Election and Town Meeting calendar
Saturday, Sept. 28, Town Meeting
- At the Bromfield School Cronin Auditorium, 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.
EEE risk level is high
The Department of Public Health has raised the risk level for Eastern equine encephalitis to “high” in Harvard and in neighboring 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. 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.
- Repair damaged window and door screens.
- Remove standing water from the areas around your home.
For more information go to tinyurl.com/bohmosies.
COVID-19 test kits available
The Board of Health has placed COVID-19 at-home test kits in the foyer of the Public Safety Building, the foyer of Town Hall, the Senior Center at 16 Lancaster County Road, and the Hildreth House at 15 Elm St. Town Hall and Hildreth House are open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Test kits are free for Harvard residents and those who work in Harvard. Limit two boxes per household, please.
The federal government will again be offering COVID-19 test kits in late September; visit covidtests.gov for information.
No swimming at pond; fishing, boating not recommended
The Board of Health has continued a “no swimming” advisory for Bare Hill Pond. Sept. 17 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.
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.
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. For further information visit sites.google.com/site/harvardpto/2024-fun-run.
Devens farmers market
The last two farmers market days will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1 and 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. 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 on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 5, 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.
Resources for invasive plant management
The Harvard Conservation Commission and Harvard Climate Initiative Committee announce CLIHP: Clearing Invasive Harvard Plants, a new project to help residents manage invasive plants on their own land. The project offers resources including free booklets on identification and removal of common invasive plants, tools available for loan, books on native plants to replace removed invasives, and free native seed packets to sow in fall. For details stop by the Conservation Commission office at Hildreth House, 15 Elm St., or email Liz Allard at lallard@harvard-ma.gov.
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
- Through Sept. 22, demolition
- Through Sept. 22, grenades