Wednesday is Special Town Meeting
A Special Town Meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Bromfield School’s Cronin Auditorium. Seven articles are scheduled to be voted on, including Article 4, “Report of the Selectmen—Town Hall,” which will discuss whether town offices should be moved from Town Hall to leased office space on Ayer Road.
Taxes due by Nov. 3
Real estate taxes are due on or before Monday, Nov. 3. Residents can pay online, by mail, or in person at Town Hall. Note that the assessor’s office at Town Hall will be open to accept payments Friday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon. (Town Hall is normally closed on Fridays).
Candy donations needed
All residents are invited to be part of Harvard’s tradition of Halloween trick or treating on the Common by donating candy for town center homes to distribute. These homeowners give out great quantities of candy each year, so consider contributing candy, especially if your children plan to trick or treat on the Common. Drop unopened packages of treats at the police station by Oct. 29.
Learn about gap year
Parents of high school students are invited to an information session about gap year Friday, Oct. 31, at 9 a.m. at the Harvard General Store. A subject matter expert will explain how taking time after high school, before starting college, can help a graduating student. Participants will learn how gap years work and what programs are available. The session is open to all. This same expert will offer a session for students at the Bromfield School; students can sign up through their guidance counselors.
Got leaves?
The Bare Hill Pond Rowing Association is holding its leaf-raking fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 1, and Sunday, Nov. 2, with raindates of Nov. 15 and 16. Crews can be hired by the hour, with discounts for larger yards, and will come as a team of four (three rowers and an adult supervisor) to rake as hard as they row. The cost for the first hour is $120, with each half-hour thereafter at $60; yards smaller than one acre can often be cleaned up in an hour. Reservations can be booked online at www.BareHillRowing.com/raking. Anyone wishing to discuss specific yard issues should contact Chris Winsor at relationshipmanager@barehillrowing.com.
October is ‘Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month’
The Animal Shelter of Sterling has announced that it has rescue dogs and puppies that are in need of owners. The shelter updates its website several times a day, so prospective owners can see the pets available at www.sterlingshelter.org. Adoption fees include vaccination and spaying or neutering. If you cannot adopt right now, consider signing up as a foster dog-parent or as a volunteer at the shelter’s website.
‘Calling all angels’ for
Ecumenical Pageant
Rehearsals for the Ecumenical Christmas Pageant—a Harvard tradition for more than 40 years—will begin Sunday, Nov. 9. Children’s choir members are needed. All children in grades 2 through 12 who are residents of Harvard, School Choice students at Hildreth Elementary or Bromfield, or members of any of the town’s churches are invited to join the choir. No singing experience or church affiliation is necessary—just a love of holiday music. Questions should be directed to Lisa at 978-456-3954 or blairlisamarie@hotmail.com. To sign up for the choir, go to www.harvardchristmaspageant.com.
Rehearsals and performances:
- Five Sunday rehearsals, noon to 1 p.m. (Nov 9, 16, 23, 30, and Dec. 7)
- Two Saturday rehearsals, 8 to 10 a.m. (Dec. 6 and 13)
- Pageant presentations, Dec. 14 at 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
