Real estate taxes due
Real estate tax payments are due Monday, Feb. 2.
Cash or checks may be brought to Town Hall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Checks may be left in the drop box in front of Town Hall at any time.
Online via UniPay by electronic check, credit, debit, or bill pay through your personal bank. Bill pay checks are accepted, but if using bill pay, taxpayers should mail the checks seven to 10 days ahead of the deadline; late fees will be assessed if checks do not reach Town Hall by then.
A check may be mailed to the lockbox processing center at Town of Harvard, Dept 2700, PO Box 986535, Boston, MA 02298-6535. If not received by the processing center by the deadline, it will be sent back to you, and late fees and interest will be applied. If you send payment to the lockbox, you must send a check for the exact amount and a copy of the coupon that is attached to your bill.
For more information visit harvard-ma.gov/300/treasurer-collector.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Town board nomination papers available
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. The deadline to return completed papers is Tuesday, March 31. For more information, see "It’s time for would-be candidates to plan for Town Election."
Bare Hill Pond refill to begin
The Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee has announced that the refill of the pond will begin Feb. 1, in compliance with the drawdown order of conditions. Refill can be very slow until rainfall or significant snow melt. Use caution on or around the ice; swings in temperature mean the ice thickness is variable and can change during the refill.
Judges needed for Science Fair
Judges are needed for the Bromfield School Science Fair, scheduled for Friday, March 6. Judging starts at 3 p.m. with a brief training session, and finishes around 5:45 p.m. Complete the form at forms.gle/XnuYJE7xxUzgm7pp8 no later than Tuesday, Feb. 3, with your contact information as well as the subjects and grade levels you prefer to judge. Contact Kristen Vanderveen at kvanderveen@psharvard.org with questions.
Safety education required for boaters
The Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee reminds residents that beginning April 1 Massachusetts will require most boaters born after 1988 to complete an approved boater safety education course and carry a certificate while operating motorized watercraft. Older operators will need to meet the requirement within two years. Penalties take effect this fall. More information can be found at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-boating-law-summary.
Sand and salt available at Public Works building
The Public Works Department has sand and a sand-salt mix available to residents for use on walkways and driveways. Piles of each are available outside the Public Works Building, 47 Depot Road. Bring your own container and shovel.
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.