Advisory for Bare Hill Pond still in place
After multiple water sampling events, the no-swimming advisory remains in effect for Bare Hill Pond due to the continued presence of blue-green algae.All are advised not to water ski due to the aerosolized spray of the water, and to limit contact with the water when boating, rowing, or paddle boarding. Avoid contact with green-colored waters when possible and rinse or wash all exposed skin areas after contact with pond water.
Due to the late season and colder temperatures, the Board of Health and the Mass. Department of Public Health (MADPH) have suspended additional algae sampling. Further advisories will be based upon visual observation and consultation with MADPH.
New hours for library curbside pickup
The Harvard Public Library reminds patrons that curbside pickup is now available six days a week:
- Monday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Go to harvardpubliclibrary.org for more details.
Don’t wait to vote!
Applications
In mid-September the state 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.
A voter can mail the completed application to Town Hall, deposit it in the Town Hall dropbox (outdoor mail slot to the left of the front doors), or scan and email it to townclerk@harvard.ma.us.
The official deadline to request a mail-in/absentee ballot is Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5 p.m. However, election officials and the U.S. Postal Service recommended requesting ballots no later than Oct. 20.
Ballots
Ballots returned to Town Hall through the U.S. mail 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 outdoor dropbox or to the town clerk’s office by Nov. 3 at 8 p.m.
Early in-person voting
Early in-person voting at the town clerk’s office started on Oct. 17 and will continue on these days:
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 to 4 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to noon
- Monday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Voting at the polls
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3; voting is from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bromfield School.
Contact the town clerk’s office at 978-456-4100 or email townclerk@harvard.ma.us with questions.
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes will offer drive-thru pantry access Oct. 23, 28, and 30, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Tick reminder from the Board of Health
Ticks are active throughout the year. The Board of Health encourages everyone to get outdoors, but to wear tick-repellent clothing and to do a tick check when you get home. Go to https://www.harvard.ma.us/board-health/pages/ticks for more information about ticks.
Private well owners asked to conserve water
Due to five months of below-normal rainfall, the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Affairs declared, on Oct. 9, a critical drought for the southeast region of the state, and has maintained the significant drought declaration for the state’s other regions, including Harvard. Martha Morgan of the Nashoba Regional Water Association reminds private well owners to reduce water use, inside and out. “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.”
