Library story times and book groups
Story times and book groups will be held outdoors on the library lawn, socially distanced under a tent. Registration is required due to limited space. Register for story times at forms.gle/ku8orCyKE8NYZXoC6. Register for book groups at forms.gle/gg9xnRKxyFQyTkrh9. In case of rain, outdoor events will be held virtually, rescheduled, or canceled.
- Story time for ages 0-2: Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30, July 8-August 19.
- Story time for ages 2 and 3: Wednesdays at 10:30, July 7-August 18.
- Story time for ages 4 and 5 and up: Mondays at 1:30, July 12-August 16.
- Virtual Saturday story times, ages 3 to 7 (via Zoom): Saturdays, July 24 and August 14, 10:30 a.m.
- Book discussion group for first- and second-graders: Monday, July 26, 4 p.m.
- Fourth-grade book group: Monday, July 12, 4 p.m.
- Fifth-grade book group: Tuesday, July 13, 4 p.m.
- Sixth-grade book group: Tuesday, July 20, 4 p.m.
- Children’s literature book discussion group for grown-ups: Thursday, July 8, 7 p.m. To register, email childrensroom@harvardpubliclibrary.org
- Write Stuff writing group, fourth- through sixth-grade: Tuesday, July 6, 4 p.m. To register, email childrensroom@harvardpubliclibrary.org.
Bare Hill Rowing summer events
Bare Hill Rowing Association offers competitive and learn-to-row opportunities on Bare Hill Pond during the summer. Availability of boats may be limited due to COVID-19 protocols.
- Competitive youth program: Open to current Bromfield Acton-Boxborough team members, grades 8 through 12.
- Learn-to-row (2 oars): Introduction to sculling for youth (rising sixth-graders) to adults. Open to the public. Three standalone classes offered at different skill levels.
- Sculling, level II: For those who have completed the learn-to-row course, intermediate level, or have previous sculling/sweep rowing experience.
- Experienced adult: for adults with sculling experience. No water supervision or instruction is provided. Open to Harvard residents and parents of Bromfield Acton-Boxborough team members.
See https://www.barehillrowing.com/summer for more information.
Electric vehicles and solar power
Harvard Community Resilience Working Group, Green Energy Consumers, and other sustainability groups will host a combined electric vehicles (EV) and solar 101 webinar, Monday, June 14, 7 p.m. Learn about installing solar for your home and get a crash course in EVs, including incentives available. Q&A to follow. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/2ddr5fr6.
On Thursday, June 17, 7:30 p.m, the group will sponsor a presentation by the Heatsmart Alliance, including a 20-minute overview of clean heating and cooling systems. To register, go to tinyurl.com/3b z9tr4u. A link to the program will be sent prior to the event.
Harvard Conservation Trust speaker series
“Fighting for Harvard’s Endangered Species,” Tuesday, June 15, 7 p.m. Learn how Harvard’s ecosystem offers opportunities and challenges for endangered species in this one-hour, online event. Mike Jones of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will describe how the Interstate 495 belt is ground zero for species that are under siege, including the Blanding’s turtle. Spots are limited, with priority given to Harvard Conservation Trust members. Register at bit.ly/3vC6eKc.
Bare Hill Duathlon
The Bare Hill Sprint Duathlon will take place Sunday, June 27, at 8 a.m. The duathlon consists of a 3.1-mile run followed by a 10.4-mile bike course, and finishes with a shaded 1.6-mile run. The race will start and finish by the library at 4 Pond Road, Harvard. Entry fee is $60 plus a $4.48 signup fee; enter at bit.ly/3cbjAoT. Registration ends June 26 at 7:30 a.m. Visit bit.ly/2S3uXbJ for more information.
Family fun at Mirror Lake
Celebrate the 2021 opening of Mirror Lake, Devens, with water sports, beach volleyball, a bounce house, vendors, and more, Sunday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To volunteer, contact Recreation Coordinator Hillary Andrews at 978-772-8876 or handrews@massdevelopment.com.
Fivesparks events
Go to fivesparks.org for more information, to sign up for a program, or to get a Zoom link.
- “An Exquisite Sandwich—Lush Beauty with Exhilarating Mixins”: Live Zoom concert by local classical guitarist Dave McLellan. Sunday, June 13, 7 p.m.
- “Yoga in Nature” with Sarah Lael: Two outdoor yoga series available in June. Tuesdays 4 p.m. at Carlson Orchards, and sunset yoga, Thursdays 7:15 p.m. at Friendly Crossways Retreat Center; $75 for each series. Drop-ins welcome (advance registration still required); $20/date.
- Plein air artist group: six-week painting series with local artists in various Harvard locations. Space is limited. Wednesdays, June 16-July 21, 3 p.m.
- The Fivesparks Fourth Annual Music Festival is online again this year, exploring the resilience of musicians and music during 2021, June 20-27. See article elsewhere in this issue. Visit fivesparks.org for complete schedule.
- Zoom felting with Rachel Benson: felting open studio Tuesday, June 29; guinea pig, Thursday, July 1; watermelon funny face, Wednesday, July 7. More classes in August.
- In-person felting with Rachel Benson: rainbow unicorn or sleeping dragon, Monday and Tuesday, June 28 and 29; wet-felted bookmark, Monday, June 28; sculptural landscape, Thursday and Friday, July 8 and 9; cow, Thursday, July 8; wet-felted geode, Friday, July 9; wet-felted vessel, Friday, July 9. More classes in August.
- Summer break Zoom craft classes with Rachel Benson: drawing studio, tiny food, Wednesday, July 7; polymer clay mini-flower pot, Thursday, July 15. More classes in August.
At Indian Hill Music
Summer Chamber Music Summit: Make music with friends and build ensemble skills. Ages 10-17 (strings, harp) and ages 12-17 (piano, woodwinds). Weeklong sessions, July 12-16 and August 16-20. Learn more and register at bit.ly/3tO7ckI.
Groton History Center garden dedication
The Groton History Center will dedicate “Georgie’s Garden,” Saturday, June 12, 2 p.m. (Rain date Sunday, June 13.) At the Boutwell House, 172 Main Street, Groton. Learn about Georgianna Boutwell, the daughter of Gov. George Boutwell, walk the garden paths, listen to ukulele music, appreciate the view of Gibbet Hill, and enjoy cool refreshments.
At the Museum of Russian Icons
Digital Conference: “Collecting Orthodox Art in the West: A History and Look Towards the Future,” Friday, June 11, and Saturday, June 12. Visit museumofrussianicons.org for more information.
“Atomic Alert!: Confronting ‘The Bomb’ in the New Atomic Age,” an exhibit exploring how the threat of nuclear war shaped American life in the 20th century, Monday, June 28, Sunday, August 8. Also, virtual lecture: “Living with the Atomic Bomb: 1945-1965,” with curator Michael Scheibach, Saturday, July 10, 1 p.m. Museum and Clinton Historical Society members free, nonmembers $5, registration required by Friday, July 9. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants the morning of the program.
