‘Presidential Pops’ at historical society
The Harvard Historical Society will celebrate the presidential election year with a reprise of its 2016 musical, “Presidential Pops,” Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. at the meetinghouse, 215 Still River Road. The show, all about presidents and nothing about politics, toasts the office of president with marching band numbers, campaign songs like Harry Truman’s “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” and lore from a historical master of ceremonies. Music is performed by local musicians and singers. Refreshments will follow the performance. A donation to support HHS public programming is appreciated.
At the library
The library is at 4 Pond Road. For a full calendar of events, visit harvardpubliclibrary.org/services/events. Register for all children’s programs at eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=Harvard.
Story times
- Ages 2 and younger, Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
- Toddler storytime, ages 1 to 3, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m.
Children’s programs
- Rolie Polie Guacamole Band, all ages, Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m.
- Bagels and books for fifth graders, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 4 p.m.
- Fourth grade book group, Monday, Oct. 21, 4 p.m.
- Paws and read, grades K through 6, Wednesday, Oct. 23. Read to therapy dogs. Appointments at 3:45, 4, 4:15, and 4:30 p.m.
Teen programs
- Teen maker program, grades 6-12, Thursday, Oct. 17, 3 p.m. Craft projects.
- Teen Halloween treats, grades 6 to 12, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3 p.m. Decorate cookies shaped like fall leaves, pumpkins, and squirrels.
Adult programs
- Virtual mindfulness and meditation classes (held remotely), Wednesday, Oct. 16 and 23, from noon to 12:30 p.m.
- Cookbook club, Thursday, Oct. 17, 6:30 p.m. Browse a cookbook featuring the cuisine of a specific region or culture and bring a dish for potluck.
- “WWII: Letters from a Young Soldier,” Saturday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m. Genealogist Seema Kenney uses family letters to tell stories of life during wartime.
- Children’s literature book discussion for grownups, Thursday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Book is “The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise” by Dan Gemeinhart.
At Fivesparks
Fivesparks is at 7 Fairbank Street. Closed Sunday and Monday; open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Visit fivesparks.org for the complete schedule and more information.
- Autumnal card-making workshop, Saturday, Oct. 12, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Upcoming exhibit: “Over, Under and Through the Warp: The Art of Tapestry Weaving” presented by Tapestry Weavers in New England (TWINE). On view Oct. 12 to Nov. 9. Public reception Sunday, Oct. 20, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Teens: Write what you see (and touch, taste, smell). Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to noon.
- “From Trail to Page, An Author’s Journey.” Book event with former Harvard resident Kathy Elkind, Saturday, Oct. 19, 4 p.m.
- Nurture your creative practice class series, Mondays, Oct. 28 to Nov. 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Fall bazaar at St. Benedict Center
St. Benedict Center and the Immaculate Heart of Mary School will hold their annual fall bazaar and yard sale Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 271 and 282 Still River Road. Enjoy ethnic food booths, homemade apple pies and baked goods, raffles, games, and a treasure hunt yard sale. Park free and enjoy both locations across the road from each other.
Harvard Lanes grand reopening
Harvard Lanes will celebrate its reopening and the start of the new bowling season Sunday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 204 Ayer Road. Bowling will be free for up to an hour per group, the cafe will be open all day, and there will be burgers on the grill in the parking lot. Reserve a lane online at harvardlanescandlepin.com.
Parker School fun run
The Parker School 5K fun run will be held Sunday, Oct. 13, starting at 11 a.m. at the school at 49 Antietam St., Devens. Walk, run, hop, or skip the course either in costume or typical 5K attire, and help celebrate Parker’s 30th year. Information and registration is at parker.school/run.
Sculpture in the orchard
Old Frog Pond Farm and Studio will present their outdoor sculpture exhibit now through Monday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 38 Eldridge Road. This annual exhibit “Around the Pond and Through the Woods” features the work of 40 sculptors. Self-guided tours are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for children.
Beware fraud and scams
Rollstone Bank and the Harvard Police Department will host a discussion of fraud and scams targeting older Americans Tuesday, Oct. 15, 1 p.m. at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road. Elder fraud losses have reached more than $3 billion annually, with seniors targeted because they often have financial savings and good credit and may own a home. Signups are encouraged; call the Council on Aging at 978-456-4120.
Fruitlands fall concerts
Fruitlands Museum continues its fall concert series, Thursdays through Oct. 24, at 102 Prospect Hill Road. For information and tickets visit thetrustees.org/fruitlandsconcerts. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
- Oct. 17, Carsie Blanton; 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. shows
- Oct. 24, Seth Glier; 6:30 p.m.
‘Coffee with a cop’
Meet with members of the Police Department for coffee and cider—and to discuss issues and learn more about one another—Thursday, Oct. 17, 9 to 11 a.m. at Carlson Orchards, 115 Oak Hill Road.
Habitat for Humanity fundraiser
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts will host its annual Toast to Hope Thursday, Oct. 17, 7 to 9 p.m. at the Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens. Enjoy food and drinks from 25 local vendors as well as networking, a silent auction, and wine pull. Proceeds help build homes and complete home repair projects in local communities. Visit ncmhabitat.org/events for information and tickets.
Moonlight hike
Step into the magic of the forest under a full moon with Harvard Conservation Trust biologist Bob Douglas Friday, Oct. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. Discover the sights and sounds of owls, bats, and other nocturnal creatures, and gather afterwards around a campfire for refreshments and conversation. Meet at the Burgess-Brown trailhead, at the end of Murray Lane.
For information and to sign up, visit harvardconservationtrust.org, and scroll down to Events.
Jim Sullivan recounts 45 years of classic rock
The Warner Free lecture series will present “Backstage and Beyond: 45 Years of Classic Rock, Chats and Rants” Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at Volunteers Hall at the library at 4 Pond Road. Jim Sullivan, a veteran Boston-based writer who covered music and pop culture for the Boston Globe, will read from his recent books telling of specific artists and bands and stories culled from past encounters. A Q&A period will follow the presentation.
Learn more at warnerfreelecture.org.
Get out the vote rally
The League of Women Voters of Harvard will hold a Get Out the Vote rally Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 to 3 p.m., on the Common. Meet state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Governor’s Council district candidate Mara Dolan, Town Administrator Dan Nason, Town Clerk Rose Miranda, Select Board members, and members of the town Republican and Democratic committees. Voter information will be available, along with materials for making friendship bracelets, and cake to celebrate LWV of Harvard’s 75th birthday.
Pickleball tournament
The Harvard PTO will host its second annual pickleball tournament Sunday, Oct. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bromfield tennis courts. Grab a partner and register now for this double elimination tournament open to all ages and skill levels. Victors will be awarded pickleball gear, and advanced bracket winners will receive memberships to the Marcus Lewis Tennis Center. Spots are limited. Get more information and sign up today at harvardpto.org.
Music festival benefit concert
Acclaimed Boston-based cellist Rhonda Rider and pianist Judith Gordon will perform Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m., at Fivesparks, 7 Fairbank St. Featuring works by Maurice Ravel and Arthur Berger as well as pieces drawn from Spanish and Hindustani folk songs, the concert will benefit the Harvard Music Festival held annually in June. Suggested donation: adults $25, teens and seniors $15, cash at the door. For information and reservations, visit fivesparks.org/event/harvard-music-festival-fall-fund raising-concert.
Save the date
- Sunday, Oct. 27, Run for the Hills 5K and fun run
- Saturday, Nov. 2, Fruitlands bonfire
- Friday, Nov. 15, Townwide book discussion of “Defiant Dreams”
- Sunday, Nov. 17, PTO 5K and fun run.
Out of Town
Family barn dance
The Parish Center for the Arts invites all ages to a family barn dance Sunday, Oct. 13, 2 to 4 p.m. at 10 Lincoln St., Westford. Caller Alex Cumming will lead everyone through an afternoon of simple dances. No experience is required, and refreshments will be provided. Visit parisharts.square.site/barn-contra-dance for more information.
Community jazz concert at Groton Hill
The jazz quartet JazzQuatro will perform Wednesday, Oct. 16, at noon at Groton Hill Music Center, 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton. Free but tickets are required, visit grotonhill.org/community-engagement/community-concerts.
Conversation about downsizing
The Kotlarz Group at Keller Williams Boston Northwest will host a discussion on home downsizing Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Bolton Bean, 626 Main Street, Bolton. Join a panel of local experts providing valuable insights, practical tools, and resources to reduce stress and maximize profit. Free. Learn more and register at tinyurl.com/Downsizing123, walk-ins also welcome.
