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.
Beat the holiday blues. If this time of year is particularly difficult, consider the following tips:
- Don’t isolate yourself; share the holiday with friends or family.
- Volunteer your time; forget your own troubles by helping others.
- Try to avoid alcohol, a depressant that intensifies feelings of sadness.
- Watch your finances; set a budget for gift giving and stick to it.
- Don’t deny feelings of sadness; use your photo collection to relive times of fun and friendship.
- Make use of grief counselor Karen Campbell, at the senior center the second Monday of the month.
Wreath-making, Friday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. Make a wreath with artificial greenery.
Tour the Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington Tuesday, Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m. The historic mill produces museum-quality oval and circular picture frames on 19th-century lathes. Free, but a $5 donation is suggested. Afterward, stop for lunch at Jimmy’s Steer House.
Mechanics Hall holiday concert. Enjoy a free concert Wednesday, Dec. 10, 10:45 a.m., at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, with the U.S. Navy Band Northeast and the New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds and Chamber Singers. The COA will provide a bagged lunch.
A beginner’s guide to ChatGPT, Friday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to noon. Adam will explain what ChatGPT is, how it works, and how to use it safely. Bring your own device; smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and start using it immediately with or without an account. Advance signup is required.
The Japanese art of Kinusaiga is an art form where fabric scraps are pressed into a backing material without sewing. Join this basic class, Monday, Dec. 15, and Friday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m. Requires manual dexterity and the ability to use an X-Acto knife.
‘A Christmas Carol.’ The Concord Players will come to the senior center Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1 p.m., for festive music, playful skits, and a spirited retelling of the Dickens holiday favorite.
Enjoy holiday lights at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, Thursday, Dec. 18, 3:15 p.m. Stroll along tree-lined paths aglow with thousands of twinkling lights, and look for animal residents, including flamingos, black bears, and reindeer.
The Irish band Lunasa will perform Friday, Dec. 19, 2 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church Fellowship Hall, 7 Elm St. Don’t miss this internationally known group, in a memorial event to celebrate the life of Charles F. Gant. Free, but bring a nonperishable item of food. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., registration is required.
A capella Christmas songs. Enjoy holiday harmonies Tuesday, Dec. 23, 1 p.m., with the debut performance of The Impromptus!, a group of experienced singers from seven towns and five churches.
Movies for grown-ups. Struggling to fit in at his new school, Julian is transformed by his grandmother’s story of her attempts to escape Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Released in 2024, rated PG-13. At the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road, Monday, Dec. 29, 1 p.m.
Dog licenses are free for residents aged 70 and older. Watch for 2026 license applications in the annual street listing packet from the Town Clerk’s office.
Weekly grocery shopping. The van to Market Basket in Littleton departs Fridays, 10 a.m.
Congregate meals are served Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon at the senior center. Meals on wheels can also be arranged.
Fuel assistance is available in a state program open to both homeowners and renters; income limits apply. Assistance is also available through HEAT (Harvard Energy Assistance Team.) Call the COA for help in applying.
Senior center food pantry. The COA has set up a food pantry for Harvard seniors across from the front desk. This is an honor system, so take only what you need. Donations of sealed, unexpired pantry goods (such as canned food, shelf-stable milk, or pasta) may be left with the front desk attendant or an employee.
Sign up for the COA’s storm alert list. When a storm is predicted, the outreach team can call you to see if there is anything you need to be prepared.
Join the Veteran’s Honor Wall, across from the veteran’s service office. If you are a veteran and would like to be included, contact Pam McInnis at the COA.
Help with computers. Adam is available for one-on-one computer training or anything related to computers or technology. Call the COA (not Adam) for an appointment.
COA van guidelines. There is no fee for the use of the van. To schedule a ride, call the COA; 48 hours’ notice is requested, but not more than one month ahead. Wheelchair users must be accompanied by a companion.
Mart Connects is subsidized transportation to nearby towns for any adult living in Harvard. Available seven days a week, 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Schedule one day in advance by 2 p.m. by calling 1-800-922-5636, option 4; a credit or debit card is required. This service cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
Note: Information is 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 find it at the General Store, the library, Town Hall, Carlson Orchards, Westward Orchards, and the Harvard Senior Center.
