Regional Calendar

APRIL

1-3, 8-10, 15-17

“Lucky Stiff”: Mary Helan Turner and John Valentine of Harvard will be in “Lucky Stiff,” a musical farce playing at the intimate Cannon Theater in Littleton. Show dates are April 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17 at 7:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. on April 10.

Harry Witherspoon, an unassuming English shoe salesman, lives an uneventful life in East Grinstead, England. His life takes a dramatic turn when he learns that his uncle Anthony, a casino manager from Atlantic City, has been killed. In a quest to gain his uncle’s $6 million inheritance, Harry sets out to fulfill Anthony’s dying wish. However, in Monte Carlo, he meets a host of quirky characters who are also in hot pursuit of his uncle’s money.

Mary Helan plays several of the quirky characters, including a British solicitor, French Emcee and Texas socialite. John plays Uncle Anthony.

Contact Rita at cannontickets@gmail.com for more info. There are only 70 seats at the Cannon Theatre, so reservations are highly recommended.

FRIDAY, APRIL 2

NRWA Adventure Day: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) is running a full day “Adventure Day” program for first- through fourth-graders. Drop-off and pick-up will be at the NRWA River Resource Center at 592 Main St. in Groton. We’ll spend a whole day exploring, experimenting, and discovering. The Adventure Day will include hikes, games, crafts, science experiments, and more. What could be more fun?

The fee for this full-day program is $38 per day for NRWA members or $48 per day for non-members. Please bring a lunch. Pre-registration is required. To preregister, or for more information, please contact Lauren Parente, NRWA Eco-Adventures coordinator, at 978-448-0299, or e-mail LaurenP@NashuaRiverWatershed.org. The NRWA is a non-profit environmental organization that depends on memberships for support.

Blood Drive: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Ayer Community Blood Drive, sponsored by Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC), will be held in the NVMC’s Founders Room at 200 Groton Road in Ayer. Call 800-733-2767 to schedule an appointment to donate. Walk-ins also welcome. You must be at least 17, or 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health. Please bring ID. Also, enter to win a spring basket.

’80s Night at the Billiards: 7:30 p.m. Ladies, get out your leg warmers, fingerless gloves, Aqua Net Hair Spray. Men, put your comb in your back pocket & put up your collar. There will be a DJ, dancing, pool, raffles, food & fun. There will also be Red Sox tickets raffled. $10 donation at the Door. ’80s attire Optional; all proceeds to benefit “The Groupies” Relay for Life Team.

SUNDAY, APRIL 4

Masons breakfast: 7:30 to 10 a.m. The Ayer Masonic Association will hold its monthly fund- raising breakfast at the Ayer Masonic Center 11 Sculley Road, Ayer. Breakfast includes eggs cooked to order or pancakes with bacon or sausage, potatoes, toast, juice, and coffee. Come early and bring your friends.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7

Moose in Massachusetts: 6:30 p.m., NRWA River Resource Center, 592 Main St. (Rt. 119), Groton. For anyone who has ever seen a moose in their neighborhood or crossing the road ahead of them, it’s a memorable experience. A moose’s enormous size and unique shape is both startling and fascinating. There is no doubt that there are moose in our region, and if you’d like to learn more join us on April 7. Come learn about moose biology, habitat use, management, and the wildlife conflicts that arise when moose are in living in suburban landscapes. Sonja Christensen, the current Deer and Moose project leader for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, will be our speaker. This program is free and open to the public, and is appropriate for adults and older children. Pre-registration is appreciated. To register or for more information, contact Al Futterman, NRWA Land Programs and Outreach director, at 978-448-0299, or e-mail AlF@NashuaRiverWatershed.org. This event is free.

THURSDAY, APRIL 8

Classical Pianist at Nashoba Park: Nashoba Park Assisted Living will host Classical Pianist Adam Bergeron, who will discuss the composers and stories behind the wonderful classical pieces he performs on Thursday, April 8, at 1:30 p.m. Nashoba Park is located at 15 Winthrop Avenue in Ayer’s historic district. For more information, call 978-772-0707 or visit www.NashobaPark.com.

Heating Plan Papers: 7 p.m., NRWA River Resource Center, 592 Main St., Groton. This is the second educational Energy Seminar being offered NRWA and Groton Local. As a follow up to our March 24 seminar on heating systems, Alex Conn, an engineer who is currently drafting his own “Heating Plan Papers,” will answer participants’ questions and share his thoughts on what makes for reliable heating systems in the 21st century. This second seminar is an exciting addition to Groton Local’s ongoing energy education lineup as a “pen in hand” workshop for those who wish to develop their own Heating Plan. Having attended the first seminar would be most beneficial but is not required to participate. These popular seminars are free, open to all, and wheelchair accessible. For further information, call Jim Hubert at 978-302-5611. Free.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10

Seasons on Ice: Wallace Figure Skating Club proudly presents “Seasons on Ice: with shows at 1 and 6 p.m. at the Fitchburg State College Wallace Civil Center in Fitchburg. Tickets: $16 for ages 18 to 64; $10 for ages 5 to 17 and seniors; under 5, free. Visit www.wallacefsc.com.

Turkey breast supper: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pepperell Methodist Church is hosting a turkey breast supper with all the fixings and homemade deserts. Cost is Seniors $7, nonsenior adults $8 and children $4. The door prize (you are automatically entered with the purchase of your supper ticket will be drawn at 5:30 p.m. Please come join us for this wonderful dinner, you’ll be glad you did. Located at 1 Chapel Place, one block behind Dunkin’ Donuts, Pepperell.

SUNDAY, APRIL 11

Model Railroad Show & Open House: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Railroad enthusiasts’ young and old, mark your calendars for one of the largest model railroad shows in the area, as the Nashua Valley Railroad Association’s 45th Annual Model Railroad show and Open House in Shirley pulls into the station. Last year’s show and open house was a roaring success, and both vendors and rail fans are excited to see what we have in store for you for our 45th show.

Check out two locations for twice the fun:

Location one: Model Railroad Show at the Shirley Middle School, 1 Hospital Rd, Shirley, MA from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by for vendors offering the latest in products and innovations, plus enthusiast from around New England offering advice, education and fun.

Location two: Nashua Valley Railroad Association’s Open House held at the spacious club headquarters, Phoenix Park, 2 Shaker Road, Unit No. E-205, Shirley, MA. Here the whole family will enjoy miniature railroad scenes reflecting the industrial heritage and culture of actual locations from the North Worcester County Area. Live trains, enthusiasts and lots of action for train lovers of all ages and experience.

Both locations only a short walk from the Shirley Commuter Rail station. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adults: $5; Seniors & teens: $3; under 12-free.

Founded in 1952, The Nashua Valley Railroad Association is an educational organization dedicated to preserving the history of railroading in New England, through the creation of miniature railroad scenes.

Visit our Web site at www.nvrra.com. For Dealer inquiries or other show questions: contact Don Carlton at 1-508-250-6879 or e-mail showchair@nvrra.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 15

Hot Shots to Perform at Nashoba Park: Nashoba Park Assisted Living will host the Pepperell Senior Center’s “Hot Shots” singing group with music director and pianist Edie Tompkins. The group will perform springtime melodies for all to enjoy on Thursday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m. Nashoba Park is located at 15 Winthrop Avenue in Ayer’s historic district. For more information, call 978-772-0707 or visit www.NashobaPark.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21

Piano Performance at Nashoba Park: Nashoba Park Assisted Living presents pianist and piano teacher Denitza Vassileva, who will perform for us and showcase some of her talented students on Wednesday, April 21 at 2 p.m. Nashoba Park is located at 15 Winthrop Avenue in Ayer’s historic district. For more information, call 978-772-0707 or visit www.NashobaPark.com.

Earth Day Adventures for Kids: April School Vacation Program: Wednesday, April 21: 4-6 year olds and Thursday, April 22: 7-12 year olds.

In the spirit of Earth Day, learn about the incredible natural world around us and what we can do to help. Discover the magic of spring through outdoor exploration and hands-on activities, as well as crafts, stories, and games. What better way to spend your time off? This program runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and meets at the Williams Barn, 160 Chicopee Row, Groton. The fee is $35 per day for NRWA members or $45 per day for non-members. Please bring a lunch. Registration is required. To register contact Lauren Parente, Eco-Adventures Coordinator, at 978-448-0299, or e-mail LaurenP@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.

THURSDAY, APRIL 29

Salad Days (half-day program): 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. So many seeds, so little time. Check out all the creative seed shapes and forms of the plants around us, from helicopters to Velcro. Then plant the more familiar seeds of common salad ingredients in a container garden to take home. The fee for the half-day program is $19 per day for NRWA members or $24 per day for non-members. Please bring a lunch.Pre-registration is required. To pre-register, or for more information, please contact Lauren Parente, NRWA Eco-Adventures Coordinator, at 978-448-0299, or e-mail LaurenP@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.

WEEKLY

Bull Run: For ongoing or weekly happenings in the Tap Room at Shirley’s Bull Run, see http://www.bullrunrestaurant.com/Daily.htm. No cover charge.

Wednesdays during Lent: Please join this important discussion of subjects we frequently avoid. Wednesday events are being held during Lent in the Meeting House at 7:30 p.m. First Parish Church, Berlin Center, Route 62.

Lenten Meditation Services will be held at 7 p.m. in the chapel of the church. The services led by Rev. Dr. Priscilla L. Denham will be a combination of meditation and music and last about 30 minutes; through Thursday, March 25. On April 1 there will be a Maundy Thursday service at the same time. Watch this paper and our Web site for information concerning the Good Friday service. www.ayerfedchurch.org

All are welcome. The Federated Church of Ayer is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist and the American Baptist churches. The church is located at 21 Washington St. in Ayer. It is handicapped accessible from the back.