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.
Fire-EMS recruitment open house
Harvard Fire-EMS will hold a recruiting open house Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m., at the fire station at 13 Ayer Road. Learn what it really means to train hard, protect your neighbors, and be part of a tight-knit team that answers the call when it matters most. Meet the members, tour the station, and check out the apparatus and equipment. No experience is required, on-call positions only.
Tax work-off program: Applications due
Taxpayers 60 and older may be eligible for the Council on Aging tax work-off program, where rebates to property tax bills are provided in exchange for work performed for town organizations. The deadline to apply is Thursday, Jan. 15. Visit harvard-ma.gov/325/Senior-Tax-Work-Off-Program or call the COA at 978-456-4120.
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.
Harvard Fire-EMS nonemergency visits
Harvard Fire-EMS can provide non- emergency home EMS visits to residents for basic health evaluations, including checks of blood pressure and blood sugar, and for help connecting with other health resources. For more information or to schedule a visit, go to tinyurl.com/community-ems.
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.
Cemetery to close during winter storms
The Harvard Cemetery Commission reports that it will close Bellevue Cemetery during snowstorms this winter. It will be opened as soon as the DPW has cleared the driveways in the cemetery. “We hope this doesn’t cause an inconvenience. It is for everyone’s safety and the protection of the cemetery grounds,” commission member John Lee said.
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.
2026 fishing licenses now available
Fishing licenses for 2026 are available from the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. A freshwater license is required for anyone 15 or older; a salt water license is required for those age 16 and older. Visit massfishhunt.mass.gov for full information on regulations and obtaining a license.
Photos needed for town report
Residents are invited to submit personal photographs to be considered for the town’s 2025 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.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.
Devens noise report
Throughout January, small arms fire.