Burning season lasts one more month
Open burning season, which is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and enforced by Harvard’s Fire Department, runs from Jan. 15 to May 1 of each year. A valid permit obtained from the Harvard Fire Department is required. The fire chief reserves the right to deny open burning on any day because of weather or environmental conditions. Open burning permits are available online at massfire.net/brush/harvard.php or at Town Hall during normal business hours for a fee of $10 per year. Each day you wish to burn, you must activate your permit. This may be done online or by phoning 978-456-1212 between 9 a.m. and noon. Questions on open burning or the permit process should be directed to Fire Chief Rick Sicard at 978-456-3648.
Dog licenses
Dog licenses must be purchased by Thursday, April 13, to avoid a late fee. Puppies must be licensed by six months of age. New older dogs and dogs belonging to new residents must be licensed within 30 days. You may register dogs at the town clerk’s office with a valid rabies certificate and, if applicable, a certificate of spaying/neutering. Fees are $15 for spayed females, $25 for unspayed females, $15 for neutered males, $25 for unneutered males, $45 for three or four dogs, $65 for five to 10 dogs, and $100 for more than 10 dogs. There is no charge if owner is 70+ years old. You may also register dogs online at www.harvard.ma.us/town-clerk/pages/dog-licenses.
Rabies clinic April 8
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health in conjunction with Harvard’s Board of Health and area veterinarians will hold a rabies vaccination clinic at the Harvard town garage Saturday, April 8, 2 to 3 p.m. Cost is $15 cash or check only. The vaccination is good for three years if proof is provided of previous vaccinations within appropriate time frames.
Selectmen offer scholarships
The Board of Selectmen will offer financial assistance to Bromfield seniors through the Ginny Thurston Scholarship fund. Interested students should write to the selectmen’s office at 13 Ayer Road listing their community and extracurricular activities along with their post-graduation plans. Contact the selectmen’s office or the guidance office at Bromfield for more information. Letters of interest are due by Monday, May 1.
Financial assistance is also available to second- and third-year college students from trust funds left to the town by Sarah Watson. Applications are available at the selectmen’s office or at www.harvard.ma.us/town-administrators-office. Applications must be returned to trustee Attorney David Taylor by July 1.
Bears are out and about
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife advises residents who live in areas where bears have been spotted (such as Harvard!) to take down their bird feeders. Warmer temperatures have coaxed black bears from their dens, and they are actively seeking food. MassWildlife recommends removing all outdoor food sources, including bird feeders, garbage cans, and open compost. Bee hives, chickens, and livestock should also be protected. For more details visit Mass.gov/Bears.
Erase those overdue book fines!
The Harvard Public Library is sponsoring a Food for Fines Week April 10 to 15. During this period, patrons are encouraged to bring undamaged, unexpired nonperishable items to the library. Each donated item may be applied as a $1 waiver toward the reduction of existing overdue fines. No fines? Donate anyway! The library will accept donations throughout the week, all to benefit the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry. For more information call the library at 978-456-4114.
Nashoba Youth Football and Cheer
All current and future football players and cheerleaders are invited to learn about Nashoba Youth Football and Cheer. Come to any of three information nights to talk with coaches, check out the gear, and learn more about the spring flag football and fall football and cheer seasons open to boys and girls in grades K-8 in Bolton, Lancaster, Stow, and Harvard. Information sessions are at 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, at the Center School in Stow; Tuesday, April 11, at the Sawyer School in Bolton; and Wednesday, April 12, at the Rowlandson School in Lancaster. For more information, including a list of contacts, visit www.nashobayfc.com.
Historical Society offers scholarship
The Harvard Historical Society (HHS) will award a $500 scholarship to a graduating Bromfield senior. Applicants are asked to provide information about their educational plans and to write a short essay about why they believe preserving history is important and how they plan to contribute to that goal. Students may request an application by emailing curator@harvardhistory.org. The HHS scholarship committee will select one applicant who best represents the ideals of the Society, based on the application. Entries must be dated by May 10, 2017.
Snowmobile trails now closed
The Harvard Conservation Commission reminds residents that snowmobile trails on town conservation lands are now closed for the season.
