The Council on Aging offices and the town’s senior center are located at 16 Lancaster County Road. To participate in classes, events, or programs listed here—or to ask questions about any COA service—call 978-456-4120.
The COA reminds patrons to sign up early for special events and luncheons, in order to make sure there is enough food for everyone.
Flu clinic, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 9 to 11 a.m. Appointments required for flu shots. Bring your insurance cards.
See foliage and wildlife on a trip to Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Norfolk, Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 9:30 a.m. Lunch afterward at Novato’s Bar and Grill. Sanctuary cost $3, van fee $5; bring lunch money.
Avoiding dehydration. Learn about the dangers of dehydration and how to stay well hydrated, Tuesday, Oct. 12, at noon. Lunch provided by RiverCourt Residences.
Pick apples and pumpkins, take a hayride, and visit the farm animals, Friday, Oct. 13, at 9:30 a.m., on a visit to Honey Pot Hill Orchards in Stow, with a visit to Rapscallion Restaurant in Acton afterward. Van fee is $5; bring lunch money.
A different drum. Join a therapeutic drum circle class, Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 1:30 p.m., with rhythmic movement and West African drums. This class is free.
Flower arranging. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 11:30 a.m., there will be a tour of Nashoba Park Assisted Living, with lunch and flower arranging. Bring your own vase. No fee for the van.
Kitchen safety. Jen Schoenberg, Harvard firefighter, will give a presentation on fire safety in the kitchen, Tuesday, Oct. 24, at noon. Lunch from a local restaurant will be served.
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 riders. When there is more than one rider, masks are recommended.
The COA is looking for part-time drivers.
Help with Medicare. On Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 10:30 a.m., the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program will host a Medicare open enrollment presentation. A counselor will present the latest information and review supplemental plans. Call for an appointment.
Reiki with Rama. Reiki master Rama Putcha will offer a free 30-minute session Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Care management. Harvard resident and geriatric care manager Jack Whelan will speak on “Why Hire a Geriatric Care Manager?” Thursday, Oct. 26, at 11 a.m.
Halloween lunch, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2 p.m., with pasta from Sorrento’s. Costumes are welcome. Sign up by Oct. 26.
Help with computers. Adam and Doug are available for one-on-one computer training or anything related to computers or technology. Call for an appointment, or browse through 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 to 10 a.m., via Zoom. $36 per 12-class session.
- Line dancing: Mondays, 10:15 a.m. via Zoom. $4 per class.
- Zumba gold: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. $5 per class. At the Senior Center.
- 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. $25/month, $7/class. At the Senior Center.
Regular programs
- Vet Cafe: Second Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m.
- Men’s coffee: Wednesdays, 9 a.m.
- Women’s coffee: Fridays, 10 a.m.
- Mahjong: 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.
- Men’s bridge: Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.
- Grocery shopping: The van leaves at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays for Market Basket in Littleton. $2 per person. Call to reserve a seat.
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.
