Remember 9/11
The Harvard Police Department and the Harvard Fire-EMS Department will hold a remembrance ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, honoring the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the courage and service shown on that day and in the years since. The ceremony will be held Friday, Sept. 11, at the Public Safety Building, 40 Ayer Road, and will begin promptly at 8:55 a.m. Residents, families, town employees, public safety members, and members of the community are all welcome.
Select Board community hour
Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with members of the Select Board Thursday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m., at the Devens Community Center, 100 Sherman Ave., Devens. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about ongoing community initiatives, and engage directly with local leadership.
Apply for opioid settlement funds grants
The Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group is accepting proposals for projects aimed at abating addiction in town. Funding requests are limited to $10,000, and proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis. Individuals and organizations are eligible to apply.
Details and application materials are available at harvard-ma.gov/444/Opioid-Abatement-Funds-Mini-Grant-Propos. The working group will evaluate submissions and make recommendations to the Select Board for approval.
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.
Harvard’s risk level ‘moderate’ for West Nile virus
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed mosquitoes in Ayer, Bolton, Boxborough, and Fitchburg have tested positive for West Nile virus, with three human cases of the virus reported in Middlesex County. The risk level in Harvard has been raised to moderate. Risk maps are at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovi rus-update.
West Nile virus can cause serious illness, especially in older adults. Protective measures include the following actions:
- 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, and so forth).
Keep Harvard’s natural spaces beautiful
Sign-ups are open for Harvard Conservation Trust fall stewardship workdays. Help maintain trails and open spaces by building bridges, removing invasive plants, refreshing trail blazes, cleaning up paths, and watering newly planted native species for ongoing restoration. Find details at Harvard ConservationTrust.org/volunteer-opportunities.
Saturday hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will accept hazardous waste 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.
