‘Aladdin, Jr.’
Aladdin will work his way out of several tight spots—sometimes aided by a genie and a magic carpet—and prevail against evil Jafar to win the heart of Princess Jasmine and her father, the Sultan, in four performances from Superstar Productions: Friday, April 5, at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 6, at 2 and 7 p.m., and a final matinee Sunday, April 7, at 2 p.m. at the Hildreth Elementary School cafetorium at the school’s side entrance.
The show—appropriate for families with children ages 4 and up—features Bromfield sixth-graders Phoebe Clark as Jasmine and Kira Houston as Jafar, along with HES third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders. Tickets are $5 and available at the door. For box office questions, call 978-456-8260.
Donation Day for Celebration
Help support Celebration 2013, Harvard’s free after-prom extravaganza, by shopping at Roche Bros. in Acton Friday, April 5, from 4 to 7 p.m., when Roche Bros. will donate a portion of the total dollar amount of all receipts collected from patrons by Celebration 2013 volunteers. Volunteers interested in helping collect receipts should contact Phyllis Simpson at pasimpson@charter.net.
Family Movie Night
The Harvard Public Library’s Family Movie Night Friday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. will feature a recently released, animated Disney movie about an arcade bad guy who wants to change his life. Preregister so the librarians will know how much popcorn to buy.
Middle School Drama
Bromfield Middle School Drama Club will present two one-act plays, “Hard Candy” by Jonathan Rand and “A Simple Task” by Alan Haehnel, Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, at 7:30 p.m. in Cronin Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. “Hard Candy” will be the Bromfield School’s entry in the Massachusetts Middle School Drama Festival later this month. For more information, contact Martha Brooks at mbrooks@psharvard.org.
Collage and the Healing Journey
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden will offer a program on healing journeys through collage Saturday, April 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 145 Bolton Road. A healing journey involves putting pieces together to make sense of lives in a new way. Karen Beaver will help participants create collages with personal meaning for that journey. Feel free to bring items to add to the materials that will be provided. Call 978-456-3532 to register.
Beehive Abnormalities—What’s Going On?
State apiary inspector Ken Warchol will address the environmental challenges that honeybees and beekeepers are facing in his talk “Abnormalities in the Beehive—What’s Going On?” Monday, April 8, at 7 p.m. in Volunteers Hall. According to Warchol, it is imperative for beekeepers to understand the inner workings of the beehive to give bees a better chance of survival. His talk will include the connections between honeybees and the environment. The talk, sponsored by the Harvard Conservation Trust, is free and is tailored to both beekeepers and the general public.
Hands on History
Denis Cormier, Commander of the 7th Massachusetts Regiment, will visit the library to teach about the American Revolution Tuesday, April 9, at 1:30 p.m. The program is open to all ages, but best for grades one and up. Cormier will bring 18th-century artifacts and reproductions, including uniforms and weapons. Attendees can wear the uniforms of George Washington’s Army, the British Army of King George III, and the French Army, and children can touch artifacts. Space is limited; preregister in the Children’s Room.
Republican Town Committee Meeting
The Harvard Republican Town Committee will meet Wednesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hildreth House.
WBN Business Roundtable
Women’s Business Network (WBN) will offer small roundtable discussions addressing business challenges WBN members face in their owner-operated businesses on Thursday, April 11, at 7:15 p.m. at St. Theresa’s Church, Holy Trinity Parish. The meeting is designed to help members know each other and gain from others’ experiences and ideas in brainstorming sessions. Bring business cards and brochures. For more information visit www.wbn-ma.org or call 978-456-9600.
Candidates Debate
The Harvard Press and the League of Women Voters of Harvard will co-host a candidates debate Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. in Volunteers Hall. Candidates for Board of Selectmen and the three-year term on the Planning Board will answer questions. Send your questions to debate@harvardpress.com.
Bromfield Spring Concerts
The Bromfield School Music Department will present its annual Spring Band Concert Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. in Cronin Auditorium. The Grade 6 Concert Band, the Grades 7 and 8 Symphonic Band, the High School Wind Ensemble, and the High School Jazz Ensemble will perform. The public is invited to the free performance.
Making Peace with Anxiety
Dealing with cancer as a patient, family member, or caregiver can produce tremendous anxiety. A Virginia Thurston Healing Garden workshop Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. will introduce research-based ways to deal with signs of anxiety and show how to turn anxious energy into constructive action. The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, at 145 Bolton Road, provides a community of support, therapeutic services, and education to facilitate healing for those experiencing cancer. Call 978-456-3532 to register. www.healinggarden.net
Trees in Winter Clothing
Arborist and landscaper Denis Wagner will explain uncommon tricks to identify trees and bushes Sunday, April 14, at 1 p.m. at Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge, starting in the main parking lot at the end of Still River Depot Road. Clothing and footwear for possibly wet and muddy conditions are recommended, and a notebook or index cards are suggested. The free program is offered by the Friends of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge. Call Rona at 978-779-2259 or email ada@FriendsoftheOxbowNWR.org if you intend to participate.
Centuries of Change in Still River
Next in its monthly Thursday Evenings at the Society series, the Harvard Historical Society will host “Trains, Taverns, and Transitions: Three Centuries of Change in Still River” Thursday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at 215 Still River Road. A reception will follow the talk. Thursday Evening series events are free, but a donation is appreciated.
Earth Day at the Oxbow NWR
Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge will celebrate Earth Day with Native American neighbors Saturday, April 20, beginning at 2 p.m. with Micmac Chief Roland Jerome and other members of United Native American Cultural Center. From 2 to 3 p.m., Jerome will lead the drum group Nugumij. Depending on the weather, there will be a display of Native American crafts. Bolton Local will also participate with displays and information about sustainability. Oxbow NWR entrance is at the end of Still River Depot Road.
OUT OF TOWN
Concert Series at the Bull Run
- Friday, April 5 Heather Maloney
- Friday, April 5 Michael Johnson
- Saturday, April 6 Mark Marquis
- Saturday, April 6 Marty Nestor
- Sunday, April 7 Future Stars
- Friday, April 12 Aztec Two-Step
- Friday, April 12 Doubtful Guest
- Sunday, April 14 Dala
Tickets at bullrunrestaurant.com.
Family Pajama Jam
Indian Hill Music School will host a free musical story hour for young families Friday, April 5, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. Children are welcome to come dressed in pajamas to sing, dance, play instruments, and hear stories.
Energy Efficient House Tour
The League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle will host a house tour Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour will feature unique Concord homes that display new concepts in energy efficiency, accessibility, and design. The tour begins at the Alcott School, 93 Laurel St. in Concord. Tickets—$30 in advance or $35 on April 6—are available at online or by mail. Details at www.lwvcc.org.
Wilderness Skills
The Nashua River Watershed Association will host a free presentation, “To Build a Fire,” Saturday, April 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lawrence Library, 15 Main St. in Pepperell. Wilderness guide, tracker, and naturalist Walter Korby will teach the ancient science and art of creating fire using a bow and drill, as well as how to create a one-match fire. The program is most appropriate for adults and children ages 12 and up. Younger children are welcome with an adult. Preregistration is requested: 978-448-0299 or AlF@NashuaRiverWatershed.org
‘Flat Stanley’ in Gardner
Mount Wachusett Community College’s Theatre at the Mount will present “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley” for the public Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m., with special matinees for school groups Tuesday, April 9, at 9:30 a.m., and Wednesday, April 10, through Friday, April 12, at 9:30 a.m. and noon at 444 Green St., Gardner. Study guides with curriculum suggestions are available to teachers. Tickets are $6 at the box office, online at www.mwcc.edu/tam, or by calling 978-632-2403.
Masonic Breakfast
The Ayer Masonic Association will serve its monthly fundraising breakfast Sunday, April 7, from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Ayer Masonic Center at 11 Sculley Road in Ayer.
Indian Hill Big Band
The Indian Hill Big Band will play tunes by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Carter, and more with band leader Jerry Sabatini Sunday, April 7, at 1 p.m. at the Townsend Public Library. Free event. www.townsendlibrary.org, 978-597-1714
Indian Hill Percussion Concert
Indian Hill Music School percussion department students will perform on a variety of percussion instruments Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. at 36 King St. in Littleton. Free admission; donations for the school’s scholarship fund will be accepted. www.indianhillmusic.org, 978-486-9524
Alzheimer’s Disease Forum
North Worcester County Alzheimer’s Partnership will sponsor “The Behavior Puzzle of Alzheimer’s Disease: The Practical Strategies for Managing Challenging Behaviors,” Wednesday, April 10, at 9:30 a.m. with presenter Joanne Fontaine, founder of Pro-Active Eldercare, at Fidelity Bank, 9 Leominster Connector in Leominster. Free to the public. CEU’s for social workers and nurses available. Register at jmcmurray@alz.org or 508-799-2386.
Monty Tech Annual Benefit
Monty Tech’s 26th annual Superintendent’s Scholarship Dinner will take guests back to the days of the American West Wednesday, April 10, at the school. A multi-course gourmet dinner, prepared and served by students and teachers/chefs in the culinary arts program, will begin at 6 p.m., following a social hour at 5 p.m. Dinner tickets are $150 per person and $1,200 for a table of eight. For reservations and raffle tickets call Monty Tech at 978-345-9200, ext. 5206.
High School Art Exhibit Awards Night
The 31st annual Mount Wachusett Community College Exhibition of High School Art, a juried exhibition of art from Central Mass high schools, will be on display at MWCC’s East Wing Gallery until Friday, April 12. There will be a reception and awards night for artists Thursday, April 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. Over 30 Bromfield art students are exhibiting this year.
Science of Spring for 7- to 11-year-olds
How do plants and animals know it is time to come out of their winter dormancy? This is just one question Nashua River Watershed Association’s Science of Spring program will look at Saturday, April 13, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the NRWA Resource Center, 592 Main St. (Route 119) in Groton. Participants will explore the forest and river and observe changes, work to develop an experiment to measure plant growth, and have fun with science friends. Science Saturday is for 7- to 11-year-olds from all communities. The cost is $25 and registration is required by contacting Mary Marro at 978-448-0299 or MaryM@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Evening of Celtic Songs
An evening of Celtic songs with Robbie O’Connell and Aoife Clancy has been rescheduled to Saturday April 13, at 8 p.m. at the Historic Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney St. in Groton. Donations are $20 and partial proceeds will benefit Loaves & Fishes food pantry. For reservations call 978-449-9787. Volunteers from several towns including Harvard and the Bromfield School will staff the event.
Spring Pops Concert
The Emerson Hospital Auxiliary will hold its Spring Pops Concert Saturday, April 13, at 8 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden St. in Concord. The Concord Band will perform a “Swing into Spring” program featuring guest jazz vocalist/pianist Amanda Carr. Tickets are $30 in advance or at the door. Tickets have sold out in the past. Information about individual sponsorships for the event at different levels: sites.google.com/site/emersonhospitalauxiliary/ or by contacting Jeri Ravis, 978-264-2023 or j.ravis@comcast.net.
Orchestra of Indian Hill
Maestro Bruce Hangen and the Orchestra of Indian Hill will close their season with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 and Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 featuring guest soloist Maxim Mogilevsky Saturday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Littleton High School Performing Arts Center, 56 King St. in Littleton. Tickets are $20 to $48. Prelude Dinner at 5:15, p.m. reservations required, is $35. 978-486-9524, ext. 116, www.indianhillmusic.org.
College Day
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Mount Wachusett Community College will host Free College Day Saturday, April 13, with more than 50 free workshops and classes, 50 door prizes, career and academic resources, tours and other activities. mwcc.edu/50th/freecollegeday
Animal Tracking and Spring Signs
Naturalists will lead a free afternoon of exploration and discovery Saturday, April 13, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Wekepeke Conservation Lands, Heywood Road in Sterling. Parking space is limited; additional parking and shuttling will be available at nearby Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St. in Leominster. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to park, shuttle, and gather at the trailhead. Registration is encouraged: 978-448-0299 or StaceyC@NashuaRiverWatershed.org
Outdoor Wellness Walk
Mary Marro, Nashua River Watershed Association environmental education director, will lead a 45- to 60-minute outdoor wellness walk Saturday, April 13, from 3 to 4 p.m. on the Nashua River Rail Trail, beginning from the Station Avenue kiosk in Groton. To preregister or for more information contact call 978-448-0299 or email MaryM@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Lambs and Patriots at OSV
Old Sturbridge Village will celebrate Patriot’s Day, Monday, April 15, with a 1775-style muster. During school vacation week, visitors can see the newborn spring lambs, as well as participate in the variety of programs planned for the week. www.osv.org
Superstorm Sandy’s Sister
Storms like superstorm Sandy are increasing in the northeast, with greater intensity, frequency, and duration. How to adapt to the changing weather patterns will be the subject Bolton Local’s Thursday, April 18, program “Sandy’s Sister is Coming to Town” at the Bolton Public Library, starting at 7 p.m. The program will focus on what the changing weather means and how individuals, businesses, and the community can become more resilient in the face of rising weather-related risks. Speakers will include State Rep. Kate Hogan, Kathleen Baskin, director of Water Policy in the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environment, and Sustainable Lexington leader Mark Sundeen. www.BoltonLocal.org
Applewild Child Development Center Open House
The Child Development Center at Applewild, formerly the Burbank Child Development Center, will hold an Open House Saturday, April 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. for parents of students 2 years 9 months and up. A variety of day care and preschool options are availableto match parents’ schedules Monday through Friday, 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Full information is available at www.applewild.org or from Emily Bracchitta at 978-342-6053, ext.110.
Groton Local Celebrates Earth Day
Groton Local will celebrate Earth Day Sunday, April 21, from 1 to 5 p.m., rain or shine, with a variety of activities inside historic Williams Barn, 160 Chicopee Row in Groton. The gathering will include local environmental groups, craft demonstrations and artists. A cast of local experts and businesses—Gilson Greenhouses vegetable seedlings, Groton Local’s Upcycle Group, Next Step Living, Friends of the Trees, Bliss Bakery, Nashoba Paddler, beekeeper Jen Reed, woodworker Peter Benedict, gemstone expert Steve Harmon, and Jeff Box with a cold frame demo—plus live music and a worm project from Groton Local Kids will provide something of interest to everyone. Contact: Jim Hubert at j.e.hubert@comcast.net or 978-302-5611.
