Community Talent Show
Harvard Friends of the Arts will sponsor the 2010 Community Talent Show Friday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Volunteers Hall at the library. Admission is free but donations are always appreciated. Call 978-456-4114 to reserve seats. For more information contact DianeMarieHall@verizon.net.
Bird Walk at Fruitlands
Local birder Pat White will lead a bird walk at Fruitlands Museum from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 1. Walkers will be looking for local winged residents and early arrivals. Expect to walk about one and a half miles on trails through meadow and woods with some wet spots and steep sections. Meet at top parking lot at Fruitlands Museum. For more information call 978-456-8127.
Healing Garden Art Celebration
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden will host “Life is a Dance: A Celebration of the Arts at the Healing Garden” Saturday, May 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Garden at 145 Bolton Road. The free event will begin with performances by the Hip-Hop Mamas dance group and Elaine Fong, founder of the Japanese taiko drumming group Odaiko New England. Artists will display their work around the natural gardens. Visitors can participate in kite-making and other hands-on art.
Auction for Art at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum will hold a benefit evening of art and gourmet food Saturday, May 1, at the Tent at Alcott’s Restaurant and Tea Room. Participants will be able to bid on an eclectic mix of auction items to support Fruitlands’ exhibitions. Auction for Art tickets are $50 for members and $60 for nonmembers. A table for eight is $375. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.
Health, Wellness, and Fitness Fair
More than 40 health, wellness, and fitness practitioners will demonstrate and discuss their services and products at the first regional Health, Wellness, and Fitness Fair Sunday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bromfield School. Nutrition, holistic health, yoga, massage, and other health-related practitioners will showcase their services at booths. A $3 general admission will include an entry in drawings for more than $2,500 in prizes. A special $12 admission will also include a massage or reiki session and a stainless steel water bottle. The first 500 attendees will receive a goodie bag of coupons and products from the vendors, sponsors, and advertisers, as well as a free regional Health, Wellness and Fitness Directory. Kids’ activities include karate classes, yoga, crafts, and more. Farmers’ Market vendors and healthy food and drink will round out the offerings. Sponsored by the Bare Hill Rowing Association. Outdoors or indoors, as weather suggests. For more information contact Kelly at 978-400-6514 or simplebalance@charter.net, or visit www.barehillrowing.com.
Trail Cleanup Day
The Harvard Conservation Trust and the Harvard Conservation Commission invite walkers, hikers, and trail enthusiasts to volunteer two hours on Sunday, May 2, to help bring any trail of their choice back to its normal condition by dragging fallen branches 10 feet to the side (minding the vegetation underfoot). Large trees and precarious debris should be reported to Phil Knoettner, who will coordinate a chainsaw crew. He can be reached at 978-456-8477 or pknoettner@aol.com. Participants are invited to send photos, the names of participants in their work party, and the trail they cleared to Marylynn Gentry, executive director, at mgentry@harvardconservationtrust.orgmgentry@harvardconservationtrust.org.
Peter Alden on Songbirds
Peter Alden, renowned naturalist and author, will discuss “Our Songbirds Today” Sunday, May 2, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Fruitlands Museum. Alden is the author of 15 books on North American and African wildlife, including the National Audubon Society’s Regional Field Guide series. He will discuss how breeding, wintering, and resident songbirds are coping with a changing world. The talk is free with admission.
Massachusetts Walk-to-School day
Hildreth Elementary School students can walk, bike, or carpool to school Wednesday, May 5, to celebrate Earth Day and Massachusetts Walk-to-School day. Walking “school buses” will meet up at Carlson Orchards and the Bolton Road/Armstrong Triangle and will depart at 8:15 sharp. People who can’t walk that day are invited to carpool.
Wild Apples Launch Celebration
Wild Apples, a journal of nature, art, and inquiry, will hold a public Launch Celebration of its fifth issue, “In Praise of Animals,” Thursday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. at Fruitlands Museum. In the new issue Wild Apples writers, artists, and photographers explore humans’ relationship to the animal world. There is no fee for admission, but donations are appreciated and reservations are required. E-mail delicious@wildapples.org or call Wild Apples at 978 456-8130.
Family Movie Night
The Harvard Public Library will host a Family Movie Night (PG) for Harvard residents Friday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. Popcorn and water will be served. Seats are limited—moviegoers are asked to preregister by calling the Children’s Room at 978-456-4114.
Author/Illustrator Grace Lin
Children’s author and illustrator Grace Lin will bring two presentations to the Harvard Public Library Saturday, May 8, at 1 p.m. for younger children and 2 p.m. for older children. Lin’s book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon was awarded the 2010 Newberry Honor. Visit or call the Children’s Room for more information and to register.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Harvard Public Library (FOHPL) will hold its annual book sale Saturday, May 8, Sunday, May 9, and Saturday, May 15 at the old library on Fairbank St. FOHPL members are invited to a members-only preview sale Friday, May 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. “Early bird” hours Saturday, May 8, will be from 8 to 9 a.m. at $10 per person. Free admission will be available Saturday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Book drop-offs, excluding magazines and textbooks, are welcome Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to noon at the old library.
Postal Workers Food Drive
Letter carriers across the U.S. will pick up donations of nonperishable food for the 18th annual Postal Workers Food Drive Saturday, May 8, as they deliver mail along their postal routes. The donations will allow the Loaves & Fishes food pantry to continue to feed the hungry throughout the summer months. Donors can leave donations in a bag or box near their mailboxes on the morning of May 8 before the letter carrier arrives, or bring them directly to the post office. To volunteer assistance transporting, sorting, and storing food, contact Loaves and Fishes at 978-772-4627, ext. 300, or e-mail tohelp@loavesfishespantry.org.
Apple Blossom Festival and Ducky Wucky Race
The 58th annual Apple Blossom Festival, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ayer, Harvard, Shirley, and Devens, in conjunction with corporate sponsors Gervais Ford and North Middlesex Savings Bank, will be held Saturday, May 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Common. The free festival will feature live music, food, children’s games, fire truck rides, and craft vendors. Proceeds will benefit the charitable causes supported by the club, including food pantries, high school scholarships, youth sports programs, worldwide polio eradication, and more. In the event of rain, the festival will move indoors to the nearby Hildreth Elementary School. The Ducky Wucky River Race will follow at 4:30 p.m. at the Nashua River. Grand prize is dinner for two anywhere in the world.
Oxbow Bird Walk
Jonathan Center will lead a bird walk Saturday, May 8, at 7 a.m. at Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, beginning at the parking lot at the end of Still River Depot Road. Participants will walk two to three miles on easy paths through woodland in search of migrant and breeding songbirds. Cancelled in the event of steady rain. Sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club.
Artisans at Fruitlands
Two noa artists will demonstrate their craft Saturday, May 8, at the noa Gallery at Fruitlands. Natalie Gillihan will make clay jewelry and Bonnie Bielefield will demonstrate her floor-cloth painting.
The Fruitlands Landscape
Fruitlands Museum Curator Michael Volmar will present “Fruitlands Landscape,” a discussion about Fruitlands’ geology, ecology, and land use history, Tuesday, May 11, from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is $10 for members and seniors; nonmember admission is $15. To preregister e-mail lseeckts@fruitlands.org or call 978-456-3924, ext. 292. Object examination will include the prominent natural and cultural features on the Fruitlands property and adjacent in the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge.
Who were the Hildreths?
The Harvard Historical Society will present an illustrated lecture, “Who were the Hildreths?,” Thursday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Still River Meetinghouse, 215 Still River Road. Former Society president Dianne Newton will give a history of the Hildreth family and describe some of their numerous inventions and gifts to the town of Harvard. Attendees will learn why the Harvard Elementary School recently changed its name to honor this family. The lecture is part of the Society’s new “Discover Your Town” outreach. Refreshments will be served, and the public is encouraged to view the extensive collection of Harvard artifacts and paintings on display in the recently renovated building.
The River Ward Film Screening
The River Ward, a documentary film by Bromfield graduate Brian Wickman, will be shown Saturday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library. The film follows the story of four cancer survivors at First Descents, an adventure therapy program for young adults.
OUT OF TOWN
Farmers’ Market Scavenger Hunt in Ayer
The second annual Harvard Farmers’ Market Scavenger Hunt will be held Saturday, May 1, starting and ending at the Billiards Café at 39 Main St. in Ayer. Team registration begins at 4 p.m. and the hunt will be from 4:30 to 8 p.m. sharp. Live music, food, and prizes will follow at the Billiards Café. Registration is $30 the day of the event. Registration forms and more information may be found at www.harvardfarmersmarket.org.
Museum of Russian Icons Exhibition
The Museum of Russian Icons will host a reception for the opening of its latest exhibition, “Grand Discovery, Icons Acquired from European Collections,” Saturday, May 1, at 1:30 p.m. at the Clinton museum. Museum founder Gordon B. Lankton will discuss new acquisitions and Catherine Le Gouis will perform a Russian repertoire on the piano. Wine and refreshments will be served from 4:45 to 6 p.m.. The exhibition will run through July 30. For more information visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.
Road Race and Walk
The third annual Road Race and Walk to support the Linda Marley Forrest Scholarship Fund at Indian Hill Music School will take place Saturday, May 1, at 8 a.m. at the Nashua River Rail Trail, starting in Pepperell. Donation is $25. To register and for more information call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org. (4/30)
The Showstoppers Concert
The Showstoppers, a musical troupe from Fitchburg’s New Theatre Guild, will perform a choral review of American favorites Sunday, May 2, at 4 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Church in Fitchburg. Tickets, available at the door, are $15 for adults, and $12.50 for students and seniors. For more information call 978-263-2822 or visit www.saint-matthews.org.
Woman’s Club Luncheon in Clinton
Members and their guests with reservations will meet for the annual luncheon of the Harvard Woman’s Club Monday, May 3, at Ristorante Via Alto in Clinton. The gathering starts at 11:30 p.m. and lunch will be served at noon. The meeting is a celebration of friendship and the year’s accomplishments. Members who need rides can contact Maria Day or Margaret Murphy.
Caregiver Support Group
Littleton’s Council on Aging will sponsor a free caregiver support group with guest speaker Natasha Heimrath from Caregiver Homes of Massachusetts Thursday, May 6, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Littleton’s Council on Aging, 33 Shattuck St. in Littleton. Heimrath will talk about “Family Caregiving: The Comforts of Home – Compensation and Support for Home-Based Care.”
Well-Adult Clinic
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in conjunction with the Ayer Board of Health, will hold a free Well-Adult Clinic Friday, May 7, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Carlin’s Restaurant, 48 Main St. in Ayer. Drop-ins are welcome for blood pressure, pulse screening, and diet instruction. For more information contact Nashoba Nursing Service and Hospice at 978-425-6675 or 800-698-3307, or visit www.nashoba.org.
Acton Story Slam
The Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council will host a benefit Story Slam Friday, May 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Acton Congregational Church, 12 Concord Road in Acton. Ten storytellers will be chosen by lottery to each tell a five-minute story. No retelling of literary works and no notes or props will be permitted—just words aloud. The winners will receive gift certificates from Willow Books in Acton. All participants will get Story Slam T-shirts. The evening may not be suited to young children. Donations at the door will benefit the people of Haiti through the Worcester Area Mission Society. For more information, contact Skye Gibson at skyegibson@gmail.com or 978-461-6015.
NRWA Hike at Overlook Reservoir
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) will sponsor a free guided walk at Fitchburg’s Crocker Conservation Area Saturday, May 8, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., beginning at the Crocker Conservation Area kiosk at the top of Flat Rock Road in Fitchburg. From the upper common (end of Main St.), take Prospect Street straight up the hill at the lights to a fork in the road. Bear left on Flat Rock Road and follow to the end. Free, but registration is required by calling Al Futterman, NRWA Land Programs and Outreach Director, at 978-448-0299 or AlF@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Allegra Regional Girls Choir
The Christian Union Church of West Groton and the Congregational Church of Harvard will present a concert by the Allegra Regional Girls Choir of Connecticut Saturday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at the Christian Union Church, 37 West Main St. in Groton. The concert is free and open to all. For more information contact Sharon Schmidt at 978-772-1453.
Ham and Bean Supper
The Mission Team of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Acton will sponsor a public ham-and-bean supper Saturday, May 8, at 6 p.m. The menu will include a juice appetizer, ham, beans, salad, rolls, beverages, and ice cream with hot fudge sauce. The cost will be $15 for adults, $12.50 for seniors, and $6 for children younger than 12. Proceeds will support a mission trip to Puerto Rico in July. Space is limited; reservations are required by calling 978-263-2822 or 978-263-9735.
Mother’s Day Barn Dance
The Groton Grange will host a Mother’s Day Barn Dance Saturday, May 8, from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney St. in Groton. The dance will feature music by the Two Fiddles and the Contra Banditos. Caller Dudley Laufman will teach square, circle, and contra dances to the beat of Celtic and old-time fiddle tunes. Beginners are welcome. Donations at the door are $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. A family maximum is $15. Mothers are admitted free. For more information visit www.contrabanditos.com, www.grotongrange.com, or contact Aisling at 978-302-5649 or ashling@verizon.net
Indian Hill Music Anniversary Celebration
Indian Hill Music will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a Birthday Bash Saturday, May 8, at 36 King St. in Littleton. Community leaders, founders, faculty, students, concert patrons, and friends from past and present will gather to salute the organization’s 25 years of excellence in music education and performance. The event will feature musical performances, hearty hors d’oeuvres and wine, special presentations, proclamations and reminiscences. Tickets are $50 per person and are available by calling 978-486-9524 or online at www.indianhillmusic.org. Proceeds will benefit Indian Hill Music’s education and performance programs.
Landscape Sustainability 101
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) will sponsor a free workshop on sustainable landscaping practices Tuesday, May 11, from 7 to 9 p.m., at NRWA’s River Resource Center, 592 Main St., in Groton. The workshop, led by Ed Coykendall, Landscape Artisans founder, will give homeowners an environmentally sensible and cost effective foundation for creating and maintaining their home landscapes. Discussion topics will include the creation of energy efficient landscapes, water quality issues, habitat creation, reducing chemical usage, logistics of the modern landscape, friendlier lawns, paving options, and maintenance issues. For further information, contact Mark Archambault, NRWA Smart Growth Circuit Rider, at 978-448-0299, or visit the NRWA website at www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Hospice Support Groups
Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice will offer three upcoming grief support groups. Two drop-in grief support groups will meet the second Tuesday of each month from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Shirley Library and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Nashoba Valley Medical Center. Bereaved individuals are welcome and registration is not required. Registration is under way for an Adult Loss of Parent support group for adults experiencing grief due to the death of a parent. It will take place six consecutive Thursdays beginning May 27. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration is also open for a caregiver support group that will meet for six weeks, June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 12, and 19 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.. Call Karen Campbell at 1-800-698-3307, ext. 320 for registration and to confirm locations.
Nutrition Wise – Cancer Survivorship
Emerson Hospital dietitian Ena Sandler will discuss current nutrition strategies for preventing cancer recurrence Wednesday, May 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Emerson Hospital in North Assembly Room B. The free program is offered for individuals who have completed treatment and are striving for optimal eating habits. Preregister by calling 978-287-3349.
Programs for Diabetics
Nashoba Valley Medical Center’s Diabetes and Endocrine Center will host two programs for diabetics Wednesday, May 12, in Room 109, 200 Groton Road in Ayer: “Advanced Carb Counting for People with Diabetes,” from 6 to 7 p.m., and “Using Advanced Features on Your Insulin Pump” from 7 to 8 p.m.. RSVP to Pam Massucco or Alice Vergados at 978-784-9534.
Indian Hill Music Voice Students
Members of the Indian Hill Music School Voice Department students will perform songs in many languages Friday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m., 36 King St. in Littleton. $5 donation at the door. For more information call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
