47°
GRAFTON, Mass. - Odds are, Grafton families are finding very different things to do on the weekends in February 2012 than they did just a year ago, when the Northeast was inundated with snow for most of the winter.
We haven't had a blizzard since Halloween, and the above-freezing temperatures have forced the cancellation of this year's American Legion Ice Fishing Derby, as the ice is melting away and too unsafe.
However, if you're still itching for some winter-style fun, The Grafton/BVT boys hockey team gets its rematch with Northbridge/Uxbridge Saturday night at 6 p.m. at Buffone Arena in Worcester.
The Indians (9-7-2) fell to the Rams (9-8-1) in a 4-3 loss at home on Dec. 28. in the consolation game of the Grafton Invitational. However, Grafton/BVT just clinched a playoff berth and have just two home games remaining on the season to improve their tournament seeding.
If you want to stay inside, there are plenty of other things going on elsewhere in town.
At noon today, at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, the Center for Animals and Public Policy hosts the Animal Matters Lecture Series at the Agnes Varis Lecture Hall.
Today's speaker is Jackie Sleeper, Director of Certification Certified Humane. Sleeper is an Honors graduate of Oregon State University's Animal Science Department with an emphasis on Animal Behavior and Bioethics.
On Saturday, you can begin your day at 9 a.m. with Join Tracker and Educator, Paul Wanta, on a journey through Grafton's Fletcher Preserve as he searches for tracks and other signs of wildlife.
The hike will begin at the parking lot at Silver Lake and will be about 1.5 hours, so consider the weather and dress appropriately for the conditions. The hike is held by the Grafton Land Trust. If you plan on going you can email them at info@graftonland.org. There is no age limit, and this outdoor adventure is free to the public.
From 2-3:50 p.m. at Horgan Arena in Auburn, you can support the Cradles to Crayons charity organization by donating a new pair of childrens pajamas for the second annual Boston Bruins PJ Drive and receive a free public skate pass for a future visit. Rental skates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apple Tree Arts is holding is winter mini-musical, "Flakes" Saturday at 7 p.m. and again Sunday at 2 p.m. at the GB & Lexi Singh Performance Center at Alternatives Unlimited in Whitinsville.
The 14-member cast will shimmer, shake and act as Flakes which are snow white in color or as Snirts that are off-white in color. The show’s diverse music features rap songs, Broadway-style tunes and Latin-inspired numbers.
Tickets will be sold at the door. Adults are five dollars and children at three dollars.
Finally, The Baptist Church of Grafton will be hosting a Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner at 5:30 p.m. in Russell Fellowship Hall. The meal includes corned beef with all the favorite vegetables, hot and cold beverages and a trip to the dessert buffet. Tickets are $10 for adults and five dollars for children. Reservations may be made by calling the church office at (508) 839-4911.
Even without the snow, there will be plenty to do heading into February school vacation!
