Fall election is Oct. 8
The date for the election to fill the Select Board seat vacated by Rich Maiore will be held Wednesday, Oct. 8. A departure from the usual Tuesday elections, Wednesday will be a half day for the elementary school and parking will be easier.
The continuation date for Town Meeting remains unchanged, Saturday, Sept. 27.
Free fishing weekend
The Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife announces this year’s free freshwater fishing weekend on June 7 and 8. No license is required to fish any public lake, pond, reservoir, stream, or river in Massachusetts from 12 a.m. Saturday, June 7, until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Details at mass.gov/news/june-7-8-2025-is-free-fishing-weekend.
Water quality testing and resources
The Board of Health maintains resources for sampling and testing of water from private wells, including recently updated PFAS information and resources. The board recommends that water be tested every five years or any time a change in water color, smell, or taste is noticed. Water quality testing is required in preparation for all property transfers. Visit their webpage at harvard-ma.gov/board-health/pages/water-quality.
Job opening: Beach director
The Park and Recreation Department seeks a beach director for the summer of 2025. For more information and to apply, go to harvard-ma.gov/human-resources/pages/employment-opportunities.
Mud season on town trails
With mud season continuing and the ground vulnerable to potholes, rutting, and erosion, the Conservation Commission asks residents to exercise care on town trails. Minimize trail damage by following these guidelines:
- Horseback riders and bicyclists should avoid trails until they firm up.
- Vehicles must keep to gravel parking areas and off muddy edges.
- Trail walkers and runners should avoid widening wet trail areas by keeping to existing trails or rock-hopping.
- The running track through the woods at Harvard Park is built with drainage and a compacted surface; it is a good option at this time of year.
Recycle plastic nursery pots
Weston Nurseries offers a recycling program for plastic nursery pots that cannot be recycled locally. Clean, label-free, stacked nursery pots may be dropped at any of four Weston Nurseries locations on the last Friday and Saturday of each month until November. Find details at www.westonnurseries.com/plastic-pot-recycling-program.
Donate blood
The Federal Medical Center at 42 Patten Road, Devens, will host the Mass General bloodmobile Thursday, June 12. For appointments visit blooddonor.massgeneral.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/6702.
Saturday hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste Saturday, June 7, 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.
Transfer station stickers
Transfer station stickers are now on sale via mail or online. Stickers will not be prorated; both stickers must be purchased at the same time, and stickers purchased will be mailed out by June 15. Prices remain unchanged from last year, at $130.00 for two stickers. Visit the transfer station webpage for forms and information: harvard-ma.gov/transfer-station.
Devens noise report
Throughout June, small arms fire
- June 6-8, anti-tank weapons, grenades
- June 12-13, helicopters, parachuting
- June 14-15, machine guns.
