Harvard’s ‘stay safe’ Celebration needs stilt-walker, items to borrow
Celebration is the “keep our children safe” after-prom party that has been hosted by the town at the Bromfield School for the past 15 years. It is the town’s gift to its juniors and seniors, where students arrive at the school by midnight, stay until 5 a.m. the next morning for breakfast, and leave safely to go home and get some rest. During these five hours there are activities, prizes, games, continuous food and alcohol-free drinks, places to hang out with friends or nap, and many surprises.
Celebration is supported by monetary contributions from parents and sponsors, fundraisers, and many volunteers. Anyone can help in this community effort. Right now, the greatest need is for people to lend items for 24 hours; these are just some of the items needed: arcade games; artificial trees and vines; bar-height table and stools; bistro table and chair sets; foosball table; surfboards; cappuccino maker; Mardi Gras beads and masks; outdoor chess set; New Orleans Saints Jerseys or T-shirts; old wood fencing (24″–48″ high, 6 to 10 feet in length); hay bales and cornstalks; outdoor tables and chairs; ping pong tables.
To see a complete list of the items that are needed and to sign up as a lender, go to www.bromfieldcelebration.com. Or contact Sue Rizzo at Sue.Rizzo@parexel.com. The community is also invited to participate in the online auction (including June 7 Red Sox tickets, dinners, movies, and a week at Camp Cody), which is open until May 15, and to order T-shirts with the Celebration 2015 logo.
Also needed is a person who can entertain on stilts or a unicycle. If this is you, contact Tonya at Tonya.Marksteiner@Cigna.com.
Learn more about youth risk survey, Bromfield support programs
The recently released Youth Risk Behavior Study that asked students about self-harm, suicide, stress, drug use, and sexual activity will be the topic of a presentation by Bromfield staff Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at Cronin Auditorium. Students in grades 6, 8, and 9–12 participated in the survey as part of a consortium of school districts that was coordinated through Emerson Hospital.
Parents and community members are invited to learn about the results of the study, discuss the support and educational programs at Bromfield, and ask questions.
Community Garden space available
Those who need more garden space, have too much shade in their own yard, or just want to meet other gardeners might consider taking a plot at the Harvard Community Garden on Littleton Road. Fenced-in plots ranging in size from 10-by-10 to 20-by-20 are available in the garden, an open field that is 1 mile from the center of town. For information send email to hcgmembership@gmail.com.
Open House for prospective EMTs and ambulance drivers
The Harvard Ambulance Service invites all interested adults to join Ambulance Service members for coffee at an open house to learn about Harvard’s proud history of providing volunteer emergency medical care for the community. Participants can take a tour of Harvard’s ambulance and meet with some EMTs and ambulance drivers, who will share their experiences. Community members are invited to stop in and learn more about what it is like to be part of the Harvard Ambulance Service.
Morning and evening information sessions will take place Monday, May 11; Tuesday, May 12; and Friday, May 15. Times will be posted at www.HarvardEMS.org. For questions or more information, send email to join@Harvar dEMS.org.
Dual enrollment college programs at Mount Wachusett
Mount Wachusett Community College will host a series of information sessions at its Gardner campus for fall enrollment in two of its popular dual enrollment programs: the Pathways Early College Innovation School and the Gateway to College program.
Dual enrollment students complete requirements for their high school diploma while simultaneously earning college credits or completing an associate degree. School Choice funding covers the cost of tuition and fees of both programs, which are offered in partnership with the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District.
Pathways. The Pathways Early College Innovation School provides motivated high school juniors and home-schooled students a chance to accelerate their academic careers by simultaneously earning an associate degree and a high school diploma. Students must attend a Pathways information session and have current Accuplacer scores to apply. Upcoming information sessions will take place May 12 and 14; June 16 and 18; and July 7 and 9. The first day of each session provides the information about the school, and the second day of each session includes the Accuplacer test.
Gateway. The Gateway to College program provides a second chance for students ages 16 to 21 who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out. Students simultaneously earn high school diplomas and college credits toward an academic degree or certificate. The majority of the Gateway program graduates continue their education at Mount Wachusett or another college or university.
Gateway applicants must attend a three-day information session to be considered for the program. Sessions will take place May 12, 13, and 15; June 2, 3, and 5; June 16, 17, and 19; July 7, 8, and 10; Aug. 4, 5, and 7; and Aug. 18, 19, and 21.
