Family Movie Night: Up
The Harvard Public Library will host a Family Movie Night, featuring the movie, Up (PG), Friday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the library. Popcorn and water will be served. Seats are limited; pre-register by calling the Children’s Room at 978-456-4114.
Historical Society Holiday Arts Festival and Sale
The Harvard Historical Society will hold a holiday arts festival and sale Friday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the old library. The sale will feature unique gifts, jewelry, gourmet foods, fiber arts, books, flowers, paintings, holiday gifts, antiques, therapy wraps, and photography, as well as a silent auction to benefit the Historical Society. A donation is suggested.
Cub Scouts Wreath Sale
The Harvard Cub Scouts Pack 10 will sell holiday wreaths at the Harvard transfer station Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Undecorated, 24-inch balsam wreaths will cost $10 and decorated wreaths $15. The annual fundraiser supports all scout activities for the year.
Harvard Pro Musica
Harvard Pro Musica will present “Carol! Songs of the Holiday Season” Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church. Tickets are $15 and $12. For more information call 978-456-5039 or visit www.harvardpromusica.org.
Lunch with Santa at Fruitlands
The Harvard Congregational Church’s Lunch with Santa and annual Christmas Fair will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fruitlands Museum. Santa will arrive at 11 a.m. and reservations for lunch with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their elves will be available for 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Tickets are available at the church; advance purchase is recommended. The fair will also feature the Festival of Trees and Wreaths, handmade crafts, and other traditional items. The Tea Room will be open for lunch and snacks. A wine-and-cheese preview of the festival will be held Friday, Dec. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information contact Dennis Bradley, 978-456-3317, or DbinNE@aol.com.
Family Holiday Craft Fair
The Evergreen Garden Playschool and the Oxbow Schoolhouse Holiday Fair will be held Sunday, Dec. 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. at 270 Barnum Road in Devens. The fair will feature a marionette puppet show, crafts that children and adults can make, live music, refreshments, a bake sale, and crafts for sale by local craftspeople. Activities are appropriate for children age 12 and younger. Admission is $5 per person, with children age 2 and younger admitted free. There will be additional fees for craft-making, ranging from $1 to $2. For more information call 978-772-9595 or visit www.evergreengardenplayschool.org.
JUMP Hike
JUMP (jumpinc.org), a Harvard-based educational nonprofit, will lead a free day hike Sunday, Dec. 6. Hikers will leave Harvard at noon to hike the southern end of the Wapack Trail to the summit of Mt. Watatic and return by 5 p.m. Outdoor clothing and equipment can be supplied upon request. For registration or additional information e-mail info@jumpinc.org or call 978-621-7286. Adults who are willing to drive and participate are encouraged to call.
Woman’s Club Holiday Luncheon
The Harvard Woman’s Club invites members and their guests to its holiday luncheon Monday, Dec. 7, at 11:30 a.m. in Deacon’s Hall at Holy Trinity Church. After lunch, Harvard’s Chef Paul Correnty will present “The Art of Cider Making,” a demonstration and tasting. Chef Paul is the author of a book, The Art of Cider Making, and is well-known for his healthy school lunches and the soup he sells at the Harvard Farmers’ Market.
Transform the Globe
For Art’s Sake will offer an opportunity for people to participate in a holiday season exhibition that is coming to the General Store Monday, Dec. 7 by decorating a globe to hang at the store. For Art’s Sake’s goal is to collect 350 ornaments and sell them for $3.50 in the store, with proceeds going locally to the Bromfield Environmental Group’s school water fountain filter project. The exhibition will run until the globes go on sale Saturday, Dec. 12. It is inspired by 350.org, an international organization seeking to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of climate change. For more information contact melissayahia@gmail.com, pccochrane@gmail.com, or besshaire@charter.net.
Candlelight Vigil for Health Care
A candlelight vigil will be held on the Harvard Common Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. to demonstrate public support for health care reform. The event is one of many vigils planned throughout the country. For more information contact Janice Goodell at jgoodell823@yahoo.com or 978-456-8090.
Bromfield Craft Program
Bromfield senior Erica Bonnell will offer students in grades six and higher an opportunity to make a holiday box to give as a gift or to keep Thursday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. at the library. Pre-register by calling 978-456-4114.
Children’s Gingerbread Party
Village Nursery School will hold a complimentary Gingerbread Party Friday, Dec. 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 40 Poor Farm Road. The event will feature gingerbread-themed activities and crafts, along with play, art, and refreshments. Register by Dec. 9 by calling at 978-456-3993.
Lego Club
The Harvard Public Library will host a Lego Club for children age 5 and older Saturday, Dec. 12, from 1:30 to 3 p.m at the library. Participants should bring their own Lego and/or Duplo bricks. Creative building is encouraged; the library will have Lego books available for inspiration. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun and assist with supervision. Pre-registration in the Children’s Room is requested. Enrollment is limited to 20.
Early Release Day Movie: Star Trek (PG-13)
The Harvard Public Library will host an early-release day movie, featuring Star Trek (PG-13), Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. at the library.
Adolescent Prescription Drug Abuse
Shari VanHook, director of Adolescent Substance Abuse Research at Children’s Hospital in Boston, will present a program on prescription drug abuse Wednesday, Dec.16, at 7 p.m. in Cronin Auditorium. VanHook will address how parents can identify possible prescription drug abuse issues and how they can respond constructively. Parents of children of all ages are invited to the free event.
Irving Berlin: The Voice of Everyman
The Harvard Friends of the Arts will host, “Irving Berlin-The Voice of Everyman,” Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall. The show, by Bobbi Carrey and Will McMillan with Doug Hammer on piano, will offer songs by Irving Berlin and stories about him. Seating is limited; call the library at 978-456-4114 to reserve seats. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information visit www.harvardpubliclibrary.org.
Christmas Bird Count
The 110th Christmas Bird Count, coordinated by the Mass. Audubon Society, will be held Sunday, Dec. 20. Some bird watching experience is helpful, but expertise is not required. If interested in participating, contact Ned Toll at ntoll@charter.net or 978-772-9221.
OUT OF TOWN
Holiday Musical Benefit
Littleton jazz pianist Molly Flannery will host her holiday extravaganza to benefit Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry Friday, Dec. 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Acton Jazz Café. Donations of canned foods, sundries, new toys, gently used jewelry, and/or $10 will be appreciated. For more information visit www.actonjazzcafe.com, www.MollyFlannery.com, or www.loavesfishespantry.org.
Bluegrass Christmas Concert
The Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band, along with Amy Gallatin, Roger Williams and friends, will perform a Bluegrass Christmas Concert Friday, Dec. 4, at 8 p.m. at the New Revival Coffeehouse of the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton at 353 Great Road in Stow. Tickets for the concert are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the show. For more information or to reserve tickets call 978-779-6846 or e-mail lizzytish1366@aol.com.
Animal Tracking Demystified
The Friends of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge will sponsor “Animal Tracking Demystified,” a slide show presented by Janet Pesaturo, coordinator of Nashaway Trackers, Friday, Dec. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bolton Town Hall, conference room 663. Pesaturo will teach how to recognize tracks and other signs of mammals. Space is limited; to register contact Rona Balco at 978-779-2259.
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Indian Hill Music’s Opera Workshop will present Amahl and the Night Visitors, Gian Carlo Menotti’s beloved one-act Christmas opera about a poor family visited by the Three Kings on their way to see the Christ child, Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. Tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for children. The opera is best for ages 6 and up. Call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Ayer Festival Weekend
The Ayer Business Alliance will host a Holiday Festival Weekend Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, in downtown Ayer. On Saturday, Santa will arrive with candy canes and hayrides from noon to 3 p.m. A free community holiday concert featuring the Nashoba Valley Concert Band will begin at 2 p.m. at Town Hall. On Sunday, the Business Alliance will present its annual free Tuba Christmas and Sing-along, featuring tuba players from all over New England, at 2 p.m. in Town Hall. Strollers and shoppers can vote for their favorite decorated window and take advantage of holiday specials.
Historic Homes Tour
The Fitchburg Historical Society (FHS) will host a tour of eight historic homes, businesses, and churches in Fitchburg Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour will include buildings at 16 Atlantic Avenue, 81 Ross St., 65 Prospect St., Applewild School at 120 Prospect St., the Johnsonia Building at 520 Main St., and Holy Trinity Orthodox Church at 1319 Main St. Light refreshments and tea will be served throughout the day at Applewild School. Tickets are $15 for seniors and FHS members, $18 in advance, and $20 at the door on the day of the tour. Tickets can be purchased in advance at City Hall, the mayor’s office; DeBonis Davin Florists; Homestead Primitives; Trudie’s Treats, Lunenburg; Fitchburg Historical Society; Shack’s; Mill #3; and Elliot’s Jewelers. For more information contact the Fitchburg Historical Society at 978-345-1157.
Gifts of the Magi
The Stratton Players will present the Gifts of the Magi, a musical retelling of two O. Henry stories, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19, at 8 p.m, and Dec. 13 and 20, at 2 p.m. at the Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Ave. in Fitchburg. The cast of the holiday family musical will include Harvard resident Mary Helan Turner. Tickets are $15. For more information and reservations call 978-345-6066 or visit www.strattonplayers.com.
Masonic Monthly Breakfast
The Ayer Masonic Association will hold its monthly fundraising breakfast Sunday, Dec. 6, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Ayer Masonic Center, 11 Sculley Road in Ayer. The menu will include eggs cooked to order or pancakes with bacon or sausage, potatoes, toast, juice, and coffee.
Alpert-Abrams’ Jerusalem Experience
Harvard resident Hannah Alpert-Abrams will be at Congregation Kerem Shalom, 659 Elm St. in Concord Sunday, Dec. 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to tell the story of her experiences working for six months in Jerusalem with an organization that uses folklore to build understanding between communities in conflict. The Centre for Creativity in Education and Cultural Heritage brings together Jewish and Arab Israeli children to share and learn about their cultural heritage. By discussing her encounters with individuals on all sides of the conflict, Alpert-Abrams will offer a new and deeply human perspective on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Rugelach and discussion will follow. For more information contact halperta@gmail.com.
Nashoba Valley Concert Band
The Nashoba Valley Concert Band will perform a Family Holiday Concert Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Ayer Town Hall. The free concert will feature traditional holiday favorites. For more information visit www.NashobaValleyConcertBand.org.
Watershed Summit Workshop
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) will sponsor a half-day workshop on a variety of topics about protecting the land and water resources of the Squannacook and Nissitissit sub-basins of the Nashua River watershed Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Mass Development Offices in Devens. Due to limited space and to determine the number of lunches needed, advanced reservations are requested. For more information, an agenda, and to register, contact Mark Archambault, NRWA Smart Growth circuit rider, at 978-448-0299, or visit the www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Alpaca Farm Open House
North Brook Farm will hold its annual open house Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Brook Farm and Mill in Berlin. The open house will include barn tours, spinning demonstrations, and the sale of a variety of alpaca products, as well as photographs by Paul Sarapas and soaps by Mill Pond Company. For more information and directions, visit www.northbrookalpacas.com.
Spectrum Singers Concert
The Spectrum Singers will perform Sunday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Central St. in Acton. The singers will offer holiday and sacred music with selections from Bach, Schutz, and Joubert, and an audience carol sing-along. Tickets, available at the door, are $15 for adults and $12.50 for students and seniors. Baby-sitting will be available; refreshments will be served. For more information call 978-263-2822 or visit www.saint-matthews.org.
Bolton Philharmonic Concert
The Bolton Philharmonic will perform its second annual holiday concert Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 and 7 p.m. at the First Parish of Bolton, 673 Main St. in Bolton. Artistic Director Kristjon Imperio will lead the Bolton Philharmonic Chorus and Chamber Players in a musical tour of both traditional and nontraditional seasonal carols from the British Isles, France, and Germany, including Gustav Holst’s “Christmas Day” and Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia.” Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors age 60 and older. Doors will open one hour before the performance; free refreshments will be served after the performance. For more information visit www.boltonphilharmonic.org.
WBN Holiday Party
The Women’s Business Network (WBN) will hold its annual holiday party Thursday, Dec. 10, at 7:15 p.m. at the Amerscot House Inn in Stow. Women interested in learning more about the group are invited to attend. Members are asked to bring finger food: a snack, appetizer or dessert, along with business cards and brochures. RSVP to Doreen Boisvert at Doreen.travels@verizon.net or phone 978-692-5010. Visit www.wbn-ma.org for more information.
Applewild School Concert
Applewild School students will perform vocal and instrumental music from around the world Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Center for the Performing Arts at 98 Prospect St. in Fitchburg. Students in kindergarten through grade five will perform at 2:30 p.m. and students in grades six through nine will perform at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Concord Band Holiday Pops
The Concord Band’s annual Holiday Pops concerts will be held Friday and Saturday, Dec. 11 and 12, at 8 p.m. in The Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden St. in Concord. Guest vocalist Rene Pfister, a featured soloist, will lead the audience holiday sing-along. The program also includes “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and other holiday favorites. Table seating is available at $20 per person and $15 for children under 12. Ticket prices include beverages and snacks. For reservations, call 978-897-9969, e-mail reservations@concordband.org, or visit www.concordband.org. The snow date for both nights is Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m.
Holiday Sing-Along
Indian Hill Music School’s Early Childhood Department will present its free annual holiday sing-along for young families Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. People of all ages are invited to sing, dance, play instruments, and celebrate the songs and stories of the season. Bring your camera for photos with “a special guest.” Snow date will be Sunday, Dec. 13. Call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org. Sponsored by Digital Federal Credit Union. (12/11)
Toys for Tots Distribution
The Blanchard Middle School in Westford will be a distribution site for Toys for Tots for needy families from the Nashoba Valley area Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information e-mail Liz Benstead at 978-692-5582 ext. 147.
ChanuKarnival and Silent Auction
The fifth annual ChanuKarnival and silent auction will take place on the second day of Chanukah, Sunday, Dec. 13, from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at the Fenn School, 516 Monument St. in Concord. Activities will include game booths, face-painting, crafts project, a magic show by Boston’s Peter O’Malley, entrance to a silent auction, and more. Admission is $7. In case of bad weather, the carnival will be postponed to Sunday, Dec. 20. For more details and to see a list of some of the auction items, visit www.ActonConcordChabad.org or call 978-929-2513.
Handbell Holiday Concert
The Bells of St. Matthew’s, under the direction of Susan Lee, will present a concert of holiday music Sunday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Central St. in Acton. Using five octaves of handbells and four octaves of handchimes, the ringers will use many different techniques besides ringing to play some familiar favorites, with an opportunity for audience participation. For more information call the church office at 978-263-2822 or Sue Lee at 978-263-2246.
