Autism awareness month
Harvard Police Department officers are showing their support by wearing specially designed Autism HPD patches on their uniforms. Patches are available 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.
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.
- Financial Literacy 101 for Kids: Ages 10-14. Wednesday, May 19, 7 p.m.
- 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 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.
Teen Connections Book Group; Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m.
Community Resiliency Working Group events
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,” Thursday, May 6, 7 p.m. To sign up, go to www.harvardsclimateinitiative.org/events.
Attend Keep Massachusetts Beautiful’s “Talking Trash & Recycling” program, Thursday, May 13, 7 p.m., to learn about the world’s plastic pollution crisis and how we manage trash and recycling here in Massachusetts. Preregistration is required. Visit https://bit.ly/2PdGR1n to register.
Plantapalooza
Community Harvest Project’s Plantapalooza online store opens 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, visit https://communityharvestprojectblog.wordpress.com.
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 be run 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.
NRWA river habitat presentations
The Nashua River Watershed Association presents its final two Zoom programs in its free series on “Case Studies in Stream Protection and Restoration.” Thursday, May 6, 7 p.m.: “Encouraging Trends in Freshwater Mussel Restoration: Five Years After Millie Turner Dam Removal.” Thursday, May 13, 7 p.m: “Stream Temperature Monitoring for Cold Water Refugia.” To register for the presentations and receive the Zoom links, visit www.NashuaRiverWatershed.org, Programs and Events.
Learn about vernal pool ecology
The Harvard Conservation Trust presents Matt Burne, an expert in vernal pool ecology, in a one-hour online event, Tuesday, May 4, 7 p.m. Early spring, when vernal pools appear in Harvard, is the perfect time to learn about their flora and fauna. The talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session. Register at http://tinyurl.com/HCT-RSVP by May 3.
Teri Lyne Carrington at Indian Hill
Join Indian Hill Music live online, Friday, May 14, 8 p.m., for “Conversations in Tones and Colors” with jazz drummer Teri Lyne Carrington, a Grammy winner currently serving as founder and artistic director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. Go to bit.ly/3nuK2OU for more information and tickets.
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.
WBN networking and problem-solving meeting
Join the Women’s Business Network for an interactive meeting, “Problem Solving, Networking, Small Group Discussions,” Thursday, May 13, at 5:15 p.m. WBN is a group of 60 women in small businesses, professional practices, and the arts who meet monthly for mutual education, support, and business referrals. For more information, or to register as a Zoom participant, contact Deb, dboliva@charter.net.
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.
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 fitchburgartmuseum.org/regional-exhibition for more details and to register.
At the Museum of Russian Icons
Through Sunday, May 9: Pysanka: Symbol of Renewal, paintings by Maine-based artist Lesia Sochor.
Through Sunday, May 23: Miniature Masterpieces: Russian Lacquer Boxes. Over 100 lacquer boxes from the Russian villages of Fedoskino, Palekh, Khouli, and Mstera. Visit museumofrussianicons.org for more information.
