Shaker Exhibit at Fruitlands
The last chance to see Fruitlands Museum’s “Gather Up the Fragments” exhibit will be Sunday, Dec. 1, from noon to 5 p.m. Organized by Hancock Shaker Village, the exhibit is the most comprehensive collection of Shaker material ever assembled.
Concert in Memory of Lerners
The Harvard Public Library will present a free concert of chamber music in memory of Mary Lou and Robert Lerner Saturday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m. in the library’s Volunteers Hall. Doors open at 1:30 p.m; reserve seats before that time at 978-456-4114.
Guided Walk
The Harvard Conservation Trust and Harvard’s Parks and Recreation Commission will lead a walk on the Williams land Saturday, Nov. 30, at 2 p.m. Participants can park their cars at the intersection of Stow Road and Murray Lane.
Antarctica Adventure Talk
The Harvard Woman’s Club will present Joyce Garrick as its speaker Monday, Dec. 2, at 12:15 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish. Mrs. Garrick will discuss some of her adventures exploring the Antarctic region. The talk will be preceded by lunch; all are welcome. For membership information call 978-456-3401.
Mountain Skills Training
The Harvard-based educational nonprofit group JUMP (Just Understand My Potential) will host an information session Tuesday, Dec.3, at 7:30 p.m. at the library. JUMP leads backpacking trips, hikes, and cross-country skiing. Participants are taught an extensive mountain-skills curriculum, based on the concept of backpacking as a demanding, rewarding cooperative sport. Parents of young people seeking an alternative to competitive sports are particularly invited. For further information, contact Bill Spacciapoli at 978-621-7286 or director@jumpinc.org.
Origami with Michael LaFosse
The Harvard Public Library will present an origami demonstration and class Wednesday, Dec. 4. The class for children ages 6 to 12 will be at 12:30 p.m. The class for grade 6 through adult will be at 1:45 p.m. Author and artist Michael LaFosse is a seasoned and respected presenter of paper arts. He and Richard Alexander have written 32 books and created a dozen DVDs on origami and have built origami exhibits for the Peabody Essex Museum and the Louvre Museum. For more information visit www.origamido.com. To determine which session is best for your family, and to register, call the Children’s Room at the library, 978-456–2381.
Historical Society Meeting
The Harvard Historical Society will hold its annual meeting Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Still River Meetinghouse, 215 Still River Road. The public is invited to learn about the society’s activities, enjoy a social hour with refreshments, and view the collections displayed in the beautifully restored Still River Baptist Meetinghouse. Donations in support of the group’s programs are suggested.
Public Input for Town Hall Project
Selectmen will host a public input session to elicit ideas for renovating Town Hall within the existing budget Thursday, Dec. 5, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Center on the Common.
‘Beauty and the Beast’
The Bromfield School Drama Society will present the musical “Beauty and the Beast” Friday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. in the Cronin Auditorium at the Bromfield School. The cast includes students in grades 6 through 12. Tickets—available at the door—are $15 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors.
Holiday Dinner and Music
Center on the Common will present a holiday dinner and music by John Chapman and Friends Friday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the center. BYOB. Tickets are $35 per person and are available at centeronthecommon.org.
Christmas Tree Sale
The Bromfield Baseball Booster Club will host a fundraising Christmas tree sale at the General Store on the weekends of Dec. 6, 7, and 8, and Dec. 13, 14, and 15. Hours will be Friday, 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The trees will be freshly cut Fraser firs from Vermont in the 6- to 8-foot range and will be reasonably priced, with a portion of each sale going directly to support Bromfield baseball. Receipts will be provided, reflecting the tax deductible portion of purchases. For questions or to reserve a tree in advance, contact Darren at dmagan1@yahoo.com.
Family Movie at Library
The Harvard Public Library will host a family movie night Friday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. The movie will be rated PG. Popcorn and water will be served. Register at 978-456-2381.
Cub Scout Wreath Sale
The Harvard Cub Scouts will hold their annual Christmas wreath sale at the transfer station Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until they sell out. These handmade 24″ balsam fir wreaths from Maine are $12 undecorated, and $17 for a decorated wreath.
Public Input for Town Hall Project
Selectmen will host a public input session to elicit ideas for renovating Town Hall within the existing budget Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Center on the Common (old library).
Christmas Fair and Tree Festival
The Congregational Church of Harvard will host its annual Christmas Fair and Festival of Trees Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the church. A special preview will be held Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Lunch with Santa
Santa will visit the Congregational Church of Harvard Saturday, Dec. 7. Lunch sittings are at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Tickets are available at the church office for $7.
Winter Hiking Clinic
Educators from the nonprofit group JUMP (Just Understand My Potential) will offer a hiking clinic Saturday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Fruitlands Museum. Participants will learn cold weather hiking skills while enjoying the beautiful landscape at Fruitlands. Free with the price of museum admission.
Francis Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’
Harvard Pro Musica will perform “Gloria” by Francis Poulenc and other music of the season, Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Church, at 9 Ayer Road. Anne Watson Born will conduct, and Deborah Selig will be the soprano soloist. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.harvardpromusica.org.
Photo Exhibits Open
Center on the Common will present the photos of J. Rizzo and N. Rantoul in Gallery A and the photos of Holly Yates in Gallery B Saturday, Dec. 7 through Jan. 1. For more information, visit centeronthecommon.org.
Holiday Crafts and Puppet Show
Evergreen Garden Playschool and the Oxbow Schoolhouse will host a holiday fair for families Sunday, Dec. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the playschool, 270 Barnum Road, Devens. The fair will offer live music, refreshments, wreath decorating, arts and crafts for children, and local artisan crafts for sale. The Cobb Meadow Puppeteers will also perform two marionette puppet shows, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is $5.00 adults, $12.00 children. Information at 978-772-9595 or evergreengardenplayschool.org.
St. Benedict’s Choir Concert
The St. Benedict’s Choir, consisting of Brothers and Sisters from the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Still River, will perform traditional Christmas carols Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at the Still River Meetinghouse, 215 Still River Road. Donations are appreciated and will benefit the Immaculate Heart of Mary School building project and the Harvard Historical Society organ restoration project. A reception will follow the performance.
Winter Wonders for Children
Fruitlands Musuem will present storyteller Jackson Gillman for children ages 2 to 12 and their caregivers Saturday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the museum. The performance will include songs and stories about shoveling, snowmen, snow angels, and nature in winter. Reservations are required at 978-456-3924, ext. 291, or programming@fruitlands.org.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
The Harvard Friends of the Arts will host a staged reading of the Old Time Radio Theatre play “It’s a Wonderful Life” Saturday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Volunteers Hall in the library. Doors will open at 7 p.m. Reservations are suggested; to reserve, call the library at 978-456-4114. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
In-Town Courses
- Fundamentals of Digital Photography: Offered through Harvard Adult Education, classes start Dec. 3. Taught by David Margaretos. Call 978-456-4118 to register or for more information.
- Art and Cloth: Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. for grades 2 through 5; Fridays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. for grades 6 through 8. Six-week sessions at Center on the Common.
- African drumming with Moussa Traore: Each Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.at Center on the Common.
- Mind-Body Music Therapy: Dec. 2 through Feb. 13 on the second Thursday of each month at the Healing Garden. Free and open to clients and community.
- Energy Medicine: Monday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Healing Garden. Free and open to the public.
Save the Date
- Dec. 15: Ecumentical Christmas pageant at the Unitarian Church at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. and tree lighting on the Common.
OUT OF TOWN
Concert Series at Bull Run
At the Bull Run in Shirley:
- Friday, Nov. 29 John Sebastian with Paul Rishell and Annie Raines
- Saturday, Nov. 30 Dusty Gray Band and Grin Whistle
- Saturday, Nov. 30: The Stompers
- Friday, Dec. 6: NRBQ
- Saturday, Dec. 7: Adam Jensen and Harvard native Ashley Jordan
- Saturday, Dec. 7: Tom Rush
Tickets may be purchased at bullrunrestaurant.com.
Take a Look at Applewild
Parents of prospective K-8 and preschool students ages 3 and 4 are invited to “Take a Look Morning” Thursday, Dec. 5, at 9 a.m. at the school, 120 Prospect St., Fitchburg. Parents are invited to visit classrooms and see students and teachers in action. For information about financial aid, scholarships, and transportation options, visit www.applewild.org or call 978-342-6053.
Outdoor Wellness Walk
The Nashua River Watershed Association will host its monthly walk on the Nashua River Rail Trail Saturday, Dec. 7, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. The walk starts at the Station Avenue kiosk in Groton. The Rail Trail is flat and paved, and the walk is free and open to all. Dogs are not allowed. A map and directions are available at www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Mary at 978-448-0299, or MaryM@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Classical Guitar
St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church will present classical guitarist John Muratore Sunday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. at the church, 435 Central St., Acton For more information, call 978-263-2822 or e-mail office@saint-matthews.org.
Holiday Plays
The River’s Edge Arts Alliance will River’s Edge Player’s holiday production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors” and “The Gift of the Magi” Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Hudson Town Hall. A matinee will be presented Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m.
Marriage Equality Play
Lawrence Academy’s theatre director, Joel Sugerman, will direct faculty and staff in a reading of “8,” a play that explores marriage equality by chronicling California’s Proposition 8 trial, Perry vs. Schwarzenegger, Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center at Lawrence Academy, Groton. A discussion will follow the performance.
Out-of-Town Courses
“Science in the Kitchen” – For children ages 7 to 11 Saturday, Dec. 7, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the The Nashua River Watershed Association Resource Center, 592 Main St., Groton. $20 for NRWA members, $25 for non-members; pay full price for the first child, half-price for the second. Registration at 978-448-0299, or MaryM@NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
