The Harvard Press

07/24/2026

Senate earmarks $5 million for Vicksburg Square housing, rejects bid to bypass super town meeting

The Massachusetts Senate passed its version of Gov. Maura Healey's $425 million Mass Wins economic development bond bill late Thursday night, after a session that stretched on for hours. Senators declined to revive a proposal that would have bypassed Harvard, Ayer, and Shirley's control over Devens zoning decisions, and earmarked $5 million to redevelop Vicksburg Square, the boarded-up former Army barracks complex at Devens.

See story: https://harvardpress.com/News/News-Articles/senate-earmarks-5-million-for-vicksburg-square-housing-rejects-bid-to-bypass-super-town-meeting

07/20/2026

Negotiations between town officials and Solect Energy are continuing, with the latest plan extending the date by which a formal agreement must be signed to Aug. 30 from the previous July 4 deadline.

Negotiations between town officials and Solect Energy are continuing, with the latest plan extending the date by which a formal agreement must be...

07/19/2026

About this time two years ago, something happened that hadn’t been seen in Harvard for 75 years or more. Several American chestnut trees came into bloom. They bloomed again in 2025 and are blooming now at a nursery orchard created by Harvard resident Brian McClain as part of a widespread effort to bring American chestnuts back to the forest.

Photo caption: Brian McClain hand pollinates a chestnut tree flower, or catkin (below), with pollen spores on a slide. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz

https://harvardpress.com/Features/Feature-Articles/blooming-chestnuts-give-hope-for-revival-of-a-species

07/17/2026

The only thing permanent is change ... and you’ve been funding big changes

As we prepare for our summer break (July 10–Aug. 10), we would like to report what’s been happening at the Press in 2026—and to thank you for making all of it possible.

https://harvardpress.com/Opinion/Editorial-Press-Opinion/the-only-thing-permanent-is-change-and-youve-been-funding-big-changes

07/16/2026

Along the stone wall of the Center Cemetery is a shady path that provides a convenient cut-through between Bromfield and the Common. Marred by cracks and tree roots that aggressively protrude from below the asphalt, even the sure-footed should take care walking on it. Wheelchair users need to do a bit of off-roading. This is the Minister’s Path.

Photo caption: Tree roots poke through the macadam of the Minister’s Path, creating an obstacle course for those with mobility challenges. From left: Gloria Macario, Jen Baranowski, AJ Sullivan (in wheelchair), Shavon Bourgault, Jaclynn Fortunato, Sammy Gillard (in wheelchair), and Sammy Barrett. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

https://harvardpress.com/Features/Feature-Articles/who-will-minister-to-the-ministers-path

07/15/2026

It was bittersweet that the Fourth of July Committee had chosen Pat Jennings as the grand marshal for the 2026 town parade. Jennings died earlier in the week, but she had been able to acknowledge the tribute. Her daughter Della said that her mom was thrilled at the prospect of becoming grand marshal and accepted gracefully, saying if she’s alive, she’d be there and if not, she’d watch.

Photo caption: The family of Parade Marshal Pat Jennings, who died days before the parade, ride down Ayer Road. Seated on back of car, Patrice Jennings (left) and Meaghan Jennings Mitchell; in front, Della Jennings. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

https://harvardpress.com/Features/Feature-Articles/the-late-pat-jennings-named-fourth-of-july-parade-grand-marshal

07/13/2026

Harvard’s Fourth of July: Tropical heat, community, and candy

Jeremy and Ruby Haag eagerly awaited the start of the annual Fourth of July parade in a shady spot by the blinking light of Harvard’s “downtown” crossroads. Standing there among myriad spectators, Jeremy Haag paused for a moment when asked what he hoped the town’s celebration would look like in 50 years, when the United States of America will celebrate its 300th birthday. In answering, he did not talk about fireworks, floats, or even candy.

Photo caption: Aspen Ference holds the leads of Dusty and Cider, her miniature Highland cows, as 2-year old Spring smiles for the camera. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)

https://harvardpress.com/Features/Feature-Articles/harvards-fourth-of-july-tropical-heat-community-and-candy

07/09/2026

At 87 Ayer Road: From gravestone slate to McIntosh apples to conservation land

The property at 87 Ayer Road, which was recently purchased by the Harvard Conservation Trust and is now called the Farwell Quarry, has a varied history as the longtime home of a stonecutter and then an orchardist.

The property at 87 Ayer Road, which was recently purchased by the Harvard Conservation Trust and is now called the Farwell Quarry, has a varied...

07/08/2026

Saturday or Tuesday? Survey shows no easy fix for Town Meeting attendance

The Select Board conducted a survey to determine which days and times allow a larger number of Harvard residents to attend the Annual Town meeting. The survey ran for a month following the spring Town Meeting, held on May 2, and was publicized on the town’s website, community social media forum Nextdoor, and in the Press.

https://harvardpress.com/Features/Feature-Articles/saturday-or-tuesday-survey-shows-no-easy-fix-for-town-meeting-attendance

07/02/2026

At this time of year, the sounds of nature are a beautiful soundtrack for emerging from slumber … for most people. For others, like me, the sound of their dog barking furiously as she darts from one window to another so she doesn’t lose sight of the red fur trotting across the backyard is more bothersome than beautiful.

Photo caption: Fox kits play in the sun. (Photo courtesy of Bill Byrne, Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife)

https://harvardpress.com/Features/Feature-Articles/town-tails-summer-school-is-in-session-for-the-red-fox