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 is pleased to welcome its new SHINE Counselor Lorelei McClure. She has worked as a legal assistant for an elder law attorney for more than 18 years, represented Social Security clients as part of North County Services, and worked in special education administration.
Pop-up library. The Harvard Public Library will offer an opportunity to take books out at the Harvard Senior Center. Library staff will be available Thursday, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to help people take out books and offer tech help with e-books.
Movie day at the senior center. “Chicago” with Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Renee Zellweger will be shown Thursday, Sept. 5, 1 p.m., immediately following lunch.
Happiness for senior citizens. Welcome guest speaker Henry M. Quinlan, Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. Quinlan, owner and publisher of Omni Publishing Company, will speak about attitudes and strategies to enhance happiness.
Lunch at Taka Asian Cuisine restaurant. Enjoy their hibachi steak and chicken or the fresh ultimate sushi. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 11:30 a.m. Van fee is $2.
Meet your neighbors from nearby towns in our first ever “meet & mingle” Tuesday, Sept. 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Harvard Senior Center. Get to know new people, and find a walking partner, chess partner, travel buddy, or just a new friend. Sign up by Sept. 13.
Visit the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency bunker in Framingham Wednesday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m. Learn about the history of MEMA during a presentation before touring the facilities. Van fee is $5.
Fall Town Meeting will be held Saturday, Sept. 28, at noon, in Bromfield’s Cronin Auditorium. The warrant and Finance Committee recommendations are on the town website at harvard-ma.gov. Call the COA by Thursday, Sept. 26, 2 p.m. to arrange a ride.
Movies for grownups. This month’s movie, about a stuntman fresh off an almost career-ending accident, will be shown at the library, 4 Pond Road, Monday, Sept. 30, 1 p.m.
Dream detective. On Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 11 a.m., Sean Witty, psychotherapist and pastor of the Congregational Church of Harvard, will explore the meanings of dreams.
Grief support group meets Monday, Sept. 9, 2 p.m. Share experiences and learn about the grieving process with a grief counselor.
Memory cafe, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 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.
Chair massage. On Monday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, Harvard resident and massage therapist Marianne McArdle will offer 20-minute chair massages for $10. Space is limited.
Health and blood pressure clinic. On Thursday, Sept. 19, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., community health nurse Alica Lepardo, RN, will provide blood pressure testing and answer questions regarding health or medication concerns.
Weekly grocery shopping. The van to Market Basket in Littleton departs Fridays at 10 a.m. Price is $2 per person.
Congregate meals. Meals will be served Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon at the senior center. Meals on wheels may also be arranged.
Chair yoga. Join this gentle yoga class with Barbara Rich Tuesday, Sept. 10 and Sept. 24, 3 to 4 p.m. Fee $5 per class.
Chapter 115 is a means-tested program that provides eligible veterans and their families with financial support for food, shelter, clothing, fuel, and medical care. To learn more, meet with our veterans’ agent, Mike Detillion. He is at the senior center on Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m.
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.
Bingo prizes needed. The COA is looking for new or like-new used donations to be used as bingo prizes. Call program coordinator Pam McInnis to determine acceptability; please do not leave items without speaking with her first. No dishes, cookware, or clothing can be accepted.
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, $7 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.
- Singing group: Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
- Men’s coffee: Wednesdays, 9 a.m.
- Afternoon bridge: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.
- Reiki with Rama, Wednesdays, Sept. 11 and 25, 1:30 p.m.
- Mahjong: Thursdays, 1 p.m.
- Fiber arts and knitting: Thursdays, 1 p.m.
- Bingo: Second and fourth Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
- Men’s bridge: Fridays, 3 p.m.
- Women’s coffee: Fridays, 10 a.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.
