Warner Free Lecture Starts 125th Season
The first Warner Free Lecture event of the year will be Friday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the library. Visiting Harvard University fellow Hina Hirayama will explore the life of Edward Sylvester Morse, paying special attention to his activities in Boston in the 1880s and 1890s vis-à-vis Japan. Morse, a scientist, collector, and expert on Japan, came to Harvard in 1891 as the Warner Free Lecture Series inaugural speaker. For information go to the Warner Free Lecture Facebook page or www.harvard publiclibrary.org.
Apple Harvest Ramble
The Harvard Road Race Association is sponsoring its annual Apple Harvest Ramble 10-miler and 5-miler Saturday, Sept. 26, at 9 a.m., with its start on Elm Street just off the Common. Race day registration is from 7 to 8:45 a.m. at the Bromfield cafeteria.
Racers will traverse through scenic views of Nashoba Valley and finish in front of the Hildreth Elementary School. After the race, refreshments and Chef Paul’s harvest soup will be available at the Bromfield cafeteria. For information, costs, and to register prior to race day, go to www.harvardraces.org.
Harvard Farmers Market
The Harvard Farmers Market will continue Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hildreth Elementary School. The Celtic Fiddlers will provide music. For details go to www.harvardfarmersmarket.org.
Two-Day Craft Festival at Fruitlands
Fruitlands, in partnership with the Worcester Center for Crafts, will host a juried festival of New England crafts Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, on the museum’s upper fields. Local artists will sell handmade crafts including glass, photography, mixed media, wood, ceramics, and jewelry. Admission, $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers, includes entrance to the museum galleries. Admission is free for children 12 years and younger. For information go to www.fruitlands.org.
Outdoor Sculpture Walk
Old Frog Pond Farm’s annual outdoor sculpture walk, Around the Pond and Through the Woods, will be open on weekends, 1 to 5 p.m., through Oct. 5. Suggested donation is $5. (www.oldfrogpondfarm.com)
Apple-picking for Hunger
The Harvard Conservation Trust will host apple-picking for the Community Harvest Project at the project’s orchard on Prospect Hill Road Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. Apples will be delivered by members of the Community Harvest Project to food banks throughout Worcester County. Volunteers must be high school age or older. No prior experience is required. To sign up and for information go to info@harvardconservationtrust.org.
Outdoor Yoga
Old Frog Pond Farm will host outdoor yoga with Nanri Tenney Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. Move and breathe in the center of the farm’s sacred medicine wheel. For all ages. Suggested donation is $15. (www.oldfrogpondfarm.com)
LEGO Club
LEGO-building is offered at the library Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Parents are encouraged to join the fun and assist with supervision. To register and for information call the children’s librarian at 978-456-2381.
Mindfulness with Nature: Forest Bathing
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden will host a community event of mindfulness exercises followed by a tea ceremony and snacks in the garden’s gazebo Saturday, Sept. 26, and Saturday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Certified forest therapy guide Nadine Mazzola will lead. The cost is $10. To sign up and for information go to www.healing garden.net/educational.programs.
Wagon Rides to Pumpkin Patch
Westward Orchards will host weekend wagon rides to its pick-your-own pumpkin patch Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The wagon rides will continue on weekends through Sunday, Oct. 25. For information go to www.westwardorchards.com.
Sky Walk: View the
Lunar Eclipse and Supermoon
Harvard Press columnist Marc Vilain will share his stargazing knowledge and his Dobsonian reflector telescope Sunday, Sept. 27, at 9 p.m. at the conservation land at the top of Slough Road. Stargazers and their families are welcome to bring their own telescopes, binoculars, and sunglasses. Come view the lunar eclipse and a supermoon. For information email marvil@charter.net.
Miro Sprague Trio to perform at
Fanfare jazz concert
Fanfare for Music, which supports music programs in the Harvard public schools, will sponsor a home concert with the Miro Sprague Trio Sunday, Sept. 27, at 4 p.m. at the Chapman-Ruze home, 42 Willow Road. The trio features Miro Sprague on piano, Michael Zsoldos on sax, and David Clark on bass. To register and purchase tickets ($25 and a potluck contribution) go to www.fanfareformusic.tix.com or email John Chapman at jpnchapman@yahoo.com.
Music, Film, and Poetry
The public library will host Imaginary Realms: Atlantis and Utopia, a concert of classical music, jazz, film, and poetry, Sunday, Sept. 27, with the Row Twelve Chamber Ensemble, at 2 p.m., at Volunteers Hall. The program will include “Atlantis” by Gary Schocker, “How Deep Is the Ocean” by Irving Berlin, “Low Country Suite” by Susan Conant, “Improvisation on a Theme” by Thomas Tallis, a short film by Whitney Lauritsen, and Ballade #3 in A-flat Major by Frederic Chopin. To register and for information go to the calendar at www.harvardpubliclibrary.org. Free.
Garden Club Meeting
The Garden Club of Harvard invites the public to its monthly meeting Monday, Sept. 28, at Holy Trinity Parish, with lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a brief business meeting and a presentation at 12:15 p.m. Conservation Commission member Wendy Sisson will discuss the ongoing battle with invasive species, and Garden Club members will share their summer gardening experiences. New members are welcome. For information go to www.harvardgardenclub.org.
Banned Books Week
The library will celebrate and promote Banned Books Week by decorating its sidewalks with banned book artwork and designs by students in grades 6 and up Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. Register at the reference desk or call 978-456-4114.
Heart-Healthy Trail Walk
The Nashua River Watershed Association will host a trail walk at the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge in Harvard Tuesday, Sept. 29, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This guided trail tour is free, open to all ages, and will take approximately 20 minutes. Sponsored by the Healthy Heart Trails Project, the primary goal is to motivate people to walk local trails as part of their exercise routine. Rain or shine, meet in the parking area at the bottom of Still River Depot Road. Additional heart-healthy walks will take place in six nearby communities. For information email aif@nashuariverwatershed.org or call 978-448-0299.
Art Class for Painters
Fruitlands will hold a painting skills class with Jill Pottle Fridays, Oct. 2 through Nov. 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pottle will instruct students of all experience levels in contemporary approaches to painting with oils and acrylics. Register by email at programming@fruitlands.org or call 978-456-3924, ext. 239. Member cost $225, nonmembers $250.
Family Movie Night
On Friday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m., the Harvard Public Library will present a PG-rated movie about a young girl who transforms herself with the help of her fairy godmother to go to a prince’s ball. Popcorn and water will be provided. Register with the children’s librarian by calling 978-456-2381. Free.
Manufacturing Day Celebration
Mount Wachusett Community College will celebrate its third annual National Manufacturing Day Friday, Oct. 2, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. at 27 Jackson Road, Devens. Guest speakers and tours of the college’s Manufacturing Workforce Certification Center and Devens campus will be offered. This free event features demonstrations from 10:30 to noon that will include CAD design, 3-D printing, mechatronics, and a manufacturing aptitude challenge. To register call the Devens campus at 978-630-9569 or email devens2@mwcc.mass.edu.
Oktoberfest—With Beer
The Harvard General Store will host Oktoberfest, Saturday, Oct. 3, from 3 to 7 p.m. There will be a competition for best American pale ale. See the events page at www.harvardgeneralstore.com for detailed information. If interested in competing, email dominique@harvardgeneralstore.com.
Pastels Painting Workshop
Fruitlands will hold a pastels workshop with Joelle Feldman Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This workshop will address all aspects of pastel painting. Register by email at programming@fruitlands.org or call 978-456-3924, ext. 239. Cost for members is $100, nonmembers $125.
Local Mushroom Walk
The Harvard Conservation Trust will host a mushroom walk and talk Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10:30 a.m., beginning at 56 Stow Road. Join mushroom enthusiast Al Ferry for a walk in the woods and learn about Harvard’s fungi. Rain or shine unless a major downpour. For information call Abbe Alpert at 978-456-6892.
Rogers and Fisher Concert
The Harvard Public Library will host a concert with folk artists Garnet Rogers and Archie Fisher Saturday, Oct. 3. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. To reserve tickets call 978-456-4114.
African Drumming
Old Frog Pond Farm will host African drumming with Moussa Traore and friends Sunday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Traore, who is native to Mali, is considered one of the world’s top djembe players. (www.oldfrogpondfarm.com)
Oneness Blessing
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden will host a oneness blessing event, open to the community, Sunday, Oct. 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. Cost is $10. To register and for information go to www.healing garden.net/educational.programs.
Fashion Talk
The Harvard Woman’s Club will host a fashion talk by Pat Goddard from Gould’s at its meeting Monday, Oct. 5, at Holy Trinity Parish. Luncheon is at 11:15 a.m. followed by the program at 12:15 p.m. All are welcome. For information call 978-456-9645.
Preschool Yoga
The library will host a yoga program for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 Tuesdays, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20, at 10:30 a.m. Leader Mary Lance, Ed.D., is a certified yoga teacher at the Sangha Yoga Center. Register with the children’s librarian at 978-456-2381.
Bargains in the Belfry Opens
Bargains in the Belfry will be open Tuesdays starting Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the first and third Sundays of each month, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The shop offers slightly used clothing for men and women and some children’s clothing. A dressing room is available. Bargains is run by the Women’s Alliance of the Harvard Unitarian Church. Profits benefit both the church and the community. For more information call 978-772-9245.
Teen Book Groups
The library will host monthly book groups for teens grade 7 through 12 starting Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The library will provide copies of the book for use. New members welcome. Register with the children’s librarian by calling 978-456-2381.
PTO Kickoff Meeting
The Harvard PTO will hold its first general membership meeting of the school year Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. upstairs at the Harvard General Store. All parents of HES and Bromfield student are welcome to attend. Learn about current projects, share ideas for new activities, and be involved in chairing or volunteering for a particular event. For information email info@harvardpto.org or go to www.harvardpto.org.
Workshop on Managing Sports Anxiety
Dressage Trainers Network will host a workshop with sports psychologist Dr. Jenny Susser Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Fellowship Building. This interactive event will offer tools and insights to help all levels of trainers, riders, and sports enthusiasts cope with fear and sports performance. A reception will follow. Cost is $60/NEDA members $55. For information email lisaterrell@charter.net or call 978-838-9408.
In-Town Courses
Healing Garden: The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden will hold 20-minute meditation sessions Mondays from Sept. 28 through Nov. 30, from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Free and open to the public.(www.healinggarden.net/educational.programs)
Harvard Community Ed: Information is available online and from the Community Education office at 978-456-4118, or email jcavanaugh@psharvard.org.
For kids: drawing and painting, grades 3-5; cooking, grades 2-5; holiday baking, grades 2-5; field hockey, grades 3-6; LEGOS, MineCraft with Play-Well TEKnologies; music lessons, grades 5-12; Global Child language classes, grades K-5.
For adults: Zumba, tennis, qigong, “You Can Afford College If,” Education to Go, online learning at www.ed2go.com/harvardaded.
In-Town Save the Date
- Oct. 10: 44th annual Harvard Flea Market
- Oct. 10: Devens Hazardous Waste Center open 9 a.m. to noon
- Oct. 17: Gilbert wine-tasting at the Harvard General Store
- Oct. 24: Harvard Historical Society House Tour
- Oct. 24: Apple Cider Festival at Harvard General Store
Out-of-Town Events
Ice Cream and Jazz
Indian Hill Music School will host an ice cream social and free jazz concert Friday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. (www.indianhillmusic.org)
Sun Parade in Concert
Lawrence Academy’s Conant Gallery will host the rock band Sun Parade Friday, Sept. 25, at 6:30 p.m. in Groton. This Northampton-based band, whose influences range from Afro-pop to Elliot Smith to the Beatles, recently released its new recording, “Hearts Out.” Free and open to the public. (www.lacademy.edu)
Nashua River Kayak Trip
The Lancaster Friends of the Nashua River with the Still River Outfitters of Bolton will host a guided kayak trip on the Nashua River Saturday, Sept. 26, at 9 a.m. leaving from the boat launch on Route 117, east of the Lancaster-Bolton Fairgrounds main gate in Lancaster. Life jackets will be provided. The minimum age to kayak alone is 12. Families with two-person kayaks or canoes may bring children as young as 8 if they are accompanied by an adult. Cost is $15 per person, with an additional $5 fee to rent an individual kayak. Register at www.stillriveroutfitters.com.
Emerson Celebration
The Old Manse and Concord Museum will celebrate Ralph Waldo Emerson and his literary life Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Harvard professor Lawrence Buell, author of the biography “Emerson,” will join the group for lunchtime conversation. Bring a lunch. Sudbu ry Valley Trust members $20, nonmembers $30. (www.svtweb.org)
Battle Road Homes Open House
The Minute Man National Historical Park will host an open house with events at several restored American Revolutionary homes Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This rare opportunity to see inside colonial homes includes the Colonel James Barrett House at 448 Barrett’s Mill Road in Concord, the Captain William Smith House at Battle Road Trail in Lincoln, the Merriam House at Merriam’s Corner in Concord, and the Whittemore House at Marrett Road in the Minute Man National Historical Park in Lexington. Free. For information call the Minute Man park services at 978-318-7825.
Bolton PMC Kids Ride
The Bolton PMC (Pan-Mass Challenge) Kids Ride will take place Sunday, Sept. 27, from noon to 2 p.m. at Florence Sawyer School, 100 Mechanic St. in Bolton. Riders choose from three bike routes for children ages 2 to 14. There will be raffle prizes, face painting, bike decorating, bike checkups, music, food, and more. Donations fund cancer research and treatment at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. There is a $10 registration fee and a $25 fundraising minimum. Register at www.kids.pmc.org/bolton. For more information, email mor timer.sarah@gmail.com.
Colonial Craft Day
The Old Chelmsford Garrison House will hold a day of colonial crafts Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. on Garrison Road in Chelmsford. There will be live colonial music and demos of blacksmithing, chair caning, weaving, woodworking, and silver smithing. Free. (www.garrisonhouse.org)
Beginnings of the American Revolution Talk
The Worcester Historical Museum will host a talk and book signing about the Worcester Revolution of 1774 on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. at 30 Elm Street, Worcester. Authors Ray and Marie Raphael will present “The Spirit of ’74: How the American Revolution Began,” the story of Worcester county militiamen’s civil disobedience during the 16 months between the Boston Tea Party in December 1773 and the battles of Lexington and Concord. Free. (www.worcesterhistory.org)
Art at the Bull Run
Gallery Sitka at the Bull Run in Shirley will host artist Luann Hume Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m. Hume will exhibit Vineyard landscapes and seascapes, among other works. (www.sitkacreations.com)
Concerts at the Bull Run
- Sept. 25: Ellis Paul
- Sept. 26: Ameranouche
- Sept. 26: Popa Chubby
- Sept. 27: Asleep at the Wheel
- Oct. 1: Ryan Montbleau
- Oct. 2: Anthony Geraci & the Boston Blues All-Stars
- Oct. 3: Roy Book Binder
- Oct. 3: Shemekia Copeland
- Oct. 8: Vanilla Fudge
- Oct. 9: Al Kooper & the Funky Faculty
- Oct. 9: Seamus Kennedy
- Oct. 10: Ashley Jordan
Tickets are available at tickets.bullrunrestaurant.com.
Out-of-Town Classes
- At the Billiards Cafe in Ayer, Harvard resident Roy Pastor is teaching free billiards classes for youth ages 8-18 Sundays from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Information and registration at www.thebilliardscafe.com.
- Through ArtsNashoba Bob Eiland, Harvard resident, is teaching Playwriting 101 for ages 13-18, Tuesdays from Oct. 6 through Nov. 24, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Ayer library. For details email bob@egselite.com.
Out-of-Town Save the Date
- Oct. 11: Book group “Being Mortal,” St. Matthew’s, Acton
- Oct. 16 to 18, and Oct 23 to 24: “Steel Magnolias,” Theatre III, Acton Community Theatre
