July 10, 2026

Friday, July 10, 2026

Select Board community hour

Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Select Board members Eve Wittenberg and Eric Ward Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m., at the Harvard General Store, 1 Still River Road. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn about upcoming changes at the DPW, and engage directly with local leadership.

Next month, community hour will be held Thursday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m., at the Harvard Public Library.

Affordable homeownership opportunity in Devens

MetroWest Collaborative Development is offering a middle-income homeownership opportunity at Emerson Green in Devens. The unit is deed-restricted and affordable, with income and asset limitations. The application deadline is Thursday, July 23, at 4 p.m.

An information session will be held via Zoom Monday, July 13, at 7 p.m. Attendance is not required in order to apply. For more information and for the Zoom link visit harvard-ma.gov/810/Affordable-Housing-Opportunities.

Public archery ranges open, classes available

The state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has announced the opening of public archery ranges at wildlife management areas across the state, including a range at the Ayer Game Farm, Groton-Shirley Road, Ayer. Archers must bring their own equipment, and a range pass is required. Visit mass.gov/info-details/archery-ranges-opening-for-2026 for details.

MassWildlife is also offering free classes in basic archery skills at selected ranges, with equipment available to borrow. Visit mass.gov/news/archery-classes for available times and locations.

Meet the economic development director

Community and Economic Development Director Jenny Gingras will hold open office hours at the Harvard General Store Wednesday, July 29, 10 a.m. to noon, no appointment needed. Residents are encouraged to stop by and talk about zoning, planning, economic and community development—or anything else that is on their minds. Contact Jenny at 978-456-4100, ext. 423, or planning@harvard-ma.gov.

Well testing regulations

The Board of Health reminds residents that town regulations require PFAS testing for all private wells prior to selling, transferring, conveying, or building a home or commercial property. For more information, including sampling requirements, approved samplers, and testing parameters, visit harvard-ma.gov/207/Water-Quality or call 978-456-4100, ext. 428.

Academic scholarships available

The Sarah Watson Scholarship provides financial assistance for current college students, and applications close Aug. 1. Details and the application form are available at harvard-ma.gov/767/Scholar ship-Opportunities.

Real estate taxes due Aug. 3

Real estate tax payments are due Monday, Aug. 3.

Cash or checks may be brought to Town Hall during regular hours, or checks may be left in the drop box in front of Town Hall at any time.
Online payment may be made via Uni-Pay by electronic check, credit, debit, or bill pay through a bank.
Checks may be mailed to the lockbox processing center at Town of Harvard, Dept 2700, PO Box 986535, Boston, MA 02298-6535.

For more information visit harvard-ma.gov/300/treasurer-collector.

Borrowing from Library of Things

The Harvard Public Library maintains a collection of nontraditional items generally called the Library of Things. Categories include recreation, tools, equipment, puzzles, and board games, and most items are available for checkout. Review the catalog and policies for use at HarvardPublicLibrary.org/services/library-things.

Avoiding mosquito-borne diseases

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health tracks Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus based on reports of mosquito testing. Testing results and maps of risk levels by town are at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update. The current risk levels in Harvard are low for both EEE and West Nile virus.

Avoiding conflict with turkeys

Turkeys thrive close to humans in suburban areas. MassWildlife offers the following tips to residents wishing to avoid conflicts:

Do not feed turkeys. Feeding can lead to bold or aggressive behavior.
Don’t be intimidated. Scare a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom, or spraying water from a hose.
Keep areas surrounding bird feeders clean, and remove feeders in the spring.
Cover windows and shiny objects so turkeys don’t see themselves.
Work with your neighbors; one person’s efforts will be futile if turkeys are welcomed or fed next door.

Saturday hazardous waste collection

The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will accept hazardous waste on Saturday, July 11, 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.

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; and last Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Visit LoavesFishesPantry.org for more information.

Devens noise report