Celebration needs volunteers
Celebration is a substance-free post-prom event designed to keep students safe on what can otherwise be a dangerous night. The event started around 25 years ago after a Harvard teen died in an accident linked to drinking and driving. Students come directly from the prom with the aim of staying all night. Prizes in the morning are one reason the kids stay; fun activities and a chance to hang out with their full class are other reasons. By design, the event is not a school event, but is instead coordinated by Harvard Celebration Inc., an independent nonprofit organization, and is carried out by many volunteers.
The 2022 Celebration will be held Friday, May 20, and will include a walkthrough for the public before students arrive. Celebration needs new leadership and volunteers to continue keeping kids safe on prom night. To see volunteer options and sign up to help, go to www.harvardcelebration.org.
Elderly and disabled tax aid available
Qualified residents may avail themselves of Harvard’s Elderly and Disabled Tax Aid Fund. Information and program qualification guidelines can be found at tinyurl.com/2p8hn45f. Visit tinyurl.com/yuzxm66y for applications, which are due to the treasurer/tax collector’s office by Wednesday, May 18. Questions can be directed to Lindsey Ames via email at lames@harvard-ma.gov or by phone at 978-456-4100, ext. 318.
Townwide cleanup
The 2022 townwide cleanup and garlic mustard pull will take place Thursday, April 28, through Sunday, May 1. Pick up supplies at Westward Orchards, 178 Mass. Ave., Wednesday, April 27, 2 to 4 p.m. or Saturday, April 30, 8 a.m. to noon, and collect trash and garlic mustard anytime between Thursday, April 28, and Sunday, May 1. Sign up at bit.ly/Cleanup2022.
Volunteer to farm
Community Harvest Project, 37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton, announces the opening of its 20th season of volunteer farming for hunger relief. The public is invited to the farm Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for an open house to learn about volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit community-harvest.org.
Tree-For-All
The Harvard Conservation Trust will distribute Virginia Rose seedlings at the Transfer Station on Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to noon and in the center of town on Sunday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Virginia Rose is a pollinator valued by birds, bees, and butterflies, as well as a source of rose hips, rich in Vitamin C. To join the Harvard Conservation Trust, visit harvardconservationtrust.org.
Autism Awareness and Pride Patches
April is Autism Awareness Month, and the officers of the Harvard Police Department are showing their support by wearing a specially designed autism patch on their uniforms.
A limited number of patches are available for purchase for $10 each. To purchase a patch, come to the police station and see Sgt. Callahan or Trish Rouvel or call 978-456-8276, Tuesday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash or checks accepted; make out checks to “Harvard Police Association.” All proceeds will be donated to the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism and its efforts to enhance the quality of life for people with autism.
The department is also showing its support for the LGBTQ community with the introduction of the official Harvard Police Pride Patch. The patch will be sold for $10, with all proceeds donated to the Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people. To purchase a patch, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a check or money order for $10 made out to the Harvard Police Association, c/o Officer Cavanaugh, 40 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA 01451. For further information on the department’s community outreach work, email Officer Cavanaugh at acavanaugh@harvard-ma.gov.
Promotional pinnings
The public is invited to an evening celebrating the promotional pinnings of James D. Babu to the rank of chief of police and Charles DiRienzo to the rank of sergeant, Thursday, April 28, at Upper Town Hall, 13 Ayer Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; pinning at 7:15 p.m. Light dessert refreshments will be served.
Drinking water report
The town’s 2021 annual drinking water report is now available at tinyurl.com/5z6k9t94. The report is a snapshot of the quality of the town’s drinking water for the past year, including details about where the water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to state and federal standards. Questions may be directed to Tim Kilhart at the Department of Public Works at 978-456-4130.
HCT community service projects
The Harvard Conservation Trust is now accepting trail manager applications from Bromfield School juniors and seniors for the spring session. Student volunteers work outdoors on conservation lands across Harvard as part of the HCT-Bromfield Service Collaboration and receive training as trail managers. Trail work counts towards the 40 hours of community services that Bromfield students must complete to graduate. To register, visit harvardconservationtrust.org/volunteer.
Soccer flower fundraiser
The Friends of Harvard Soccer will offer Mother’s Day flowers to support the Bromfield boys and girls soccer teams. All profits go to support the upcoming season. The last day to order will be Sunday, May 1; pick up flowers Saturday, May 7, on the Common from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit fohsoccer.com to order flowers.
Loaves & Fishes
The Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, serves Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley. The drive-thru pantry will be open 9 a.m. to noon on April 16, 20, 22, 27, and 29.
Devens noise report
- April 1 to 30: multiple small arms ranges.
- April 21: M203/320 qualification.
- April 21 to 23: rotary wing operations.
