Welcome to The Senior Bulletin, your place for events, resources, and information for older adults in Central Massachusetts.
We are excited to share new activities, resources, and opportunities with you. We’ll also be highlighting important updates about our region’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Read on to learn more!
(If you or anyone you know would like to have something highlighted in our weekly newsletter, email akrasinski@seniorconnection.org.)
CMAA UPDATES
CMAA Celebrates African-American History Month
In recognition of this important time, we will be highlighting the many contributions and history of the Black community throughout February.
Follow along on our social media pages!
Links are provided at the bottom of the newsletter.
Eldercare 2021 Goes Virtual
Mark your calendars for May 3, 2021 because #ElderCare2021 is coming to a screen near you!
Learn about local resources and information for older adults in Central Massachusetts virtually. We’ll be broadcasting the event online and across the region on cable access starting on May 3rd.
Presented by:
Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging & Sheriff Lew Evangelidis of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Sponsored by:
Joseph D. Early Jr. Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, Reliant Medical Group, UMass Memorial Medical Center, UMass Medical School, Unibank, Fallon Health, and WTAG News Radio.
“The State of Older Adults in Central Massachusetts”
with Dr. Moses Dixon
Our Executive Director, Dr. Moses Dixon, recently gave an address about the state of older adults in central Massachusetts. In the address, he highlighted the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the older populations in our region. He also discussed how the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging has responded to support local efforts during these challenging times.
Click the play button above or click this link to watch!
EVENTS AND MORE
Calling all writers!
Be a part of Quabbin Quills’ newest anthology, Beyond the Pathway.
Visit www.quabbinquills.org or email info@quabbinquills.org to learn about guidelines. They are currently accepting submissions for all genres and it is completely free! Each author also gets a free copy of the book.
Deadline to submit is March 1st.
Webinar: Financial Protection for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Tuesday, February 23, 2021, 1:00pm – 2:00pm ET
Join at FCC.gov/live
Hear from experts from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and ACL on Tuesday, February 23 at 1 pm ET for a free webinar on financial protection of older adults during the COVID pandemic. The FCC will begin the program with an overview of coronavirus-related phone scams targeting older adults. The CFPB will share resources to help older adults address the financial impact of the pandemic. HHS will conclude the webinar with a discussion of the role of the aging services network.
Presenters:
• Hilary Dalin – HHS, Administration for Community Living
• Lisa Weintraub Schifferle – CFPB, Office for Older Americans
• Eduard Bartholme – FCC, Division of Consumer and Governmental Affairs
If you have questions or need additional information, contact olderamericans@cfpb.gov.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables at the
Clinton Senior Center
Beginning on March 5th, visit the Clinton Senior Center and pick up some FRESH FRUITS and VEGETABLES.
This program will occur each Friday through the month of March, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. A fantastic way to stay healthy during the winter!
This program is funded by a Fallon Health Mini Grant.
CENTRAL MA RESOURCES FOR
SENIORS & CAREGIVERS
Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Information
As of February 18th, the following groups are eligible for vaccinations:
- people listed in Phase 1
- people age 65 and older
- caregivers accompanying people 75 and older to vaccination appointments
Please note that vaccine supplies are very limited. It may take several weeks to get an appointment.
Here is a link to a fact sheet with the latest updates for people 65 and older: www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-vaccine-overview-for-individuals-ages-65-and-older/download
Have you registered for your vaccination appointment yet?
There are several ways to do so!
For online scheduling, visit www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine.
The state is regularly updating it to reflect new information and working to simplify the appointment process.
For those with limited internet access or who have difficulty navigating the website, the state has a 211 phone line to register for an appointment. This phone line has with over 500 staffers available for multilingual live phone support. To access, dial 2-1-1.
CMAA has also added COVID-19 vaccination information to the homepage of our website, including a link to the part of the Massachusetts state website with vaccination clinic locations. (The link can also be found here.) Our Agency is not able to schedule appointments for you, but we are here to point you in the right direction!
For those with concerns about the safety of the vaccine or what information can be trusted, we have found an excellent resource to answer your questions.
The state of Massachusetts has a very thorough information section about what the vaccine is comprised of, how it works to protect you against COVID-19, and more.
Visit www.mass.gov/info-details/trust-the-facts-get-the-vax to learn more.
Exciting news for the northern part of central Massachusetts!
The city of Gardner has announced they will be providing COVID-19 vaccines in collaboration with Heywood Healthcare. Vaccinations will be at the Polish American Citizens Club (PACC) at 171 Kendall Pond Rd W, Gardner, MA 01440.
You will need to present a form of identification or an attestation form that indicates that you are in an eligible category to receive the vaccine. You can download, print, and sign the form before your appointment or fill it out when you arrive. The form can be found on the website link listed below.
A reminder that younger companions who accompany older residents to vaccine appointments will not be vaccinated at this site.
To register for an appointment, click here. You can also register by calling their call center at 978-630-8304 during designated times.
AARP Tax-Aide Program
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and remote tax assistance free of charge to anyone, with a special focus on taxpayers who are 50 or older or who have low to moderate income.
Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide, and are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Tax help is provided in safe environments using a variety of methods based on a number of factors, including where you are located, COVID-19 spread, and volunteer availability. Visit aarp.org/taxaide for more details.
