by Ken Robbins ·
Friday, January 16, 2026
2026 Town Meeting and election schedule
The town of Harvard will hold one Town Meeting and three elections in 2026. This schedule is subject to change, and Special Town Meetings or elections may be called by the Select Board.
- Annual Town Meeting, Saturday, May 2, noon
- Town Election, Tuesday, May 5, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- State primary election, Tuesday, Sept. 1
- State general election (midterm), Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Positions on the Select Board, Library Trust, School Committee, and Warner Free Lecture Trust will be voted on at the annual Town Election. Nomination papers and candidate packets will be available at the town clerk’s office at Town Hall beginning Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Public information meeting about Devens
The Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee will hold a public information session Tuesday, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., at the Harvard Senior Center, 16 Lancaster County Road, with a snow date of Wednesday, Feb. 4. Learn about the history of Devens; its current status as an enterprise zone; proposed zoning changes to allow more housing; and what it could mean for parts of Devens to rejoin Harvard in a few years. Residents can attend in person, watch the meeting broadcast live on cable channel 191, or watch on the Harvard Media Cooperative YouTube channel at youtube.com/live/h__JRRy 2i9c. Questions for the committee can be sent to HDJCquestions@gmail.com.
Soccer clinics offered during school breaks
Harvard Park and Recreation is sponsoring indoor soccer clinics for kids of all skill levels in grades K-6 in the Hildreth Elementary School gym. Clinics will run Feb. 17 to 19 (February break) and April 21 to 23 (April break). Led by Bromfield varsity boys soccer coach Alex Horne, the programs will work on skill-building drills, teamwork, fun mini games, and more. Register at harvardma.myrec.com.
Boat storage lottery opens March 31
Harvard Park and Recreation reminds boat owners that the lottery for boat storage spaces (racks, moorings, and slips) at Bare Hill Pond will open March 31.
‘Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online’
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts will host a webinar, “Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online: A Project Safe Childhood Presentation,” Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m. Advanced registration is required, and space is limited. For the registration link and further details, visit psharvard.org>>Schools>>The Bromfield High School>>Latest News, Friday Memo January 9, 2026.
Tips for safety on the ice
The state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has published tips for safety on the ice during the winter months. There are no guarantees, and ice should always be considered potentially dangerous. Be aware of the following factors:
- New ice is stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
- Ice doesn’t freeze uniformly. Continue to check ice conditions frequently as you venture out onto the ice.
- Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often more dangerous. Avoid traveling onto icebound rivers and streams, as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable. Spring holes and other areas of currents can create unanticipated thin spots.
For more details and for ice thickness guidelines, visit mass.gov/news/stay-safe-on-the-ice-this-winter.
Register for spring youth sports
Baseball, softball, and T-ball. League teams for boys and girls ages 4-12, no experience necessary. Free winter clinics will be offered again this year. Register online at go.teamsnap.com/forms/503543. Contact harvardyouthbaseball@gmail.com with questions.
Lacrosse. Girls pre-K through grade 6, with an in-town program for pre-K to kindergarten and a travel program for grades 1-6. New this year, boys learn-to-play program. For more information and to register, go to harvardlax.org.
Permits required during open burning season
Open burning in Massachusetts is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and enforced in Harvard by the Harvard Fire Department. The season runs from Jan. 15 to May 1 of each year. A valid permit must be obtained from the Harvard Fire Department, for a fee of $10 per season. For more information visit harvardfire.com/open-burning-permit.
Warner Free Lecture seeks student speakers
The Warner Free Lecture series is seeking two high school students to present 20-minute lectures on Friday, March 27, in Volunteers Hall at the Harvard Public Library. Students may speak about any subject they are passionate about, including an academic subject, advocacy work, or an art form, including creative writing, dance, filmmaking, music, theater, and visual art. Students will be expected to use a microphone, incorporate projected visuals, and respond to audience questions.
Selected students will each be awarded $200. Interested students should contact principal Kim Murphy at the Bromfield School by Friday, Jan. 23.
Tom Denney Camp registration open
Registration is open for the Tom Denney Nature Camp in Bolton. The camp is for students entering kindergarten through high school. Activities include swimming, games, arts and crafts, hiking, exploring, campfire cooking, and building shelters. Six weekly sessions run from June 29 to Aug. 7, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; child care is available until 4:30 p.m. Visit tomdenneynaturecamp.org to learn more and register, or email bcttdnc@gmail.com with questions.
Devens noise report
Throughout January, small arms fire.