Enjoy the outdoors thanks to FOGPL
It is time to enjoy the outdoors and the library has passes you can reserve to help you do just that.
How about attending a Lowell Spinners Game? The Lowell Spinners, short-season affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, return to LeLacheur Park Monday, June 18. The season schedule can be found at lowellspinners.com
The library offers a parking pass to get into our Massachusetts State Parks. You can explore the great outdoors in Massachusetts. Find information on hiking, biking, boating, and more at www.mass.gov/visit-massachusetts-state-parks.
The Gleason Public Library offers more than two dozen discount passes to parks and museums in the surrounding area, most donated by the Friends of Gleason Public Library (FOGPL). Thanks to the generosity of the Friends, you can reserve these passes via the library website. Visit gleasonlibrary.org and click the link on the right to see the full list and reserve passes online, or call 1-978-369-4898 or stop by the library for more information!
COA doings
Senior Moments: Seniors 60+, come to Ferns on Monday, June 25 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This casual drop-in is for Carlisle seniors to greet, meet, eat and talk. Ferns gives a 10% discount to senior attendees for coffee. A blood pressure clinic is held at 10 a.m.
Marblehead day trip: Join us on Monday, June 25 for a trip to Marblehead and a boat ride. We will have a picnic lunch (bring your own or buy locally) on the deck of the Marblehead Yacht Club. Following lunch, an optional one hour boat tour of the harbor on a 26’ powerboat is available. Carlisle residents have preference until June 20. Call the COA at 1-978-371-2895 or 1-978-371-6690 to register. The rain date is Wednesday, June 27. Bad weather cancels the trip and refunds your payment.
Senior patio potluck picnic: On Monday, July 9, at 11:30 a.m., come and enjoy a patio potluck picnic at Town Hall. Meet and greet Chief Fisher of the Carlisle Police Department and Chief David Flannery of the Carlisle Fire Department. Bring your favorite summertime dish (salad, side dish or dessert) to share. The COA will provide hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chips and drinks. RSVP by noon on July 2 and let us know what you are bringing.
65th annual Strawberry Festival
All are invited to the Strawberry Festival, a community event at the First Religious Society on Thursday, June 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. The biscuits are homemade, the berries local and the whipped cream real. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for kids. If it rains, the festivities will move indoors to Union Hall.
Hulling of the berries is a nice sociable event that will take place on Thursday morning. Everyone is welcome to help out—just bring a small knife and show up anytime between about 9:15 and 11 a.m.
Be a Mosquito friend
Like what you’ve seen in The Mosquito? We could use your help. We are a non-profit paper and every contribution, no matter the size, helps. So please consider a donation to The Carlisle Mosquito Fund, 662A Bedford Road, Carlisle or online at www.carlislemosquito. org.
Concord Band concerts
The Concord Band will hold a summer concert series at Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, Massachusetts on Thursday evenings at 7:15 p.m., beginning June 21. Bring a picnic dinner, a blanket or lawn chairs, and enjoy an evening under the stars. The admission is $15 per car. Food is available for purchase.
Help us help animals
Girl Scout Troop 78049 is collecting donations for the Lowell Humane Society. Donation items in high demand are bleach, clay cat litter (unscented/non-scooping) or non-clumping cat litter and paper towels. Look for the donation boxes at Ferns Country Store, the Carlisle Public School and the troop booth at Old Home Day. Email ahuebs@yahoo.com with any questions.
Heald House Open on Sunday, June 17
The Historical Society’s Heald House Museum at 698 Concord Street will be open this Sunday, June 17, 2-5 p.m. You can visit the site of the copper mine that operated here in Carlisle from 1840 until 1850. You can also see the loom, now in full operation—and try your hand at weaving, if you wish. A recently-acquired large-scale map shows Carlisle from the air, as it existed in 1937. There is more: rubbings from the Red Lion Tavern sign; a musket used at the Battle of the North Bridge; a cannon captured from Fort Ticonderoga; and many other artifacts that exemplify Carlisle’s history. Also bear in mind that if Sunday is not convenient for you, the Museum can be opened at other times—just call Phil Drew, president, at 1-978-369-9276 or phildrew@live.com. On Sunday, admission is free, refreshments available, and all are invited.
Calling all bakers
Celebrate your kitchen creativity and make a cake to submit in the Old Home Day Cake Decorating Contest. This year the theme is “Carlisle Olympics.” All submissions should be brought to the First Religious Society basement the morning of Saturday, June 23, between 8:15 and 10 a.m. If you aren’t interested in the contest but would like to help supply a cake for the evening Cake Walk, bring that at the same time and place.
Gardens sought for 2019 tour
Would you like to have your garden on the 2019 Country Gardens Tour? The Carlisle Garden Club is now visiting candidate sites for next year’s tour in June. If you want to take part, send contact information to the Club website, www.carlislegadenclub.org/contact-us.html or email madjay@aol.com.
Calling all pie bakers
Do you love to bake? Are you known among your friends and family as the “go to” for good pies? Love to try your hand at something new? Consider entering a pie in the Old Home Day Pie Baking Contest. Pies will be accepted in three categories: fruit pies, cream pies and youth pies (anyone under 16). Awards will be given out for the highest scoring pies in each category, as well as a prize for the most noteworthy pie amongst the group. You can bring your pies to the basement of the First Religious Society church on Saturday, June 23, from 8-10:45 a.m. Judging begins at 11 a.m.
Walk our river trails
Join the Carlisle Trails Committee on Saturday, June 16, on a 3. 5 mile walk through meadows and forests on trails paralleling the Concord River. They will start at the Foss Farm conservation land parking lot. The walk starts at 1 p.m. and should finish by 4 p.m. For information, email Alan Ankers at carlisletrails@comcast.net.
Democratic Town Committee Meeting
The next meeting of the Carlisle Democratic Town Committee (DTC) will be at the Gleason Library, Hollis Room, Thursday, June 21. The meeting at 7 p.m. is preceded by informal conversation at 6:30 p.m.
Jacob Silterra of Voter Choice MA will be there to explain Ranked Choice Voting. Jeff Ballinger, US House 3rd district candidate, is coming to talk about his ideas and answer questions. Hear the latest on plans for the picnic the DTC is hosting July 15, 1-4 p.m.
The meetings are open to everyone. Come to offer ideas and learn about issues, candidates and what you can do to make a positive difference in the 2018 elections. https://www.carlisledems.org.
What’s up at the Gleason Library?
Infant/toddler sign language
(Ages 2 mos. - 20 mos.)
Join Sheryl White of Baby Kneads on June 21 at 10:30 a.m. with your infant and/or toddler, designed exclusively for ages 2 months to 20 months. Up to 12 families may attend this program; registration is strongly encouraged. Review research benefits, learn and practice several signs, and learn how to teach American Sign Language to your baby. You will learn everything you need to get started signing right away. To register for this library program, call for either the children’s or reference desks at 1-978-369-4898.
Summer Reading
Full summer reading calendar coming soon, including performers for all ages and craft activities (supported by the Friends of Gleason Public Library). June’s summer reading events and activities:
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party
On Thursday, June 28, from 4:30-5:45 p.m., kick off summer at the library with some activities and games. After, make your way to the library lawn to watch the Little Red Wagon Theatre Troupe.
“Journey through Fairy Tales by The Brothers Grimm”
On Thursday, June 28, 6 p.m. on the library lawn (First Religious Society in case of rain), see the Little Red Wagon Theatre Troupe’s performance. Each time the door opens, a new story begins. Follow the characters from all of the fairy tales you know and love, and perhaps a couple you don’t. Most are reimagined in ways you wouldn’t expect. The final product is a fast-paced play sure to enchant!
Reading Raffle (for children entering grades 1-8)
Starting Saturday, June 30, through Saturday, August 4, stop by the library to log your reading for the summer. Each book you read will get you a chance to win a prize basket. Winners’ names will be drawn on Monday, August 6, and will be announced at the End of Summer Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, August 7. If winners are not present, they will be contacted by library staff. This activity is for children in rising grades 1-8.
Book Bingo and Blackout (for children entering grades 1-8)
Between Saturday, June 30 and Saturday, August 25, read your way to a Bingo and win a prize. Fill all the squares on your Bingo card for a blackout and win a bigger prize. Pick up your Bingo card from a staff member in the Children’s department. *Limit one Bingo and blackout per child. This activity is for children in rising grades 1-8.
July events at Great Brook Farm State Park
All programs are free and open to the public. There is a $3 parking fee. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, dress in layers and wear closed-toe footwear. An adult must accompany children. For more information or to schedule a group tour, call 1-978-369-6312. Great Brook Farm State Park is located at 165 North Road.
Smart Barn Tour
Saturdays & Sundays: 1 & 3 p.m. (also 5 p.m. on July 4). Tour lasts about 45 minutes. Meet at the kiosk by the Ice Cream Stand. Join the Park Interpreter for a free educational tour on the latest in Dairy Farm Technology. Come see our Robotic Voluntary Milking System. We will view the maternity ward, visit the brand new Smart Barn and meet the calves to finish. Sorry, no dogs on the tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably with closed toes. Appropriate for families. Strollers may be accommodated. Heavy rain or thunderstorms will cancel.
From Milk Maids to Machines
Saturdays & Sundays: 5-5:45 p.m.; Here at Great Brook Farm the cows milk themselves… well, with the help of a robot! Explore the evolution of dairy farming from milkmaids to machines. What was it like, dairy farming in the days of yore? How different is modern dairy farming? Learn about the labor involved in obtaining milk from a cow or two - or two hundred! Explore some tools used in the days of yore, then head up to the Smart Barn to see the current technology in action, including our Voluntary Robotic Milking System.
Weather permitting. Wear closed toe footwear; we suggest bringing sunscreen, bug spray and a water bottle. Program is accessible and reasonable accommodations can be made upon advanced request. Ideal for families with children 8 and up, but appropriate for families with children of all ages. Stroller friendly. Sorry, no dogs allowed in the barn or milk room.
Kidleidoscope
Mondays: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Meet at the Interpreter Center. This pre-school age program includes a craft activity followed by a story and a trip to the dairy farm. They will cover a different farming theme each week, such as farm animals, crops and milking. Dress in appropriate outdoor wear and closed shoes. Parents must accompany children. Rain or shine under a covered pavillion.
The Way Things Were
Thursdays & Fridays: 9-11 a.m. Meet under the pavilion at the Interpreter Center. This is a “pop up, drop in” program. Stay for as long or short a time as you would like.
Get your hands on the past. In this “Touch a Tool” program, they will explore some of the tools used by farmers. What the heck is a hame? How was butter made? Why did cows wear bells? Find out here. Appropriate for all ages and accessible. This program runs rain or shine as it is under a covered pavilion. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray, and dress for the outdoors.
Junior Farmer Program
July 17-20: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-noon. Come to Great Brook Farm this summer for a Junior Farmer program, “What we get from Farm Animals.” As the only state park with a working dairy farm, we invite you to meet our cows and other farm animals to learn how closely we are connected with them and what they provide. Children between the ages of 8 and 13. Pre-registration is required by July 2. A parent or other designated adult must accompany the participant.
Step into Summer Storywalk
July 11 – 25. Join DCR’s Step into Summer Storywalk® during the second and third week of July. Walk a trail, read a story, use your senses and connect with your surroundings. Enjoy this unique opportunity to bring the joy of nature and the magic of reading together outdoors. Our book is The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin. Come and participate in this self guided Storywalk® for young kids with their parents.
Free carwash for senior citizens
There will be a free car wash, Wednesday, June 20, from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Carlisle Public Schools for Carlisle senior citizens. The Carlisle Public School graduating eighth graders wish to give back to the community that has given so much to them. They will be washing the cars of Carlisle’s senior citizens (those 60 and older) for free.
Call the Council on Aging at 1-978-371-2895 to schedule your car wash. The appointments will run from 12-1:30 p.m. with two slots every ten minutes on Wednesday, June 20. Just turn into the area by the Highland Building at your scheduled time, and relax as a group of wonderful graduates make your car sparkle. The car wash is on, rain or shine.
Benefit for Carlisle Chamber Orchestra
If you attended (or missed) Bonnie Anderson’s performance of the Rhapsody in Blue in February, and would like to hear her perform again, Bonnie has generously donated her piano artistry for a benefit event for Carlisle Chamber Orchestra (CCO), performing light classics, popular and old standards in a comfortable private home setting on Sunday, June 24, at 3 p.m. at 35 Suffolk Lane, Carlisle. Benefit tickets are $50 per person and refreshments are included. Email events@ccorch.org or call 1-978-758-6228 to reserve. Space is limited.
Mystery Book Club
The “Mysterians” will be meeting at the Gleason on Monday, June 25, at 7 p.m., to discuss The Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz. Copies are available at the library for check out; contact Janet Hentschel at 1-978-369-4898 or jhentschel@gleasonlibrary.org with any questions.
Come watch badminton
The Carlisle Recreation Department, Old Home Day, Northeast Clothing & Apparel and many volunteers have made it possible for the Health is Wealth Foundation (HWF) to create a Carlisle tradition and kick off the second Badminton Tournament on June 21-23, at the Carlisle Public School Gym. Spectators are welcome to watch competition from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on June 21-22 and finals on June 23 as a part of Old Home Day from 11 a.m.-4 p.m
Over 35 teams have signed up with prizes for top contenders in different divisions. For further information about the tournament, contact: Doug at ddvader1@gmail.com.
