Conversation Cafe with the town administrator
Come by the Harvard General Store Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m., to meet new Town Administrator Dan Nason. This is an opportunity for residents to share comments, questions, concerns, or ideas with Nason and Select Board Chair Don Ludwig.
Opioid settlement funds listening sessions
The Harvard Board of Health and the Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group are conducting listening sessions to receive input from the public to help determine the best use of opioid settlement funds that have been distributed to the town.
Virtual session over Zoom for young adults (ages 18-24,) Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7 to 8 p.m.
In-person session for parents and older adults at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Public participation is crucial in shaping the future of our community. The link to sign up is available at harvard-ma.gov/board-health/news/upcoming-community-listening-sessions.
Candy donations needed
Halloween candy donations are now being accepted at the Harvard Police Department, 40 Ayer Road. Trick-or-treating will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. in town center.
EEE risk level is moderate
As of Oct. 2, the state’s Department of Public Health has lowered the risk level for Eastern equine encephalitis from “high” to “moderate” in Harvard and in neighboring Ayer, Boxborough, and Littleton. A moderate level means EEE has occurred in the area within the last year or there is EEE in mosquitoes in the area now. Four human cases of EEE have occurred so far this year in the state. According to DPH, some risk will remain until the first hard frost.
Archery season open for deer hunting
The Conservation Commission, through its Deer Management Subcommittee, is conducting a controlled archery hunt on designated lands as part of the town’s deer management program. The program is open to permitted hunters who have taken proficiency tests and received state safety training. Further information, including maps of the lands and individual parcels and full rules for the program are available at the subcommittee website at harvard-ma.gov/conservation-commission/deer-management-subcommittee.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Officers of the Harvard Police Department are showing their support by wearing specially designed pink HPD patches on their uniforms. A limited number of pink patches are available for $10 each during October or until sold out. To buy a patch, come to the police station and see Trish Rouvel, or phone 978-456-8276, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to the Virginia Thurston Healing Garden.
‘No swimming’ advisory at pond
The Board of Health has continued a “no swimming” advisory for Bare Hill Pond. Two tests in a row must show acceptable visibility and cyanobacteria levels for the board to lift the swimming advisory. Although one recent test showed acceptable levels of cyanobacteria and good visibility, results of the required second test are pending.
Boating and other activities on the water are not prohibited, but the Board of Health recommends against them until the advisory is lifted.
Youth basketball signups open
The Harvard Athletic Association announces that registration is open for 2024-25 recreational basketball programs for youth in grades K through 8. HAA’s mission is to provide safe programs that encourage good sportsmanship and develop strong playing skills. Registration closes Oct. 15 for the grades 3-6 traveling program and Nov. 1 for the grades K-2 in-town program. Go to harvardbasketball.org for more information and to sign up.
Recycle reusable goods
Recycle Your Reusables 2024 takes place Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ayer Shirley Middle School, 1 Hospital Road, Shirley. Materials accepted include bikes, electronics, household items, mattresses, and musical instruments. Donations for the Loaves & Fishes food pantry will also be accepted.
To volunteer for a three-hour shift, sign up at tinyurl.com/RYR-2024, email recycleyourreusables@gmail.com, or phone 413-347-9353.
Grant applications due Oct. 16
The Harvard Cultural Council is accepting fiscal 2025 grant applications for community-based projects. Activities considered for funding include concerts, plays, and festivals; arts, science, and environmental education in the schools and at the public library; and projects focusing on local history and diversity, restoration, and preservation. Applications are due Oct. 16. To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com.
Devens farmers market
The last farmers market will be held Tuesday, Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 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. For information visit devenscommunity.com/meetings-and-events and scroll down.
Flu clinic
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health will hold a flu shot clinic Thursday, Oct. 17, 3 to 6 p.m. in the Bromfield School cafeteria. Vaccines are available for all ages 6 months and older. Advance registration is required; visit home.color.com/vaccine/register/nashoba?site=harvard-bromfield-school or call 978-772-3335.
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.