Fire hydrant flushing
The Department of Public Works will be flushing fire hydrants during the week ending Friday, Nov. 14. Flushing will be done between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
No significant impacts to water consumers are anticipated, although some may experience lower pressure than normal during the flushing. Contact the DPW at 978-456-4130 with questions, comments, or concerns.
Historical Society annual meeting
The Harvard Historical Society will hold its annual meeting Thursday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m., at the society’s headquarters in the Still River Meeting House, 215 Still River Road. The board will present reports about the year’s activities and present a new slate of board members.
Ski and Snowboard Club registration
Harvard Park and Recreation’s 2026 Ski and Snowboard Club is now 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 the Park and Recreation Department. For more information and to register, visit harvardma.myrec.com.
National Grid outage information
National Grid customers can get information during power outages at National Grid’s “Outage Central” website, nationalgridus.com/outage-central. Customers may report an outage, check the status of an outage and estimated time of service restoration, view outage maps, and find information on the restoration process and post-storm safety. Customers will also find how to receive outage alerts by text message.
Hurricane relief for Jamaica
Apple growers in Harvard rely on seasonal workers from Jamaica, which suffered catastrophic damage in late October from Hurricane Melissa. Anyone wishing to contribute to relief efforts may want to consider the following charities currently working in the region:
- Catholic Relief Services, crs.org/donate/hurricane-melissa
- Mercy Corps, mercycorps.org/donate/hurricane-melissa-devastating-caribbean
- World Central Kitchen, wck.org/en-us/relief/melissa-25
Lions offer holiday ornaments
The Lions Club is offering a cast pewter ornament of Harvard Town Hall, the second in a series of ornaments to depict Harvard icons. Ornaments come with a red ribbon for hanging and are for sale for $25 at the Transfer Station Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Carlson Orchards’ farmstand 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Or, order an ornament for home delivery online at harvardlions.com.
Adaptive basketball teams forming
The Harvard Special Education Parents Advisory Council announces its adaptive basketball program, running Saturdays, Dec. 6 through Feb. 7, 5 to 6 p.m., in the HES gym. The program is volunteer-run, and designed for children with special needs living in Harvard and Devens, in grades pre-K through 12. To register, volunteer, or find additional information email harvardsepac@gmail.com.
Join the Christmas pageant choir
Harvard’s Ecumenical Christmas Pageant has been a town tradition since 1961; this year it will take place Dec. 14. All children in grades 2-12, age 6 and older, who are residents of Harvard or Devens, school choice students at HES or Bromfield, or members of one of the town churches are invited to join this year’s pageant choir. No singing experience or church affiliation is necessary. Parent volunteers are also needed. Sign up at harvardchristmaspageant.com.
Park-and-ride shuttle to Littleton station
The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) provides commuter shuttle service connecting Harvard residents to the Littleton commuter rail station. Shuttles stop at the Holy Trinity parking lot at 15 Still River Road and at the business plaza at 285 Ayer Road, and shuttle riders can park their cars at these locations. For pickup times, go to mrta.us>>Schedules and Maps>>Harvard Commuter Shuttle.
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.
During the current government shutdown, the pantry will be open additional hours, Wednesdays 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., for federal workers only, regardless of place of residence. Bring a federal ID card. If the Wednesday time doesn’t work, federal employees can also stop by during regular pantry hours. Learn more at loavesfishespantry.org/federal-employees-welcome.
Food assistance resources
Project Bread’s FoodSource hotline is the food assistance line for all of Massachusetts. Whether you need help paying for food and don’t know where to start or are curious about ways to boost your food budget or save on groceries, the hotline can help. Call or text 800-645-8333, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Information regarding SNAP benefits is available at the website of the state Department of Transitional Assistance, mass.gov/info-details/november-2025-snap-updates.
‘Honor Our Veterans’ patches available
Officers of the Harvard Police Department will be wearing special “Honor Our Veterans” patches on their uniforms during November. A limited number of patches are available for $15 each. To buy a patch, come to the Public Safety Building and see Trish Rouvel, or phone 978-456-8276, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to Clear Path for Veterans New England.
