Hildreth House is open
Hildreth House is open for programs and events. Please remember to follow all safety requirements in the building: Get vaccinated, and masks and safe distancing are mandatory. Face coverings are also required 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.
Holiday dinner grab & go
On Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1 p.m., Harvard schools chef Chuck Silverman will prepare a grab & go meatloaf dinner with potatoes, green beans, and dessert. Sign-up is required, and the earlier the better, because the program fills up quickly. There is no charge. Please remember to wear your mask and remain in your car at all times; your meal will be brought out to you. To sign up call 978-456-4120.
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.
Stress reduction/meditation in movement yoga
This class, offered by Barbara Rich on Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m., focuses on mindful breathing, easy stretching, and useful strategies for accepting who and where we are. You don’t have to be a pretzel to benefit from this workshop. Call the COA to sign up and get the Zoom link for this class.
Holiday movie and lunch
Get into the holiday spirit while enjoying hot soup and bread with friends and neighbors at Hildreth House, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. There will be a few holiday movies to choose from. Sign up early so there is enough space and food.
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.
Other upcoming events and activities
- Wreath project, Monday, Dec. 6, 1 p.m., Zoom class.
- Holiday shopping trip to Solomon Pond Mall, Tuesday, Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- “Card Creations,” Zoom class on creating handmade cards, Thursday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m. Sign up by Friday, Dec. 3.
- 41st annual Senior Conference, hosted by state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Thursday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., via Zoom.
- Podiatry clinic, Monday, Dec. 13, 9 a.m. to noon.
- “Staying Safe on the Internet,” Zoom class, Friday, Dec. 17, 11:30 a.m.
Fitness classes
- Fitness classes are being offered online via Zoom unless otherwise indicated. Call the COA to sign up, or to learn more about fitness classes.
- Weight strengthening/aerobics: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.
- Line dancing: Monday, 10:15 a.m.
- Stretching 101: Tuesday and Friday, 9:30 a.m.
- Zumba Gold: Wednesday, 10 a.m. (in Bolton, call the Bolton COA at 978-779-3314).
- Tai Chi: Thursday, 2:30 p.m., in-person at the Congregational Church.
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.
- Beginning Jan. 5, the Bridge Club will expand to include all players, including players of all levels, both male and female. Notify Dina Hettes each week at 978-434-7508 or berdinahettes@gmail.com to let her know if you plan to attend. Please be vaccinated and follow safety mandates.
- 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 are Friday, 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Call the COA to reserve a place in the van. 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 or view it online at harvard-ma.gov/coun cil-aging/pages/coa-newsletters.
