Housing forum
A forum titled, “The Housing Crisis for Newly Arrived Migrants: What Can We Do?” will be held at the Harvard Congregational Church, 5 Still River Road, on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. A panel of speakers will discuss the issue from a variety of perspectives, and the forum will focus on what we all can do to welcome and assist affected families in our communities. Registration is requested to attend in person or on Zoom at https://forms.gle/kgbmo8qwwZKT3jdJ6.
Town Meeting is Oct. 21
Town Meeting will take place Saturday, Oct. 21, noon, at the Bromfield School’s Cronin Auditorium. In the coming weeks, the Press will report on the warrant articles to be voted on at the meeting.
Harvard Flea Market
The 51st annual Harvard Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date Oct. 8) on the field in front of the library and the Bromfield School, 14 Mass. Ave.
Arm in Arm and the Harvard Climate Initiative Committee are holding a local food tasting contest at the flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To contribute food, visit tinyurl.com/mr6pefrw.
Native lawn alternatives
Alexis Doshas, Native Plant Trust staffer, will discuss how homeowners, land stewards, gardeners, and landscape professionals can better support biodiversity and create a healthy ecosystem through the use of native ground covers, at the Garden Club meeting, Monday, Sept. 25, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 15 Still River Road. The public is welcome.
Free house number signs
Residents can sign up for a free reflective house number sign to make their driveway more visible to first responders. There are also signs for homes on a shared driveway; sign up with your neighbor.
To sign up or report any issues with your sign, email Jen Schoenberg, at jschoenberg@harvard-ma.gov or call the Council on Aging at 978-456-4120, and provide your name, address, contact number and an email address when you request a sign.
The town asks that residents keep their signs clear of snow and foliage so that they are visible throughout the year.
Beach report
Beach programs and lifeguarding have ended for the season. Swimming is now at one’s own risk.
The water at the town beach is observed and analyzed using a fluorometer on a weekly basis from mid-July through mid-September. E. coli testing has ended for the year. Results from observations and analysis performed Sept. 12 indicate no harmful levels of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are present. As such, all allowed activities can continue. The state advises 4 feet of visibility when swimming in freshwater ponds.
Contact the Board of Health at boh@harvard-ma.gov or the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health at 978-772-3335 ext. 303 with any questions.
Harvard Cultural Council accepting grant applications
The Harvard Cultural Council is accepting fiscal 2024 grant applications for community-based projects. Applications are due Oct. 17. Activities considered for annual grant funding include community gatherings such as concerts, plays, and festivals; arts, science, and environmental education in the schools and at the public library; and projects focusing on local history and diversity, restoration, and preservation. To view a video about how to apply, go to massculturalcouncil.org. To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com.
Volunteer opportunities
The Select Board is seeking two citizens at large to serve on the newly created Transfer Station Committee, which will review current function, services, and use of the Transfer Station and provide recommendations to ensure its future viability. If interested, fill out the form at harvard.seamlessdocs.com/f/volunteerform.
Other vacancies for volunteers may be found at harvardmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php. Questions can be directed to Executive Assistant Julie Doucet at jdoucet@harvard-ma.gov, or phone 978-456-4100 ext. 312.
Flu clinics
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health’s flu clinic schedule for the 2023-24 flu season can be viewed at harvard-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif676/f/uploads/flu_clinic_23_schedule.pdf. The full flu clinic schedule, registration links, and FAQ are posted on NABH’s website at nashoba.org/calendar.
Loaves & Fishes food pantry
This food pantry, located at 234 Barnum Road, Devens, offers drive-thru access for those needing help with groceries. Hours are first Tuesday of the month, 5 to 7 p.m., and Wednesdays, Fridays, and third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Upcoming dates are Sept. 16, 20, 22, 27, and 29. For more information, visit loaves fishespantry.org or tinyurl.com/bdcrjf4k.
The pantry is seeking volunteers to help its video team with producing some short videos. If interested, contact volunteer@loavesfishespantry.org or 978-772-4627, ext. 317.
Devens noise report
- Through Sept. 30: multiple small arms
- Sept. 16-17: grenade range and rocket range
- Sept. 28: rocket range.
