Hildreth House, 15 Elm Street, is now fully open. In addition to special events and trips that are planned, lunch is being served on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon and is open to all.
The Council on Aging is looking for ideas for a name for its new building. Call 978-456-4120 with your ideas, and to sign up for all programs, classes, and trips.
Internet security
Join the COA for a computer and internet security workshop, Friday, July 8, at 11 a.m. This will be a refresher on avoiding common scams and learning how to keep your computers and other internet-connected devices secure. Learn about password management, phishing email scams, the new “smishing” smartphone texting scams, antivirus and firewall software, and staying safe on social media. This workshop will be held in the Hildreth House first-floor living room. Call 978-456-4120 to sign up. Class size is limited.
Cannabis field trip
Curious about cannabis? On Tuesday, July 12, the Gage cannabis dispensary on Route 110 in Ayer will offer an educational presentation for Harvard seniors. Visit the aroma bar and have your questions answered by medical personnel. The van will leave Hildreth House at 9:15 a.m. Call the COA to get on board.
Fun with alpacas
Visit the Harvard Alpaca Ranch, 58 Old Mill Road, Friday, July 21, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The ranch is home to 29 cute and full-of-personality alpacas, and there are three new babies to pet. The van will leave Hildreth House at 10:15 a.m. Call 978-456-4120 to sign up.
Cooking with Anton and Peggy
On Thursday, July 28, at 11 a.m., Chef Anton and sous-chef Peggy Chernoff will prepare a Jewish luncheon, with matzoh ball soup, kugel, and stuffed cabbage. The chefs will also share their recipes and culinary secrets. You must be fully vaccinated to take part. Call the COA to sign up.
Buy, hold, or sell?
On Tuesday, August 9, at 1 p.m. Bill Nickerson, senior loan advisor for Flagstar Bank, will offer his extensive professional experience, humor, and down-to-earth explanations on all topics financial. Call to sign up at 978-456-4120.
Help with computers
Adam and Doug are available for one-on-one sessions via Zoom to assist seniors with computer issues. Access their online computer resource center at sites.google.com/view/hcoa-lab.
Library books at home
If you are housebound and need books delivered to your home, call the library at 978-456-4114 and ask for Jill, or email reference@harvardpubliclibrary.org.
Bowling anyone?
Join the new COA bowling group Tuesdays at 10 a.m., starting July 5, at the 204 Lanes, 204 Ayer Road. Call 978-456-4120 to sign up.
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.
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.
Fitness classes
Fitness classes are offered online via Zoom and in person. Call the COA to sign up or to learn more.
- Aerobics/weight strengthening: 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.
Other regular programs
Most programs are now in person at Hildreth House.
- 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 at 12:30 p.m.
- Men’s bridge: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
- Weekly grocery shopping, Market Basket, Littleton: 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. There is a $2 fee per person.
Note: This information was drawn from the COA’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.
