Harvard church services
- Congregational Church of Harvard: Until further notice worship services are being held Sundays, 10 a.m. via Zoom. To receive a login invitation please email office@harvarducc.org.
- Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church: Worship services online; see uuharvard.org for the weekly Zoom link.
- St. Theresa’s Catholic Church: Masses conducted at the church; see www.htpboltonharvard.org for hours and times. Masks and social distancing are required.
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes will offer drive-thru pantry access from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, August 12, 19, and 26; Fridays, August 7, 21, and 28; and Saturday, August 15. Go to loavesfishespantry.org for more information.
EEE threat
Although only one human case of the mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected so far this year in Massachusetts, state officials are urging the public to take proper precautions when outdoors after EEE was detected in mosquitoes sampled in Plymouth and Franklin counties. In 2019 there were 12 human cases in Massachusetts with six deaths, and also nine cases in domestic animals. EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. It is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Vote by mail!
Voting by mail is available to all voters for all elections in 2020. Contact the Town Clerk’s office at 978-456-4100 or email townclerk@harvard.ma.us for more information about the following deadlines.
- For the Sept. 1 state primary
Apply for a ballot by Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 5 p.m. Ballots must be returned to the town clerk’s office by Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 8 p.m. - For the Nov. 3 state and presidential election
Apply for a ballot by Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5 p.m. Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 3 and received in the town clerk’s office by Friday, Nov. 6 at 5 p.m.
Residents asked to report unsolicited seed packages
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) has been notified that several Massachusetts residents have received unsolicited packages that appear to have originated in a foreign country and contain seeds. While the exact types of seeds in the packages are unknown, they are thought to be invasive plant species. They are not believed to be harmful to humans or pets but could pose a significant risk to agriculture or the environment.
Residents who receive a package are asked to keep the seeds and all packaging, including the mailing label, and to complete a form on MDAR’s website (www.mass.gov/forms/receipt-of-unsolicited-seeds) to provide information to state officials. A representative from the U.S. Department of Agriculture or MDAR will be in contact with instructions regarding the collection or disposal of the seeds.
Permit/fees required for playing fields
The use of all of Harvard’s playing fields now require a reservation permit and a fee depending on the field. Go to https://secure.rec1.com/MA/town-of-harvard-ma/catalog to make a reservation.
Trash bags available at six locations
Harvard trash bags are currently available at these locations: Harvard General Store; Westward Orchards; Moore’s Lumber, Ayer; Shop ’n Save, Ayer; Donelan’s, Littleton; Roche Brothers, Acton.
Water use restriction in Devens
Water use restrictions in Devens are in effect from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sept. 30 and include lawn watering, vehicle washing, and external surface cleaning, i.e., buildings, parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks. Call 978-784-2931 with any questions.
