The Council on Aging offices and the Harvard 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.
Movie day at the senior center. “Queen Bees” will be shown Thursday, Sept. 3, 1 p.m. A fiercely independent widow moves into a retirement community, finding lusty widows, cutthroat bridge tournaments, and a hotbed of bullies.
Amherst College museums. Visit either the Beneski Museum of Natural History or the Mead Art Museum Friday, Sept. 11, 9 a.m. The van will stop at both museums; choose one. Afterward, stop at Johnny’s Tavern for lunch. The museums are free; expect lunch to cost $20 to $30.
Thoreau and climate. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 1 p.m., hear a presentation about Henry Thoreau’s collection of data about the natural world at Walden, and how climate scientists are making use of it today to better understand climate change in Massachusetts.
Visit Trombetta’s Farm in Marlborough for indoor minigolf, ice cream, and shopping Wednesday, Sept. 16, 12:30 p.m. Enjoy this 18-hole miniature golf course surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers. Cost for golf is $9.
Blood pressure clinic. A community health nurse will be available Thursday, Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., to take blood pressure and answer questions about medical issues, medications, and ways to stay healthy.
Cloud basics computer workshop. Join Adam in the computer lab Friday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m., for a presentation on cloud storage, why it’s useful and what it costs, and a live demonstration of Apple iCloud. Space is limited.
Beware of skimming devices. Robin Putnam from the state Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation will visit Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1 p.m., to discuss payment by credit and debit cards. Hear tips on how to spot card skimming devices and protect the safety of card information.
Enjoy a pasta party Friday, Sept. 25, noon, with the Harvard Police Association. Servers will be Harvard police officers, assisted by COA staff. For Harvard residents and volunteers only; sign up by Sept. 18. Bring your appetites.
Movies for grown-ups. Starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt, this comedy from 2006 follows a recent college graduate working under a diabolical editor at a prestigious fashion magazine. At the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road, Monday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m.
What’s your next adventure? Author Jim Nehring will share slides from his journeys and read from his book “Everest and the Rest of Us” Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1 p.m. Nehring will emphasize how adventure is available to everyone regardless of age or ability.
Falls Prevention Week is Sept. 21 to 25. Follow these tips for safety:
- Stay active, and build balance through programs like tai chi or gentle exercise.
- Consult a doctor or pharmacist to check for medication side effects that cause dizziness.
- Check eyes and ears regularly to maintain proper spatial awareness.
- Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, and add grab bars in bathrooms.
- Brighten dark walkways and clear pathways to light switches.
- Keep floors clear, and remove throw rugs or secure them with double-sided tape.
- Keep phones, tissues, and other essentials close.
- Grab bars are crucial bathroom safety additions that can prevent falls. Harvard Fire-EMS can install grab bars free under a Senior SAFE grant program. Call the COA for details.
Take a pottery wheel class at The Pottery Mill in Lowell Thursday, Oct. 8, 10:15 a.m. Create your piece, glaze it, and leave it for firing, and the COA will pick it up later. Cost is $20; sign up and pay by Sept. 18.
Enjoy fall foliage on the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat Thursday, Oct. 22, leaving at 7:45 a.m. Travel by train up the Connecticut River valley for a 12-mile narrated trip, and continue on the water by riverboat for 1 ½ hours. Lunch will be provided. Cost is $60; sign up and pay by Sept. 8.
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.
Help with computers. Adam is available Tuesday and Friday mornings 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; two business days’ notice is requested. Wheelchair users, or anyone having a procedure or surgery that requires sedation or dilation of eyes, must be accompanied by a companion.
A one-time liability release is now required of van riders, along with a File of Life form with emergency contact information. Please complete these before your next ride.
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.
