The Council on Aging, 15 Elm Street, has free COVID-19 test kits available. Call 978-456-4120 to pick up a couple, and enjoy the air conditioning while you visit.
The COA has had a few suggestions for a name for the new building, including The Center, Our Center, and Harvard’s Center for Active Aging. Call with your ideas.
Nutrition made fun
Join Minuteman Senior Services’ registered dietitian Catherine York to play Nutrition Jeopardy, Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m. Get in the competitive spirit with your neighbors and learn all about nutrition and your health. Call 978-456-4120 to sign up for this in-person event.
Lowell Locks boat tour
On Thursday, Aug. 25, visit Lowell National Historical Park for a 90-minute guided boat tour on the Merrimack River. Take in the dramatic complex of gates, locks, spillways, and prodigious granite walls within sight of the Concord River. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant after the tour. Cost is $15 for the tour and van; bring lunch money and don’t forget sunscreen. The van will leave Hildreth House at 9:30 a.m. Space is limited, so sign up early.
Library books at home
If you are homebound and need books delivered to your home, call the library at 978-456-4114 and ask for Jill, or email reference@harvardpubliclibrary.org.
Ukraine War and Vladimir Putin Talk
On Monday, Aug. 22, at 1 p.m., historian Henry Quinlan will discuss the origins of the Ukraine war and the unintended consequences for both Russia and NATO members. Questions addressed will include: Is America fighting a proxy war? Is Russia using food as a weapon? What is the role of China? Is Putin still popular?
Quinlan has lectured on Russian affairs for 35 years and lived in Moscow for five years. Space is limited; call 978-456-4120 to sign up.
Outreach programs
The COA offers home-delivered meals, friendly visits, phone and wellness checks, social services, and chore groups and handyman services. You can also call for help applying for fuel assistance (SNAP) and with Five Wishes and MOLST (medical order) forms.
COA van guidelines
Fees for the use of the van vary according to destination; 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. The van is disinfected daily and between rides, and the driver and riders are required to wear masks.
COA in the media
Don’t miss the Senior Spotlight series every morning at 9:30 a.m, along with other programs offered by the COA on HCTV Channel 192. For the schedule, go to harvardcabletv.com; visit the COA on Facebook at facebook.com/harvardcoa.
Fitness classes
Fitness classes are being offered online via Zoom and in person. Call 978-456-4120 to learn more.
- Aerobics/weight strengthening: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-10 am., Zoom. $30 per 12-class session
- Line dancing: Mondays, 10:15-11:15 a.m., Zoom. $3 per class
- Zumba gold: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. in person at the Bolton COA; call 978-779-3314.
- Tai Chi: Thursdays, 9 a.m. at Hildreth House, $25/month, $7/class
Other regular programs
- 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, 1 p.m.
- Fiber arts and knitting: Thursdays, 1 p.m. in the living room.
- Afternoon bridge: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.
- Men’s bridge: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
- Bowling: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. at 204 Lanes, 204 Ayer Road. Bowling is free during August; shoe rental $3. All are welcome.
- Weekly grocery shopping at Market Basket, Littleton. Pickup times: Fridays at 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Call the COA to reserve a place in the van. $2 fee per person.
Editor’s 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 https://www.harvard-ma.gov/council-aging/pages/coa-newsletters.
