Save the dates: Town Meeting, election
- Town Meeting will be held Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. (note changed time), at the Bromfield School’s Cronin Auditorium; the last day to register to vote at Town Meeting is Wednesday, April 22.
- The Town Election will be held Tuesday, May 5, at the Hildreth Elementary School. The last day to register to vote in this local election is Wednesday, April 22.
- Voting by mail is available: The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Tuesday, April 28.
For more information, call the town clerk’s office at 978-456-4100, ext. 319.
Last call for candidates
Nomination papers are available for people seeking to run for election to open seats on the Select Board, School Committee, and trustees for the Harvard Public Library and Warner Free Lectures. Papers and information on the nominating process are available at the town clerk’s office at Town Hall. Papers must be taken out no later than Friday, March 13, and Town Hall will be open until noon that day. Completed papers must be returned to Town Hall by Tuesday, March 31.
Information sessions on proposed municipal solar project
The Select Board and the Harvard Energy Advisory Committee will hold public information sessions regarding a proposed municipal solar photovoltaic project on town-owned land located on Stow Road (the gravel pit site). Sessions will be held at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road:
- Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday, April 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Meetings will include a project overview, discussion of financing pathways, anticipated environmental and fiscal considerations, and project timeline and will provide opportunities for community input. All residents are encouraged to attend and participate in this important conversation.
Mud season underway
With mud season starting and the ground vulnerable to potholes, rutting, and erosion, the Conservation Commission asks residents to exercise care on town trails. Minimize trail damage by following these guidelines:
- Horseback riders and bicyclists should avoid trails until they firm up.
- Vehicles should keep to gravel parking areas and off muddy edges.
- Trail walkers and runners should avoid widening wet trail areas by keeping to existing trails or rock hopping.
- The running track through the woods at Harvard Park is built with drainage and a compacted surface; it is a good option at this time of year.
Residential electric rate increase
Electric rates under the town of Harvard’s aggregation program will increase effective with the March 2026 meter reads, and will remain in effect through November 2027. Given average usage of 600 kWh per month, the new rates represent an increase of $8.45 per month over current rates. For details visit harvard-ma.gov>>News/Announcements/Residential Electric Aggregation Program Rate Increase Notification.
Commission on Disabilities survey
The Commission on Disabilities has developed a survey to better understand the views and experiences of residents regarding accessibility to buildings, services, and programs in the town of Harvard. All responses are anonymous. For a link to the survey, go to harvard-ma.gov>>News/Announcements>>Accessibility Survey.
Academic scholarships available
Applications are available now for both the Sarah Watson scholarship and the Ginny Thurston scholarship. The applications, and more information, can be found on the town website on the Select Board and Town Administrator pages.
- Sarah Watson scholarship. Financial assistance is available to current college students from trust funds left to the town by Sarah Watson. Return applications to trustee attorney, David Taylor, by Aug. 1. As sole trustee of the Sarah Watson Trust he will make final decisions on the Watson scholarship award.
- Ginny Thurston scholarship. The Select Board will offer financial assistance to Bromfield seniors through the Ginny Thurston Scholarship fund. Letters of interest are due no later than Wednesday, April 15, and should be emailed to Executive Assistant Julie Doucet at jdoucet@harvard-ma.gov.
Watch for amphibians on the road
Residents are reminded to watch for amphibians as they emerge from their winter retreats and travel to breeding sites. As they move across the landscape, they often cross roads. Avoid traveling on small roads near wetlands and vernal pools on warm, rainy nights.
Boat storage lottery open
Harvard Park and Recreation offers boat storage at Bare Hill Pond for Harvard residents and taxpayers. There are storage racks for canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards; boat moorings in the cove and near the picnic area; and boat slips. Demand is high, and spots are awarded annually by lottery. The lottery is open through the end of March, and winners will be announced in April. For more information and to register, visit harvardma.myrec.com>>Boating: Boat Storage/Lottery.
NABH releases report on community health
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health announces the availability of the report on the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment identified youth mental health as the primary need within the board’s service area, which includes Harvard. Find the full report at bit.ly/3MMUfHa.
Sports gear swap
Harvard Park and Rec will host a swap of sports gear to take place at the Lions Club “Spring into Health” wellness fair, Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hildreth Elementary School. From cleats and balls to rackets and skateboards, athletes of all ages can come swap what they no longer need and score what they do. Bikes and skis are not accepted. Drop off swap items Friday, March 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the HES gym.
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 March, small arms fire
- March 13-14, mortars.