Harvard church services
- Congregational Church of Harvard: Worship services online; see harvarducc.org for a Zoom link.
- Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church: Worship services online; see uuharvard.org for a Zoom link.
- St. Theresa’s Catholic Church: Masses conducted at the church; see www.htpboltonharvard.org for hours and times. Masks and social distancing required.
Advisory for Bare Hill Pond still in place
In late August, visual and preliminary investigation indicated concentrations of blue-green algae in Bare Hill Pond, prompting a no-swimming advisory. Since that time, the algal bloom has intensified, prompting an additional advisory to avoid the harmful bloom while swimming, fishing, and boating.
- Keep children and pets away from areas with blooms (greenish discolored water) or scum.
- If contact occurs, rinse skin with clean water. If skin rash or illness occurs, contact a medical provider.
- If removing a boat from the water, wash the boat thoroughly with clean water before transport.
See www.harvard.ma.us/board-health for additional information.
Private well owners urged to conserve water
The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs has declared a “significant drought” for all seven regions of Massachusetts, caused by higher-than-normal temperatures in July and August and more than three months of below-normal rainfall. According to Martha Morgan, water programs director at the Nashua River Watershed Association, even those with private wells must conserve. “Think of every well as another straw in the aquifer-—your private well might have plentiful water, but watering your lawn may impact your neighbor’s drinking water well, or deplete the local streams that fish and other aquatic life depend on for life.”
Library curbside pickup
The Harvard Public Library reminds patrons that curbside pickup is available five days a week. See the library’s curbside information page for more details: www.harvardpubliclibrary.org/services/harvard-public-library-curb side-pickup.
No swimming in Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake in Devens is currently closed to swimming due to elevated bacteria levels. The water is being retested daily, and Mirror Lake management will update its website, www.magicmirrorlake.com, when swimming is allowed again.
Clothing drive supports Bromfield soccer
Friends of Harvard Soccer is holding a SAVERS clothing and household textiles drive through Oct. 3 to support Bromfield’s girls and boys varsity soccer teams. All clothing items as well as shoes, backpacks, purses, fabric, sheets, blankets, and comforters will be accepted. Put items in bags and drop off at Hildreth House, on the front porch.
If you would like your items to be picked up, call 978-496-7404 or email beverlyjorgensen@gmail.com.
Plan ahead for the November election!
Applications
The state has mailed ballot applications—not ballots—to all registered voters in Massachusetts who had not already requested a ballot, and also to voters who were registered in Harvard as of Sept. 1, 2020. The applications (postcards) were mailed out around Sept. 14, so voters can start to keep an eye out for their arrival.
A voter can mail the completed application to Town Hall, deposit it in the Town Hall dropbox (mail slot), or scan and email it to townclerk@harvard.ma.us.
The state’s official deadline to request a mail-in/absentee ballot is Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5 p.m. However, state election officials and the U.S. Postal Service recommend requesting ballots as soon as possible, and no later than Oct. 20.
Ballots
Ballots returned to Town Hall through the U.S. Postal Service must be postmarked by Nov. 3, and received in the town clerk’s office by Nov. 6. Ballots brought in person to Town Hall must be dropped off in the dropbox or to the town clerk’s office by Nov. 3 at 8 p.m.
In-person voting
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3; voting takes place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bromfield School. Early in-person voting will be held at the town clerk’s office between Oct. 17 and Oct. 29.
For details about applications, ballots, in-person early voting, and more, see “What you need to know about voting in the November 2020 Election.”
Contact the town clerk’s office at 978-456-4100 or email townclerk@harvard.ma.us with questions.
Special Town Meeting coming up
Special Town Meeting will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon, outdoors in front of the Harvard Public Library.
Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk
This year’s Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk will be a virtual event to ensure everyone’s safety. Participants are encouraged to walk on Sunday, Oct. 4, wherever they are most comfortable—in their neighborhood, on a favorite trail, or on a treadmill in their own home. Proceeds will benefit all forms of adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
This year there will be a lower fundraising requirement ($100 for adults; $25 for those 12 years and younger), and the registration fee is just $5. Each walker who registers will receive a bib and medal, and the first 5,000 registrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt.
To register to walk or to support a walker, visit www.JimmyFundWalk.org or call 866-531-9255.
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes will offer drive-thru pantry access from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 25 and 30. Go to www.loavesfishespantry.org for safety protocols and more details.
