Seminar for cultural grant applicants
The Harvard Cultural Council will host a grant workshop webinar Monday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. by Zoom. The webinar will feature tips from HCC representatives on how to write a successful grant and presentations from past grant recipients about successful projects that occurred both in-person and virtually. Registration for the webinar is required at https://tinyurl.com/HCCgrant. The link will also be available on the Harvard Cultural Council page on the town website, http://harvard-ma.gov.
This year, the council has $5,600 to award; applications for fiscal 2022 must be submitted by Oct. 15. Send email to harvardculturalcouncil@gmail.com with any questions.
No swimming in pond; testing continues
A no-swimming advisory for Bare Hill Pond remains in effect due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria in the water. The level on Sept. 14 tested at 156,000 cells per milliliter; state and local regulations prohibit swimming when cyanobacteria exceed 70,000 cells/mL. Cyanotoxin testing, also on Sept. 14, showed an “undetectable” level of toxins in the pond. Boating and fishing are allowed, but people and pets must stay out of the water until another cyanobacteria test and a final cyanotoxin test are taken.
Watch this space and harvard-ma.gov/board-health for updates; additional testing will take place this week, according to Board of Health Chair Libby Levison.
Tour the new Hildreth Elementary School
The public is invited to a guided tour of the new elementary school building Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Masks are required inside the building.
Introducing ‘dump dollars’
It is no longer necessary to buy punch cards ahead of time to dispose of larger items at the Transfer Station. Visit harvard.ma.us/dumpdollars to set up an account, make a purchase, or learn more; or buy “dump dollars” via smartphone at the Transfer Station in denominations of $1, $5, $10, and $20. Traditional punch cards are still available if preferred. Dump dollars and punch cards are good only in the fiscal year they are purchased.
State’s exit renumbering is complete
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has completed converting all exit numbers on freeways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration requirements. Previously, exits on Massachusetts freeways were numbered sequentially.
“Old Exit” signs have been installed at the one-mile advance sign and near the exits. These signs will be up for a minimum of two years to help with the transition. For a full list of corridors, and their old and new exit numbers, go to newmassexits.com.
Donations sought for auction
Donations are being sought for the Nashua River Watershed Association’s 2021 holiday online auction, which will run from Nov. 18 through Dec. 3. Donation ideas include handmade or handcrafted items, outdoor sports equipment and apparel, tech items, professional services such as landscaping or car repairs, and gift certificates for shops and restaurants. Please donate by Nov. 1. More information is available at bit.ly/3ECG132.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Products Collection Center will be open Wednesday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 9. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please visit devenshhw.com for more information.
Fort Devens noise report
- Sept. 1-30: multiple small arms ranges
- Sept. 29: demolitions
Food pantry open for drive-thru pickup
The Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, serves residents of Harvard, Ayer, Dunstable, Devens, Groton, Littleton, and Shirley. It will be open for drive-thru access from 9 a.m. to noon, Sept. 24 and 29.
