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.
Floral Arranging Workshop
Mary Maxwell from the Garden Club of Harvard will be at Hildreth House Tuesday, March 3, at 1 p.m. to help you create floral arrangements with fresh flowers. The cost is $5, and you’ll take your arrangement home. Bring any floral arranging supplies you might have; otherwise, supplies will be available. Sign up is required.
See ‘The Secret Garden’ at Regis College
Commonwealth Ballet is offering 10 free tickets for Harvard seniors to see its production of “The Secret Garden” Saturday, March 7, at 1 p.m. The van ($3 fee) will leave Hildreth House at 11:30.
What’s your story?
Share your life experiences at the COA’s Story Slam Tuesday, March 10, 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.
Vet Café
All veterans are invited to this month’s Vet Café Tuesday, March 10, from 9 to 10 a.m. Come for coffee and a continental breakfast and to chat with fellow veterans.
Boston Flower Show
Visit the Boston Flower and Garden Show with the COA Saturday, March 14. This year’s show will celebrate outdoor living and interior plantscapes that inspire us to spend time with friends and family. Call to reserve a seat on the van. You are responsible for purchasing your own ticket ($19) online or upon arrival. The van ($5 fee) will leave Hildreth House at 9 a.m.
Let’s go to the movies
On Monday, March 23, at 1 p.m. in Volunteers Hall, see “Knives Out,” rated PG-13, starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, and Jamie Lee Curtis. When a rich crime novelist dies, Detective Benoit Blanc investigates and sifts through a web of red herrings and lies to uncover the truth.
Middle East dining in Clinton
Enjoy a trip to Clinton Wednesday, March 25, for lunch at Zaytoon Restaurant, which specializes in traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Call to reserve a seat on the van ($2 fee), which will leave Hildreth House at 11 a.m.
St. Patrick’s Day party
Join the COA Thursday, March 26, at noon for the annual St. Patrick’s Day luncheon held at St. Theresa’s Church. The meal will be a traditional corned beef dinner prepared by local chef Bill Ference, with the usual side dishes and dessert. Reserve your place by March 19 and be sure to indicate if you need a ride.
Record your personal history
This spring and summer, Bromfield student Arjun Khurana will conduct and record 30-minute to hour-long interviews with seniors about their lives and about Harvard. He will archive the interviews for future generations to hear. Email 21akhurana@psharvard.org for more information.
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.
Wellness Clinic
The next wellness clinic is Tuesday, March 17, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Hildreth House. Come see the town nurse for blood pressure checks. No appointment is needed. Call if you need a ride.
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.
Books at home
If you are homebound due to a health issue and would like books delivered to your home, call the library at 978-456-4114. A volunteer will bring the library to you!
For mind, body, and soul
Call the COA to learn more and to join these classes:
- Weight Strengthening and Aerobics, Monday and Wednesday, 9 to 10 a.m., Congregational Church
- Line Dancing, Monday, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Congregational Church
- Tai Chi, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 to 10 a.m., UU Fellowship Building
- Stretch and Tone Yoga, Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Congregational Church
- Gentle Zumba Gold, Fridays, 9 to 9:45 a.m., UU Fellowship Building
- Pilates for Seniors, Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon, UU Fellowship Building
Fun and games and conversation
Come to Hildreth House to socialize with COA friends at these weekly events:
- Women’s Coffee; Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon
- Men’s Coffee; Wednesdays, 8 to 9 a.m.
- Vet Cafe; second Tuesdays, 9 to 10 a.m.
- Fiber Arts Group; Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Mahjong; Tuesdays, 1 p.m.
- Men’s Bridge; Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
