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.
Silk ribbon flowers. Bromfield student Skye Ward-Caro will be teaching how to make beautiful silk ribbon flowers Monday, July 8, at 11 a.m. For experienced or novice crafters, there will be a choice of white, pink, and red ribbon. Limited to 12 participants.
Grief support group meets Monday, July 8, 2 p.m. Share experiences and learn about the grieving process with a grief counselor.
The Silver Foxes band. Join the Harvard-based duo of Paul Rodriguez (guitar and vocals) and Phil LoPiccolo (vocals) Tuesday, July 9, 1 p.m., for an afternoon of mellow, easy-listening music.
Memory cafe, Wednesday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. For those with dementia and their caregivers. A safe environment in which to socialize and talk with others faced with similar issues.
Cruise travel for seniors. On Thursday, July 11, 1 p.m., Harvard resident Tina Allen, owner of Your Partner in Travel, will lead a discussion of cruise travel for seniors. She will discuss topics such as the different types of cruise travel, popular destinations, health and safety measures, and how to book and plan a cruise.
Hospice comfort cafe. Meet with Cindy LeBlanc from Compassus Hospice Monday, July 15, 10:30 a.m., for a brief overview of hospice and the myths that surround it. She will be available to answer questions.
Health and blood pressure clinic. On Tuesday, July 16, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., community health nurse Alicia Lepardo, RN, will provide blood pressure testing and answer questions regarding health or medication concerns.
Learn about trusts. On Tuesday, July 16, at 1 p.m., attorney Christine Boutin will explain the purposes of commonly used trusts and their potential benefits to you. Bring your questions.
Lunch at Craft Food Halls. Enjoy this newest dining, bar, and games facility in neighboring Boxborough Wednesday, July 17, 11:30 a.m. Van is free, bring money for lunch.
Medication for older adults. The ComForCare home care agency will lead a discussion of medication Tuesday, July 23, at 1 p.m. They will delve into the complexities of prescribing drugs, and discuss the importance of personalized medication plans. The focus will be on optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks.
Visit the Worcester Art Museum on Wednesday, July 24 with lunch afterward at the Boynton Restaurant. The van leaves at 9:30 a.m. Museum admission is $14, plus $5 van fee; bring lunch money.
Podiatrist Dr. Alissa Kuizinas will be available Friday, July 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., to trim nails and to treat corns and calluses. $40 for 15 minute appointments. Cash, check, and credit cards will be accepted. Call early to sign up, space is limited.
Movies for grownups. A musical fantasy comedy-drama rated PG will be shown at the library, 4 Pond Road, Monday, July 29, 1 p.m. Armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, a young chocolatier manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time.
Boston Red Sox history. Welcome Boston baseball historian Herb Crehan Tuesday, July 30, 1 p.m., as he talks about eight favorite former Red Sox players, from Ted Williams in the 1940s through Jonny Gomes in the 21st century.
Boston architecture by boat. Plan ahead for next month. This two-hour tour Friday, Aug. 23, 8:45 a.m., hosted by Charles River Boat Company and co-sponsored by the Boston Society for Architecture, offers spectacular views of historic and contemporary architecture along Boston harbor, the Charles River locks, and the Charles River basin. $35 includes tour, van fee, and a bagged lunch.
Weekly grocery shopping. The van to Market Basket in Littleton departs Fridays at 10 a.m. Price is $2 per person.
Singing group meets every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Peter McArdle leads this sing-along.
Congregate meals. Meals will be served Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon at the senior center. Meals on wheels may also be arranged.
Free groceries at Loaves & Fishes. This food pantry provides nutritious food to people in need who reside in Harvard and surrounding communities. There are no income requirements. Sign up for a week, a month, or six months. For more information call the COA or go to loavesfishespantry.org.
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.
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 scheduling system now sends automated reminders. When there are four or more riders, masks are recommended.
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, 4:30 p.m. at the Harvard Senior Center, $5 per class.
- 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.
- Tai chi: Thursdays, 9 a.m. at the Congregational Church, 5 Still River Road, $25/month, $7/class.
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.
- Afternoon bridge: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.
- Men’s bridge: Fridays, 3 p.m. (new time)
- Bingo: second and fourth Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
- Reiki with Rama, Wednesdays, July 10 and 24, 1:30 p.m.
Note: This information was drawn from the COA’s monthly newsletter, which contains additional valuable information for Harvard’s older residents. Call the COA to receive the newsletter via email, or view it online at harvard-ma.gov/council-aging/pages/coa-newsletters.
