Due to the continuing pandemic, all programs ordinarily held within the building have been moved to a virtual format. Call the Council on Aging at 978-456-4120 and get the Zoom link for your event.
COA van guidelines
Face coverings continue to be required on the COA van, regardless of vaccination status. The van is disinfected daily and between riders. Both driver and riders are required to use hand sanitizer and wear a mask. For safety, no more than three are allowed on the van at a time. There is a nominal fee for the use of the van. Payment is expected at time of ride and exact change is requested. To reserve a seat on the COA van, or for more information, call 978-456-4120.
Story slam: ‘American Rebels’
Join a webinar Tuesday, Feb. 8, 1 p.m. with best-selling author and award-winning historian Nina Sankovitch, who will discuss her recent book, “American Rebels: How the Hancock, Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution.” The book examines the roles of the families in the birth of our nation. Call the COA for more information.
Avoiding scams
On Thursday, Feb. 17, at 12:30 p.m., Robin Putnam of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation will speak on identity theft and fraud prevention. She will discuss her office’s role in protecting consumers as well as how to spot and avoid scams, including recent scams that her office has learned about, and how to prevent identity theft and steps to take if you have fallen victim. Register in advance for this Zoom meeting at bit.ly/3og2Se3.
Winter updates
In the event of inclement weather, COA programs, Meals on Wheels, and transportation services from Hildreth House may be canceled. If there is a storm and you do not know if programs will be happening, call the COA at 978-456-4120. Buckets of sand for icy steps are still available. Call the COA to have one delivered.
Fuel assistance has started
The heating season is here and applications for the state fuel assistance program are 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. You can now apply online; to get started visit toapply.org/NEFWF. The COA can also help with applications and make copies of paperwork. 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.
New gentle yoga class
In response to requests for a gentler yoga option, Barbara Rich will offer a free class on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m. The focus will be on self-awareness, mindful breathing, easy stretching, and relaxation. Leave the self-judgment behind! Call the COA to sign up and get the Zoom link for this class. This class will also be free in March.
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.
Upcoming events/activities
- Card creations, Thurs., Feb. 10, 1 p.m. Create your own greeting cards.
- “The Truth about Tea,” Tues., Feb. 22, 2 p.m. Learn about different teas and get a tea tasting kit.
- Google class, Friday, Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m. Learn to use Google Docs with Harvard student Donovan Smith.
- Harvard Lions Club Winterfest, Saturday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Games, food, beverages, “Wassail the Orchard,” and more. Go to harvardlions.org for more information.
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.
- Zumba Gold: Wednesday, 10 a.m. (in Bolton, call the Bolton COA at 978-779-3314).
- New: Gentle yoga, Wednesday, 4 p.m.
- Other fitness programs are on hiatus through February.
Other regular programs
All programs in the building have been moved to a virtual format. Call the COA and get the Zoom link for your class.
- Vet Cafe: Second Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m. Join fellow veterans for coffee and conversation.
- Men’s coffee: Wednesday, 9 a.m.
- Women’s coffee: Friday, 10 a.m.
- 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. All riders must wear a mask while in the van.
Computer classes with Doug and Adam
Adam and Doug are available for one-on-one sessions via Zoom. They also have created an online computer resource center with lots of useful information. Access it from your home computer by visiting sites.google.com/view/hcoa-lab.
Note: This information was drawn from the Council on Aging’s monthly newsletter, 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/council-aging/pages/coa-newsletters.
