Outdoor fire ban
Due to the current and expected weather conditions, Fire Chief Sicard has continued the outdoor fire ban in the town of Harvard until further notice. This includes fires associated with fire pits (including Solo stoves), all outdoor fireplaces, and cooking and heating equipment that are not specifically covered under 310 CMR 7.07, the open burning regulation. Information on the current drought and other resources are available at mass.gov/info-details/drought-status.
Using rodenticide wisely
According to Friends of Worcester Wildlife, rodenticide is killing more than just rats and mice: A 2020 study at Tufts Veterinary School found that 100% of red-tailed hawks coming to their facility had anticoagulants in their systems. Anyone using anticoagulant rodenticide—even in bait boxes designed to be “safe” for pets and children—should know that alternatives can be effective without killing birds of prey such as hawks, owls, and bald eagles, and predators, such as foxes and coyotes. Pets can also be at risk.
To learn about safer rodenticide, go to the storymaps site at bit.ly/3AMWZyC and click on “How you can help.”
Library pop-up holiday sale
From now until the end of the year, the Friends of the Harvard Public Library will offer a selection of nearly new books—children’s, adult, fiction and nonfiction, CDs, DVDs, and puzzles—for sale in the Harvard Public Library’s lobby during regular library hours. Library patrons will find low prices and will be supporting library programs.
In addition, the Harvard Historical Society will be selling reproductions of historical maps, buildings, and scenes of Harvard, both framed and unframed. Proceeds will support the ongoing work of the society, preservation of the collections, and maintenance of the meetinghouse and museum in Still River.
Ski and Snowboard Club registration
Harvard Parks and Recreation’s 2025 Ski and Snowboard Club is accepting registrations. This after-school program for HES and Bromfield students runs for six weeks on Wednesdays, starting Wednesday, Jan 8. Bus service for students is arranged through Parks and Rec. For more information and to register, please visit harvardma.myrec.com.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste on Wednesday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 9 Cook Street (Rear), Devens. Closed during rain; reopens when rain stops. This will be the final collection for the season; collection will resume in March 2025. 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.”
Free radon test kits
Residents can request free air and private well water radon test kits from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Indoor Air Quality Division. DPH suggests that everyone living or working in a home or rental unit “that touches the ground” should test the air for radon every two years during the heating season. To request a test kit, email DPHIAQ.radon@mass.gov or phone 800-723-6695. Tests cannot be used to meet requirements for property transfers.
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.
Devens noise report
Throughout November, small arms (rifles and pistols).