What does it take to start a tradition? A great idea, a group of enthusiastic workers, and a fearless plunge to launch the first step. The Friends of the Council on Aging, the “money arm” of the COA, has all that, and its members are hoping the community will support them in the start of a new tradition: Harvard’s “First, First Night,” New Year’s Eve, 8 to 12 at the UU Fellowship Hall, 7 Elm St.
Pat Jennings said she and other board members of the Friends group brainstormed to find a fundraiser that would become an annual event to enable them to reliably have funds to supplement the limited town budget for the COA. They wanted to attract a broad spectrum of the community, and they wanted something that other town organizations could be part of in the future. Inspired by other Harvard traditions like Halloween in the town center and Bromfield’s Celebration, the group knew a tradition takes time, but it starts with a first step. A New Year’s Eve party on the Common struck the group as the perfect event, and although it would be a time crunch for planning, they decided to begin the tradition right away with “First, First Night.”
Jennings emphasized that the event is definitely not just for seniors; it is open to everyone, but for those seniors who don’t like nighttime driving, there will be some festivities during the day. The cost of the evening is $50 per person, which includes a live band for dancing and listening, hearty hors d’oeuvres, and a dessert buffet. It’s a BYOB event, with perhaps a champagne toast at midnight. Most importantly, it’s a chance to gather as a community to welcome in a new year and to help bring Harvard’s seniors more programming and services in 2018.
Jennings’ enthusiasm is not limited to this year’s event. “It’s the first First Night,” she said, with emphasis on the first “first.” Her mind is already soaring to ideas for future First Nights. She said the Friends board envisions the Cultural Collaborative, the General Store, the churches, Town Hall, and others participating in the future. Different groups could sponsor different activities in their buildings. There could be a progressive dinner, with different courses in different places; different kinds of music in different venues; blocking off the roads for pedestrians; and even ice sculptures on the Common.
But “First, First Night” first. Tickets are available by sending a check, made out to “FCOA,” to Friends of COA, c/o Heidi Siegrist, P.O. Box 474, Harvard, MA 01451. Tickets will be sent by return mail or may be picked up that evening. There will also be board members about town with tickets ready for sale. For more information, contact hhsiegrist@yahoo.com.
