‘Just Another High School Play’
The Bromfield School fall play “Just Another High School Play” will run this weekend, Friday, Nov. 22, 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 23, 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. A comedy incorporating improv, the history of theater, and references to Marlowe and Shakespeare, the story portrays actors abandoned by their drama teacher, putting together a show despite no one attending rehearsals. Tickets $10 at the door.
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
- Nutcracker story time, grades pre-K through 5, Saturday, Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m. Dancers in costume will read aloud “The Nutcracker.”
- Paws and read, grades K-6, Wednesdays, Dec. 4 and Dec. 18. Read to therapy dogs. Appointments at 3:45, 4, 4:15, and 4:30 p.m.
- GraviTrax challenge, ages 8 and up, Thursday, Dec. 5, 3:45 p.m. Build a marble raceway.
- Family movie night, Friday, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. Animated film from 2024 featuring Gru and the Minions, rated PG.
- Saturday toddler story time, ages 1 to 3, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
- Magic show with Ed Popielarczyk, ages 3 and up, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 12:30 p.m.
- Kids afters-chool movie, Thursday, Dec. 12, 3:45 p.m. Rated PG.
Teen programs
- After-school movie, grades 6 and up, Thursday, Dec. 5, 3 p.m.
- Teen advisory board, grades 7-12, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 3 p.m. Help the library shape its teen collections and programs.
- Teen maker program, grades 6-12, Thursday, Dec. 12, 3 p.m. Craft projects.
Adult programs
- Cookbook club, Thursday, Dec. 12, 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, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Picture-book contenders for the Caldecott award.
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: “Destination: Nature 2024, Wild & Scenic” celebrating the Nashua River watershed. On view through Jan. 5, 2025. Public reception Saturday Nov. 23, 3 to 6 p.m.
- School early-release kids paperwhite potting class, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
Meteorologist Harvey Leonard discusses climate change
The Warner Free Lecture series will present Harvey Leonard, WCVB-TV Channel 5 Chief Meteorologist Emeritus, Friday, Nov. 22, 7 p.m.. at the Council on Aging building, 16 Lancaser County Road. Leonard will explain the important difference between weather and climate; how climate change is simple, but real, and why it is serious; and how we can mitigate or solve some of the problems that climate change causes. Free. Learn more at warnerfreelecture.org.
Introduction to poultry processing
The Goose and Hen farm will offer a class on poultry processing Saturday, Nov. 23, 1 p.m., at 85 Old Littleton Road. Bring a bird or purchase one from us, or just come and observe. To sign up send email to kerry.thegooseandhen@gmail.com.
Interactive photo exhibit
An interactive photography exhibit that tells the story of how the Harvard community has welcomed two families who fled Afghanistan will be on display through Saturday, Nov. 23, at the library at 4 Pond Road. The photography is the work of 2024 Bromfield graduate Behishta Kabir and photojournalist Jodi Hilton. Admission is free. To view and hear the augmented reality images, bring a smartphone with earbuds and with the app ARTIVIVE installed.
Meet the DPW staff
The Department of Public Works and its new director David Smith will host an open house Wednesday, Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the DPW facility, 47 Depot Road. Meet the staff, and learn about their responsibilities beyond just plowing and patching roads. Kids will be invited to climb into trucks, and there will be hot dogs, popcorn, chips, and beverages.
Toys for Tots
The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is accepting donations of new unwrapped toys through Friday, Dec. 6, at three locations at Devens:
- Fire station, 182 Jackson Road, anytime
- Department of Public Works, 99 Buena Vista St., weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- MassDevelopment, 33 Andrews Parkway, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Christmas fair at St. Benedict Center
St. Benedict Center and the Immaculate Heart of Mary school will hold a Christmas fair Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in MacIsaac Hall at 271 Still River Road. Enjoy baked goods and other great food while shopping for crafts, artwork, gifts, home goods, and more. Have a festive family photo taken, stroll through a display of Nativity scenes, or take the stage for Christmas karaoke. Free parking and admission.
Holiday artisan market
Fruitlands Museum will hold its annual holiday artisan market Saturday, Dec. 7, and Sunday, Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 102 Prospect Hill Road. Shop for high-quality handmade local crafts, including jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, fiber arts, photography, mixed media, and much more. Free to members and to children ages 5 and under; $5 for nonmembers. Includes access to museum gallery; members and guests enjoy an additional 10% off discount in the museum shop.
Save the date
- Saturday, Dec. 14, Fivesparks artisan fair
- Tuesday, Dec. 17, Harvard Historical Society annual meeting and organ recital
- Friday, Jan. 10, townwide book read, “Defiant Dreams.”
OUT OF TOWN
Merrie Christmas fair
The Boxborough UCC church will hold its 91st annual Merrie Christmas fair Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 723 Mass. Ave., Boxborough. Shop homemade gifts, find fresh greens and arrangements for the Thanksgiving table, and enjoy lunch with live jazz accompaniment. Visit the online auction at biddingforgood.com/UCCBSilentAuction. Proceeds support the church and North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity.
Winter farmers market
The Acton-Boxborough winter market will be held Sunday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., indoors at West Acton Villageworks, 525 Mass. Ave., West Acton. Stock up on winter provisions, staples, and specialty foods for your celebrations. Visit abfarmersmarket.org for more information.
Slavery in New England
The Lancaster Historical Society will present a history of slavery in New England Sunday, Nov. 24, 2 p.m., at the First Church of Sterling, 6 Meetinghouse Hill Road, Sterling. Tom Kelleher, historian and curator at Old Sturbridge Village, will discuss how slavery existed throughout New England, and how slave ownership in Lancaster and surrounding towns was not uncommon. Free and open to the public. For more information, call 978-733-6907.
