Artist of the Month
This month For Art’s Sake is featuring the colorful garden and landscape paintings of Suzan Osborn, its Artist of the Month, on the For Art’s Sake website, www.forartssake-harvard.org, and in the live gallery Upstairs at the General Store.
Toddler Thursdays at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum will host Toddler Thursdays through Feb. 17, from 9 to 10 a.m. in the Wayside building. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for nonmembers. (Series discount available.) Early childhood educator Larissa Fagundes will explore art, nature, and history with the children. Each session includes music, story, and an art project. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the entire session. Classes are limited to 15 children; reservations are recommended. Call 978-456-3924, ext. 292, or e-mail mdelaney@fruitlands.org.
WinterFest Weekends at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum is holding its third annual WinterFest, Saturdays and Sundays from Jan. 15 to Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pack up the kids, skates, sleds, cross-country skis, and snowshoes for winter fun on Fruitlands’ 200-acre winter wonderland. Sled the OMG! hill if you dare, ski or snowshoe on three miles of trails, or skate on the rink; then warm up around the bonfire with hot cider and snacks. Admission is $5 per car for museum members; $10 per car for nonmembers. Eastern Mountain Sports will be on hand most weekends with snowshoes to try out. Severe weather cancels the event. For more information visit www.fruitlands.org/calendar for updates and weather cancellations.
Soup and an English Farm
A hot bowl of soup and an English farm – what better way to spend a winter evening? The Community Food Film Series will host a dinner-and-a-movie night Friday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall off Elm Street. In her film, A Farm for the Future, BBC wildlife photographer Rebecca Hosking looks at her family’s farm in Devon with a loving eye, as well as a curious one, as she explores how the farm might thrive in a low-energy future. At less than an hour, the movie leaves room for supper and discussion. Appropriate for all ages. Suggested donation for adults is $5, none for students. Bring a mug for hot tea.
Evening of Music and Art
The Harvard Historical Society will host an evening of music and art Friday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Still River Meetinghouse, 215 Still River Road. The event, part of the Organ Revival Concert Series, will feature the jazz duet of guitarist Francis Begue and pianist/composer John Chapman, and works by Harvard artists Doug Slade, Larry Malam, Kent Boynton, and Elizabeth Roy. The evening will include a wine-and-cheese reception. Raffle tickets for a quilt donated by Roy will be available at this and other upcoming events. Suggested donation is $10. For more information visit www.harvardhistory.org.
Reception for Sculpture Exhibit
Fruitlands Museum will host an opening reception for the Riding the Ox exhibit by sculptor Linda Hoffman Saturday, Jan. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Wayside building. Admission is free. Fruitlands Museum and Durga Studio will present Hoffman’s exhibit of the Ox Herding Series Jan. 22 to March 19, by appointment. A student at the Zen Mountain Monastery in Mt. Tremper, N.Y., Hoffman has created 10 bronze-and-wood sculptures depicting the Zen Buddhist teachings on the stages of enlightenment. For an appointment, e-mail Linda Hoffman at studio@lindahoffman.com or Jen Sundeen at jen@thedurgastudio.com.
Aristocats at Hildreth Elementary
Hildreth Elementary students will perform in a Superstar production of Aristocats Saturday, Jan. 22, and Sunday, Jan. 23, at 2 p.m. in Harvard’s Hildreth Elementary School cafetorium. A rag-tag bunch of alley cats comes to the rescue of the Aristokittens after they are kidnapped and abandoned in the Parisian countryside.
Blues Artist at Volunteers Hall
Harvard Friends of the Arts will host nationally known blues artist Guy Davis Saturday, Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Seating is limited; to reserve seats, call the library at 978-456-4114. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted. For more information visit www.harvardpubliclibrary.org or www.guydavis.com.
Parker School Information Program
The Francis C. Parker School will hold an information program about the school’s curriculum Sunday, Jan. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 49 Antietam St. in Devens. Staff, current students, and parents will be on hand to answer questions about the academic program, extracurricular activities, and student life. For more information call 978-772-3293.
Magic of Bonaparte
The Harvard Public Library, with support from the Harvard Cultural Council, will host Bonaparte, “Boston’s hottest magician,” Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 1:30 p.m. This program for all ages promises to amaze and astound. Registration is requested; call the Children’s Room at 978-456-2381.
Singers Sought
Harvard Pro Musica, Harvard’s classical, community chorus seeks singers for its May 7 performance with the Orchestra of Indian Hill, which will feature Mozart’s “Requiem” and Beethoven’s “Choral Fantasy.” Open rehearsals for new members will run through January on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church. All voice parts are welcome; no audition is required. For more information visit www.harvardpromusica.org, e-mail info@harvardpromusica.org, or call 978-456-5039.
Dr. Seuss and Princess Story Times
The Harvard Public Library will host a Dr. Seuss and princess story time for children ages 4 to 7 at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at the library. Teen volunteers will lead the drop-in story time for children and their caregivers.
Scrabble Club
The Harvard Public Library’s Scrabble Club for All Ages will meet Saturday, Jan. 29, at 1:30 p.m. at the library. All skill levels and ages are welcome. Several Scrabble boards (both regular and Scrabble Junior) will be available or you can bring your own. Preregistration is preferred; sign up in the Children’s Room.
Family Movie Night
The Harvard Public Library will host a Family Movie Night for all ages Friday, Feb. 4, at 6:30 p.m.—popcorn included. Preregistration is requested; call the Children’s Room at 978-456-2381.
The Healing Garden of Eatin’
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden (VTHG) will host an Eat Smart, Feel Good, and Look Great at Any Age workshop Saturday, Feb. 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 145 Bolton Road. Registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist Stephanie Meyers will lead a discussion on why diets don’t work over the long haul, practical tips for success, how simple food choices may significantly reduce the risk for illness, and how you can wear your bathing suit with confidence. Cost is $55 for nonmembers and $45 for members of the VTHG. Advance registration is required. Bring questions or forward them by Feb. 4 to julie@healinggarden.net. More information is available at www.healinggarden.net.
OUT OF TOWN
Animal Tracking Workshop
The Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) will sponsor a free family workshop, Animal Tracking in Winter, Sunday, Jan. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Williams Barn, 160 Chicopee Row in Groton. Participants in the outdoor exploration will learn the art and science of track identification. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, or for more information, contact Lauren Parente, NRWA Eco-Adventures coordinator, at 978-448-0299, or LaurenP@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Amadeus! at Indian Hill
Indian Hill maestro Bruce Hangen will conduct an all-Mozart concert Sunday, Jan. 23, at 3 p.m. at Littleton High School, 56 King St. in Littleton. The afternoon will feature “Piano Concerto No. 21” with guest soloist Mana Tokuno, “Symphony No. 39,” “A Musical Joke,” and more. A preconcert talk is scheduled at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $45, $32, and $20, and $15 for students and seniors. For tickets and more information call 978-486-9524, ext. 116, or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Applewild School Play
The Applewild School fourth and fifth grades will present The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, a radio play by Tony Palermo, Thursday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. at the Alumni Center for the Performing Arts, 90 Prospect St. in Fitchburg. For more information call 978-345-6053, ext. 110.
Family Pajama Jam
Indian Hill Music School will host a free musical story hour for young families Friday, Jan. 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at 36 King St. in Littleton. Participants, welcome to come in pajamas, will have a chance to sing, dance, play instruments, and hear stories. Learn more at 978-486-9524 or www.indianhillmusic.org.
Stow Story Slam
The Stow Community Chest will host a Story Slam Friday, Jan. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Parish Church of Stow Fellowship Hall, 353 Great Road in Stow. National Book Award winner and former Stow resident M. T. Anderson will entertain with his stories and will introduce local tale-tellers. For more information contact Skye Gibson at skyegibson@gmail.com.
Micmacs at the Groton Grange
The Screening Room of the Groton Grange will host a free showing of Micmacs, a film by French filmmaker Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie) Saturday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m. at 80 Champney St. in Groton. Micmacs takes a satirical look at the global arms trade, while telling the story of Basil and his friends, who live in an underground dump. For more information visit www.grotongrange.com or call 978-448-3418.
Grieving and Healing Group
Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice will begin a six-week Grieving and Healing Group Thursday, Feb. 3, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Ayer. Contact the coordinator of Bereavement Services at 800-698-3307, ext. 320, for registration and location. An ongoing adult drop-in support group meets Thursdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Townsend Public Library.
Applewild School Open House
The Applewild School, an independent school for grades K through 8, will hold an informational Take-a-Look Morning Thursday, Feb. 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Crocker Building, 120 Prospect St. in Fitchburg. Prospective parents are invited to meet at 9 a.m. to tour the school and see teachers and students in action. No RSVP necessary. For more information call the Admissions Office at 978-342-6053, ext. 110 or visit www.applewild.org.
Rhythm Room at New Revival Coffeehouse
Rhythm Room will perform at the New Revival Coffeehouse Friday, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m. at the First Parish Church of Stow and Acton at 353 Great Road (Route 117) in Stow. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 on the day of show. For advance tickets contact Johanna Pyle at 978-274-2593 or e-mail johanna.pyle@gmail.com.
PTO Winter Bet and Cash Bash
The Harvard Parent-Teacher Organization will hold its first Winter Bet and Cash Bash Party Saturday, Feb. 5, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Billiard’s Café in Ayer. Drop in for a bit or stay the whole night. Enjoy friends, music, and dance, play billiards, and see what other excitement the evening may hold. Winners of the ongoing 100 Club raffle will be drawn at the party, but the event is free for all. There’s no hitch—just a good reason to come out of hibernation to support the schools and have some fun. For more information visit www.harvardpto.org.
Irish Music at Indian Hill
Indian Hill Music is expanding its music offering with the addition of an Irish Music Department. Current faculty members Laurel Martin (Irish fiddle) and Flynn Cohen (guitar) have been joined by Bodhrán artist Eoin McQuinn and vocalist Liz Simmons. Private lessons in the traditional Irish style are now available for Bodhrán, fiddle, guitar, mandolin, tenor banjo, and singing. Classes begin the second week of February. An Irish music ensemble, Sessions on the Hill, will meet Thursday evenings. For information call 978-486-9524 or visit the www.indianhillmusic.org.
