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 Harvard Senior Center at 16 Lancaster County Road should be ready to offer programs in May.
Help with taxes
The Elderly and Disabled Tax Aid Committee assists older and disabled residents with the cost of property taxes. Applications for assistance are available through the town website, harvard.ma.us, the COA, or the town treasurer’s office. Applications for 2023 are due by Thursday, May 18. For help, call Debbie at the COA or Lindsay at the treasurer’s office, 978-456-4100, ext. 318.
Fuel assistance ending
Fuel assistance will end April 30. Gross annual income limits are $42,411 for a household of one and $55,461 for a household of two. Harvard also offers a HEAT (Harvard Energy Assistance Team) program. Call the COA if you are concerned about paying your heating bill.
A day at the museum
Explore the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Friday, April 7. The museum features one of the most significant collections of Asian art in the nation. There are also many restaurants nearby and a cafe in the museum. Attendees will be left to explore and dine at leisure. Museum fee is $18 and the van is $5. The van will leave Hildreth House at 9:30 a.m.
Selling a home
Coldwell Banker will kick off a House and Home Speaker Series with “The Psychology of Selling: Letting Go and Moving Forward,” Tuesday, April 11, at 1 p.m. An attorney, designer/stager, and a lender will offer guidance on preparing to sell your home. Space is limited.
On the move
Learn to increase muscle mass through strength exercises to maintain good posture and balance and reduce the risk of falls. “Living and Moving with Osteoporosis,” a Zoom lecture, takes place Wednesday, April 12, at 10 a.m. Register at www.emersonwellness.org/classes.
Gentle yoga
Leave the self-judgment behind as Barbara Rich offers a gentle yoga/meditation-in-motion class Thursday, April 13, at 4 p.m. via Zoom. This class is free; call to get the Zoom link.
Stress begone
On Tuesday, April 18, at 1 p.m., Sharon Nolli from Fallon Health-Summit Elder Care will speak on “How to Destress Your Life.” Learn about the importance of laughter, how to stop worrying, and focus on the positive to ease the stresses of life.
On the clock
There will be a guided tour of the Willard House and Clock Museum in North Grafton, Wednesday, April 19, at 9:45 a.m., with lunch at the Post Office Pub. Works by three generations of Willard clock makers will be on display. Museum fee is $9, van fee is $5; lunch extra.
Senior Conference
The 42nd annual Senior Conference, hosted by state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, takes place Thursday, April 20. Enjoy free workshops, health screenings, entertainment, exhibits, prizes, speakers, and lunch.
TED talk
There will be a TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talk Tuesday, April 25, at 1 p.m. Watch a presentation video and discuss your thoughts on the topic with others.
Take a walk
The COA is seeking people interested in forming a walking group Wednesday, April 26, at 1 p.m. The group may decide how often to meet and where to walk. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and be aware of rough terrain and mud.
Fine dining
On Thursday, April 27, 10:45 a.m., enjoy a visit to the District Restaurant and Cafe at Minuteman Technical High School, operated by students majoring in culinary arts and hospitality. This 75-seat restaurant offers an upscale menu in the $6-$12 range. Van fee is $2.
Drive smart
Brush up on your driving skills at an AARP smart driver safety course, Thursday, April 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Ayer Senior Center. This is the nation’s largest driver safety course and is designed for those over 50. $20 for AARP members; $25 for others. To register, call 978-772-8260.
Books at home
If you are homebound, call the library at 978-456-4114, or email reference@harvardpubliclibrary.org to have books delivered.
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. Contact the COA to learn more about classes.
- 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.
Regular programs
Most programs are now in person.
- 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: Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.
Note: This information was drawn from the COA’s monthly newsletter. To receive the newsletter via email, or view it online, go to www.harvard-ma.gov/council-aging/pages/coa-newsletters.
