NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Recent news, events and updates from the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging.
US Census
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren During the Pandemic
Watch Spectrum News video at https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2020/12/24/grandparents-raising-grandchildren
The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging is working to help grandparents raising grandkids.
The nonprofit focuses on seniors serving 61 cities and towns across Central Massachusetts.
Executive Director, Dr. Moses Dixon, said the pandemic can be an especially challenging time for older caregivers because of the technology kids are using for remote learning.
“The grandparents that are raising the grandkids, or are having to homeschool them which is a difficult challenge for them since a lot of them are not technology savvy. So we reached out to a number of funders and other entities to support us to be able to support these grandparents during this difficult time as well as going into the holiday season where there is a lot of mental health challenges not only among the grandparents but also the grandkids,” said Dr. Dixon.
The agency is offering scholarships in partnership with the Elder Services of Worcester for up to $300 per family.
For more information you can call 508-756-1545.
https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/news/2020/12/24/grandparents-raising-grandchildren
CMAA Holiday Greetings
Central MA Elder Coat Drive
The Central Massachusetts
Agency on Aging Gives Back:
Central MA Elder Coat Drive
The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging continues to offer support for efforts to help seniors across Central Massachusetts through its partnership with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.
With a donation of $12,000, the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging was able to help get the Elder Coat Drive the traction it needed amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“But how did you get 2500 coats delivered to everyone?”
Very carefully and strategically!
Check out our photo highlights and recap video to see how we helped with this effort.
Central MA Elder Coat Drive Highlights
This past week, the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging visited senior centers in Sterling, Leicester, Worcester, Millbury, Sutton, and West Boylston to deliver hundreds of cold weather items and goodies.
(Sheriff Lew Evangelidis joined in on the fun too!)
Curious about how our stops went?
Click the play button below and find out!
Having trouble watching? No worries!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
On behalf of all of us here at the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, we want to wish you a safe, restful Thanksgiving holiday.
We know this year poses unique challenges for celebrating the holidays. That’s why we’ve compiled a series of #ThanksgivingTips to help you get through as safely as possible.
These tips will be posted on our social media throughout the coming days, but as a newsletter subscriber, you get a first look!
Elderly Turkey Giveaway 11.23.20 (with video recap!)
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
Senior Connection Bulletin 11/16/20
Welcome to The Central MA Senior 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!
ASHBY
Join the Ashby Council on Aging at the Ashby Free Public Library (Central Library) for a free cup of coffee and a snack.
You don’t even need to leave your vehicle!
The Drive-Thru will be held this Friday, November 20th
from 9:00-10:00am.
GRAFTON
MILLBURY
SHREWSBURY
The In It Together Volunteer Group is looking for newly purchased gifts to distribute to local seniors during the holiday season. The program runs October 1 to December 1.
Items can be dropped off at the front of the Shrewsbury Senior Center, located at 98 Maple Ave. There are designated bins for items. Remember, all items must be new with tags on.
They are looking for:
- holiday cards (handmade or bought)
- non-skid socks
- sugar-free candy
- diet and regular ginger ale
- adult coloring books
- colored pencils
- granola bars
- cookies
- cereal
- peanut butter
- crackers
- Spam
- large print crosswords
- word search books
- lotion
- deodorant
- toothbrushes and toothpaste
- soap
- coin purse
- flashlight
- stuffed animal
- water
- blankets
- mittens
- combs and brushes
- toilet paper
- paper towels
- tissues
- hand sanitizer
- masks
Questions? Email Paula at inittogether01545@gmail.com
WORCESTER
SUTTON
Did you know that Sutton Public Access Television broadcasts a regularly schedule Senior Exercise Series?
Airing times:
Monday – Friday 10:30am
Weekends 4:30pm
Watch on:
Charter 191/192/194
Verizon 29/30/31
UXBRIDGE
Join the Uxbridge Senior Center every Tuesday morning (8:30-10:00) for grocery shopping at Hannaford.
Pick up begins at 8:30 AM. Please sign up in advance by calling 508-278-8622 to reserve your seat on the van.
Senior Fraud Hotline
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
Dr. Moses Dixon Speaks About ‘Gifts for Seniors’ Program
CMAA & Worcester Sheriff’s Office ‘Gifts for Seniors’ Ceremony Recap!
This past Thursday, the Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office presented bags of gifts as part of Shrewsbury Senior Center’s “Gifts for Seniors” program.
Staff, volunteers, and community members gathered to celebrate the item donations and explain the importance of this collaboration. There was even an online shoutout by the Bombas sock company afterwards!
Facebook post courtesy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Get involved!
The In It Together Volunteer Group is looking for newly purchased gifts to distribute to local seniors during the holiday season. The program runs October 1 to December 1.
Items can be dropped off at the front of the Shrewsbury Senior Center, located at 98 Maple Ave. There are designated bins for items. Remember, all items must be new with tags on.
They are looking for:
- holiday cards (handmade or bought)
- non-skid socks
- sugar-free candy
- diet and regular ginger ale
- adult coloring books
- colored pencils
- granola bars
- cookies
- cereal
- peanut butter
- crackers
- Spam
- large print crosswords
- word search books
- lotion
- deodorant
- toothbrushes and toothpaste
- soap
- coin purse
- flashlight
- stuffed animal
- water
- blankets
- mittens
- combs and brushes
- toilet paper
- paper towels
- tissues
- hand sanitizer
- masks
Questions? Email Paula at inittogether01545@gmail.com
Happy Veteran’s Day from CMAA
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
HONORING OUR BRAVE
MILITARY VETERANS
The Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging is committed to supporting veterans near and far. For over 45 years, we’ve worked to help older Americans across Central Massachusetts get access to the resources they need. Read on to learn more about local events and happenings for this important holiday.
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Massachusetts Veterans Day 2020
Virtual Veterans Day Ceremony, 10:00am
Featuring speakers and musical performances, remarks by Governor Baker, and more! The ceremony will be broadcast on Facebook pages for the Department of Veterans’ Services, the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, and the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea as well as on the Commonwealth’s website.
Stream the ceremony online at: www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-veterans-day-2020
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FITCHBURG
Fitchburg Access Television (FATV)
Virtual Veterans Day Ceremony, 11:00am
A livestreamed broadcast available online and your television!
If you reside in Fitchburg and have cable, watch on Comcast Channel 99 and Verizon Channel 37.
To view the broadcast online, visit live.Fatv.org and click on the ‘Government Live Stream’ button.
LEOMINSTER
The City of Leominster and Leominster Veterans’ Services
Veterans Day Presentation, 11:00am
Due to the Governor of Massachusetts’ recent orders, in person attendees will be limited to staff, the Mayor, award recipients and a select few key participants. The ceremony can be watched on Leominster Access Television.
If you reside in Leominster and have cable, watch on Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 34.
To view the broadcast online, visit Leominster.tv and watch at 11:00am.
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WORCESTER
Veterans Inc. presents:
Veterans’ Day Car Parade and Pancake Breakfast-To-Go!
Decorate your car in a patriotic theme and celebrate our veterans!
Schedule:
- 10:00am – Line up at Percy’s Appliance (19 Glennie Street, Worcester, MA)
- 10:30am – Parade Begins
- 11:00am – Parade Ends at Green Hill Park where there will be a WWI Memorial Unveiling
*COVID-19 guidelines will be enforced and participants must remain in their vehicle at all times. Limited numbers, so register today!
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STURBRIDGE
Old Sturbridge Village
Veterans’ Day Activities at The Village, 9:30am-4:00pm
Cost: All active, veteran and retired members of the military and their families* receive free admission on Veterans Day. (*up to 6 people). For non-military guests, Veterans Day activities are included with standard daytime admission or Village membership; Please make sure to reserve/purchase tickets before arriving!
Photo courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village
To celebrate Veterans Day, Old Sturbridge Village will present special activities celebrating the nation’s military history. Listen to fife and drum music, watch musket and cannon demonstrations, and see how American military uniforms have changed over the past 200 years.
(Weather conditions could impact where and how certain activities take place. Visitors are expected to follow COVID-19 guidelines, including wearing masks when interacting with staff and other guests.)
Happy Veteran’s Day!
