Events in Leominster today

A weekly recovery support group meets at Fitchburg CHC on the second floor in Conference Room 2. It is free and open to the public, welcoming adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or living in recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders. CHC recovery coaches facilitate the conversation, with a focus on self-exploration and peer support to encourage personal growth. Weekly groups are also available at Leominster CHC, Greater Gardner CHC, and ACTION CHC in Fitchburg. For questions or to learn more, call 978-878-8484.

Support groups meet each week for adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or maintaining recovery related to alcohol or other substance use. Attendance is free and open to the public, and CHC recovery coaches guide conversations that encourage personal growth through self-reflection and connection with peers. Groups are offered at CHC locations in Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner. In Leominster, sessions take place in the Behavioral Health Conference Room via Entrance B, with other meeting rooms including the second floor, Conference Room 2 at Fitchburg CHC, the third floor conference room at Greater Gardner CHC, and ACTION CHC in Fitchburg. For questions or details, call 978-878-8484.

This weekly book club at the Gardner FRC offers an hour of lively discussion with fellow readers. Books are provided by the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, so there is no need to bring a copy. Lunch is included, and child care is available upon request. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, with time to share ideas and connect over each selection. Registration is required.

Paint pumpkin charcuterie boards at Marcello’s Restaurant. This popular project is open to all skill levels, with no prior experience needed. Bring a positive attitude and invite friends to share the experience.

An in-person monthly support meeting for bereaved parents, grandparents, and siblings. It offers a caring setting to be with others who understand and to receive support during a difficult time.

Weekly recovery support groups are offered in Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner for adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or sustaining recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders. Each meeting emphasizes personal growth through self-reflection and the encouragement of peers, with CHC recovery coaches guiding the conversation. The Gardner gathering takes place in the Greater Gardner CHC third floor conference room, with additional meetings at Fitchburg CHC on the second floor in Conference Room 2 and at Leominster CHC in the Behavioral Health conference room accessed through Entrance B, as well as at ACTION CHC in Fitchburg. There is no cost to attend and all are welcome. For questions or more information, call 978-878-8484.

This no-cost support group at ACTION CHC in Fitchburg welcomes adults 18 and older who are working toward sobriety or maintaining recovery from alcohol and other substance use disorders. Meetings are led by CHC recovery coaches and focus on self-reflection, shared experiences, and peer support to encourage personal growth. For questions, call 978-878-8484.

Newly named in memory of beloved member Bruno Starzynski, this pondside tradition brings together classic cars, live music, and community. Expect a classic car show when the weather cooperates, a food truck, and a 50/50 raffle. Bands perform in the Pavilion Hall and the music continues rain or shine. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

This trivia night raises funds to benefit local families with children experiencing homelessness. A food truck will be available, and attendees should bring cash for purchases. Trivia is played using smartphones, so bring a charged device.

Pibble's Kibbles partners with Highland Baptist Church of Fitchburg to provide a pet food distribution. Pet owners may pick up food for their animals while visiting the church’s food pantry.

North Medford Club hosts a 5k run and walk as part of Moon Hill Brewing’s annual Oktoberfest. Participants can run or walk, then stay to enjoy Oktoberfest activities. A first beer is included with registration and will be available at the finish. Tiered pricing is offered at $35, $40, and $45 depending on when you register. Runner awards include the top three in the M, W, and N categories, plus first place in each age group. Walker awards recognize the top three in the M, W, and N categories.

At Rome Conservation Area in Gardner, this guided outing blends a weighted-pack hike with practical wilderness survival training. Participants choose how much weight to carry and move at a pace that suits their fitness level while covering a few miles on varied terrain with small inclines, roots, and rocks. After time on the trail, instruction turns to essential backcountry skills, including map and compass navigation, building emergency shelters, fire making, assembling survival kits, basic wood carving, emergency planning, and strategies to avoid conflicts with wildlife. Rucking, or walking with added weight, helps build strength and endurance, supports overall fitness, and prepares people to carry necessary gear or assist others in an emergency. Please bring a hiking pack, water, lunch, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing, along with comfortable, broken-in hiking footwear. All materials for the survival portion are provided, and those who wish may bring a carving tool, fire starter, and compass. The instructors will also offer these tools for purchase at the start of class. The class is led by Andrea Bailey of Evolving Mind and Body, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Mindfulness-Based Ecotherapist, and functional fitness professional who created TheraRuck, a system that weaves rucking, mindset growth, and embodied healing, and by Tim Swanson of Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival, the founder and lead instructor with degrees in Adventure Education Leadership and Adventure Therapy. He is a Level 2 Certified Animal Tracker, Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Master Educator, and published author who teaches realistic, connection-based survival and bushcraft throughout Massachusetts and New England for all ages.

Jacqueline Burns brings live music to an industrial-style microbrewery known for its welcoming vibe. The easy-to-reach spot is a favorite for beer lovers, families, and friends, offering board games, a giant projector for the big games, hand-stretched pizzas, weekly selections of house-smoked meats, and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic seltzers. Expect a mix of classic rock, 90s alternative, blues, folk, country, and reggae, with performances taking place on the last Sunday of each month.