Candidates’ forum
The League of Women Voters and the Harvard Press will conduct a candidates’ forum Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 p.m. by Zoom. Meet the candidates for Select Board, School Committee, Library Trustee, and Warner Free Lecture Trustee, ask questions, and hear what they have to say. Visit the LWV website at lwvharvard.org for the Zoom link.
Deadline to request vote-by-mail ballot
Voting by mail is available for the election in May. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Tuesday, April 29 (not April 3 as earlier stated). For more information, call the town clerk’s office at 978-456-4100, ext. 319.
Saturday hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste Saturday, April 5, 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.
Planning Board to discuss proposed zoning changes
The Planning Board will conduct in-person information sessions to discuss the creation of a town center overlay zoning district and the use of a form-based code in the commercial district:
- Thursday, April 17, 6 p.m., Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road.
- Wednesday, April 23, 9 a.m., Council on Aging men’s coffee at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road. Call the COA at 978-456-4120 to confirm at least 24 hours in advance.
- Thursday, April 24, noon, Council on Aging lunch at the Harvard Senior Center. Call the COA and confirm at least 24 hours in advance.
- Monday, April 28, through Friday, May 2, 9 to 11 a.m. daily. Q&A drop-in at the patio outside the Harvard General Store, 1 Still River Road. Inside on the second floor if inclement weather.
Questions and comments are welcome. For information about the proposed bylaws, visit harvard-ma.gov/planning-board/pages/2025-spring-town-meeting-protective-bylaw-amendments. For questions, email vkonstantinidis@harvard-ma.gov.
April is Autism Awareness Month
Officers of the Harvard Police Department are showing their support by wearing specially designed autism patches on their uniforms. A limited number of patches is available for $10 each during April or until sold out. To buy a patch, come to the police station Tuesday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and see Trish Rouvel. Cash or checks accepted. Proceeds will be donated to the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.
Resolving conflicts with beavers
Beavers are common across Massachusetts, and beaver dams can cause local flooding. The Board of Health has the authority to determine whether a complaint is caused by beaver or muskrat activity and whether the situation constitutes a threat to public health and/or safety. The board may issue a 10-day emergency permit detailing actions that may be taken to resolve the problem.
Residents may contact the Board of Health or Conservation Commission at 978-456-4100 for assistance. Additional information is available at mass.gov/doc/a-citizens-guide-to-addressing-beaver-conflicts.
Resources for taxpayers
State Sen. Jamie Eldridge’s office has announced tax filing resources for Massachusetts taxpayers. Expanded tax credits and new free filing tools are making it easier for low-income households to claim money they’re owed. Learn more at findyourfunds.org. Key resources include:
- Direct File, a new IRS tool for free, simple online filing.
- VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites, offering in-person expert help at no cost.
- Refundable tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers, the Child and Family Tax Credit for children and dependents, and the Senior Circuit Breaker Credit for eligible seniors.