Get your patch
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and officers of the Harvard Police Department are taking part in the #pink patchproject to show their support, wearing specially designed pink HPD patches on their uniforms. A limited number of patches are available for purchase for $10 each through this month or until they’re sold out. To buy a patch, come to the station at 40 Ayer Road, or contact Sgt. Callahan or Trish at 978-456-8276 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden.
Trick or treat
Trick-or-treating will be held in the town center Monday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. Halloween candy donations are now being accepted at the Harvard Police Department, 40 Ayer Road.
Flu shot clinics
The Nashoba Nursing Service will host flu shot clinics Tuesday, Oct. 18, 9-11 a.m. at Hildreth House, 15 Elm St. (for adults and seniors only); and Tuesday, Oct. 25, 3-6 p.m. at the Bromfield School, 14 Mass. Ave. (all ages). Preregistration at tinyurl.com/2p93f4x7 is required. To learn more and view availability in other towns, visit nashoba.org/calendar.
Employment opportunities
The town currently has openings for a Council on Aging van driver, an accounting assistant, and an administrative assistant (land use and building departments). For more information, visit harvard-ma.gov/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities.
Disposal of textiles and mattresses banned
Beginning Nov. 1, the Department of Environmental Protection will ban the disposal of textiles and mattresses in Massachusetts. This is part of DEP’s 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan, which set a goal to reduce disposal statewide by 30% by 2030. According to DEP, residents and businesses dispose of about 230,000 tons of textiles annually, although 95% of that could have been reused or recycled.
Only textiles contaminated with mold, insects, oil, or hazardous substances can be disposed of. Other textiles can be recycled at the collection bins at the Transfer Station, at the Red Cross bin at the Public Safety Building, or at the collection bin in front of Rollstone Bank.
Town’s renewable energy contract renewed
The town has selected Direct Energy Services as the supplier for its community choice power supply program. Direct will provide electric power for all who participate in the program. Consumers will not notice any change in service and will continue to receive one bill from National Grid. To opt in or out of the program, go to colonialpowergroup.com/harvard or call Direct Energy Services at 866-968-8065.
For details, go to www.harvard-ma.gov/home/news/community-choice-power-supply-program-public-notice and click on the public notice link.
Harvard Help needs drivers
Harvard Help is a volunteer organization whose motto is “Neighbors helping neighbors.” The group provides free rides to residents who aren’t able to drive, usually to medical appointments but also for other everyday needs. The rides cover the general metrowest area (not Boston). Their list of drivers is currently very short. If you are willing to provide a ride once or twice a month for a neighbor who needs it, please call the Council on Aging at 978-456-4120.
Grants available
The Harvard Cultural Council is accepting fiscal 2023 grant applications for community-based projects. Applications are due Oct. 17. For more information, email Rich Marcello at rmarcello01451@gmail.com. To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp.
Volunteer sought
The Devens Board of Assessors is looking for a Devens resident who would be interested in becoming a member of the board. The role of the assessors office is to list and value real property throughout Devens. Board members are responsible for reviewing annual property valuations and approving or denying tax abatements. Members are required to complete an online assessors’ course. If interested, contact Lisa Kalinowski at Kalinowski@massdevelopment.com.
Devens noise report
Oct. 1-31: multiple small arms ranges
