Nomination papers due April 4
The Town Election takes place Tuesday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bromfield School cafeteria. Seats are open on the Select Board and School Committee, on the boards of trustees for the Harvard Public Library and Warner Free Lecture Series, and for Town Meeting moderator. The following incumbents had already filed nomination papers as of press time: Abby Besse for School Committee; Cary Browse for library trustee; Michael Kilian and Nancy Meyer for Warner trustee; and Rich Maiore and Kara Minar for Select Board. Incumbents who told the Press they do not plan to run for another term are SusanMary Redinger for School Committee and Alison Thornton for Warner Free Lecture trustee.
Prospective candidates can get nomination papers at Town Hall. They must collect at least 32 certified signatures of Harvard registered voters and return the papers to the town clerk no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 4.
The last day to register to vote is Friday, April 19. Register online at sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/voter-resources/registering-to-vote.htm.
Visit https://www.harvard-ma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-town-meeting-and-election for more information.
Drinking water report
The 2022 annual drinking water report is available at harvard-ma.gov/home/news/2022-annual-drinking-water-report. The report is a snapshot of the quality of town drinking water for the past year, including details about where the water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to state and federal standards. Contact Tim Kilhart at the DPW, 978-456-4130, with any questions.
Rabies clinics
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, in partnership with the Harvard Board of Health, will offer a series of rabies vaccine clinics for cats and dogs from late March into April. Residents of Nashoba’s 16-town region and the community of Devens may attend any of the clinics. Visit tinyurl.com/4x8unfpa for more information and a full schedule.
Ethics seminar
An ethics seminar will take place Tuesday, April 11, at 6:00 p.m. in the upper level of Town Hall. The session, hosted by David Gianotti of the State Ethics Commission, will explain how the conflict of interest law governs the conduct of public employees. Some of the topics covered will include rules regarding gifts, outside employment, representing private matters before a municipality, contracting with a municipality, acting on matters in which family members and business associates have a financial interest, restrictions after leaving public service, and disclosing appearances of conflicts of interest.
Kindergarten enrollment
Fall 2023 kindergarten enrollment is for children turning 5 years old on or before August 31, 2023. All kindergarten students must live in Harvard or Devens with proof of residency.
Kindergarten enrollment will take place online this year through PowerSchool. The link for enrollment may be found on the Hildreth Elementary School website main page. Please contact Jessica Reynolds at jreynolds@psharvard.org or phone 978-456-4145 if you have any questions. Screenings will be scheduled after all registration documents are completed. The deadline for the school to receive online enrollments is April 10, 2023.
Spring wildlife alerts
MassWildlife reminds residents that March is the month when hungry bears emerge from their winter dens seeking food. Precautions should be taken if you keep chickens, beehives, or livestock, and bird feeders should be taken in at night. Learn more at tinyurl.com/2cmchfe4.
It is also the time of year when amphibians such as salamanders, wood frogs, and peepers emerge from their winter retreats and travel to breeding sites. Use caution while driving on rainy spring nights.
Town beach update
Lifeguards, swimming and boating lessons, and boat rentals will return to the town beach at Bare Hill Pond come summer. Registration for swimming and boating lessons, parking stickers, and the boat rental program will be available in April. The boat lottery is now open and closes March 31. Visit harvard-ma.gov/parks-recreation-commission/news/boat-lottery-opens-31-closes-331 for more information and to register.
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 March 24, 29, 31, and April 4, 5, 7, 12, 15, 19, 21, 26, and 28.
Note new hours starting April 1: First Tuesday evening of the month: 5 to 7 p.m.; Wednesdays, Fridays, and third Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon. For weather-related closings, check loavesfishespantry.org or call 978-772-4627.
Devens noise report
- March 1-31: multiple small arms ranges
- March 24-26: grenades
- March 24-25, 27: machine gun ranges
- March 27: rockets
