Columbus Day, aka Indigenous People’s Day
Oct. 13 is Columbus Day and, in Harvard and 27 other Massachusetts towns, Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s a federal, state, and municipal holiday. Whether you’re peeping the leaves or hanging at home, there are some key closures to note.
- Federal offices: Closed
- Federal courts: Closed
- Post offices: Closed
- State offices: Closed
- RMV: Closed
- State courts: Closed
- Harvard town offices: Closed
- Public schools: Closed
- Libraries: Closed
- Banks: Most banks will be closed
- Stock market: Open
- Retail locations: Closed before noon
- Liquor stores: Closed before noon
- Supermarkets: Open
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Officers of the Harvard Police Department are showing their support by wearing specially designed pink HPD patches on their uniforms. A limited number of pink patches are available for $10 each during October or until sold out. To buy a patch, come to the police station and see Trish Rouvel, or phone 978-456-8276, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden.
Candy donations needed
Halloween candy donations are now being accepted at the Harvard Police Department, 40 Ayer Road. Trick-or-treating will be held Friday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. in town center.
Route 117 closed west of Still River Road
MassDOT is repairing the bridge carrying Route 117 over the Still River west of Still River Road on the Bolton/Lancaster town line. The bridge is closed to all traffic including pedestrians and bicyclists; it is scheduled to reopen 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. Twenty-five additional households are needed before service can begin. Visit blackearthcompost.com for more information and to preregister.
Town website updated; check your links
The website Harvard-ma.gov has been updated, with improved functionality and a cleaner, easier layout to navigate. Users may encounter minor problems until the transition is completed. Anyone using links to notices, documents, and other information developed for the old website should verify the continued functionality of those links. Old links do not necessarily work with the new website.
Town signs community choice energy contract
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.
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.
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.
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.
Avoid risk of mosquito-borne diseases
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tracks Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus based on reports of mosquito testing. Maps of risk levels by town are at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update.
The current risk level for West Nile virus in Harvard is moderate, with mosquitoes in the southeast part of Devens as well as in Boxborough and Bolton having tested positive.
The current risk level for EEE in Harvard is low.
Devens farmers market season ends Oct. 14
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.
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.
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.
