Bird-watching Walk
Fruitlands Museum will host a bird-watching walk on its trails Saturday, April 25, at 7 a.m. Participants will look for resident birds and early arrivals, including blue-winged warblers, chipping sparrows, and bluebirds. This guided birding walk covers about two miles on maintained trails and passes through meadow and wooded glens with some steep sections. Meet at the upper parking lot. All are welcome.
Aerial Displays of Woodcock
The Friends of the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge will watch the courtship flight of the American woodcock, where males spiral high in the air and dive back to the grassy field to attract females. Participants will meet Saturday, April 25, at 6:45 p.m. (rain date April 26) partway down Still River Depot Road, near the NWR sign. Walking on muddy trails might be necessary. For information, call Don MacFarlane at 978-897-7567.
Photography Exhibit at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum is featuring a new photography exhibit. Award-winning Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky’s “The Industrial Sublime” depicts global industrial landscapes and the impact humanity is having on the surface of the planet. Photojournalist and Iraq War veteran Ben Brody’s “Afghanistan Endgame” documents the American military experience in Afghanistan. The exhibit runs through Sunday, June 21. Weekday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Tuesdays; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friends of the Library
Book Collection
The Friends of the Harvard Public Library will collect books for its annual book sale Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the library, 4 Pond Road. Books in good condition (including paperbacks), CDs, and DVDs are welcome. VHS tapes, encyclopedias, magazines, and broken or moldy books cannot be accepted. Do not leave books at the old library on Fairbank Street. All proceeds from the sale support services and programs at the library. Tax receipts are available.
Blood Donors Needed
The Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Church’s Fellowship Building, 7 Elm St. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O-negative, A-negative, and B-negative. Walk in or make an appointment at redcrossblood.org or 800-733-2767.
Holy Hill Walk
The Harvard Conservation Commission’s Land Stewardship Subcommittee will lead a hike Sunday, April 26, at 1:30 p.m, starting and ending at the Holy Hill conservation land parking lot on South Shaker Road. The main route travels approximately 3½ miles and is expected to take 2 to 3 hours, with an option to continue for an additional 2-plus miles. The hike goes ahead in drizzle, but heavy rain cancels it. For more information about the walk, which is free and open to all, contact jamesadelson@charter.net.
Concerts at the Common Presents Classical Jazz Concert
Concerts at the Common will present a performance of classical jazz Sunday, April 26, at 4 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Church, 9 Ayer Road. Pianist Frederick Moyer, bassist Peter Tillotson, and drummer Bob Savine will play music by C.P.E. Bach, Beethoven, Oscar Peterson, Monty Alexander, and others. Tickets are available at concertsatthecommon.tix.com or 978-779-2876. Adults, $25; seniors, $20; students under 18, $15. Bromfield students are admitted free, thanks to a grant from the Harvard Schools Trust.
Garden Club Meeting and
Container Gardening Talk
The Garden Club of Harvard invites the public to its monthly meeting Monday, April 27, at Holy Trinity Parish, featuring Deborah Trickett, an expert in container gardening. Using combinations of uncommon plant material, she will teach participants how to create “captured” gardens that are unusual and beautiful. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., followed by a short business meeting and this month’s presentation.
Dan Shaughnessy to Speak
at Fort Devens Museum
The Fort Devens Museum will host a fundraiser featuring a talk by Boston Globe sportswriter Dan Shaughnessy Monday, April 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens. The evening will include music by Vaughan Gibson, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, and cash bar. Tickets are $30 and are available at fortdevensmuseum.eventbrite.com.
Spring Season at Bargains in the Belfry
The Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church’s consignment shop, Bargains in the Belfry, is open Tuesday, April 28, (and every Tuesday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Shoppers will find spring clothes for men and women, including shirts, suits, jackets, slacks, skirts, scarves, and shoes. Some children’s items, books, and housewares are also available. Enter through the side door, near the front. For information about consigning or donating, call Janice Goodell at 978-456-8090.
Senior Community Service
Presentations at Bromfield
The community is invited to view the community service projects of Bromfield seniors Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bromfield library.
‘The Jungle Book Kids’ at Hildreth Elementary
Superstar Productions will present “The Jungle Book Kids” at the Hildreth Elementary School cafeteria May 1–3. The musical follows the classic Disney film and centers around Mowgli the man-cub and his encounters with a variety of jungle-dwelling animals. It is brought to life by 48 students performing in two separate casts. Kate Hoch directs the students and is supported by Edie Hettinger, Jean Pellegriti, and Liza LaBossiere.
Showtimes are Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 2, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 3, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Lip-Sync Competition
The Bromfield Model UN Club will host its annual evening of dancing, “singing,” and entertainment for all Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. at the Cronin Auditorium.
Book Sale
The Friends of the Harvard Public Library will host its annual book sale beginning with a preview sale (for members of the Friends only; Harvard residents may join the Friends at the door) Friday, May 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the library. The sale will continue Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with early bird sales available from 8 to 9 a.m.), Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission for the May 2 early bird hour is $30 per person; otherwise, admission is free.
Pub Night
The General Store will host Jeff Purchon & Friends, featuring Harvard vocalist Suzanne Buell, at its Pub Night, Friday, May 1, at 8 p.m. The kitchen will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.
Tree-for-All: Bayberry Shrubs
The Harvard Conservation Trust will distribute bayberry seedlings Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Transfer Station, and on the Common Sunday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to noon. The seedlings were grown in Massachusetts from seed collected on Cape Cod. The bayberry’s dark, waxy leaves produce an attractive aroma when crushed. Although it’s a deciduous plant, its leaves can persist into winter. Birds find its fruits attractive, and its waxy coatings have been used historically to make candles. Free to Harvard Conservation Trust members; available to non-members for a $5 contribution.
VNS Flea Market
The Village Nursery School will hold a flea market Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school, 40 Poor Farm Road. The sale will include gently used, good-quality children’s clothing, toys, and gear. Proceeds will benefit the VNS scholarship fund.
Jimmy Tingle,
‘Humor for Humanity’
Well-known comedian Jimmy Tingle will bring comedy, commentary, and improvisation to “Humor for Humanity” Saturday, May 2, at 3 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church. Tickets ($25) are available at jimmytingle.com, at tix.com, or at the door.
United Girls’ Choir to Perform
The Congregational Church of Harvard will host a concert by the United Girls’ Choir of Connecticut, Saturday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. at the church. The choir’s repertoire spans classical to spiritual to pop. Admission is free and open to all—children and adults alike.
Bird Walk
The Harvard Conservation Trust will host a bird walk with Pat White Sunday, May 3, 7 a.m. to approximately 9:30 a.m. at the Bare Hill Wildlife Sanctuary. Participants will look for resident birds and early arrivals, including bluebirds, cowbirds, towhees, pine warblers, and perhaps wood ducks. Birders of all levels are asked to meet at the Bare Hill Wildlife Sanctuary parking lot on Bolton Road (Mary Abbot Trail). All are welcome.
Learn About New Food Co-op
Residents of Harvard and surrounding towns are invited to learn about a new venture between the Assabet Village Food Co-op and the Harvard General Store Sunday, May 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the General Store. Participants can ask questions and share ideas about what they want in a co-op.
Harvard Woman’s Club Talk
and Annual Meeting
Jason McCrea will speak at the Harvard Woman’s Club lunch and annual meeting Monday, May 4, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Shaker Hills Golf Club, 146 Shaker Road, Harvard. McCrea combines a background in chemistry with his appreciation of natural ingredients. The outcome is a variety of delicious caramels. The buffet lunch is $23 per person; reservations and payment are due by Thursday, April 23. For information about registration and payment, call Susan at 978-779-5159.
In-Town Save the Date
- May 8: Festival of Cultures and student art show at HES
- May 9: Apple Blossom Festival on the Common
- May 9: Ducky Wucky River Race
- May 16: Garden Club of Harvard’s plant sale on the Common
- May 17: Poetry reading and flute music at the Healing Garden
- May 17: Devens Rock 4 Warriors at Willard Park, Devens
- May 27: Magic show at library
- May 30: Ken Harrod Memorial Bike Ride
- June 11: Dylan Connelly Memorial Bike Ride
- June 13: Have a Jessie Day road race
- June 28: Lions Club Bare Hill Triathlon
In-Town Classes
-
Through Harvard Community Education. Register at 978-456-4118 or jcavanaugh@psharvard.org.
- Harvard Hoops Basketball. Grades 1 to 4, June 22–26, 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. Grades 5 to 8, July 13–17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register by May 29 for a $10 discount and a T-shirt.
- Tennis lessons. Ages 4 to 14. New session each week, Monday to Thursday, starting June 29.
- Tennis lessons. Ages 15 to adult. Nine weekly classes, Tuesday evenings, beginner or intermediate, June 30 to Aug. 25.
-
Classes and workshops at the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden. All programs require preregistration, 978-456-3532.
- Mindful Movement, Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Tuesdays, April 14 to May 12, 10 to 11 a.m. $60 for members, $72 for nonmembers.
- Therapeutic Art: Painting from Nature. Wednesdays, April 22 to May 27, 5 to 7 p.m. $10 or donation.
- Mind-body sound therapy. Thursday, May 14, 11 a.m. to noon
- Healthy Eating for Successful Living. Mondays, May 4 to June 8, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free.
- Oneness blessing and meditation. Sunday, May 3, 3 to 5 p.m. $10 donation.
- Core Movement Integration. Wednesdays, April 15 to May 20, 11 a.m. to noon. $60 for members, $72 for nonmembers.
- Classes at Fruitlands Museum, www.fruitlands.org.
- Painting with pastels. Fruitlands Museum, Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $100 for members, $125 for nonmembers.
- Painting materials and methods for acrylics and oils. Fruitlands Museum, Tuesday, April 28 to May 26, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $200 for members, $250 for nonmembers.
- Landscape photography. Fruitlands Museum, Saturday, May 30, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. $200 for members, $250 for nonmembers.
- The Applewild School and Applewild at Devens will offer “Integrating Nature into Your Preschool Program” Tuesday, April 28, 6 p.m. at Applewild at Devens, 27 Jackson Road, Devens. Certificates of Participation will be available for educators.
Out-of-Town Events
Mezzo-soprano in Concert
Mezzo-soprano Emily Jaworski, with piano accompanist Dan Perkins, will perform Friday, April 24, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Conant Gallery of the Richardson-Mees Performing Arts Center, Lawrence Academy, Groton. The performance is free and open to the public. Parking is off the Route 40 entrance to the campus. More details at www.lacademy.edu.
Bromfield’s Alex Hill to Perform at Indian Hill
The Orchestra of Indian Hill will present its final concert of the season Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Littleton High School Performing Arts Center, 56 King St., Littleton. The program will feature Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 and Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. Cellist and Harvard resident Alex Hill, winner of Indian Hill Music School’s 2015 Student Concerto Competition, will perform. For tickets, go to www.indianhillmusic.org.
Rail Trail Cleanup
The Nashua River Watershed Association invites the public to join Park Serve Day Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Nashua River Rail Trail in Groton. Participants will meet at the Sand Hill parking lot on Nod Road/Sand Hill Road in Groton and help pick up litter and debris. Register at www.mass.gov/dcr. If you cannot volunteer on April 25 but want to help keep the Nashua River Rail Trail in good condition, contact the NRWA’s Al Futterman at AlF@NashuaRiverWatershed.org or 978-448-0299.
Hike Along the Nashua
The Lancaster Recreation and Trails Committee will host a trail hike along the Nashua River Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m. at the Cook Conservation area, Route 70, Lancaster. Participants should park in the small parking area or on the grass, not in the breakdown lane. For information contact Jeanne at jablauner@comcast.net or 978-202-5606.
‘Music Around the World’
The Mixed Choir and the Artemis Singers will celebrate a diversity of culture and language Sunday, April 26, at 1 p.m. at First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster St., Littleton. Admission is free. A dessert reception will follow.
Roadway Protection of Turtles, Wildlife
The Nashua River Watershed Association and Groton Turtle Conservation will host a talk about the Linking Landscapes project Wednesday, April 29, from 7 to p.m. at 592 Main St., Groton. The project is an effort to address and intervene, where possible, in the deadly intersection between wildlife and roads. Participants will learn about this project, and those interested in volunteering to help with monitoring turtle crossings can receive training the same evening. Registration is not required but is appreciated: 978-448-0299 or PamG@Nashua RiverWatershed.org.
Electronic Recycling Event
The Caleb Butler Masonic Lodge will host a yard sale and electronics recycling event Saturday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 11 Scully Road, Ayer. Participants can recycle their unwanted electronics for a nominal donation.
Belsher and Wood in Concert
Prince Edward Island fiddler Richard Wood and Gordon Belsher will perform Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. in St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 435 Central St., Acton. The duo plays a mix of jigs and reels, strathspeys and hornpipes, and beautiful airs composed by Wood. For advance tickets: 978-263-2822 or office@saint-matthews.org. Also available at the door.
Trio Orione at Thayer
Trio Orione will perform a benefit recital for the Community Music School Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. at the Thayer Performing Arts Center, Atlantic Union College, 438 Main St., Lancaster. Flutist April Showers, cellist Mary Carfagna, and pianist Roy Imperio will present an eclectic program including works by Haydn, Weber, Albinez, and Piazolla. Admission is free, but donations gratefully accepted.
Open Space Preservation
The Massachusetts Open Space Conference will take place Saturday, May 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Overlook Middle School, 10 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham. The event includes nine workshops on topics relevant to open space committees and other land protection groups. Lunch will be provided along with a free field tools and an outdoor gear raffle. RSVP by April 27 to Maggie Owens at massopenspace@gmail.com or 978-248-2055, ext. 13. Admission is free.
Concerts at the Bull Run
- April 24: James Hunter Six
- April 25: Charlie Ferren
- April 25: Mark Marquis Group
- April 26: The Smithereens
- April 29: Charlie Musselwhite
- May 1: The Grand Slambovians
- May 2: Jenny Tolman
- May 8: John Sebastian
Tickets are available at tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com.
Out-of-Town Save the Date
- May 16: Harvard Pro Musica at First Church of Christ, Unitarian, Lancaster
- May 17: Harvard Pro Musica at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Clinton
