Council on Aging offices and the town’s senior center are located at Hildreth House, 15 Elm Street. To participate in classes, events, or programs listed here—or to ask questions about any COA service—call 978-456-4120. Programs are now in person unless otherwise noted.
Hildreth House will be closed on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24, and Friday, Nov. 25.
The COA is looking for a name for its new center on Lancaster County Road. Suggestions so far include Harvard Senior Center, The Center, Harvard’s Center for Active Aging, The Harvard House, and The Meeting House. Call with your ideas.
Turkey time
Clear Path for Veterans, 84 Antietam Street, Devens, will host a Thanksgiving meal Wednesday, Nov. 16, at noon, with turkey and all the fixings. Reservations required; call to reserve and advise if you will need a ride in the COA van.
Make a wreath
Pat and Carol Lee will hold a wreath-making class Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m., at Hildreth House. Construct a wreath out of silk and other safe materials that will look great on any door. Call to sign up.
Holiday shopping trip
The COA van departs Hildreth House Tuesday, Nov. 29, 9:15 a.m. for a holiday shopping trip to the Merrimack Premium Outlets in New Hampshire. Enjoy a variety of stores and dining options for a quick lunch. The van returns at 2 p.m. Fee is $4.
Help with heating
The heating season is here, and applications for the state fuel assistance program are now being accepted. Gross annual income limits are $42,411 for a household of one and $55,461 for two. Both renters and homeowners are eligible.
Harvard also offers a HEAT (Harvard Energy Assistance Team) program. If you are concerned about paying your heating bill, call the COA.
Learn about medical alert systems
On Thursday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m., Dan Grappi of Connect America will lead a discussion on what to consider when buying a medical alert system. He will review the merits of GPS systems and landlines that work only at home, as well as fall-detection devices and typical costs. Bring your questions.
Apple Store visit
The van will leave Hildreth House Monday, Nov. 14, at 9:15 a.m. for a live workshop at the Apple Store at Solomon Pond Mall. Learn how the Apple Watch and iPhone can work together to aid seniors and make life safer and easier to manage. The trip is limited to eight participants, so call to register.
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 the COA; 48 hours’ notice is requested. The van is disinfected daily and between rides; when there is more than one rider, masks are required, and all unvaccinated riders are required to wear masks.
The COA is looking for part-time drivers; call for more information.
Help with computers
Adam and Doug continue to assist seniors with computer issues and are available for one-on-one sessions via Zoom or in person by appointment. Access their online computer resource center at sites.google.com/view/hcoa-lab.
Gentle yoga
Join Barbara Rich Thursday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for the stress-reduction class “Meditation in Motion.” Connect breath, mind, senses, and body while paying attention to any judgmental thoughts and feelings. This class is free.
What’s cooking
Chef Anton and Sous Chef Peggy Chernoff will visit Friday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. to present a delicious fall menu that participants can learn to make themselves and then enjoy for lunch afterward. Participants must be fully vaccinated; call to sign up.
Fitness classes
Fitness classes are being offered online via Zoom and in person.
- Aerobics/weight strengthening: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m., via Zoom. $30 per 12-class session
- Line dancing is on hold until after the holidays; $3 per class
- Zumba gold: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. in person at the Bolton COA; call 978-779-3314.
- Yoga for everybody: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. in person at the Congregational Church, 5 Still River Road, and via Zoom. $48 per six-week session. All in-person attendees must show proof of vaccination.
- Tai Chi: Thursdays, 9 a.m. at the Congregational Church, $25/month, $7/class
Other regular programs
- Vet Cafe: Second Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m. Join fellow veterans for coffee and conversation. All are welcome.
- 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.
- Afternoon bridge: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.
- Social hour for singles, Tuesdays, 1:15 p.m.
- Afternoon bridge, Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. All are welcome.
- Men’s bridge: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
- Bowling: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. at 204 Lanes, 204 Ayer Road. Lanes are $35 and shoe rental $3.
Note: This information was drawn from the COA’s monthly newsletter, which contains other valuable information for Harvard’s older residents. Call the COA to receive the newsletter via email, or view it online at www.harvard-ma.gov/council-aging/pages/coa-newsletters.
