Open burning season
Open burning season runs from Jan. 15 to May 1. A valid permit from the Harvard Fire Department is required, and the fire chief reserves the right to deny open burning on any day due to weather or unfavorable conditions. Go to massfire.net/brush/harvard.php to get a permit. For more information, go to harvard-ma.gov and at the News & Announcements tab, click on the “Open burning season” link.
Devens emergency alerts
Devens community members are encouraged to sign up for the OnSolve CodeRED notification system to receive emergency alerts. (The previous version of CodeRED is no longer active.) Registered users can choose the types of updates they want to receive:
- CodeRED/Emergency: Safety and response readiness to critical situations.
- Community Events and Public Meetings: Notifications regarding public meetings and community events held in Devens.
- Public Works: Notifications regarding road closures, detours, snow emergencies, and road construction updates.
- Utilities: Notifications regarding power outages, hydrant flushing, and pertinent utility updates.
Register online at accountportal.onsolve.net/devensma, or by texting “devens” to 24639. Contact Karen Davis at 978-784-2933 with any questions.
Call for artists
The Devens Enterprise Commission and MassDevelopment have announced a call for artists for the Devens Intersection of Communities and Cultures temporary public art project, which will include installation of a mural on pavement at Willard Field. To be considered for the award of a $15,000 grant, artists must submit applications by Jan. 31. Visit devensec.com/publicart.html for more information.
Register for spring youth sports
- Baseball, softball, and T-ball. League teams for boys and girls ages 5-12, no experience necessary. Register at go.teamsnap.com/forms/405646; email harvardyouthbaseball@gmail.com with questions.
- Lacrosse, pre-K through grade 8, with an in-town program for pre-K to grade 2 and league play for grades 3-8. Stick and goggles included in registration for first-time players. For more information and to register, go to harvardlax.teamsnapsites.com/registration/.
- Harvard Soccer Club, pre-K through grade 12. Register at harvardsoccer.org. Email andrewt23@gmail.com with any questions.
New mailing address for tax payments
The town is now using a Lockbox provider for the processing of the town’s tax payments. Please ensure that you are mailing your payment to the following address:
Town of Harvard
Department 2700
P. O. Box 986535
Boston, MA 02298-6535
To ensure the proper processing of payments, you must use the full address exactly as it is shown above. When you address your envelope, use the format as shown above, too.
Payments can still be made at the Collectors office, Town Hall, with check or cash, Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Payments can also still be made through the Town Hall’s dropbox, which is to the left of the front door, or online with Unipay at www.harvard-ma.gov.
Learn about heat pumps
Meet with volunteer heat pump coaches at the General Store, 2nd floor, on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. (snow date, Saturday, Jan. 27, 1 to 3 p.m.). The coaches are Harvard residents with knowledge and experience with air source (mini-split or ducted) systems and ground source (aka geothermal) systems. There will be a short introductory overview and then roundtable discussions and questions and answers with the coaches.
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 Jan. 12, 17, 20, 24, 26, and 31 (closed Friday, Jan. 19). For more information, visit loavesfishespantry.org.
