To sign up for any Council on Aging event or program, to reserve a seat on the COA van, or for more information, call 978-456-4120. Unless otherwise noted, events are at Hildreth House. Signup and payment are necessary in advance.
What’s your story?
Share your life experiences at the COA’s Story Slam Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 1 p.m. Two people each month will speak, followed by questions and conversation. Coffee and dessert will be served. Let the COA know if you’d like to speak at this monthly event.
Let’s go to the movies
On Monday, Feb. 10, at 1 p.m. in Volunteers Hall, see “Judy,” rated PG-13, starring Renée Zellweger. Thirty years after starring in “The Wizard of Oz,” Judy Garland arrives in London. While there, she begins a romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.
Vet Café
All veterans are invited to this month’s Vet Café Tuesday, Feb. 11, 9 to 10 a.m. Come for coffee and a continental breakfast and to chat with other veterans.
Beat the winter blues
Lucia Camara from Nashoba Nursing Service will be at Hildreth House Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 12:45 p.m. with ways to avoid or beat the blues that often haunt us during these cold winter months.
Learn about CaptionCall
CaptionCall is a no-cost captioning telephone service for those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The products and services are no cost because they are part of a federally funded program established by the Americans With Disabilities Act. The Massachusetts account manager for CaptionCall will be at Hildreth House Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 1 p.m. He will demonstrate the products, answer questions, and assist attendees with ordering the service.
Visit the Arts League
of Lowell
Join the COA Wednesday, Feb. 19, on a trip to Lowell for breakfast at the Club Diner and a visit to the Arts League of Lowell to view the Water exhibit. Each piece in the gallery is a unique piece of art with a water theme. Harvard resident Brian Sandy is one of the artists. The van will leave Hildreth House at 10:30 a.m., returning around 2 p.m. The van fee is $3; no admission to the gallery.
Need a ride to Winter Fest?
The COA van is available to transport residents to the Lions Club Winter Fest at Fruitlands Saturday, Feb. 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. You do not need to stay for the entire time; you can decide when to be picked up. Call the COA by Feb. 27 to schedule a ride.
Fuel assistance
The heating season is here and applications for fuel assistance can be made. The state gross annual income limits for fuel assistance are $37,360 for a household of one and $48,855 for a household of two. If you are concerned about paying heating bills, call the COA.
Want to lower your
Medicare costs?
The income and asset limits for Medicare Savings Programs have increased. If you qualify, these programs will pay your Part B premium and in some cases your Part A and B deductibles, co-pays, and Part A premium (if you have one). In addition, you will receive Extra Help, a program to lower your Medicare Part D premium and co-pays. To learn more and to request an application, call MassHealth at 1-800-841-2900. SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone) can also assist with the application process. Call the COA to make an appointment with the SHINE counselor.
Tax relief for
elderly and disabled
Harvard’s Elderly and Disabled Tax Aid fund, consisting of private donations, helps elderly and disabled residents defray the costs of property taxes. The funds are disbursed based on need and vary from year to year. Donations are accepted any time and are tax-deductible. Applications are available at www.harvard.ma.us, the Council on Aging, or the town treasurer’s office. Call the COA or the town treasurer at 978-456-4100, ext. 318, with any questions.
An art show in March?
The COA would like to host an art show at Hildreth House in March. Call the COA office if you are interested in displaying a painting, knitting project, quilt, photography, drawings, etc.
Wellness Clinic
On the third Tuesday of every month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. come see the town nurse for blood pressure checks. No appointment needed. Call if you need a ride.
Save the dates
- Tuesday, March 3, 1 p.m. – Floral arranging class with Mary Maxwell from the Garden Club of Harvard
- Saturday, March 7 – Trip to Regis College Commonwealth Ballet in Weston for a performance of “The Secret Garden”
- Saturday, March 14 – Trip to Boston Garden Show
- Sunday, May 3 – Shen Yun Performing Arts, at the Hanover Theater, Worcester; sign up by Feb. 10
COA in the media
Don’t miss “Senior Spotlight” every morning at 9:30 a.m. on Harvard cable TV channel 192. You can also watch programs offered by the COA on the same channel.
