‘Hildreth Inventions History’
The Harvard Historical Society will present “Hildreth Inventions History” Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. at the meetinghouse, 215 Still River Road. The best-known inventors in Harvard’s history were the Hildreth brothers, Edwin and Stanley. Edwin’s great-granddaughter Virginia Hildreth will talk about her family and some of the other inventors who lived in Harvard, showing slides of her family and some of the numerous patented inventions of the Hildreth Brothers.
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, also Saturday, Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m.
Children’s programs
- Lindsay and her puppet pals, ages 3-8, Saturday, Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m. Larger than life, handcrafted puppets, outdoors in the pavilion.
- Paws and read, grades K through 6, Wednesday, Sept. 25. Read to therapy dogs. Appointments at 3:45, 4, 4:15, and 4:30 p.m.
- Lego club, grades K through 6, Saturday, Sept. 28, 1:30 p.m.
Teen programs
- Teen maker day, grades 6-12, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 3 p.m. Crafts projects.
- Family movie night, Friday, Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m. Movie is rated PG.
- After-school movie, grades 6 and up, Thursday, Oct. 3, 3 p.m.
- Teen advisory board, grades 7-12, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 3 p.m. Help the library shape its teen collections and programs.
Adult programs
- Creative company, Thursday, Sept. 26, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Low-key crafting for adults.
- Virtual mindfulness and meditation classes (held remotely), Wednesday, Oct. 2, 9, 16, and 23, from noon to 12:30 p.m.
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.
- Exhibit: Marks of Distinction National Juried Art Show, presented by the Central Mass. Pastel Society (CMPS). On view through Oct. 4. Public reception and awards ceremony Saturday, Sept. 21, 2 to 4 p.m.
- “The Council of Wise Women,” book event with author and storyteller Mark Binder, Sunday, Sept. 22, 4 p.m.
- Introduction to visible mending, Saturday, Sept. 28, 1 to 4 p.m.
- “Attention Is Discovery: The Life and Legacy of Henrietta Leavitt.” Book event with author Anna Von Mertens, Sunday, Sept. 29, 3 p.m.
- School half day felting, ages 9-13, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. Create a magical pumpkin house.
- Evening felting for adults and teens, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6:15 to 8 p.m. Felt a ghost.
Sweeney to speak on Dropkick Murphy
The Warner Free lecture series will present “Dropkick Murphy: A Legendary Life” Friday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. at Volunteers Hall at the library at 4 Pond Road. Emily Sweeney, author and Boston Globe reporter, will chronicle the life of Murphy, a professional wrestler who put himself through medical school during the Great Depression and then opened Bellows Farm, a training and rehabilitation facility for elite athletes. Learn more at warnerfreelecture.org.
Chamber music at Unitarian Church
The Worcester Chamber Music Society will present a concert, “Out of the Darkness,” Friday, Sept. 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church, 9 Ayer Road; preconcert talk at 7 p.m. A reception follows the performance. Tickets are available at worcesterchambermusic.org/out-of-the-darkness/ or by calling the WCMS office at 508- 926-8624.
Sculpture in the orchard
Old Frog Pond Farm and Studio will present their outdoor sculpture exhibit Wednesdays through Sundays through Oct. 13, and 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.
Crafts at Fruitlands
Fruitlands Museum will hold their 12th annual craft festival Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 102 Prospect Hill Road. Learn more at thetrustees.org/program/fruitlands-craft- festival.
Christmas pageant information meeting
The Harvard Townwide Ecumenical Christmas Pageant will hold a pizza and cider party Sunday, Sept. 22, 4 p.m. at the Harvard Congregational Church fellowship hall. Families with children in grades pre-K through 12 are invited to learn about the Christmas pageant, an inclusive tradition since 1961. There are many roles for children of different ages, from joining the choir to being a farm animal. Church attendance is not necessary; participation is open to people of all faiths and of none. Sign up at pp.events/HarvardEP or email kennedyshome@charter.net for more information.
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.
- Sept. 26, Harrison Goodell and Jake Swamp and the Pine; 6:30 p.m. show
- Oct. 3, Mary Gauthier; 6:30 p.m.
Cosmic bowling for families
The Harvard Family Association will host cosmic family bowling Friday, Sept. 27, 4 to 6 p.m. at Harvard Lanes, 204 Ayer Road. All guests will be entered into a raffle, and the first 20 bowlers are free. Advance registration is required. For more information and to sign up, visit harvardfamilyassociation.com.
Scouts’ field day
The annual Harvard Cub Scouts track and field day will take place Sunday, Sept. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the McCurdy Track at Harvard Park on Lancaster County Road. This afternoon of foot races, javelin, long jump, and shot put competitions, with popsicles afterward, is free and open to the public.
Apple Harvest Ramble
The Apple Harvest Ramble half-marathon and 5K run will be held Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Bromfield School. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category, and proceeds go to Harvard schools and local charities. Sign up and learn more at harvardraces.org.
Apple festival
The Congregational Church of Harvard will host its apple festival Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pies are apple crumb streusel or traditional, baked or frozen. In addition to whole pies, slices of hot apple pie, soup, cheese, ice cream, and cider will be on sale.
Annual Harvard Flea Market
The 52nd annual Harvard Flea Market, sponsored by the Harvard Schools Trust and the League of Women Voters of Harvard, will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Bromfield School grounds. Visit 185 booths filled with treasures. Adults $5, children 6-12 $1, early birds 7:30 to 9 a.m. $10. Rain date Sunday, Oct. 6. More information at harvardfleamarket.com.
Healing Garden walk and ride
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Perennial Walk and Ride for walkers, cyclists, runners, and their supporters is taking place through Oct. 6. Walk or ride at your own place and at your own pace, or start a team with friends or family. Teams are asked to commit to raise $2,000 or more and individuals $500 or more. A $45 registration fee goes toward fundraising goals. Learn more and register at secure.qgiv.com/event/pwr_2024.
Save these dates
- Saturday, Oct. 12, fall bazaar at St. Benedict Center
- Sunday, Oct. 13, Harvard Lanes grand reopening
- Saturday, Oct. 19, Recycle Your Reusables at Ayer Shirley Middle School
- Sunday, Oct. 20, PTO pickleball tournament
- Sunday, Nov. 17, PTO 5K and fun run.
OUT OF TOWN
Groton Hill hosts TEDxNewEngland
TEDxNewEngland will host its annual conference Wednesday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m. at Groton Hill Music Center, 122 Old Ayer Rd., Groton. Eleven speakers will spotlight groundbreaking scientific ideas; includes two performances.
For more information and tickets visit tedxnewengland.com/events/2024.
Interpretive walks
The Nashua River Watershed Association will lead interpretive walks Wednesdays through Oct. 30 at 9:30 a.m. in conservation areas across Worcester and Middlesex counties. Led by NRWA naturalist Gaynor Bigelbach, walks are for adults and conducted at a leisurely pace with time for observation and identification. Dogs are prohibited.
Register at nashuariverwatershed.org/programs-and-events.html.