July 3, 2026

Friday, July 3, 2026

Leave fireworks to the professionals

Massachusetts law prohibits the possession, use, and sale of fireworks and other pyrotechnics without professional licensing and certification. The law applies even if they’re bought legally in another state.

According to a press release from the Department of Fire Services, 121 of the 188 fireworks-related visits to Massachusetts emergency departments from 2021 to 2025 took place in July. July also accounted for 253 of the 486 fires and explosions caused by fireworks during the same five-year period. Both injuries and fires increased by about 23% last year, including one that claimed a 70-year-old man’s life in Wareham.

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 North Grafton farm, and will be available for groups at the Harvard orchard starting late in August. Register at community-harvest.org/volunteer.

Transfer Station closed July 4

The Department of Public Works reminds residents that the Transfer Station will be closed Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

Declaration of Independence on display

The town clerk’s office at Town Hall has a hand-inscribed version of the Declaration of Independence from 1795 on display as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. The document is available for viewing on the first floor of Town Hall during regular hours through July 9.

Mercury in largemouth bass

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health cautions residents about eating largemouth bass caught in Bare Hill Pond and Mirror Lake. These advisories have been in place for approximately 20 years due to mercury found in the fish. Catch and release is recommended.

For advisories in freshwater bodies statewide, go to mass.gov/info-details/freshwater-fish-consumption-advisory-lookup-table.

Avoiding conflict with turkeys

Turkeys thrive close to humans in suburban areas. MassWildlife offers the following tips to residents wishing to avoid conflicts:

Do not feed turkeys. Feeding can lead to bold or aggressive behavior.
Don’t be intimidated. Scare a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or spraying water from a hose.
Keep areas surrounding bird feeders clean, and remove feeders in the spring.
Cover windows and shiny objects so turkeys don’t see themselves.
Work with your neighbors; one person’s efforts will be futile if turkeys are welcomed or fed next door.

Boat rental at Bare Hill Pond

Harvard Park and Recreation reminds residents of their summer boat rental program at Bare Hill Pond. Membership allows unlimited three-hour rentals of canoes, kayaks, and other watercraft. See fees and regulations at harvardma.myrec.com>>Programs>>Boat Rental Membership.

Saturday hazardous waste collection

The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will accept hazardous waste on Saturday, July 11, 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, provides 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.

Devens noise report