Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry will offer drive-thru access from 9 a.m. to noon March 20, 24, 26, and 31.
Drivers, yield to amphibians
MassWildlife reminds Massachusetts drivers that March is the beginning of the breeding season for spotted salamanders, wood frogs, blue-spotted salamanders, Jefferson salamanders, American toads, spring peepers, four-toed salamanders, northern leopard frogs, and eastern red-backed salamanders. These amphibians—some of them rare—will face the daunting task of crossing roads to reach their destinations.
Whenever possible over the next two months, please consider not driving on rainy nights when air temperatures are 40 F or higher. If you must travel during such conditions, delay the trip beyond the first two hours after sunset and plan routes that minimize the number of wetlands or vernal pools passed.
Report high levels of amphibian activity or mortality to the Linking Landscapes for Massachusetts Wildlife initiative (www.linkinglandscapes.info), which compiles data to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions on problem roadways.
Anyone who sees a rare amphibian species (eastern spadefoot, blue-spotted salamander, Jefferson salamander, or marbled salamander) should take a clear photograph of the animal, document the location, and submit an observation report to MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.
Town seeks proposals for senior center
The town of Harvard is seeking quotes for a potential future acquisition, by lease or purchase, of property to be used for Council on Aging offices and a senior center. The acquisition, were it to be approved by a town meeting, would be an alternative to a Hildreth House addition.
The property must be located within a 3.5-mile radius of 13 Ayer Road, and must include a building or space consisting of at least 5,500 square feet of usable space. Other criteria include nonexclusive use of at least 30 parking spaces; handicapped accessibility; and central air conditioning. The space should also provide—or be adaptable to provide—a dining area with seating for 90 people; six to eight offices; four to six bathrooms; and storage space for tables, chairs, and equipment.
Anyone interested in submitting a response to the request for quote should contact msobalvarro@harvard.ma.us or cryan@harvard.ma.us and ask for the RFQ form.
Town caucus canceled: Candidates must file nomination papers by April 13
The town caucus will not be held this year, so candidates who intend to run for office in the May 18 Town Election must instead file nomination papers with the town clerk by April 13 at 5 p.m. Positions are open on the Select Board and School Committee and on the Warner Free Lecture and Harvard Public Library boards of trustees.
Nomination papers must include 25 certified signatures of Harvard voters, though Town Clerk Marlene Kenney recommends getting more signatures in case some cannot be certified. For the purpose of social distancing, prospective candidates can submit 25 or more separate nomination papers so that each paper is signed by only one voter or only the voters in one household. By state law, electronic signatures are prohibited.
To get nomination papers and instructions for filling them out, go to the town clerk’s webpage and click on “Running for elected office in the May 18 Annual Town Election.”
Volunteer opportunities abound on town committees
Applications are due May 1 for positions on more than 20 town committees; forms are available on the town’s website, harvard.ma.us, from the News & Announcements tab, Volunteer Opportunities. Contact Executive Assistant Julie Doucet via email at jdoucet@harvard.ma.us with questions or to get information about the positions. Or call Doucet at 978-456-4100, ext. 312.
Permits required for open burning
Open burning season has started and will last through the end of April. A permit from the Harvard Fire Department is required; to get one, go to http://mass fire.net/brush/harvard.php. Note that the fire chief reserves the right to deny open burning on any day due to weather or unfavorable environmental conditions.
Go to https://bit.ly/3bxqgOA for more information on open burning.
