Hildreth House is open
Hildreth House is open for programs and events. Stay safe on the porch for as long as the weather stays warm enough.
Face coverings are required in the building and on public and private transportation, including the COA and MART vans, and in health care facilities, regardless of vaccination status.
To sign up for any Council on Aging event or program (including to get a Zoom link), to reserve a seat on the COA van, or for more information, call 978-456-4120.
Turkey dinner grab & go
To help celebrate Thanksgiving, the COA will offer a free grab & go turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Bob’s Turkey Farm turkey with sides will be prepared by our local Chef Bill Ference and packed in to-go containers. Drive up and pick up the meals at Hildreth House on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at noon.
Sign-up by Friday, Nov. 12, is required so that there is enough food for all. Be sure to note the name of the staff member you speak with. To sign up call 978-456-4120.
Turn back the hands of time
Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 7, at 2 a.m. Turn your clocks back an hour, and remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
‘Growing up Hildreth’
The COA will host a story slam with Virginia Hildreth, Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. in Hildreth House living room. The speaker will be someone who grew up as a member of the Hildreth family and remembers what it was like back when Hildreth House was a home. Space is limited, so call 978-456-4120 to sign up.
Stay warm! Fuel assistance has started
The heating season is here and applications for the state fuel assistance program are now being accepted. The state gross annual income limits for fuel assistance are $40,951 for a household of one and $53,551 for a household of two.
Harvard also offers a HEAT (Harvard Energy Assistance Team) program. If you are concerned about paying your heating bill, call the COA for more information.
Free computers available
The COA has a few refurbished desktop and laptop computers that are ready for pickup by any senior who needs one. There is also a working printer available. Call the COA if you are interested in a free computer.
Harvard Public Library ‘Books at Home’
If you are homebound and need books delivered to your home due to a health issue, call the library at 978-456-4114 and ask for Jill. You can also email the library at: reference@harvardpubliclibrary.org.
Fitness classes
- Fitness classes are being offered online via Zoom and in-person.
- Weight strengthening/aerobics: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. (Zoom).
- Line dancing: Monday, 10:15 a.m. (Zoom).
- Stretching 101: Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m. (Zoom).
- Zumba Gold: Wednesday, 10 a.m. (in Bolton, call the Bolton COA at 978-779-3314).
- Tai Chi: Thursday, 9 a.m. in-person at Hildreth House.
Other regular programs
- Vet Cafe: Second Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m. Join fellow veterans for coffee and conversation.
- Men’s coffee: Wednesday, 9 a.m.
- Woman’s Club bridge (for Woman’s Club members): Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.
- Mahjong in the parlor: Thursday, 1 p.m. Call to sign up.
- Fiber Arts/Knitting: Thursday, 1 p.m.
- Men’s bridge: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Call to sign up.
- Women’s coffee: Friday, 10 a.m.
- Computer classes with Doug and Adam: Adam and Doug are available for one-on-one sessions via Zoom or in person with an appointment. They also have created an online computer resource center with lots of useful information. Access it from your home computer by typing the following website: sites.google.com/view/hcoa-lab
- Weekly grocery shopping: Pickup times: Friday, 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Call the COA to reserve a place in the van. The van is disinfected daily and between rides; all riders must wear a mask while in the van.
Editor’s Note: This information was drawn from the Council on Aging’s monthly newsletter, the Harvard Sentinel, which contains other valuable information for Harvard’s older residents. Call the COA at 978-456-4120 to receive the newsletter via email. It is also available online at harvard-ma.gov/council-aging/pages/coa-newsletters.
