Election and Town Meeting calendar
Tuesday, Sept. 3 State Primary Election
- New location: Hildreth Elementary School gymnasium.
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28 Town Meeting
- Location: Bromfield School Cronin Auditorium.
- Hours: noon to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 5 State Election
- New location: Hildreth Elementary School gymnasium.
- Last day to register for the state election: Saturday, Oct. 26.
- In-person early voting: Saturday, Oct. 19, to Thursday, Oct. 31, upstairs at Town Hall.
No swimming at pond; fishing, boating not recommended
The Board of Health has issued a “no swimming” advisory for Bare Hill Pond. Aug. 27 testing showed levels of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, that are unsafe for people and pets. Poor water visibility—now at less than 4 feet—also makes swimming unsafe.
Although activities on the water are not prohibited, the Board of Health recommends against them. Anyone choosing to fish or boat should take the following precautions:
- Steer clear of algae blooms.
- If contact occurs, rinse skin with clean water. If skin rash or illness occurs, contact a medical provider.
- If removing a boat from the water, wash it thoroughly with clean water before transport.
Water quality at Oxbow
The Board of Health has reported that results of water quality testing Aug. 24, taken at the boat launch in the Oxbow Wildlife Refuge (at the end of Still River Depot Road), showed that E. coli levels exceed the standards set by the state’s Department of Public Health for swimming.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Refuge manager told the Board of Health, “There is no swimming within the Refuge.”
West Nile Virus in nearby towns
On Aug. 14 the Department of Public Health reported that the following towns had West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples: Stow, Bedford, Boylston, and Leominster (among others). The risk level for Harvard remains low, but residents should take the following actions to avoid mosquitos:
- View risk level maps at mass.gov/info-details/west-nile-virus-wnv?
- Use mosquito repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient.
- Be aware of peak mosquito hours (from dusk to dawn).
- Drain standing water around your home.
- Repair screens.
For more information go to harvard-ma.gov/board-health/pages/mosquitoes.
Save Oct. 5 date: Harvard Flea Market
The League of Women Voters of Harvard and the Harvard Schools Trust will host the 52nd annual Harvard Flea Market Saturday, Oct. 5. The rain date will be Sunday, Oct. 6. These dates are one week earlier than usual due to a conflict with the observance of the Jewish high holy day of Yom Kippur on the Indigenous Peoples Day long weekend.
Booths are still available. For information go to harvardfleamarket.com.
Styrofoam collection
The Board of Health will hold a foam collection Saturday, Sept. 14. In addition to accepting #6 PS (expanded polystyrene), including bulk white packing Styrofoam and Styrofoam coolers, the recycler will now also accept #4 LDPE (expanded polyethylene). Examples of both types will be in the Board of Health office in August, or pictures are at recycleyourfoam.com. Half-inch #6 Styrofoam sheets, not previously accepted, will also be collected.
Foam must be clean, dry, and free of tape, and the two types of foam kept separate. The recycler does not accept Styrofoam packing peanuts, food containers, or insulation board.
To volunteer for a two-hour shift, contact boh@harvard-ma.gov.
Register for fall rowing
Sign up for fall rowing programs with the Bromfield Acton-Boxborough rowing teams. No experience necessary. Programs include competitive rowing for grades 9-12, eighth-grade sculling team, and learn to row for grades 6 and 7. Open to Bromfield students and Harvard residents attending the Parker School or Monty Tech. Find out more and register at barehillrowing.com/fall. Email programdirector@barehillrowing.com with any questions.
Registration has closed for high school and eighth grade programs but is open until Sept. 6 for grades 6 and 7.
Call for art entries
Fivesparks and the Harvard Conservation Trust announce a call for art for Destination: Nature 2024, opening in November at Fivesparks. This year’s theme has been expanded to focus on the geographical area of the Nashua River watershed. Submissions open Sept. 6. Visit destination-nature.org for details.
Solar coaches needed
Have you recently installed a solar system, possibly one with battery backup? Harvard’s Climate Initiative Committee is looking for Harvard residents who would like to be volunteer coaches, helping neighbors understand solar options, interpreting quotes from multiple installers, and answering questions. If you are interested in coaching and working with the committee to develop a solar coaching program, email harvardmaclimate@gmail.com.
Devens farmers market
The next Devens farmers market will be held Tuesday, Sept. 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and will continue every other Tuesday through Oct. 15. The market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, and is at the corner of Elm and Jackson roads, across from the Fire Station. Cash and credit or debit cards are accepted; SNAP users can earn additional benefits through the Healthy Incentives Program. Seasonal shares are available. For information visit devenscommunity.com/meetings-and-events and scroll down.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste Wednesday, Sept. 4, and Saturday, Sept. 7, 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.
Park-and-ride shuttle to Littleton station
The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) provides commuter shuttle service connecting Harvard residents to the Littleton commuter rail station. Shuttles stop at the Holy Trinity parking lot at 15 Still River Road and at the business plaza at 285 Ayer Road, and shuttle riders can park their cars at these locations.
For pickup times, go to mrta.us, click on “Schedules and Maps,” and then on “Harvard Commuter Shuttle.”
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 (closed Fridays before Saturday sessions); first Tuesday, 5 to 7 p.m.; third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit loavesfishespantry.org for more information.