Devens annual report available
MassDevelopment, the agency responsible for managing Devens, announces the availability of the 2025 Devens Annual Report, a summary of business, community, and financial activity for the year through June 30, 2025. View or download the report at massdevelopment.com/assets/document/annual-reports/Devens-Annual-Report-2025.pdf.
Emerson Hospital shuttle discontinued
The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) announces that effective Monday, Dec. 15, the shuttle service connecting Harvard and other area towns to Emerson Hospital will be discontinued.
Commuter shuttle discontinued
Due to low ridership, effective Friday, Dec. 26, MART will discontinue its commuter shuttle service from Harvard to the Littleton MBTA station.
Christmas tree sales
Bromfield baseball boosters are selling Christmas trees on Mass. Ave. just off the Common. Choose a tree at any time during the week and send payment through Venmo to @Bromfieldbaseball. Prices and Venmo instructions are posted at the site. Free delivery in town is available on request.
Christmas wreaths available
The Harvard Cub Scouts will be selling Christmas wreaths while they last Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Transfer Station: $20 for a natural wreath and $30 for a Scout-decorated wreath.
Theater auditions at Fivesparks
Auditions for the upcoming Fivesparks Theater production of “Talley’s Folly” will be held Monday, Jan. 12, and Sunday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m., at Fivesparks, 7 Fairbank St. The play is a Pulitzer Prize-winning two-character romantic drama and will open in May. Auditioners should bring a resume and head shot if available. Further details and the audition form are at fivesparks.org/talleys-folly. Email director Kathleen Sills at km3554@gmail.com with questions; put “Talley” in the subject line.
Heat assistance available
Applications are being accepted for the town’s energy assistance program, which helps low-income households manage winter fuel costs through the 2025-26 heating season. Applications and information are available at harvard-ma.gov>>News/Announcements>>Harvard Energy Assistance (HEAT). Residents may also call COA Director Debbie Thompson at 978-456-4120, ext. 101, or Executive Assistant Julie Doucet at 978-456-4100, ext. 312.
Ski and Snowboard Club registration
Harvard Park and Recreation’s 2026 Ski and Snowboard Club is still 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 Park and Rec. For more information and to register, visit harvardma.myrec.com. Registration closes Saturday, Dec. 20.
Library pop-up holiday sale
From now until the end of the year, the Friends of the Harvard Public Library will offer a selection of books, audio books, CDs, DVDs, and jigsaw puzzles for sale in the Harvard Public Library’s lobby during regular library hours. Patrons will find low prices and will be supporting library programs.
In addition, the Harvard Historical Society will be selling Harvard maps, pictures, books, cards, and other items. Proceeds will support the ongoing work of the society and its public programming.
Christmas tree recycling
The Harvard Lions Club will pick up Christmas trees for recycling after the holidays. Trees must be free of ornaments, tinsel, lights, and decorations, and must be left at the end of a driveway by 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan 3. Pickup will be from 9 a.m. to noon that morning.
$20 per tree; sign up and pay by Jan. 2 at harvardlions.com. Be sure to leave an address at checkout. No artificial trees; Harvard residents only.
Photos needed for town report
Residents are invited to submit personal photographs to be considered for inclusion into the 2025 town annual report. Photos could feature town trails, one of the orchards, the Harvard General Store, Bare Hill Pond, wildlife around town, or any local events that occur throughout the year. Photos must be taken within Harvard.
Submit photos to Executive Assistant Julie Doucet at jdoucet@harvard-ma.gov. Include a description for each and a name for the photo credit.
For reference, past reports are available at ma-harvard.civicplus.com/Archive.aspx?AMID=36.
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 and to confirm pantry hours through the holidays.
Devens noise report
Throughout December, small arms fire Dec. 13-14, grenades.