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.
Grant application information session
The Harvard Cultural Council is accepting applications for grants to support artistic, educational, and cultural activities in the community. The council will hold an information session Monday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. at the library to discuss the grant process and how to submit an application. For information and to apply, visit massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/harvard.
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.
No swimming at pond; fishing, boating not recommended
The Board of Health has issued 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.
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. For further information visit sites.google.com/site/harvardpto/2024-fun-run.
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.
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:
For more information go to harvard-ma.gov/board-health/pages/mosquitoes.
Styrofoam collection
The Board of Health will hold a foam collection on a fall date to be determined (not Saturday, Sept. 14, as previously announced). 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). Half-inch #6 Styrofoam sheets, not previously accepted, will also be collected.
To volunteer for a two-hour shift, contact boh@harvard-ma.gov.
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 devenscommunity.com/meetings-and-events and scroll down.
Saturday hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste 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.