August 2020 - Concord, MA
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SENIOR SPIRIT
NEWSLETTER OF THE CONCORD COUNCIL ON AGING
August 2020
Ice Cream Truck at the COA!!
Thursday, August 20th at 2:00 PM
Summer is just not summer without the COA Ice Cream Social! Since the Center is still not open to the public,
we have decided on the next best thing – we are getting an Ice Cream Truck! On Thursday, August 20th at 2:00
the Ice Cream Truck will be parked in the COA parking lot. You have the opportunity to get a delicious novelty
ice cream from the truck free of charge! Reservations are required, please call the COA to secure your treat!
This will be a drive-through event. You will drive into the COA parking lot, select your treat from four options
and COA staff will collect it from the truck for you. We ask you to please not get out of your car or park in the lot
to eat your ice cream. You must take the ice cream with you. This event is free of charge thanks to the proceeds
generated by Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop.
Full House?
Decluttering Presentation via Zoom
Monday, August 10th at 3:00 PM
Is spending time at home the retreat you imaged it would be? Or perhaps, like many of us, this extra time at
home has given you the chance to look around and notice all the extra “stuff” you have that you don’t really
need. Whether its time to downsize for a future move or you are looking to declutter to make space in the home
you have, there are tips and tricks you can apply to make the job easier. Join Assistant Director Lauren Barretta
for a virtual presentation on why we hold on to clutter and how you can start taking steps to tackle it. Please call
the COA to sign up or email Lauren at lbarretta@concordma.gov to receive an invitation to the presentation via
Zoom. Downsizing and decluttering can be hard, but the result of a more spacious and organized home can be
liberating. The COA will also be offering a 15-week decluttering workshop for those that want to take the plunge
and really make a dent in their decluttering efforts. Look for more information about the workshop on page 7 of
this newsletter.
Grab-And-Go Lunches on Wednesdays!!
Wednesdays, August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th
Wednesday Lunch re-invented! Stop by the COA for a Grab-and-Go boxed lunch, now available for pick-up at
the COA on Wednesdays between 11:45 AM and 12:15 PM. Meals are provided by Minuteman Senior Service’s
new caterers and cost $2 each. We will have drive-through pay and pick-up areas at the main entrance of the
Harvey Wheeler Community Center parking lot. We ask that you wear a mask and stay in your car. Staff will
assist you. Please call the COA at 978-318-3020 to reserve your lunches for August.
Wednesday, August 5th – Hoagie sandwich with a variety of meat and cheese, dessert, milk
Wednesday, August 12th – Egg salad, quinoa with roasted veggies, tropical fruit, bread, milk
Wednesday, August 19th – Chicken with peach salsa, Israeli cous cous salad, dessert, bread, milk
Wednesday, August 26th – Sliced turkey, quinoa w/roasted veggies, cucumbers, dessert, bread, milk
Concord Council on Aging - Telephone: 978-318-3020
Reservations accepted beginning Monday, August 3rd.
page 2 Senior Spirit August 2020
VOLUNTEER NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
The COA Volunteer and Public Relations Coordinator position is funded in part
by the Concord Carlisle Community Chest – thank you.
We’ve had to take a break from activity, but we don’t want to take a break from
you. Volunteers help keep the COA running so we can offer you a wide variety of
programs and activities. As we now think more creatively and non-contact-ly, we
are not surprised to realize just how integral our volunteers are to our cause.
Whether you helped out on Wednesdays at lunch, manned the gift shop, greeted
visitors, took blood pressure readings, found artists to hang their work in our
hallways, or met with the students from Concord Carousel Preschool, we valued
your time then and we will value it again. We ask that you keep in mind all that
you gave to the COA and, when we are able to open again, we’d love you to plop
back in right where you left off! We can’t wait to see you
AND IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO SALUTE OUR VOLUNTEERS: We were unable
to host our Annual Volunteer Luncheon in June and we are presently unable to re-
schedule. But we still want to thank and salute you so on Thursday, September 10th
(RAIN DATE: Tuesday, Sept. 15th) join us for a ‘ROLL BY PICK UP’ goody bag of
thanks. Some of the COA staff will be on hand to say hello, too. This is an invitation
only event and invitations will be emailed or (mailed out if you do not use email) by
the end of August with details for participation.
CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU MORE? Connections are vital at this time. We want to connect
with you more frequently! We plan to send out a mid-month, one sheet newsy note. If you have
email, you can receive it that way. If you don’t use email, we will send you robocall or text updates.
(Please note we are not able to mail out hard copies.) This update will be just that: update with
COA offerings, newsy notes, pertinent information, fun. What else might you like to see or read?
This is a “opt- in” offering, so please call the COA to let us know if you would like to start receiving more regular
updates, by calling the COA.
AUGUST …
“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” - William Shakespeare
"If the first week in August is unusually warm, the coming winter will be snowy
and long." (unknown)
The birthstones for August are the peridot and the sardonyx.
The zodiac signs for August are Leo and Virgo
August in the Northern Hemisphere is similar to February in the Southern
Hemisphere.
August’s flower is the gladiolus, discovered in Africa in the 17th-18th centuries.
On August 24th in the year 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted. The cities of
Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae were buried in volcanic ash.
Helping you through your
next home transition, every
step of the way.
Carrie Hines Nancy Allam
M 978.505.1678 M 978.505.8865
eliterealtygroup@compass.com
August 2020 Senior Spirit page 3
3
SENIOR TAX EXEMPTION VOTE AT TOWN MEETING
Concord’s senior means-tested property tax exemption
has been in effect since 2019. As you may know, it is
available to senior homeowners with modest incomes, no
more than $60,000 for a single owner or $90,000 for joint
owners. During the past year 49 taxpayers received
exemptions between $2,000 and $5000.
However, the Massachusetts’ local option law that allows
Concord’s exemption contains a three year “sunset”
provision. To keep it in effect, Concord Town Meeting will
vote to request the state Legislature to make the Concord
law permanent. That is what Article 15 in this year’s Town
Meeting warrant does.
Because of Covid-19, Concord’s Town Meeting has been
postponed until Sunday, September 13th. It will be held
outdoors, with safe distancing, on the field above the high
school.
News from the World
A study by the American Psychological Association in
2017 found that 95 per cent of adults in the US claimed
to follow the news regularly. However, the survey also
found that 56 per cent for those following the news felt
that it caused them stress. Author Timothy Ferris argues
that “most information is time-consuming, negative,
irrelevant to your goals and outside your influence.”
Stepping back from the regular news can also offer the
possibility of learning further about a few, select issues
that interest you. So if you are looking to “go deeper” here
are just two examples of sites that give an in-depth look
at some of today’s issues:
Positive News is a magazine dedicated to
constructive journalism where the focus is on
progress, possibilities and solutions.
We have special
www.positive.news
The Conversation is a not-for-profit website, with
bases in several countries, whose articles are written
Advertising Space
by academics and researchers. Its aim is to further
better understanding of current affairs and complex just for you.
issues. www.theconversation.com
CALL TODAY!
978-392-1302
Dee Funeral & Cremation Service
142 YearsService
Caring of Caring Service Since
to Families to Families
1868
Charles W. Dee Susan M. Dee
www.deefuneralhome.com 978.369.2030 800.942.1868
page 4 Senior Spirit August 2020
5
OUTREACH/SOCIAL SERVICES & HEALTH & WELLNESS
A portion of the COA Outreach staffing is funded by the Concord Carlisle Community Chest.
Hearing Impaired Support Group Via ZOOM
Tuesdays, August 11th and 25th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
The hearing-impaired support group, facilitated by Bob Andrews, provides an opportunity
for people with diminished hearing to share and discuss the impact that hearing problems
have on their lives. If you have not participated in this group before please contact the
COA office at 978-318-3020 to sign up.
Caregivers’ Support Group Via ZOOM
Tuesday, August 25th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
This month the Caregivers’ Support Group will meet Tuesday, August 25th at 9:30 AM via Zoom. This
group is designed for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Join a group
of peers to share experiences and gain support. This group is facilitated by COA Social Service
Supervisor Nicole Saia. If you have not participated in this group before, please contact Nicole by
emailing nsaia@concordma.gov.
Sun & Heat Safety Review Via ZOOM
Tuesday, August 11th at 2:00 PM
Please join Geriatric Health Nurse Valerie Boggia on Tuesday August 11th at
2:00 PM for a Listen & Learn on Sun & Heat Protection. The sun can affect
your health all year round, and prevention is key to remaining healthy and
safe. An overview of the following will be presented: What are heat syncope,
heat exhaustion and heat stroke, sun protection & safety related to eye health,
medications, and hydration. There will be plenty of time for your questions and
concerns. Please call the COA to sign up and to receive your ZOOM invitation.
Eating Healthy during the Coronavirus Pandemic Via ZOOM
Tuesday, August 18th at 2:00 PM
Please join Denise Mercury, the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist from Minuteman
Senior Services for a Listen & Learn on Pandemic Nutrition, Tuesday, August 18th
at 2:00 PM. Denise will be talking about healthy eating during the Coronavirus
Pandemic. Remaining healthy is important during this time and good nutrition is a
key factor to staying healthy. Denise will provide you with tips for planning,
shopping and cooking healthy meals during this challenging time. There will be
time to discuss your concerns and questions at the end of the ZOOM
session. Please call the COA to sign up and to receive your ZOOM Invitation.
Durable Medical Equipment
We are now accepting returns of durable medical equipment Mondays through Thursday
between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM. We are loaning sanitized equipment out by appointment only.
Please call the COA at 978-318-3020 to make arrangements.
Our Residents are a lot of things We are a community of seniors living with
vibrancy, dignity, engagement and fun.
• Involved
• Vibrant Tour The Commons in Lincoln and discover our
activities, volunteer opportunities and available
• Interested
programs.
• Educated
Retired
isn’t one of them. The
Commons
IN LINCOLN
A Benchmark Signature Living Community
August 2020 Senior Spirit page 5
6
Movies & More!
Minuteman Media Network – Local Access Cable Television
Tune in to Concord’s local access Cable TV, Minuteman Media Network, on Comcast
Channel 8. They will be airing “Public Domain Films.” on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00
PM to 11:00 PM, with repeats on Sundays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Also, they are
showing a “Story Hour” each Wednesday at 7:00 PM that features a reading of one or
several short stories by famous authors, produced by the Barrow Bookstore – a re-run of
Wednesday’s program airs the following Saturday at 7:00 PM. Minuteman Media Network
is also running videos of some of your favorite COA programs from 2019. For more
scheduling information please go to https://concordma.gov/2339/TV-Schedule.
Men’s Meeting Via ZOOM
Every Monday from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
The Monday Men’s Meeting is convening on Zoom. This is an informal
group of men that chat, drink coffee together and enjoy each other’s
company. Join the Zoom Men’s Meeting on your computer or by
smart phone or landline if you don’t have computer access, and you
will have the opportunity to participate from your own living room. New
members are welcome. Please call the COA office to sign up to get a Zoom invitation to the meeting.
Coffee and Conversation Via ZOOM
Tuesdays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
Coffee and Conversation is meeting on ZOOM. This is a friendly group of men and
women that get together weekly to have lively conversation about “anything and
everything”. Grab yourself a cup of coffee and join Coffee and Conversation on your
computer, tablet or smart phone… or even by landline if you don’t have computer
access! This group is limited to already enrolled members. Please call the COA office
with any questions and to get a Zoom invitation to the meeting.
Public Policy Discussion Group – Via ZOOM
Fridays from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Join us as we decide how the world should run in this friendly welcoming group! We meet weekly
on Fridays at 11:00 AM to talk about everything from healthcare, the environment and nuclear power
to the criminal justice system. If you are interested in joining this group, or have questions, please
call the COA or email Lauren at LBarretta@concordma.gov.
Intermediate French Lessons – Tailored to your needs!
Join experienced French teacher Kristen Cooley for remote French lessons tailored to your needs either via
ZOOM or telephone conference. All learning materials will be provided by email. Each class is $15 paid by check
directly to the instructor at the end of the month. If you are new to French classes and would like to join either a
beginner or intermediate French class, please call the COA at 978-318-3020 to sign up.page 6 Senior Spirit August 2020
Aerobics via ZOOM
Mondays & Thursdays, August 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th and 17th at 9:30 AM
Join Julie Medjanis for her Monday and Thursday Aerobics class starting at 9:30 AM via Zoom. Classes are $5
each, paid by check at the end of the month. Please make your checks out to Julie Medjanis, and send to her
directly according to her instructions. Please call the COA to sign up!
Strength & Flex via ZOOM
Mondays & Thursdays, August 3rd, 6th, 10th, 13th and 17that 11:00 AM
Join Julie Medjanis for her Monday and Thursday classes Strength and Flex class starting at 11:00 AM via Zoom.
Classes are $5 each, paid by check at the end of the month. Please make your checks out to Julie Medjanis,
and send to her directly according to her instructions. Please call the COA to sign up!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What would you like to ZOOM?
Though virtual classes and Zoom meetings are definitely second best to meeting in person, we are still taking
every precaution possible to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. It is likely we will not be
open to the public for our “pre-pandemic” schedule until much later, so in the meantime, what would you like us
to organize? Are you interested in learning a language? Or getting together over Zoom to work on a craft project?
Would you like to see more presenters or musical entertainment? We are here to help you get through this! Let
us know what you would like to see by calling the COA office with your ideas and suggestions.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SUMMER IS A GREAT TIME TO START WALKING
WALKING SAFETY TIPS for SENIORS ON THE GO
Are you new to exercise? Here are some important safety tips before you start your summer walking program.
1. Always check with your doctor before starting so you won’t overdo it, especially if you are a beginner.
2. Wear appropriate, comfortable shoes but make sure that they have both stability and the cushioning
needed for walking.
3. Find a buddy, if possible. Walking with someone will make the time more enjoyable. More importantly,
there is safety in numbers. BUT don’t forget your masks and to distance from each other.
4. Wear light colored clothing – especially if you are walking in the early morning or evening.
5. Walk facing the traffic; rules of the road say that you should walk against the traffic. Ideally - try to do
your walking where there are sidewalks.
6. It is beneficial to vary your route for safety as well as enjoyment. You will experience different
surroundings and avoid boredom.
7. Beware of drivers. Remember that most drivers are watching for oncoming cars, not walkers.
8. Always pay attention to your surroundings. Watch for bike riders, cracks or bumps in the pavement, or
any other hazards in your path.
WHAT TO BRING
A cell phone, a walking stick, an umbrella, If you have a dog, bring it along for companionship. Always bring your
I.D.
WHAT NOT TO BRING
Do NOT wear headphones - they may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or a person who is behind you.
G. Mitchell Eckel, III, J.D., LL.M.
Christine M. Morgan, J.D., LL.M.
Kathleen M. O’Connor, J.D., LL.M.
Margaret A. Hoag, J.D.
Beth E. Warach, J.D., M.S.S.A., LL.M.
Estate Planning · Elder Law · Long Term Care · Medicaid
Guardianship · Conservatorship · Estate, Probate, and
Trust Administration · Corporate · Business Succession
Non-Profits · Tax Law · Real Estate
ACTON, MA www.eckel-law.com 978-266-0101August 2020 Senior Spirit page 7
Take a Hike!
At One of Concord’s Natural Resources
The Town of Concord has a wealth of natural resources. Starting in August the Concord COA Newsletter
will highlight one of Concord’s beautiful nature trails every month. Although we aren’t organizing group
walks at this time, you will enjoy these suggested walks that meander through some of Concord’s most
beautiful scenic areas. This month it’s The Reformatory Branch Trail, which was originally a railroad right
of way of the Middlesex Central Railroad which opened in 1873 running from Lexington to Bedford and
Concord. The rail bed extends from Lowell Road, Concord to Route 62 (Concord Road) in Bedford.
Parking at the start of the trail is at the Concord Water Department on Keyes Rd. The trail begins at Lowell
Road opposite the Keyes Road intersection. It crosses the Mill Brook to reach the Mill Brook Way
Conservation Land sign. From here the trail follows the railroad bed,
crossing Monument Street and continues along a series of cuts and fills,
eventually passing along Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and
ending at Concord Road in Bedford. Walking time is 45 minutes for the
whole distance, but you can make it as long or short as you like. There
are side trails going to the Old North Bridge, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery,
and Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Please
see concordma.gov/734/Trail-Maps-Guides for other point of access to
the Reformatory Branch Trail as well as information about parking, trail
facts and maps.
TEDTalk and Discussion Via ZOOM
“The Trials, Tribulations and Timeline of a COVID-19 Vaccine”
Speaker: Jerome Kim, MD
Thursday, August 20th at 1:00 PM
Worldwide, people are eagerly awaiting the successful development and
distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine in expectation that, with a vaccine, we
can get back to life as we knew it. Developing a vaccine usually takes five
to 10 years, and costs about a billion dollars. Under the pressure of the
coronavirus pandemic, scientists are being asked to speed that timeline up to
12 to 18 months, says Jerome Kim, Director General of the International
Vaccine Institute. How are things going? Kim updates us on the varied field of
vaccine candidates and discusses the challenges of making sure the one that
works gets distributed to the whole world. Come join this TEDTalk on ZOOM and learn about the quest to get
a vaccine for Covid-19. There will be a discussion following the TEDTalk led by Tina Close, COA Activity
Coordinator. Please call the COA office 978-318-3020 to sign up to receive a ZOOM invitation.
“Buried in Treasures” – Changing Cluttering Behaviors
Mondays, August 17th through December 14th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
For those of us that have homes filled to the brim and are having difficulty
parting with treasured possessions, the COA is offering a 15-week skills training
workshop and peer support group via ZOOM. Research has shown that
working through the book “Buried in Treasures” by Tolin, Steketee and Frost in
a structured group is one of the most effective ways of addressing excessive
clutter and compulsive acquiring behaviors. The benefits of owning less are far
greater than just a clean home. They include focus, freedom, and more peace
in your life. This is a FREE group for seniors that identify themselves as having
excessive clutter. There is no charge for the program but you are expected to
purchase a copy of the book “Buried in Treasures.” To register please call the
main number, 978-318-3020, and for more information ask for Lauren Barretta.
We need a minimum of 18 participants to run this program. Priority will be given
to those who have not taken the class before.Town of Concord PRSRT STD
Council on Aging U.S. Postage Paid
1276 Main Street Permit No. 51
Concord, MA 01742
(Label)
Concord Council on Aging Staff
1276 Main Street, Concord MA 01742
Telephone (978) 318-3020
Ginger Quarles, Director Nicole Saia, Social Service Supervisor
Lauren Barretta, Assistant Director Joyce McSweeney, Outreach Coordinator
Valerie Boggia, Geriatric Health Nurse Vikki Jacobson, Volunteer & PR Coordinator
Tina Close, Activity Coordinator Dave Barry, Van Driver
Claudia Curran, Administrative Assistant John Goshdigian, Van Driver
Laurie Austin Santry, Administrative Assistant David Siskind, Van Driver
Chris Choate, Custodian Don McKinney, Van Driver
John Zonfrelli, Van DriverYou can also read
