Crane test for cell tower: Submit your photos
The Select Board has scheduled a crane test behind Hildreth House from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, to determine how visible a short cell tower would be from this location. The crane will be raised to 125 feet; an additional mark will be placed at the zoning limit of 105 feet for comparison. Residents are welcome to view the crane test and submit photos from their properties. Contact Marie Sobalvarro (msobalvarro@harvard-ma.gov, or 978-456-4100, ext. 330) for more information. Please submit photos to asktheTA@harvard-ma.gov.
Virtual meetings required
Public meetings and gatherings in all municipal buildings in Harvard have been banned until at least Friday, Jan. 28. Visit bit.ly/3r5YeA4 for the Board of Health’s public health advisory notice.
Booster shots available
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine boosters will be available Wednesday, Jan. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m., at St. Anthony Church Hall, 33 Chapel Street, Shirley. Those 18 years and older can receive a Moderna booster shot six months after completing their Pfizer or Moderna series or two months after receiving their J&J/Janssen vaccine. Visit mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-booster-frequently-asked-questions for detailed information, including “mix and match” dosing. Sign up for an appointment online at home.color.com/vaccine/register/nashoba. Due to limited vaccine stock, walk-in appointments are not available.
Library closing earlier in evenings
The Harvard Public Library will close at 6 p.m. (instead of the usual 8 p.m.) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays until further notice because of staffing shortages. Please check harvardpubliclibrary.org for current information about hours and programs.
Play ball!
Registration is now open for spring 2022 and winter softball, baseball, and T-ball clinics. The Harvard Youth Baseball and Softball Association offers league teams for boys and girls ages 5 to 12. No experience is necessary. Visit harvardyouthbaseball.org for information and to register online.
Lions Club fruit sale
The Harvard Lions Club will hold its 31st annual citrus fruit sale, selling fresh ruby grapefruit and Valencia oranges in 20-pound boxes in the center of town and at the Transfer Station on the weekends of March 19 and March 26. Preorder online and have the fruit delivered to your home by a Harvard Lion starting March 19. To donate a box to Loaves & Fishes, preorder online and the Lions will deliver to the food pantry. Smaller quantities and different varieties with gift boxes may also be shipped directly to your home. For more details go to harvardlions.org.
To market, to market
The town of Harvard is conducting the “Harvard Area Market Conditions Survey” to help guide the development of the community. Residents of Harvard, Bolton, Stow, Boxborough, Lancaster, Ayer, Devens, Littleton, and their neighbors who have an interest in the future of Harvard are encouraged to complete the survey, anonymously, at surveymonkey.com/r/Harvrd22. According to Chris Ryan, Harvard’s director of community and economic development, the study is part of a “vision plan” for the Ayer Road commercial district. The results of the survey will be one of several data points used to create options for development and the impact of development—or lack thereof—on property taxes.
Burning season is here
Open burning season runs through April 30. A valid permit obtained from the Harvard Fire Department is required. The fire chief may deny open burning on any day due to weather or unfavorable environmental conditions. To obtain a permit, visit massfire.net/brush/harvard.php. For daily activation of a permit, call 351-333-5090. For more information, visit harvard-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif676/f/uploads/hfd_open_burning_information_2020_1.pdf.
Harvard Youth Lacrosse registration
Spring lacrosse registration is open for all girls in grades 1-8. Visit harvardlax.org to register. Kindergarten and boys registration information will be coming soon.
Tax time
Third-quarter real estate and personal property taxes are due Tuesday, Feb. 1. Residents may pay online via Unipay (https://unipaygold.unibank.com/default.aspx) or mail a check to: Tax Collector, Harvard Town Hall, 13 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA 01451. Make checks payable to “Town of Harvard.” Payment may also be left in the Town Hall dropbox in the mail slot to the left of the front doors.
Food pantry open for drive-thru pickup
The Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, serves residents of Harvard, Ayer, Dunstable, Devens, Groton, Littleton, and Shirley. It will be open for drive-thru access Jan. 21, 26, and 28, 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit loavesfishes pantry.org.
Devens noise report
January 1 to 31: Small arms ranges.
