By Maureen Forry-Sorrell, Reporter Staff
The Kids Menu was lucky enough to attend last week’s Franklin Park Zoo’s Jack O’Lantern Journey. We cannot recommend this event highly enough! The Journey is a spectacular half-mile stroll through the nighttime zoo, after the animals have gone to bed. The path is lined with creative, colorful, illuminated Jack O’Lanterns, some of them silly, some spooky, but always engaging and fun, and a hit with all ages. If you didn’t get to check out this awesome autumnal neighborhood offering, don’t worry. The exhibit will be up until Sun., Nov. 4. Go to jackolanternjourney.com for ticketing information.
In other events:
• Sat., Nov. 3 at 10:30 a.m. — Nazar Bollywood Dance Troupe at JFK Library. With a performance of classical Indian dance and music, celebrate Bollywood culture and Diwali—the Indian Festival of Lights—at the J.F.K. Library.
• Sat., Nov. 3 at 11 a.m. — Drag Queen Story Hour at Codman Square BPL captures the imagination and play of the gender fluidity in childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, and where dress-up is real.
• Thurs., Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. — DotJazz series continues at All Saints Church. Vocalist Semenya McCord, a vital member of the Boston jazz scene for decades, returns from her base in Illinois to perform in Peabody Hall at All Saints Church. Doors open at 7 p.m. with a pre-show reception with dessert and non-alcoholic beverages; wine also available. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15 at the door or at brown papertickets.com/event/3594637.
• Sat., Nov. 10, 10 a.m. — Community Clean Up Day at 31 Elmhurst St., Dorchester. 15th annual fall event with raking leaves, planting flower bulbs and trees, cleaning public green spaces, and helping our seniors. Followed by our 2nd annual community Chili Cook-Off. Come vote for your favorite chili!
• Join the Dorchester Reporter at the Sportsman’s Tennis Ball on Fri., Nov. 16. This semi-formal fundraising event will honor members of our community for their leadership in mentoring the youth of Dorchester through the sport of Tennis. For tickets, go to sportsmenstennis.org.
• Thurs., Nov. 22 at 9:30 a.m. — Franklin Park Turkey Trot 5K. Start your Thanksgiving Day with a run or walk on the beautiful paths of our “crown jewel” of the Emerald Necklace, Franklin Park! The scenic 3.1mile (5k) route includes the most beautiful and historic views of the park. All ages and paces welcome! Strollers and race-ready leashed dogs are welcome! The event is chip-timed and there are great prizes for fast finishers and costumes! Register for the Franklin Park Turkey Trot at racemenu.com.
