Keep pets safe during coyote breeding season
January/February is coyote breeding season. Coyotes are normally shy and elusive, but during the mating season they become territorial and may attack dogs of any size. Simple precautions should be taken to avoid encounters, such as keeping your dog leashed at all times. Coyotes have a healthy fear of humans, so keeping your dog close by should keep coyotes at a safe distance. When letting your dogs out in your yard, always turn a light on. Never let them out without keeping an eye on them if you don’t have a fenced-in yard.
Town Caucus will nominate candidates
The Town Caucus to nominate candidates for Harvard’s 2020 Annual Town Election will be held Monday, March 23, at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall meeting room. There is a quorum requirement of 25
registered voters. Nominations require a Harvard registered voter to nominate a candidate and another to second the nomination. Up to two people receiving the highest number of votes for an open seat will be nominated by the caucus. The following seats are open:
- Select Board: 2 positions for 3 years
- Library Trustees: 2 positions for 3 years
- School Committee: 2 positions for 3 years
- Warner Free Lecture Trustees: 2 positions for 3 years
- Moderator: 1 position for 1 year
Distracted driving law takes effect Feb. 23
The new Massachusetts distracted driving law takes effect Sunday, Feb. 23. The law prohibits holding any electronic device while driving, permits just one touch to activate or deactivate a call, and requires any device to be properly mounted on the windshield, dashboard, or center console. While many new cars facilitate easy hands-free communication, not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to adapting. The average vehicle on the road today is 11.8 years old, so many motorists will be compelled to purchase and install new hands-free technologies ranging from Bluetooth to car mounts to comply with the new law.
Primary election voter info
Absentee ballots
Absentee ballots for the March 3 presidential primary and the special state primary election will be available in the town clerk’s office approximately three to four weeks before the election. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Monday, March 2, at noon. You may vote in the town clerk’s office or have the ballot mailed to you. Go to https://bit.ly/2tuXTNA for the absentee ballot application.
Early voting
Early voting for the March 3 presidential primary and special state primary will be held in the town clerk’s office Feb. 24 through Feb. 27.
- Monday, Feb. 24: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 25: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 26: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 27: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mud season and Harvard trails
Mud season has started early this year, and with the ground vulnerable to potholes, rutting, and erosion as it thaws, the Conservation Commission asks that horseback riders and bicyclists stay off town trails until they firm up. Trail walkers and runners are advised that some sections may be impassable with mud and water and that traffic skirting wet spots widens muddy areas, so staying on the existing trail or rock-hopping is best. A good trail option at this time of year is the running track through the woods at Harvard Park. It is open to all users and is built with drainage and a compacted surface.
When the ground is drier, horseback riding and biking are permitted on the primary (yellow) trails unless otherwise marked. Fields are protected for wildlife and agricultural use, so pass around the periphery of fields if there is no trail. See the town website or contact Conservation Agent Liz Allard at 978-456-4100 or
lallard@harvard.ma.us for more information.
2020 election and Town Meeting schedule
- March 3 Presidential Primary and Special State Rep. Primary
- March 23 Town Caucus
- March 31 Special State Rep. Election
- May 2 Spring Town Meeting
- May 5 Annual Town Election
- Sept. 1 State Primary
- Nov. 3 Presidential Election
Harvard Lions Club offers grants
The Harvard Lions Club is accepting requests for grants to local organizations and families in need of assistance. Due date is March 19, 2020. Go to www.harvardlions.org. to download the application. Applications will be reviewed and decisions made by the Harvard Lions Club local donation committee.
