Vernal pool visits at Barba’s Point
Join biologist Bob Douglas for an exploration of the vernal pools along the trails at Barba’s Point, 14 Mass. Ave. (behind the high school). Discover how this ecosystem brimming with flora and fauna comes to life every spring. For most school-age children and preschoolers. Saturday, May 1, and May 8, 10 a.m. and noon. Masks required. Register at eventbrite.com/e/vernal-pools-visit-tickets-150842675503.
Fivesparks events
Go to fivesparks.org for more information, to sign up for a program, or to get a Zoom link.
- Felting with Rachel Benson: Thursday, May 6, ladybug; Thursday, May 13, koala bear; Tuesday, May 18, otter. Sign-up and more details at fivesparks.org.
- Mother’s Day take-home craft kits. Two kits are available: cut paper flowers in terra cotta pot, $15; tissue paper flower bouquet, $8. Preschool+. Order by April 26. Kit pickup on April 30.
- Bonsai Basics Workshop. Zoom class, bonsai tree and all materials included, $75. Wednesday, May 19, 7 p.m.
- Storyfest 2020 videos available for viewing at fivesparks.org.
Library hosts virtual story times and book groups
All story times, book groups, and events are virtual via Zoom. To be added to a story time email list, complete the registration form at bit.ly/2N8fYL6. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants the day before each meeting.
Groups are limited to Harvard residents or HES/Bromfield students. Others may register one week in advance provided there is space available. To be added to a book group email list, fill in the HPL Virtual Book Group registration form: bit.ly/3vRay8M.
- Infant story time for infants to 2-year-olds; Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. No story time May 6.
- Story time for 2s and 3s; Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. No story time May 12.
- Stories for 4s and 5s;
- Mondays at 1:30 p.m.
- Book Discussion Group for First- and Second-Graders; Monday, April 26, 4 p.m.
- Book Group for Third-Graders; Monday, May 3, 4 p.m.
- Book Group for Fourth-Graders; Monday, May 10, 4 p.m.
- Book Group for Fifth-Graders; Tuesday, May 11, 4 p.m.
- Book Group for Sixth-Graders; Tuesday, April 27, 4 p.m.
- Teen Connections Book Group; Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m.
Sustainability and clean energy talk
The Community Resiliency Working Group of Harvard and the Green Team at the Bromfield School present a virtual talk, “Sustainability and Clean Energy Future with Fusion,” with Bradley Hubbard-Nelson of MassEnergize and Kristen Cullen and Ching Tse of Commonwealth Fusion Systems. Thursday, May 6, 7 p.m. To sign up, go to www.harvardsclimateinitiative.org/events.
‘What’s Bugging You?’
What is that brownish bug that looks like a little armored tank with lots of legs? And is it eating the roses? Bonnie Power, a master gardener with a specialty in insect identification, will present “What’s Bugging You?” at the Garden Club of Harvard’s meeting Monday, April 26, at 9:30 a.m. Power will explain how to tell harmful garden bugs from helpful ones, along with information on their habits and life cycles. The public is welcome at this virtual presentation. Email gch@harvardgardenclub.org for further information.
April is autism awareness month
Harvard Police Department officers are showing their support by wearing specially designed Autism HPD patches on their uniforms. The patches are available for purchase by the public, for $10 each, during the month of April or until they’re sold out. To purchase, come to the police station or contact Sgt. Matthew Callahan or Trish Rouvel at 978-456-8276, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to Autism Resource Central, Worcester.
Youth baseball and softball events
The Harvard Youth Baseball and Softball Association and the Harvard Family Association will host the annual “Have a Ball!” event, Saturday, April 24, from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m, at the Ryan Land fields next to the Depot Road soccer fields. This free event introduces pre-K and kindergarten kids and their families to T-ball. Preregister at bit.ly/have-a-ball-2021.
Buy a ticket to win dinner anywhere in the world
The Rotary Club of Ayer, Harvard, Shirley, and Devens will hold its premier fundraiser, the Ducky Wucky River Race, Saturday, May 15. The winning duck affords its sponsor dinner for two anywhere in the world. To sponsor a duck, purchase a ticket from members of the Rotary Club or online at duckywucky.org. The race will again be run following pandemic protocols with only race officials and duck wranglers in attendance. Winners will be posted on duckywucky.org. The club’s annual Apple Blossom Festival, usually held before the race, is postponed until May 2022.
‘Stand Up for Nature’ with SVT
In honor of Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, Sudbury Valley Trustees encourages area residents to celebrate and care for our natural areas. The nonprofit land trust is leading several volunteer work days in April to remove invasive plants from its properties.
For information on community cleanup days and citizen science projects, as well as tips for birdwatching and plant identification, information about planning a pollinator-friendly garden, suggestions for children’s activities, and more, visit www.svtweb.org/EarthDay2021.
Plantapalooza
Community Harvest Project’s Plantapalooza online store opens to the public Friday, May 7, offering everything from classic heirloom tomato varieties and specialty hot peppers to berry bushes and flowers. Each purchase supports a plant on CHP’s farm for hunger relief. For more information about CHP, visit communityharvestprojectblog.wordpress.com/.
NRWA presents ‘Enhancing Stream Integrity’
Join the Nashua River Watershed Association for a free Zoom presentation in its series “Case Studies in Stream Protection and Restoration: Dam Removals, River Herring, Mussels, and Climate Impacts.” Tuesday, April 27, 9 a.m.: “Enhancing Stream Integrity: Combined Perspectives from Dam Removal to Mussel Conservation.” For more information, including registration, visit www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org.
Loaves & Fishes ‘Spring Into Action’ 5k
No one should go hungry. Help the one in six Massachusetts residents in the area struggling with food insecurity. On Saturday, May 1, join the virtual “Spring Into Action” 5k for hunger. Walk, hike, run, or bike to benefit the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry. The top fundraiser will receive a $200 gift certificate to Forge & Vine in Groton. Go to lfwalk.org to register.
Music at Indian Hill
Solo violinist Robyn Bollinger appears Saturday, April 24, 8 p.m., via livestream concert, featuring works by von Westhoff, Bach, Ysaÿe, and Knox. Tickets start at $10. Go to bit.ly/3mnGzRn for tickets and more information.
Craft exhibition at Fitchburg Art Museum
The Fitchburg Art Museum is seeking applications from local artists by May 24 for its 85th Regional Exhibition of Art and Craft, one of the oldest juried exhibitions in New England. The exhibition provides local artists and crafters with a museum environment for their artwork and connects them with fellow artists, patrons, and enthusiasts. Opening Saturday, June 26. Go to https://fitchburgartmuseum.org/regionalexhibition/ for more details and to register.
Emerson Hospital ‘5k Run~Walk for Cancer’
Registration is now open for Emerson Hospital’s 22nd annual 5k Run~Walk for Cancer Care. All proceeds go directly to supporting patients who receive cancer care at Emerson Hospital. The virtual event will take place Saturday, May 1, through Saturday, May 15. Visit www.emersonhospital.org/5k for details, to register, or to make a donation to support cancer care at Emerson Hospital. Everyone who registers will receive a Run~Walk thank-you kit, including a high-performance race T-shirt.
Theatre III presents
Friday, April 23, 8 p.m., “Camelot: The Knights of the Square Table,” a rhyming tale of nervous knights, lionhearted ladies, and a digestively discontented dragon, with music inspired by Monty Python. The show stars area students ages 11-18 including seven from Harvard. Streaming on Zoom at bit.ly/3sfwJmf. Admission free, donations accepted. For more information, email alwtheater@gmail.com.
Devens events calendar
Devens is hosting a variety of events this year, including Mirror Lake Family Fun Day, Yoga on Rogers, Devens Dog & Musical Festival, and many soccer, lacrosse, and softball tournaments. Go to bit.ly/3fIoFYo for a full schedule.
