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.
Men’s and women’s coffee on the porch
Come to the Hildreth House porch to enjoy an informal gathering with friends. All are welcome. Safety guidelines must be followed. All must wear masks, use hand sanitizer, and stay 6 feet apart.
- Men’s Coffee: Wednesdays at 9 a.m.
- Women’s Coffee: Fridays at 10 a.m.
Learn computer programming
Bromfield student Elizabeth Jo offers a series of classes on Python, a computer programming language known for its beginner-friendly concepts and wide range of uses. The next series begins Thursday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. The classes are for those with a basic knowledge of computers and able to navigate the Zoom platform.
Learn about scams
Join us Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m. to hear from Harvard Police Detective Daniele Fortunato about the most prevalent scams, who are at most risk to fall for them, and how to protect yourself. Call the COA for the Zoom link.
Computer workshops
Join our computer volunteers via Zoom Friday, Sept. 11, at 11:30 a.m. to learn all about Google’s new features and techniques. All you need is your laptop or tablet to participate. Class size is limited; call the COA and provide your email address to sign up.
Although we will be using Zoom for the presentation, we will not be teaching Zoom concepts. If you would like instruction in using Zoom, please call the COA.
Relaxation yoga
On Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 4 p.m. Barbara Rich, M.Ed., will offer an hour-long Zoom experience of meditation in movement, gentle yoga for daily living, and ways to live healthy lives with more awareness. Call the COA for the Zoom link.
Social Security Administration services
While Social Security Administration (SSA) offices remain closed, the agency still provides ongoing benefits and services. SSA representatives can help by phone at 877-319-0728. Secure and convenient online services are also available at ww.ssa.gov, including applications for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits.
Senior housing forum with Chris Ryan
Join the Zoom forum on senior housing Tuesday, Sept. 8, 4 to 5:30 p.m., and make your opinion count. The forum will be led by town planner Chris Ryan. Topics to be addressed will be:
- The need for senior housing
- The current local and regional market for senior housing
- The proposed Harvard senior housing bylaw
- Next steps
Call the COA for the Zoom link.
Protect yourself from Medicare fraud
Billions of tax dollars are lost to Medicare fraud each year. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 4 p.m., join Christina O’Neill of the Mass. Senior Medicare Patrol Program, and learn how to detect, prevent, and report errors, fraud, and deceptive marketing. For more information and to reserve a place at the workshop, call the COA office or email jschoenberg@harvard.ma.us.
Online fitness classes
All fitness classes are being offered online. Call for a Zoom invitation or to learn more.
- Weight strengthening/aerobics: Monday and Wednesday, 9 to 10 a.m.
- Line dancing: Monday, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
- Tai chi: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.
- Stretch and tone yoga: Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.
Is your house number visible?
Massachusetts General Law specifies that every building in the state must have a clearly visible address number posted. Bromfield students are available to help by trimming bushes by your mailbox, delivering and attaching numbers to mailbox, or installing a post with numbers at a split driveway. Call the COA if you need help with house numbering.
COA services during the pandemic
- Adopt a Senior: Volunteers matched with homebound seniors for check-ins and errands.
- Meals on Wheels: Deliveries to those who are homebound and those who regularly have come to COA congregate meals.
- Outreach check-in calls: Calls to see if anything is needed, whether it’s to find a volunteer to shop, make referrals to agencies, or just to talk.
- Van transportation: The van is available for medical and other appointments.
- Loaves & Fishes delivery: Pick up and deliver orders from Loaves & Fishes.
Van transportation guidelines
- Call 978-456-4120 to schedule a ride. Please give the COA at least 48 hours notice.
- There is a nominal fee for van use. Fee is expected at time of ride.
- If you are having a procedure that requires sedation or dilation of eyes, etc. make sure you have someone to escort you home.
- If you have symptoms of any virus, have traveled outside the country recently, or have been with anyone who has traveled/had symptoms, do not use the van for at least 14 days.
- The van is disinfected daily and between riders. No more than one client is permitted in the van at a time (aide is allowed if needed). Driver and riders must wear masks.
