Survey: When to hold Town Meeting
The Select Board is seeking community feedback on how best to schedule Town Meetings, finding times that are accessible and convenient for residents and encouraging greater participation. A short survey is available at harvard-ma.gov/798/Please-take-our-survey, and will remain open to Friday, June 5.
Harvard Charter survey
The Harvard Charter Review Committee is seeking public input to help determine what needs to be introduced, amended, or discarded in the charter. A short survey, with a link to the charter for reference, may be found on the town website at harvard-ma.gov>>News/Announcements>>Town of Harvard Charter Survey. The survey is expected to take five to 10 minutes to complete, and will be open through May.
Last day to register for Monty Tech camp
Summer camp programs at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School are for students entering grades 6 to 8 next fall, and provide fun, hands-on experiences in a variety of programs. Each four-day session runs 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., daily, and includes a snack, lunch, and all camp materials. Register for session 1, June 29 to July 2, or session 2, July 6 to 9; registration closes Friday, May 29. Visit montytech.net>>Summer Camp Registration.
Select Board Community Hour
Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Select Board members Eric Ward and Ahmet Corapcioglu Thursday, June 11, 1 p.m., by Zoom. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about ongoing community initiatives, and engage directly with local leadership. For the Zoom link, visit harvard-ma.gov and enter “SB Community Hours Schedule with Zoom Links” in the search field.
Register for swimming, boating
Swimming and boating lessons at Bare Hill Pond are filling up quickly. Register your child’s spot at harvardma.myrec.com.
Free fishing weekend
The Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife announces that free freshwater fishing will take place on June 6 and 7. No license is required to fish any public lake, pond, reservoir, stream, or river in Massachusetts from 12 a.m. Saturday, June 6, until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, June 7. Details at mass.gov/news/june-6-7-2026-is-free-fishing-weekend.
Water quality report available
The Water and Sewer Division of the Department of Public Works announces the availability of the town’s water quality report for the 2025 calendar year. To view this and earlier reports, visit harvard-ma.gov/356/Water-Sewer-Division>>Annual Drinking Water Quality Reports.
Free Fridays on the commuter rail
All MBTA commuter rail service will be free on Fridays in June, July, and August, including Juneteenth and July 3. Regular fares will be in place for Boston Stadium trains, the CapeFLYER, and any other special event trains to Foxborough.
Food truck permits
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health maintains a list of mobile food permits; all licensed food trucks should be able to provide a copy of their current permit. Visit nashoba.org>>List of NABH Mobile Food Permits.
Significant drought remains
Recent rains and snowmelt have prompted the state to lower the drought status in the Central Massachusetts region, which includes Harvard, to level 2: significant drought. During April, precipitation was well below normal across the state, and the drought continues to dry out vegetation and ground cover. For details, visit mass.gov/info-details/drought-status.
Parts of Harvard Park to close for renovation June 1
Sections of Harvard Park on Lancaster County Road will be closed for reconstruction June 1 to Oct. 2. During that time, McCurdy Track, the soccer field, and the lower throwing field will not be accessible. The parking lot, playground, and trails in the woods behind the track will remain open for use. Park and Rec appreciates patience and understanding from residents as it works to improve the facility.
Save your Styrofoam
The Board of Health is organizing a recycling event for packing foam June 27. The recycling company will collect #6 bulk white packing Styrofoam and Styrofoam coolers. To volunteer, contact the Board of Health at boh@harvard-ma.gov.
Well water testing
The Board of Health recommends well water be tested every five years, or any time a change is noted in color, smell, or taste. Water quality testing is also required in preparation for a home sale. Best practices and other resources may be found on the Board of Health website at harvard-ma.gov/207/water-quality.
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.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will accept hazardous waste on Wednesday, June 3, and Saturday, June 6, 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.
Devens noise report
- Throughout May, small arms fire
- May 29-30, grenades, helicopters