Fivesparks events
Go to fivesparks.org for more information, to sign up for a program, or to get a Zoom link.
- Midwinter Music Evenings. Friday, Feb. 19, and Sunday, Feb. 21. Virtual, interactive performances in collaboration with the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
- Short Story Contest. Three categories (grades 5-8, grades 9-12, and adult). Submissions accepted from Feb. 19 to March 19.
- You Can Afford College If … Tuesday March 9, 7 to 9 p.m. Learn the ins and outs of college financial aid.
- Performance and discussion by cellists Núria Comorera Nosas and Amanda Emenecker. Friday, Feb. 19, and Sunday, Feb. 21. Works by J.S. Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Gaspar Cassadó, Benjamin Britten, and Huang Ruo.
Library hosts virtual storytimes and book groups
All storytimes, book groups, and events are virtual via Zoom. To be added to a storytime email list, please complete the registration form at: bit.ly/2N8fYL6. A unique Zoom link will be emailed to participants the day before each meeting.
Please note: Groups are limited to Harvard residents or HES/Bromfield students. Others may register one week in advance provided there is space available.
- Infant Storytime for infants to 2-year-olds; Mondays and Thursdays 10:30 a.m. No storytime April 19 and April 22.
- Storytime for 2s and 3s; Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. No storytime April 21.
- Stories for 4s and 5s; Mondays at 1:30 p.m. No storytime April 19.
- Virtual Saturday Storytime; for ages 3 to 7. Saturday, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m.
- Book Group for Third-Graders; Monday, March 1, 4 p.m.
- Book Group for Fourth-Graders; Monday, March 8, 4 p.m.
- Book Group for Fifth-Graders; Tuesday, March 16, 4 p.m.
- Book Group for Sixth-Graders; Tuesday, Feb. 23, 4 p.m.
Please let us know if you would like to be added to a book group email list by filling in the HPL Virtual Book Group Registration Form: https://forms.gle/gg9x nRKxyFQyTkrh9
- Virtual Book Gobblers; for grades 1-2; Monday, Feb. 22, 4 p.m.
- Virtual Lego Club; for ages 5 and older; Wednesday, Feb. 24, 3:30 p.m.
- Children’s Literature Book Discussion Group for Grown-ups; Thursday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.
- Teen Advisory Board; Tuesday, Feb. 23, 4 p.m.
- Teen Connections Book Group; Thursday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.
Library presents live concert with Red Yarn
Musician and puppeteer Red Yarn (Andy Furgeson) will present a 45-minute livestream Zoom show for local families, Thursday, March 4 at 3 p.m.
Red Yarn is a family performer who weaves folksongs and puppetry into high-energy, interactive shows for family audiences. His shows are a raucous, inclusive celebration of the multicultural musical heritage of the USA, and he will have the audience singing, dancing, stomping, clapping, and celebrating.
Registration is required; the Zoom link will be emailed to registrants the day before the program. Send an email to childrensroom@harvardpubliclibrary.org to register for this event.
Join the eco-garden revolution
The Harvard Conservation Trust Speaker Series will feature designer, author, television host, and Harvard resident Rochelle Greayer, who will discuss eco-gardening Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. During this one-hour online event, Greayer will explain how to evolve our garden design aesthetics to create unique, beautiful spaces and support more resilient, environmentally friendly landscapes. Spots are limited. Register at https://tinyurl.com/HCT. Priority will be given to Harvard Conservation Trust and Garden Club of Harvard members. To join the trust, visit https://harvardconservationtrust.org/join.
‘Rising from the Rails’
In celebration of Black History Month, the Warner Free Lecture Trust, the Harvard Historical Society, and Arm in Arm will host author Larry Tye, who will discuss his book “Rising from the Rails: Pullman Porters and the Making of a Black Middle Class.” The talk will be on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Registration via Eventbrite is required. Registrants will receive the meeting URL via email the day before the event.
Annual Lions Club fruit sale
The Harvard Lions Club will hold its 30th annual citrus fruit sale March 6 through 14 in the town center. Fresh ruby grapefruit and Valencia oranges in 20-pound boxes will be available. You can also order online now and have the fruit delivered to your home.
There is a new option this year: Smaller quantities and different varieties with gift boxes shipped direct to any address.
Go to www.harvardlions.org for more details.
HES PTO readathon
The PTO has announced a readathon to engage students and support their love of reading and provide a safe, socially distanced activity during February vacation. The event, which runs until Feb. 21, is a fundraiser to increase the PTO’s ability to provide funds to the Harvard Public Schools. All students who submit reading logs will receive a congratulatory certificate and bookmark. There will be special recognition for classes with the most student participation.
To learn more or to sponsor a student, go to bit.ly/HESReadathon. Email any questions to HESReads@gmail.com.
Talking to kids about race and racism
The Hildreth Elementary School and Arm in Arm will present a conversation with Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, a two-part virtual program, on Feb. 25 and March 4 at 7 p.m. Dr. Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, is a clinical psychologist known for her expertise on race relations and as a thought leader in higher education.
Participants will watch a prerecorded presentation and discussion, sponsored by the Acton Discovery Museum. (A link can be provided to watch at another time to those who cannot attend the screening.) The March 4 program is a moderated discussion for those who watched the Feb. 25 recording. Register for the event at: https://tinyurl.com/44wf5dzf.
Controlling pesky invasive plants webinar (new date)
The Nashua River Watershed Association and the Groton Invasive Species Committee will cosponsor a free online webinar on identifying and controlling overly opportunistic plants Saturday, Feb. 27, (new date) at 2 p.m. The presentation will focus on natural organic methods and materials. Speaker Michael Nadeau’s 30-plus years in the organic landscaping business have positioned him as a leading authority in the field of sustainable organic and ethical land care strategies.
Register at www.grotongardenclub.org.
Family music play date in Mandarin and English
Indian Hill Music will present “Music Peekaboo” for preschoolers (ages 1-4) and their parents/caregivers, Saturday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. Miss Chuen-Yi will share songs, stories, and musical activities in Mandarin and English. Sign up for this free online event at bit.ly/2Zmf1kK or call 978-486-9524.
Indian Hill offers online group classes for kids ages 5-9. Choose from drums, guitar, piano, ukulele, violin, or beginner family recorder class. Various starting dates in March and April. Scholarships available for all music education programs. Learn more and sign up at bit.ly/3u0EsGC or call 978-486-9524.
Latin Jazz with the Zahili Gonzalez Zamora Duo
Indian Hill Music will present Cuban-born pianist/composer and vocalist Zahili Gonzalez Zamora and her husband, bassist Gerson Esteban Lazo Quiroga in a unique Latin jazz experience, Saturday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m. Zahili’s music is founded in Cuban music, bebop, funk, and soul, while giving a nod to modern artists such as Michel Petrucciani and Erykah Badu. Tickets start at $10. Learn more and sign up at bit.ly/3rW3eWO or call 978-486-9524.
Painted Poetry by Alexander Gassel
The Museum of Russian Icons is currently showing “Painted Poetry,” a retrospective exhibition of contemporary works by Russian-born American artist and designer Alexander Gassel. The exhibition is open now, virtually, and will open for in-person viewing, March 5-Sept. 26.
Also on view now at the museum:
- “Miniature Masterpieces: Russian Lacquer Boxes” through March 28, featuring over 100 lacquer boxes from the villages of Feodskino, Palekh, Khouli, and Mstera.
- “Pysanka: Symbol of Renewal,” through April 11. Contemporary artist Lesia Sochor’s exhibition inspired by the tradition of intricately decorated Ukrainian Easter egg painting.
For information call 978-598-5000 or visit https://www.museumofrussianicons.org/.
