Town Meeting is Oct. 21
Town Meeting will take place Saturday, Oct. 21, noon, at the Bromfield School’s Cronin Auditorium. See the Oct. 6 edition of the Press for an overview of the warrant articles to be voted on at the meeting. Or, go to www.harvard-ma.gov and click on “News & Announcements,” then on “Annual Town Meeting.”
Halloween parade
The Harvard Family Association’s Halloween Party and Costume Parade will take place Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Common. The event also features Touch-a-Truck, music with Mister Vic, pumpkin decorating, Halloween story time with Miss Abby, and lawn games and arts and crafts. Visit tinyurl.com/3hcpdv7z for a schedule of events.
Harvard Police happenings
- “Coffee with a Cop,” Oct. 18, 9 to 11 a.m. at the General Store, 1 Still River Road.
- Drug takeback, at the police station, 40 Ayer Road, Oct. 23 to 27. The box is in the lobby.
- Meet and greet the new police assistance dog, Nov. 20, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road. Light refreshments will be served.
Volunteer opportunities
- The Select Board is seeking two citizens at large to serve on the newly created Transfer Station Committee, which will review current function, services, and use of the Transfer Station and provide recommendations to ensure its future viability. If interested, fill out the form at harvard.seamlessdocs.com/f/volunteerform. Other vacancies for volunteers may be found at harvardmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php.
- MassDevelopment and the Devens Enterprise Commission are looking for volunteers to serve on a new committee for the Devens Intersections of Cultures and Communities Temporary Public Art Project. Email kdavis@massdevelopment.com for more information.
- The Nashua River Watershed Association is seeking volunteers for indoor and outdoor watershed-related projects. Email JoanneW@NashuaRiverWatershed.org to learn more.
Recycle!
Recycle Your Reusables 2023 takes place Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Ayer Shirley Middle School, 1 Hospital Road, Shirley. Materials accepted include bikes, electronics, household items, mattresses, and musical instruments. Donations for the Loaves & Fishes food pantry will also be accepted.
To volunteer for a three-hour shift, sign up at tinyurl.com/RecycleYourReusables2023; email recycleyourreusables@gmail.com; or phone 413-348-9353.
Free COVID-19 test kits available
Every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid test kits delivered to their home. To order, visit www.covid.gov/tests.
Before throwing out tests you think may be expired, check the FDA’s website at tinyurl.com/3d846ewd.
For more information on COVID-19, visit the Harvard Board of Health’s webpage at harvard-ma.gov/board-health/pages/covid-19.
Flu clinics
There will be a flu vaccine clinic Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Bromfield School cafeteria, 14 Mass. Ave., from 3 to 6 p.m. Preregistration is required at nashoba.org/calendar (scroll down to “Harvard”).
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health’s flu clinic schedule for the 2023-24 flu season can be viewed at harvard-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif676/f/uploads/flu_clinic_23_schedule.pdf. The full flu clinic schedule, registration links, and FAQ are posted on NABH’s website at nashoba.org/calendar.
Cultural Council application deadline approaching
The Harvard Cultural Council is accepting fiscal 2024 grant applications for community-based projects. Applications are due Oct. 17. Activities considered for annual grant funding include community gatherings such as concerts, plays, and festivals; arts, science, and environmental education in the schools and at the public library; and projects focusing on local history and diversity, restoration, and preservation. To view a video about how to apply, go to massculturalcouncil.org. To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com.
Public input for public transit
The Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) are working to create an Eastern Communities Transit Development Program in Ayer, Devens, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, and Shirley. Public input is sought in the form of a survey, which can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/GQXF3DV. The public’s input is critical toward identifying bus stop locations, target populations, and potential barriers within this region.
Candy donations
Halloween candy donations are now being accepted at the Harvard Police Department, 40 Ayer Road. Trick or treating will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the center of town.
Loaves & Fishes pantry
This food pantry, located at 234 Barnum Road, Devens, offers drive-thru access for those needing help with groceries. Hours are first Tuesday of the month, 5 to 7 p.m., and Wednesdays, Fridays, and third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Upcoming dates are Oct. 13, 18, and 21. View the full 2023 calendar at tinyurl.com/43ft9d5e. For more information, visit loavesfishes pantry.org or tinyurl.com/bdcrjf4k.
Devens noise report
- Through Oct. 31: multiple small arms
- Oct. 12-15, 19-22, and 24-28: machine gun ranges
- Oct. 27-28: grenade ranges.
