WinterFest Weekends at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum is holding its third annual WinterFest, Saturdays and Sundays through 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.
Winter Wildlife Tracking
The Harvard Conservation Commission will sponsor a tracking program Saturday, Jan. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Noted tracker and apprentice of Paul Rezendes, Lydia Rogers of Concord, will lead the program. The group will meet at the Depot Road soccer fields and explore the Prospect Hill conservation area. Snowshoes are needed for off-trail bushwhacking—a few pairs will be available. Dress warmly for standing in the cold. The program is designed for adults, but interested youth may attend. Space is limited. For more information and required sign-up call Wendy Sisson at 978-456-2385.
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.
Women’s Business Network
The Women’s Business Network will hold its annual Connections Winter Luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 1, at noon at the Healing Garden on Bolton Road. BYOS—Bring your own sandwich/salad and beverage. Members are invited to bring a guest, whether she in a business or not, to the networking event. Reservations and pre-payment are required. The cost is a donation to the Healing Garden of $5 or more, payable to the Healing Garden. RSVP by Friday, Jan. 28, to Margaret Tucker at mstucker@ft.newyorklife.com. After Jan. 28, check with Margaret to see if space is available. Send checks to Margaret Tucker, 38 South Acton Road, Stow, MA 01775. The luncheon snow date will be Wednesday, Feb. 2. Contributions to the Healing Garden are tax-deductible.
Early Release Movie
The Harvard Public Library will sponsor an early release movie for Bromfield students Wednesday, Feb. 2, at the library.
Create a Valentine
Children of all ages are invited to create a Valentine Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Harvard Public Library. The library will have an assortment of supplies available. To register call the Children’s Room at 978-456-2381.
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.
Valentine-making at the Old Library
For Art’s Sake will sponsor a free valentine-making event Saturday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the old library. Bring the whole family or a friend and indulge in the pleasure of creating valentines for friends and loved ones with a variety of luscious materials supplied by For Art’s Sake.
The Healing Garden of Eatin’
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden (VTHG) will host a workshop—Eat Smart, Feel Good, and Look Great at Any Age—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.
Pre-school, Kindergarten, and Elementary School Open House
Evergreen Garden Play School and the Oxbow Schoolhouse will hold an open house Feb. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 270 Barnum Road in Devens. For more information on Evergreen Garden call 978-772-9595 or visit www.evergreengardenplayschool.org. For more information on the Oxbow Schoolhouse call 978-772-9500 or visit www.oxbowschoolhouse.org.
Harvard Woman’s Club Meeting
Jen Sundeen, Lisa Frackiewicz, and Rochelle Greayer, the founders of the Harvard Farmer’s Market, will be the featured speakers at the Harvard Woman’s Club luncheon meeting Monday, Feb. 7, at St. Theresa’s Parish Hall. They will discuss their passion for local agriculture and how that led to the establishment of the annual Farmer’s Market in Harvard. Luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the program will start at 12:15 p.m. All meetings are open to the public. Call Sue Guswa at 978-456-8580 for membership information.
Parent and Teacher Performance Social
The second annual Parent and Teacher Performance Social will take place Thursday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. in the Hildreth Elementary School cafeteria, featuring a concert for adults and children. This is a chance to hear your very talented neighbors and favorite teachers perform many styles of music, including folk, classical, rock, jazz, bluegrass, and more. Refreshments will be served. Admission is $10, with a $25 family cap. For more information contact David Gilfix at DGilfix@psharvard.org. The event is sponsored by Fanfare!. Funds raised support the music departments in Harvard Public Schools.
Bromfield Craft Program
The Harvard Public Library invites students in grades 6 and higher to a craft and Valentine-making afternoon, Thursday, Feb. 10, at 3 p.m. Preregister by calling the library’s reference desk at 978-456-4114. Drop-ins may be accommodated if there is enough space.
Republican Town Committee
The Harvard Republican Town Committee will meet Thursday, Feb. 10, at 7:30 p.m. in the fireplace room of the old library. All are welcome.
OUT OF TOWN
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.
Youth 9 Ball League at Billiards Café
A new 9-ball session of the American Pool Association youth league will begin Sunday, Jan. 30, at the Billiards Café in Ayer. Players of all levels ranging in age from 8 to 18 are welcome. The league meets every Sunday from 3 p.m. to approximately 5:30 p.m. There is a weekly match fee of $6 and an annual APA junior membership fee of $15. No previous playing experience is necessary. Instruction is provided to junior league players by Billiard Congress of America accredited instructors at no cost. Contact Roy Pastor at the American Academy of Billiard and Cue Sports for more information. Roy@Billiardacademy.com.
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.
Acoustic Cafe
Indian Hill Music School will present an open mic night for adults (ages 18 and up) hosted by singer/songwriter Nancy Brule Friday, Feb. 4, from 7 to 10 p.m. at 36 King St, in Littleton. Folk singers, acoustic guitarists, pianists, and others are invited to perform. The cover charge will be $5 at the door. Refreshments will be served. Learn more at 978-486-9524 or www.indianhillmusic.org.
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 on-going 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.
Triple Helix
Indian Hill Music will present celebrated piano trio Triple Helix in their only Boston-area appearance this season with an all-Beethoven program Saturday, Feb. 5, at 8 p.m. at the Kalliroscope Gallery, 264 Main St. in Groton. A post-concert wine and cheese reception with the artists will follow the concert. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. For more information call 978-486-9524 ext. 116 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org.
Fundraising Breakfast in Ayer
The Ayer Masonic Association will hold its monthly fundraising breakfast Sunday, Feb. 6, at the Ayer Masonic Center, 11 Sculley Road in Ayer. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 10 a.m. The menu includes eggs cooked to order or pancakes with bacon or sausage, potatoes, toast, juice, and coffee.
Indian Hill Island Escape
A Caribbean-themed benefit fundraiser to support Indian Hill Music will be held Friday, Feb. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. The evening will feature Caribbean buffet, tiki bar, live auction, raffle, dancing, and music by Dell Smart. Tickets are $50 per person. Learn more at 978-486-9524 ext. 114 or www.indianhillmusic.org.
