Town Charter Review Committee needs volunteers
The Select Board seeks residents to serve on the Town Charter Review Committee. The committee will study the existing Harvard Town Charter in detail, gather input from residents and town committees, recommend amendments to improve town governance, and draft warrant articles for the spring 2027 Annual Town Meeting. Members should be prepared for a year-long commitment.
Applications are due by Monday, Dec. 1. For more information and to apply online, visit harvard-ma.gov>>News/Announcements>>Call for Volunteers: Town Charter Review Committee.
Chat with Select Board members
Come share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with Select Board members SusanMary Redinger and Kara Minar Thursday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m., at the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about ongoing community initiatives, and engage directly with local leadership.
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.
Support Jamaican seasonal workers
Carlson Orchards and Westward Orchards are each running GoFundMe campaigns to support their Jamaican seasonal workers, who are returning home to face catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in late October (see story). To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-carlsons-workers-after-hurricane-melissa (Carlson) or gofundme.com/f/support-westward-orchards-team-after-hurricane-melissa (Westward).
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.
Hazardous waste collection
The Devens Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will receive hazardous waste on Wednesday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 9 Cook Street (rear) in Devens. Closed during rain; reopens when rain stops. For information on items accepted, packaging, and fees, visit DevensHHW.com.
Girl Scouts mitten tree
The Harvard Girl Scouts will collect donations of mittens, gloves, and hats until Dec. 13, on the mitten tree in the children’s room at the Harvard Public Library. Donations will go to clients of WHEAT Community Connections food pantry in Clinton.
Loaves & Fishes continues to serve federal workers
Through Dec. 10, the Loaves & Fishes food pantry, 234 Barnum Road, Devens, will be open additional hours, Wednesdays 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., for federal workers only, regardless of residence. Bring a federal ID card. If the Wednesday time doesn’t work, federal employees can also stop by during regular pantry hours: 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.