National Grid planned power outages
National Grid will be interrupting power at the following addresses for necessary work next week, as follows:
- Tuesday, Oct. 5: From 9 a.m. to approximately 11 a.m.: 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, and 19 Harris Lane.
- Wednesday, Oct. 6: From 12:01 a.m. until approximately 6 a.m.: 114 Bolton Road; 14 and 24 Mass. Ave.; 3-44 Peninsula Road; 0, 5, 9, 15, and 19 Pond Road; 0-88 Tahanto Trail; 0-116 Warren Avenue; 13, 30, and 32 Whitman Road.
Flea Market protocols announced
To ensure the safety of staff, vendors, and guests, the Harvard Flea Market, in consultation with the Harvard Board of Health and per CDC advisories, has established guidelines for the 49th Annual Harvard Flea Market, to be held Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Bromfield School. The rain date is Sunday, Oct.10.
- If you are feeling unwell, stay home or find someone to take your place.
- Safe physical distancing is required while selling, shopping, and waiting in lines.
- Unvaccinated vendors and guests should wear masks.
- Vaccinated vendors and guests are encouraged to wear masks, unless local guidelines are revised.
- Free adult and child masks will be available at each entrance.
- Vendors are encouraged to have hand sanitizer available at their booths.
For more information, visit www.harvardfleamarket.com.
No swimming in pond, but test results show improvement
Cyanobacteria in the water have tested at acceptable levels for the first time since August, but another acceptable result must be obtained before the no-swimming advisory is lifted. Cyanobacteria on Sept. 21 tested at 1,800 cells per milliliter at the town beach, down from 156,000 cells/mL on Sept. 14. Cyanotoxin testing on Sept. 21 showed an “undetectable” level of toxins in the pond, the same result as on Sept. 14.
Watch this space and harvard-ma.gov/board-health for updates; further testing was scheduled for Sept. 28.
Real estate taxes due Nov. 1
Second-quarter real estate taxes are due Nov. 1. If you are expecting a tax bill but did not receive one, call Town Hall at 978-456-4100, ext. 311 or 318.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Products Collection Center will be open Wednesday, Oct. 6, and Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please visit devenshhw.com for more information.
Introducing ‘dump dollars’
It is no longer necessary to buy punch cards ahead of time to dispose of larger items at the Transfer Station. Visit harvard.ma.us/dumpdollars to set up an account, make a purchase, or learn more; or buy “dump dollars” via smartphone at the Transfer Station in denominations of $1, $5, $10, and $20. Traditional punch cards are still available if preferred. Dump dollars and punch cards are good only in the fiscal year they are purchased.
Food pantry open for drive-thru pickup
The Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, serves residents of Harvard, Ayer, Dunstable, Devens, Groton, Littleton, and Shirley. It will be open for drive-thru access from 9 a.m. to noon, Oct. 1, 6, 8, 13, 16, 20, 22, 27, and 29.
