Summer reading program ends
The library’s summer reading program has ended, and readers should stop counting hours. For those who have read more than 30 hours, bookplate redemption begins after the Labor Day weekend, on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Readers do not have to come to the library to confirm hours; library personnel can access online accounts or review paper logs.
Flea Market booths available
Booth space is available at the Oct. 12 Harvard Flea Market. Be part of one of the town’s signature events and sell some of those items that are just taking up space in your attic or basement. For more information and to download the booth reservation form, visit harvardfleamarket.com. The fee is $55 for Harvard/Still River/Devens residents; $80 for out-of-town vendors. Proceeds benefit the Harvard Schools Trust and the League of Women Voters of Harvard.
Registration open for rowing programs
Registration for Bare Hill Rowing fall programs is now open.
- Learn to Row programs are offered for Bromfield students in grades 6 and 7.
- The Bromfield Acton-Boxborough rowing team is open to Bromfield and Acton-Boxborough students in grades 8 to 12. No experience is needed.
Early registration is encouraged. Visit www.barehillrowing.com to find out more and to register.
Federal census workers now in Harvard
2020 census workers will be visiting addresses in Harvard now through Oct. 18. Workers are identified by an official badge and photo ID.
The census counts every person living in the United States and U.S. territories. This count is conducted every 10 years by the nonpartisan U.S. Census Bureau and is mandated by the Constitution. The results determine congressional representation as well as federal funding for states and communities. The United States has counted its population every 10 years since 1790.
Seniors may apply for means-tested property tax exemption
The deadline for applying for the town’s means-tested senior property tax exemption is Monday, Sept. 16. Harvard voted in May to do a three-year trial to limit longtime senior residents’ property taxes to 10% of their income, up to 50% of their property taxes. Residents must file to be eligible. The form is available on the front page of the town website or from Debbie Thompson at the Council on Aging. It’s very important that any senior who has lived in town for at least 10 consecutive years and who qualifies for the state’s Circuit Breaker Program (CB Program) apply, even if they think they don’t qualify for the town’s new program.
Ambulance Service
offers EMT class
The Harvard Ambulance Service has spots available in its upcoming EMT class, which begins Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Public Safety Building, 40 Ayer Road. Sessions will be held Sundays noon to 4 p.m. and Thursdays 6 to 10 p.m. The class is open to anyone on a self-pay basis. There is no requirement to join the Ambulance Service. Contact Samantha Williams, Cadet Program Coordinator, at swilliams@harvardems.org for more information or to enroll.
MassDOT Labor Day travel advisory
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will be shutting down construction outside of fixed work zones for the Labor Day travel period starting 5 a.m., Friday, Aug. 30. Scheduled road work will resume as of normal business hours Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Free coffee will be served at MassDOT service plazas from 10 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2, through 5 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3. The plazas serving free coffee include 11 along I-90 plus plazas along Route 3 in Plymouth, Route 128 in Beverly, Route 128/I-95 in Newton and Lexington, Route 6 in Barnstable, and the Route 24 northbound and southbound plazas.
MassDOT will be increasing patrols on all major roadways to support roadside assistance needs. Requests for assistance can be initiated by calling 911.
The MBTA has released the following information regarding travel on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2:
- All subway and commuter rail lines, buses, trackless trolleys, and commuter rails will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- There will be no service on the F1 Hingham-Boston ferry, and all other ferries and boats will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- For more information: https://www.mbta.com/holidays
Bowling league looking for members
The Merchants mixed candlepin bowling league at Harvard Lanes is looking for new members. The league is open to men and women of any skill level. Join as an individual, couple, or bring your own team of three bowlers. There are cash prizes with an end-of-season awards banquet. Games begin Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. and run through March. For more information contact league president Scott Bulger at 978-512-9669 or scottbu1970@gmail.com.
