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 each year. A valid permit obtained from the Harvard Fire Department is required. The fire chief reserves the right to deny burning on any day because of weather or environmental conditions. 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 either online or by phoning 978-456-1212 between 9 a.m. and noon. Call Fire Chief Rick Sicard at 978-456-3648 with questions on open burning or the permit process.
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.
Townwide roadside cleanup
All residents are encouraged to participate in the second annual townwide roadside cleanup Thursday through Sunday, April 27–30. This year participants may also volunteer to pull garlic mustard. Volunteers may sign up for any section of any Harvard road by logging onto http://goo.gl/d50vXh or by emailing harvard.cleanup@gmail.com. Bags and gloves will be provided. DPW will collect bags from roadsides May 1. Email Harvard.Cleanup@gmail.com or garlicmustard.harvard@gmail.com with questions.
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 online at www.harvard.ma.us/town-clerk/pages/dog-licenses or 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.
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.
Collection starts for annual library book sale
The Friends of the Harvard Public Library will begin collecting books for its annual book sale Saturday, April 15, 9 a.m. to noon at the main entrance to the library. Please bring only books in good condition, and do not bring encyclopedias, magazines, Readers Digest books, VHS tapes, record albums, or cassettes. Collection will continue on Saturdays, April 22 and 29.
The book sale itself will start on Friday, May 5, with a preview for members of Friends of the Library and will continue Saturdays and Sundays through May 14. All proceeds go to support services and programs at the library, including museum passes, children’s programs, and Friends of the Arts events.
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.
Harvard Woman’s Club scholarships
The Harvard Woman’s Club is accepting applications for its annual scholarship awards to deserving graduating high school seniors at the Bromfield School and to Harvard residents at other public high schools. Applications are available at https://goo.gl/X201PU.
Applications must be received no later than April 30. Email them to HWC@terriau.org or send to Harvard Woman’s Club Scholarship Committee, PO Box 438, Harvard, MA 0141.
Bargains consignment shop now accepting spring and summer items
Bargains in the Belfry, a consignment shop of the Harvard Unitarian Church, at the top of the Common, resells lightly used men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing. The shop, which is open each Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and first and third Sundays 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is now accepting spring and summer clothing. It is located in the “belfry” of the church; entrance is through the side door, near the front. Proceeds benefit the church and the community. Call 978-772-9245 for more information.
