Town to clean up tree debris
The town of Harvard has been working with FEMA on a plan to clean up the tree debris left behind from December’s ice storm. The town will contract with outside contractors to collect and dispose of tree debris along the shoulders of all public and private roadways. This includes debris that private property owners bring to the curbside from their property. Contractors for the town will not enter private property to pick up debris under any circumstances. All debris must be stacked along the shoulder of the roadway in front of the property, but must not encroach on the paved roadway.
It is expected that the town will complete the procurement process and have contactors in town by May 1. The collection process is expected to take four weeks to complete. A detailed street-by-street schedule will be published in local newspapers and on the town of Harvard website (www.harvard.ma.us) prior to the start of the work. All debris must be ready for pickup by the dates scheduled. Under no circumstances will the cleanup crews return to pickup additional debris.
As an added resource, the town will be opening a brush dump for residents only (no contractors) to drop off any additional brush that may not be convenient to stack curbside. The brush dump will be located at the highway yard next to the transfer station at 47 Depot Road. It will open April 13 and operate until June 15, Mondays to Thursdays 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays 7 to 11 a.m., and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Questions about the pickup can be directed by e-mail to Department of Public Works Director Rich Nota at rnota@harvard.ma.us.
Devens schedules target practice
Devens has issued a “range noise bulletin” announcing that firing practice will take place Sunday, Apr. 12, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday, Apr. 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Apr. 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, Apr. 19, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. During these periods residents may hear gunfire coming from the direction of Devens.
Superintendent to host coffee hours
Schools Superintendent Thomas Jefferson has scheduled two informal coffee hours to discuss the fiscal 2010 budget and other areas of interest for parents and community members. Meetings will be held in the Harvard Elementary School cafeteria Wednesday, April 29, at 9:30 a.m., and in the Bromfield School cafeteria Friday, May 1, at 7:45 a.m. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Community members are welcome to attend either or both sessions. Those unable to attend, but who have questions about the budget, may call 978-456-4140 or send e-mail to tjefferson@psharvard.org.
Parks and Rec announces boat storage lottery
The Parks and Recreation Commission has opened the lottery for boat storage slots at the town beach. The lottery includes canoe/kayak racks, moorings, and boat slips. There is no cost to enter the lottery. Entries are due no later than Sunday, April 19; winners will be chosen Monday, April 20. For more information visit the Parks and Recreation website at www.harvardparkandrec.org.
Summer rec program registration open
Registration for swimming, boating, and tennis lessons will open Saturday, April 11, at 9 a.m. on the Parks and Recreation website. Schedule information will also be available at that time. Visit www.harvardparkandrec.org for more information.
