I recently learned that 25 percent of Harvard residents are seniors, with that number growing here and elsewhere. That led me to consider the benefits of making our town a senior-friendly community where residents can stay and age in place.
The average tax bill in Harvard is significantly less than the cost of educating one child for a year in our public schools. We are able to afford our excellent school system, in large part, because the taxes paid by seniors offset this imbalance. In addition, looking at the composition of local government, organizations, and working groups, it is apparent that seniors are contributing leadership, talent, and hard work in large numbers. With their many contributions and as friends and neighbors, Harvard seniors play a vital role in building community.
Hildreth House is Harvard’s senior center, the home of the Council on Aging, and a frequent meeting place. The building is not accessible, parking is inadequate, and the rutted, unlighted driveway is unsafe. At the Town Meeting on March 28, residents will be presented with a plan to make Hildreth House a safe and accessible location. This plan ensures that the needs of our aging population for social contact, health, safety, and quality of life can be met through the extraordinary work of the COA. Seniors with ambulatory issues are at risk of isolation, poor health, and diminished quality of life.
We, as a community, can keep them connected and help them to access the services and supports available to them by supporting this renovation. I hope fellow community members will attend the Town Meeting on March 28 and come out to vote in the Town election on April 7.
Patricia Ochoa
Slough Road
