The Irish in Boston
The Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road, will host a presentation by historian Chris Daley Thursday, March 13, at 6 p.m. titled “No Irish Need Apply: The History of the Irish in Boston.” Daley will cover Irish migration from 17th-century indentured servants to 1718 Scots-Irish arrivals, pre-famine Catholic immigrants’ challenges, and anti-Irish sentiment. He will also explore post-famine immigration into Boston including the neighborhoods they settled, their work and assimilation, and Irish influence in Boston politics, featuring figures like James Michael Curley and Honey Fitz Kennedy.
Free, but space is limited and advance registration is requested. Visit harvardpubliclibrary.libcal.com/event/13828209.
At the library
The Harvard Public Library is at 4 Pond Road. For the full calendar of events and to register for events, visit harvardpubliclibrary.org/services/events.
Children’s programs
- Family movie night, Friday, March 7, 6:30 p.m. Rated PG.
- Paws and read, grades K-6, Wednesdays, March 12 and March 26. Read to therapy dogs. Appointments at 3:45, 4:05, and 4:25 p.m.
- Lego Expo, all ages, Saturday, March 15, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Twisted critters, ages 8 and older, Thursday, March 20, 3:45 p.m. Pipe cleaner animals.
Teen programs
- Teen advisory board, grades 7-12, Tuesday, March 11, 3 p.m. Help the library shape its teen collections and programs.
- Teen reader’s club, grades 7-12, Wednesday, March 12, 3 p.m.
- Teen treat program, grades 6-12, Tuesday, March 18, 3 p.m.
Adult programs
- Cookbook Club, Monday, March 10, 6:30 p.m. Browse a cookbook featuring the cuisine of a specific region or culture and bring a dish for potluck.
- Children’s literature book discussion for grownups, Thursday, March 20, 7 p.m. “Impossible Creatures” by Katherine Rundell.
At Fivesparks
- Fivesparks is at 7 Fairbank Street. Visit fivesparks.org for the complete schedule, hours, and more information.
- Exhibit: Laurie Simko, Past and Present. On view through April 12. Public reception Sunday, March 9, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Nature journaling with Ann Marie Hershberger. Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. to noon.
- Village Nursery School children’s art show, Tuesday-Thursday, March 18-20.
Bromfield Science Fair
Bromfield’s annual Science Fair will take place Friday, March 7, in the school cafeteria at 14 Mass. Ave. The public is invited to view student projects from grades 8-12 between 7 and 7:45 p.m. An awards ceremony will follow in Cronin Auditorium.
PTO winter meeting
The Harvard Schools Parent Teacher Organization will hold its winter meeting Wednesday, March 12, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Hildreth Elementary School library. The meeting is open to the parent, caregiver, and teacher community and will feature updates from special guests, plus time for questions and feedback. Learn more about the PTO, Harvard Schools Trust, and School Committee, and how their work relates to the educational experience in Harvard. For questions, email info@harvardpto.org.
Women’s Business Network
The Women’s Business Network will meet Thursday, March 13, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Theresa Church, 15 Still River Road. Messaging consultant and copywriter Beth Knaus will speak on “Using Storytelling to Reach Your Best Audience.” Contact Deb Oliva at dboliva@charter.net.
Cybersecurity and national defense
The Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, will host a program “The Fifth Domain of Warfare” Saturday, March 15, at 1 p.m. Gabriel Landowski, Army Reserve Major and Cyber Operations Officer, will share an update of current cybersecurity concerns and initiatives. Come and ask the questions you’d like to learn more about. Free and open to the public.
Solar coaches at the General Store
The Harvard Climate Initiative Committee will provide information on residential solar power to interested homeowners Saturday, March 15, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Harvard General Store, 1 Still River Road. Meet with other residents who have personal experience with solar panel sizing, technical and re-roofing issues, the lease or purchase decision, and solar farm options for those without adequate roof and land space. Coaches will be available to pursue options in more detail; sign up at the event.
Save the date
- Saturday, March 22, Harvard-Bolton Girl Scouts “Out of This World” dance
- Tuesday, April 8, community book discussion “The Anxious Generation”
- Friday, May 2, PTO Spring Soiree
- Saturday, May 3, Devens and Shirley community-wide yard sale
- Sunday, May 4, Loaves & Fishes 5K fun run.
OUT OF TOWN
Try out maple sugaring
Experience maple sugaring at an afternoon family workshop Sunday, March 9, at Maple Hill Farm, 117 Ridge Road, Hollis, NH. Learn about the science and deep-rooted history of maple sugaring, tap a sugar maple tree with hand drill, spile, and buckets, boil down the sap using a wood-fired evaporator, and enjoy maple tastings and maple popcorn. Sign up for either of two start times, 1 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. $25 per family, no dogs please. Visit freedomsway.org/event/maple-sugar-magic-a-family-event.
‘The Little Mermaid’ in Bolton
Nashoba Drama announces their production of “The Little Mermaid” Friday, March 14, 7 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 16, 2 p.m., at the Nashoba Regional High School auditorium, 12 Green Road, Bolton. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story and the classic Disney film, this is a musical event for the family. Young attendees are welcome to a character meet and greet following the Sunday performance. Tickets are available at nashobadrama.com.
Community clarinet concert at Groton Hill
The Trio Belmont (clarinet, cello, and piano) will perform Wednesday, March 19, at noon at Groton Hill Music Center, 122 Old Ayer Road, Groton.
Free but tickets are required, visit grotonhill.org/community-engagement/community-concerts.
