Distracted driving law is in effect
The new Massachusetts distracted driving law took effect Sunday, Feb. 23. The law prohibits holding any electronic device while driving, permits just one touch to activate or deactivate calls, and requires devices to be 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. Many motorists will have to purchase and install new hands-free technologies to comply with the new law.
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.
4th of July art contest
The Harvard 4th of July Committee is accepting entries for its art contest. Students age 18 and under who live or attend school in Harvard may submit one or more original entries incorporating this year's theme, “100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote.” Entries are due by Monday, March 9. They may be dropped off at the Hildreth Elementary School office or emailed (as a as PDF or JPG file not to exceed 5MB in size) to harvard4th@gmail.com. Student name and parent contact information must be included. Artwork should be scaled to fit on an 8.5"x11" sheet of paper. Use only black ink. The line thickness should be equivalent to a fine-point Sharpie so the drawing may be reproduced for printing.
The winning entry will be featured on the 2020 Harvard 4th of July T-shirts, and the winner will receive a prize valued at approximately $100. Email Connie Barton at harvard4th@gmail.com with any questions.
Youth track clinic registration opens
The Harvard Parks and Recreation Commission will host an informal track and field clinic for boys and girls in grades 3 through 6. Registration opens March 1. The emphasis is on participating, learning, improving, and doing one’s best. The clinic is organized by David Bell with assistance from current and former Bromfield track team members. Track events include the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter races, the 50-meter dash for 3rd- and 4th-graders, and the 800-meter and 1-mile for 5th- and 6th-graders. Field events include the softball throw and the running long jump. There is also the 4×100-meter relay. Go to harvard.ma.us/parks&rec for more information.
Boat storage lottery and rental kiosk registration open March 1
Registration opens March 1 for Harvard's boat storage lottery. The lottery fees have gone up for those who want the privilege of storing their personal boats at the beach.
Harvard now has a boat rental kiosk with registration also starting March 1 for rental of canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and a pedal boat. If you don't win the lottery or don't want to haul your boat to the pond, consider renting. Annual and day passes are available. Go to harvard.ma.us/parks&rec to register and for more information.
Deadline for absentee voting
The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the March 3 presidential primary and the special state primary election is Monday, March 2, at noon. It is now too late to have the ballot mailed to you, but you may vote in the town clerk’s office.
League hosts student video contest
The League of Women Voters of Massachusetts invites Massachusetts students in grades 9 through 12 to enter its “Teen Voting Rights Challenge” video contest. Participants create 30-second videos to raise public awareness around the question, “Should 16-year-olds have the right to vote?” Winners will be invited to an award ceremony at the Massachusetts State House in June. Prizes are $500 for first place, $250 for second place, $100 for third place, and $50 for honorable mention. Entries may be submitted online at www.lwvma.org through March 31. Winners will be announced by May 15. For more information go to www.lwvma.org, email lwvma@lwvma.org or call 857-452-1715.
