Parks and Rec hiring for jobs at town beach
The Parks and Recreation Commission is hiring for all positions at the town beach, including the new position of co-director. Parks and Rec member Michelle Lauria will discuss the positions, by appointment, on Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18. To reserve a time slot, go to harvard.ma.us/parks-recreation-commission, and click on Lauria’s name to send her an email.
Town Election: Vote in person May 18 or apply now for a mail-in ballot
Polls will be open from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Bromfield School on Tuesday, May 18, for the election of Select Board and School Committee members; town moderator; and trustees for Warner Free Lectures and the Harvard Public Library. The deadline to register to vote is April 23 (online at www.registertovoteMA.com, at the town clerk’s office by appointment, or by completing a mail-in voter registration affidavit and returning it to the town clerk’s office.
Voting by mail is an option, but only if you request a mail-in ballot; applications will not be automatically mailed for this election. For instructions, go to harvard.ma.us/town-clerk and click on “May 18 2021 Election-Vote by Mail or Vote at the Polls.” Or, call the town clerk’s office at 978-456-4100, ext. 316 or 319.
Avoid amphibians crossing roads on rainy evenings
April is 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 must hazard the roads to reach their destinations.
This month, avoid 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. For information on how you can help, go to www.mass.gov/news/watch-for-amphibians-on-the-road.
April noise report for Devens
The weapons training schedule for U.S. Army reserve forces at Devens is as follows. Questions should be directed to the Department of Defense Police at 978-796-3333.
- April 1-30: small arms ranges
- April 7-11: rotary wing operations
- April 8 and 9: mortar live fire
- April 10: hand grenades
- April 29: hand grenades
Volunteers needed for trash cleanup and garlic mustard pull
Harvard’s townwide cleanup of roadside trash and garlic mustard—an invasive weed that displaces the native plants that local wildlife depends upon—will take place Thursday, April 29, through Sunday, May 2. Supplies of yellow trash bags, plastic gloves, safety vests, and instructions will be handed out at Westward Orchards (178 Mass. Ave.) on Wednesday, April 28, and Saturday, May 1. (Detailed information will be emailed to participants upon sign-up.) To sign up, go to tinyurl.com/v4vh8etz. Email questions about the trash cleanup to harvard.cleanup@gmail.com. Email questions about the garlic mustard pull to garlicmustard.harvard@gmail.com.
Loaves & Fishes
The food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, will offer drive-thru access from 9 a.m. to noon April 17, 21, 23, 28, and 30. The pantry serves residents of Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley.
Affordable housing in Devens and on Stow Road
Two new housing developments, Emerson Green and Pine Hill Village, are accepting applications—on a first come, first served basis—to buy homes. Buyers’ incomes, assets, and other qualifying information will determine their eligibility to purchase homes.
MCO Housing Services is accepting applications for moderately priced homes at the Emerson Green development in Devens, which offers two- and three-bedroom homes. Prices there are aimed at those earning up to 100% of the median income for eastern Worcester County and range from $350,660 to $391,200. For more information, go to mcohousingservices.com/affordable-homes-for-sale.
The Regional Housing Services Office is accepting applications for the Pine Hill Village units on Stow Road. Four two-bedroom units are available at $203,500 for people earning up to 80% of the median income for eastern Worcester County. For more information, go to sudbury.ma.us/housingtrust and click on “Affordable Home Ownership—Harvard, MA” or email Lara Plaskon at lara@rhsohousing.org.
Slough Road construction
Until further notice, Slough Road between Mass. Ave. and Bolton Road will be closed for construction between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
