Grafton Posts State Mosquito Surveillance Report as Outdoor Season Peaks
DATELINE — GRAFTON
The town's Board of Health is tracking the latest arbovirus surveillance data from the state as summer outdoor activity peaks, with the Department of Public Health's weekly mosquito-testing report covering June 14–20 now posted to the town website.
TOWN HALL
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's arbovirus surveillance program issued its weekly report covering the period of June 14 through June 20, and Grafton has made it available on the town's News Flash page. The report is part of the state's ongoing warm-season monitoring for mosquito-borne illnesses including Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile virus. Residents spending time outdoors — particularly around dawn and dusk — are encouraged to use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and eliminate standing water on their property. The full report is available at grafton-ma.gov.
Separately, the town is promoting its annual Fourth of July Parade, returning with food, music, and floats. Residents can participate by decorating a bike or showing up to the starting point at North Street Elementary, where free red, white, and blue decorations will be provided. The town is also running a "Doggy Mayor" contest for the celebrations — pet owners can enter their dog for a chance at the honorary title.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Grafton Public Library's Summer Reading Program is underway under the theme "Plant a Seed — Read!" and is open to all ages. The library is also hosting drop-in cribbage every Friday. Patrons should note that the library will be closed Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Regular hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
SCHOOLS
Grafton Public Schools has posted logistics for summer technology distribution ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. Incoming sixth graders can pick up their Chromebooks this summer, and new Grafton High School students as well as all incoming ninth graders have iPad deployment sessions scheduled. The district is also accepting kindergarten registrations for 2026–2027; families can find enrollment details at graftonps.org. Summer Enrichment 2026 programming — described as featuring hands-on learning, artistic expression, and STEAM exploration — is also available for registration.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
Grafton Patch published a morning newsletter today highlighting local baseball under the headline "🌱 Patch AM: How Grafton baseball battled adversity to finally host a playoff game." The item points to a story about the Grafton baseball program overcoming obstacles to secure a home playoff game this season, per Grafton Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).
Patch also flagged a statewide story relevant to Grafton drivers: "Federal Gas Tax Suspension Considered: Here's How Much MA Drivers Would Save." The piece examines potential relief for Massachusetts motorists as oil market disruptions tied to the conflict in Iran have pushed gasoline prices higher, per Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).
COMING UP
- **Friday, June 26:** Drop-in cribbage at Grafton Public Library; Zumbini with Michelle at the Grafton Community Center (Gym); Breathing & Healing Yoga; Line Dancing - **Monday, June 29:** Board of Health Meeting, Grafton Town Hall - **Thursday, July 3:** Grafton Public Library closed (Independence Day observance) - **Friday, July 4:** Annual Fourth of July Parade (starting point: North Street Elementary); Grafton Public Library closed - **July 15:** Grafton Middle School School Council meeting, 4–5:05 p.m.