Holiday closings
- The library will be closed Dec. 24, 26, and 31 and Jan. 2.
- Town Hall will be closed Dec. 26 and Jan. 2
- School vacation is from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2 with early release on Friday, Dec. 23.
Free COVID-19 test kits
The Board of Health has received more COVID-19 rapid at-home test kits from the state. They are available for residents to pick up at the Harvard Public Library, in the Town Hall foyer, at Hildreth House, and in the foyer of the Public Safety building, 40 Ayer Road. The board recommends four test kits per household.
The expiration date of the test kits is extended until Feb. 6, 2023. For more information about expiration dates, go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests.
Animal sanctuary seeks volunteers
The Sowa Goat Sanctuary on Old Littleton Road provides lifelong homes for abused, abandoned, and unwanted goats and is also home to rescue chickens, turkeys, pigs, and sheep. The sanctuary is looking for volunteers to help with animal care including feeding and watering, cleaning stalls, and grounds maintenance. It also seeks to diversify its board of directors with people who can donate their professional skills in bookkeeping, nonprofit management, fundraising, event planning, and marketing. For more information, email sowagoatsanctuary@gmail.com.
Parker School lottery
The F.W. Parker Charter School, a public school in Devens, is now accepting applications for its lottery for the 2023-24 school year (due Feb. 1). There will also be a midyear lottery for this school year (due Jan. 4) for students to start in January 2023. For more information, attend an information session at theparkerschool.org/enrollment.
Commission on Disabilities survey
As part of its self-evaluation and transition planning process, the Harvard Commission on Disabilities is seeking information about residents’ experiences, thoughts, or ideas on the topics of accessibility and inclusion. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires municipalities to review their programs, services, and activities for compliance. The data will be presented to the Select Board. To take the anonymous survey, visit tinyurl.com/54c2nzxn.
Snow and ice removal bylaws
The Department of Public Works reminds residents that town bylaws prohibit the depositing of snow or ice on public ways and sidewalks, and that vehicles must not be parked in a public way so as to hinder snow and ice removal. Read the full text of the bylaws at harvard-ma.gov/home/news/snow-and-ice-removal-bylaw, and contact Tim Kilhart at the DPW at 978-456-4130 or tkilhart@harvard-ma.gov with any questions.
Loaves & Fishes
This food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, offers drive-thru access on the first Tuesday of the month from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. (It is closed the Friday prior to the third Saturday of every month.) Upcoming dates are Dec. 28 and 30 and Jan. 3, 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 21, 25, and 27. For weather-related closings, check loavesfishespantry.org or call 978-772-4627.
