I received a review copy of the book, Groton, this past weekend, and I wanted to share my thoughts.  So, here’s my quick book review…

First off, here’s the info on the book from the publisher, Arcadia Publishing:

Groton, $21.99, Arcadia Publishing.  Available at local retailers, online bookstores, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or 888-313-2665.

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let me tell you that the book, compiled and written by members of the Groton Historical Society, is wonderful.  Containing over 200 vintage photos that provide a glimpse into mid 19th and early 20th century life in Groton, Groton is an interesting read about the town of Groton, its past citizens, and the wonderful architecture around town.

In fact, my daughter, who is a freshman in high school, was fascinated by the book.  She really enjoyed all the photos and the history of the people and places of Groton.

Here are some highlights from the book (and this is taken from the press release):

• Features the ordinary and extraordinary people, places, and events that molded the town
• Showcases the quality of education in Groton through Groton Academy (now Lawrence Academy), the Lowthorpe School of Landscape Architecture and the Groton School
• Immortalizes buildings in Groton that have been lost to fires, demolition or changing boundary lines

The Groton Historical Society is hosting a Special Open House on Saturday, February 13th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to launch their book.  The open house event is at the Boutwell House on 172 Main Street in Groton, MA.  If you would like more information, please call 978-448-0092, or visit the Groton Historical Society website.

The Groton Historical Society will be hosting a Book Signing to celebrate the publishing of their book, “Groton.”

Refreshments will be served and a display will be set up with some images and documents that were featured in the book. All profits from the sale of the books purchased directly from the Groton Historical Society will benefit the historical society. For more information, call 978-448-0092.

Front row: Sam Buck, Chapel Guarnieri, Madeleine Prevost, Casey Libonate, Alan St. Croix, Gretchen Archambault, Wendy Orazio, Marissa Smith Back row: Kevin Babineau, Steve Foley, Richard Buck, John Bruner, Kevin Visnaukis, Tom Powers, Chuck Smith

Local bands, Mumblefish and Eastwood Peak, joined forces with some local business sponsors to help in the fight against cancer.  The Merry Rockmas Benefit Bash, held on Saturday, December 19th, raised $1,000 for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of North Middlesex Regional High School.  The Relay For Life does a great job of getting the local community involved in the cause, especially the students of North Middlesex Regional High School.

Shown here in the picture is Alan St. Croix of the Pepperell Music Center handing student representatives of the North Middlesex Relay For Life organization a check for $1,000 while members of Mumblefish and the event sponsors look on.  To see a larger image, just click on the small picture.  Here’s an expanded caption for the picture:

Front row:

• Sam Buck – student and Mumblefish roadie
• Chapel Guarnieri – student representative for Relay For Life
• Madeleine Prevost – student representative for Relay For Life
• Casey Libonate – student chair for Relay For Life
• Alan St. Croix – event sponsor and owner of the Pepperell Music Center
• Gretchen Archambault – event sponsor and author of “Hats, Gloves, Hot Cocoa with Love”
• Wendy Orazio – parent chair for Relay For Life
• Marissa Smith – student representative for Relay For Life

Back row:

• Kevin Babineau – student representative for Relay For Life
• Steve Foley – bass player for Mumblefish
• Richard Buck – drummer for Mumblefish
• John Bruner – bass player for Eastwood Peak
• Kevin Visnaukis – guitar player for Eastwood Peak
• Tom Powers – lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Mumblefish
• Chuck Smith – event sponsor and owner of Life Is Local

Sponsors of the event included:

• Pepperell Music Center – donated a Fender Strat guitar signed by legendary rocker, J. Geils
• Gretchen Archambault – donated copies of her children’s book, “Hats, Gloves, Hot Cocoa with Love”
• Life Is Local – donated a complete website design or redesign and six months of hosting.

The Merry Rockmas Benefit Bash was a huge success, and the organizers (including Chuck Smith of Life Is Local and NashobaValley.com) would like to thank everyone involved, including the band, the sponsors, and the attendees.  It was a great evening, and we rocked until midnight!

The Merry Rockmas Benefit Bash was a huge success this past Saturday (December 19th).  Mumblefish and Eastwood Peak both rocked the house, and there were well over 200 people in attendance.  And, the event raised $1,000 for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of North Middlesex Regional High School.  The Relay For Life is an annual happening that raises funds to fight cancer, and is a great way to get the community involved, especially the students at the high school.

In addition to the bands, there were some sponsors who helped promote the event and donated some generous prizes for a drawing at the Bash:

• Pepperell Music Center – donated a Fender Strat guitar signed by legendary rocker, J. Geils
• Gretchen Archambault – donated signed copies of her children’s book, “Hats, Gloves, Hot Cocoa with Love”
• Life Is Local – donated a complete website design or redesign with six months of hosting

With the success of the event, both bands are looking to continue the tradition next year, and the goal is to at least double the funds raised.  And with the great time had by everyone who attended, it shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Thanks to everyone, and have a happy and safe holiday season.