Special Town Election is Oct. 8
Election Day is Wednesday, Oct. 8. In-person voting will be at the Hildreth Elementary School gymnasium, 14 Mass. Ave., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters will be asked to choose a candidate to fill a vacancy on the Select Board, with a term to expire May 2026.
In-person absentee voting is available until Oct. 7 at noon. Only voters who will not be in town Oct. 8 can vote in-person absentee. Further information for voters is available at harvard-ma.gov/366/Vot ing-Elections—Links.
Route 117 to be closed west of Still River Road
MassDOT will be performing repairs to the bridge carrying Route 117 over Still River on the Bolton/Lancaster town line. To carry out the work, the bridge must close temporarily to all traffic including pedestrians and bicyclists. Route 117 will be closed west of Still River Road, from Friday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m., through Friday, Oct. 17. Expect delays and plan travel accordingly. Questions may be relayed to dot.feedbackdistrict3@dot.state.ma.us.
Preregister for curbside compost service
The Harvard Climate Initiative Committee is working to bring curbside compost pickup service to town. Black Earth Compost takes all household food waste, including food items that residents may not be able to compost at home. 25 additional households are needed before service can begin. Visit blackearthcompost.com for more information and to preregister.
Town water system maintenance
The Harvard water system is experiencing difficulties maintaining water supply, which may be caused by a leak. Servicing will require turning sections of the water main off for short periods of time; residents may experience low pressure and or no water during these shutdowns. These brief shutdowns are temporary. Call the DPW at 978-456-4130 with any questions or concerns.
Town website updated; some links not functional
The website Harvard-ma.gov has been redesigned, with improved functionality as well as a cleaner, easier layout to navigate. Though staff has worked hard for a smooth transition, minor issues may be apparent as the developer continues to improve and update the site.
Anyone using links to notices, documents, and other information in the old website should verify the continued functionality of those links. Old links do not necessarily work in the new website.
Town’s renewable energy contract renewed
The town has selected First Point Power as the supplier for its community choice power supply program. First Point will provide electric power for all who participate in the program. Consumers will not notice any change in service and will continue to receive one bill from National Grid. To opt in or out of the program, go to colonialpowergroup.com/harvard or call First Point at 888-875-1711. For details, go to harvard-ma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=22 and see “Town chooses First Point Power as new electricity supplier” on page 1.
Pond drawdown has begun
The Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee has published the plan for the fall drawdown of the pond water level. A drawdown depth of 6.5 feet is expected by late November, at a rate of approximately 10-12 inches per week and not more than 3 feet by the end of October. The complete 2024-25 annual report and fall 2025 drawdown plan is available at harvard-ma.gov/documentcenter/view/1757.
Register for vaccine clinic
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health will hold a vaccine clinic Wednesday, Oct. 22, 3 to 6 p.m., in the Bromfield School cafeteria at 14 Mass Ave. Flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines are available for all ages 5 years and older.
Preregistration is recommended; walk-ins will be accepted as supplies last. Register at sugeni.us/ebVh, or find information and regional registration links at nashoba.org/calendar.
Cultural Council applications due Oct. 16
The Harvard Cultural Council is accepting fiscal 2026 grant applications for community-based projects. Activities eligible for 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. Applications are due Oct. 16. To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com. For assistance, contact harvardculturalcouncil@gmail.com.
Win a free bat house
Bromfield’s Green Team and Harvard’s Climate Initiative Committee are offering a giveaway contest to award eight free bat houses. Habitat loss is making it more difficult for bats to find a safe place to raise young. The bat houses were built with grant funds from the Harvard Cultural Council, and will be shown at the annual Harvard Flea Market on Oct. 11.
Enter in person at the flea market or by emailing contact information to sdonahue01451@gmail.com no later than 3:30 p.m. on the day of the flea market. One entry per person. Winners will be contacted at the close of the contest.
Drought conditions worsen
The state has declared a level 2 “significant drought” throughout Worcester and Middlesex counties. Residents are urged to minimize overall water use and to limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m. For more information, visit mass.gov/info-details/drought-status.
Shop at Devens farmers market
The final Devens farmers market of the season will be held Tuesday, Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the corner of Elm and Jackson roads, across from the Fire Station. The market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables. For information visit devenscommunity.com/meetings-and-events and scroll down.
Dispose of hazardous waste properly
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste Saturday, Oct. 4, 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.
Recycle reusable goods
Recycle Your Reusables 2025 will take place Saturday, Oct. 18, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School, 1 Hospital Road, Shirley. Materials accepted include electronics, household items, tires, hearing aids, and musical instruments. Donations for the Loaves & Fishes food pantry will also be accepted. See details at www.masstoss.com/events/ryr25.
To volunteer for a three-hour shift, sign up at tinyurl.com/RYR-2025, email recycleyourreusables@gmail.com, or phone 413-347-9353.
