Girl Scout Book Drive
For a literacy-promoting service project, the 10th-graders of Harvard Girl Scout Troop 30898 will conduct a drive for gently used/new books throughout October to benefit Link to Libraries. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to collect and distribute books to elementary school libraries and nonprofit organizations and to enhance the language and literacy skills of children of all cultural backgrounds. Boxes for donations are in the lobbies at the Harvard Public Library, Hildreth Elementary School, and the Bromfield School. The HES library will have a chance to add to its collection first, before the books are donated. A list of recommended books is available at Link to Libraries website, www.linktolibraries.org, For personal pick up call Janice Kennedy at 978-808-8995.
Nashua River Awareness Paddle
Fruitlands Museum’s CEO Tim Firment and Curator Mike Volmar, joined by pioneering environmentalist Marion Stoddart, will paddle their kayaks in a Nashua River Watershed Awareness Paddle Friday, Oct. 8, from noon to 2 p.m. The short, largely symbolic, kayak paddle will originate at the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge boat launch in Still River.
Native American Culture Weekend
Fruitlands Museum will host Native American activities Oct. 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in celebration of Native American Month at the museum. Activities will include guided tours of the Native American museum; a guided hiking trip to Native American hunting grounds; crafts, games, and a powwow activity for kids; educational displays; and hands-on crafting. For details and times of events visit www.fruitlands.org.
Annual Flea Market
The League of Women Voters of Harvard and the Harvard Schools Trust will host the 39th annual Columbus Day Weekend Flea Market Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Bromfield School. (Rain date Monday, Oct. 11.) The fair will feature 170 booths of items, from antiques to ant farms—the expected to the unexpected—as well as a variety of food offerings. Admission to the flea market is a $3 donation per adult, a $1 donation per child ages 6 to 12 and adults age 65 and older, and a $5 donation for early birds (before 9 a.m.). For more information visit www.harvardfleamarket.com.
Apple Festival
The annual Apple Festival at the Congregational Church on the Common will take place Saturday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festivities feature fresh-baked pies or frozen ones, ready to take home. The café will feature a hearty vegetarian Harvest Soup, coffee or hot cider, and, of course, apple pie with optional vanilla ice cream. There will be apples, cheese, and cider to buy, as well as popcorn and crafts for the kids.
Chili Cook-Off
The Devens Grill will hold its sixth annual Chili Cook-off Sunday, Oct. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Devens Common. Contestants must preregister and bring 10 gallons of chili. Cash prizes for first and second place will be awarded by people’s choice voting. There is no entry fee for contestants; a $10 donation is suggested for tasters. For more information, including details for contestants, visit www.devensgrill.com.
Drop-In Play Group
Evergreen Garden Playschool, 270 Barnum Road in Devens, will host a drop-in play space for children ages 2 months to 3 years and their caregivers, Friday, Oct. 15, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The event will feature free play, a light snack for children, and a small circle activity. There is a $10 suggested donation per family group. For more information send e-mail to sarah@egplayschool.com or call 978-772-9595.
Autumn Choral and Band Concerts
Bromfield’s Autumn Choral Concert will take place Thursday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. The Bromfield High School Concert Choir, Middle School Chorus, and Grade Six Chorus will perform seasonal and traditional pieces. On Oct. 21 at 7 p.m., the Bromfield High School Wind Ensemble, Middle School Symphonic Band, and Grade Six Concert Band will perform. Both concerts are free and take place in Cronin Auditorium at The Bromfield School.
Artist of the Month
Alicia Dwyer is the featured artist this month in the For Art’s Sake Live Gallery space at the General Store. With her recent work she explores the dress in cut-and-embossed painted metal. Additionally, Dwyer experiments with pyrography, writing with fire, the art of burning wood, paper, or leather using a heated tool. This month, the FAS website, www.forartssakeharvard.org, features the photography of Kent Boynton. Boynton captures scenes of Harvard that many people miss.
Women’s Business Network Meeting
The Women’s Business Network will meet at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Theresa’s Church, 15 Still River Road, Thursday, Oct. 14, at 7:15 p.m. Professor Gail Steele, of Wachusett Community College, will present Poise and Power at the Podium, tips on “managing nervousness, organizing your material, presenting strong arguments, and delivering a speech with pizzazz!” For more information please visit www.wbn-ma.org, www.facebook.com/pages/Womens-Business-network/113362665356632, or call Renee W. Senes, CDFA, at 978-456-9600.
Republican Voter Forum
In place of its regular meeting, the Harvard Republican Town Committee will host a public town-hall style voter forum Thursday. Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Warner Free Lecture: Story of Fur Trade in America
The Warner Free Lecture Series and the Harvard Historical Society will cosponsor Eric Jay Dolin, bestselling author of Fur, Fortune and Empire: The Epic Story of the Fur Trade in America, Friday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library. Marblehead historian Dolan will share the dramatic story of how the fur trade influenced the history of America from the early 1600s and was the inspiration for westward expansion.
Lego Club
The Harvard Public Library will host a Lego Club for children age 5 and older Saturday, Oct. 16, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the library. Creative building is encouraged; the library will have Lego books available for inspiration. Participants should bring their own Lego and/or Duplo bricks so they can take their models home. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun and assist with supervision. Enrollment is limited to 20. Preregister by calling 978-456-2381.
Friends of the Arts Concert
Harvard Friends of the Arts will sponsor Susie Burke and David Surette in concert Saturday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library. Seating is limited; call the library at 978-456-4114 to reserve seats. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
Flu Clinic
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in conjunction with the Harvard Board of Health, will hold a free seasonal flu clinic for residents of Nashoba member towns Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Hildreth House. No appointment necessary; insurance cards required. For more information contact Nashoba Associated Boards of Health at 978-772-3335 or 800-427-9762, ext. 333, or visit www.nashoba.org.
Early Release Art at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum will offer an Early Release Art Program on Harvard Public School early release days Wednesday, Oct. 20, and Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. Participants will explore the natural beauty of harvest materials used in art projects, including sculpture, candlemaking, decoupage, and group weaving, that relate to the museum’s collections. The fee is $18 per child per class. All materials are included. Preregistration is required. Call 978-456-3924.
VNS Pumpkin Event
The Village Nursery School invites parents and their toddlers who are geared for starting preschool next year to a Pumpkin Decorating and Free Play Morning Friday, Oct, 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 40 Poor Farm Road. RSVP by Oct. 19 to Jane Venditti at 978-456-3993.
Magic Show with Ed Popielarczyk
Ed Popielarczyk will return to the Harvard Public Library with his Magic Show for all ages Thursday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Preregister by calling the children’s librarian at 978-456-2381.
Kids Concert and Magic Show
The Village Nursery School will host a Kids Music and Magician Show, Saturday, Oct 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hildreth Elementary School. A Kids Music Concert by Tom Foote of RhythmKids, will be followed by a magic show starring the Stupendous Mr. Magichead. The event costs $8 per person, $25 maximum per family. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
OUT OF TOWN
Family Pajama Jam
Indian Hill Music will host a free Family Pajama Jam, a musical story hour for young families, Friday, Oct. 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. This month’s theme will be the jungle. Participants are invited to come dressed as a favorite animal to sing, dance, play instruments, and hear stories. To learn more call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Tree Scriptures Exhibit at Dunia
The Gallery at Dunia, 43 Nason St. in Maynard, will present Tree Scriptures, a free exhibit of works in reclaimed wood by Maggie Wood, a Maynard-based craftswoman. Each creation in the exhibit starts as a forsaken board or piece of lumber that Wood has salvaged, recycled, repurposed, and finished to bring out its natural luster. The exhibit will be on display through Nov. 6. A reception for the artist will take place at the gallery Sunday, Oct. 10, from 2 to 5 p.m. Twenty-five percent of the sales proceeds from Tree Scriptures creations will be donated to Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe place for blind cats that are deemed unacceptable by regular shelters.
Susan Jackson Reception
In conjunction with her current exhibit at the Gallery at Indian Hill Music in Littleton, Harvard gilding and frame conservator Susan Jackson will host a reception at the Gallery Friday, Oct. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. Jackson will share her knowledge about the art of gilding and the history of picture frames and answer questions about how to protect family heirlooms. Exhibit hours for the free exhibit, which runs through October, are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Barn Dance and Silent Auction
Lucky Horse Equine Rescue will host an Autumn Barn Dance and Silent Auction Saturday, Oct. 16, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Century Mill Stables, 185 Century Mill Road in Bolton. All proceeds from this family-friendly evening of food, music, kids’ activities, and live and silent auctions will benefit Lucky Horse Equine Rescue, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and find homes for unwanted, abandoned, neglected, or slaughter-bound horses. The Barn Dance and Auction will begin at 4 p.m. and a barbecue cookout will start at 5:30 p.m., with the jazz music of Barbara Dolan in the background. The live auction starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 7 to 13. Children age 6 and younger are admitted free. Admission includes food, dancing and entertainment. To purchase tickets or to donate an item for the auction, visit www.luckyhorse.org.
Square and Compasses Day
The Caleb Butler Lodge will host an open house Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 11 Sculley Road in Ayer. The event is designed to help the public gain a better understanding of the Freemason fraternity and its heritage. Membership is open to men age 18 and older. For more information visit www.calebbutlerlodge.com.
Applewild Open House
Applewild School, an independent school for children in grades K through 9, will hold a Harvest Fair, a day of family games and activities, Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 120 Prospect St. in Fitchburg. An admission Open House and Tour will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information call the admission office, 978-342-6053 ext. 110 or visit www.applewild.org.
League of Women Voters’ Candidates’ Forums
Four candidates for the Massachusetts 5th Congressional District seat will face off in a public forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Concord-Carlisle Saturday, Oct. 16, at 3 p.m. in the auditorium of the Alcott Elementary School, 93 Laurel St. in Concord. Audience members will have an opportunity to submit written questions for the candidates.
An Acton Area LWV forum will take place Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. at the R.J. Grey Jr. High School in Acton. Some of the candidates for state senator and state representative will be present to give statements on their positions on the ballot questions. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions. Both events are free and open to the public.
Circle Singing at Indian Hills
Kate Munger, founder of the Threshold Choir movement, will share the healing nature of circle singing with two workshops at Indian Hill Music School Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those new to bedside singing, and Sunday, Oct. 17, from noon to 5 p.m. for those already singing in a group. Admission is free; a free-will donation will be accepted. For more information or to register call 978-486-9524, ext. 114 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Verrill Farm Harvest Festival Benefit
Verrill Farm in Concord will hold a Harvest Festival to benefit Emerson Hospital’s pediatric unit Saturday, Oct. 16, from noon to 4 p.m. The fall family festival will feature games and activities for children of all ages, including pumpkin-picking, hay rides, face-painting, pony rides, a raffle, live music by Back Eddy Bluegrass, refreshments, and an information table on the therapeutic coping kits for pediatric patients that the festival will help fund. Activity and game tickets are five for $10 and 12 for $20.
Mozart Concert at Indian Hill
Indian Hill Music will present two respected, regional musicians in an all-Mozart recital Saturday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. at the Kalliroscope Gallery, 264 Main St. in Groton. Tickets, which include a post-concert wine and cheese reception with the artists, are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Call 978-486-9524, ext. 116 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Celtic Harpist
Áine Minogue, a Celtic harpist and storyteller, will open the fifth season of the Music at St. Matthew’s Concert Series Sunday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m. at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Acton.
Wildlife Refuge Grand Opening
Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge will host a Grand Opening Celebration Sunday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 680 Hudson Road in Sudbury. Activities will include sunrise bird walks and photography, wildlife programs, and an opening ceremony at 1 p.m. For more information contact Susan J. Russo at 978-443-4661, ext. 34 or Susan_J_Russo@fws.gov.
Bach’s Lunch Concert
Indian Hill Music School’s monthly faculty series will present a free program of traditional Irish tunes with renowned fiddler Laurel Martin and friends Thursday, Oct. 21, with shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served; bring your lunch. Reserve a table at 978-486-9524, ext. 114.
Concord Band Concert
The Concord Band will open its 52nd season Saturday, Oct. 23, with a performance of musical compositions inspired by specific scenes, such as a woman seen at a fair or children playing in a gallery. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at 51 Walden St. in Concord. Tickets are $15 each ($5 for students and seniors) and are available at the door. For more information about the concert visit www.concord.org.
Orchestra of Indian Hill
Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Orchestra of Indian Hill will open their 36th season with a tribute to masters of classical music, jazz, and art on Saturday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. at Littleton High School, 56 King St. in Littleton. Canadian clarinetist James Campbell and Boston Pops drummer Fred Buda will be guest soloists. Tickets range from $20 to $45. For more information visit www.indianhillmusic.org or call 978-486-9524, ext. 116.
Llama to Pajama 2010
The City of Worcester and VSA Massachusetts will present Sheep to Shawl, Llama to Pajama 2010, a free educational family event celebrating the animal fiber and clothing connection, Saturday, Oct. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. at Green Hill Park Farm, 125 Green Hill Parkway in Worcester. The rain-or-shine festival of all things fiber will feature a 2 p.m. llama shearing demonstration. For more information visit the event Facebook page or contact Nat Needle, event coordinator, at 508-757-4646 or mihoko@saoriworcester.com.
Treasures from Moscow
The Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton will exhibit Treasures from Moscow beginning October 23 through July 25. The exhibit will feature 37 paintings from Moscow’s Andrey Rubley Museum. For more information visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.
