EEE risk level is moderate
As of Oct. 2, the state’s Department of Public Health has lowered the risk level for Eastern equine encephalitis from “high” to “moderate” in Harvard and in neighboring Ayer, Boxborough, and Littleton. A moderate level means EEE has occurred in the area within the last year or there is EEE in mosquitoes in the area now. Four human cases of EEE have occurred so far this year in the state.
Risk levels for West Nile virus remain low.
According to DPH, some risk will remain until the first hard frost.
Candy donations needed
Halloween candy donations are now being accepted at the Harvard Police Department, 40 Ayer Road. Trick-or-treating will be held Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. in town center.
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. Testing conducted Sept. 30 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.
Youth basketball signups open
The Harvard Athletic Association announces that registration is open for 2024-25 recreational basketball programs for youth in grades K through 8. HAA’s mission is to provide safe programs that encourage good sportsmanship and develop strong playing skills. Registration closes Oct. 15 for the grades 3-6 traveling program and Nov. 1 for the grades K-2 in-town program. Go to harvardbasketball.org for more information and to sign up.
COVID-19 test kits available
The Board of Health reminds residents that every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid test kits delivered directly to their home. To order, or to check whether the expiration dates have been extended for any tests currently held, visit covidtests.gov.
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.
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 farmers market will be held Tuesday, 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.
Saturday hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste 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.
