Special Town Election
Vote by mail or at the polls on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 2. In-person voting will be at the Bromfield School cafeteria, 14 Mass. Ave., from 3 to 8 p.m. Vote by mail by completing the application here: bit.ly/2YgIcbK. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 13, and the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 27. The ballot will ask voters to approve or reject debt exclusions for a new senior center and a fire truck, and what to do with Bromfield House. A sample ballot may be found at bit.ly/3Fmz5XW. For more information, visit the town website at bit.ly/2Yi7LJE.
Flea Market protocols announced
To ensure the safety of staff, vendors, and guests, the Harvard Flea Market, in consultation with the Harvard Board of Health and per CDC advisories, has established guidelines for the 49th Annual Harvard Flea Market, to be held Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Bromfield School. The rain date is Sunday, Oct.10. Free adult and child masks will be available at each entrance. For more information, visit www.harvardfleamarket.com.
- If you are feeling unwell, stay home or find someone to take your place.
- Safe physical distancing is required while selling, shopping, and waiting in lines.
- Unvaccinated vendors and guests should wear masks.
- Vaccinated vendors and guests are encouraged to wear masks, unless local guidelines are revised.
- Vendors are encouraged to have hand sanitizer available at their booths.
Fall Town Meeting under the tent
Fall Town Meeting is set for Saturday, Oct. 16, noon, in front of the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road. Attendees will be asked to decide on 18 articles, including seven bylaw changes, a climate change resolution, and a citizen petition calling for sale of the Bromfield House to a private owner. See this week’s story on page 1. The warrant may be viewed at bit.ly/3DbG9VA. Watch for next’s week’s issue of the Press containing our “Warrant in Plain English.”
Chilly, but swimmable
The Board of Health has announced that swimming is now allowed at the town beach at Bare Hill Pond. Results of water quality samples taken on Sept. 21 and Sept. 30 show cyanobacteria levels below the acceptable level of 70,000 cells per milliliter. Tests also show nondetectable readings for cyanotoxins. Water visibility now stands at more than 5 feet, improved from previous, unsafe levels of less than 4 feet. Drawdowns at the pond began Oct. 1, so look for water levels to drop about a foot per week throughout October.
Invasive lanternfly alert
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources announced that a small population of the invasive spotted lanternfly has been found in Fitchburg. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive sap-feeding insect that attacks many different trees, shrubs, and vines, and it has the potential to affect many agricultural commodities, including apples, peaches, grapes, hops, maple syrup, wine, beer, and ornamental plants.
Residents should look for both adult insects (large, gray, bugs, about 1-inch long, with black spots and red underwings) and egg masses (inch-long, rectangular masses, yellowish-brown, and covered with a gray waxy coating). Anyone who suspects a lanternfly infestation should take a photo or collect a specimen and report it to massnrc.org/pests/slfreport.aspx.
Flu vaccine clinics
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health has scheduled flu vaccine clinics in October. NABH will be using an online registration system instead of a paper form. To register and view a list of times and locations, visit bit.ly/3owQxmF. Appointments are based on the availability of vaccine, and walk-ins will be accepted as vaccine supplies allow.
Real estate taxes due Nov. 1
Second-quarter real estate taxes are due Nov. 1. If you are expecting a tax bill but did not receive one, call Town Hall at 978-456-4100, ext. 311 or 318.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Products Collection Center will be open Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please visit devenshhw.com for more information.
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, Oct. 8, 13, 16, 20, 22, 27, and 29.
