Conservation Commission Urges Water Cuts as Northeast Drought Reaches Critical Level
State officials have elevated the northeast to critical drought status, and Sudbury's Conservation Commission is urging residents to cut back on water use immediately — even as a separate, incoming heat wave has prompted the town to open cooling centers.
TOWN HALL
The Conservation Commission sounded the alarm Thursday after the state classified the northeast region at critical drought level, citing continued declines in both rainfall and streamflow heading into summer. Residents are strongly encouraged to reduce outdoor irrigation, car washing, and any other discretionary water use. The announcement comes with hot weather on the way, compressing two environmental pressures into the start of summer.
Town offices will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth Independence Day, the Select Board's office announced Friday. The Town Clerk's office was also closed today, June 12, for maintenance.
Thursday evening, town planners hosted a Landscape Master Plan workshop at the Fairbank Community Center, with participation also available on Zoom. The session is part of an ongoing process to guide the future management and design of Sudbury's public green spaces.
SCHOOLS
The school year wraps up in rapid succession over the next two weeks. June 18 is the last day of school for most Sudbury Public Schools students, with an early release. There is no school June 19 for Juneteenth. Israel Loring Elementary School's last day falls on June 22 (early release), and June 23 is the final last day for schools on the 185-day calendar.
Before the year closes, the School Committee meets Monday, June 15, from 7 to 10 p.m.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Sudbury Fixit Clinic is set for Saturday, June 13, at the Goodnow Library, where volunteers will help residents repair broken household items rather than toss them. HOPEsudbury's Annual Backpack Drive has client registration open now through June 26 for families seeking school supplies ahead of next fall.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Sudbury Opens Cooling Centers Ahead Of Expected Heat Wave" — With an extended stretch of hot weather forecast across Massachusetts, the town has made cooling locations available for residents who need relief; the Patch story pairs directly with the drought alert the town's Conservation Commission also issued this week. Per Sudbury Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/sudbury/sudbury-opens-cooling-centers-ahead-expected-heat-wave).
"Mosquito Spraying Scheduled In Sudbury This Month" — Local health officials are planning mosquito control spraying in parts of Sudbury in the coming weeks as part of seasonal vector management. Per Sudbury Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/sudbury/mosquito-spraying-scheduled-sudbury-month).
"Student Artwork From Uganda To Be Featured At Sudbury Gathering" — An upcoming community event in town will highlight artwork and essays by students, with a focus on education access for girls in rural Uganda. Per Sudbury Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/sudbury).
"School Committee Avoids Questions About Sudbury, Wayland Controversies During Superintendent Finalist Interviews" — Andover's school committee, which spent more than two hours interviewing finalists for its superintendent opening, declined to engage with questions about reported issues in neighboring districts, including Sudbury. Per Andover News (read it at https://andovermanews.com/school-committee-avoids-questions-about-sudbury-wayland-controversies-during-superintendent-finalist-interviews/).
COMING UP
- **Saturday, June 13:** Sudbury Fixit Clinic, Goodnow Library; Sudbury Art Association Spring Art Fair (per Sudbury Patch calendar) - **Monday, June 15:** School Committee Meeting, 7–10 p.m. - **Thursday, June 18:** Last Day of School, early release - **Friday, June 19:** Juneteenth — No school; all non-emergency town offices closed - **Monday, June 22:** Israel Loring Elementary School last day, early release - **Tuesday, June 23:** Last Day of School (185-day calendar)