Town Meeting is Saturday at noon
Town Meeting will take place Saturday, Sept. 28, noon, at the Bromfield School’s Cronin Auditorium. For more information see “Guide to Town Meeting” and “Warrant in plain English” in this edition of the Press. To see the 13 articles as they appear on the warrant, go to www.harvard-ma.gov and click on “News & Announcements,” then on “Town Meeting Second Session.”
EEE risk level is high
The Department of Public Health has identified the risk level for Eastern equine encephalitis as “high” in Harvard and in neighboring Ayer, Boxborough, and Littleton. “High” is level 4 out of 5 on DPH’s scale. The risk level for West Nile Virus in Harvard remains low. Residents should take the following actions to avoid mosquitos:
- View risk level maps at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update#risk-maps.
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents any time you are outdoors.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing.
- Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours from dusk to dawn.
- Repair damaged window and door screens.
- Remove standing water from the areas around your home.
- For more information go to tinyurl.com/bohmosies.
Hunting season
Residents are reminded that deer hunting (archery) season opens Monday, Oct. 7, and that hunting is permitted in state wildlife management areas. The 2024 summary of hunting season dates is available at mass.gov/doc/2024-hunting-season-summary/download. Safety information for hunters and nonhunters alike is at mass.gov/outdoor-recreation-safety-tips.
No swimming at pond; fishing, boating not recommended
The Board of Health has continued a “no swimming” advisory for Bare Hill Pond. Although water visibility has improved from the Sept. 17 test, Sept. 25 testing showed levels of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, that remain unsafe for people and pets.
Activities on the water are not prohibited, but the Board of Health recommends against them. Anyone choosing to fish or boat should take the following precautions:
- Steer clear of algae blooms.
- If contact occurs, rinse skin with clean water. If skin rash or illness occurs, contact a medical provider.
- When removing a boat from the water, wash it thoroughly with clean water before transport.
Recycle reusable goods
Recycle Your Reusables 2024 takes place Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ayer Shirley Middle School, 1 Hospital Road, Shirley. Materials accepted include bikes, electronics, household items, mattresses, and musical instruments. Donations for the Loaves & Fishes food pantry will also be accepted.
To volunteer for a three-hour shift, sign up at tinyurl.com/RYR-2024, email recycleyourreusables@gmail.com, or phone 413-347-9353.
COVID-19 test kits available
The Board of Health has placed COVID-19 at-home test kits in the foyer of the Public Safety Building, the foyer of Town Hall, the Senior Center at 16 Lancaster County Road, and the Hildreth House at 15 Elm St. Town Hall and Hildreth House are open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Test kits are free for Harvard residents and those who work in Harvard. Limit two boxes per household, please.
The federal government will again be offering COVID-19 test kits in late September; visit covidtests.gov for information.
Grant applications due Oct. 16
The Harvard Cultural Council is accepting fiscal 2025 grant applications for community-based projects. Activities considered for funding include 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. Applications are due Oct. 16. To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com.
Devens farmers market
The last two farmers market days will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1 and Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, and is at the corner of Elm and Jackson roads, across from the Fire Station. Cash and credit or debit cards are accepted; SNAP users can earn additional benefits through the Healthy Incentives Program. For information visit devenscommunity.com/meetings-and-events and scroll down.
Flu clinic
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health will hold a flu shot clinic Thursday, Oct. 17, 3 to 6 p.m., in the Bromfield School cafeteria. Vaccines are available for all ages six months and older. Advance registration is required; visit home.color.com/vaccine/register/nashoba?site=harvard-bromfield-school or call 978-772-3335.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 9 Cook Street (Rear), Devens. Closed during rain; reopens when rain stops. For information on items accepted, packaging, and fees, visit DevensHHW.com.
Resources for invasive plant management
The Harvard Conservation Commission and Harvard Climate Initiative Committee announce CLIHP: Clearing Invasive Harvard Plants, a new project to help residents manage invasive plants on their own land. The project offers resources including free booklets on identification and removal of common invasive plants, tools available for loan, books on native plants to replace removed invasives, and free native seed packets to sow in fall. End-of-season native plants are also available. For details stop by the Conservation Commission office at Hildreth House, 15 Elm St., or email Liz Allard at lallard@harvard-ma.gov.
Park-and-ride shuttle to Littleton station
The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) provides commuter shuttle service connecting Harvard residents to the Littleton commuter rail station. Shuttles stop at the Holy Trinity parking lot at 15 Still River Road and at the business plaza at 285 Ayer Road, and shuttle riders can park their cars at these locations.
For pickup times, go to mrta.us, click on “Schedules and Maps,” and then on “Harvard Commuter Shuttle.”
Loaves & Fishes
The Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, serves food to people in need who reside in Ayer, Devens, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Littleton, and Shirley. Pantry hours are Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to noon (closed Fridays before Saturday sessions); first Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m.; third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit loavesfishespantry.org for more information.
