Sunday, May 6th Events

Celebrate The Earth

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Place: Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum, 18 Highlawn Rd., Warner, NH (about 50 miles from Keene)
Price: See below
Ages: All

Spring is the time for planting festivals in Native New England.  Join us for a day of family fun and learning as we celebrate the start of planting season. 

Learn about the Abenaki “Language of Gardens” and about Native American agriculture from an archaeological perspective.  Take an Herbal Walk to see plants found on our grounds and in your backyard.  Learn about their growth, harvesting, preparation and use. 

See bead work and flint knapping demonstrations.  Practice throwing an atlatl.  Join in the games and crafts and much more!

Admission is $5 for members with a family maximum of $20 and $8.50 for non-members with a family maximum of $26.  Non-members who choose to become members that day will receive free admission.

Dam Run Walk and Fun Run

Time: 8:30 am-2:00 pm
Place: Springfield Coop, 335 River St., Springfield, VT (about 35 miles from Keene)
Price: $7 for Fun Run. The Race/Walk is $20
Ages: All

Proceeds support The Springfield Family Center and Food Shelf and other local charities.
The Fun Run starts at 8:30am and the Race/Walk starts at 9:00am.
The fun run is One-Half (1/2) Mile Long. The race/walk is Four (4) Miles Long.
The Fun Run is $7. The Race/Walk is $20.
www.springfielddamrun.com

13th Annual Herrick's Cove Wildlife Festival

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Place: Herrick's Cove, Herrick's Cove Rd., Rockingham, VT (about 25 miles from Keene)
Price: Donations of $2 person or $5 family are requested.
Ages: All

Celebrate spring and wildlife at beautiful Herricks Cove! This festival includes nature presentations, activities and programs featuring live animals, guided nature walks, a children’s wildlife parade and crafts, tasty food, workshops, birding and much more.

 This event brings together wildlife, nature, and outdoor enthusiasts for a fun and informative time for all ages. Come for an hour or stay all day. The Granite State Zoo will be there all day with a diversity of live animals from many continents. Other presenters include Vermont Institute for Natural Science, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, The Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, The International Wolf Center, storyteller Brian Ellis, and many more.

New this year The Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge’s Mobile Visitors Center, featuring the Watershed on Wheels (WoW) Express is a traveling exhibit designed to engage children of all ages in the beauty and wonder of the Connecticut River Watershed. The WoW Express features seven portable kiosks and an interactive watershed table. Each kiosk has interactive panels, games or computer screens to creatively engage children in the topics of biodiversity, wetlands, bald eagles, migratory birds, endangered species, migratory fish, food webs, and invasive species.

Also new to this year’s festival is an opportunity for children to make masks and costumes and be part of a “wildlife parade” at the festival.

Co-sponsored by the Nature Museum, Ascutney Mountain Audubon Society, and VT Fish and Wildlife and partially funded by TransCanada.

For more information please contact Alma Beals at madalma13@yahoo.com or call 802-722-3355.
Check the Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival page on Facebook for programming updates.
www.facebook.com/pages/Herricks-Cove-Wildlife-Festival/199303310103196

Important note: Please refrain from bringing pets. It interferes with the live animal programs.

Growing Great Fruits and Vegetables

Time: 2:30 pm-5:00 pm
Place: Alyson's Orchard, Walpole, NH (about 13 miles from Keene)
Price: Donations
Ages: Older

Inspiring garden talk with silent auction featuring local art. Parks Place is hosting an inspiring Garden Talk by Charlie Nardozzi, nationally recognized gardening writer and speaker, at the picturesque Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, NH.
The topic of discussion will be “Growing Great Fruits and Vegetables in Vermont and New Hampshire.” Admission by donation. Refreshments, cash bar and unique auction items, including a wide array of locally donated art by talents such as Charlie Hunter, Matthew Peake, Mallory Lake, Ailyn Hoey,Ingrid Buckley, Carol Keiser and more!
May 6, 2012 from 3-5 PM (2:30-3 p.m. auction preview).
Contact Margaret Grisczenkow, Development Director at margaret@parksplacevt.org or 802-463-9927×109 for more information.

Balkan Dance

Time: 6:30 pm-9:30 pm
Place: Stone Church, 210 Main St., Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price:$8-$12
Ages: Older

Every first Sunday.
International Folk Dance. Live music.
Sliding scale: $8-$12
Beginner lesson at 6:30pm with Rashel Ackerman.
Info: Rashel, 802 257-9513
Please carry your dance shoes.

Foreign Language Potlucks

Time: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Place: Main Street Arts, 37 Main St., Saxtons River, VT (about 25 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Share food and conversation. All levels welcome.
Spanish on the 1st Sunday: Apr 1, May 6
French on the 2nd Sunday: Apr 8, May 13
German on the 3rd Sunday: Apr 15, May 20
802-869-2960
www.mainstreetarts.org

Piano Recital Honoring The Memory of Mitzi Berman

Time: 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
Place: Concord Community 23 Wall St., Music School, Concord, NH (about 50 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Grace Kim, a winner of the New England Conservatory's Marion Rubin Berman '31 Piano Honors Competition performs.
Free and open to the public.
Website 

The Moods of Beethoven

Time: 3:00 pm-4:30 pm
Place: First Church in Jaffrey, 14 Laban Ainsworth Way, Jaffrey Center, NH (about 17 miles from Keene)
Price:$10
Ages: All

Pianist Eve Kodiak, baritone Gene Faxon, ConVal High School String Quartet perform a variety of Beethoven's music with improvisations on his themes. Contact: 532-7979
Website. 

Catch The Wind

Time: 3:00 pm
Place: Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Main St., Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: $10 adults/$5 children
Ages: All

The Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs performing folk songs, art songs and novelty songs. Tickets available at the Toadstool Bookshop and Steele's, Peterborough. 

Contact: 924-6245

Drumming Class for Children

Time: 11:45 am-3:00 pm
Place: The Starving Artist, 10 West St., Keene, NH
Price: $10
Ages: Up to age 14 depending on individual

Children's Drum Classes with Sayon Camara of Guinea West Africa. A rare chance to get a direct experience with traditional African culture and music. First Sunday of each month. All skill levels welcome.

Fashion Show & Tea

Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Mariposa Museum, Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: $15 advance/$20 at the door
Ages: Older

“Hats” Fashion Show and Tea.Admission to “Hats” is $15 in advance or $20 at the door.  Sunday, May 6^th at 2pm at the Mariposa Museum, Main Street, Peterborough

Reservations are highly encouraged.

Ceremonial, traditional and vintage hats from around the world and a retrospective of American hats will be modeled followed by traditional British tea refreshments.   

603-924-4555
pr@mariposamuseum.org

Journey to Jamaa!

Time: 10:00 am
Place: Asbury United Methodist Church, Chesterfield, NH (about 10 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Journey to Jamaa!  (juh-mah) is Swahili for “family.” A special program featuring a film of two children from Uganda who make an impossible journey and a family that faces an impossible choice in the midst of crushing poverty. Sunday, May 6th at 10am,
Asbury United Methodist Church of Chesterfield 

More information.

For more information, visit www.chesterfieldumc.org or email pastorscott2007@yahoo.com

Monadnock Youth Choirs

Time: 3:00 pm
Place: Unitarian Church, 25 Main St., Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: $10 adult/$5 child
Ages: All

Sunday May 6th at 3 pm. The Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs are performing their spring concert at the Peterborough Unitarian Church, 25 Main Street, right across from the Mariposa Museum. Tickets are available at Steele's and Toadstool Bookstore in Peterborough, and also at the door, $10/adult, $5/child.

Black Belt Extravaganza 

Time: 5:00 pm-6:30 pm
Place: Monadnock High School, 590 Old Homestead Hwy, Swanzey, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

The show is open to the public and is free of charge.

What's special about today?

Nurses' day
British athlete Roger Bannister became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes (3:59:4), 1954

Scotland elected its first separate parliament in three centuries, 1999

Sigmund Freud's birthday, 1856

Saturday, May 5th Events

Get Outside Day

Time: 9:00 am-1:00 pm
Place: Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free activites/$5 entrance fee
Ages: All

Come join the Monadnock Ecological Research and Education Project (MERE), in partnership with the New Hampshire Department of Parks, for a day of hiking and exploring at Monadnock State Park on May 5. During Get Outside Day! MERE staff will be on hand to talk about natural history and outdoor safety, and to lead short activities with children.

The event will held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Monadnock State Park Headquarters Visitor Center in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The activities are free; the state park entrance fee is $5.

MERE was started by Antioch University New England (AUNE) in 2007 to help people learn about and appreciate Mount Monadnock through ecological research, monitoring, and educational outreach.

"We are hosting this day to help foster people's appreciation for what is on the mountain," said Peter Palmiotto, MERE's director and professor of environmental studies at AUNE. "There are numerous natural communities and natural wonders that make the mountain special. We, the MERE staff, will be there, pointing out them out, with the goal of enhancing visitors' experience of the mountain."

Spring Birding at Otter Brook Farm

Time: 8:00 am-11:00 am
Place: Meet at Happy Valley School, 132 Gulf Rd, Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Join Backyard Birder Columnist Francie Von Mertens (Harris Center Honorary Trustee, and long-time leader of the Peterborough Conservation Commission). Otter Brook Farm’s extensive and diverse habitat with field, forest and wetland—protected now by a conservation easement given to the Harris Center last June—makes the area we’ll bird a great one to see and hear a variety of migrant and breeding bird species. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Happy Valley School,132 Gulf Road off Route 136 in Peterborough. Ends 11 a.m. 

Full Moon Saturday Night Hike

Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Meet at Harris Center, Hancock, NH (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older

For this climb, on a well-maintained and marked trail, meet leader and trail crew chief Jim Orr − along with the women of the Monadnock Roller Derby Team! − at the Harris Center at 7 p.m. Bring light refreshments and water (but leave your skates at home!). Back down by 10:30 p.m.

May Day Celebration

Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Chesterfield Arch Bridge Society, 73 Spaulding Hill Rd., West Chesterfield, NH (about 11 miles from Keene)
Price: Donations appreciated
Ages: All

Maypole Dance with Andy Davis

Community Contra Dance
Clog Dance by Guiding Star Clog
Old Fashion Children Games
Poem by Leigh Chickering
Parking available at Riverside Mall
Flyer

Quest Fest 2012

Time: 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Place: Meet at Horatio Colony House Museum, 199 Main St., Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

A "quest" is a treasure hunt with maps, riddles and pictures that you use to explore Keene's special places.  Explore Keene's landscapes and heritage. Free and open to the public!
Flyer 

Touch A Truck Day

Time: 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Place: Souhegan High School, 412 Boston Post Rd., Amherst, NH (about 42 miles from Keene)
Price: Free

Ages: All

Come join us in what is quickly becoming a favorite family activity! Both the young and young at heart will have the opportunity to see, touch, and explore large and fun vehicles from our town. Dump trucks, utility trucks, ambulances, police cars and fire trucks are just a few of the many types of vehicles that will be at this event. We'll experience these awesome vehicles up close and personally!  Children will even have the opportunity to meet Dora the Explorer.  Concessions will be available. Sponsored by Amherst Recreation Department.  Fee: Free

Acworth 5K for Play

Time: 8:00 am-2:00 pm
Place: United Church of Acworth, Turkey Shoot Rd., Acworth, NH (about 25 miles from Keene)
Price: $20 registration
Ages: All

The Acworth 5K for Play is a 5K run and 1 mile family walk. The Acworth Center School PTO is holding this event to raise funds to rebuild the school playground.

Registration for runners is $20. Registration for walkers is $20 per family.

All participants will be welcome to our refreshment tents featuring goodies sponsored by Acworth Village Store, Elm City Bagels, Walpole Grocery, Mr. G’s Liquidation Center, Hannaford Supermarkets and Shaw’s Supermarkets.

Pre-register online before April 23 and you will get a free t-shirt printed by the Ink Factory of Claremont. Shirts will also be for sale the day of the event. Just fill out the registration form, and then pay securely with your credit card via PayPal or mail a check with your registration fee. You can also print out the form and send it via regular mail.

If you have any questions, send email to info@acworthplays.org
There will be a prize raffle for all registered runners and walkers.

Prizes include:
7 gift certificates from RoadID.com
4 $50 gift certificates from Huberts Family Outfitters
2 Gift Boxes from WS Badger Co.
$10 gift certificates from Walpole Creamery
gift boxes from Cabot Creamery
a gift certificate from BE Supply Greenhouse of Langdon
www.acworthplays.org

Sheep Shearing & Herding with Border Collies

Time: 10:00 am-3:30 pm
Place: Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 and River Rd., Woodstock, VT (about 60 miles from Keene)
Price: See website for more info
Ages: All

Watch the spring shearing of the farm’s ewes and demonstrations of border collies herding sheep in the farm fields. The Teago Volunteer Fire Department will provide lunch – proceeds benefit the department. Admission includes the children’s art show and the 27th annual spring commemorative button.

Explore one of the finest operating dairy farms in America and a museum of Vermont’s rural past – your gateway to Vermont’s rural heritage. Billings Farm features many aspects of farm work, including care of the Jersey cows and other livestock, milking of the herd, crop rotation, and feed production.

Get to know our Jerseys, sheep, horses, oxen, and chickens through interactive programs and activities. Explore the barns and calf nursery and watch the afternoon milking of the herd. Visitors will experience a first-hand sampling of actual farm work, animals, and agricultural processes. The authentically restored 1890 Farm House, the center of the farm and forestry operation a century ago – features the farm manager’s office, family living quarters – and creamery, where butter was produced for market. Interactive programs in the farmhouse for visitors and students interpret 19th century agricultural improvement, butter production, and domestic life. Engaging exhibits housed in 19th century barns depict the annual cycle of rural life and work, as well as the cultural values of Vermont farm families a century ago.
www.billingsfarm.org

Strategy Games

Time: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Place: Village Square Booksellers, 32 The Square, Bellows Falls, VT (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Every 1st Saturday. Duels for Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon, Magic The Gathering.
Free.
Village Square Booksellers sells decks and boosters as well as Dungeons and Dragons books.
802-463-9404
www.villagesquarebooks.com

Support Music...By the Slice!

Time: 4:30 pm-7:00 pm
Place: Pizza Factory Inc., 141 Canal St., Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: See below
Ages: All

Join the Brattleboro Music Center for dinner at the Pizza Factory and enjoy a fun slice of fundraising to support the Center’s scholarship and outreach programs. Included is a gluten-free menu, musical entertainment, and a silent auction!
Reservations are $15 adults, $10 children 12 and under, $45 family maximum.
For tickets or more information, contact the BMC at (802) 257-4523
www.bmcvt.org

Available Light Portrait Photography Class

Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Place: Main Street Arts, Main St., Saxtons River, VT (about 25 miles from Keene)
Price: See below
Ages: Older

Understand how your camera works and take better portraits.
Instructor: Bill Sumner
$18 members/ $24 non-members
802-869-2960
www.mainstreetarts.org

Show: Cinderella

Time: 1:30 pm-8:00 pm
Place: Lebanon Opera House, 51 North Park St., Lebanon, NH (about 61 miles from Keene)

Price: $14 Children/$18 Adults
Ages: All

One of the most beloved ballets in the City Center Ballet repertoire. Three shows – 1:30 & 7 PM on Saturday; 2:30 PM on Sunday.

This classic story has enchanted audiences of all ages since its premiere. Following the original fairy tale by Charles Perrault, and set to the magnificent music of Prokofiev, the magical tale of a young girl who overcomes adversity to find true love and happiness comes to life through graceful and breathtaking dance.
Cinderella is a charming ballet perfect for both the young and the young-at-heart in your family!

Cinderella is performed in two acts with one intermission.
Cinderella’s Royal Luncheon is at 12 pm on Saturday, May 5, at the Lebanon Ballet School on the Mall in Downtown Lebanon. There, you and your young ones can enjoy a pre-performance buffet luncheon and meet some of the Cinderella dancers in costume. Attending the Luncheon guarantees admission to Cinderella at the Opera House, only a short walk away. Tickets are $28 for adults, $24 for seniors/children and include preferred seating at the performance immediately following each luncheon; available only at www.CityCenterBallet.org
Ticket price includes $1 Theater Preservation Fee
Pricing: Adults: $18
Children/Seniors: $14
603.448.0400
www.lebanonoperahouse.org

Ram Full Moon Festival

Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Place: Hastings Parish House-Walpole Unitarian Church, Corner of Main and Union St., Walpole, NH (about 16 miles from Keene)
Price: Contact for more info.

The River Valley Full Moon Meditation Group would like to invite the community to join us in celebrating the Ram Full Moon Festival. Each month, at the time of the full moon, people who are concerned about the state of the world and humanity as a whole gather to offer service by meditating, using a scientific form of creative meditation. This form of meditation helps to step down the spiritual and healing energies, available at this specific time, for planetary redemption. (Please note: This group recognizes the new, corrected, star-based astrological calendar.)

Each full moon occurs during a certain zodiacal sign that serves as a symbol for the energies available to humanity at that time. Each sign has a keynote, the keynote for the Ram being, “I come forth from the plane of mind, I rule.” This keynote reminds us that it is important to reflect on humanity’s purpose, to consider what is important to us, what parts of our collective life need re-visioning, what new activity could we initiate and what is essential to retry, redo, and improve.

The Ram Full Moon Festival will be held on Saturday, May 5th, from 7-9 pm at the Hastings House, Walpole Unitarian Church, corner of Main and Union Streets, in Walpole, NH. Meditations are open to the public and operate on the principle of shared responsibility. Please join us on the River Valley Full Moon Meditation Group Facebook page for news, interesting articles and information on scientific meditation, and why we meditate at the full moon. You may also email the group on FB or call (802) 536-5024 for more information.

Sirius Coyote

Time: 7:30 pm-9:30 pm
Place: Hooker-Duham Theater & Gallery, 139 Main St., Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Contact for more info
Ages: All

Sirius Coyote celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a journey to the magical sounds of the Americas with songs and styles from Latin America on a variety of ancient and modern instruments.
802-254-9276
www.twilightmusic.org

Alta Ifland at Toadstool

Time: 3:30 pm-4:30 pm
Place: Toadstool Bookshop, 12 Depot Square, Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

ALTA IFLAND current MacDowell Colonist reading from and signing her various works including poetry and short stories. 

Rindge Annual Town-Wide Yard Sale

Time: 8:00 am-2:00 pm
Place: First Congregational Church, 6 Payson Hill Rd., Rindge, NH (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: Free to attend/A fee to sell
Ages: All

The First Congregational Church of Rindge will host its annual town-wide yard / garage sale on May 5th, 2012 from 8 am to 2 pm. (RAIN OR SHINE)

This event is open to all. Sellers must pre-register and addresses will be listed with an up-dated map of Rindge. The Lawn area at the Meeting House is also available for those who do not wish to use their own property or who are not from Rindge. We will have some Craft and Antique Items at various locations.

The Church will charge the following fees:
· $10 for Rindge residents to have their names & addresses placed on a town map
· $15 for space (12’ x 12’) on the Lawn at the Rindge Meeting House
· $25 for table (6’) for space inside the Meeting House

Each seller will be responsible for providing their own tables and displaying, marking and selling their own goods.

Free Maps and a list of ALL locations will be available at the Meeting House to buyers & bargain hunters, beginning at 7 AM on May 1st . To be eligible for the drawing, shoppers must collect signatures at the homes they visit and return the form to the Town Hall before 2 PM. A drawing will then be held at 2 PM for those who visit all locations --3 prizes will be awarded.

Coffee & donuts will be available in the morning and a light lunch will be served from 11 am to 2:00 pm.

This is a great way for all townspeople to dispose of their unwanted “stuff” before the summer begins. During these still long, dark, and cold days, as you clean a closet, cabinet, the basement or garage, just set items aside & you will be ready to earn a little money on May 1st. Jane Hannon 603-899-5789 hannon@myfairpoint.net Website

Woolly Weekend

Time: 10:00 am-11:30 am
Place: Stonewall Farm, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

Meet Stonewall Farm's freshly shorn sheep and llama. Learn traditional methods of preparing and crafting the wool. Also on Sunday same time. Free. 

AerospaceFest 2012

Time: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Place: McAuliffe Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, NH (about 50 miles from Keene)
Price: Adults $15/Children $11/2 and under Free
Ages: All

Aerospacefest 2012: X-treme Flight will kickoff Friday evening, May 4 and continue Saturday, May 5 at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. Concord, NH

Aerospacefest celebrates the space sciences and aeronautics with numerous activities, demonstrations and speakers. The theme this year is “X-treme Flight”, featuring the 1956 XF8U-2 Crusader on display at the Discovery Center.

The festival includes helicopter rides, rocket launches, weather balloon launches, HAM radio
demonstrations, telescope viewing, and – back by popular demand – planetarium show Attack of the Space Pirates, featuring space explorers flying out to save the universe from the schemes of space pirates.

Visitors will also be able to see flying creatures of the animal kingdom with a visit from Squam Lakes Natural Science Center educators, enjoy Curious George activities with the Margaret & HA Rey Center, and be mesmerized by extreme science shows by Mad Science.

The winners of the 2012 Alex Higgins Space Camp Scholarship Awards and Astronomy Bowl VI will also be announced this year during Saturday's festivities. The Space Camp Scholarship Awards are for three talented New Hampshire students to be chosen by the Discovery Center and its philanthropic arm, Touch the Future, Inc., and covers the cost of tuition for in Huntsville, AL. Astronomy Bowl VI is a statewide competition for high school students. The top three winners receive scholarship prizes to be used towards higher education.

More information on keynote speakers and full schedule of events will be posted on http://www.starhop.com/aerospacefest/schedule.aspx. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center features 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a variety of science, technology, engineering and math programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners.

5K Family Fun Walk for Emily

Time: 9:00 am
Place: Dublin Consolidated School, 1177 Main St., Dublin, NH (about 13 miles from Keene)
Price: $10
Ages: All

Fundraiser for Emily Brnger and support a cure for breast cancer. 759-1491 or ledmhd@myfairpoint.net

Greenborough

Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Place: Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

New England's Green Living Expo and Festival. Part home show, tech fair, farmers market, and festival with music, sheep dog demonstrations and more.
Website.

Girls Tea Party

Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Weare Town Hall, 15 Flanders Memorial Drive
Weare, NH (about 40 miles from Keene)
Price: $5
Ages: Ages 5-12

Girls 5-12 years old. Wear favorite dress-up clothes, make fun keepsakes, listen to storyteller, and bid on silent auction items. Adult must accompany. Fundraiser for Weare's 250th anniversary celebration. Reservations required. Contact: 529-0425 .

Japanese Children's Day Parade

Time: 12:00 pm
Place: Starving Artist, Keene, NH and Main St., Keene, NH
Price: See below
Ages: All

Cancelled
12pm: come to The Starving Artist to make your own FISH KITE - $5 each
1pm: Parade down Main Street, Keene
Cupcakes at The Starving Artist to follow!
Website

Way Leads on to Way: Robert Frost in Speech & Song

Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Marlboro College, Ragle Hall, Marlboro, VT (about 29 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older

Come explore the music of Robert Frost's poetry as senior Ellie Roark presents her original settings and interpretive recitations of five of Frost's contemplative wandering poems. Together we will consider how each poem lends itself to music, and our impressions of the transition from speech to song. Poems performed will include "The Wood-Pile," "Acquainted with the Night" and "Desert Places."

Bald is Beautiful

Time: 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Place: Walier Chevrolet, 195 Winchester St.,  Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

Bald is Beautiful
Saturday, May 5th from 9am-2pm
at Walier Chevrolet

Have your head shaved  or sponsor someone who will to support those living with cancer.
Make you donation or register at www.bald-is-beautiful.org

Kids Planter Box Workshop

Time: 9:00 am-Noon
Place: Home Depot, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

Kids Planter Box Workshop. Saturday, May 5th from 9am-noon
at the Keene Home Depot. Free. Paint & add your own embelishments & each child receives a kid-sized orange apron & achievement pin with certificate!

Antique Tractor Plow Day

Time: 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Place: Foulke's Farm, Rt 12A, West Claremont, NH (about 40 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

NH Antique Tractor Club Annual Spring "PLOW DAY". Rain or Shine. Saturday, May 5th from 9am - 3pm . At Foulke's Farm on route 12a in West Claremont
Free Admission & Parking. Refreshments Available
603-542-8191
603-543-3359

Website 

Walk for Meals on Wheels

Time: 8:00 am-11:00 am
Place: Franklin County Technical School, 82 Industrial Blvd., Turners Falls, MA (about 29 miles from Keene)
Price: See website for more info
Ages: All

Join the 20th annual Walk for Meals on Wheels Sat., May 5th, 2012. Lead a team, become a walker, or pledge your support. Free t-shirts, snacks, and fun—including prizes. All money goes to provide home-delivered food AND a well-being check for homebound elders in Franklin County and North Quabbin. New groups get funds doubled by Greenfield Savings Bank or Greenfield Co-operative Bank. Rain or shine. Franklin County Technical School, Turners Falls, MA. Win prizes for most money raised in many categories, most unique costumes, and more! Everyone welcome, because every little bit helps. Free FRTA busses available. Call today: 413-773-5555 ● 978-544-2259 www.fchcc.org

Website: http://www.fchcc.org/mow/mow-walkathon-2012.html

Family Dance

Time: 6:30 pm
Place: Main Street Arts, Saxtons River, VT
Price: $2 per person/ donations welcome
Ages: All

Music and calling by Andy Toepfr and the Main Street Arts string band. Everyone welcome, and no experience necessary. Fun for the whole family.

What's special about today?

Children's Day
Cinco De Mayo
Mary Kies of South Killingly, Conn., became the first woman to be granted a patent. The patent was for the rights to a technique for weaving straw with silk and thread, 1809
Carnegie Hall (then known as Music Hall) opened in New York City. Peter Tchaikovsky was the guest conductor, 1891
Pablo Picasso's "Boy with a Pipe" became the most expensive painting ever sold, 2004

Friday, May 4th Events

Family Dance at Your Library

Time: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Place: Keene Public Library, Heberton Hall, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All ages and abilities

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. 

All Family Dances are sponsored by the Friends of the Keene Public Library, the Trustees of the Keene Public Library Endowment Fund, the Keene Sentinel, and Parent Express. Check our online calendar to see who will be performing at our next dance!

Play: Arsenic and Lace

Time: 7:30 pm
Place: The Dummerston Grange, Dummerston, VT (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: $12/$10 students

The Vermont Theatre Company performs the hilarious classic comedy "Arsenic and Old Lace" under the direction of Bob Kramsky. bob_kramsky@wsesu.org

Website 

First Friday at Mariposa Museum

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

5-6 pm - Kid Craft: Flowers. 6-7 pm - Reception Gallery Exhibit: Children and Grandparents with Photographer Ken Heyman. At 7 pm: Monadnock Flutes with Director Denise Nolan. All programs are free.

Cafe Night 
 
Time: 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Place: United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

Come share your talent! Are you in a band? An aspiring actor/actress? Want to be a magician? Do you sing or dance? Open microphone for all, but must be appropriate for all ages. No cost to enter or participate.  Open to all. Refreshments will be available to purchase.

Spring Bird ID Series

Time: 7:00 am-10:00 am
Place: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Rd., Holderness, NH (about 90 miles from Keene)
Price: $12 member/$15 non-member
Ages: 14+

For age 14+ Thanks to Squam Lakes Conservation Society's land protection efforts, there are many protected acres of woods, meadows, and wetlands that provide outstanding and diverser habitats for birds. Join Iain MacLeod (on 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25, 6/1), Bob Ridgeley (6/8), Rick Van de Poll (6/15), or Tony Vazzano (6/22), for this series of beginning birding programs to learn identification by sight and sound. Meet at the Science Center to travel by van to each site. Cost per program: $12/SLNSC or SLCS member; $15/non-member Register by calling 603-968-7194 or email info@nhnature.org

Boys Book Club

Time: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM
Place: Ingalls Memorial Library, Rindge, NH (about 20 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: 6-8th grade ages

Any questions or for more information about the above programs call Mrs. Connor at 899-3303 or e-mail the library georgi@ingallslibrary.com 

Craft Night at Main Street Arts

Time: 6:00 pm-10:00 pm
Place: Main Street Arts, 37 Main St., Saxtons River, VT (about 25 miles from Keene)
Price: $5 for the entire evening
Ages: All

Every Friday through May 11. Get those unfinished projects done. Scrapbook, sew, knit, collage…
Instructor: Gina Cote
Fri Apr 6 – May 11, drop in anytime between 6 & 10 pm.
$5 for the entire evening. Contact: 802-869-2960
www.mainstreetarts.org

80's Mentor Cabaret

Time: 7:30 pm-8:30 pm
Place: New England Youth Theater, 100 Flat St., Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: $10
Ages: All

Ready to travel back to the time of big hair and neon leggings? This totally radical show brings you fresh dancing, tubular singing and righteous comedy. With cookies and milk for snacks, this cannot be missed. The New England Youth Theatre Mentors present The 80’s Cabaret!
Tickets are $10 and are only available at the door. Proceeds to benefit Angels in the Wings Scholarship Fund.
www.neyt.org

Willy Wonka The Musical

Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Claremont Opera House, 58 Opera House Square, Claremont, NH (about 40 miles from Keene)
Price:
Ages: All

Three performances! Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory. Produced through special arrangement with MTI, the Playground is excited to bring this family classic to the Claremont Stage. Come and singing as Charlie learns what it means to really be the “good” boy!

All the money raised through tickets sales and concession at the Performer’s Playground goes back into supporting this local nonprofit and the over 500 youth that it has served!
Friday, May 4, 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 5, 2:00 PM
Saturday, May 5, 7:00 PM
http://www.claremontoperahouse.com/

Gallery Walk in Brattleboro

Time: 5:30 pm-8:30 pm
Place: Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Gallery Walk in Brattleboro, Vermont happens on the first Friday of each month. A year-round, festive stroll in downtown Brattleboro and nearby locations.
See the work of leading New England artists in a welcoming setting: paintings, drawings, sculpture, prints and photography. Most exhibits are ongoing throughout the month.
www.gallerywalk.org

Photographer Peter Simon- I And Eye: Pictures of My Generation

Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Place: Brooks Memorial Library, Main St., Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older

Peter Simon will present a slide show of his photographs, taken from his book, I and Eye: Pictures of My Generation.

I and Eye is an astonishing record of the far-ranging experiences of Simon’s generation, in which he has captured many of the major figures and events — in both the mainstream and the counterculture — of the past 40 years. Among his many eclectic subjects are the “New Age” quest for spirituality, reggae culture, the Grateful Dead, the New York Mets, and life on Martha’s Vineyard.

Peter Simon is a nationally acclaimed photographer, photojournalist, author, music historian, and instructor who has turned his enthusiasms into a highly entertaining and insightful career of articles, books, CDs, fine art prints, and calendars. His work has been published in many newspapers and magazines, including Time, Newsweek, People, Village Voice, Atlantic Monthly, Cape Cod Life, Boston Magazine, New York Magazine, The New York Times, and Rolling Stone.
Visit Peter Simon’s web site
www.petersimon.com

Finned Friends

Time: 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Place: Amoskeag Fishways, Manchester, NH (about 60 miles from Keene)
Price: $5 per family
Ages: All

The Amoskeag Fishways presents a family program about fish.  Through games and activities, participants will learn about these underwater river creatures.  Families will find out which fish live in NH, which don’t, and which ones aren’t really fish at all!  Cost: $5 per family.  Advance registration with payment required.  Call 626-3474 for more information.  www.amoskeagfishways.org

Peterborough Contra Dance

Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove St., Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: $8/$6 students
Ages: All

The dances are held on the first Saturday of every month (excepting sometimes in August) at the Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove Street. The dance opens at 7:30 with a beginners workshop, and the dancing starts at 8:00. The callers and bands represent diverse choices from New England's finest. Admission to the dance is $8 / $6 for students and senior citizens. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org/?page_id=30. 

AerospaceFest 2012

Time: 6:30 pm-10:00 pm
Place: McAuliffe Shepard Discovery Center, Concord, NH (about 50 miles from Keene)
Price: Adults $10/Children $8/2 and under Free (these prices are for Friday evening)
Ages: All

Aerospacefest 2012: X-treme Flight will kickoff Friday evening, May 4 and continue Saturday, May 5 at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. Concord, NH

Aerospacefest celebrates the space sciences and aeronautics with numerous activities, demonstrations and speakers. The theme this year is “X-treme Flight”, featuring the 1956 XF8U-2 Crusader on display at the Discovery Center.

The festival includes helicopter rides, rocket launches, weather balloon launches, HAM radio
demonstrations, telescope viewing, and – back by popular demand – planetarium show Attack of the Space Pirates, featuring space explorers flying out to save the universe from the schemes of space pirates.

Visitors will also be able to see flying creatures of the animal kingdom with a visit from Squam Lakes Natural Science Center educators, enjoy Curious George activities with the Margaret & HA Rey Center, and be mesmerized by extreme science shows by Mad Science.

The winners of the 2012 Alex Higgins Space Camp Scholarship Awards and Astronomy Bowl VI will also be announced this year during Saturday's festivities. The Space Camp Scholarship Awards are for three talented New Hampshire students to be chosen by the Discovery Center and its philanthropic arm, Touch the Future, Inc., and covers the cost of tuition for in Huntsville, AL. Astronomy Bowl VI is a statewide competition for high school students. The top three winners receive scholarship prizes to be used towards higher education.

More information on keynote speakers and full schedule of events will be posted on http://www.starhop.com/aerospacefest/schedule.aspx. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center features 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a variety of science, technology, engineering and math programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners.

Music: Welcome Spring

Time: 7:00 pm
Place: First Congregational Church, 47 Main St., Hancock, NH (about 22 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Early music concert by Lachrimae. Music of love, lust and spring from Renaissance England, France, Italy and Germany. Contact: 525-6628

Games Day

Time: 12:30 pm-2:00 pm
Place: Peterborough Community Theatre, 6 School St., Peterborough, NH  (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: $2/residents;$3/nonresidents 
Ages: All

First Fridays, 12:30-2 p.m. Socialize and play a variety of games. Refreshments.

First Friday Music

Time: 6:00 pm
Place: Toadstool Bookshop, 12 Depot Square, Peterborough, NH (about 19 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Jim Barnes, New Hampshire's own folksinger, troubadour and Irish balladeer. 

924-3543

3rd Annual Diversity Day Celebration

Time: 5:00 pm-8:30 pm
Place: Harmony Parking Lot and River Garden in Downtown Brattleboro, Main St. and Elliot, Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

A festive celebration of our diverse community with music, art displays, live performances, and food. Come and partake in this Annual Community Event.

Play: Lacuna

Time: 7:00 pm
Place: Marlboro College, Whittemore Theater, Marlboro, VT (about 29 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: 16+

Written and directed by senior Samantha Hohl, Lacuna is a multimedia performance representing the silence within trauma, through the stories of an Afghanistan veteran and a Rwandan genocide survivor. This play contains depictions of violence and graphic war imagery, and is not recommended for audiences under the age of 16.

Music: Nostalgia

Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Keene High School, Keene, NH
Price: $7
Ages: All

Keene High School Nostalgia. An evening of musical variety
Friday, May 4th & Saturday, May 5th at 7:30pm
Tickets  $7.00 can be purchased at the door or in advance by email: khschoralmusic@gmail.com or by phone 352-0640 x7033                         
                                                    
Featuring A Cappella Chior & Jazz Band

Play: Oliver Twist

Time: Contact for more information
Place: Washington School, 62 Wolf Way, Washington, NH (about 35 miles from Keene)
Price: Contact for more information
Ages: All

An original musical adaptation of the classic Dickens’ tale of the orphaned boy whose good and sturdy spirit support him through the difficult and exciting times of growing up in Victorian England. Enjoy all the fascinating characters involved in Oliver’s life: the Artful Dodger, Fagin, the menacing Bill Sikes and the kind hearted Nancy. The story follows Oliver from the miseries of the workhouse to the dangerous streets of London where he becomes involved in a plot containing mystery, robbery, and kidnapping. All is resolved when Oliver’s true identity is discovered and he finds a home and happiness with his Great Uncle, Mr. Brownlow. 

Website 

What's special about today?

International firefighter's day
The first Grammy Awards were held, 1959
Audrey Hepburn's birthday, 1929
Horace Mann's birthday, 1796

Thursday, May 3rd Events

National Day of Prayer

Time: 6:00 am-7:00 pm (see times below)
Place: 1 Central Square, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

AMERICANS TO UNITE AND PRAY ON THURSDAY, MAY 3RD, FOR THE 61ST ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

As American troops remain in harm’s way, our economy continues to waiver, and we quickly approach our upcoming elections, citizens of the United States are preparing to exercise their freedom to gather, worship, and pray. Millions will answer the call to prayer on May 3rd in observance of the 61st annual National Day of Prayer. Organized events will be held in thousands of public venues where intercession will be made for America and its leadership.
This year’s theme, “One Nation Under God”, is based on Psalm 33:12 which reminds us that “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” National Day of Prayer (NDP) Task Force Chairman Shirley Dobson, wife of Focus on the Family founder Dr. James Dobson, said “At this perilous and uncertain juncture in our country’s history, it is critical that we remain in prayer. The American people continue to be plagued with challenges that defy simple answers, and our hope lies in humbly seeking the Almighty’s guidance, protection, and blessing – not only on the National Day of Prayer, but throughout the year.” 

Three one hour prayer observations will be held on Keene's Central Square at 6:00 AM; Noon and at 6:00 PM.

To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org 

Thomas Travers
603-381-9077
thomas@stationpower.com
Website

Homeschool Program: Rockets and Propulsion

Time: 2:15 pm
Place: McAuliffe-Shephard Discovery Center, Concord, NH (about 50 miles from Keene)
Price:$15 per student, $10 for each additional student from same family. $10 extra charge for rocket materials for levels two and three.
Ages: All

Ever wondered how rockets actually lift off? Your homeschooler will explore the science of rocketry and learn some of it's basic principles behind the awe of blast off.
More information. 

DIY Herb Garden

Time: 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Place: Home Depot, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: All

Do it yourself  Herb Container Garden. Thursday, May 3rd from 6:30pm-8pm
at Home Depot  in Keene. Free.

What's special about today?

Margaret Mitchell won the Pulitzer Prize in fiction for Gone With the Wind, 1937
New Hampshire’s symbol, the granite Old Man of the Mountain, collapsed in the state’s Franconia Mountains, 2003
Margaret Thatcher became the first woman elected prime minister of England, 1979

Wednesday, May 2nd Events

Movie at the Library

Time: 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Place: Keene Public Library, Auditorium, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: 13+

Green Lantern

In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A Brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newt recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan.

Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard
Warner Bros.; Directed by Martin Campbell
Rated PG-13; 105 minutes; 2011 

Read It. See It. Love It. Film Series

Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Place: Keene Public Library, Auditorium, Keene, NH
Price: Free
Ages: Rated PG 

The Express

Based on the incredible true story, this film follows college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Davis was recruited by the Syracuse Orangeman and proceeded to break down one barrier after another on his way to becoming an icon for the burgeoning civil rights movement dividing America in the early 1960s. 

Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Omar Benson Miller
Universal Pictures; Directed by Gary Fleder
Rated PG; 130 minutes; 2008 

Circus Incognitus

Time: 10:00 am-11:00 am
Place: Lebanon Opera House, 51 North Park St., Lebanon, NH (about 65 miles from Keene)
Price: $5 children/$10 parents
Ages: Appropriate for grades 2-6, but everyone welcome!

Appropriate for grades 2–6. An alumnus of the famed Pickle Family Circus and Cirque du Soleil, Jamie Adkins’ clowning and acrobatic pedigree is unparalleled.

In Circus Incognitus, Jamie brings to life the story of a man who has something to say, but can’t quite get it out. Whether teetering on towering ladders or deftly maneuvering a jaw full of ping-pong balls, Jamie leads students on a humorous and inspiring adventure about having the courage to try new ideas and not giving up when all goes wrong.

Pricing:
School Groups and Children: $5
Adults: $10

Notes: Appropriate for grades 2 – 6

One Nation Under Contract

Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Place: Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St., Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older

Middlebury College professor Allison Stanger provides a look at the privatization of American foreign policy and its consequences.

This presentation, titled “One Nation under Contract,” will be at the Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main Street in Brattleboro, Vermont, on May 2 at 7:00 pm.
The lecture is a First Wednesday program sponsored by the Vermont Humanities Council, supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Vermont Department of Libraries.
www.vermonthumanities.org

African Dance

Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Place: Stone Church, 210 Main St., Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: $12-$15 sliding scale
Ages: Older

Most every Wednesday. Live drumming.
Sliding scale, $12-$15.
Naomi Lindenfeld, 802 258-6475

The Pure Suit of Happiness With Michael Palma

Time: 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Place: Misty Valley Books, Main St., Chester, VT (about 34 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older

Michael Palma returns with another magnificent poetry seminar, The Pure Suit of Happiness. His chosen poets are American poets May Swenson and Robert Hayden.
For more information, call 802-875-3400. Free and open to the public. Reservations are suggested.
www.mvbooks.com

Work of 1,000 Event- The Cleanup of Nashua River

Time: 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Place: Hollis/Brookline High School, Brookline, NH (about 40 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older

One person can make a difference. "The Work of 1000" tells the story of Marion Stoddart, who mobilized clean-up of one of America's most polluted rivers – for herself, for her community, and for future generations – and, in doing so, became a citizen leader honored by the United Nations.

This program, a 30-minute film complemented by a personal talk with Marion herself, provides a gripping profile of an ordinary citizen who realized her power to make a difference.

Civic, educational, and professional organizations are using this program to build leadership skills and give people confidence that they can make a difference in crucial social issues. Co-Sponsored by Beaver Brook, Hollis Social Library and HBHS Green Club.

http://www.workof1000.com/host-the-program

Socrates Cafe

Time: 7:00 pm-8:30
Place: Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH (about 37 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: Older

Our Socrates Cafe, hosted by Rick Branch, meets on the first Wednesday each month for philosophic discussion.

New members and curious thinkers are always welcome. Come join the forum!

Budding Explorers: Pond Creatures

Time: 9:45 am-11:00 pm
Place: Stonewall Farm, Keene, NH
Price: $13 for non-members and $11 for members
Ages: Ages 3-5

Salamanders and insects have returned from hibernation with the warmth of spring. We’ll get to meet them under logs and along the shore. Then we’ll do some pond dipping to find young dragonflies, may-flies, newts, and more! 

Walk & Roll Day

Time: 8:00 am
Place: Green Street School, Brattleboro, VT (about 18 miles from Keene)
Price: Free
Ages: All

Walk and Roll Day is Vermonts first statewide event to promote walking, skating, scootering, bicycling, and skateborarding to school. Come see it happen at Green Street School's front entrance between 8 and 8:15 am! Prizes for ALL participants, young or old!

What's special about today?

The Soviet Union announced the fall of Berlin, 1945
Nelson Mandela was victorious in South Africa’s first multiracial election, 1994
U.S. troops and CIA operatives shoot and kill Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, 2011
Catharine the Great birthday, 1729