Harvard Sentinel Newsletter of the Hildreth House Harvard Council on Aging

February 2017

Director’s Message We are getting closer to finishing our beloved Hildreth House every day, so stay in touch with us and we will keep you informed on how soon we can move back. Remember that if the schools are closed due to inclement weather the COA programs are cancelled and the van may be taken off the road for your safety. If there is a delay, please call for more information. 978-456-4120

VALENTINE’S PARTY Special 5th grade School Lunch Tuesday, February 14th, Hildreth Elementary School 12:00pm Location TBD Wednesday, February 15, 1:30 Help us celebrate this day with The fifth-grade students from Hildreth Elementary delicious chicken pot pie, sal- School are sponsoring a late lunch for senior citi- ad, rolls and some special zens at their school on Wednesday, February 15, at Valentine desserts. This will be at a location to 1:30 . The students will serve spaghetti, salad, and be determined so space is limited. It is being dessert followed by entertainment put on by the fifth hosted by the COA with the desserts being pre- graders. This is a treat you won’t want to miss! pared by the Woman’s Club. We need to order Please sign up by February 7th and let us know if food so you MUST sign up by February 7. you need the van when you call 978-456-4120 Please call 978-456-4120.

BOSTON’S TALL SHIPS Tuesday, June 20, 2017 leaves at 7:30am Presented by Harvard and Boxborough COA In 2017, the Tall Ships will once again parade into historic Boston Harbor and you’ll be able to view them close up on a narrated sightsee- ing cruise. You’ll also view the many Tall Ships docked along the Boston harbor as you cruise from Commonwealth Pier. Your vessel, the Provincetown II, is equipped with food and beverage service as well as large decks to view the flotilla. Returning to dockside, you’ll be able to view the docked vessels at anchor. What a spectacle as the Event of 2017 takes place. After departing Boston you’ll enjoy a full course luncheon at the Chateau Restaurant, where your entrees include Haddock St. Germaine, Chicken Parmesan or Steak Tips. Cost for tour, cruise and lunch $95.00. This will be a full trip so payment is due immedi- ately in order to guarantee your seat. For more information call Pete 978-456-4120.

This Harvard Sentinel is supported by the Friends of Harvard Council on Aging

F e b r u a ry 2017

Su Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 9:00 Tai Chi 8:30 MB Shopping 8:00 Men’s coffee 12:00 Lunch Holy 9am Zumba 9:00 Aerobics Trinity 1:00 Woman’s 1:00 Fiber Art 9 Stretch Yoga Club bridge 7:45 Men’s bridge 10 Comp. lab 10 Women’s coffee

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 9:00 Tai Chi 8:30 MB Shopping 9 Aerobics 9:00 Tai Chi 8:00 Men’s coffee 10 Stay Fit 9:30 Stretch Yoga 9:00 Aerobics 12:00 Lunch 9am Zumba 10:15 Line 10:00 Comp. lab 1:00 Woman’s 12:30 Pre- 9 Stretch Yoga dancing 12:00 Lunch Club bridge diabetes 10 Comp. lab 1:00 Fiber Art Holy Trinity 2:30 Gentle Yoga 10 Women’s coffee 7:45 Men’s bridge 1pm Computer Workshop

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 Aerobics 9:00 Tai Chi 8:00 Men ’s coffee 9am Tai Chi 8:30 MB Shopping 9:30 Stretch Yoga 10am Stay Fit 9:00 Aerobics 12:00 lunch 9am Zumba 10:15 Line 10:00 Computer 1:00 Woman’s 12:45 Indian Hill dancing 9 Stretch Yoga 12:00 Valentine Club bridge 1:00 Fiber Art 1pm Life Lunch 10 Comp. lab Changes 1:30 5th grade 7:45 Men’s bridge lunch 10 Women’s coffee 1pm Movie @the library 2:30 Gentle Yoga

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8:30 MB Shopping COA 9:00 Tai Chi 8:00 Men ’s coffee 9:00 Tai Chi CLOSED 9:30 Stretch Yoga 9:00 Aerobics 12:00 lunch 9 Zumba 10:00 Comp. lab 10-4 Museum of 1:00 Fiber Art 9 Stretch Yoga 12:00 Lunch Science 7:45 Men’s bridge 9:30 Devens Trip 12:30 Wellness 1:00 Woman’s 4pm COA Board Club bridge 10 Comp. lab 10 Women’s coffee 1pm Computer Workshop

26 27 28 Call the COA to 9 Aerobics 9:00 Tai Chi reserve your 10 Stay Fit 9:30 Stretch Yoga spot. 10:15 Line 10:00 Comp. lab dancing 12:00 Lunch (978) 456-4120 1-2 TED Talks

February 2017 3 Events and Information

EDTA Elderly and Disabled Tax Aid Committee The EDTA is set up to assist elderly and disabled residents defray the costs of their property taxes. The funds consist totally of private donations. They are distributed in accordance with established guidelines and are designed to support those who are unable to pay their taxes without hardships. The funds are disbursed based on need, and vary from year to year. Donations are accepted at any time during the year and are tax-deductible. Applications are available through the Harvard town website at: www.harvard.ma.us, the COA, or the town treasurer’s office. If you have questions, feel free to call the COA at 978-456-4120 and speak to Debbie, or the town treasurer, Amy Haley at 978-456-4100, X318.

The Harvard Woman's Club is sponsoring a high tea fundraiser to sup- port its scholarship fund on Saturday, February 11,2017 2-4pm at the Harvard Congregational Church. Adults $25 discounted to $20 if received by 2/4/17. Children $10. Mail check to Harvard Woman's Club, PO Box 438, Harvard, MA 01451.Please include phone number and e-mail for confirmation.

Women’s Coffee & Conversation LET ’S GO TO THE MOVIES Fridays 10-12 An informal drop-in for coffee and conver- Monday, Feb. 13, 1pm sation. All are welcome! Volunteers Hall Florence Foster Jenkins Heiress Florence Foster Jenkins longs to become an Men’s Coffee opera star in 1940s New York, despite possessing a hor- Wednesdays 8-9am rible singing voice. With the help and encouragement of her husband and a talented musician, she finds a very Enjoy the company of your neighbors. strange kind of success as a performer and recording All are welcome! Donation of $1.00 artist. appreciated. Starring: & Wellness Clinic Rated: PG-13 On the third Tuesday of every month from 12:30-1:30pm, come meet our Computer Support town nurse for blood pressure checks. Tuesday and Friday 10am-1pm If you need a ride, call (978) 456-4120. Joe, along with Adam and Doug, will help you with your computer issues. Please call 978-456-4120 to schedule an appointment to minimize your wait time. For Tech Tips Newsletters please contact the COA.

A Notary Public will be avail- Weekly Grocery Shopping every Friday able at the COA on Thurs- day mornings, by appoint- 8:30 and 9:30am are the pickup times ment only. Call 978-456- Call the COA to reserve a place on the van. There is a 4120 to make an appoint- $2 van fee. Space is limited. ment.

4 February 2017

For Your Mind, Body, and Soul Note: to sign up for any class, please call Hildreth House at (978) 456-4120 .

Weight Strengthening & Aerobics, Monday and Wednesday 9:00-10:00am Tuesday and Thursday Congregational Church We offer a delicious meal Instructor: Katrina Rotondi. Heart-healthy aerobic served by our workout and weight training. Wear comfortable clothes & bring hand weights. Fee:$30 for 6 wonderful volunteers. weeks. 12 noon Line Dancing, Monday 10:15-11:15pm Donation: $2.00 Congregational Church Hall Instructor: Katrina Rotondi. Great music and easy - to- learn dance steps. No need to register; just Tuesday show up. Fee: $12 per month ($3 per class). Free first class! 7th Baked ham in pineapple sauce, Au Gratin potatoes, tossed salad, ww dinner roll, pear Tai Chi, Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00- crisp 10:00am, Unitarian Church Fellowship Hall 14th Special Valentine Luncheon Instructor: Jeff Cote. Series of movements per- formed in a slow, focused manner with deep 21st Cheesy cauliflower soup, chicken breast w/ breathing. Wear comfortable clothing. Fee: $40 a apricot glaze, O’Brien potato, wheat bread, month for 2 classes a week, $20 for one class a strawberry yogurt week, or $5 per class. 28th Beef stew, winter blend vegetables, wheat Stretch and Tone Yoga dinner roll, hermit Tuesday, 9:30-10:30 and Friday 9-10am Congregational Church Hall Instructor: Nancy Webber, certified Arthritis Foun- Thursday dation teacher. Reduce the risk of injury by im- proving flexibility and balance. Wear comfortable 2nd Lasagna rollup w/meat sauce, tossed salad, clothing, bring an exercise mat and a water bot- wheat bread, fresh apple tle. Fee: $32 for 4 week session. Drop-in $10 9th Minestrone soup, chicken breast, cacciatore Gentle Zumba Gold, Friday 9:00-9:45am sauce, Cavatappi pasta, vanilla pudding Unitarian Church Fellowship Hall 16th Garden vegetable sup, meatloaf w/gravy, ALL LEVELS WELCOME! garlic whipped potato, ww dinner roll, Instructor: Katrina Rotondi. Easy-to-learn dance Mandarin oranges moves to exercise heart and muscles. Fee $20 23rd Roast pork, apple gravy, sweet potato, for 4 weeks. Drop-in $5. broccoli, multi-grain bread, peaches GENTLE Yoga Wednesday, 2:30 - 3:30 Old Library Due to the impending move back to Hildreth Instructor, Barbara Rich, Fee $32 for 4 weeks. House, please call for location Wear comfortable clothing, bring an exercise mat. See more on page 6

February 2017 5 Notes from the Outreach Office

Maria Holland & Charlotte Winchell, Outreach Coordinators

Life Changes and Transitions Prediabetes Presentation Monday, February 13, 1-2:30pm Thursday, February 9, 12:30pm continues every 2nd According to the CDC and the Massachusetts Monday Department of Public Health: Facilitated by Karen Campbell, *86 million US adults have prediabetes, and 90% Spiritual & Bereavement Care don’t know it Coordinator for Nashoba Nurs- ing Service & Hospice, this group starts Mon- *In Massachusetts alone, 35% of the population have day, February 13th at our newly renovated Hil- prediabetes, only 7% are aware dreth House. *Without weight loss and moderate physical activity 15- This is a drop-in group open to adults who 30% will develop type 2 diabetes within 5 years would like to discuss and share their experienc- es as they adapt and adjust. Many people ex- *Without major changes, as many as 1 in 3 US adults perience changes and transitions throughout could have diabetes by 2050 their life. These changes and transitions may involve losses such as the death of loved ones, *Diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death in the US moving to another home, retirement, and health in 2013 issues. The drop-in group provides an oppor- tunity to share experiences and learn new ideas. *Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower limb amputations and adult onset blindness *The group will be held every 2nd Monday of each month. Please call 978-456-4120 to sign *In 2012, the total medical costs, lost work and wages up. If you would rather, you can just drop in. for people with diagnosed diabetes was $245 billion

Join Scherrie Keating RN, BSN, CDE, Certified diabe- tes educator as she shares lifestyle changes that you Fuel Assistance can start now to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58-71% The 2016-2017 heating season is here. There is still time to apply for this winter. The state gross annual in- come limits for fuel assistance Parkinson’s Disease In-service are as follows: for a house- Tuesday, February 21st, 12:30pm hold of one, $34,001; for a household of two, $44,463. In Are you living with Parkinson's Disease or caring for a addition, Harvard offers a loved one with this disease? Please come to an infor- HEAT (Harvard Energy As- mal in-service given by our Town Nurse, Tamara sistance Team) program that Bedard on Tuesday February 21st. at Hildreth House. begins November 1st. If you are concerned about paying your heat bill, Tamara will be happy to answer questions and will please let us know. To make an appointment have referral information available. Call 978-456-4120 call 978-456-4120. Don’t be left out in the to sign up. cold.

6 February 2017 Program Coordinator, Pete Dumont SIGN UP REQUIRED FOR ALL TRIPS AND EVENTS!!

Indian Hill Music Museum of Science Bach’s Lunch Thur. Feb. 16, 12:45pm Da Vinci Temporary Exhibit- Join us for an enjoyable FREE afternoon lis- tening to beautiful music at Indian Hill. The Wed. Feb. 22, 10am van will leave here at 12:45 and return around 3pm. They will provide cookies and Rediscover the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci in the drinks. The scheduled program is: most comprehensive exhibition on the Renaissance master to tour the world. This exhibition brings to life “Traditional Irish music & dance” the genius of Leonardo as an inventor, artist, scientist, anatomist, engineer, architect, sculptor, and philoso-

Mark Roberts, Irish pher. flute & banjo The exhibit is free with the standard Museum of Sci- Laurel Martin, fiddle ence Exhibit Halls senior ticket price of $21.00, which th Kieran Jordan, is due to the COA by Tuesday, February 14 to dancer guarantee a spot on the van. The van is free.

FORT DEVENS MUSEUM—LUNCH AT TINY’S RESTAURANT IN AYER Friday, Feb. 24, 10am The museum has acquired a collection in excess of 3,000 artifacts, photographs and documents related to the land, buildings, soldiers and families that were once part of New England’s largest military base. Join us for a staff-guided tour of the history of its formation to present day status. Van and tour are FREE.

Boston Flower Show – Seaport World Trade Center Wed. March 22, 10am Once again, spring looms early in Boston with the eye-popping colors and breathtaking garden displays. Browse the Garden Marketplace, the ultimate horticultural and garden- ing shopping experience. Van is FREE. Admission is $17.00, payable on entry at the show.

How to Stay Fit as You Age Beginning on Monday, February 6th at 10AM at the COA Sixty minutes of video each week for eight weeks from The Great Courses Company. This series of lectures is intended to increase your knowledge of physiology, exercise and health-related lifestyle choices and their basic effects on the human body as it ages. Self-care is a vital part of health and wellness. Although self-care includes physical exercise, other considerations, such as stress management, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, and mental exercise, all contribute to overall well-being. Call 978-456-4120 to sign up. The program is free.

February 2017 Activities and Transportation 7

Computer stores visit to Rockingham Mall, Salem, N.H Coming Soon We are in the initial planning stages of a field trip to visit Microsoft and Apple stores. Each of the firms would offer a workshop on a topic that we can choose. The workshop would last about 60-90 minutes. You would then be free to ask specific questions on devices you have and to “roam” around the store. This would be followed by lunch in the mall and an additional hour for shopping if desired. The van is FREE and lunch would be on you. Please call the COA to reserve your spot on the van.

FROM OUR COMPUTER LAB

COA Van Transportation Below are guidelines which should make it easier for you to secure rides to medical appointments, per- sonal appointments, and local shopping. Your first call should be to the COA. Harvard Help is to be used as a backup when the COA van is not available. Please note that at least a 48-hour notice is required in order to schedule a ride from either the COA or Harvard Help. If you have any questions, please call Hildreth House at 978-456-4120. IMPORTANT: If you are having a procedure that requires sedation or di- lation of eyes, etc. where the doctor wants someone to drive you home, and/or stay with you for any period of time, please make sure you have a friend or family member escort you. Neither the van nor Harvard Help driv- ers are allowed to leave their vehicles to pick you up at the doctor’s office.

FIRST - The MART Van (Backup) - Harvard Help Available for rides between 8:00am and 4:00pm Harvard Help is a volunteer organization providing for a small fee. To schedule a ride, call the COA at transportation for those who can no longer drive (978) 456-4120. themselves or are disabled. No charge, but dona- tions to Harvard Help are gratefully accepted. When taking the COA van, if you use a wheelchair and are unable to maneuver on your own you are If the COA van is not available when you call, we required to bring someone along to assist you. will give you the Harvard Help scheduler for that Our van drivers are not permitted to provide this day. Harvard Help hours are from 9am to 4pm. assistance. This may result in your missing your Call 978-456-4120 to book Harvard Help. appointment.

8 February 2017

We would not Friends of the Harvard COA have such an The Friends of the Harvard Council on Aging active and (FCOA) is the fundraising arm of the COA. We vibrant COA are a 501(c)(3) organization. Any donations without all the made to the Friends are tax-deductible. As you wonderful look into your charitable giving for this year, volunteers please consider making a cash, stock, or mutu- we are blessed to have with us. They give al funds donation to the Friends. their time, their talents, and tireless energy to keep the programs going that we have come In addition, if you have thought of the legacy to enjoy and expect. you want to leave behind, talk to the Friends about memorial giving and how you can help the We will be moving back to our beloved Council on Aging. Call 978-456-4120 for more Hildreth House some time in February (if all information. goes well) and will finally be able to have our programs such as lunches in our own building Friends Board of Directors once again. While we have been in our tempo- Co-chairs: Sharon Briggs & Ginger Quarles rary location, Holy Trinity/ St. Theresa’s Church has provided a place to offer pro- Treasurer: Doug Lee grams, lunches, and other events. They have Clerk: Sally Steele even offered space to park our van in their lot . Without their generosity we would not have Members: Patricia Jennings; Willie Wickman, been able to make this transition nearly as Heidi Siegrist and Nancy Meyer smooth as it has been. MANY THANKS to St. Theresa’s Church for allowing us to be part of their extended family these many months.

COA in the media! Watch programs offered by the COA on HCTV. Go to www.harvardcabletv.com for scheduling channel 192 and follow their “Youtube” channel for programs. Find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/harvardcoa

HARVARD COA MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Council on Aging is to enhance the lives of Harvard residents age 60 and above. The Council identifies and addresses the ongoing social, recreational, educational, vocational, financial, transportation, and therapeutic needs of Harvard’s senior population. This is accomplished through program development, advocacy, legislative aware- ness and involvement, and community linkages.

COUNCIL ON AGING STAFF Phone: 978-456-4120 Director: Deborah Thompson, MS, LSW Offices: Hildreth House E-mail: [email protected] Address: 13 Ayer Rd., Harvard MA 01451 Outreach Coordinator: Maria Holland Hours 9:00am—3:00pm E-mail: [email protected] SCHEDULE THE VAN: 978-456-4120 Outreach Coordinator: Charlotte Winchell LCSW COUNCIL ON AGING BOARD OF DIRECTORS E-mail: [email protected] Co - chairwomen: Deb Thomson, Katie Petrossi, Program Coordinator: Pete Dumont Treasurer: Bruce Dolimount; Members: Hank Fitek, E-mail: [email protected] Susan Guswa, Beth Williams, Victoria Hayao, Administrative Assistant/Van: Cathy Walker Frances Maiore. E-mail: [email protected] Alternate: Connie Larrabee