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 dis-colored 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.
Organists invited to perform at virtual event
The Harvard Historical Society’s celebration of its newly restored 1870 George Stevens organ has been postponed. However, the organ will be available for the public to enjoy in the form of a virtual “organ slam.” Organists are invited to perform a piece that will be recorded and posted on the society’s website and social media. Among the first musicians to share their talent will be Harvard’s own Phyllis Konop, who taught music in the Harvard public schools for many years. Contact curator@harvardhistory.org to schedule your experience with this unique and historic instrument.
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-curbside-pickup.
Loaves & Fishes
Loaves & Fishes will offer drive-thru pantry access Oct. 9, 14, 17, 21, 23, 28, and 30, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The organization’s annual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. and will be online via Zoom. RSVP at loavesfishespantry.org for a link.
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 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.
Contact the town clerk’s office at 978-456-4100 or email townclerk@harvard.ma.us with question
Applications available for affordable condos on Stow Road
The Sudbury Housing Trust is accepting applications to buy affordable condominiums at Pine Hill Village on Stow Road. Several units will be available for sale to people who qualify under the low income (80% of Eastern Worcester County median income) and asset ($75,000) limits. The lottery that was held for the six affordable units in September did not generate enough buyers, so the condominiums that remain after the lottery participants have had the opportunity to purchase will be available—through the application process—on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, contact Lara Plaskon at lara@rhsohousing.org or go to sudbury.ma.us/housingtrust.
Harvard’s reverse 911 system
BlackBoard Connect is Harvard’s reverse 911 system that allows the town to communicate with residents by means of a mass email, phone call, or text, in the event of an emergency. If you haven’t signed up for reverse 911 alerts, you can do so at https://townofharvard.bbcportal.com/entry.
If you have an application like NoMoRobo on your phone that filters spam phone calls, you should go to the settings function and permit the numbers 978-456-4100 through 4106 to be unblocked so that you can receive these emergency alerts from the town.
Temporary closure of Route 2 at Exit 31
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced it will be implementing temporary overnight closures of Route 2 eastbound and westbound near exit 31 in Leominster and Fitchburg. The road will be closed overnight from Tuesday, Oct. 13, through Thursday, Oct. 15, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following morning.
‘Red flag warning’ issued by Fire Department
The Harvard Fire Department cautions residents that the fire danger is extremely high due to weather and drought conditions. According to a notice posted on the department’s Facebook page on Sept. 23, “Fires of any kind will not be allowed … and we ask that you use extra care when grilling or disposing of smoking materials.”
Questions should be directed to the fire prevention office at 978-456-3648.
Flea Market canceled
The League of Women Voters of Harvard and the Harvard Schools Trust have canceled this year’s Harvard Flea Market, originally scheduled for Oct. 10; it would have been the 49th annual event. According to the two nonprofit groups, they depend on revenue from the flea market to sustain their operations, and say they would appreciate donations to continue their work this year. All donations go directly to community efforts and grants. To learn more, go to lwvharvard.org and harvardschoolstrust.org.
