Hildreth House is closed, but staff is available by phone (978-456-4120) and email (dthompson@harvard.ma.us). While Hildreth House is closed, Meals on Wheels will provide prepackaged lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays to those who were already getting that service before the pandemic, as well as anyone who came to the Tuesday/Thursday lunches at Hildreth House.
The COA van will continue to offer rides for medical appointments. Only one rider is allowed at a time, and riders must wear masks. The Council on Aging will drop off masks to riders in advance if they are needed; the cloth masks should be washed before first use. The van driver wears a mask and gloves, and the van is disinfected in the morning and after every ride.
COA Director Debbie Thompson told the Press that the Adopt-a-Senior program is going well. About 25 seniors have signed up for “adoption,” and nearly 20 volunteers are providing services for them. Thompson said she has two volunteers waiting for adoptees, so any senior who would like someone to go to the grocery store or pharmacy for them should call the COA.
Although all in-person programs have been canceled, Thompson said that some programs are being conducted as Zoom meetings. The men’s group coffee is being held Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m., and the women’s group coffee is being held Friday mornings at 10 a.m., both on Zoom. Thompson said she sends the Zoom invitation to those who usually participate, but anyone who would like to be added to the group can call the COA to get a meeting invitation. Information on how to join the Zoom coffees will also be in the May newsletter.
Seniors who have computers and internet access can use Zoom; if your computer doesn’t have a microphone, others won’t be able to hear you, but you can listen in. Participants can also call in via phone to participate. The COA will try to assist anyone who needs help using Zoom.
The story slam is also continuing, and Thompson hopes to have Peter Warren’s story on Harvard Cable TV by the end of the week. Check the schedule at www.harvardcabletv.com (click “Watch Now,” “Watch Public,” “Channel 192 schedule.”) The April 2020 Senior Spotlight video, the latest installment of a monthly video produced by Harvard Cable TV featuring Thompson, is also posted on the cable TV’s website.
—Compiled by Joan Eliyesil
