Program helps seniors earn tax bill deductions

The Senior Tax Work-off program is a way for seniors to work at various jobs throughout town to earn up to $750 off their property tax bills. Applications for 2011 are now being accepted. (Participants must reapply for this program every year.) In order to participate, residents must be age 60 or older and have owned and resided in their Harvard home for at least one year. One abatement is allowed per property.

On the road with COA

Call the COA office at 978-456-4120 for more detailed information or to sign up for trips. Anyone who cannot afford a trip can contact the office about a scholarship.

• Friday, Dec. 31: There is still time to reserve a spot on this trip to the Top of the Hub in Boston for a noontime New Year’s Eve celebration. The van will leave Hildreth House at 11 a.m. and return about 3 p.m. Cost is $60.
• Saturday, Jan. 8: Opera buffs will want to take in this trip to the theater at the Solomon Pond Mall for a 1 p.m. live broadcast of Puccini’s opera La Fanciulla Del West. Group will leave Hildreth House at 11:30 a.m. and return by 5:30 p.m. Cost is $28, payable in advance.
• Wednesday, Jan. 12: Anyone who has ever wondered what happens to their trash once it’s deposited at the Transfer Station won’t want to miss this trip to tour the facilities of Covanta Energy in Haverhill, where trash is converted to be recycled into power. Lunch will be at a nearby restaurant following the tour. Cost is $5, plus lunch.
• Saturday, Jan. 22: This trip will take COA travelers to the Hanover Theatre in Worcester to see Mamma Mia. Seats have been reserved for the 2 p.m. matinee. Cost is $60, due with reservation.