As one of a group of “older ladies” who are far from decrepit, I urge the residents of Harvard to support the long overdue renovations needed at the Hildreth House. Our group meets there every Wednesday afternoon to play bridge and socialize. We welcome anyone who wants to join us anytime.
Some of the problems at the building are actually dangerous to seniors who use the facility. The lack of outdoor illumination for anyone leaving the building after dark (around 4 p.m. in November and December); the very uneven and rocky parking lot fraught with ways to trip and break a hip; and the heavy, unwieldy doors come to mind immediately.
Furthermore, the HVAC system is very ineffective. During the winter it is so cold in the main downstairs rooms that we frequently need to put on overcoats over our heavy shirts and sweaters and even then are uncomfortably cool, while upstairs the staff is sweltering. Also, there is no access to the second floor for those of us for whom stairs are a severe challenge, which makes a variety of COA services unavailable to many seniors.
If you’re not a senior citizen now, remember that if you are lucky, someday you will be older and using the COA yourself. Maybe your friend, or neighbor, or relative already does.
Vote yes to the COA renovations at Town Meeting and again on Election Day!
Ginger Latham
Old Littleton Road
