Trees in Winter
Friends of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge will host Trees in Winter, a program with landscaper and arborist Denis Wagner, Sunday, Feb. 24, at 1 p.m. Wagner will help open eyes to those characteristics that distinguish one species of tree from another. The tour will start at the parking lot at the main entrance to the refuge at the end of Still River Depot Road. Children are welcome. Preregistration will be appreciated: Rona at 978-779-2259 or ada@friendsoftheoxbownwr.org.
Concert Series at the Healing Garden
Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of classical cello music at the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden’s Concert at the Garden Sunday, Feb. 24, at 3 p.m. The Garden, in collaboration with Indian Hill Music, will welcome Cynthia Forbes and students to play a program of Vivaldi, Beethoven, and Bach, including the Brandenburg Concerto No. 4. The Healing Garden, a non-profit organization, is located at 145 Bolton Road and offers support, education, and therapeutic services to those affected by cancer. Admission is $10 for Garden members, $15 for nonmembers. Visit www.healinggarden.net for event updates or cancellations.
Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands
Winterfest Weekends at Fruitlands continues each Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. until Feb. 24. Visitors can explore Fruitlands’ hills and trails with their own sleds, cross-country skis, or snowshoes, and then enjoy food from the Harvard Lions Club. $5 per person; Fruitlands members: buy one, get one free. To check possible cancellations, call 978-456-3924, ext. 280, or visit www.fruitlands.org.
Bromfield Science Fair
The Bromfield Science Fair, originally scheduled for Feb. 8, the night of the storm Nemo, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the Bromfield cafeteria. Students can begin to set up their projects at 2:30 p.m., and judging will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Projects will be available for public viewing from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m., after which an awards ceremony will be held in the Cronin Auditorium. Not all of the original volunteer judges are available for the revised dates. Anyone interested in judging should contact Ellen Sachs Leicher at eslassoc61@aol.com.
Holistic Healing through Feng Shui
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden will host “Holistic Healing Through Feng Shui—Your Home Can Help You Heal” Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. The presentation will focus on creating a healing environment using the principles of Feng Shui. Tickets are $15 for clients and $20 for the community.
Teen Craft Afternoon
Harvard Public Library’s next Teen Craft Afternoon, Thursday, Feb. 28, at 2:45 p.m., will offer students in grades six an opportunity to make a duct tape wallet.
Jazz and Dinner Event at Center on the Common
The first of a series of First Friday Jazz and Dinner events at the Center on the Common will feature the Fernando Holz Brazilian Jazz Quintet and dinner provided by Chef Paul Correnty Friday, March 1, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are available at the Center on the Common or through www.fernandoholz.eventbrite.com.
Family Movie Night
The Harvard Public Library will host a Family Movie Night Friday, March 1, at 6:30 p.m. The librarians can’t publish the title here, but the recently released animated movie is about a hotel “where monsters go to get away from it all.” Please register so the librarians will know how much popcorn to buy.
‘The 39 Steps,’ a Radio Play
The Harvard Friends of the Arts will perform “The 39 Steps,” a radio play by Joe Landry, Saturday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Aficionados of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps” will see—and hear—much of what made it an historic film. Those new to “The 39 Steps” will appreciate getting introduced to one of Hitchcock’s first and best innocent-man-on-the-run stories. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Reservations are suggested. To reserve seats, call 978-456-4114.
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing at Oxbow NWR
Explore the southern part of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge on cross country skies or snowshoes Sunday, March 3, at 1 p.m. with Friends of the Oxbow NWR, beginning at the Refuge’s parking lot at the end of Still River Depot Road. No snow? Plan to hike instead on the terrain that is mainly flat with some gentle ups and downs.
Story of the Harvard Canning and Evaporating Club
The Harvard Canning and Evaporating Club, once a thriving collaboration of Clara Endicott Sears and the Harvard Woman’s Club, has been revived by Jen Sundeen and Rochelle Greayer, two of the three original founders of the Harvard Farmers’ Market, who will share the club’s history and its revitalization at a joint meeting of the Harvard Woman’s Club and the Garden Club of Harvard on Monday, March 4. Luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program at 12:15 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Parish Hall, 15 Still River Road. All are welcome. For membership information call Sue Guswa at 978-456-8580.
Local Food, What’s Possible?
Local and regional food—what’s happening, what’s working, and what’s possible—will be the topic of a presentation hosted by The Nashua River Watershed Association and Harvard Local, with support from the Harvard Cultural Council, Monday, March 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library. Kathryn Ruhf, a senior fellow at the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group, will explore how to create a more sustainable and resilient food system at local and regional levels. She will debunk some myths and look for ways that citizens can make a difference. Preregistration is encouraged: 978-456-3664 or sydney.blackwell@verizon.net.
Early Release Movie for Bromfield Students
The Harvard Public Library will host an Early Release Movie for Bromfield students Wednesday, March 6, at 12:30 p.m.. The movie is rated PG-13.
Create Bubble Magnets
Create Bubble Magnets, a Teen Craft Afternoon for Grades 6 and up, will take place Thursday, March 7, at 2:45 p.m. at the Harvard Public Library.
Towners Portrait Project
The Towners Portrait Project will be exhibited at the Center on the Common during March. An artist’s reception will take place Thursday, March 7, at 7 p.m. at the Center On the Common.
Girl Scout Parent-Daughter Dance
Harvard Girl Scout Troop 30898 will host its Annual Parent-Daughter Dance Friday, March 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harvard Congregational Church Fellowship Hall. Donation is $5 per person, with a $20 family cap. There will be music, crafts, dancing, and lots of fun for girls. All are welcome.
Vernal Pools and the ‘Big Night’
The first warm rain above 50 degrees sparks a migration of salamanders, toads, and frogs back to the vernal ponds where they were born and where they will mate. With the “big night” for vernal ponds approaching, Rona Balco, president of the Friends of the Oxbow NWR, will give a presentation on the comings and goings at vernal pools and the characteristics that distinguish these bodies of water from regular pools or marshes and swamps Saturday, March 9, at 2 p.m. at the Fort Devens Museum, Suite 305 on the third floor at 94 Jackson Road in Devens. An elevator is available. Children are welcome. Prior registration is appreciated; Rona at 978-779-2259 or email to ada@friendsoftheoxbownwr.org.
Schools Trust Dinner Theater Gala
Tickets are available now for the Harvard Schools Trust’s 24th Annual Spring Dinner-Theater to be held Saturday, March 16. The Gala will begin at 6 p.m. with a production of Max Frisch’s “The Arsonists” by the Bromfield Drama Society at the Cronin Auditorium, directly followed by dinner, dessert, and a silent auction at 7:15 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Building at 7 Elm St., off the Common. All proceeds from the Gala will be used to fund grant requests for educational enrichment programs at Hildreth Elementary School and the Bromfield School. Tickets are $60 per person by check payable to Harvard Schools Trust, P.O. Box 450, Harvard, MA 01451 or online at www.harvardschoolstrust.org. Half of the cost of each ticket is tax-deductible.
Healing Garden Programs
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden offers a number of programs for clients and the general public, including exercise, yoga, mindful movement, journaling, nutrition, and other services. The Healing Garden provides a community of support, therapeutic services and education to facilitate healing for those experiencing cancer. For information on the Garden’s upcoming programs and services visit www.healinggarden.net or “Area Announcements” at the Harvard Press homepage. To register call 978-456-3532. The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden is located at 145 Bolton Road.
OUT OF TOWN
Concert Series at the Bull Run
Upcoming concerts at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley:
• Friday, Feb. 22 AeroChix
• Friday, March 1 James Montgomery CD Release
• Friday, March 2 Darlingside and Nemes
• Friday, March 2 Rust Never Sleeps, A Live Neil Young Retrospective
• Wednesday, March 6 Wishbone Ash
• Friday, March 8 The Skatalites
• Saturday, March 9 Seamus Kennedy
Tickets and information at bullrunrestaurant.com.
U9 and U13 Lacrosse Clinics
Free pre-season lacrosse clinics are open to registered U9 thru U13 boys players, any first-year U15 boys players, or anyone in grades K–8 who is interested in playing lacrosse this year. Clinics will be held on consecutive Fridays, Feb. 22, March 1, and March 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the AtBats Training Center in Boxborough, www.atbats.com.
‘Avenue Q’
Stratton Players will perform “Avenue Q” Friday, Feb. 22, and Saturday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m.. at the Dukakis Center for the Performing Arts at Monty Tech in Fitchburg. The Tony award-winning musical follows the adventures of three human characters and eleven puppets living in a shabby New York apartment building. The cast features Harvard resident Danny Hayward in the puppet role of Nicky. The show contains mature subject matter and language and is appropriate for teens and up. General admission tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at www.strattonplayers.com or by calling 978-345-6066.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘The Gondoliers’
The Sudbury Savoyards will perform Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers” Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23, at 8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2 p.m., Friday, March 1, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 2, at 2 and 8 p.m. at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, 390 Lincoln Road, Sudbury. Tickets are $24 general admission, $18 students and seniors, $12 children. 978-443-811, www.sudburysavoyards.org.
Black History Weekend at Old Sturbridge Village
Old Sturbridge Village’s Black History Weekend, Saturday, Feb. 23, and Sunday, Feb. 24, will feature inspiring stories from African-American history. For details visit www.osv.org.
Indian Hill Concert, ‘The Planets’
Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Orchestra of Indian Hill offer an afternoon concert Sunday, Feb. 24, 3 p.m. at Littleton High School Performing Arts Center, 56 King St. in Littleton. The concert will bring together Chinese-American composer Chou Wen-Chung’s “And the Fallen Petals,” American composer Morten Lauridsen’s “Mid-Winter Songs” with the Lyricora vocal ensemble, and Gustav Holst’s masterwork “The Planets.” Tickets are $20 to $48. Learn more at 978-486-9524, ext. 116, or www.indianhillmusic.org.
AHA CPR and First Aid Classes
Always On Call Health Services, a home health care staffing agency, will offer the AHA Basic LifeSupport for the Health Care Provider CPR course Monday, Feb. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the AHA Heartsaver First Aid course Monday, Feb. 25, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 285 Central St., Suite 214, in Leominster. For costs and to register call 978-537-9900, ext. 114.
Surgical Weight Loss Information Sessions
The Emerson-Mass General Weight Loss Program will host a free surgical weight loss information session Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. in Emerson Hospital’s Cheney Conference Room, 133 Old Road to 9 Acre Corner in Concord.
An Evening with Henry David Thoreau:
The Nashua River Watershed Association will sponsor the free presentation “An Evening with Henry David Thoreau: Lessons for Today from his Essay ‘Walking'” Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the NRWA River Resource Center, 592 Main St. in Groton. Historian and historic interpreter Richard Smith will portray Thoreau with his lecture “Walking.” Thoreau once wrote of the lecture, “I regard this as a sort of introduction to all that I may write hereafter.” “Walking,” the source of the famous quote “In wildness is the preservation of the world,” has become one of the most important essays in the environmental movement. Preregistration is requested: Pam Gilfillan at 978-448-0299 or PamG@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Family Pajama Jam
Indian Hill Music School will host a free Family Pajama Jam, a musical story hour for young families, Friday, March 1, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the school at 36 King St. in Littleton. The opportunity for kids to come dressed in pajamas to sing, dance, and play instruments, is sponsored by DCU for Kids. 978-486-9524 or www.indianhillmusic.org.
North Post Trail Walk in Shirley
The Nashua River Watershed Association will lead a free trail walk at the North Post Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley Saturday, March 2, from 9 to 10:30 a.m., unless there is a heavy storm. The trailhead and parking for the walk are on Walker Road; a map for directions can be viewed on the NRWA website, www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org. Registration is encouraged for planning purposes: Al Futterman at 978-448-0299 or AlF@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Maple Sugaring Family Workshop
Families are invited to the Nashua River Watershed Association River Resource Center at 592 Main St.in Groton Saturday, March 2, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. for a Maple Sugaring Workshop and a chance to identify, drill, and tap maple trees; taste sap coming from the tree; and learn how to boil it down to syrup. Open to all ages, this program is most appropriate for ages 4 to 10 years and their families; backpack babies are welcome. The fees are $6/person or $18/family for NRWA members and $8/person or $24/family nonmembers. Registration is required by phone, 978-448-0299, or email, MaryM@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Masonic Breakfast
The Ayer Masonic Association will hold its monthly fundraising breakfast Sunday, March 3, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. 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 cook-to-order or pancakes, with bacon or sausage, potatoes, toast, juice, and coffee. The March specials are eggs Benedict, homemade corned beef hash with two eggs any style, and hash Benedict.
Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band
The Blackstone Valley Bluegrass Band will play Sunday, March 3, at 3 p.m. at St. Matthew’s a United Methodist Church, 435 Central St. in Acton. Advance tickets are available at $12.50 general admission and $10 for seniors/students by calling the church office, 978-263-2822, or concert coordinator, 978-263-9735. Ticket prices at the door are $15 and $12.50. Information: office@saint-matthews.org or www.saint-matthews.org.
Pedal to End Cancer
The American Cancer Society’s annual Pedal to End Cancer, a three-hour indoor cycling fundraising event, will be held Sunday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at Global Fitness Stow. Registration is required: pedaltoendcancer.org, or Lindsay Lucarelli at l.s.lucarelli@gmail.co.
Harlem Wizards versus Monty Tech Gearheads
The world-famous Harlem Wizards will take on the Gearheads, a team of teachers and staff from Monty Tech and middle schools in the school district and event sponsors, Monday, March 4, at 7 p.m. in the Monty Tech gym. The Wizards’ appearance, part of their worldwide Fanomenal Tour, is a fundraiser to benefit the Be Like Brit Foundation, a non-profit organization building an orphanage and school for orphaned Haitian children, and for the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism. Advance tickets, $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens, are available at the 50/50 Diner at 440 River St. and Family Martial Arts Center on Airport Road, both in Fitchburg. They may also be purchased at www.harlemwizards.com and at the door at $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.
Chamber Trio at Indian Hill
Orchestra of Indian Hill players and colleagues Ona Jonaityte, flute, Aristides Rivas, cello, and Karolina Rojahn, piano, will perform works by Hummel, Dello Joio, Lieberman, and Goossens Sunday, March 3, at 3 p.m. at Indian Hill Music School, 36 King St. in Littleton. Tickets are $18 general admission and $15 for students. 978-486-9524, ext. 116, www.indianhillmusic.org.
