NEWSLETTERS

Central MA Local Happenings

Blackstone Valley

“Building a Ballpark” A discussion with Larry Lucchino & Janet Marie Smith,
dicussion about Polar Park

Join the Blackstone Valley Chamber for a one hour session with Larry Lucchino and Janet Marie Smith on Tuesday January 26th 2021 from 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

The session is a free live Zoom webinar.

Larry Lucchino is Chairman and Principal Owner of the Worcester Red Sox.
Janet Marie Smith serves as Executive Vice President of Planning & Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

You will learn about the magic behind “Building a Ballpark” the powerful relationship between Lucchino and Smith that has built iconic ballparks, and what the dynamic duo has planned for Worcester.

Presentation will take place via Zoom. Registrants will receive a link one day prior to event.

To sign up, contact the  Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
(508) 234-9090 or administrator@blackstonevalley.org

Bolton

The Bolton COA presents “Songbirds of the Northeast” with John Root (Naturalist)

The free virtual program will take place on January 26th at 11:00am.

To register, call Heather at 978-779-3314 or email hgoodsell@townofbolton.com

Medway

Medway COA is offering online exercise classes for ALL levels (from stretching to full workouts). Both fitness instructors are wonderful and will work with you if you have specific needs or goals.

Please contact CRiley@townofmedway.org for more information.

Central MA Senior & Caregiver Resources

Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Information

There are a lot of questions about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution process. We’re here to help give you the best information directly from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

*Note: this information is subject to change. It is best to consult the state website for the most up-to-date information about the vaccination process.

Who is able to be vaccinated now?

We are currently in Phase 1 of the vaccine distribution process. This means groups like clinical health workers, long-term care communities, congregate care settings, and emergency services are currently being prioritized for vaccination. Click here for a comprehensive list of the groups in each phase of the COVID-19 vaccination timeline.

Not eligible for Phase 1 vaccination?

Based on state information, the Department of Public Health aims to begin Phase 2 in February/March 2021. This means individuals with 2+ comorbidities (high risk for COVID-19 complications), individuals age 75+, and residents and staff of public and private low income and affordable senior housing will begin receiving vaccines.

Where can someone go to get vaccinated?

There are several vaccination sites available across the state, including Gardner, Leominster, Southbridge, and Worcester. These vaccination sites are only for groups deemed eligible for Phase 1. To download a list of vaccination sites or view a map of vaccination locations, click here. The information is towards the bottom of the page.

Have additional questions?

The Department of Health has many frequently asked questions on their website ranging from vaccine safety to what the vaccination experience is like. Click here to be directed to their FAQ page.

FCC Seeks Input on Providing Broadband Services and Devices to Low-Income Households

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking to provide broadband service and devices to low-income households. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directed the FCC to create the program, which would reimburse participating companies for providing discounted broadband service and connected devices to eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will pay up to $50 for a broadband connection per qualifying household. On Tribal lands, that monthly discount may be up to $75 per month. The program will also purchase a device (such as a phone, laptop, or tablet) to connect to the Internet up to $100 of the cost of the device so long as the household contributes no less than $10 and no more than $50 for the device. Participating providers will receive reimbursement from the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program for the discounts provided.

Find more information about this request for comment.

Comments are due by February 16. Comments and replies may be filed electronically via ECFS: http://www.fcc.gov/ecfs.

All filings should refer to WC Docket No. 20-445. Filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. Comments may be filed by paper or by using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS).

Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing.

Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701.

U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 45 L St, NE, Washington, DC 20554.

People with Disabilities. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice) or (202) 418-0432 (tty).

CMAA Updates

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, WTAG News Radio,

and The Vitality Magazine

CMAA Updates

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! More details to come.

Presented by:

Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging &

Sheriff Lew Evangelidis of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Sponsored by:

Joseph D. Early Jr. Worcester District Attorney’s Office,

Reliant Medical Group, UMass Memorial Medical Center, UMass Medical School, Unibank, Fallon Health, WTAG News Radio,

and The Vitality Magazine

Central MA Local Happenings

Across Our Region

Have you heard of the SilverSneakers program?

It’s an great way for people who are 65+ to get active and moving!

Many places in our area host virtual group workouts using this program, so give your local senior center/council on aging a ring to find out.

To learn more about this program and view online offerings, click here.

Ashby

On Friday, January 15th from 9:00am-10:00am, swing by the front of the Ashby Library and grab a free cup of joe and a freshly made donut!

For safety, please stay in your car. Coffee and donuts will be delivered to you.

Worcester

The 36th Annual Martin Luther King Community Breakfast, traditionally held at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, will be held virtually on Monday, January 18th at 8:00am.

This year’s guest speaker will be Rev. John H. Vaughn, Executive Pastor at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, which was the home church for Dr. King.

The program will feature the release of the first Worcester “Black History Moment” — a video presentation of the Worcester Black History Project in collaboration with the Worcester Historical Museum; Greetings from the Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty; and Awarding of the Martin Luther King Scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The link to view the virtual breakfast on Monday, January 18, 2021, @ 8:00 AM will be: www.qcc.edu/mlk .

For more information contact Selina Boria at Sboria@qcc.mass.edu or 508 854-4368

Franklin

The Franklin Senior Center is proud to present…

TELE-BINGO!

Mon & Thurs at 1:00 PM

Join via phone call, no computer needed! We’ll provide a kit with everything you need to play. Call the Franklin Senior Center to sign up.

Call-in telephone number for bingo is: 508-206-8603

Central MA Senior & Caregiver Resources

MCPHS University Pharmacy Outreach Program

FCC Seeks Input on Providing Broadband Services and Devices to Low-Income Households

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking to provide broadband service and devices to low-income households. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directed the FCC to create the program, which would reimburse participating companies for providing discounted broadband service and connected devices to eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will pay up to $50 for a broadband connection per qualifying household. On Tribal lands, that monthly discount may be up to $75 per month. The program will also purchase a device (such as a phone, laptop, or tablet) to connect to the Internet up to $100 of the cost of the device so long as the household contributes no less than $10 and no more than $50 for the device. Participating providers will receive reimbursement from the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program for the discounts provided.

Find more information about this request for comment.

Comments are due by February 16. Comments and replies may be filed electronically via ECFS: http://www.fcc.gov/ecfs.

All filings should refer to WC Docket No. 20-445. Filings must be addressed to the Commission’s Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. Comments may be filed by paper or by using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS).

Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and one copy of each filing.

Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis Junction, MD 20701.

U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail must be addressed to 45 L St, NE, Washington, DC 20554.

People with Disabilities. To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice) or (202) 418-0432 (tty).

CMAA Updates

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!

Presented by:

Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging &

Sheriff Lew Evangelidis of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Sponsored by:

Joseph D. Early Jr. of the Worcester District Attorney’s Office,

Reliant Medical Group, UMass Memorial Medical Center, UMass Medical School, Unibank, Fallon Health, WTAG News Radio, and The Vitality Magazine

Central MA Local Happenings

Grafton

Fitchburg

The Fitchburg Senior Center is now offering copies of “The Little Bird”, a newsletter where each issue focuses on a specific theme. Examples of topics range from The California Gold Rush, The Great Molasses Flood, and more! This publication is edited by Nancy Franks, a frequent presenter at senior centers and retirement communities around Massachusetts. She’s taken her extensive knowledge virtual during this time of isolation.

Call the Fitchburg Senior Center at (978) 829-1790 to receive your copy.

Worcester

WORCESTER SENIOR CENTER: INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY

LEARN TO USE ZOOM

You have heard the term and maybe even participated in a Zoom meeting. Now learn the basics to stay in touch with family and friends!

Join Richard Spool, WSC participant and QCC professor of Computer Literacy who will conduct 3 sessions:

Session 1: Wed. Jan. 13, 2021

10am-11am: Intro to New Zoom Users

Session 2: Wed. Jan. 20, 2021

10am-11am: Creating and using a Zoom Account

Session 3: Wed. Jan. 27, 2021

10am-11am: Hosting a Zoom Meeting

Participants need to know how to use the Zoom invite to participate in the sessions. Ample time for questions and answers throughout the sessions will be given.

After registering by emailing lapins@worcesterma.gov, you will

receive Zoom links, hand-outs to print and links to related websites.

Sessions will be recorded to add to the Channel 192 and WSC playlists.

Space is limited, so sign up today!

Medway

The Friends of Medway Elders, a non-profit organization run by volunteers, is looking for applicants for its Board of Directors. If you would like to apply to this Board and help the Medway Seniors, please submit a letter of intent by January 10th 2021.

Please contact the Center at (508) 533-3210 if you have any questions.

Central MA Senior & Caregiver Resources

MassSupport Caregiver Coping Groups

CMAA Updates

Recently, the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, including Executive Director Moses Dixon, visited senior centers across Worcester County to deliver hundreds of cold weather items and goodies as part of the Central MA Elder Coat Drive.

Curious about how our stops went?

Click the play button below and find out!

Having trouble watching? No worries!

We’ve also posted the video to our Facebook page.

CMAA Events

Join the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging and Jarelys Yoga on Tuesday, December 22nd at 2:00pm for an hour of yoga for older adults and caregivers. This time right on your Facebook!

To participate, visit the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging Facebook page on December 22nd and watch the Facebook Live starting at 2:00pm. Jarelys will guide us through stretching and functional movement to get rid of built up tension.

This free class is a great way to shake out the stress of the year!

Participants will need:

• comfortable space to practice
• comfortable clothes to move in
• chair to sit
• journal for contemplation
• rolled-up sock or tennis ball
• Internet to access the event

Central MA Local Happenings

Ayer

West Boylston

Uxbridge

Central MA Senior & Caregiver Resources

Are you a grandparent raising grandchildren or other family? Looking for help paying the bills and affording the holidays?

Consider the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Holiday Season Scholarship.

This scholarship provides up to $300 per eligible family for expenses related to holiday gifts, food security, winter clothes, utilities, and more!

Email Deb Dowd-Foley at ddfoley@eswa.org or call 508-756-1545 x390 for more details.

This program is generously funded by the Reliant Foundation and collaborative effort between Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. and the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc.

Welcome to The Central MA Senior Connection Bulletin

The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging (CMAA)

serves 61 towns and municipalities.

We want to spread the word about excellent events

and programs for senior citizens in our region.

Read on to find out what’s going on in your community!

Zoom will be waiving their 40-minute time limit on Thanksgiving Day.

That means you can talk with friends, family, and loved ones as long as you’d like!

Get your favorite food together and share a virtual meal. It’s a great, safe way to meet!

FriendshipWorks invites family members, caregivers, and front-line workers to join in a Service of Remembrance to celebrate the lives of those we have cared for, loved and lost during the past season.

This is a special opportunity to listen, share, remember and honor those who have passed during this most challenging time. Our intention is to create a safe virtual environment where we can hold space for each other and honor the lives of our elder friends, volunteers, family and pets who we have lost over the last year. Readings will be given in English and in Spanish.

Directly after the Service of Remembrance we will break out into small groups for a virtual coffee hour to continue the sharing and receive support from others.

We invite you to share names and photographs. If you are unable to attend the event, and you would like us to share a name or photo of someone you have lost, please email otennyson@fw4elders.org.

The Service of Remembrance will be held on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92564554542 and will also be broadcast LIVE on the FriendshipWorks’ Facebook page. The event is 3-4:30pm.

LUNENBERG

A friendly reminder that the Lunenberg Council on Aging offers a Dementia Caregivers Toolbox to help people find the resources and support they need. Located at the Eagle House Senior Community Center, the Lunenberg COA is an excellent local resource, especially for caregivers.

If you’d like to receive a free tote bag, call 978-582-4166 to make arrangements to pick one up Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm.

*Note: The COA will be closed this Thursday and Friday for the holiday.

GARDNER

The Gardner Senior Center is pleased to announce a socially distant ‘Holiday Stroll’ (weather permitting). Meet at 1:00pm at the skating rink lot on Park Street. Treats for participants will follow the stroll.

To RSVP, call 968-630-4067 and reserve your spot!

WORCESTER

The Worcester Center for Crafts’ Krikorian Gallery presents The Cup Show.

Join Worcester Center for Crafts on Saturday, November 27 from 10:00am-5:00pm for an afternoon of handmade cups and mugs from talented artists!

Handmade cups are on view and available for purchase in the Krikorian Gallery (25 Sagamore Rd, Worcester) & online at wccgallerystore.com

RUTLAND

Rutland’s 1st Annual Holiday House Decorating!

Rutland Recreation has collaborated with the Rutland Historical Society, Rutland 4th of July Committee, CTMS, Glenwood and Naquag to bring you…

Rutland’s first (and-sure-to-be-annual) Holiday House Decorating Contest!

Your display can have any holiday theme you can cook up! Lights, inflatables, construction projects, live actors (Clark Griswold, crazy Uncle Eddy??)

Prizes will be awarded for the following categories:

1. Creative Inflatables
2. Traditionally Elegant
3.Christmastime Cheer
4.Clark Griswold Award

Deadline to register to get on the map and be prize-eligible is 5PM on Wednesday, December 2nd.

To register, the form on the town website and show your receipt of your $20 donation.

Your display must be drive-by-spectator-ready for voting and viewing by Monday, December 7th.

Displays must be fully lit (if applicable) nightly from dusk to 9pm (minimum) through Saturday, December 19th (weather permitting).

Judging will be done by the public via a voting link that will be posted on Monday, December 7th. Prizes will be awarded to the best display in each category.

Winners will by announced on Sunday, December 20th at noon.

BLACKSTONE

Mark your calendars for December 10th because the Blackstone Public Library is hosting an adult holiday ornament workshop!

Learn how to use recycled light bulbs to create a fun holiday decoration from the comfort of your own home. Supplies will be provided except for glue guns and craft sealer spray.

Registration is required to obtain a craft kit, which can be picked up using curbside delivery starting December 1st.

Call the library at 508-883-1931 or this link. Hope to see you there!

STURBRIDGE

Join the Sturbridge Recreation Committee for the 2020 Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony this Friday, November 27th.

The event begins at 6:00pm and will be available to watch on Facebook Live or on Sturbridge Community Television (Channel 191)

For more information and updates, visit the Facebook event page.

What a way to kick off the week!

We had an excellent time helping Jubilee Worcester and Friendly House distribute hundreds of pounds of food for the holidays! CMAA also contributed Senior Fraud Helpline materials to be included in the meal kits.

Want to see a recap video? Click here to view!

Senior Fraud HelpLine

A partnership between RSVP Volunteers of Central MA,

Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, and Family Services of Central Massachusetts

The Senior Fraud Prevention Initiative helps seniors recognize, resist and report fraud. 
When calling the HelpLine, you will find a peer who may have had a similar experience to yours. You will speak with a person trained and knowledgeable about what to do next; a confidante who cares about your fears. The volunteers answering these calls have been trained to identify the tell-tale signs of scams and frauds.

You are not alone.

RSVP’s Senior Fraud HelpLine receives calls from

9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday

1-800-297-9760

Central Massachusetts Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

CMAA is pleased to offer seniors residing in nursing or rest homes

a continuing resource for resolving issues related to long-term care!

What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

An Ombudsman visits residents in nursing and rest homes to investigate and resolve complaints related to personal care, their belongings, food matters, roommate problems, and other issues which impact their daily lives. Ombudsmen resolve complaints through discussion, negotiation, or referring issues to the State Ombudsman. They also provide residents, their families, and community members with information and advocacy.

These professionals are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and here to help!

For more information, contact OMB@seniorconnection.org

Welcome to The Central MA Senior Connection Bulletin

The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging (CMAA)

serves 61 towns and municipalities.

We want to spread the word about excellent events

and programs for senior citizens in our region.

Read on to find out what’s going on in your community!

MassSupport is a program funded by FEMA and managed with the Massachusetts DMH and Riverside Trauma Center. It is a free, anonymous, and confidential program that provides support and resources to caregivers.

Sign up for one of their Caregiver Coping Groups by using the links below:

·    Thursday 11/19: 7 PM to 8:30 PM https://forms.gle/x6dcgjqSieL3fVBu5

·    Saturday 11/21: 10 AM to 11:30 AM https://forms.gle/iqsUjS1eq3KtniZUA

·    Waitlist: https://forms.gle/7P6uRa6FutXzETzC6

AYER

The 150th anniversary of Ayer is right around the corner on February 14th, of 2021. APAC is making an 150th anniversary video of the Town and would like your help putting the video together. Using your smart phones, we want you record yourself talking about Ayer. If you don’t want to record on your phone we can also set up a zoom call to record you. The goal is to put together a video collage of everyone in Ayer (residents, employees, and business owners) who make this town great! We also wants to know how the town has been a part of their lives.

Here’s a list of things to choose from to talk about.:

• Family History: Does your family have historic roots to the town? Talk about your family history, and if you have photos you want to go along with your interview please submit them with your video.
• Personal History: When did you come to Ayer? How did the town change your life?
• Town History: Are you on a town committee? Do you help preserve the integrity of the Ayer? Talk to us about it.
• Business history: When did you set up your business? How did you become apart of the community?

How to film your videos?

• Contact APAC via email: ayerpaced@gmail.com or skurland@ayerpublicaccess.org.
• They can walking you through using your cellphone to record and send a video.
• They can set up a zoom interview.
• They can also walk you through using your own camera if you have one.

How to Send Your Video:

• Using Gmail, or a google drive send your video clips to ayerpaced@gmail.com or skurland@ayerpublicaccess.org. We will have our staff assemble a documentary from these clips.

CLINTON

The Clinton Senior Center has some excellent virutal opportunities for staying connected and active! Here are a few examples:

• Bingo (Thursdays at 12:30pm)
• Chair Yoga (Fridays at 12:30pm)

The above programs are hosted through Zoom. Please call the Senior Center at 978-733-4747 for information about how to participate.

SHIRLEY

The Shirley Council on Aging Senior Center has announced that they are closing the Senior Center to the public to combat the spread of COVID-19. Here are some updates about their operations:

• The Van is running for essential rides. Meals on Wheels will continue to be delivered.
• Social services and Outreach meetings are over the phone. If it is determined an in person meeting is needed, they will schedule an appointment.
• Please leave a message when calling. 978-425-1390. They will return calls by the next business day.

BERLIN

The Berlin Council on Aging would like to remind senior residents that they have extra blankets and other supplies for winter time.

To learn more, call 978-838-2750.

LEICESTER

Virtual Pastel Paint Class: Georgia O’Keefe’s Miracle Flowers

Join the Leicester Public Library on Thursday, December 3rd from 6:00pm-8:00pm for a a virtual class with artist Greg Maichack.

Greg will guide you through the process of creating your own unique work of art. Suitable for older teens, adults, and seniors. No previous experience necessary, all materials will be provided. Space is limited.

Email library@leicesterma.org to reserve your spot in advance.

BOYLSTON

The Tower Hill Botanic Garden is pleased to offer on-demand webinars of their program offerings. Everything from ‘Intro to Birding’ to ‘Native Shrubs – Colorful Throughout the Year’ is a mouse click away! Visit their website for more details.

Note: each on-demand webinar has a small fee to offset costs ($7-$10).

SPENCER

Did you know that Spencer Cable Access is broadcasting exercise classes from the Senior Center?

From Tai Chi to yoga, there are tons of ways to get active and connected right from your own home!

Visit the Spencer Cable Access On-Demand page to find broadcast times and watch recent episodes on-demand.

To watch past episodes whenever you wish, visit www.youtube.com/user/SpencerCableAccess

STURBRIDGE

Join the Sturbridge Recreation Committee for the

2020 Virtual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 27th.

The event begins at 6:00pm and will be available to watch on Facebook Live or on Sturbridge Community Television (Channel 191)

For more information and updates, visit the Facebook event pageFor more information and updates, visit the Facebook event page.

Senior Fraud HelpLine

A partnership between RSVP Volunteers of Central MA,

Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, and Family Services of Central Massachusetts

The Senior Fraud Prevention Initiative helps seniors recognize, resist and report fraud. 
When calling the HelpLine, you will find a peer who may have had a similar experience to yours. You will speak with a person trained and knowledgeable about what to do next; a confidante who cares about your fears. The volunteers answering these calls have been trained to identify the tell-tale signs of scams and frauds.

You are not alone.

RSVP’s Senior Fraud HelpLine receives calls from

9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday

1-800-297-9760

Central Massachusetts

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

CMAA is pleased to offer seniors residing in nursing or rest homes

a continuing resource for resolving issues related to long-term care!

What is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

An Ombudsman visits residents in nursing and rest homes to investigate and resolve complaints related to personal care, their belongings, food matters, roommate problems, and other issues which impact their daily lives. Ombudsmen resolve complaints through discussion, negotiation, or referring issues to the State Ombudsman. They also provide residents, their families, and community members with information and advocacy.

These professionals are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and here to help!

For more information, contact OMB@seniorconnection.org