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.
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.
Community Harvest Project seeks volunteers
The Community Harvest Project provides support to Worcester County’s hunger relief community by donating hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables annually. This year, while crops are still being produced at record speeds, the challenge has been to keep up while volunteer numbers are restricted by group gathering rules. Community Harvest is seeking group volunteers for its Harvard orchard on Prospect Hill Road. From the end of August through October there will be significant amounts of produce to process. Go to community-harvest.org/volunteer for more information or to sign up to volunteer.
No swimming in Bare Hill Pond or Mirror Lake
Due to an observed increase in algae at the town beach at noon on Friday, Aug. 28, the Board of Health and the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health advise no contact with the water at the town beach and Thurston’s Beach area. Residents are also advised to keep pets out of the water.
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.
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes will offer drive-thru pantry access from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and Fridays throughout September. Go to loavesfishespantry.org for safety protocols and more details.
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.”
Unexploded ordnance information
Recently, a limited amount of unexploded ordnance (UXO), remnants from activities at the former Fort Devens, was retrieved from the Nashua River and subsequently was properly disposed of by experts. The public is reminded that, while rare, encountering UXO on or around former military installations is possible. If suspected UXO is encountered, take the following measures:
- Do not touch the item
- Stop all activities in the vicinity
- Evacuate the area
- Call 911 to report the item and location to a dispatcher
Applications for affordable apartments in Devens available now
Affordable apartments for those 62 years of age and older are available at Shirley Meadows on Hospital Road in Devens. Both one- and two-bedroom rentals are on offer for those who meet eligibility requirements; applicants need not be current residents of Shirley or Devens. For detailed information about the apartments, income and asset requirements, and the application process, go to www.chelmsfordha.com/shirleymeadows or contact Choice Housing Opportunities for Intergenerational and Community Endeavors at info@chelmsfordha.com or 978-256-7425.
November election: Vote by mail!
Apply for a ballot by Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5 p.m. for the Nov. 3 state and presidential election. Ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 3, and received in the town clerk’s office by Friday, Nov. 6, at 5 p.m. Ballots may also be dropped off at Town Hall.
Contact the town clerk’s office at 978-456-4100 or email townclerk@harvard.ma.us with any questions.
Clothing drive to support Bromfield varsity 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.
