Committee wants input on town charter
The Charter Review Committee will hold a virtual public hearing Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., by Zoom. The committee will be seeking input from residents on issues, concerns, and proposed changes to the Harvard Town Charter that was last amended in May 2022, as well as questions about the revision process itself. Communications may be directed to charterreview01451@gmail.com.
A link to the hearing will be listed on the Charter Review Committee agenda, which will be posted on the town’s website, harvard-ma.gov, no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting.
HCC awards grants to local cultural programs
The Harvard Cultural Council, a volunteer committee that is part of a network of local councils across Massachusetts funded by the Mass Cultural Council, has announced 2026 grant awards. HCC awarded $6,980 in grants to these local recipients: Acton Community Center, Arm in Arm, Meredith Charles, Devens Historical Museum, Discovery Museum, Fitchburg Art Museum, Ellen Harasimowicz, Harvard Council on Aging, Harvard Historical Society, Harvard Park and Recreation, Harvard Town Band, Harvard’s Cultural Collaborative, Open Door Theater of Acton, Linda Shoemaker, Town of Harvard, Marcos Valles, and Warner Free Lecture. Details are at massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/harvard.
Chat with Select Board members
Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Select Board members Kara Minar and Ahmet Corapcioglu Thursday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m., via 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.
Winter Fest contests
The Lions Club Winter Fest is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, at Carlson Orchards, and the Lions invite participation in winter games and contests. Visit win terfest.harvardlions.com to see rules and registration details for events requiring submissions or other preparation ahead of the festival, including the Winter Fest 5K race, chili and mac and cheese contests, knit or crochet hat contest, Winterland photo exhibit, ice sun catcher contest, and others.
Preschool lottery is open
The Harvard integrated preschool program is accepting applications through Feb. 25 for the lottery for community peers for the 2026-2027 school year. Children who live in Harvard or Devens and turn 3 years old on or before Aug. 31, 2026, are eligible to apply. Acceptance for enrollment depends on the availability of slots. Visit psharvard.org/52643_3 for program information and application instructions.
Winter is coyote breeding season
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reminds residents that late January through early March is mating season for coyotes, when they are actively courting mates and defending their territory. Several steps can help prevent conflict during this time:
- Protect your pets, and keep them leashed.
- Remove human-associated food sources, like bird seed, garbage, compost, pet food left outdoors, and backyard chickens.
- Haze a coyote with loud noises, wave a jacket overhead to look bigger, spray a hose, or throw small objects in the animal’s direction, and physically chase and drive it off.
Community education courses available
Harvard Park and Recreation reminds residents that personal and professional skills courses are available online through Ed2Go. View the course catalog and register on the Park and Rec website at harvardma.myrec.com>>Programs>>Community Education.
License your dog
All dogs must be licensed annually on or before April 1, and puppies must be licensed at 6 months of age. New dogs and those belonging to new residents must be licensed within 30 days. A late fee will be assessed after April 1. To learn more and to download a registration form, visit harvard-ma.gov and enter “Dog Licenses 2026” in the search window.
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.