Summer reading program ends
The library’s summer reading program officially ends at 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, and readers are reminded to stop counting hours then. For those who have read more than 30 hours, bookplate redemption begins after the Labor Day weekend, on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Please note that readers do not have to come to the library to confirm hours; library personnel can access online accounts or review paper logs after summer reading officially ends.
Special offers during August and September
Fruitlands — Admission will be free on Friday, Aug. 16, thanks to its partnership with the Highland Street Foundation’s Free Fun Friday initiative. There will be trail tours, gallery tours, hands-on activities, and fun for all ages.
Old Sturbridge Village — During August up to three kids aged 17 and younger will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult paying full admission. Also, admission is free for everyone Friday, Aug. 30, courtesy of the Highland Street Foundation. For more information visit www.osv.org.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden – AARP members and up to five guests may visit Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston free of charge Tuesdays in September, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mention the code “FUN50” at the entrance gate. Preregistration is encouraged at www.aarp.org/garden or 877-926-8300.
Sales tax weekend: August 17-18
Gov. Charlie Baker has announced that the Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday, slated for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17 and 18, will take place under mostly the same rules it has in the past with mostly the same exclusions. The Department of Revenue has issued updated information, including details on exclusions, and an updated list of frequently asked questions.
Recycle unused crutches, canes, walkers, wheelchairs
In attics, garages, and basements across the region sit unused crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs that are no longer needed. Rotary’s Crutches Recycling Project will collect these mobility aids and donate them for distribution in developing nations to individuals with physical disabilities. Items in good condition can be dropped off during business hours at Gervais Ford and Jack O’Lantern Liquors in Ayer, Clear Path for Veterans New England in Devens, and the podiatry office of Dr. Jeffrey G. Resnick in Harvard.
New traffic signage
in Devens
In an effort to properly route Devens industrial park traffic and also reduce traffic in the Buena Vista/Auman Street area, new wayfinding and turn restriction signs have been installed. See details at https://bit.ly/31frtlg. The Massachusetts State Police will be monitoring these areas and enforcing the new rules.
Jackson Road bridge work continues
Structural work on the Jackson Road bridge over the Nashua River in Devens has begun and involves night closures over an approximate four- to five-week period. All work will be done between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., Sundays through Thursdays.
MassDevelopment engineering and Devens operations are working closely with the Mass Department of Transportation to coordinate the timing of the project to have the least amount of impact on residents, workers, and visitors coming to Devens. Traffic exiting Devens during the closures may refer to https://bit.ly/2OGoLE7 for a detour map. For more information email jstrunkin@massdevelopment.com.
Army asks for input on environmental issues
The Army is updating its process for communicating information to neighboring communities about environmental cleanup activities, including PFAS, at the former Fort Devens, and it is seeking input from residents in the form of an 18-question survey. Questions focus on residents’ levels of awareness of the cleanup activities, where residents get their information, and how they would like the Army to communicate information about the cleanup process. The final question provides an opportunity to ask questions or comment on the Army’s PFAS investigation. Responses will be kept confidential and may be done anonymously.
The questionnaire is available at www.harvard.ma.us/board-health. The deadline to submit responses is Aug. 18.
