Turkey Raffle benefits Firefighters Association
The Harvard Firefighters Association will host its annual Turkey Raffle Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at the fire station, behind Town Hall. The event raises funds for the firefighters’ training and community outreach programs, equipment purchases, and charities. Bring quarters to participate in one of the 30 rounds, each of which yields several winners. Children will enjoy kids-only rounds. A variety of prizes, including almost 100 turkeys, will be given away. This popular event attracts a crowd, so arrive early if you want a seat.
Now in its 36th year, the Harvard Turkey Raffle was organized in 1978 by firefighters Ray Anderson, Bill Hazel, Bob Hughes, John Hendrikson, and Ken Harrod.
Art and Reading
Bromfield senior Ariel Dwyer will lead a program for children in grades 2, 3, and 4 integrating art and literacy Saturday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. at the library. The book “Yertle the Turtle” by Dr. Seuss will be used as inspiration for a project making a stack of turtles. Enrollment is limited to eight children; register at 978-456-2381.
Los Sugar Kings in Concert
The Harvard Friends of the Arts will present Los Sugar Kings Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the library. The Boston-based quartet, with its unique roots-rock-reggae fusion repertoire, is known for its dynamic live performances, rich harmonies, intense musicianship, and ability to transcend genres. Space is limited; reserve a spot at 978-456-4114. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. (www.harvardpubliclibrary.org or www.lossugarkings.com)
Jazz Concert at Healing Garden
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden will host The Unexpected Sunday, Nov. 16, at 3 p.m. at 145 Bolton Road. The group will play a variety of jazz standards and original arrangements. Admission is $10 for Garden members, $15 for nonmembers. All proceeds benefit the Healing Garden, a nonprofit group offering supportive, educational, and therapeutic services to those affected by cancer. (www.healinggarden.net)
Fanfare Home Concert
Fanfare for Music will present pianist Kevin Harris and drummer Steve Langone in concert Sunday, Nov. 16, at 4 p.m. at the Chapman/Ruze home on Willow Road. Dinner is potluck, with soda, wine, and beer provided. Tickets are $25. All profits support music programs in the Harvard public schools. For further information on Kevin and his work, go to www.kevinharrisproject.com. For tickets: fanfareformusic.tix.com or jpnchapman@yahoo.com.
Children’s Book Launch at the Library
Author Loree Griffin Burns and Harvard photographer Ellen Harasimowicz will introduce their new children’s book Monday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the library. “Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It,” an entry in the “Scientists in the Field” series, is about the destruction caused by the Asian long-horned beetle and one scientist’s fight to balance the needs of residents, the impact to the environment, and an invasive species primed to wipe out entire forests. Loree and Ellen are also the author and photographer of “Handle with Care, Citizen Scientists,” and “The Hive Detectives.” Register at 978-456-2381.
Brown Bag Book Club
The Brown Bag Book Club will discuss “All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes” by Maya Angelou Wednesday, Nov. 19, at noon at the library. Drop-ins are welcome.
Turkey ‘Shoot’
A fundraiser for the Loaves & Fishes food pantry will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. at the Red Tail Golf Club, 15 Bulge Road, Devens. Participants who bring a 12-pound frozen turkey or a $20 grocery card will play a round of golf for free. Cart rental is an additional fee. Space is limited. Call Red Tail Golf Club at 978-772-3273, ext. 4 to reserve a spot.
Naturalist Holland to Speak at Conservation Trust Meeting
The Harvard Conservation Trust will hold its annual meeting, featuring naturalist and Harvard Press columnist Mary Holland, Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. in Volunteers Hall. The evening will begin with a short business meeting, followed by Holland’s talk, and ending with the traditional refreshments of gingerbread and cider. (www.HarvardConservationTrust.org)
Ron Della Chiesa at
Warner Free Lecture
The Warner Free Lecture series will host a talk—“Radio My Way”— by Boston area radio personality Ron Della Chiesa Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the library. Della Chiesa was host of “Music America,” an afternoon program that featured music from the American Songbook, with a focus on jazz and musical theater. Admission is free.
Asset Protection Planning
Attorney David Feakes will discuss estate planning Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Bodylines Pilates Studio, 325 Ayer Road. He will discuss steps parents can take to ensure the security of their children and assets. Register for this free event by Nov. 15 at paula@feakeslaw.com or 978-263-6900.
‘Honk! Jr.’ at Hildreth Elementary School
Kate Hoch’s Superstar Productions will present “Honk! Jr.” at Hildreth Elementary School Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at the door.
“Honk! Jr.” is a musical re-telling of Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Ugly Duckling.” It’s a story of transformation and redemption, moving from wistful (“I’m Just Different”) to jubilant (“Warts and All”). It is performed by a spirited ensemble of 25 Hildreth Elementary School students who have spent months transforming themselves into ducklings, goslings, froglets, and a wickedly sly cat. Their transformation is aided by fluffy and sparkly costumes, charming choreography, and an entertaining script.
The cast includes Norah Pride, Hannah Dangel, Sophie Boucher, Julia Clark, Julia Mara, and Cecilia Juliano. Artistic director Kate Hoch leads the group, supported by choreographer Gina Flaherty, musical director Jessica Parsons, and producer Melissa Niland.
Shaker Film Festival
The Boston Area Shaker Study Group will host a film festival Saturday, Nov. 22, at 1:15 p.m. in Volunteers Hall. After a 30-minute meeting, short videos and the film “Fruitlands 1843” will be shown. This film is loosely based on the experiences of the small group of transcendentalists who followed Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane to experiment with utopian communal living at the Fruitlands farmhouse. Reservations are required. RSVP to Merry.B.Post@gmail.com.
Fair Trade Faire
The Social Action Committee and Women’s Alliance of the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church will host a Fair Trade Faire Sunday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fellowship Building, 7 Elm St. The event will feature local nonprofit businesses dedicated to supporting cooperatives from around the world and will offer quality artisan crafts and home wares. Festivities also include a vendor-sponsored raffle and a bake sale by the Harvard Unitarian Church’s youth group.
Curator’s Tour at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum will host a curatorial tour of its exhibition “100 Objects, 100 Stories, 100 Years at Fruitlands Museum” Sunday, Nov. 23, at 1 p.m. The tour is free for museum members, $5 for nonmembers. Registration is required at 978-456-3924, ext. 291 or at programming@fruitlands.org.
In-Town Save the Date
- Nov. 25: Cabaret evening at General Store
- Nov. 29: Autumn Ramble at Fruitlands
- Dec. 3: Bubbleology at library
- Dec. 14: Ecumenical Christmas pageant at Congregational Church
OUT OF TOWN
Concerts at the Bull Run
- Nov. 14: Dan Hicks
- Nov. 15: Blue Coupe
- Nov. 21: Johnette Napolitano
- Nov. 22: James Montgomery Band with Charlie Farren
- Nov. 26: Sugar Ray and the Bluetones
Tickets are available at www.bull-runrestaurant.com.
Open House at Applewild
Applewild School will hold its fall admission Open House Saturday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m. at 120 Prospect St., Fitchburg. Families interested in preschool, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten through grade 8, and after-school programs are invited for campus tours and information on financial aid and merit scholarships. Walk-ins are welcome, or register at www.applewild.org/preregister or 978-342-6053, ext. 110. The new campus at Devens offers a subset of Fitchburg’s programs, including preschool, pre-k, and after-school programs.
Scandinavian Fair
The Norumbega Lodge, Sons of Norway, will host a Scandinavian Fair Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Concord High School, 500 Walden St. There will be a Nordic Cafe, imported goods, handmade items, Scandinavian foods, musical performances, a Scandinavian magician, and more. Admission is $2 for adults, free for children under the age of 16. Checks and cash only.
Nashoba Youth Orchestra
The Nashoba Youth Orchestra at Indian Hill Music School will present its fall concert at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 17, at Littleton High School Performing Arts Center, 56 King Street, Littleton. The players, ages 8 through high school, will perform works from Handel to Haydn. Admission is $10 for adults, free for ages 18 and younger. Order tickets at 978-486-9524, ext. 116 or indianhillmusic.org. Auditions will be Monday, Nov. 24, for string players interested in joining the ensemble.
Presentation on Bald Eagles
The Sudbury Valley Trustees will host a talk by ornithologist David Vitz on the success of restoring bald eagles to the state Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wolbach Farm, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury. Registration is required at www.svtweb.org or 978-443-5588. Members free, $10 for others
Bach’s Lunch Concert
Indian Hill Music School will present a free lunchtime concert in two performances Thursday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 36 King St., Littleton. Complimentary coffee, tea, and cookies served; bring your lunch. Doors open at 10 a.m. for first show and 12:30 p.m. for second show. This month’s concert features harp and flute duets with Nancy Peters and Sue Gleason.
Euphonium Soloist in Concert
The Thayer Performing Arts Center Community Music School will present euphonium virtuoso Adam Frey in a concert to benefit the music school Sunday, Nov. 23, at 2:30 p.m. at the Thayer Performing Arts Center, Atlantic Union College, 438 Main St., South Lancaster. Tickets are $15, $10 for students. Information at 978-368-2100.
Special Performance of ‘Annie’
Theatre at the Mount, with The Arc of Opportunity of Fitchburg, will present a special engagement of the musical “Annie” Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. The performance is designed specifically for people with autism spectrum disorders, sensory-processing disorders, anxiety, or other cognitive or physical disabilities. Theater lights will remain up, sound volume lowered, and patrons will be free to talk and move around. A designated quiet area will be available. For tickets and more information, go to www.mwcc.edu/tam.
Out-of-Town Save the Date
- Nov. 23: Hike at Snake Hill in Groton
- Dec. 12, 13: Harvard Pro Musica performs with Concord Band in Concord
