Update on the new COA building
The architects are almost finished with the final construction documents so the town can receive proposals from contractors to get the renovations at 16 Lancaster County Road started. The moving date is estimated to be next fall or winter. Meanwhile, the Hildreth House porch at 15 Elm Street looks very inviting, so come and join the Council on Aging for programs this spring. Most programs are now taking place in person.
Call 978-456-4120 to sign up for all programs, classes, and trips.
Recovering from pain
On Thursday, May 12, at 1 p.m. at Hildreth House, physical therapist Laura Shukla will give a presentation sharing her expertise on proven methods to reduce and control pain. Active participation and questions are welcome. Call the COA to sign up.
Story slam with Pamela Lawson
Join artist Pamela Lawson, Tuesday, May 10, at 1 p.m., at Hildreth House, and hear how she seeks out nature and wildlife for her paintings. Her monotypes are created on a plexiglass surface with brushes, rollers, fingers, and rags. She will explain the process and bring some of her work to share. Call 978-456-4120 to sign up.
Stretch away your stress
Stress-reduction yoga with Barbara Rich takes place Wednesday, May 25, at 5 p.m., via Zoom.
With a high stress level still a part of our lives, the COA offers a one-time stress reduction class. Connect breath, mind, senses, and body while paying attention to any judgmental thoughts and feelings. Leave the self-judgment behind. Call the COA to sign up for this free class.
Restaurant review
All aboard the COA van at 4 p.m, Thursday, May 19, for dinner at the Bull Run restaurant in Shirley. The Bull Run has been a tavern for centuries and was the first stop on the Boston-to-Albany stagecoach route in the 1800s. The menu offers soups, burgers, and more substantial meals such as baked haddock and prime rib, running from $17 to $40. Space is limited, so sign up early. Fee for the van is $3; pay for your own dinner.
Help with taxes
The Elderly and Disabled Taxation Aid Committee helps elderly and disabled residents defray the costs of their property taxes. The funds consist totally of private donations and support those who are unable to pay their taxes without hardships. Applications are available through the Harvard town website (harvard-ma.gov), the COA, or the town treasurer’s office, and are due to the treasurer’s office by Monday, May 18. Donations are accepted at any time during the year and are tax-deductible. If you have questions, call the COA and speak to Debbie, or phone the treasurer at 978-456-4100, ext. 318, and speak to Lindsay.
Afternoon Bridge Club open to all
The Bridge Club now welcomes 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.
COA van guidelines
There is a nominal fee for the use of the van; payment in exact change is expected at the time of a ride. To schedule a ride call 978-456-4120; 48 hours’ notice is requested. Face coverings are required for all individuals on public and private transportation regardless of vaccination status. The van is disinfected daily and between riders; driver and riders are required to use hand sanitizer and wear a mask.
Outreach programs
The COA offers home-delivered meals, friendly visits, phone and wellness checks, social services, chore groups and handyman services, and more. Call 978-456-4120 for services.
Fitness classes
Fitness classes are offered online via Zoom unless otherwise noted. Call the COA to sign up or to learn more.
- Weight strengthening/aerobics: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.
- Zumba Gold: Wednesday, 10 a.m. (in-person classes in Bolton; call the Bolton COA at 978-779-3314).
- Line dancing, Monday, 10:15 a.m.
- Yoga for everybody, Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.
- Tai Chi, Thursday, 9 a.m., Congregational Church of Harvard, 5 Still River Road.
Other regular programs
Most programs are now in-person at Hildreth House, 15 Elm Street.
- Vet Cafe: Second Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m. Join fellow veterans for coffee and conversation.
- Men’s coffee: Wednesdays, 9 a.m.
- Women’s coffee: Fridays, 10 a.m.
- Mahjong in the parlor: Thursdays at 1 p.m.
- Fiber arts and knitting: Thursdays at 1 p.m. in the living room.
- Afternoon bridge: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.
- Men’s bridge: Thursdays, 7:30 p.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.
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.
