New phone extensions for town offices
The main phone number for town offices remains 978-456-4100, but the following employees have new phone extensions:
- Liz Allard, conservation agent, ext. 421
- Alison Flynn, Board of Health clerk, ext. 428
- Jeff Hayes, building commissioner, ext. 425
- Vittoria Konstantinidis, administrative assistant, ext. 429
- Frank O’Connor, planning director, ext. 423.
Land use, building departments to move offices
The offices of the land use boards and the building department will be closed between Dec. 18 and Dec. 20 to move from Town Hall to Hildreth House. The new phone extensions for these offices are already in place as shown above in “New phone extensions for town offices.”
Mitten Tree donations
The Harvard Girl Scouts have put up their annual Mitten Tree in the children’s room of the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road. All are invited to stop by and donate mittens, a hat, or a scarf to keep a youngster warm this season. Donations go to WHEAT Community Connections in Clinton for their Christmas gift distribution. The tree will be up until Dec. 20.
Free COVID-19 test kits available
Every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid test kits delivered to their home. To order, visit covid.gov/tests.
Before throwing out older test kits, visit tinyurl.com/4dm53cy9 to see if their expiration dates have been extended.
For more information on COVID-19, visit harvard-ma.gov/board-health/pages/covid-19.
Find information on locations offering vaccines at vaccines.gov/search/.
Dec. 15 elections in Devens
Elections to fill two positions each on the Devens Committee and the Devens Educational Advisory Committee (DEAC) will take place this month.
The Devens Committee is a volunteer group that represents the Devens community and makes recommendations to MassDevelopment and other stakeholders. DEAC advises MassDevelopment on educational matters, including the review of all contracts for educational services. It is composed of four elected Devens residents (two of whom must have school-aged children) and one member from each of the school committees of Ayer Shirley Regional School District and Harvard. For more information, contact Karen Davis at 978-784-2933.
See story and candidate statements.
- Dec. 15: Ballots are due by 4 p.m. The election is by mail-in ballot only.
- Dec. 22: Election results emailed to Devens residents.
Completed forms can be emailed to kdavis@massdeveloment.com or mailed to Karen Davis, MassDevelopment, 33 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA 01434.
Grants for artists
The Massachusetts Cultural Council is offering $5,000 grants to artists in the fields of community-based arts, crafts, dance, design, digital, film and video; folk, world, and traditional arts; native and Indigenous arts; literature, music, performance, photography, theater, and visual arts. Application deadline is Dec. 11. Learn more at massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/grants-for-creative-individuals/.
Multifamily zoning survey
Last year, the state enacted MBTA Section 3A of the Zoning Act to require towns to promote multifamily housing near transit stations, including the Ayer and Littleton stations. The Planning Board seeks residents’ input for suitable locations in town and has posted a survey focusing on three potential sites to zone for multifamily housing. To take the survey go to harvard-ma.gov and click on “News & Announcements.”
Loaves & Fishes food pantry
This food pantry, at 234 Barnum Road, Devens, offers drive-thru access for those needing help with groceries. Hours are first Tuesday of the month, 5 to 7 p.m., and Wednesdays, Fridays, and third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Upcoming dates are Dec. 8, 13, 16, 20, 22, 27, and 29. Holiday dinner distribution takes place Monday, Dec. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m.
The pantry will be closed Friday, Dec. 15. For more information, visit loaves fishespantry.org or tinyurl.com/bdcrjf4k.
Ski and Snowboard Club
Registration is now open for the Ski and Snowboard Club for Hildreth Elementary and Bromfield School students. Open to students in grades 3 to 12, this program takes place on six Wednesdays after school, starting Jan. 3, 2024. Participants will be taken to and from Wachusett Mountain via coach bus from the schools. For more info and to register, go to the Parks and Rec website at harvardma.myrec.com/.
