's birthday, 1561

Saturday, January 21st Events

Bobcat Research, Revisited

Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Place: Harris Center, Hancock, NH (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

Ages: Older crowd

A research project now underway by the University of New Hampshire and New Hampshire Fish and Game has revealed a wealth of information about one of our most secretive mammals - the bobcat. With a dozen bobcats safely live-trapped, collared, and released (several on or near lands protected by the Harris Center), researchers are learning about the cat’s home ranges, habitat preferences, and abundance in New Hampshire. Join UNH graduate student and project leader Derek Broman for an update on this exciting project, which was launched in the Monadnock Region, and has since been expanded to other areas of the state. Derek will present research findings and continuing riddles, and will also discuss ways in which individuals can help the study by reporting bobcat sightings and tracks. 10 am to noon, at the Harris Center.

Our Roots: A Writing Workshop

Time: 10:30 AM-1:00 PM
Place: Rockingham Free Public Library, Bellows Falls, VT (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older crowd

Spend an afternoon exploring who you are! Come to a creative writing workshop with author Elayne Clift.
Culture and tradition play a large part in shaping our individual and group identities.  This workshop, which draws upon cultural traditions, rituals and experience, provides an opportunity to write about who we are and where we come from – geographically, historically, and emotionally. Whether whimsical or wise, join in crafting written explorations that take us back to our roots!  (Sharing is voluntary and encouraged.) Free and open to the public.

Sign up soon! Space is limited.Call the Library at 802-463-4270. Brown bag lunches welcome.For info regarding the workshop call or email Elayne Clift at 802-869-2686 or eclift@vermontel.net

Kids Fun Night

Time: 6:30 PM-9:00 PM
Place: Martial Arts Principles, 233 Marlboro St., Keene, NH
Price: $11
Ages: 4-12

Deserve a night off? Kids night out. Includes pizza and drinks.

Time To Dance

Time: 7:00 PM
Place:  Keene State College, Redfern Art Center, Keene, NH
Price: $12 Youth/$17 General Admission
Ages: All

In January, it’s Time To Dance at the Redfern Art Center at Keene State College… MoCo Arts brings its annual repertory show to the Redfern stage on Saturday, January 21 at 7:00 pm. This show features MoCo Arts advanced dance students along with a guest appearance by Apple Hill String Quartet. Tickets can be purchased at the Redfern Box Office or by calling (603) 358-2168. 

Winter Festival

Time: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Place: Shepard Park, Milford, NH (about 37 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Fun for the whole family. Ice skating, sledding, fun and games with DJ Dave, bonfire, marshmallow roasting, hot cocoa, popcorn, snowshoeing demo, skate swap. See website.

Rindge Homeschool Play

Time: 2:00 PM
Place: Marlborough Community House, Marlborough, NH (a few miles from Keene)
Price: $5 advance/$7.50 at the door

Ages: All

Performance of the Emperor's New Clothes with Children's Stage Adventures. Tickets at the door. Phone: 603-899-3303.

What's special about today?

Squirrel appreciation day
Hugging day
Stonewall Jackson's birthday, 1824