Are you registered?
The last day to register to vote in Harvard’s Oct. 24 Super Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting is Friday, Oct. 14. The town clerk’s office will be open that day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For the Nov. 8 state and federal elections, the last day to register is Wednesday, Oct. 19. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day.
If you are unsure about your registration status, visit www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus or scan the QR code:
Early voting available Oct. 24
For the first time in Massachusetts, registered voters may vote before election day. Early voting will be available Oct. 24 through Nov. 3. All registered voters may vote early either by mail or in person at Town Hall on these dates:
- Monday-Thursday, Oct. 24-27, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 28, 8 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to noon
- Monday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 2 to 3, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Also, registered voters may request an early voting ballot by mail. Fill out an application and mail it to Town Clerk, 13 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA 01451. The application is at www.sec.state.ma.us/ele.
After a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on election day.
Absentee voting
Absentee ballots for the state/federal election on Nov. 8 are available at the town clerk’s office. Voters who will be out of town during polling hours on election day or who will be unable to vote in person due to physical disability or religious belief may request an absentee ballot. See www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/elepdf/absentee_ballot.pdf for an application. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is noon the day before the election.
Super and Special Town Meetings info session
On Monday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. in Volunteers Hall, Harvard’s League of Women Voters will hold an information session to inform voters about the articles to be considered at the Oct. 24 Super Town Meeting and Special Town Meeting.
At the Special Town Meeting voters will consider a zoning change for Devens. Passage requires approval by a majority of attendees at Ayer, Harvard, and Shirley town meetings held at the same date and time. Also on Oct. 24, a second meeting will be held to consider eight articles pertaining just to Harvard. Next week’s Press will include descriptions of the articles for both meetings.
Substance abuse counseling program
To address the opioid crisis that is impacting our region, the state, and the nation, Mount Wachusett Community College has launched a new substance abuse counseling certificate program and will host a free community forum Monday, Oct. 31, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. at the Gardner campus. For more information visit mwcc.edu/response.
Candidates forum in Acton
The Acton League of Women Voters will hold a candidates forum on Monday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Acton Public Safety Facility, 371 Main Street. The second half of the forum will feature the three candidates for state senate: Democrat Jamie Eldridge, Republican Ted Busiek, and Independent Terra Friedrichs.
Trick or treat for UNICEF
UNICEF boxes are being distributed to support children around the world. According to UNICEF, more than 16,000 children die daily from preventable or treatable diseases. Small amounts of money can do a lot: As little as $5 provides 13 children with measles vaccine; $15 provides a child with clean water for a year.
Children in kindergarten through grade 8 may pick up a UNICEF trick or treat box at the HES or Bromfield main office, the General Store, or the library and fill it with change between now and Halloween night. Kids can collect change by asking family, friends, and neighbors to contribute. On Halloween, children should bring their boxes to the General Store parking lot where there will be a giant UNICEF box for the money. Email hughsilk@yahoo.com with any questions. Learn more about UNICEF and this program at www.unicefusa.org/trick-or-treat/about.
Schools Trust membership drive
The Harvard Schools Trust, a nonprofit foundation supporting Hildreth Elementary School and the Bromfield School, has launched its annual membership drive. All contributions are fully tax-deductible.
Since its formation in 1989, the Schools Trust has awarded 460 grants totaling more than $800,000 for extracurriular activities, special equipment, and staff development. See a complete list of funded grants at harvardschoolstrust.org.
An individual or family membership for 2016-2017 is $35; Send checks to the Harvard Schools Trust, PO Box 450, Harvard, MA 01451, or contribute online at harvardschoolstrust.org.
Cultural Council seeks proposals
Grant applications for community-oriented arts, humanities, and science programs are available online and are due Oct. 17. Organizations, schools, and individuals may apply for grants that support cultural activities in and for the Harvard community. Applicants may access the online application and guidelines at www.mass-culture.org/harvard. Paper applications will not be considered; applications must be done online. For questions email lclerkin@gmail.com.
