More than 30 Harvard community organizations came together at Hildreth Elementary School Sept. 3 for Community Connections, an event designed to introduce residents to the groups, resources, and opportunities available in town.
Approximately 100 people attended the inaugural event, which brought together organizations ranging from the Harvard Girl Scouts, Lions Club, and ambulance squad to local service and family organizations. The event grew out of conversations among Girl Scout leader Jessica Stone, Lions Club member Joe Schmidt, and Harvard Public Schools Superintendent Dana Labb, who saw an opportunity to make it easier for residents to discover the many ways to get involved in the community.
Stone, who has led the Harvard Girl Scouts for 10 years, spearheaded the effort. She had connected with Schmidt at the Lions Club Health Fair and with Labb at the schools’ Festival of Cultures, and the three agreed that bringing Harvard organizations together under one roof could benefit the community.
Stone said the idea grew from a concern that many residents may be unaware of the organizations and activities available to them.
“There are so many wonderful initiatives and opportunities to be involved with in Harvard that many do not even know about,” she said.
Stone, a former Harvard resident who now lives in Bolton, remains closely connected to the town. Her children attend Harvard schools, and she continues to lead the local Girl Scouts.
Stone said was particularly pleased to meet new families at Thursday’s event and connect them with organizations such as Loaves & Fishes and the Harvard Family Association. At the Girl Scouts’ table, she coordinated crafts, shared information about the troop’s activities, and recruited new members. The troop is currently raising money for a cultural and educational trip to Puerto Rico.
Food trucks and baked goods were also available at the event. Stone said feedback was positive, although organizers are considering whether a different time of day or time of year might draw more people to a future event.
John Osborn contributed to this story.
