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, all COA programs will be virtual, via Zoom. Call 978-456-4120 to get the links.
St. Patrick’s Day dinner: Grab-and-go corned beef
At noon on Wednesday, March 24, the COA will offer a grab-and-go corned beef dinner with all the fixings prepared by Chef Bill Ference, along with soda bread provided by the Girl Scouts. Drive by to pick up a meal and say “hi” to COA staff members. Signups are required. Call the COA; last day to sign up is March 19.
Are you keeping your food safe?
On Monday, March 8, at 1 p.m., Denise Mercury—a registered dietitian-nutritionist from Minuteman Senior Services—will talk about food safety in the home. Topics will include how to safely store, prepare, and cook food, as well as how often to check expiration dates.
Story Slam with Prudy Horne
On Tuesday, March 30, 1 p.m., Prudy Horne, daughter of Harvard resident Prudence Horne, will talk about her experiences teaching art classes in two high-security men’s state prisons in southern California. Prudy is a professional artist and an adjunct professor in the San Diego area community college system.
Beware COVID-19 vaccine scams
The COA reminds everyone that the COVID-19 vaccine is free. Those administering the vaccine may ask for insurance information to bill insurance, but there is no charge to individuals. If you do not have insurance, you are still eligible to receive the vaccine free of charge. If anyone calls and says they can get you a vaccine quicker if you give them your credit card number or Medicare number, it is a scam. Hang up and report the call to the Harvard Police Department.
Tips from SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone)
If you have a Medicare Advantage, or MA, plan, you have until March 31 to change to another MA plan or back to Medicare A & B with a drug plan. Also, in 2021, more people qualify for help to pay for Medicare B and more through the Medicare Savings Program. If your individual income is under $1,755 per month and you have assets under $15,940, you may qualify. If you need help with your insurance plan, call the COA to arrange to speak with a SHINE counselor, or call SHINE directly at 1-800-243-4636.
Checking in on the pandemic’s effects on the mind and body
Over the past year, COVID-19 has changed daily routines, and that has, in some cases, affected peoples’ mental and physical health. On Tuesday, March 9, from noon to 1 p.m., the Auxiliary and Corporators of Emerson Hospital will host a moderated Q & A session where health care clinicians discuss topics like anxiety, grief, addiction support, sleep management, and self-care. Learn more about managing and living during the time of COVID-19, including how to fight mental and physical fatigue. To register, go to http://bit.ly/ConnectEffect3.
Online fitness classes
All fitness classes are offered online. Call for a Zoom invitation or to learn more.
- Weight strengthening/aerobics: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.
- Line dancing: Monday, 10:15 a.m.
- Tai Chi: Tuesday, 10 a.m.
- Stretch and tone yoga: Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.
- Zumba Gold: Wednesday, 10 a.m.
- Stress relief yoga: Wednesdays, March 10 and March 31, 4 p.m.
Other regular programs
The following programs are also offered online; call for a Zoom invitation.
- Women’s coffee and conversation: Friday, 10 a.m.
- Men’s coffee: Wednesday, 9 a.m.
- Vet Cafe: Second Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m. Join fellow veterans for coffee and conversation.
Fuel assistance
Applications for fuel assistance can be made by calling the COA. The state gross annual income limits for fuel assistance are: $39,105 for a household of one; $51,137 for a household of two. Harvard also offers a HEAT (Harvard Energy Assistance Team) program. If you are concerned about paying heating bills, let the Council on Aging know.
