The Week Ahead: Barbecue at Mount Hood, The Peopling of Melrose and More

Want to know what's happening this week? Melrose Patch has got your back.

This is only a sample of some of the events happening this week. To find more—and add your own—check out our calendar.

When/Where: Tuesday, April 17, 10:30 a.m. , 69 W Emerson St., Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: Sign to Me, Sing to Me classes are designed to teach parents, caregivers, and children (infants, toddlers,and preschoolers) basic American Sign Language. Through songs, games, and activities, children learn how to use ASL to facilitate communication and learning from infancy and well beyond. 13 months and older from 10:30-11:05 a.m., 0-12 months from 11:15-11:50 a.m. For more information, call the Children's Room at 781-665-2314.

Price: Free.

When/Where: Wednesday, April 18, 12-2 p.m. / , 100 Slayton Road, Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: Mayor Rob Dolan and the Melrose Park Commission are kicking off spring break with a barbecue at the . The barbecue will feature a special passenger train that will give rides around Mount Hood, a magician and balloon artist, and lots of food and fun activities for kids of all ages. Please park at the for this event. The Recreation Department is providing free shuttle buses between Incarnation and Mount Hood. Only golfers will be allowed to park at Mount Hood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, call the Recreation Department, 781-662-9511.

Price: Free.

When/Where: Wednesday, April 18, 5 p.m. / , 886 Main St., Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: Join Melrose National Little League at Liberty Bell. A portion of all sales between 5-8 p.m. will be generously donated by Liberty Bell to MNLL.  MNLL raffle tickets will also be on sale the night of the event. Take a night off from cooking during school vacation week.

Price: Free admission.

When/Where: Thursday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. / , 121 West Foster St., Melrose, MA | Get Directions »

Why Go: The Melrose Historical Society will hold its spring meeting at the First Congregational Church on West Foster Street starting at 7:30 pm. The guest speaker will be Ellen Berkland, DCR Archaeologist and former Boston Landmarks Commission Archaeologist during the period when the Big Dig was under construction. The title of her presentation is: “The Peopling of the Place We Now Call Melrose.”

Price: Free.

When/Where: Sunday, April 22, 9 a.m.-noon / Elks Lodge No. 1031, 75 Myrtle St., Melrose, MA

Why Go: Members of the Melrose Lions Club will serving brunch on Sunday April 22 at the Elks Hall on Myrtle Street at their annual “Eye Opener Brunch." All proceeds raised by the club are donated to Lions Charities. The Melrose Lions Club also provides eye exams, reading glasses, and reading machines to local individuals. Last year the Melrose Lions Club donated over $8,000.

Price: $5 for adults, $4 for students, children and seniors.