Meet Henry David Thoreau
Experience a visit with noted author and naturalist Henry David Thoreau Friday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Center on the Common. Mr. Thoreau, as represented by Richard Smith, will read some of his work and answer questions from the audience. The event is sponsored by the Warner Free Lecture Series and Fruitlands Museum. Admission is free.
Birding at Oxbow
Friends of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge will host a birding walk, led by Dick and Peggy Knowlton, Saturday, May 10, at 7:30 a.m. Participants meet at the refuge’s parking lot at the end of Still River Depot Road. Another birding session will be held there at the same time on Sunday, May 18. It is not uncommon for about 38 different species of birds to be observed, so bring binoculars. For more information, call Rona at 978-779-2259.
Book Sale
The Friends of the Harvard Public Library will host the final day of its book sale Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the library. Admission is free.
Apple Blossom Festival
and Ducky Wucky River Race
The Ayer Rotary Club’s Apple Blossom Festival and Ducky Wucky River Race will take place Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the Town Common. The festival will feature arts, crafts, music, and entertainment all day. It will be the last chance to buy Ducky Wucky River Race tickets to win dinner for two anywhere in the world. The Ducky Wucky River Race will start at 4:30 p.m. off Still River Depot Road. (www.duckywucky.org) See articles on pages 1 and 13.
Have a Jessie Day 5K
The fifth annual Have a Jessie Day 5K run/walk will be Saturday, May 10, at 9 a.m. at the Bromfield School. Proceeds will go to a scholarship fund for Bromfield’s graduating seniors in Jessie Peterson’s name.
Harvard Pro Musica: ‘Soul’s Journey’
Harvard Pro Musica will perform a program of inspirational music, Saturday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church. The program will feature Maurice Durufle’s “Requiem,” Ola Gjeilo’s “Dark Night of the Soul,” and versions of the medieval chant “Ubi Caritas” by the two composers, with music by an Indian Hill Orchestra string ensemble, and guest organist accompaniment. Adult tickets $20, seniors and students, $15. (www.harvardpromusica.org)
Doorways to Art
The work of three Harvard artists will continue to be displayed on the second floor of the Harvard General Store through Sunday, May 11. Artists Susan Ginouves, Carol Panek-Clark, and Judy Warner will display their paintings in watercolor, pastel, and oil, along with prints, photographs, and cards—all available for sale.
Dance Party
Center on the Common will host a dance party, “Prom Through the Ages,” with music from the past six decades, Saturday, May 10, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at the center. Participants must be at least 21 years of age. BYOB. Glasses and ice will be provided. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Hiking for Women
The Harvard Conservation Trust and Harvard Conservation Commission will host a trail hike for women Tuesday, May 13, at 9 a.m. at the Holy Hill conservation land. Participants meet at the South Shaker parking area for a one- to two-hour hike on this moderately difficult trail created by the Shaker community in 1842-43. For more information, visit www. harvard.ma.us and follow the link on the home page to “Women’s Hiking Series.” Or contact Harvard’s conservation agent, Liz Allard, at 978-456-4100 ext. 321 or at lallard@harvard.ma.us.
Republican Committee
The Harvard Republican Town Committee will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church.
‘In Our Family’ Exhibit and Community Reception
The public is invited to a reception to view the photo and text exhibit “In Our Family: Portraits of All Kinds of Families” Wednesday, May 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Hildreth Elementary School cafeteria. The touring exhibit, created by the Family Diversity Project, celebrates the diversity of family life in 21st century America. It has been shown nationwide at schools, museums, libraries, and places of worship. The exhibit is sponsored by the Harvard Schools Trust. For more information about the exhibit, visit www.familydiv.org.
Temperence Talk
The Harvard Historical Society will present a program about temperance in Harvard, hosted by the Reverend Abisha Samson of the Still River Baptist Church, Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. at the society’s headquarters, 215 Still River Road. The meeting will be followed by conversation and refreshments, both temperate and intemperate.
Inspirational Talk at Healing Garden
Denise DeSimone, author of “From Stage IV to Center Stage,” will speak Thursday, May 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden, 145 Bolton Road, about the healing power of self-love. Free. For more information, visit the author’s website at www.denisedesimone.com.
Open Mic
Center on the Common will host “Open Mic Night” Thursday, May 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Center. Admission is $5 at the door. BYOB: glasses and ice will be provided.
Celebration Open House
The public is invited to view the Bromfield School as decorated for Celebration 2014, the post-prom, substance-free, all-night party for Harvard’s juniors and seniors. Participants can tour the venue Friday, May 16, from 9 to 10 p.m., before the party’s 11 p.m. start time.
Youth Fishing Derby
A fishing derby for youngsters up to age 15 will be held Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at Mirror Lake, Devens. Divisions for competition will include ages 6 and under; 7 to 10; and 11 to 15. To register, contact Kim at the Devens Recreation office, 978-772-8875. For rules and requirements visit devenscommunity.com. Prizes will be awarded.
Plant Sale
The Garden Club of Harvard will host its annual plant sale, rain or shine, Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon on the Town Common. Perennials, annuals, herbs, and tomato plants are just some of the plants that will be available. Gardening advice will be dispensed freely, too. Proceeds from the sale support plantings, arrangements, and flower boxes all around Harvard.
Programs at Devens Museum
In honor of Armed Forces Day, the Fort Devens Museum will host an open house Saturday, May 17, featuring programs at 11 a.m. (Cold War), 12:30 p.m. (World War I), and 2 p.m. (Operation Delta Dog: service dogs for veterans). The museum, at 94 Jackson Road, Devens, will remain open until 4 p.m. for viewing the museum’s collections. For more information, visit www.fortdevensmuseum.org. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
‘Shaker Life in America’
Fruitlands Museum will host a talk by Christian Goodwillie of Hamilton College, Saturday, May 17, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the museum. His talk will feature a variety of Shaker items, buildings, and landscapes. Free with admission.
Fresh InkK
The Fresh InkK literary series continues Saturday, May 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Center on the Common with “Insiders, Outsiders, Rebels, and Whistleblowers.” Authors Lauren Slater, Georgia Sassen, Jennifer Haigh, and Peter Brown will read from their works. Light fare and dessert by Chef Paul Correnty will be available. BYOB. The event is free, but registration is appreciated at www.inkk.me. For more information, contact lvilain@hotmail.com.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Party
Dig out your blue suede shoes for the final program in this year’s Life Transition Series Saturday, May 17, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Harvard Congregational Church Fellowship Hall. A professional disc jockey will provide three hours of music from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Think Bill Haley and the Comets, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, the Beatles, and Elvis. All ages are welcome to come to the party and rock out.
Native American Basket Talk
Fruitlands Museum will host “American Indian Baskets: Building and Caring for a Collection” Sunday, May 18, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the museum. Scholar Sarah Turnbaugh will talk and present slides about the museum’s basket collection. Free with admission.
Animal Adventures
The Harvard Public Library will host “Animal World Experience” for children of all ages Wednesday, May 21, at 1:30 p.m. at the library. Participants will meet mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates in this educational program. Seating is limited. Register at 978-456-2381.
Save the Date
- May 29: Police Assoc. picnic for seniors at Hildreth House
- May 31: Ken Harrod Memorial Bike Ride
- May 31: Nipmuc traditions in story and song at Fruitlands
- June 6: Bromfield graduation
- June 29: Harvard Lions’ Bare Hill Triathlon
In-Town Courses
Mindful Movement: Mondays, May 12 and 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Virginia Thurston Healing Garden. $10 members, $12 non-members. Register at 978-456-3532.
Medical Qi Gong: Thursdays, June 5 through August 28, 11 a.m. to noon at the Healing Garden. A six-class pass is $60 for members, $72 for nonmembers. Register at 978-456-3532.
Observational Drawing in Colored Pencil: May 31 through June 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fruitlands Museum. Led by Helen Byers. $225 members, $250 nonmembers. Register at programming@fruitlands.org or 978-456-3924, ext 291.
Classes at Center on the Common: Classes in yoga, dance, art, music, and more are offered on an ongoing basis. Visit centeronthecommon.org.
OUT OF TOWN
Open Studio for Local Artist
Harvard artist Brigitte Livet de Sautels will present her artwork—including oil on canvas, multi-media collage, clay, and raku—Friday, May 16, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at her Bradford Mill studio, 43 Bradford St., West Concord. The studio is on the second floor and is accessible by elevator #2. For more information contact the artist at bd@brigittedesart.com or 978-697-3100. (brigittedesart.com)
Concerts at the Bull Run
in Shirley
- May 9: Five O’clock Shadow
- May 10: Blues Blast 2014
- May 15: Jimmie Vaughan
- May 17: Garland Jeffreys Band
- May 29: Shelby Lynne
- May 31: Royal Southern Brotherhood
- June 6: Jeff Pitchell and Charles Neville
Tickets available at www.bull-runrestaurant.com.
Kindermusik Open House
Indian Hill Music School will introduce its summer classes for newborns through age 7 at an open house Wednesday, May 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the school, 36 King St., Littleton. Young families are invited to sing, dance, play instruments, and experience the Kindermusik programs. For more information: 978-486-9524 or www.indianhillmusic.org.
Out-of-Town Classes
Kids Eco-Adventure Summer Programs: Nashua River Watershed Association will offer one-week day camps in Groton including “Wilderness Summer Survival,” “Wild World of Water,” “All Things Animal,” and “Let’s Build It.” Details and registration at NashuaRiverWatershed.org. Early registration is advised.
Kids Summer Drama Workshops: River’s Edge Arts Alliance’s workshops begin on June 23 in Hudson. Details and registration at upwitharts.org or 978-562-1646.
Summer Music Programs: Indian Hill Music School will offer summer programs for infants and toddlers, youth, teens, and adults. View their offerings at www.indianhillmusic.org.
