Virtual public workshop, Ayer Road commercial district
The Planning Board and its design consultants, Utile Architecture & Planning, will hold a virtual public workshop Wednesday, May 29, at 7 p.m., to discuss the proposed form-based code for the Ayer Road commercial district. The workshop will be held by Zoom. For a draft of “Ayer Road Village Form-Based Code,” visit harvard-ma.gov/planning-board. To get the meeting link, go to https://tinyurl.com/AyerRdCodeWorkshop.
Save Oct. 5 Date: Harvard Flea Market
The League of Women Voters of Harvard and the Harvard Schools Trust will host the 52nd annual Harvard Flea Market Saturday, Oct. 5. The rain date will be Sunday, Oct. 6. These dates are one week earlier than usual due to a conflict with the observance of the Jewish high holy day of Yom Kippur on the Indigenous Peoples Day long weekend.
Information about Steward Health Care
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has created a website with updates and information relating to residents’ most commonly asked questions about Steward Health Care. Visit mass.gov/info-details/steward-health-care-resources. For further information, call the commonwealth’s dedicated Steward Health Care call center at 617-468-2189, or at 833-305-2070. Call center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding Massachusetts holidays).
Register for swimming, boating lessons
Registration is now open for swimming, sailing, and canoe and kayak lessons at the town beach. There will be three sessions: July 1-14, July 15-26, and July 29-Aug. 9. Visit harvardma.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx to register.
Last chance to weigh in on arts funding
The Harvard Cultural Council seeks help prioritizing grant funding to include concerts, plays, and festivals; arts, science, and environmental education in the schools and at the public library; and projects focusing on local history and diversity, restoration, and preservation.Take a survey at bit.ly/3TonuiZ by May 31.
Styrofoam recycling
The Board of Health has arranged for recycling of #6 Styrofoam on Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Works, 47 Depot Road. In the event of lightning, the event will be postponed to June 15. Bring #6 bulk white packing Styrofoam and Styrofoam coolers only. It must be clean, dry, and free of tape. The recycling company does not accept Styrofoam packing peanuts, food containers, or insulation board. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Harvard Board of Health at boh@harvard-ma.gov.
Transfer station stickers
Transfer station stickers are now on sale via mail, Dropbox, or online. Stickers will not be prorated; both stickers must be purchased at the same time, and stickers purchased will be mailed out by June 15. Prices remain the same as last year: $130 for two stickers. Visit the transfer station webpage for forms and information: www.harvard-ma.gov/transfer-station.
REAL ID deadline
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles reminds residents that beginning May 7, 2025, anyone traveling by plane domestically or entering certain federal building areas will need a Registry-issued REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport. Commonwealth-issued documents may be renewed up to one year in advance of the expiration date printed on the license or ID. For additional information visit mass.gov/rmv.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste Wednesday, June 5, and Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 9 Cook Street (Rear), Devens. Closed during rain; reopens when rain stops. For information on items accepted, packaging, and fees, visit DevensHHW.com.
Loaves & Fishes
The Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, serves food to people in need who reside in Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley. Pantry hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon (closed Fridays before Saturday sessions); first Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m.; third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit loavesfishespantry.org for more information.
Park-and-ride shuttle to Littleton station
The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) announces changes to the route and schedule for Harvard’s commuter shuttle connecting residents to the Littleton commuter rail station. Shuttles now stop at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church parking lot at 15 Still River Road and at the business plaza at 285 Ayer Road, and shuttle riders can now park their cars at these locations. The shuttle will no longer stop at the senior center or at Town Hall. Pickup times are listed below; or, go to mrta.us, click on “Schedules and Maps,” and then on “Harvard Commuter Shuttle.”
