Boater safety courses required
New state regulations require operators of motorized watercraft born after 1988 to take a boating safety course. As a result, any Massachusetts resident 38 years old or younger needs certification by April 1 to operate a motorized boat on the pond. More information can be found at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-boating-law-summary.
For a schedule of free boating safety courses offered by the Massachusetts Environmental Police and links to online course providers, visit mass.gov/info-details/boating-safety-course-schedule.
Amid drought, conserve water
The state has declared a level 3 “critical drought” throughout Worcester and Middlesex counties. Although Massachusetts received up to 3 feet of snow in February, that snowfall has not yet recharged groundwater. Residents are urged to minimize overall water use and to aggressively reduce indoor water consumption. For more information, visit mass.gov/info-details/drought-status.
Commission on Disabilities needs you
All residents—students, elders, families, teachers, caregivers, friends, employers, and employees, whether living with or without a disability—are invited to respond to the Commission on Disabilities survey regarding accessibility to buildings, services, and programs in town. Help the commission identify continued challenges and assess the impact of improvements. For a link to the survey, go to harvard-ma.gov>>News/Announcements>>Accessibility Survey.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
The Select Board has proclaimed March 22 through April 20 to be Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Residents and drivers are urged to exercise increased awareness and courtesy toward all riders, particularly when pulling out and backing out from parked positions, making left turns, and changing lanes.
Attention high school seniors
Each spring, the Harvard Woman’s Club gives scholar awards to high school seniors graduating from the Bromfield School, or Harvard residents who are graduating from other public secondary schools. The club encourages seniors who are actively involved in community service to apply. Applications must be received no later than March 27. Information and applications are available at harvardwomansclub.wordpress.com/scholarship.
Select Board community hour
Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Select Board members Eric Ward and Eve Wittenberg Thursday, April 9, 7 p.m., at the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about ongoing community initiatives, and engage directly with local leadership.
License your dog
All dogs must be licensed annually on or before April 1, and puppies must be licensed at 6 months of age. New dogs and those belonging to new residents must be licensed within 30 days. A late fee per dog will be assessed after April 1. To learn more and to download a registration form, visit harvard-ma.gov/374/dog-licenses.
Rabies clinics for pets
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health has announced the schedule for their 2026 rabies vaccination clinics for pets. Harvard residents may go to any of several clinics in surrounding communities now through early April. For a list of clinics and dates visit the NABH website nashoba.org>>News & Events>>Annual Pets Rabies Clinics.
Boat storage lottery closes soon
Harvard Park and Recreation offers boat storage racks, moorings, and slips at Bare Hill Pond for Harvard residents and taxpayers. Demand is high, and spots are awarded annually by lottery. The lottery is currently open, and closes April 3. For more information and to register, visit harvardma.myrec.com>>Boating: Boat Storage/Lottery.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will accept hazardous waste on Wednesday, April 1, and Saturday, April 4, 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, provides 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; first Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.; third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon; last Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit loavesfishespantry.org for more information.