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. Director Debbie Thompson said she is planning on opening the porch in May for some programs; stay tuned.
CDC guidelines for those who have received their COVID-19 vaccines
According to the CDC, people are considered fully protected two weeks after their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Those who are fully protected should still take preventive steps when they are in public, gathering with people from more than one household, or visiting an unvaccinated person. Those steps include wearing a mask, staying 6 feet from others, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and delaying domestic and international travel.
Will your driver’s license fly?
Beginning Oct. 21, 2021, a REAL ID or other acceptable ID such as a valid passport will be required to fly within the United States. At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7, the COA will air a presentation by the Registry of Motor Vehicles on license renewal and how to obtain a REAL ID.
Story Slam with Robert Curran
On Tuesday, April 13, at 1 p.m., Robert Curran will share stories of his involvement in just about every type of film and television production throughout his 40-plus-year career. He has traveled the world, producing programs in the Middle East and North Africa, and he was in charge of several TV series at MGM, including “Stargate SG-1,” “The Magnificent Seven,” and “Outer Limits.” Call the COA to sign up for the Zoom link.
Card-making class
On Tuesday, April 6, at 1 p.m., Heidi Siegrist will lead the COA’s third Card Creations class in making three handmade cards. There’s still room to join the class, and supplies may be picked up on the front porch of Hildreth House on Tuesday, April 6, from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Contact Jen by Friday, April 2, at the COA to join the card-making class. All supplies except scissors provided. Jen can be reached by email at jschoen berg@harvard.ma.us, or call the COA.
Learn to play online games
Interested in connecting with friends and family over a fun game? Consider joining the online gaming group, where you can participate in a selection of virtual activities such as bingo, cards, trivia, and board games. Join alone or as a group. The program will be led by Bromfield student Catherine Zhou and will be held over Zoom using a variety of third-party websites. To join, contact Catherine at 22czhou@psharvard.org.
Tax assistance for elderly and disabled people
The Elderly and Disabled Tax Aid fund is set up to assist elderly and disabled residents to defray the cost of their property taxes. The fund consists of private donations, and aid is distributed to those who are unable to pay their taxes without hardship. Funds are disbursed based on need and vary from year to year.
Applications are due by Monday, May 24, and are available through the Harvard town website, the COA, or the town treasurer’s office. Donations to the fund are accepted at any time during the year and are tax-deductible. Questions? Call Director Debbie Thompson at the COA, or call the town treasurer’s office at 978-456-4100, ext. 318, and ask to speak with Lindsay.
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.
- Stretch and tone yoga: Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.
- Zumba Gold: Wednesday, 10 a.m.
- Pilates: will be starting soon on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.; call to sign up.
- Stress reduction/meditation in movement yoga: April 14, 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.
- Computer classes with Doug and Adam:
- Excel 1: Friday, April 16, 11:30 a.m.
- Excel 2: Friday April 23, 11:30 a.m.
- Organizing files (for Windows): Friday, May 7, 11:30 a.m.
- Organizing files (for Mac): Friday, May 14, 11:30 a.m.
Doug and Adam are also available for one-on-one sessions via Zoom. Contact the COA.
Fuel assistance
April is the last month to apply for fuel assistance for the 2020-2021 heating season. 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. To apply for heating assistance, call the Council on Aging.
