Fall elections and Town Meeting
The state primary election will be held Tuesday, Sept. 1, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Hildreth Elementary School gymnasium at 27 Mass. Ave. The state general election (midterm) will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The Select Board has scheduled a Special Town Meeting for Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m., at the Bromfield School’s Cronin Auditorium.
Road closures planned Aug. 30
The DPW advises drivers that portions of Still River Road and Elm Street in town center, and the intersection of Still River Road and Ayer Road, will be closed to traffic Sunday, Aug. 30, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. due to the Wachusett Fire Muster. Police officers will be present to redirect traffic.
Register for youth soccer
Registration is now open for in-town fall soccer U6 and U8 boys and girls programs. Register at harvardsoccer.org. For questions send email to shelbymfoster@gmail.com.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will accept hazardous waste on Wednesday, Sept. 2 and Saturday, Sept. 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.
Migratory game bird hunting regulations
The state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has published regulations and schedules for hunting ducks, geese, and other migratory game birds during the 2026-27 hunting season, which begins Sept. 1 for certain species. Visit mass.gov/info-details/migratory-game-bird-hunting-regulations.
Take precautions against West Nile Virus
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed mosquitoes in Ayer, Bolton, and Boxborough have tested positive for West Nile virus, with one human case of the virus reported in Middlesex County. The risk level in Harvard is low. Risk maps are at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update.
West Nile virus can cause serious illness, especially in older adults. Protective measures include:
Avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Using EPA-approved insect repellent (DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus).
Wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors.
Checking screens on doors and windows; keeping mosquitoes out.
Eliminating standing water around the home (buckets, gutters, birdbaths, etc.).
Fall pickleball classes
Registration is open for fall pickleball classes held at the Bromfield courts and taught by pros from the Marcus Lewis Racquet Club. Classes for juniors, teens, and adults start Wednesday, Sept. 9. Register at harvardma.myrec.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; and last Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit LoavesFishesPantry.org for more information.
