Help keep Harvard leafy
The Harvard Elm Commission plants, protects, and nourishes the town’s shade trees and is supported by tax deductible contributions to the Harvard Tree Gift Fund. To make a donation, or for more information, visit harvard-ma.gov/home/news/harvard-tree-gift-fund.
Oct. 8 election: Nomination papers available Monday
The election to fill the open seat on the Select Board will be held Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m to 8 p.m., at Hildreth Elementary School. Starting July 7, prospective candidates for the position can pick up nomination papers at the town clerk’s office at Town Hall, 13 Ayer Road. Papers are due back to the clerk by Aug. 20.
Fall Town Meeting will be held Saturday, Sept. 27, noon, at the Bromfield School.
The last day to register to vote in the election and at Town Meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 5 p.m.
Excessive bacteria at Oxbow boat launch
The Board of Health received water quality testing results June 21 from the Nashua River Watershed Association (NRWA) taken at the boat launch in the Oxbow Wildlife Refuge, at the end of Still River Depot Road. Results showed E. coli levels that exceed the standards set by the state’s Department of Public Health for swimming.
The refuge manager (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) reminds the public that swimming is never allowed in the refuge. NRWA will continue to monitor the site.
Devens farmers market
The next Devens farmers market will be held Tuesday, July 8, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and will continue every other Tuesday through Oct. 14. The market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, and is at the corner of Elm and Jackson roads, across from the Fire Station. For information visit devenscommunity.com/meetings-and-events and scroll down.
Transfer Station stickers
Transfer Station stickers for the 2024-25 year have expired; new stickers are now on sale via mail or online. Prices remain unchanged from last year at $130.00 for two stickers; both stickers must be purchased at the same time. For forms and information go to harvard-ma.gov/transfer-station.
Seeking farm volunteers
Help grow, tend, and harvest fresh fruits and vegetables for communities and neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Community Harvest Project seeks volunteers for its Harvard orchard at 115 Prospect Hill Road and for its farm at 37 Wheeler Road, North Grafton. Sign-ups are available for individuals and groups at the Grafton farm, and will be available for groups at the Harvard orchard starting at the end of August. Register at community-harvest.org/volunteer.
Saturday hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste Saturday, July 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.
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; first Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.; third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon; last Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit loavesfishespantry.org for more information.
Devens noise report
- Throughout July, small arms fire
- July 7, machine guns.
