We have passed the 4th of July, but 2026 and the 250th celebration is far from over. The 250th Committee has been at each of the Concerts on the Common selling Shirley t-shirts and letting folks photograph themselves as Minutemen. This year’s Holdenwood Trail Run on Sunday September 27th will have a patriotic theme with prizes given out for the best patriotic costumes.    250th flags will line Front St. from Labor Day through Veteran’s Day. Unfortunately, the committee did not receive many submissions for a Shirley cookbook, so that project has been cancelled. Building a frame for the 250th quilt is the next project which will allow for the beautiful quilt to be displayed permanently at the Town Offices. The big celebration will be on Saturday November 7th at Ayer-Shirley High School when the US Army Field Band and Chorus will perform. Complimentary tickets to that event will soon be available. Follow event announcements and history trivia on the Shirley Ma Celebrating America’s 250th facebook page.

By The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs On August 7th, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared the Western Region and Dukes County have returned to normal conditions after above-average rainfall in July improved drought conditions across much of Massachusetts. The following regions remain in drought: Level 2 – Significant Drought: Cape Cod, Central, Connecticut River Valley, and Northeast, as well as Nantucket County Level 1 – Mild Drought: Southeast Massachusetts received between 4.5 and nearly 9.5 inches of rain during July, with most of the state receiving more rain than is typical for the month. The rainfall helped replenish rivers, streams, and soil. Even with that improvement, drought conditions remain in parts of the state because groundwater, which supplies wells, rivers, and wetlands, recovers more slowly than rainfall. The greatest long-term precipitation deficits remain in eastern Massachusetts, particularly Nantucket, where groundwater levels continue to be well below normal despite recent rain. The Drought Management Task Force (DMTF) will continue monitoring conditions over the coming weeks to determine whether the recent rain will lead to lasting improvements. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, communities in Level 2 – Significant Drought and Level 1 – Mild Drought should continue taking steps to conserve water. Although the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, it’s still important for residents and businesses served by the MWRA to conserve water. State agencies continue coordinating drought response efforts with federal and local partners, including municipal officials and local Boards of Health (BOH). Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is providing technical assistance and outreach to communities affected by drought conditions. Residents are encouraged to report dry environmental conditions and upload photos through the Massachusetts Water Impact Reporter to help the state monitor drought impacts in real time. Private well owners experiencing problems such as dry wells should contact their local BOH, which is also asked to report local well conditions to the state and private well owners can learn more for information on how the drought may impact them. Additional information, including drought  FAQs, water conservation guidance, and resources for private well owners, is available online. The DMTF will meet again on August 20th at 10:00 a.m. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the EEA’s drought and water conservation pages. Below are actions communities and individuals living and working within Level 2 – Significant Drought and Level 1 – Mild Drought Regions can take, including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to check with their local water system for any additional restrictions, as some communities may face more severe local water supply conditions. For Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought Residents and Businesses: Minimize overall water use; Follow local water use restrictions; Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use; and, For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities.

By Meredith Marcinkewicz According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Dog Days span July 3 to August 11—40 days following the summer solstice. These are traditionally the hottest and most humid weeks of the year. This year certainly felt extra hot and humid, but we survived. Dog Days relate to Sirius, the dog star. It appears in the dawn sky until mid-August, depending on your location. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky (excluding the Sun) and can even be seen under the right conditions during daylight. As part of Canis Major—the “Greater Dog”—it earned the nickname Dog Star. Its brightness made it easy for ancient civilizations to track and attach meaning to it, from agricultural calendars in Egypt to weather superstitions in Greece and Rome. According to the Baseball Almanac – In baseball, the “dog days” refer to the grueling, slow-moving stretch of the season in late July and August. This period is characterized by exhausting hot weather, tired players, and a lull in the 162-game schedule where non-contending teams are out of the race and games can feel meaningless. For Red Sox fans, it is a time of  both discouragement and of hope.