EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar items are submitted by readers and are only lightly edited.

BLOOD DRIVES

The American Red Cross will hold these blood drives. For more information or to reserve a time, call 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. June 4: St. John Neumann Church, 708 Milford Road, Merrimack.

2-7 p.m. June 6: Nashua Elks Lodge, 120 Daniel Webster Highway. Chili and American chop suey will be served. Donors will receive Red Sox T-shirts.

Noon-5 p.m. June 7: Union Congregational Church, 33 Concord St., Peterborough.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 8: Infant Jesus School, 121 Allds St., Nashua. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus 122. Coffee, doughnuts and Subway subs will be served.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 8: Hollis Brookline Middle School, 25 Main St., Hollis. Sponsored by Hollis Congregational Church.

NASHUA

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FRONT DOOR AGENCY GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Front Door Agency will hold its annual golf tournament in support of its mission to help families in Greater Nashua as they transition from crisis to self-sufficiency. The tournament is a scramble format based on the Buick Handicap System. Prizes are awarded for top three foursomes gross and net. $200 includes breakfast, greens fees, golf carts, driving range, barbecue lunch, entry into all contest holes, raffles and awards. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 3 at Nashua Country Club, 25 Fairway St. Information: Lucie at 816-0322 at lbryar@frontdooragency.org or visit frontdooragency.org/events-page/annual-golf-tournament.

NASHUA AREA RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION

The Nashua Area Retired Educators Association will hold its business meeting, June Luncheon and Spring into Summer Social June 5 at Nashua Country Club. Registration starts at 11 a.m.; luncheon served at noon. Congregate collection of yearly volunteer hours will be made. Members wishing to participate are asked to approximate and tally their hours of volunteer time prior to the meeting. NAREA contribute thousands of hours of volunteer time toward quality of life enhancement for Greater Nashua. NAREA meetings and activities will resume in the fall. All area retired teachers, administrators, and educational staff are invited to participate and attend. The Nashua Area Retired Educators Association includes Merrimack, Hudson, Litchfield, Pelham, Windham, Amherst, Mont Vernon, Milford, Hollis, Brookline, Wilton-Lyndeborough, and Nashua. Information: Joan Gibson, 888-9304.

NASHUA GARDEN CLUB

The Nashua Garden Club will meet 7-9 p.m. June 5 at First Baptist Church, 121 Manchester St. Deanne Fortnam of Deanne Art will present a photojournal of images of her flower borders from waking up in April to first frost in fall. She will discuss signature perennials that are focal plants in each season. Members of the public are welcome to attend a meeting for a fee of $5. Annual dues are $20. Information: nashuagardenclub.org.

DISCOUNT TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR TASTE OF DOWNTOWN

The 19th annual Taste of Downtown Nashua: A Night of Food, Fun & Jazz will be held 6-8:30 p.m. June 5. There will be more than 20 locations on Main Street and West Pearl Street, where you can sample food and beverages. Sidewalk musicians, a raffle, and pre-event cocktails and post-event night cap specials add to the festivities. Tickets are $30 until June 4 and $35 on the day of the event. For tickets, and a list of participating venues and restaurants: visit greatamericandowntown.org or call 883-5700.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

A Household hazardous waste and electronic collection will be held 3-7 p.m. June 6 at the Nashua Public Works Garage, 9 Stadium Drive. Open to residents of Amherst, Brookline, Hollis, Hudson, Litchfield, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, Nashua, Pelham and Windham. $10 user fee per vehicle covers up to 10 gallons or 20 pounds; additional charges for electronics recycling. Information and a complete list of accepted items: nashuarpc.org/hhw or call 424-2240.

HOLLIS ARTS SOCIETY EXHIBIT

Start your summer with an evening celebrating the latest exhibit by Hollis Arts Society members at the Gallery on West Pearl in the Community Council building. The opening of “In 2 Art” will be held 5-7 p.m. June 7. Light refreshments served. All pieces are for sale and may be taken the night of the opening. This most unusual show will remain at the gallery until the end of July. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

IKEBANA STUDENT EXHIBIT

Ikebana Flower, 175 Main St., will sponsor its annual Japanese Flower Arrangement Students’ Exhibit from 1-8 p.m. June 7 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 8. This exhibition showcases the arrangements of more than 12 students from beginners to advanced. A free reception will be held on 5-8 p.m. June 7. Information: 595-8877 or ikebanaflower.com.

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY SPRING MEAT RAFFLE

The American Legion Auxiliary will hold a meat raffle at 2 p.m. June 9 at American Legion Coffey Post 3, 11 Court St. Light refreshments served. Information: 889-9833.

ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL TO HOST SUMMER ART REACH RECEPTION

St. Joseph Hospital will showcase the new round of local artists for its Art Reach Project at a reception from 6-8 p.m. June 13 at 172 Kinsley St. Attendees will have a chance to view the art in the upper atrium and main hallway and discuss the projects with the artists. Featured artists include Audrey Augun, Ruth Axtell, Suzanne Binnie, Denise M. Coll, Ken Fiery, Tom Fleming, Tina Gagnon, Gay Gawron, Samina Iqbal, Sandra J. Martin, Bil Palmer, Ron Plante, Christine Ryan and Angela Sanscrainte. All art is available for purchase, with artists donating 15 percent of the sales to the St. Joseph Hospital Cancer Center. Information: neartreach.com or stjosephhospital.com/Art-Reach.

FAMILIES

PROGRAMS AT FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

The Family Resource Center of Greater Nashua offers the following programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, 47 Grand Ave. Register: Lori Fowler at 883-0523, ext. 215, or frcnashuaprograms@gmail.com. Information: https://sites.google.com/site/familyresourcectrnashua.

Limited free child care is available. Call Lori to make arrangements for child care, club use and transportation (if available).

• Ultimate Play Date, a drop-in program for birth to age 5 and their parents, is offered 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. June dates are June 4, 11 and 18 (no meeting on June 25). Free. Preregistration strongly suggested.

• The Parenting Journey, a 12-week program to make connections with your past and how it relates to your current relationships and interactions with your children, is held 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Exact start date determined when 10 individuals register.

CHALLENGE PROGRAM FOR TEENS

The Challenge program provides teens who are at risk or in the early stages of substance abuse with information about the risks of alcohol and drug use. The classes are interactive and use an array of different engaging activities to empower the youth with accurate knowledge to help prevent substance use. Next program held 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays, June 5-26 at The Youth Council, 112 West Pearl St. $15 (most insurances accepted as payment). Information: Christina Connor at 889-1090 or cconnor@theyouthcouncil.org or visit theyouthcouncil.org.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

2013 SPRING WALKING PROGRAM

The 2013 spring walking program will be held through July. The walks are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at different locations. All walks start at 9 a.m.

Mondays: Meet at the Whipple Street entrance to Mine Falls Park.

Wednesdays: Meet at the Lincoln Park entrance to Mine Falls.

Fridays: Meet at the Gilson Road parking lot at the Nashua River Rail Trail. (The parking lot is best accessed by taking Countryside Drive off West Hollis Street. Gilson Road is at the end of Countryside. The parking lot is near the intersection of Countryside and Gilson.)

Information: Call Tom at the Recreation Department at 589-3370.

2013 PUBLIC TRIPS

The Nashua Parks and Recreation Department has begun taking registrations for four trips in 2013 – two Red Sox games and two trips to New York City.

The Red Sox Games are: 1:30 p.m. June 30 versus the Toronto Blue Jays (Right Field Box 39), with 40 tickets at $82/person; and 7 p.m. Sept. 4 versus the Detroit Tigers (Left Field Pavilion Box Seats) with 40 tickets at $105/person. Price includes bus transportation.

The two New York City Trips are June 1 and Dec. 7. Cost for each trip is $60/person. Bus leaves Greeley Park at 6 a.m. and arrives in New York City at 11:30 a.m. Bus arrives back at Greeley Park at 11:30 p.m.

A $30 nonrefundable deposit per person is required for each trip. Deposit is to be paid before name goes on trip roster.

Call the Recreation Department at 589-3370 to receive a registration form or to arrange for trip registration. Registration forms can also be obtained at www.gonashua.com.

AMHERST

COMMUNITY EVENTS

AMHERST FARMERS MARKET

Browse handcrafts, produce, baked goods, fresh eggs, grass-fed meat products and wool/alpaca products from 3-6 p.m. Thusdays, June 6-Sept. 26, on the Amherst Village Green on Church Street. Information: Karina Bertrand at karina@amherstmarket or visit amherstmarket.com.

ANNUAL SOUHEGAN VALLEY GOLF CLASSIC AND DINNER AUCTION

Opportunity Networks’ 23rd annual Souhegan Valley Golf Classic and Dinner Auction will be held June 6, rain or shine, at the Amherst Country Club. The tournament features hole-in-one prizes, including chances to win a new 2013 Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep vehicle, a 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and many other chances to win on the course. Meals and beverages provided on the course as well as the day ending with a dinner donated by Yankee Chef of Milford and a live auction with auctioneer Steve Desmarais. To register to golf or to get involved: opportunitynetworks.org or call Wendy Hunt and Ann Goci at 883-4402. Individual registration is $150 and includes all greens fees, cart and three meals, as well as complimentary gifts.

TROOP 22 YARD SALE

Amherst Boy Scout Troop 22 will hold a yard sale from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. June 8 at Meetingplace Plaza, 199 Route 101. Donated items will be accepted at Meetingplace Plaza from 3-8 p.m. June 7. Unacceptable items are large appliances, tires, mattresses, bedding, large TVs, child car seats, air conditioners, microwaves, old computers and monitors. Proceeds are used to buy the equipment and supplies needed to sponsor activities for the boys to advance through the Scouting ranks.

BROOKLINE

COMMUNITY EVENTS

HISTORICAL SOCIETY SPAGHETTI DINNER

You’re invited to enjoy an inspirational evening at the Brookline Historical Society’s spaghetti dinner fundraiser at 6 p.m. June 8 at the new barn on Meetinghouse Hill Road. Dinner includes salad, bread, assorted desserts and refreshments. BYOB welcome. Great door prize and raffle items available. $7 per person, $20 max/family if reserved in advance by calling 321-4352 or $8 per person, $23 max/family at the door.

FAMILIES

SWIMMING LESSONS AT LAKE POTANIPO

Swimming lessons at Lake Potanipo are open to ages 6-16 from all towns (not just Brookline). Two three-week sessions: July 8-25 and July 29-Aug. 15. Classes held for 35 minutes four days per week. $55. To register: Email grove@brookline.nh.us or call Cheryl at 672-3104.

HOLLIS

COMMUNITY EVENTS

HOLLIS SENIORS

The Hollis Seniors group welcomes new members older than 55. They meet at 11 a.m. every Thursday at the Lawrence Barn, 28 Depot Road. Lunch may be pre-ordered from Meals on Wheels for $2 by calling 465-2262, or you are welcome to bring your own. Meetings include guest speakers and a blood pressure screening the first meeting of the month. Information: Honi Glover at 465-2262. June 6: Bell Tone Hearing Aid information and ice cream social (blood pressure screening first meeting of month).

HOLLIS ARTS SOCIETY EXHIBIT

Start your summer with an evening celebrating the latest exhibit by Hollis Arts Society members at the Gallery on West Pearl in the Community Council building, 100 West Pearl St., Nashua. The opening of “In 2 Art” will be held 5-7 p.m. June 7. Light refreshments served. All pieces are for sale and may be taken the night of the opening. The show will run through July. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

BICYCLES BATTLING CANCER

Bicycles Battling Cancer is a charity cycling ride for the American Cancer Society, held June 9, that starts in Marlborough, Mass., and has a stop at Hollis Brookline Middle School along a 100-mile loop ride. Sign up to ride, or volunteer to help at the school. Minimum fundraising of only $300 to help the life-saving mission of the American Cancer Society. $50 registration fee. Information: Aaron Ladd at aaron.ladd@cancer.org or visit bicyclesbattlingcancer.org.

HOLLIS ARTS SOCIETY ART SWAP AND SALE

The Hollis Art Society will hold an Art Swap and Sale at its next meeting, held at 7 p.m. June 12 at the Lawrence Barn on Depot Road. Many members will have tables of good art supplies and books and magazines available for purchase at bargain basement prices. Light refreshments served. All are welcome.

MERRIMACK

COMMUNITY EVENTS

‘UPSCALE YARD SALE’ AT ST. JAMES UMC

St. James United Methodist Church will host its second annual “Upscale Yard Sale” from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. June 8 in the church parking lot at 646 Daniel Webster Highway. Yard sale held in conjunction with the Merrimack Garden Club’s annual Plant Sale. St. James will have a baked goods table with individual baked snacks and coffee. Hot dogs and soda will be available for lunch. Information: Brenda DuLong at 493-5945 or bsdulong@yahoo.com.

MERRIMACK GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE

The Merrimack Garden Club will be holding its annual Plant Sale from 8 a.m.-noon June 8 at St. James Church, 646 Daniel Webster Highway. Held rain or shine. There will be hundreds of perennials donated from local gardens and some unusual specialty plants from local growers, as well as a raffle table. Merrimack Garden Club members will be on hand to answer any questions, and there will be other vendors at the sale selling garden-related items. Information: Nancy at 424-2646 or Bernita at 289-7588 or visit merrimackgardenclub.org.

BOWL FOR BOSTON STRONG BENEFIT

The Bowl for Boston Strong Benefit will be held 6:30-10:30 p.m. June 10 at Merrimack Ten Pin, 698 Daniel Webster Highway. All proceeds will be donated to the Boston One Fund. Raffles, silent auction, music, pizza and appetizers. Put a team of four together and bowl for a chance to win Red Sox tickets. $100 per team. Information: 429-0989 or cgpmtp@aol.com.

BENEFIT FOR ALEX’S TEAM AND AUTISM SPEAKS

A fundraiser for Alex’s Team, who will take part in the Autism Walk in September, will be held 4-8 p.m. June 14 at Nuttin But Good Times on Daniel Webster Highway. Cost is standard admission price. Information: www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1062195&supid=267998474.

MILFORD

COMMUNITY EVENTS

KEYES ART FESTIVAL

The second day of the Milford Keyes Art Festival will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 2 on the Oval. Fine-art show, crafts, performance stage, kids’ activities, face painting, food booths, and artist demonstrations.

MILFORD MUSTANGS SPRING YARD SALE

The Milford Mustangs are holding their first fundraiser yard sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. June 2 at 33 Cortland Road. No early birds.

TROOP 407 YARD SALE

Milford’s Boy Scout Troop 407 is holding its spring yard sale from 7:30 a.m.-noon June 2 on the Community House lawn, 5 Union St. There is a wide variety items for sale, including furniture, household items, books, toys, electronics, clothes and sporting equipment. The yard sale is Boy Scout Troop 407’s primary fundraising activity. The proceeds go toward paying for the troop’s activities throughout the year. The funds stay within the troop and do not go on to the Boy Scouts of America.

WILTON

COMMUNITY EVENTS

‘NURSE IS IN’ CLINICS

A wellness nurse from Home Healthcare, Hospice & Community Services will be available at the following Nurse Is In Clinics, where you can have your blood pressure checked and ask health questions. Free. No appointment necessary. Call 352-2253 or 1-800-541-4145 or visit HCSservices.org.

June 10, 1-2 p.m., at Edgewater Apartments in Wilton.

WILTON CAMERA CLUB

The Wilton Camera Club will meet at 7 p.m. June 4 in the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library. This month’s Shoot and Show topic will be “ Shadows,” so bring your prints or downloads. The topic for August is “ Weather Vanes.” There is no meeting in July. Guests welcome. Information: 654-6743 or dmschmidt3@juno.com.

Newsletter