Residents Event Calendar

SloGrass plays a mix of vocal and instrumental songs, drawing on various traditions including Bluegrass, Jazz, Folk, World Music and a few originals. It’s a fun night not to be missed!

Again this month, join Resident Helena LeetPellegrini, professional storyteller, as we share stories to have fun, connect, inspire and keep growing. No experience necessary or expected. Why do people tell stories? What makes them engaging, entertaining and meaningful? Come join us! This month’s topic is “Lemons to Lemonade”. Whether as teller of listener, everyone is a welcome participant!

In November 1969, what Time Magazine called the “largest battle of the year” took place less than two miles from the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone. Three companies of Task Force 1-61 met 2,000–3,000 North Vietnamese. American forces fought for two days. Late on November 12, it became evident that the American position could be overrun. Alpha Company was airlifted in darkness to reinforce a small hill in the jungle. Three hours later the Americans were attacked by 1,500 NVA. The author, a member of Alpha Company who rode in on the last helicopter, offers unique insights into the story of the men who fought those three days in 1969. Lou Pepi was drafted into the Army in March of 1968. Returning from Vietnam he worked in the construction field and then in building code and zoning enforcement. He lives in West Boylston, Massachusetts.

Trooper Dan returns to Southgate! Dan Clark, also known as “The Singing Trooper” has performed in uniform while representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts during his 20 year career. During his tenure with the State Police he performed at more than 2,500 events for Federal, State, Local, and Military functions. Join us for a truly inspiring and exuberant performance!

GREAT SONGWRITERS: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN Trace the work and friendship of two musicians considered the greatest collaborative pair in American musical theatre. From the triumphant opening of Oklahoma (1943) to their final smash hit The Sound of Music (1959), their musicals became legendary hits. One cannot fail to enjoy their ‘sound of music’!

Our speaker is Southgate resident, John McClymer. The title of his presentation is “Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s: An American Fascism?” In 1926 the editors of the prestigious North American Review asked Hiram Wesley Evans, the Imperial Wizard and Emperor of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, to write the opening piece of a symposium on the place of the Klan in American Life. Evans described the Klan as “an idea, a faith, a purpose, an organized crusade. No recruit of the cause has ever been really lost… there are millions who have never joined, but who think and feel and — when called on — fight with us. This is our real strength, and no one who ignores it can hope to understand America today.” Was Evans right? Do we, if we wish to understand the origins of modern America, have to grapple with the meaning of the KKK’s great popularity and influence in the 1920s? We will seek some answers, admittedly tentative. John McClymer taught American History at Assumption College for 48 years. All are welcome to the presentation.

We will be streaming a pre-recorded Broadway show in the theatre in its entirety. Production title will be posted.

Instructor Leo Sullivan will present a 4 session course which chronicles the rise of Hitler and other dictators. The onset of war in Europe and America’s internal debate over whether to get involved is examined followed by the run-up to Pearl Harbor and the first 6 months of our involvement. June 6th marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. The 4th session will be a detailed look at that amazing achievement. Leo Sullivan holds a Master’s degree in American History from the Univ. of Notre Dame.

Come join us as we welcome spring and summer finally outdoors! There will be Bocce, Horseshoes, Corn Hole, and Putting Golf! Let’s get outside and enjoy the beautiful outdoor benefits of Southgate with your friends. We hope you can join us! Refreshments will be served.

Welcome to Southgate singer/songwriter Peg Espinola! Peg has played the guitar and sung folksongs since she was fifteen. While attending a music camp in her 60s, she began to write as well. With a great deal of support from friends, in her words, “ I have had the chutzpah to record CDs, starting at age 70.” Three CD titles include “Danish Modern,” “The Truth about Eighty,” and “Thoughts En Route to the Hairdresser.” Join us for a fun evening of witty and clever musical stylings courtesy of Peg!

Following our scrumptious breakfast buffet, we welcome David Chiampa from Chiampa Funeral Home in Shrewsbury. He will discuss issues such as end of life planning, what our options are and how we should ALL prepare so our wishes are followed. Topics that everyone should give consideration to at any age. David has been a licensed funeral director since 1978. His career began in 1973 with positions at area funeral homes in the metro-Boston area such as Dorchester, Brighton, Waltham and Newton. David’s expertise is the result of a 40-year career in funeral service. He earned his degree in Applied Arts and Sciences from the New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in Boston, MA. He has also served extensively as an Executive board member of the Funeral Institute of New England. All are welcome to join us for the presentation.

We travel to Longfellow’s Wayside Inn for lunch – the oldest operating Inn in the United States, offering comfort and hospitality to travelers along the Boston Post Road since 1716. Previous registration required.

Gary is back with his own special style of honkytonk piano magic. Come share the joy of unleashed musical talent from a time gone by with whimsical anecdotes and lots of fun with Gary.

Our chefs have prepared some summertime delicacies for tonight’s buffet. A Southgate favorite “Rhythm” will be on hand from 6:30-7:30 for your dancing pleasure as well.

Southgate welcomes Shrewsbury Town Manager Kevin Mizikar for an informal talk on a variety of topics such as the schools, infrastructure improvements, and economic development within the town of Shrewsbury including the recent revitalization grant.