'The Curious Savage' Presented at Acton's Theatre III

Theatre III, 250 Central Street in Acton, will present "The Curious Savage" by John Patrick Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 18-19 and Jan 25-26, at 8 p.m., and Sundays, Jan. 20 and 27, at 2 p.m. The play is a comedy set in a 1950s psychiatric facility and calls into question the conventional definitions of sanity while lampooning celebrity culture. Tickets ($20 for adults, $17 for seniors and students), visit theatreiii.org or call 978-263-9070.

Storytelling à la ‘The Moth’

RESCHEDULED TO SATURDAY, FEB. 2.

The Harvard Cultural Collaborative will host its second storytelling event in the mode of “The Moth Radio Hour” upstairs at Town Hall, Saturday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome.  Admission is $10. Produced and directed by Harvard resident Bob Eiland, eight actors and writers will share their true stories, comic and poignant, about love, loss, and family.

Pan-American Dinner and Music at the General

The General Store will host a winter evening of Pan American music and food Saturday, Jan 19. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by a a concert at 8 p.m. Musicians Tracy Kraus on flute and Dave McClellan on guitar will perform selections by North and South American composers. There will be a cash bar serving beer and wine throughout the evening. Tickets are $45 and must be purchased in advance by phone at 978-456-0062, in person at the store, or online at eventbrite.com (search for Harvard General Store).

President Woodrow Wilson Visits Fort Devens Museum

Fort Devens Museum will offer visitors a unique encounter with living history Saturday, Jan. 19, at 1 p.m.  Kevin Titus, historian and portrayer of former U.S. Presidents on the History Channel and in venues across the country, will appear as Woodrow Wilson, the man elected for a second term as President in 1916 on the promise to keep America out of the Great War only to be compelled to lead the country into the maelstrom.  The Fort Devens Museum is located on the third floor at 94 Jackson Road, Devens and is wheelchair accessible. The museum’s regular hours are Tuesdays, Fridays, and the third Saturday of each month, each from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  This program is free and open to the public.

'The Curious Savage' Presented at Acton's Theatre III

Theatre III, 250 Central Street in Acton, will present "The Curious Savage" by John Patrick Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 18-19 and Jan 25-26, at 8 p.m., and Sundays, Jan. 20 and 27, at 2 p.m. The play is a comedy set in a 1950s psychiatric facility and calls into question the conventional definitions of sanity while lampooning celebrity culture. Tickets ($20 for adults, $17 for seniors and students), visit theatreiii.org or call 978-263-9070.

Origami with Michael LaFosse

On Thursday, Jan. 17, the library will host author and artist Michael LaFosse with a program on origami. LaFosse will teach two sessions: one for ages 6 to 12, and another for teens and adults.  Preregistration is required; call 978-456-2381.

Paws and Read at the Library

Children in grades K and older who are independent readers are invited to meet Faye and Rhia, the library’s therapy dogs, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.  Children may make a 15-minute appointment to read to one of the dogs. Preregistration is required; call 978-456-2381

Folksinger Bob Franke at Volunteers Hall

Harvard Friends of the Arts will host singer/songwriter Bob Franke Saturday, Jan. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in Volunteers Hall. Franke is among the most prolific and important folk songwriters to emerge since the 1960s. Throughout a continually productive career spanning more than 40 years, he has remained a popular concert headliner and teacher of songwriting. There is no admission charge; donations are encouraged to support future events.

'Labyrinth of Light' at St. Andrew’s

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 7 Faulkner Street in Ayer, will offer a Labyrinth of Light in the newly renovated Parish Hall Saturday, Jan. 12, 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors are invited to walk the lighted labyrinth as they meditate on the light of the Epiphany season illuminating the darkness of winter. Parishioner Michelle Eberle will offer an opportunity to participate in centering prayer exercises at 5:30 p.m. This is a drop-in event; come for as long as you like to enjoy the quiet light. Children are welcome. For more information, visit  www.standrewsayer.org. 

Ringing in Russia’s 'Old New Year'

On Saturday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. the Museum of Russian Icons, 230 Union Street, Clinton, will host writer and historian Jennifer Eremeeva for a celebration of Russia’s “Old New Year” with tea, gingerbread, homemade strawberry jam. Eremeeva will discuss the holiday traditions that have managed to survive and even thrive despite active government repression. Members $12, Nonmembers $18.

Edible Books Contest at the Library

Get creative with food and literature by making something with food to represent a book. You could create a broccoli forest for “Where the Wild Things Are,” or  a decorated whale-shaped cookie for “Moby Dick.” The only guidelines are that your entry be made of food and related somehow to a book. There will be three age categories: kids, teens, and adults. Entries will be displayed at the library Saturday, Jan. 12; drop off your entry when the library opens at 10 a.m. and pick it up when the library closes at 4 p.m.  There will be paper ballots for voting in the library, and there will be polls (with photos of the entries) for off-site voting via the library children’s room Facebook page. Online voting will stay open for a week.

Boatbuilder Mike Taylor Speaks at Warner Free Lecture Event

The Warner Free Lecture Trust will present boatbuilder, veteran sailor, and Harvard resident Mike Taylor Friday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. in Volunteers Hall. Taylor will discuss large multi-hull construction and the development of the use of foils in sailing yachts.

Trivia Night at the General

On Friday, Jan. 11, 6 to 10 p.m., join friends upstairs at the General Store for Trivia Night.  Enjoy beer, wine, and pub snacks to go along with brain-busting questions. Come early to get a good seat. Trivia starts at 7 p.m.

WBN Meeting: "Be ProActive vs Reactive"

The Women’s Business Network (WBN)  will meet Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7:15 pm at St. Theresa's Church. Lora Fickett will present "Take Control of your Business, Finances and your Life – Be ProActive vs Reactive."  Guests are welcome. WBN is a group of local women in small businesses, professional practices, and the arts who meet monthly for mutual support, education, and referrals. For more information visit www.wbn-ma.org, email Joan@ZooterGroupTutoring.com or call 978-443-5001.

Toastmasters Club Meeting

The next Isaac Davis Toastmasters Club will be held Friday, Jan. 7, from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. at the Harvard Public Library. Guests are welcome. Participants can observe how the club works and see how it can improve interpersonal, public speaking, and leadership skills. Members include residents from Acton, Boxborough, Stow, Harvard, Littleton, and Maynard. For more information visit http://2193.toastmastersclubs.org.

Family Association Winter Party

The Harvard Family Association will host a winter party, Saturday, Jan. 5, from 3 to 6 p.m. upstairs at the Harvard General Store. There will be snacks, music, activities, and crafts geared for families with children ages 6 and under. All families are welcome. This event is free and open to the public.

Knitters Guild Meets

The Nashoba Valley Knitters Guild will meet Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 7 p.m., at St. Theresa's Church. Harvard's Lynn Cooke will demonstrate how to make flower embellishments, using both knitted and crocheted techniques. Bring your hand-knitted charity items; hats, scarves, and mittens are needed to keep people warm. The guild's annual dues are $25. There will be a $10 guest fee for this meeting. Visit www.nashobavalleyknittersguild.com for details.

Conservation Trust New Year's Day Walk

The Harvard Conservation Trust will hold its annual New Year’s Day Walk Tuesday, Jan. 1, at 11 a.m. at the Bowers Springs conservation land which straddles Harvard and Bolton. Meet at the parking lot at the end of Flanagan Road in Bolton (just over the town line).  The walk is about 2.5 miles through fields and woods and should take about an hour. Due to the group size, this is a dog-free event.  In the event of extreme weather, the walk will be cancelled and posted on NextDoor Harvard by 9 a.m. on Jan. 1.

‘2nd First Night’ New Year’s Eve Celebration

Ring in 2019 at Harvard’s “2nd First Night” New Year’s Eve party to benefit the Friends of the Council on Aging. The event will be an evening of socializing, music by  Bare Hill Band, and dancing Monday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the UU Fellowship Building, 7 Elm Street. There will be a variety of savory and sweet passed hors d’oeuvres and a buffet of delectables all evening long. BYOB.  Tickets are $50 per person and are available at https://firstnightharvard.tix.com. Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. All proceeds will benefit the FCOA. For more information, contact event co-chairs Heidi Siegrist or Pat Cooper at firstnightharvard@gmail.com. 

Wine Tasting at the General with Charles Oliver

Charles Oliver of Ideal Wines will be at the General Saturday, Dec. 22, 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a special 15% discount on cases of wine and 10% discount on bottles of wine for purchase! This event is free and open to the public (ages 21+).

Wine Tasting at the General with Sue Nordberg

Sue Nordberg of Carolina Wines will be at the General Saturday, Dec. 22, 1 to 3 p.m. There will be a special 15% discount on cases of wine and 10% discount on bottles of wine for purchase! This event is free and open to the public (ages 21+).

Messiah Sing

The 54th annual Messiah Sing will be held Sunday, Dec. 16, at 4:30 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church. The community is invited to sing with the chorus or just listen to Handel’s music performed by professional vocal soloists and the volunteer orchestra. Bring your own score or buy one at the door. Donations are gratefully accepted to continue this tradition.

Wine Tasting at the General with Classic Wines

Come sample French Rhone blends by winemaker Marcel Guigal Saturday, Dec. 15, 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a special 15% discount on cases of wine and 10% discount on bottles of wine for purchase! This event is free and open to the public (ages 21+).

WWI Book Talk at Fort Devens Museum

Fort Devens Museum’s monthly program for visitors on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m. focuses on a Shirley family’s efforts to create a “home away from home” for soldiers at Camp Devens who were about to see action in France during World War I. A recent publication, "Water for Soldiers: New England Villages Answer the Call in World War," tells the story of the family’s commitment to provide a 24-7 informal canteen in their own home.The home can still be seen  on Parker Road looking much as it did over 100 years ago, located near the common where soldiers drilled. The Fort Devens Museum is located at 94 Jackson Road in Devens. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on this day. The program is free and open to the public.

Wine Tasting at the General with Bacchus Imports

Come sample boutique vineyard imported Italian wines from Bacchus Imports Saturday, Dec. 15, 1 to 3 p.m. There will be a special 15% discount on cases of wine and 10% discount on bottles of wine for purchase! This event is free and open to the public (ages 21+).

Family Holiday Singalong at Indian Hill Music

Indian Hill Music School’s early childhood department will host a family singalong Saturday, Dec. 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 36 King Street in Littleton. Bring the family to sing, dance, play, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. No admission charge.

Choral Concert at Bromfield

The Bromfield School’s music department will hold its high school winter concert Thursday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Cronin Auditorium.

WBN Holiday Party

The Women's Business Network (WBN) will hold a holiday party Thursday, Dec. 13, at 7:15 p.m. at the Harvard Alpaca Ranch, 58 Old Mill Road. Guests are welcome. Get to know WBN members, share information, and introduce yourself and your business. There will be alpaca products for sale. Bring a light snack, appetizer, salad, main course, or dessert, as well as your business cards and brochures. RSVP by Dec. 10 to avarrell@msn.com or  978-308-9059.

Garden Club Holiday Greens Workshop

The Garden Club of Harvard will hold its annual greens workshop Monday, Dec. 10, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Church. Members bring fresh greens from their gardens to make arrangements for home-bound seniors and Harvard residents in local assisted living and nursing facilities. The club provides a container, oasis, and  ornaments, and members copy a model arrangement. In the remaining time, members make arrangements for themselves, having brought containers from home. Foam and trimmings are for sale. All are welcome. There will be light refreshments.

Ecumenical Christmas Pageant

Harvard’s annual Ecumenical Christmas Pageant will be held Sunday, Dec. 9, with performances at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church. Cookies and cocoa in the Congregational Church Fellowship Hall will follow each performance. There will be carol singing accompanied by the Nashoba Valley Concert Band and lighting of the town Christmas tree on the Common after the second performance.

‘Fill the Treehouse’ Toy Drive

Bravehearts/Friends of Dylan Connelly and the Harvard Family Association (HFA) will host a toy drive Sunday, Dec. 9, from 2-4 p.m. at the home of Todd and Jennifer Currie, 279 Littleton Road. Come have some cookies and hot cocoa and fill the Currie’s treehouse with toys for children in need. The toys will be donated to Sherry’s House, a home-away-from-home for children and their families battling childhood cancers.

‘In a Manger’ Display at St. Andrew’s in Ayer

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 7 Faulkner Street in Ayer, will host its annual “In a Manger” event Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9, 1 to 4 p.m., featuring nearly 500 crèches from around the world. The event is free and open to the public. Complimentary cookies and apple cider will be available. Visit standrewsayer.org for more details

Baseball Boosters Christmas Tree Sale

The Bromfield Baseball Booster Club will hold its annual Christmas Tree Sale starting Friday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. next to Harvard Realty on Mass. Ave. Other dates are:
• Fridays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Saturdays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sundays, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, and Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Trees are Fraser firs from Vermont, 6 to 8 feet tall; some taller. Receipts will be provided for the tax-deductible portion of purchases.

Harvard Pro Musica Performs Bach

Harvard Pro Musica’s winter concert, “Christmas With Bach,” will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church. The concert will include selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, seasonal cantatas, and a holiday singalong. Tickets ($20 for adults; $15 for seniors and students) are available at the door or at harvardpromusica.org.

Lunch With Santa

Santa and Mrs. Claus will receive guests, both naughty and nice, at two lunch seatings Saturday, Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church. Tickets are available at the church office. 

Baseball Boosters Christmas Tree Sale

The Bromfield Baseball Booster Club will hold its annual Christmas Tree Sale starting Friday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. next to Harvard Realty on Mass. Ave. Other dates are:
• Fridays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, 4 to 7 p.m.

• Saturdays, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Sundays, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, and Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.