Chat with Select Board members
Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Select Board members SusanMary Redinger and Eric Ward Thursday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m., at the Devens Community Center, 100 Sherman Ave., Devens. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about ongoing community initiatives, and engage directly with local leadership.
Warner Free Lecture seeks student speakers
The Warner Free Lecture series is seeking two high school students to present 20-minute lectures on Friday, March 27, in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library. Students may speak about any subject they are passionate about, including an academic subject, advocacy work, or art form, including creative writing, dance, filmmaking, music, theater, and visual art. Students will be expected to use a microphone, incorporate projected visuals, and respond to audience questions.
Selected students will each be awarded $200. Interested students should contact principal Kim Murphy at the Bromfield School by Friday, Jan. 23.
Harvard Fire EMS nonemergency visits
Harvard Fire EMS can provide non-
emergency home EMS visits to residents for basic health evaluations, including checks of blood pressure and blood sugar, and for help connecting with other health resources. For more information or to schedule a visit, go to tinyurl.com/community-ems.
Cemetery to close during winter storms
The Harvard Cemetery Commission reports that it will close Bellevue Cemetery during snowstorms this winter. It will be opened as soon as the DPW has cleared the driveways in the cemetery. “We hope this doesn’t cause an inconvenience. It is for everyone’s safety and the protection of the cemetery grounds,” commission member John Lee said.
Sign up for curbside compost pickup
The Harvard Climate Initiative Committee invites residents to preregister for a subscription to Black Earth for curbside food waste pickup. Black Earth accepts all food scraps and food-soiled paper products. The cost is $94.99 for curbside pickup every other week for six months. There is a one time cost of $39.50 for the bin and starter bags.
Harvard is inching closer to the 100 preregistered households required for this service. To learn more or to preregister, visit www.blackearthcompost.com.
Devens annual report available
MassDevelopment, the agency responsible for managing Devens, announces the availability of the 2025 Devens Annual Report, a summary of business, community, and financial activity for the year through June 30, 2025. View or download the report at massdevelopment.com/assets/document/annual-reports/Devens-Annual-Report-2025.pdf.
Christmas tree sales
Bromfield baseball boosters are selling Christmas trees on Mass. Ave. just off the Common. Choose a tree at any time during the week and send payment through Venmo to @Bromfieldbaseball. Prices and Venmo instructions are posted at the site. Free delivery in town is available on request.
Open burning season begins in January
Open burning in Massachusetts is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and enforced in Harvard by the Harvard Fire Department. The season runs from Jan. 15 to May 1 of each year. A valid permit obtained from the Harvard Fire Department is required. For more information visit harvardfire.com/open-burning-permit.
2026 fishing licenses now available
Fishing licenses for 2026 are available from the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. A freshwater license is required for anyone 15 or older; a salt water license is required for those age 16 and older. Visit massfishhunt.mass.gov for full information on regulations and obtaining a license.
Theater auditions at Fivesparks
Auditions for the upcoming Fivesparks Theater production of “Talley’s Folly” will be held Monday, Jan. 12, and Sunday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m., at Fivesparks, 7 Fairbank St. The play is a Pulitzer Prize-winning two-character romantic drama and will open in May. Auditioners should bring a resume and headshot if available. Further details and the audition form are at fivesparks.org/talleys-folly. Email director Kathleen Sills at km3554@gmail.com with questions; put “Talley” in the subject line.
Ski and Snowboard Club registration
Harvard Park and Recreation’s 2026 Ski and Snowboard Club is still accepting registrations. This after-school program for HES and Bromfield students runs for six weeks on Wednesdays, starting Jan. 7. Bus service for students is arranged through Park and Rec. For more information and to register, visit harvardma.myrec.com. Registration closes Saturday, Dec. 20.
Library pop-up holiday sale
From now until the end of the year, the Friends of the Harvard Public Library will offer a selection of books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles for sale in the Harvard Public Library’s lobby during regular library hours. Patrons will find low prices and will be supporting library programs.
In addition, the Harvard Historical Society will be selling Harvard maps, pictures, books, cards, and other items. Proceeds will support the ongoing work of the society and its public programming.
Recycle your Christmas tree
The Harvard Lions Club will pick up Christmas trees for recycling after the holidays. Trees must be free of ornaments, tinsel, lights, and decorations and must be left at the end of a driveway by 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Pickup will be from 9 a.m. to noon that morning.
$20 per tree; sign up and pay by Jan. 2 at harvardlions.com. Be sure to leave an address at checkout. No artificial trees; Harvard residents only.
Photos needed for town report
Residents are invited to submit personal photographs to be considered for inclusion into the 2025 town annual report. Photos could feature town trails, one of the orchards, the Harvard General Store, Bare Hill Pond, wildlife around town, or any local events that occur throughout the year. Photos must be taken within Harvard.
Submit photos to Executive Assistant Julie Doucet at jdoucet@harvard-ma.gov. Include a description for each and a name for the photo credit.
For reference, past reports are available at ma-harvard.civicplus.com/Archive.aspx?AMID=36.
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; first Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.; third Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon; last Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit loavesfishespantry.org for more information and to confirm pantry hours through the holidays.
Devens noise report
Throughout December, small arms fire.