Artist of the Month
This month internationally recognized wildlife artist and Bromfield graduate Barry Van Dusen is featured as the For Art’s Sake Artist of the Month. Van Dusen has illustrated many publications for the Massachusetts Audubon Society. His bird illustrations have appeared in numerous books as well as magazines including Sanctuary Magazine, Bird Watcher’s Digest, Birder’s World, Wildlife Art, and Yankee Magazine. Visit the artist of the month page at www.forartssake-harvard.org to see and learn more about his work and inspiration.
Fruitlands Opening
Fruitlands Museum will open for the season Friday, April 15. New exhibits include Art in Nature, the museum’s first juried outdoor sculpture competition, which features 18 sculptures exhibited throughout the Fruitlands campus. Visitors are invited to take a tour, then vote for their favorites.
Devens Egg Hunt
The 8th annual Devens Easter Egg Hunt will take place Saturday, April 16, at 10 a.m. at the Devens Community Center.
Oakes Plimpton on Gleaning
Oakes Plimpton, a legend in the Boston-area local foods and gleaning renaissance, will speak Saturday, April 16, at noon at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Building. Plimpton founded the Arlington Farmers Market, which he managed for many years. He has also worked with Nesenkeag Community Farm in New Hampshire, Boston Urban Gardeners, Food for Free, and Waltham Fields Community Farm. Most recently, Plimpton founded the Boston Area Gleaners, whose mission is to collect what farmers cannot use from their fields and deliver the thousands of pounds of produce that would otherwise go to waste to food pantries and shelters. Bring a bag lunch; dessert, coffee and tea will be provided. $5 suggested donation to cover expenses.
Lego Club
The Harvard Public Library will host a Lego Club for all ages Saturday, April 16, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the library. Parents are encouraged to join in the fun and assist with supervision. See the Children’s Librarian for more information and to preregister.
Concert at the Common
Concerts at the Common will host the Dearing Concert Duo with music by DeFalla, Piazzolla, Granados, Dyens, and Britten, for voice, flute, and guitar, Sunday, April 17, at 4 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church at the top of the Common. The concert is supported in part by grants from the Bolton, Harvard, and Stow cultural councils. General admission tickets are $18, discounted to $15 for seniors and $12 for students under age 18. For more information visit http://dearingconcertduo.com or www.uuharvard.org/Concerts.aspx, or call or 978-779-2876.
Discovery Days at Historical Society
The Harvard Historical Society will host a series of Discovery Days the third Sunday of the month from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Still River Meetinghouse, 215 Still River Road. Each Discovery Day will feature a different aspect of the Society’s collection, and an expert will be on hand to give a brief presentation and to answer questions. The discovery for Sunday, April 17, will be items from the Society’s collection of Civil War memorabilia, including poignant letters from 24-year-old Charles Sprague, relating the horrors of war to his sister. Kevin Foster, a history teacher at Bromfield and a self-professed Civil War buff, will share his knowledge and passion. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to help support the ongoing operations of HHS.
Artist Reception
Fruitlands Museum will host a reception for artist-in-residence Jill Pottle Sunday, April 17, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Pottle, whose exhibit Up North, Down East features landscapes in oil paints and oil pastel, will be painting on campus throughout her year in residence and will also be running workshops. The event is free and open to the public.
Organ Revival Concert Series
As part of its ongoing Organ Revival Music Series, the Harvard Historical Society will host a concert presented by members of the New England Conservatory of Music Sunday, April 17, at 7 p.m. at the Still River Meetinghouse. The New England Conservatory Renaissance Choir will perform choral and organ music from the 16th and 19th centuries. Choir director Lyle Davidson is a teacher at the Conservatory and lectures internationally on musical development, cognition, and assessment in the arts. Featured on the Society’s historic 1870 George Stevens organ will be Roger Graybill, chairman of the theory department at the Conservatory. Suggested donation is $10. All proceeds from the series will go to the restoration of Society’s unique pipe organ. For more information about George Stevens or the organ, visit www.harvardhistory.org.
Well Adult Clinic
Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in conjunction with the Harvard Board of Health and D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Inc., will hold a free adult clinic Tuesday, April 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Hildreth House. D’Ambrosio’s eye care team will offer free vision screenings, including glaucoma screening and personal consultation with an ophthalmologist. Well Adult Clinic will also include blood pressure and pulse screening, and diet instruction. No appointments are required. For more information contact Nashoba Associated Boards of Health at 978-772-3335 or 800-427-9762, ext. 333.
Save Those Jeans!
Recycle old jeans into a new tote bag Wednesday, April 20, or Thursday, April 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Harvard Public Library. Bromfield senior Imogen Rooney will show how to transform jeans and then embellish them with fabric paints, glitter, and jewels. Enrollment is limited to 10 people, ages 5 and older, per session. Preregister in the Children’s Room.
Harvard Annual Spring Egg Hunt
Harvard’s annual Spring Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Harvard Family Association, will take place Saturday, April 23, at 10 a.m. on the Common. The festivities will begin with the egg hunt at the base of the hill. Children can turn in their eggs for a special prize. No more than 10 eggs per child, so there will be enough for everyone. Children should bring their own baskets for the hunt. For those with little ones, there will be a special 2-and-under egg hunt area. Children can also participate in additional games and crafts in the activity area from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is free and open to the public and appropriate up to age 7. In the event of rain, festivities will occur in the Harvard Congregational Church, directly across from Harvard Common. For more information e-mail harvardfamily@yahoo.com.
Beginner Birding
Dick and Peg Knowlton will lead a Beginner Birding Walk Saturday, April 23, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, beginning at the Still River Depot Road parking lot. Preregister by calling 978-779-2259.
Ashley Jordan Benefit Concert at HES
Ashley Jordan will perform “An Evening With Ashley Jordan” to benefit the Hildreth Elementary School (HES) playground fund, Friday, April 29, at 7:30 p.m. at HES. Jordan, a Bromfield High School senior and former HES student, has a style described as pop-country with a little bit of folk. She has received numerous plaudits from audiences and from people within the music industry. Tickets are available at the door at $15 for adults, $10 for high school, and $5 for elementary students. Children under 5 are free. Refreshments will be sold during intermission and Jordan’s CD “Simple Love” will be available for purchase. For further info or questions, contact Chris Snell at csnell@psharvard.org, or Mary Traphagen at trapday54@msn.com.
Sleeping Beauty Marionettes
The Harvard Public Library will host “Sleeping Beauty” by the Tanglewood Marionettes for ages 5 and up Saturday, April 30, at 1 p.m. at the library. In the retelling of the classic tale, a painted story book opens to reveal each scene. Hand-crafted marionettes are brought to life by a master puppeteer as the dramatic events unfold. Tanglewood Marionettes is a nationally touring marionette theater based in New England. Their repertoire consists primarily of classic tales performed by skilled puppeteers. Seats are limited; preregister in the Children’s Room.
Container-planting Demonstration and Wine-tasting
Roanne Robbins of Honeyfield Flowers will be at the General Store Saturday, April 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. for a container-planting demonstration and will sign copies of her book, Continuous Container Gardens. There will also be a wine-tasting during the event.
Conservation Trust Tree-for-All
The Harvard Conservation Trust (HCT) will hold its annual Tree-for-All Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Transfer Station and Sunday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by the Harvard General Store. This year’s selection is the high-bush blueberry ‘Duke’. The seedlings are free to HCT members and are available to nonmembers for $5.
Nature Photography at Oxbow NWF
Nature Photography with Dr. Brown Sunday, May 1, at 3 p.m. at Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge will show techniques nature photographers use. Preregister by calling 978-779-2259. Meet at the Still River Depot Road parking lot and bring a camera to have a try at the techniques.
Camp Sunshine Benefit Concert
Bear Hill Band will play a benefit concert for Camp Sunshine, a retreat in Casco, Maine, for kids with life threatening illnesses and their families, Saturday, May 7, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church. All are welcome and admission is $8 per person. Refreshments will be provided and further donations will be greatly appreciated. More information about the local Harvard band can be found at www.myspace.com/barehillmusic and more information about Camp Sunshine can be found at www.campsunshine.org. All the proceeds will be donated to Camp Sunshine.
Have a Jessie Day 5K
The Bromfield School Class of 2012 will honor their classmate Jessie Peterson Saturday, May 21, at 9 a.m. with the second annual Have a Jessie Day road race. Online sign up for the 5K run/walk is available at www.haveajessieday.com. This year the proceeds from the event will be split between the Jessie Peterson Scholarship fund and a donation to the Harvard Schools Trust to sponsor art-related programs in the Harvard Schools.
OUT OF TOWN
Traditional Irish Session
The Groton Irish Session musicians meet at The Billiards Cafe in Ayer Wednesday nights from 7 to 11 p.m. to play traditional Irish music. Musicians, singers, and listeners are welcome to join in. For more information about weekly sessions contact Aisling at aisling44@verizon.net. The Billiards Cafe, at 39 Main St. in Ayer, can be reached at 978-772-POOL or www.TheBilliardsCafe.com.
Groton Screening Room Movie
The Screening Room at Groton Grange Hall will show I’ve Loved You So Long, rated PG-13, Saturday, April 16, at 7:30 p.m. at 80 Champney St. in Groton. After more than a decade apart, estranged sisters Juliette (Kristen Scott Thomas) and Lea (Elsa Zylberstein) try to rebuild their fractured relationship. But the task is hardly easy — Juliette was in jail for 15 years for killing someone. Admission to all Screening Room events is free. Call 978-448-3418 for more information.
NRWA Earth Day Explorations:
In the spirit of Earth Day, children in kindergarten through grade 2 are invited to join naturalists at the Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) to learn about the natural world around us and what we can do to help protect it. The NRWA’s “Earth Day Explorations: April Vacation Program” will meet on Wednesday, April 20, and Thursday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the NRWA’s River Resource Center, 592 Main St. in Groton. Participants can discover the magic of spring through outdoor adventures and hands-on activities, as well as crafts, stories, and games. Program fees are $30/day for NRWA members or $40/day for nonmembers. Registration is required. To register, contact Lauren Parente Noone, NRWA Eco-Adventures programs coordinator, at 978-448-0299 or e-mail LaurenP@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Caregiver Support Programs
A series of free education and support programs will be held Tuesdays during April from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Acton Medical Associates, 321 Main St. in Acton. The programs are for those taking care of a spouse, a parent, family member or friend. Upcoming programs include:
- Tuesday, April 19: “Assisting Your Loved One – Managing their Diabetes,” Peg Mikkola, registered dietitian with Minuteman Senior Services in Burlington
- Tuesday, April 26: “Sleep Changes As We Age,” Neil Kruszkowski, Director of Cardiopulmonary Services from Emerson Hospital
Space is limited. To register call Allison Galbraith at Acton Medical, 978-263-1131 or e-mail Anne Marie Rowse, Senior Care Advisors, at amrowse@sca-ma.com.
Bach’s Lunch Concert
Indian Hill Music School’s free monthly faculty series will present celebrated pianist Jenny Tang performing works by Hungarian composers Liszt and Ligeti in two shows Thursday, April 21, 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. Admission is free. To reserve a table call 978-486-9524, ext. 116. Learn more at www.indianhillmusic.org.
Community Budget Hearings
State Senator Jamie Eldridge will host two community budget hearings to give constituents an opportunity to learn more about the state budget process and voice their thoughts and concerns. Members of the community are invited to testify on how state budget programs affect their lives and/or what they would like to see in this year’s state budget. All are welcome. The hearings will be Wednesday, April 27, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Acton Senior Center Living Room, 50 Audubon Drive in Acton and Thursday, April 28, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Employment Options Clubhouse Dining Room, 82 Brigham St. in Marlborough. For more information contact Senator Eldridge’s office by phone at 617-722-1120 or by e-mail at James.Eldridge@state.ma.us; or visit www.SenatorEldridge.com.
Bare Hill Rowing Fundraiser
The Bare Hill Rowing Association (BHRA), sponsor of the Bromfield/Acton-Boxborough High Schools Crew program, has been invited by West Marine to participate in a Cruising for a Cause charity fundraiser Thursday, April 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the new West Marine flagship store in Woburn. The evening’s festivities will include a silent and live auction, music, food, and local community leaders in attendance. Tickets for Cruising for a Cause can be purchased from BHRA for $10 each, with 100 percent of its ticket sales benefiting BHRA. To purchase tickets, contact Tom Cotton at 978-456-8680 or tcotton@barehillrowing.com.
Indian Hill Music Summer Preview
Indian Hill Music School’s Early Childhood Department will present an evening of musical activities to introduce its summer classes for newborns through age 7 Friday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m, at 36 King St. in Littleton. Admission is free. Learn more at 978-486-9524 or www.indianhillmusic.org.
Pianist Jenny Tang and Soprano Gale Fuller
Indian Hill Music will present a recital by Pianist Jenny Tang and Soprano Gale Fuller performing works by Liszt, Berlioz, Scriabin, and more Saturday, April 30, at 8 p.m. at the Kalliroscope Gallery, 264 Main St. in Groton. Tickets, which are $25 for adults and $15 for students, include a post-concert wine-and-cheese reception with the artists. Call 978-486-9524, ext. 116, or visit www.indianhillmusic.org fro more information.
Indian Hill Art Exhibit
The Gallery at Indian Hill presents Jigs and Reels: Irish Tunes as Paintings, an exhibit of acrylic paintings by Kim Henry of Groton. The exhibit will be on display Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. Admission is free. Call 978-486-9524 or visit www.indianhillmusic.org for more information.
Girl Scout Open House
Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts will hold an open house Sunday, May 1, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Camp Virginia, 96 Hudson Road in Bolton. Girls and their families are welcome to tour the camp and learn about programs offered there this summer. For more information visit www.hercamp.org, call 617- 350-8335, or e-mail camp@girlscoutseasternmass.org.
Applewild Art Display
Applewild students, families, and friends will celebrate the arts at Applewild About Arts Thursday, April 28, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Marshall Building, 98 Prospect St. in Fitchburg. The public is invited. For more information call 978-342-6053, ext. 110.
Brimfield Antiques Show Bus Trip
Join Pam Siddiqui of Olive and Branch in Acton for a Flea-and-Find Road Trip to the Brimfield Antiques and Collectibles Show Thursday, May 12. Brimfield is the largest outdoor antique event in New England, with more than 100 acres of flea-market finds and antique vendors. The Flea-and-Find Road Trip is designed for the first-time or seasoned visitor. The bus will leave Acton at 8 a.m. and depart from Brimfield at 5 p.m.. The day trip will include round-trip transportation on a luxury bus, with room for purchases in the bus bay; coffee and breakfast; entrance to the May’s Antique Market (one of the few markets at the Brimfield Fair that is not free); snacks available throughout the day; and celebratory refreshments on the way home. The trip cost is $65. For more information call 1-855-6-FRANCE or e-mail shop@oliveandbranch.com.
