NEWSLETTERS
The ‘Senior Bulletin’ newsletter is a roundup of CMAA updates, local events, and resources geared towards older adults and caregivers in our region.
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – July 27, 2022
THE LATEST AT CMAA
Presentation at USAging Conference 2022
CMAA staff had a blast at this year’s USAging conference in Austin!
In fact, our very own Ethan Belding (Vice President of Planning & Research) and Dr. Moses S. Dixon (President & CEO) presented about the Central Massachusetts Senior Dental Clinic. We are incredibly proud of this program and grateful for the community partnerships that have led to it being such a huge success!
Culturally Competent Meals at the Clinton Senior Center
Culturally competent meals contain food and recipes that hold significance for a particular culture or subcultural group. The Cultural Meal Program for seniors has been busy hosting workshops about nutrition and sharing cultural recipes with participants. Check out their latest stop at the Clinton Senior Center!
For information and resources about culturally competent meals in Central Mass, contact CMAA at 508-852-5539.
Celebrating Our Role in the 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Did you know that CMAA is a proud sponsor of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Worcester County? Our team is gearing up for this October’s event and looking forward to participating for all 3.1 miles! Click the button below to learn more about this important event.
RESOURCES & AWARENESS
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July is recognized as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. As shared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health “…racial and ethnic minorities often suffer from poor mental health outcomes due to the cultural stigma and lack of access to mental health care services.” These concerns are especially prevalent in older populations. Click the button for more information and support.
Disability Pride Month
In honor of Disability Pride Month, we’ve rounded up some excellent resources and information about disability awareness. Take a look at our social media posts about this topic by clicking the button below.
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – May 22, 2022
CMAA Leads Effort to Secure AARP Age Friendly Designation for the City of Worcester
We are pleased to share that through the efforts of CMAA, the City of Worcester, and over 80 community partners, including local organizations, businesses, and community members…Worcester is officially an “age-friendly” city!
What is “age-friendly”?
The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities serves as a catalyst to educate local leaders (both elected officials and engaged residents) and encourage them to implement the types of changes that make communities more livable for people of all ages. The network provides cities, towns, counties and states with the resources to become more age-friendly by tapping into national and global research, planning models and best practices.
What is Age Friendly Worcester?
The Age Friendly Worcester Initiative is a group of community stakeholders from diverse backgrounds working together to make Worcester a vibrant, livable place for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
The goal of the Age Friendly Worcester initiative is to combine collective expertise and build on current community efforts to follow the next steps in the AARP Age-Friendly designation process for the City of Worcester. This will make Worcester a more accessible, inclusive
What has Age Friendly Worcester been up to?
It’s been an incredibly busy year for the Age Friendly Worcester (AFW) initiative! Gathering community stakeholders, coming up with issue areas to focus on, sharing expertise and data, designing marketing materials, community outreach…the Age Friendly Worcester team has been hard at work to get this designation and committee off the ground.
Press Event and Designation Ceremony
We publicly announced the initiative and received the “age-friendly” designation from AARP at an official press event this May!
From guest speakers and free merch to cake (created by QCC) and pies (donated by TableTalk), we celebrated the immense efforts that have been put into this initiative while encouraging community involvement.
Here are some fun recap video produced by the City of Worcester Cable Services (Government Channel) and photos, including our very own Dr. Moses S. Dixon speaking to the crowd!
Community Outreach at Worcester’s Tercentennial
Members of Age Friendly Worcester had an active presence at Worcester’s 300th anniversary event this June.
Ethan Belding and Amber Krasinski, representing the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc. along with Berni Engdahl from the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, connected with attendees to spread the word about AFW and important programs for the visually impaired in the area.
With the help of a prize wheel from the Worcester Senior Center, we educated folks of all ages about topics in aging and Worcester. We also handed out tons of swag bags and bilingual resource materials. Take a look!
How to Get Involved with Age Friendly Worcester
The Age Friendly Worcester initiative is looking for community input and engagement. If you want to make Worcester a more livable, accessible place for all, sign up to receive more info and updates. More details about community conversations and next steps in this process are coming soon.
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – May 5, 2022
CMAA UPDATES
CMAA and AARP Community Shred Days at Worcester Senior Center
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Community Shred Days at the Worcester Senior Center. We had a fantastic turnout and shredded a TON of documents.
For a full recap, check out this piece from Spectrum 1 News!
Cyber Seniors: Tech Training with Verizon at the Worcester Senior Center
Looking for help with your smartphone? Not sure where to start? Check out “Cyber Seniors: Mobile Devices 101” on May 17th at the Worcester Senior Center from 10:00am-11:30am. CMAA is teaming up with Verizon and the Worcester Senior Center for an incredible in-person workshop designed to help you feel confident with your mobile device.
Call 508-799-1232 to register!
Become a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman!
Volunteer ombudsmen visit residents of local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis and investigate resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food concerns, or any other issues that impact their quality of life in the home. Volunteers also report observations, resolve complaints, provide guidance and support for the families of these residents, and advocate for residents’ rights. Reliable transportation is a must. Volunteers must also pass a CORI check and have proof of COIVD-19 vaccination. The Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program requires volunteers to commit to at least one year of their time, spending 1-2 hours per week with residents at an assigned nursing home or rest home.
To learn more, email OMB@seniorconnection.org or call 508-853-1373.
Clinton Senior Center Launches “Grady’s Groceries” with Support from CMAA
We are so proud to announce the launch of “Grady’s Groceries”, a new food pantry at the Clinton Senior Center.
Grady’s Groceries” is named after Mr. Bill Grady, a longtime supporter and former board member of the Clinton Senior Center. We’re so glad to have met his family at this week’s ribbon cutting ceremony! Thanks in part to support from CMAA, this food pantry will serve the Clinton, MA community by providing appropriately-sized items for seniors. This includes one lb. bags of flour, smaller sized personal care items, and more.
“Grady’s Groceries” opens on May 27th, so mark your calendars and spread the word!
COVID-19 UPDATES
Many people are now eligible to receive a third dose of their COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about updated booster guidelines here.
Have you heard about the omicron sub-variant, BA.2.12.1? Take a look at this piece for all the details.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
It’s officially Older Americans Month! At CMAA, we celebrate older adults all year, but this month is the perfect time to honor the elders in our communities. Check out this list of activities to get started!
Our friends at Tri-Valley are hosting a Cornhole Tournament to benefit their nutrition program on Saturday, May 7th. The tournament takes place at Webster Fish And Game (91 Gore Rd. Webster, MA). For more information, email TKOZIAK12@gmail.com
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – April 21, 2022
CMAA UPDATES
CMAA and AARP Community Shred Days at Worcester Senior Center
Shred those old documents with the help of CMAA and AARP Massachusetts! Stop by the Worcester Senior Center on April 25th and May 2nd from 9:00am-12:00pm for a community shred day.
First come, first served. Two boxes minimum per person.
North Central MA Senior Home Repair Program
Are you an older adult in North Central Massachusetts who is looking for home repair support? From installing accessibility features to fixing an old deck, the Senior Home Repair program can help! Call 978-348-2749 for details.
This program is a partnership between CMAA and Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts.
Become a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman!
Volunteer ombudsmen visit residents of local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis and investigate resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food concerns, or any other issues that impact their quality of life in the home. Volunteers also report observations, resolve complaints, provide guidance and support for the families of these residents, and advocate for residents’ rights. Reliable transportation is a must. Volunteers must also pass a CORI check and have proof of COIVD-19 vaccination. The Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program requires volunteers to commit to at least one year of their time, spending 1-2 hours per week with residents at an assigned nursing home or rest home.
To learn more, email OMB@seniorconnection.org or call 508-853-1373.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Many folks are now eligible to receive a third dose of their COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more about updated booster guidelines here.
Have you heard about the latest omicron sub-variant, BA.2.12.1? This variant now accounts for 20% of all cases. Take a look at this piece for all the details.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
Celebrate the official announcement of Age Friendly Worcester on May 11th at the Worcester Senior Center starting at 12:00pm. Hear from local officials and organizational leaders about the initiative and how YOU can get involved. Merch and refreshments will be available. In-person attendance is limited, so don’t delay in signing up!
Register here: https://forms.gle/3MjrvEYjG6Apzy299
Please note: The event organizers are also exploring a hybrid event (virtual AND in person).
Age Friendly Worcester is on a mission to make the City of Worcester livable and accessible for folks of all ages.
Fun in Fitchburg! The 24th Art in Bloom event returns Thursday, April 29 through Sunday May 1, at the Fitchburg Art Museum, located at 185 Elm St.
Museum doors to the event will open Thursday from 1-5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Check out this article for more info!
The National Council on Aging is proud to host the 5th annual Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day Symposium on May 16, 2022. This event is co-sponsored with the U.S. Administration for Community Living, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Registration is free and includes a full day of sessions on how to best meet the mental health needs of older adults. In partnership with Rush University’s E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, NCOA will be offering continuing education credit for several professions.
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – April 6, 2022
CMAA UPDATES
CMAA and AARP Community Shred Day at Worcester Senior Center
Shred those old documents with the help of CMAA and AARP! Stop by the Worcester Senior Center on April 25th and May 2nd for a community shred day.
First come, first served. Two boxes minimum per person.
Become a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman!
Volunteer ombudsmen visit residents of local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis and investigate resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food concerns, or any other issues that impact their quality of life in the home. Volunteers also report observations, resolve complaints, provide guidance and support for the families of these residents, and advocate for residents’ rights. Reliable transportation is a must. Volunteers must also pass a CORI check and have proof of COIVD-19 vaccination. The Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program requires volunteers to commit to at least one year of their time, spending 1-2 hours per week with residents at an assigned nursing home or rest home.
To learn more, email OMB@seniorconnection.org or call 508-853-1373.
North Central MA Senior Home Repair Program
We are pleased to announce that we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Massachusetts for a new program that helps older homeowners receive home repair support. From installing accessibility features to fixing an old deck, the Senior Home Repair program can help! Call 978-348-2749 for details.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Regular testing for COVID-19 saves lives! Here is a helpful piece from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts about self-testing and frequently asked questions.
There have been significant updates to mask policies and guidelines across the region. For the latest information, please consult your town or city’s public health department.
Test positive for COVID-19? UMass Memorial Health can help!
Check out their information about COVID-19 treatment options and get the help you’re looking for.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
Are you a rural person with a disability with limited transportation access? The University of Montana wants to hear your story!
The Research & Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities at the University of Montana is conducting a study about rural transportation options and are looking for people with disabilities to interview over the phone or via video chat.
For their study, they want to learn about how folks get around their community – where do you go and how do you get there?
They are specifically looking for folks who rely on others for rides or use public transportation (bus, paratransit, vanpool, etc.).
If you decide to participate, you will:
- Complete a one-on-one interview which will last about 1 hour
- Receive $30 for your time
Participating is completely voluntary, and you may change your mind even if they schedule an interview.
To learn more or to sign up, contact Andrew Myers by email ruraltranspo@mso.umt.edu or call 406-243-4683.
Join the “Sutton Saunters Historical Walking Group” to explore the town of Sutton while discussing its local history and lore!
Tuesday, April 19
10:30am
Meet behind Puckidhuddle Preschool in Manchaug
Wear comfortable clothing and footwear! Bringing a water bottle is also encouraged. In the event of rain the “Saunters” meet at the Sutton Senior Center.
Do you enjoy crafting? Check out the upcoming Stampin’ Up Class at the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, April 6th at 2:00pm. Call 508-520-4945 to register.
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – March 28, 2022
CMAA UPDATES
North Central MA Senior Home Repair Program
We are pleased to announce that we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Massachusetts for a new program that helps older homeowners receive home repair support. From installing accessibility features to fixing an old deck, the Senior Home Repair program can help! Call 978-349-2749 for details.
Become a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman!
Volunteer ombudsmen visit residents of local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis and investigate resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food concerns, or any other issues that impact their quality of life in the home. Volunteers also report observations, resolve complaints, provide guidance and support for the families of these residents, and advocate for residents’ rights. Reliable transportation is a must. Volunteers must also pass a CORI check and have proof of COIVD-19 vaccination. The Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program requires volunteers to commit to at least one year of their time, spending 1-2 hours per week with residents at an assigned nursing home or rest home.
To learn more, email OMB@seniorconnection.org or call 508-853-1373.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
COVID & Beyond: Services and Resources for Diverse Older Adults
USAging invites older adults, people living with disabilities, their families and caregivers to join a webinar for a panel discussion on accessing services and resources as we navigate the ongoing pandemic and look towards recovery. The webinar takes place on Thursday, March 31st from 3:30-5:30 ET.
COVID-19 UPDATES
There have been significant updates to mask policies and guidelines across the region. For the latest information, please consult your town or city’s public health department.
Looking for a complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccines and testing in Worcester? Here’s a complete schedule for the entire month of March! Please note the change starting the week of the 21st and plan accordingly. Make the most of your spring by getting up to date on your vaccine and getting tested.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
A reminder for folks near Worcester! WCAC’s Tax Assistance Drop Off site has been relocated to Worcester Public Library. They are open the following times through April 2nd:
- Tuesdays 5:00-7:00pm
- Wednesdays 3:00-7:00pm
- Fridays & Saturdays 9:00am-12:00pm
Online assistance available at www.WCAC.net/VITA
Feeling stressed, burned out, or anxious? Come listen as Michele Morin from Gardner Rehab helps folks discover how to deal with stress!
Tuesday, April 12
11:00am
Templeton Senior Center
Maximum 20 participants. Light refreshments and handouts will be provided. Call 978-894-2787 by April 6 to register.
You may have heard that cell phone carriers are removing service for 3G cell phones and device. What can you do about it?
It’s time to upgrade to 5G! Take a look at these helpful infographics to learn more.
The Central MA Senior Bulletin –March 14, 2022
CMAA UPDATES
Become a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman!
Volunteer ombudsmen visit residents of local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis and investigate resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food concerns, or any other issues that impact their quality of life in the home. Volunteers also report observations, resolve complaints, provide guidance and support for the families of these residents, and advocate for residents’ rights. Reliable transportation is a must. Volunteers must also pass a CORI check and have proof of COIVD-19 vaccination. The Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program requires volunteers to commit to at least one year of their time, spending 1-2 hours per week with residents at an assigned nursing home or rest home.
To learn more, email OMB@seniorconnection.org or call 508-853-1373.
CMAA Partners with Habitat for Humanity of North Central MA for Senior Home Repair Program
We are pleased to announce that we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Massachusetts for a new program that helps older homeowners receive home repair support. From installing accessibility features to fixing an old deck, the Senior Home Repair program can help! Call 978-349-2749 for details.
Central Massachusetts Senior Dental Program Accepting Patients
Are you an older adult looking for preventative dental care in Central Mass? Check out the Central Massachusetts Senior Dental Clinic, a partnership between CMAA and Quinsigamond Community College’s Dental program. This clinic offers comprehensive dental assessments, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments and other services for older adults ages 55+ in Central Massachusetts FREE OF CHARGE! Transportation to and from the clinic is provided by Yellow Cab, an additional program partner.
To schedule an appointment with the senior dental clinic, call 508-854-4306 Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Looking for a complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccines and testing in Worcester? Here’s a complete schedule for the entire month of March! Please note the change starting the week of the 21st and plan accordingly. Make the most of your spring by getting up to date on your vaccine and getting tested.
You may have heard of “long COVID” or “long-term COVID-19,” but what does it mean? Take a look at this article from The Washington Post to learn more.
“The term, a widely used catchall phrase for persistent symptoms that can range from mild to debilitating and last for weeks, months or longer, is technically known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, or PASC.”
There have been significant updates to mask policies and guidelines across the region. For the latest information, please consult your town or city’s public health department.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
The Pepperell Senior Center is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Monday, March 7th from 12:00-1:00pm. Join them for corn beef and cabbage along with music by the St. Patrick’s Day Quartet! Click here for more information.
The Making Connections Memory Café at the Worcester Senior Center
Join Deb, Patty, Jenn, and the folks at the Worcester Senior Center for the next in person gathering of Worcester’s Making Connections Memory Café. A safe and welcoming environment!
Tuesday
March 15th 2:00PM
Worcester Senior Center
128 Providence Street
Worcester MA
Performances by: Jim Perry & Johnny Bluehorn
Feel free to drop in or contact the Worcester Senior Center to RSVP.
Great news! The Templeton Senior Center has reopened for in-person activities. Check out their website or give them a call at 978-894-2787 to learn more.
Did you know that cell phone carriers are removing 3G cell phones and device service? It’s time to upgrade to 5G! Check out these helpful infographics to learn more.
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – February 23, 2022
CMAA UPDATES
CMAA Partners with Habitat for Humanity of North Central MA for Senior Home Repair Program
We are pleased to announce that we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Massachusetts for a new program that helps older homeowners receive home repair support. From installing accessibility features to fixing an old deck, the Senior Home Repair program can help! Call 978-349-2749 for details.
Become a Volunteer Long-Term Care Ombudsman!
Volunteer ombudsmen visit residents of local nursing homes and rest homes on a regular basis and investigate resident concerns regarding personal care, personal belongings, roommate problems, food concerns, or any other issues that impact their quality of life in the home. Volunteers also report observations, resolve complaints, provide guidance and support for the families of these residents, and advocate for residents’ rights. Reliable transportation is a must. Volunteers must also pass a CORI check and have proof of COIVD-19 vaccination. The Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program requires volunteers to commit to at least one year of their time, spending 1-2 hours per week with residents at an assigned nursing home or rest home.
To learn more, email OMB@seniorconnection.org or call 508-853-1373.
Central Massachusetts Senior Dental Program Accepting Patients
Are you an older adult looking for preventative dental care in Central Mass? Check out the Central Massachusetts Senior Dental Clinic, a partnership between CMAA and Quinsigamond Community College’s Dental program. This clinic offers comprehensive dental assessments, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments and other services for older adults ages 55+ in Central Massachusetts FREE OF CHARGE! Transportation to and from the clinic is provided by Yellow Cab, an additional program partner.
To schedule an appointment with the senior dental clinic, call 508-854-4306 Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Looking for more information about vaccine booster shots? The Commonwealth has a helpful resource page with frequently asked questions. Click here for more!
From the Sentinel & Enterprise:
“The Spanish American Center is continuing its pandemic efforts with monthly vaccine clinics and other community outreach programs related to the virus and educating people about it. SAC hosts vaccine clinics at its 112 Spruce St. location on the last Wednesday of each month, with the next one on Feb. 23. They are typically open from 1 to 4 p.m. but next week’s clinic is special vacation week hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.”
Looking for help with how to reuse your N95, KN95, and other disposable masks? Click here for a full article!
EVENTS & RESOURCES
The Clinton Senior Center is hosting a “Stretching and Chiro Education Class” on Monday, March 7th from 12:00-1:00pm. Learn about the benefits of chiropractic care with this helpful program! Reserve your spot by calling Shannon at 978-733-4747 ext. 303
Money After Military presented by the Office of Economic Empowerment and the Massachusetts State Treasury
This webinar will connect veterans with organizations that assist with resume editing, job searches, and interview preparation. Learn more about the local and national groups that help veterans find a job!
Panelists from Candorful, FourBlock, MassHire, and RecruitMilitary will provide an introduction about their organizations and how Massachusetts veterans can utilize the services they provide.
Register here: https://bit.ly/VeteranJobWebinar
Please email veteransbonus@tre.state.ma.us to arrange reasonable accommodation or if you have any questions.
There has been a significant increase in romance-related scams, especially for older adults. Take a look at this helpful resource from the FTC to learn more about fraud prevention.
If you are looking for senior fraud support in Central Massachusetts, call the Senior Fraud Helpline at 800-297-9760.
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – February 1, 2022
CMAA UPDATES
Watch Now!
Be A Safe Banker Webinar
How can older adults be safer with their banking? Find out with the help of CMAA and Lauren Piehl of Bay State Savings Bank! Click the link below to watch the full virtual presentation on how seniors can keep their finances secured, resist fraud, and more.
CMAA UPDATES
Central Massachusetts Senior Dental Program Accepting Patients
Are you an older adult looking for preventative dental care in Central Mass? Check out the Central Massachusetts Senior Dental Clinic, a partnership between CMAA and Quinsigamond Community College’s Dental program. This clinic offers comprehensive dental assessments, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments and other services for older adults ages 55+ in Central Massachusetts FREE OF CHARGE! Transportation to and from the clinic is provided by Yellow Cab, an additional program partner.
To schedule an appointment with the senior dental clinic, call 508-854-4306 Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Did you know that your household is eligible for 4 FREE at-home COVID-19 tests? Just visit COVIDTests.Gov and sign up!
Have more questions about ordering an at-home testing kit? Here is an excellent breakdown of what to expect.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Check out the free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic right at the Worcester Public Library! The clinic is available every Wednesday 11am-7pm and Saturday 11am-5pm at 3 Salem St. Worcester, MA. The vaccine clinic is open to everyone ages 5 and up. For more information, call 508-868-6438.
COVID-19 UPDATES
The CDC has some very helpful tips on how to stay safe at indoor gatherings this winter.
“While opening windows can improve ventilation in your home during the visit, it might be too cold to do so comfortably.
If possible, try cracking open a window for a little while. You can also take other steps to improve ventilation in your home, like upgrading your HVAC filter, running a HEPA purifier, and using your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans.
Taking steps to improve ventilation can reduce the number of COVID-19 particles in your home’s air. Check out CDC’s new tool to see how much: https://bit.ly/3F7bPgg”
EVENTS & RESOURCES
Learn how to safely navigate the sport of ice fishing with MassWildlife and the Lakes and Ponds Program on Wednesday, February 9th from 6:00-7:00pm. Click here to register!
This program is brought to you by the Worcester Department of Sustainability and Resilience.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
It’s tax season! Get ahead of the April deadlines with this helpful roundup of information from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Click here for more information about tax information for older adults in Massachusetts.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
Winter weather is here. Are you prepared for a loss of power? Visit bit.ly/Powers-Out to create a plan with the help of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency!
The Central MA Senior Bulletin – December 21, 2021
CMAA UPDATES
Hope & Comfort and Sanofi Give Toiletry Kits to CMAA
Thank you again to Hope & Comfort and Sanofi for providing CMAA with over 400 toiletry kits! These kits will be distributed across towns and cities in Central Massachusetts to older adults in need. We are proud to help support hygiene security for our Commonwealth’s older populations.
We are proud to partner with local organizations to assist with distributing these fantastic kits. Check out this video of a recent toiletry kit pick up from our friends at El Buen Samaritano Food Program!
CMAA UPDATES
PPE4All Provides 200+ PPE Items for Central MA Older Adults
We are so pleased to share that PPE4All has graciously donated over 200 sewn masks, 50 face shields, and 100 N95s! Through their incredible support, hundreds of older adults in Central Massachusetts will stay safer during this pandemic.
Visit PPE4All.net to learn more about their fantastic work.
CMAA UPDATES
CMAA Supports Worcester County Sheriff’s Office 2021 Winter Coat Drive
We are proud to support this year’s Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Winter Coat Drive. With our help, thousands of warm winter coats will be distributed across Central Massachusetts, especially to older adults.
Recently, we helped the Sheriff distribute coats to several local senior centers, including West Boylston, Shrewsbury, Millbury, and Uxbridge. Take a look!
COVID-19 UPDATES
You may have heard about the omicron variant, but what is it?
Take a look at this helpful information from the CDC which discusses everything you need to know about this COVID-19 variant.
Click here to get your questions about the omicron variant answered.
COVID-19 UPDATES
Unsure of where to get a booster shot or vaccine? There are several ways to do so in Massachusetts:
- Visit VaxFinder.Mass.Gov and search for a location near you
- Call 2-1-1 to speak to someone and find an appointment
For additional vaccine availability questions, take a look at this helpful article from AARP Massachusetts. You can also consult the Mass.Gov website for details.
Please note, all adults over the age of 18 are now encouraged by the CDC to receive a booster shot.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
Eagle House Senior Community Center in Lunenberg has a six-week Zumba class starting on January 13th! Join Amy Leblanc on Fridays at 1:00pm for a great workout. This class costs $25. Class is limited to 20 participants. Call 978-582-4166 to register.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
Join the Clinton Senior Center on December 22nd for their Ugly Sweater Contest! You must be a Clinton Senior (+60) and have your picture taken next Wednesday at the Center between 9 am and 2 pm. Top 3 Ugliest Sweaters will be awarded a prize!
EVENTS & RESOURCES
For those who receive SNAP benefits, did you know that if your food spoiled due to flooding or lack of electricity to run your fridge or freezer, you may qualify for replacement SNAP benefits? Certain requirements apply.
EVENTS & RESOURCES
Looking for help with your pension? Check out the UMass Boston Pension Action Center. They are a free legal service that works to assist anyone with a pension question, regardless of income, who currently or previously lived or worked in: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island or Illinois.
For more information, call 1-888-425-6067 or click here.
