Weekly Roundup

The Monadnock United Way's annual coat drive will run through Oct. 31, collecting new or like-new coats to help keep New Hampshire families warm through the winter. Donations will be distributed in time for Thanksgiving. Visit www.muw.org/coats for a list of donation drop-off locations. It's time for MoCo Arts' annual signature fundraising event, Lights. Camera. Keene! on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m., MoCo Arts, 40 Roxbury St., Keene. For $100 per person, enjoy hors d'oeuvres, sweet treats and an open bar; a cosmic cabaret showcase of sketch comedy and high-energy performances by local business and community leaders; and a live auction. All proceeds benefit MoCo Arts' tuition assistance and programming to support students in the arts. Must be 21+ to attend. See more information online at www.moco.org/lights-camera-keene/. W.S. Badger Company celebrates 30 years of business with an open house from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 25, at their location, 768 Route 10, Gilsum. Visitors will enjoy a free, family event including a tour of the Badger building, a hands-on essential oil activity, product sampling, a raffle and refreshments. The Historical Society of Cheshire County will offer a free history talk on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Colonial Theatre, 95 Main St., Keene. The talk will discuss the history of the Cheshire Railroad and the trains that have rolled through Cheshire County since 1847. Alan Rumrill, senior historian, will present an illustrated presentation to teach about the history of the railroads and their impact on people, businesses, industries and landscapes in southwest New Hampshire. This event is free to attend but attendees can register online at thecolonial.org/event/railroad-history-talk/. TEDxNewEngland presents: Agency on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Groton Hill Music Center, 46 Cheney Ave., Groton, Mass. The 2025 show features eight extraordinary speakers who are redefining the fields of cognitive science, cultural evolution, psychology, linguistics, music and poetry. Tickets start at $59 and can be purchased online at www.tedxnewengland.com/events/2025.