Recently, the Press spoke with Erin Sintros, co-chair with Jennifer Wilkins of the Harvard Family Association. Sintros and her husband Chris live in Harvard with their two children: Thomas, 3 1/2, and Callia, 2.
Press: What is the Harvard Family Association?
Sintros: The Harvard Family Association is a group of families in Harvard who voluntarily organize and plan activities and services for Harvard families with young children. These services and programs are offered at no cost where possible or at a discounted cost to members.
Press: Why should people join the Harvard Family Association?
Sintros: The Harvard Family Association is a wonderful way to provide opportunities for socialization for young children and their families. Many of these kids will be in school together, and it’s nice to make that connection early on.
Press: When was the Harvard Family Association established?
Sintros: It is my understanding that it was established in 1998 as a way to provide new parents and families with young children with opportunities to socialize and get involved in the community.
Press: How many members do you have?
Sintros: Currently, we have 30 families in the Harvard Family Association.
Press: What are the parameters for membership?
Sintros: Member families should have at least one child from newborn to 5 years old. Most families live in Harvard and Devens. But we are open to families from neighboring communities joining us as well.
Press: Is there a membership fee?
Sintros: Yes, the membership fee for a family is $25 a year. The money from membership goes directly into the events and activities that the Harvard Family Association hosts throughout the year.
Press: What kind of events do you have?
Thomas Kazanjain tries his luck eating a doughnut on a string at last year’s HFA Halloween parade and games. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Sintros: Our most popular recurring events are weekly playgroups and playground meet-ups. We also organize seasonal activities, such as apple picking and holiday cookie making. In addition, we try to organize a few activities for social awareness, such as a food drive for Loaves and Fishes. We also have two big annual events: the Halloween parade and the spring egg hunt. Also, if members are willing to host, we like to have a few potluck events throughout the year. Last year, we held a family pizza night at the Devens Community Center, which was a big hit, so we are hoping to make that an annual event as well.
Press: How is the Harvard Family Association organized?
Sintros: We hold our board meetings three times per year, and they are usually held at the home of one of the co-chairs. There is a board entirely made up of volunteers. The chair position is shared between two members, with each person committing to a two-year term. This is my second year as co-chair.
Press: Do you have any events coming up?
Sintros: Our next big event will be our Halloween parade and activities on the Common. The event is appropriate for children 7 and under and will take place on Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. After the costume parade, children will have the chance to participate in activities such as crafts and pumpkin and cookie decorating, as well as the very popular doughnut-on-a-string game. You do not have to be a Harvard Family Association member to participate.
If you are thinking of joining, this will be a good opportunity to come and meet some of our members and find out what we are all about.
Press: What is the contact information for the group if people would like to find out more?
Sintros: Our email is harvardfamily@yahoo.com, and the website is www.harvardfamilyassociation.com.
