Take It or Leave It opens June 16; discretion urged
In anticipation of the Wednesday, June 16, opening of the Transfer Station’s TIOLI area, Assistant Town Administrator Marie Sobalvarro is asking people to “start slow” in leaving items, and to leave useful items in decent condition, not junk. “In the ideal world, all the items that have been stockpiled in homes over the past year will have a chance to shine in the great free reuse bazaar,” Sobalvarro said.
New hours at Transfer Station begin July 1
Department of Public Works Director Tim Kilhart reports that due to budget cuts, hours at the Transfer Station will be reduced by one hour each day. Starting July 1, hours will be Wednesday, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fourth of July parade, activities are on
The parade and field activities (minus the pie-eating contest) will take place Sunday, July 4, but the fireworks are still canceled. The Fourth of July Committee needs volunteers to pull off the celebration on short notice this year; email Ann Hentz at anne@annehentz.com to offer help.
Town beach update
The beach is open on weekends until June 19 and will open full time Monday, June 20. On days when the beach is open, sticker checking hours are 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., and lifeguards will be on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Swimming and boating lessons start July 5 and will run in three two-week sessions ending August 7. To buy a parking sticker or register for lessons, go to the Quick Links menu at harvard.ma.us/parks-recreation-commission.
Devens noise report
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.
- June 1-30: small arms ranges
- June 5: mortar live fire
- June 7-11: demolitions
- June 10: MK-19 (automatic weapon) qualification
- June 14-19: mortar live fire
- June 20-26: demolitions
Roadwork this summer
Department of Public Works Director Tim Kilhart reports that starting now, and ending in late June or early July, the town’s subcontractor is repaving sections of road throughout Harvard. The subcontractor’s schedule often runs on short notice, so advance warning is not always possible. The roads scheduled for work are Tahanto Trail, Westcott Road, Cameron Road, East Bare Hill Road, Slough Road, and Woodchuck Hill Road. Oak Hill Road will see some work if the budget allows, Kilhart said.
Devens vaccination clinic is open for ages 12 and older
A COVID-19 vaccination clinic is now open at Devens and is available to anyone age 12 and older who lives, works, or studies in the state. The clinic is located at Clear Path for Veterans New England, 84 Antietam Street. To see when walk-in clinics are scheduled or to get an appointment, go to vaxfinder.mass.gov, search for 01434 (Devens ZIP code), and follow the links.
According to the state’s website, mass.gov, the Devens clinic currently offers the Pfizer vaccine, which is allowed for anyone 12 years and older.
Online sales for Transfer Station stickers end June 22
Stickers to cover the period between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, are available for purchase online or through the mail. The cost is $130 for two stickers; both stickers must be purchased at the same time. Online sales (through the UniPay system) end June 22. To buy online or by mail, go to harvard.ma.us. From “News and Announcements,” click on either the online or mail link. Mail-in applications and payments must be received by June 17. Stickers will be mailed out starting June 1.
Loaves & Fishes
The food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, will offer drive-thru access from 9 a.m. to noon June 4, 9, 11, 16, 19, 23, 25, and 30. To volunteer at the pantry, go to loavesfishespantry.org.
Harvard Democratic caucus is June 21
Registered Democrats in Harvard will hold a virtual caucus Monday, June 21, at 7 p.m. to elect four delegates and four alternates to the 2021 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention, which will be held Sept. 25 in Lowell. The virtual caucus is open to all registered and preregistered Democrats in Harvard. Preregistered Democrats who will be 16 by June 15, 2021, will be allowed to participate and run for delegate or alternate. To register for participation in the caucus, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZw ud-2orj8rHdxMdaqtFVTaqyRos4xz-JnA.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the Harvard Democratic Town Committee or who has questions about the caucus should contact Dennis Bradley at HarvardDTC@gmail.com.
