Help Operation Patriot Pride
A battalion of service men and women who have served the United States overseas is expected to return home to Devens in the upcoming weeks. However, budget constraints are making it difficult to adequately welcome them home. State Representative Jennifer Benson is asking for your help. Operation Patriot Pride is going to provide this "Welcome Home" reception for these service men and women, as well as their families.
For the celebration, Benson is asking for donations of baked goods and money to purchase goods for the party. She asks that all donations be deposited to 214 Main St., Groton, on or before Jan. 10. These donations can be dropped off between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Organizers ask that baked goods not be dropped off until Jan. 10 as storage and freshness are concerns. If monetary donations are being made, make checks payable to "Operation Patriot Pride" and mail them to Groton, or you can make donations directly at any North Middlesex Savings Bank.
Street list forms have been mailed
The annual street listing (census) forms have been mailed out to all households in Harvard as required by state law. The town asks that you complete and return your form as soon as possible, whether there are any changes or not. Your form should include everyone living in the household. Make additions or deletions as necessary.
If you did not receive a form, contact the town clerk at 978-456-4100 ext. 316, or download a blank form from the town's website, www.harvard.ma.us/Pages/HarvardMA_Clerk/census.
Parker School accepting applications
Applications are now available at the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School for students who will be entering grade seven next fall.
The Parker School is an innovative secondary school serving 393 students in grades seven through twelve. Located on Devens, the former military base, Parker is a regional public school that currently draws from 20 school districts and more than 40 towns.
An information program will be held at the school from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, and Sunday, Jan. 22. (Plan to stay for the whole program.)
It is highly recommended that all prospective students and their parents attend an information session as part of the application process. This Sunday afternoon program will offer an overview of the curriculum. Parker staff, current students, and parents will be on hand to answer questions about the academic program, extracurricular activities, and student life.
The Parker School is affiliated with the Coalition of Essential Schools and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is deliberately structured to help children learn to use their minds well.
The school expects to enroll 65 seventh graders for the 2012-13 academic year; the school will hold a lottery if the number of applicants exceeds the number of available seats.
Interested students or parents may call the school at 978-772-3293 to obtain an application packet. Applications must be completed by Wednesday, Feb. 1.
Families are encouraged to visit the school's website at www.parker.org for more information about the school.
Republican Town Committee meeting
The Harvard Republican Town Committee will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Hildreth House. All are welcome.
Adult bereavement support groups
Nashoba Nursing Service & Hospice provides a safe and comfortable environment to express the thoughts and feelings you may experience due to the loss of a loved one. Joining a grief support group can be a healthy step in your journey of grieving & healing. Support groups are facilitated by hospice professionals or volunteers trained in bereavement issues. If counseling is needed beyond the level of this support group, a list of competent professional counselors can be provided.
The winter groups begin next month.
- Six-Week Grieving & Healing Group
Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23, and March 1 and 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Contact Karen Campbell, coordinator of bereavement services, at 1-800-698-3307 x320 for registration and location. This group will meet in Ayer. Space is limited.
- Ongoing Adult Drop-In Support
Thursdays, Feb. 2, 9, 16, and 23, and March 1 and 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
This group will meet at Hazen Public Library in Shirley for six weeks. It is an ongoing drop-in for adults seeking support during the grieving process. Topics of coping and living with grief will be discussed.
USAG issues range-noise bulletin
The U.S. Army Garrison at Devens has issued a notice marking the following military activities that will result in increased noise.
- Saturday, Jan. 21: M203 familiarization fire, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 22: M203 familiarization fire, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cruise special at Bargains in the Belfry
Are you planning a winter getaway? Visit Bargains in the Belfry at the Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church on Tuesday, Jan. 17 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Tuesday, Jan. 24 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Saturday, Jan. 21 (10 a.m. to noon), and Sunday, Jan. 22 (11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.) and add to those things you are thinking of taking with you.
The shop will be displaying clothing appropriate to wear on cruises and winter getaways. Come often, as lightly used clothes arrive regularly.