No parking at police station
Paving begins in the parking lot at the Public Safety Building, 40 Ayer Road, Friday, Nov. 17. The lot will be closed to traffic until the project is completed. The department recommends those with police business phone 978-456-8276. Visit tinyurl.com/fmf2ueya for updates.
Meet the police assistance dog
The town’s new assistance dog, Franny, will be at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road, Monday, Nov. 20. from 1 to 3 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
Franny, in the arms of Officer Tim Schaeffer. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Vaccination clinic in Littleton
COVID-19 shots will be available Monday, Nov. 20, from 3 to 6 p.m., at Littleton Town Hall, 37 Shattuck Street, room 103. The Pfizer or Moderna shots are for ages 12 and older. The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health will also be on hand with high-dose flu vaccine for seniors. Vaccination is free of charge; bring your Medicare or health insurance card and ID. To sign up or for more information, call Littleton Elder and Human Services at 978-540-2470, Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Grants for artists
The Massachusetts Cultural Council is offering $5,000 grants to artists in the fields of community-based arts, crafts, dance, design, digital, film and video, folk, world, and traditional arts, native and Indigenous arts, literature, music, performance, photography, theater, and visual arts. Learn more at massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/grants-for-creative-individuals/.
Mental and behavioral health support
The Harvard Board of Health has posted a webpage highlighting recently developed mental and behavioral health resources available to residents at no cost. These include grief and healing support groups with the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, the Mass. Behavioral Health Hotline, and the 25 community behavioral health centers newly established throughout Massachusetts. Visit harvard-ma.gov/board-health/pages/mental-behavioral-health; contact the Board of Health at 978-456-4100 ext. 328 with questions.
Winter fun
Registration is now open for the Ski and Snowboard Club for Hildreth Elementary and Bromfield School students. Open to students in grades 3 to 12, this program takes place on six Wednesdays after school, starting Jan. 3, 2024. Participants will be taken to and from Wachusett Mountain via coach bus from the schools. For more info and to register, please visit the Harvard Parks and Rec website at harvardma.myrec.com/.
Shuttle service to MBTA station
The MART (Montachusett Regional Transit Authority) bus commuter shuttle connecting Harvard to Boston via the MBTA station in Littleton has begun operation. The van picks passengers up and drops them off from Town Hall, 13 Ayer Road, and from the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road; parking is not offered. See schedules in last week’s issue of the Press or go to www.harvard-ma.gov and from “News & Announcements” click on “Harvard Commuter Shuttle.”
Dec. 15 elections in Devens
Elections to fill two positions each on the Devens Committee and the Devens Educational Advisory Committee, or DEAC, will take place next month.
The Devens Committee is a volunteer group that represents the Devens community and makes recommendations to MassDevelopment and other stakeholders. DEAC advises MassDevelopment on educational matters, including the review of all contracts for educational services. It is composed of four elected Devens residents (two of whom must have school-aged children) and one member from each of the school committees of Ayer Shirley Regional School District and Harvard. For more information, contact Karen Davis at MassDevelopment, 978-784-2933.
- Monday, Nov. 27: Voter registration and nomination forms due no later than 5 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 1: Ballots distributed to registered voters in Devens.
- Friday, Dec. 15: The election will be by mail-in ballot only. Ballots are due by 4 p.m.
- Friday, Dec. 22: Election results emailed to Devens residents.
Treasurer warns of scam
The state treasurer’s office is warning citizens about fraudulent phone calls claiming to be from their office. The calls state, “You owe money to the treasury to avoid an arrest for drug possession.” The treasurer’s office does not call people to collect money. If you receive a call like this, please contact the treasurer’s office immediately at 617-367-6900 to confirm legitimacy.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
The Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church, 9 Ayer Road, will host a vigil and memorial service, Friday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 7 p.m., dedicated to Americans who lost their lives during the past year due to transphobia. This event will start with a walking vigil around the Common, followed by a memorial service in the sanctuary. During the service the names and pictures of those who have died will be shared, and several speakers will also provide brief remarks. This event is free and open to the public.
HPD patch for veterans
During November, officers are wearing patches to honor those who have served in the military. The patches are available for $10; all proceeds will be donated to the community center at Clear Path for Veterans New England.
Assistive technology fair
The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services is hosting an assistive technology fair Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Best Western Hotel, 181 Boston Post Road W, Marlborough. This event features innovations in smart home technology, wellness, employment, recreation and leisure, adaptive equipment, and transportation. People with disabilities, their families, friends, and supporters are encouraged to attend. Learn more and register at tinyurl.com/nhe7nk8w.
Loaves & Fishes food 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 Nov. 18, 22, and 29. The pantry will be closed Friday, Nov. 17, and Friday, Nov. 24. For more information, visit loavesfishespantry.org or tinyurl.com/bdcrjf4k.
Thanksgiving dinner distribution will be Monday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m.
