Festival of Cultures seeks community participation
The BIPOC Family Advisory Group at the schools will host a Festival of Cultures Tuesday, March 24, and invites the public to participate by either performing or hosting a table. For more information, visit psharvard.org>>District Newsletter - February 2026 or contact Assistant Superintendent Dana Labb at 978-456-4140. Responses are due March 1.
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.
A few more registrations are needed for this service to open. To learn more or to register, visit www.blackearthcompost.com.
Volunteer opportunities
Each year in June the Select Board makes appointments to town boards, committees, and commissions. Volunteers serve on bodies as varied as the Agricultural Advisory Committee, the Fourth of July Committee, and the Planning Board; the full list of offices is at harvard-ma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/49. Applications are due by May 1. Contact Executive Assistant Julie Doucet at jdoucet@harvard-ma.gov with questions. Complete a volunteer form at harvard.seamlessdocs.com/f/volunteerform.
Leaving snow and ice on public ways prohibited
Residents are reminded that there are town bylaws about snow and ice removal, and to pass this information to plowing contractors. Chapter 96, section 96-3, prohibits leaving snow and ice on public ways and impeding the flow of traffic. Chapter 96, section 96-4, prohibits vehicle parking on public ways in a manner that hinders snow and ice removal. Contact the DPW at 978-456-4130 with questions.
Select Board community hour
Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Select Board members Ahmet Corapcioglu and Kara Minar Thursday, March 12, 10 a.m., at the Harvard General Store, 1 Still River Road. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about ongoing community initiatives, and engage directly with local leadership.
Enroll for fall kindergarten
Kindergarten enrollment at Hildreth Elementary School is now open for Harvard and Devens children turning 5 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2026. Enrollment is online, and the deadline is April 10. Details are on the enrollment tab at hildreth.psharvard.org. For more information, contact Jessica Reynolds at jreynolds@psharvard.org with any questions.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will accept hazardous waste on Wednesday, March 4, and Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 9 Cook Street (rear), Devens. Closed during rain; reopens when rain stops. For information on items accepted, packaging, and fees, visit DevensHHW.com.
Apply for opioid settlement funds grants
The Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group is accepting proposals for projects addressing harm reduction, treatment, and education initiatives in the town of Harvard and surrounding region. Funding requests are limited to $10,000, and individuals and organizations are eligible to apply.
Application materials are available at harvard-ma.gov>>Boards & Committees>>Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group>>Opioid Abatement Funds Mini Grant Proposals. The working group will evaluate submissions and make recommendations to the Select Board for approval. Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Loaves & Fishes
The Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, provides 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.
Devens noise report
- Throughout February, small arms fire
- Feb. 27, helicopters, parachuting
- Feb. 28, mortars, machine guns.