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.
The new COA facility at 16 Lancaster County Road, to be known as the Harvard Senior Center, will open soon. Call for updates.
Stay active without exercise
Harvard resident and retired cardiologist Ira Ockene will present a talk and answer questions, Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 1 p.m. Ockene will discuss how to stay active without exercising, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular topics.
Valentine’s spa day
Get ready for Valentine’s Day on Monday, Feb. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when Westford’s A Spa For You will visit Hildreth House, offering manicures, pedicures, chair massages, and mini facials for $15 each. Cash only; call to sign up.
‘Bach’s Lunch’
Groton Hill Music is offering a “Bach’s Lunch” musical program on the second Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Bring a lunch; transportation is not provided. Sign up through the COA; reservations are not guaranteed through Groton Hill.
Service dog visit
On Wednesday, Feb. 15, the COA van will leave at 9:30 a.m. for a trip to Clear Path in Devens, where visitors will learn how service dogs are trained and how they are matched with veterans according to their needs, and, of course, meet the dogs. Van fee is $2.
Lunch at Bandoleros
Enjoy tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, and queso at Bandoleros Mexican Grill, Devens, Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 11:30 a.m. Van fee is $2; pay for your own lunch.
Mechanics Hall tour
Enjoy a two-hour guided tour of Worcester’s Mechanics Hall, Monday, Feb. 27, 9:15 a.m. Learn about the history of this venue, which features 19th-century elegance, superb acoustics, and inspirational beauty. The event is free; van fee is $2.
Wednesday music
The COA is teaming with Best of Times Travel to present entertainment on Wednesdays in the coming months:
- March 8: Emmet Cahill, superstar of Celtic Thunder, $119.
- April 19: Michael Amante, “the people’s tenor,” $109.
- July 19: The Glen Campbell Experience, $109.
- August 10: Corvette’s Doo Wop Review, $119.
The shows will be at various venues in New England. Prices include concert, transportation, and lunch. Call Pam at the COA to learn more and sign up.
Help with heating
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.
Storm alert list
When a storm is predicted, the COA’s outreach team can call to let you know and see what you might need to be prepared. Call 978-456-4120 and ask to be placed on the storm alert list.
Books at home
If you are homebound and want books delivered, call the public library at 978-456-4114 or email reference@harvardpubliclibrary.org.
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.
Fitness classes
Fitness classes are offered online via Zoom and in person.
- Aerobics and weight strengthening: Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m., via Zoom. $36 per 12-class session.
- Line dancing: Mondays, 10:15 a.m. via Zoom. $4 per class.
- Zumba gold: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. in person at the Bolton COA.
- 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; $10 for drop-ins. All in-person attendees must show proof of vaccination.
- Tai chi: Thursdays, 9 a.m. at the Congregational Church, $25/month, $7/class.
Contact the COA to learn more about fitness classes.
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.
- 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.
Note: This information was drawn from the COA’s monthly newsletter, which contains more 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.
