Warner Free Lecture: Tales of the Blizzard of ’78
The Warner Free Lecture Series will sponsor “Ten Hours Until Dawn: A Blizzard of ’78 Tale of Heroism and Tragedy,” a talk by author and adventurer Michael Tougias, Friday, Jan. 22, at 8 p.m. at Volunteers Hall. Tougias will present a tale of the tragedy that unfolded during the blizzard of ’78 when the Can Do, with five men onboard, sailed from Gloucester on a daring rescue mission. A book signing will follow the presentation.
First Descents, Film Benefit
A film about First Descents, a nonprofit whitewater kayaking camp for young adult cancer survivors will be presented Saturday, Jan. 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Harvard Historical Society. Brian Wickman, a 1994 Bromfield graduate and a cancer survivor, is a co-producer of the documentary. He will introduce the film and will be available for questions after the viewing. Wickman describes First Descents as providing a source of strength in “an otherwise murky and confusing process of recovery.” Wine and hors d’œuvres will be served. Donations to help support First Descents will be gratefully accepted.
Cider Four-Course Dinner
Fruitlands Museum will host a Cider Four-Course Dinner Saturday, Jan. 23, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at its Alcott’s Restaurant and Tea Room. Dinner will be $59.95 per person and reservations are required. For more information and the menu visit www.fruitlands.org.
Fruitlands Concert
Fruitlands Museum will host a live concert Sunday, Jan. 24, at 1 p.m. The musical event will feature Bromfield student Ashley Jordan performing on guitar, Harvard’s Maria Rindenello Parker on harp, and members of a bluegrass group performing separately on banjo and mandolin. The event will feature variety of songs and musical genres, including folk and bluegrass. For reservations and information contact 978-456-3924, ext.227, e-mail education@fruitlands.org, or visit fruitlands.org.
Moms In Touch Meeting
Moms and grandmothers are invited to an informational coffee to learn more about Moms In Touch International, a Christian prayer ministry where women gather to pray for children and schools. The introductory meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 25, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the home of Amber Martinko, 14 Prospect Hill Road. Moms In Touch is an interdenominational, nonprofit organization where moms connect to pray for children and schools. For more information, call Amber Martinko at 978-456-0155 or visit the MITI website at www.MomsInTouch.org.
Garden Club Meeting
The Garden Club of Harvard will hold a luncheon meeting Monday, Jan. 25, at 11:15 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, 15 Still River Road. This month’s program will feature a presentation by Jeanie Gillis, “Ericaceae: Plants That Don’t Like Lime” (rescheduled from November), and an interactive session about “Our Plant Heritage,” where members and guests discuss special plants and gardens in their families. The presentation will start at 12:15 p.m. The meeting is free and open to the public; new members are welcome. For information contact Sue Fitterman at 978-772-1433.
Waldorf Schools Open Houses
Evergreen Garden Playschool and the Oxbow Schoolhouse will hold open houses Monday, Jan. 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 31, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in their new location at 270 Barnum Road in Devens. Evergreen Garden will hold an additional open house Saturday, Feb. 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Evergreen Garden, a developing member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association, offers parent-child classes for parents and children age 3 and younger. The Oxbow Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse in the same bulidng, serves children in grades 1 through 6. Also drawing its philosophy from the Waldorf School Movement, the Oxbow Schoolhouse emphasizes equal development of academic abilities, emotional growth, and the capacity to do meaningful work.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail
The Harvard Conservation Trust will offer a free slide presentation, “Hiking the Appalachian Trail,” Thursday, Jan. 28, at 6:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall. (The weather date will be Feb. 14.) Presenter Roger Tetreault of Boxborough will chronicle his 2008 Appalachian Trail hike from Georgia to Maine over a course of 5 months, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 100 degrees. Tetreault, who left his carpentry trade behind when he ventured on the 2,176 mile trek, will share interesting details of his trip. For more information call 978-456-8717.
Animal World Experience
The Harvard Public Library will host an Animal World Experience program for all ages, Wednesday, Jan. 27, at 1:30 p.m. The program will feature some of Animal World Experience’s adopted animals, their stories, and why they think adoption is the best option for animals. Audience participation is encouraged. There will be opportunities for volunteers to pet and interact with the animals. Pre-registration is required; call the library at 978-456-4114.
Rhythm Kids Music Party
The Village Nursery School invites toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents to an interactive music party led by Tom Foote, of Rhythm Kids and Music Together, Thursday, Jan. 28, from 1 to 2 p.m. at 40 Poor Farm Road. The program will feature music that uses multicultural activities like African drumming, dance, and games. Space is limited. Register by Jan. 23 by calling 978-456-3993.
Once Upon a Wintertime
Fruitlands Museum will host family storyteller Diane Edgecomb Sunday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. at the musuem. Edgecomb will present tales for ages 4 to forever, ranging from the Grimm’s “Snow White and Rose Red” to folksy New England escapades. Admission is $8 for members and seniors, $10 for nonmember adults, and $5 for children ages 4 to 14. For information contact 978-456-3924, ext.227, e-mail education@fruitlands.org, or visit fruitlands.org.
Harvard Artist Exhibits Sculpture
Harvard artist Geoffrey Koetsch will exhibit his figure sculpture in The Human Condition exhibit Wednesday, Jan. 27, through Thursday, Feb. 26, at the ArtSpace Gallery, 61 Summer St. in Maynard. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. An artist reception will be held Saturday, Jan. 30. For more information visit www.artspacemaynard.com.
Piano Concert
David Pihl will perform, “Just Before Sunset,” a piano recital featuring the compositions of Steve Peisch, Sunday, Jan. 31, at 4 p.m. in the Harvard Unitarian Church. Pihl is the staff accompanist for the Department of Theatre at the College of the Holy Cross and he accompanies and teaches piano at Lawrence Academy. Singer-songwriter and Still River resident Peisch is music director and arts chairman at Lawrence Academy. He currently performs with the rhythm ’n’ blues trio Blue Box Set. The kid-friendly concert will be less than one hour in length. A reception to celebrate the release of a recording of Peisch’s piano music will follow the concert.
NRWA Water Resources Workshop
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) will sponsor a free half-day workshop on protecting the land and water resources of the Squannacook and Nissitissit sub-basins of the Nashua River watershed Saturday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m to 2:30 p.m, at the Mass Development Offices at 33 Andrews Parkway in Devens. (Snow date will be Saturday, Feb. 13.) Due to limited space and lunch planning, advanced reservations are requested. The program should be especially useful to members of Planning Boards, Conservation Commissions, Boards of Health, Agricultural Commissions, and Town Forest Committees, as well as professional foresters, farmers and citizens concerned about our shared water resources.
To register, or for more information, contact Mark Archambault, NRWA Smart Growth Circuit Rider, at 978-448-0299, or visit www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Southern Traditional Music
Harvard Friends of the Arts will sponsor Scott Ainslie in concert Saturday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Ainslie will lead a musical tour featuring ragtime and Delta blues, slide guitar, claw-hammer banjo, fiddle, and cigar box guitar. A singer and storyteller, Ainslie will share some of the history and stories of his work with older musicians, as well as information on the African roots of American music. Seating is limited; call the library at 978-456-4114 to reserve seats. Admission is free but donations will be accepted. For more information visit www.harvardpubliclibrary.org and http://cattailmusic.com.
Family Movie Night: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
The Harvard Public Library will host a Family Movie Night, featuring the movie, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (PG), Friday, Feb. 5, 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.
OUT OF TOWN
Family Pajama Jam
Indian Hill Music School will sponsor a Family Pajama Jam Friday, Jan. 22, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Indian Hill Music School, 36 King St. in Littleton. Young families are invited to sing, dance, and play musical instruments during the free musical story hour. For more information call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Applewild School Open House
The Applewild School will hold an open house Saturday, Jan. 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 98 Prospect Street in Fitchburg. Faculty curriculum stations and student-led tours will be available to introduce visitors to the program, faculty, and 26-acre campus. Applewild is a private, co-educational day school with classes from kindergarten through ninth grade. For more information contact the Office of Admissions at 978-342-6053, ext 110, or visit www.applewild.org.
Parker School Applications
The Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School will hold an informational program about the school Sunday, Jan. 24, at 1 p.m. at the school in Devens. The program will offer an overview of the curriculum and Parker staff, with current students and parents on hand to answer questions about the academic program, extra-curricular activities, and student life. All prospective students and their parents must attend an information session as part of the application process. For more information call the school at 978-772-3293 or visit www.parker.org.
Orchestra of Indian Hill
The Orchestra of Indian Hill will perform “Baroque and Beyond!” Sunday, Jan. 24, at 3 p.m. at Littleton High School at 56 King St. in Littleton. Artistic director Bruce Hangen will conduct an afternoon of Baroque hits, including Pachelbel’s “Canon in D,” Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 2,” and Telemann’s “Canary Cantata.” There will be a pre-concert talk at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $48, $35, and $22, and $15 for students and seniors. Call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org for more information.
Extended Russian Icons Exhibit
The Museum of Russian Icons will extend the exhibition of its collection of Saint Nicholas icons through Monday, Feb. 1, at the museum, 203 Union St. in Clinton. The exhibition marks the Feast of Saint Nicholas and Orthodox Christmas. The Saint Nicholas icon exhibit is included with museum admission and can be seen during regular gallery hours. For more information and museum hours visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.
NRWA Animal Tracking Program
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) will host a free afternoon of outdoor exploration Saturday, Jan. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Williams Barn, 160 Chicopee Row in Groton. Participants will learn the art and science of track identification. Registration is required as space is limited. For more information call Lauren Parente, NRWA Eco-Adventures coordinator, at 978-448-0299, or e-mail LaurenP@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Stow Story Slam
A Stow Story Slam will be held Friday, Jan. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Parish of Stow and Acton in Stow. The Slam is open to anyone with a yen for a yarn. Ten storytellers will be chosen to tell a story for five minutes each—any kind of tale of laughter, entrancement, poignant memory, or riveting suspense—in this feast of imagination and the spoken word. No retelling of literary works and no notes or props permitted—just words aloud. Ten volunteers from the audience will be chosen to judge on how well the story is told, how well it is put together, and how it keeps within the time limit. The stories that stay are often the ones that matter from the first line and which have a clear close. The top three winners of the Stow Story Slam will receive gift certificates to Willow Books in Acton. Because the stories are not previewed ahead of time, the evening may not be suitable for young children. The evening will support the Stow Community Chest with a donation at the door. For more information contact Skye Gibson at skyegibson@gmail.com or 978-461-6015.
Bolton Local Movie Night
Bolton Local invites community members to the next film in its monthly film and lecture series Friday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. at First Parish Church in the vestry (downstairs) on Main Street in Bolton. The film will be End of Suburbia, which discusses the dwindling supply of cheap energy in the form of fossil fuels and its effect on society. (The film may not be suitable for young children.) Refreshments will be served. For more information visit www.boltonlocal.org.
Groton Movie Night
The Groton Grange will hold a free showing of the movie (500) Days of Summer (PG-13) Saturday, Jan. 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the Grange Hall at 80 Champney St. in Groton. The movie is described as an uncommon love story. When his girlfriend unceremoniously dumps him, greeting card copywriter and hopeless romantic Tom begins sifting through the year-plus worth of days they spent together, looking for clues to what went awry. For more information conact the Grange at 978-448-3418 or www.grotongrange.com.
Rachel Carson Presentation
Rona Balco, president of Friends of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, will present a program on Rachel Carson Monday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. in the amphitheater of the Atlantic Union College Department of Sciences building at 132 George Hill Road in Lancaster. Carson, a biologist, writer, and environmental activist, gained national attention with her book Silent Spring, which warned about the possible health effects resulting from the long-term use of pesticides in the environment. The program is free; children are welcome.
Indian Hill Music 25th Anniversary
Indian Hill Music’s 25th anniversary celebration will begin with a five-course gourmet wine dinner Friday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Stonehedge Inn at 160 Pawtucket Blvd. in Tyngsboro. Innkeeper Levent Bozkurt will offer wine commentary. Tickets are $75 by advance reservation only. All proceeds will benefit Indian Hill Music. For more information call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Adult Open Mic Night
Indian Hill Music School will present an open mic night for adults, ages 18 and over, hosted by singer/songwriter Nancy Brule with special guest vocalist Elizabeth Lorrey, Friday, Feb. 5, from 7 to 10 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. Folk singers, acoustic guitarists, pianists, and others are invited to perform. There will be a $5 cover charge at the door and refreshments will be served. To reserve a performance spot contact tulula4pele@yahoo.com. Learn more at 978-486-9524 or www.indianhillmusic.org.
Indian Hill Chamber Players
Members of the Indian Hill Music School faculty and Orchestra of Indian Hill will perform works by Latin composers, including Piazzolla’s “Four for Tango,” Frank’s “Canciones Populares,” and Oswald’s “Piano Quartet in G Major,” Saturday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. Tickets will be $22 for adults and $15 for students. For more information call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
