Oct. 1 Town Meeting
The second session of the 2022 Annual Town Meeting will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, at noon in the Bromfield School auditorium, 14 Mass. Ave. To view the meeting warrant, visit harvard-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif676/f/uploads/atm_10.1.2022_warrant.pdf.
Flu season approaches
The Nashoba Nursing Service will host flu shot clinics Tuesday, Oct. 18, 9-11 a.m. at Hildreth House, 15 Elm St. (for adults and seniors only); and Tuesday, Oct. 25, 3-6 p.m. at the Bromfield School, 14 Mass. Ave. (all ages). Preregistration at tinyurl.com/2p93f4x7 is required. To learn more and view availability in other towns, visit nashoba.org/calendar.
Disposal of textiles banned statewide
Beginning Nov. 1, the Department of Environmental Protection will ban the disposal of textiles and mattresses in Massachusetts. This is part of DEP’s 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan, which set a goal to reduce disposal statewide by 30% by 2030. According to DEP, residents and businesses dispose of about 230,000 tons of textiles annually, although 95% of that could have been reused or recycled.
Only textiles contaminated with mold, insects, oil, or hazardous substances can be disposed of. Other textiles can be recycled at the collection bins at the Transfer Station, at the Red Cross bin at the Public Safety Building, or at the collection bin in front of Rollstone Bank.
‘Coffee with a Cop’
Join the Harvard Police Department Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the General Store, 1 Still River Road, for the first annual “Coffee and Tea with the PD.” The event will bring police officers and community members together over coffee to discuss issues and learn more about one another. Dusty the Assistance Dog will be present as well. For more information email pnatoli@harvard-ma.gov.
Town’s renewable energy contract up for renewal
The three-year contract that allows townspeople to select a renewable energy electricity supplier other than National Grid is nearing its end. Private suppliers may contact residents directly offering different electricity options.
Town electricity supplier information will be sent to homes and will have an official town letterhead. It will compare the new rates to the standard National Grid rates. Residents will be switched to the new supplier if they have been with Dynegy through the town’s program. There is nothing residents have to do.
Information about the town’s new supplier and rates should be available in a few weeks. Residents and businesses who are currently participating in the town’s program will receive a postcard in the mail about the new supplier, the terms, and the rates. Contact Colonial Power Group, the town’s aggregation consultant, at 866-485-5858, ext. 1, with questions about the program.
Harvard Help needs more drivers
Harvard Help is a volunteer organization whose motto is “Neighbors helping neighbors.” The group provides free rides to residents who aren’t able to drive, usually to medical appointments but also for other everyday needs. The rides cover the general metrowest area (not Boston). Their list of drivers is currently very short. If you are willing to provide a ride once or twice a month for a neighbor who needs it, please call the Council on Aging at 978-456-4120.
Farm volunteers sought
Prospect Hill Community Orchard, 115 Prospect Hill Road, invites the public to volunteer for a morning of picking, sorting, packing, and boxing fruit, Thursday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to noon. Space is limited; sign up at tinyurl.com/yaxsavwd. Learn more at tinyurl.com/5cwpef7u.
Grants available
The Harvard Cultural Council is now accepting fiscal 2023 grant applications for community-based projects. The applications are due Oct. 17. For more information, email Rich Marcello at rmarcello01451@gmail.com. To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp.
Repaving on Ayer Road begins Sunday
According to DPW Director Tim Kilhart, repaving of Ayer Road from Route 2 to the Ayer line is scheduled to begin Sunday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. Work will end at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 3, and begin again that evening at 6:30 p.m. Paving will end at 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4. Line striping will be done at a date yet to be determined.
Clothing drive
The Friends of Harvard Soccer is holding a clothing drive through Oct. 8. Drop off clothing, shoes, backpacks, handbags, and linens at Hildreth House, 15 Elm Street. Transfer station drop-off is also scheduled for Oct. 1. All proceeds benefit the Epilepsy Foundation and the Bromfield varsity boys and girls soccer teams.
Critical drought continues
The state urges people to halt all nonessential water use. For more information, visit mass.gov/info-details/drought-status.
Outdoor watering is also prohibited for users of the town’s water supply. Watering lawns, filling pools, and washing cars and houses are prohibited. The ban will be in place until further notice.
Devens noise report
Oct. 1-31: multiple small arms ranges.
