Notice Board: September 13, 2024


Election and Town Meeting calendar

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 continued a “no swimming” advisory for Bare Hill Pond. Sept. 3 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.

Weed harvesting postponed

Due to low visibility and an algae bloom in Bare Hill Pond, the diver-assisted suction harvesting of invasive milfoil has been postponed; it had been scheduled for the week of Sept. 19.


EEE risk level raised to high

The Department of Public Health announced Sept. 5 one additional human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Middlesex County. The EEE risk level has been raised to high in Harvard and in Ayer, Boxborough, and Littleton. “High” is level 4 out of 5 on DPH’s scale. The risk level for West Nile Virus in Harvard remains low. For more information, see page 1.

Residents should take the following actions to avoid mosquitos:

  • View risk level maps at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus- update#risk-maps.
  • Use EPA-approved insect repellents any time you are outdoors.
  • Wear long-sleeved clothing.
  • Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours from dusk to dawn during peak mosquito season.
  • Repair damaged window and door screens.
  • Remove standing water from the areas around your home.

For more information go to tinyurl.com/bohmosies.


Learn about the specialized energy code

The Harvard Energy Advisory Committee, Harvard Climate Initiative Committee, and Commonwealth Department of Energy Resources will host a virtual presentation and Q&A Thursday, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m., introducing the opt-in specialized energy code planned for inclusion in the Sept. 28 Town Meeting warrant. Learn what’s involved for the town and how this supports greenhouse gas emissions goals set by the state. See the agenda and meeting link at harvard-ma.gov/calendar-by-event-type/16/day/2024-09-19, and scroll to Harvard Climate Initiative Committee meeting at 7:30 p.m.

A recording of the same presentation, made Aug. 6 to the Select Board, is also available at vimeo.com/996174988.


Grant application information session

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.

The council will hold an information session Monday, Sept. 16, 6 p.m. in Volunteers Hall at the library to discuss the grant process and how to submit a successful application. Contact harvard culturalcouncil@gmail.com.


Opioid settlement funds survey

The Harvard Board of Health and the Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group are conducting a survey to determine the best use of the opioid settlement funds that have been distributed to the town. Data from this survey, plus three listening sessions planned for October, will inform the working group on how the town and surrounding communities would like the funds to be used.

The survey is at tinyurl.com/HarvardAbatement and will be open until Friday, Sept. 20.


Student T-shirt design contest

The Harvard Schools PTO announces a T-shirt design contest for the 5K and fun run races planned for November. The contest is open to all students attending Harvard public schools grades pre-K through 12, and must reflect the most-loved things about the school community. Designs are due Friday, Oct. 4. More information at sites.google.com/site/harvardpto/2024-fun-run.


Devens farmers market

The next Devens farmers market will be held Tuesday, Sept. 17, 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 devenscommu nity.com/meetings-and-events and scroll down.


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.


Devens noise report

  • Sept. 14, grenades
  • Sept. 14-15, machine guns
  • Sept. 17-22, demolition
  • Sept. 19-22, grenades
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