To sign up for any Council on Aging event or program, to reserve a seat on the COA van, or for more information, call 978-456-4120. Unless otherwise noted, events are at Hildreth House. Signup and payment are necessary in advance.
Fraud prevention talk
Robin Putnam from the Office of Consumer Affairs will speak on fraud prevention, shopping return policies, merchandise warranties, credit card skimming, etc. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Come for a continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. followed by the talk.
See Wellesley’s
Festival of Trees
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, enjoy a tour of the Garden at Elm Bank in Wellesley. See 60 decorated trees, the indoor snow village, and model train display. There will be a stop for lunch on the way home. The van will leave Hildreth House at 10:30 a.m. Cost is $5 admission, plus $2 van fee.
Podiatry clinic
Dr. Ayleen Gregorian, a podiatrist, will be at Hildreth House Monday, Dec. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call to schedule an appointment. The fee is $35.
Holiday dinner
Join the COA for a pasta dinner prepared by Chef Paul to celebrate the holiday season Thursday, Dec. 19, at noon at St. Theresa’s Church. Besides lunch, Debbie and Bob will lead a singalong of favorite holiday tunes. There is no charge, but donations will allow the COA to continue to offer these special meals. Seating is limited; sign up by Thursday, Dec. 12.
Computer support
On Tuesdays and Fridays COA’s computer volunteers Doug and Adam can help with technical issues. To minimize wait time, call ahead to schedule an appointment. They also have an online resource center; access it at sites.google.com/view/hcoa-lab.
See ‘The Nutcracker’
The van will leave Hildreth House at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, to go to Regis College in Weston for a performance of “The Nutcracker” by Commonwealth Ballet. Tickets are free while they last; call the COA office to reserve. Van fee is $2. Bromfield senior Fiona Morrison and Parker School junior Lucy Richards are among the dancers.
Fuel assistance starts
The heating season is here and applications for fuel assistance can be made. The state gross annual income limits for fuel assistance are $37,360 for a household of one and $48,855 for a household of two. In addition, Harvard offers a HEAT (Harvard Energy Assistance Team) program that began Dec. 1. If you are concerned about paying heating bills, let us know.
Harvard’s third
‘First Night’ benefit
The Friends of the COA will host the third annual “First Night” Tuesday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m. to midnight at the UU Fellowship Building, 7 Elm Street, to benefit the COA. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information email hhsiegrist@yahoo.com.
Tax relief for
elderly and disabled
Harvard’s Elderly and Disabled Tax Aid fund, consisting of private donations, helps elderly and disabled residents defray the costs of property taxes. The funds are disbursed based on need and vary from year to year. Donations are accepted any time and are tax-deductible. Applications are available at www.harvard.ma.us, the Council on Aging, or the town treasurer’s office. Call the COA or the town treasurer at 978-456-4100, ext. 318, with any questions.
Beat the holiday blues
If you’re alone or finding this time of year difficult, here are some suggestions for ways to make the holidays a little easier:
- Don’t isolate yourself. Come to Hildreth House and enjoy some fellowship.
- Volunteer your time. Helping others is a good way to forget your own situation.
- Try to avoid alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant and will intensify feelings of sadness.
- Watch your finances. Set a budget and stick to it, and don’t feel guilty if you can’t afford to buy expensive gifts.
- Don’t deny or try to hide feelings of sadness. Often, being able to share feelings with someone can help.
