| August 20, 2024 | Issue 35 |
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Hey Councils on Aging staff and aging network professionals, it's time to register for an event that will empower, inspire, and connect you with like-minded peers! The MCOA Fall Conference is coming, and we can't wait to see you there! 🎉
Why You Should Attend: - 🌟 Engaging Workshops: Learn new strategies and reignite your passion.
- 🤝 Networking Opportunities: Connect with colleagues and share best practices.
- 🎤 Inspiring Speakers: Make a remarkable impact in the lives of older adults.
Special Keynote: Carrie Stack, M.Ed. 🌟 Join Carrie Stack, M.Ed., a Certified Life Coach and motivational speaker, for her keynote, "It Starts with Us: Celebrating the MCOA Community." Celebrate your successes and embrace the energy of our community. Learn more at sayyesinstitute.com.
Workshop: Building Strong Teams 💪 Gain concrete skills for building effective, trustful teams in Carrie's workshop, "Building Strong Teams: Supporting Trust and Ownership." Elevate your team's performance and collaboration.
Highlights to Look Forward To: - 📲 Conference App & Website: Stay in the loop with our dedicated app and website.
- 🍪 Refreshment Breaks: Recharge and connect with fellow attendees.
- 🎟️ Amazing Exhibitors: Discover the latest products and services for older adults.
Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor: McLean Hospital 🏆 A huge thank you to McLean Hospital for their incredible support! Check out their free webinars at McLean Webinars.
Let’s come together to create a brighter future for our aging community. See you there! 🌟 |
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The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is now accepting nominations for our annual awards! |
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These awards honor individuals, groups, and programs that have significantly impacted the lives of older adults. Categories include “Director of the Year” and “Innovation of the Year.”
Join us in celebrating the champions of our older adult community.
Nominate someone today and help us honor their exceptional work and dedication! We are accepting nominations from municipal employees, including COA Board members, staff, and municipal leadership.
Awards will be presented at the Fall Conference, October 23-25 at the beautiful Sea Crest Resort in Falmouth.
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Agenda 10:00 Welcome Emily Shea, MCOA Board Chair 10:05 Art Pharmacy Adrienne Hundley, Head of Community Strategy 10:50 MCOA New Training Series Andrea Cordis, Training and Education Manager 11:00 MCOA & McLean: An Introduction to Behavioral Health Training for Councils on Aging Ipsit V. Vahia, MD Interim Chief, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Director of Digital Psychiatry Translation, Director, Technology and Aging Lab McLean Hospital Marie Clouqueur, LICSW, Therapist and Geriatric Case Manager 11:45 Business Meeting Betsy Connell, MCOA Executive Director Legislative Updates Vote – Board and Regional Reps 12:00* Please note the Advisory Council will meet from 12:00 – 12:30 pm
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| Get Connected with MyMCOA InfoHub
Your new members-only portal is here to revolutionize your MCOA experience. With MyMCOA InfoHub, connecting with fellow MCOA members, registering for events, and managing your membership has never been easier. |
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COA Directors & Staff Join us for a brief tour & training of the new MyMCOA resources.
Don't Miss the Boat to a new port for a centralized MyMCOA experience! Learn how to add staff, register for events, engage on the new discussion boards, create a Public Directory listing and submit a open position to the Job Board and more!
MCOA Members can register through MyMCOA Infohub or at the direct ZOOM links below.
MyMCOA Infohub Training Thursday, August 22nd, 11:00 AM | Register |
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NEW : COA Program and Volunteer Coordinators Virtual Share Sessions |
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Join your Council on Aging peers for virtual, bi-monthly share sessions where program ideas and volunteer organization tips will be shared and duplicated.
For the first session on September 11th, come ready to tell us about one program or event you are looking forward to hosting later this year.
Topic: Program & Volunteer Share Session Time: Sep 11, 2024 02:00 PM
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“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood; a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine; could you be mine? “ -Fred Rogers |
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Good Neighbor Day of Action: Strengthening our social health
Date: September 28th, 2024 Event: Good Neighbor Day of Action Purpose: Building stronger, more connected, communities
Details: The Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness in MA proudly recognizes September 28th, 2024, as Good Neighbor Day of Action. This day serves as a catalyst for forging longer term connections and improving social health in our communities. Loneliness affects many people throughout the Commonwealth, and by organizing local activities, we can make a positive impact by strengthening local community ties.
We invite Councils of Aging throughout the state to join with others to participate in our initiative.
Activity ideas include: - Multi-Generation Dinner Party or Luncheon: Bring people of different ages together over a shared meal.
- Community Block Party: Organize a neighborhood gathering with music, games, and food.
- Group Volunteer Activity: Collaborate on a community service project.
- Community Art Project: Unleash creativity and express community spirit through art.
- Bowling Together: Enjoy a fun bowling session with fellow community members.
- Group Walk: Explore the neighborhood together and connect with others.
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For more details and access to our toolkit, visit ENDLONELINESSMA.COM/GND2024.
If you have questions or would like to discuss planning and/or additional ideas, please reach out to Innessa Manning at manninin@bc.edu.
Let’s build stronger communities together! |
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Economic Security & Outreach |
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Homelessness Prevention through the MA Statewide Hoarding Taskforce
The MA Association of Mental Health (MAMH) received a two-year grant from the Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds that will enable the MA Hoarding Resource Network to focus on stabilizing housing and strengthening eviction prevention for people living with hoarding disorder. Read more about it and how you can be involved on the Economic Security & Outreach blog.
Cassie Cramer from MAMH, who is coordinating this statewide project, will conduct a listening session for the Thursday, September 12 Outreach Zoom Meeting.
Come share your hard won insights on this issue! |
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Four Quick Healthy Aging Updates
How do you participate in ActiveAgers? Learn what you need to do and how to do it. Action Alert for OAA Reauthorization Act of 2024! Help lift up our voices to avoid cuts. Become a SNAP Community Partner! Get reimbursed for the work you are doing. SNAP Restaurant Meals Program Pilot Find and visit your local program.
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The Spring Symposium session proved the continued interest in establishing and improving local dining programs. Let's jump back in with one meeting before our session at the fall conference. |
| Dining Programs Discussion Group
August's meeting will focus on meeting structure and frequency, reviewing available and needed resources and where to find them.
Let Tara (tara@mcoaonline.com) know if you are interested but unable to attend.
REGISTER on the MYMCOA Infohub!
(Infohub Account required) |
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A Collective Approach to Wellness
ActiveAgers is more than just a fitness program; it is a collective movement that recognizes and rewards participation, welcomes individuals of all abilities, and celebrates the efforts of COAs and their participants.
The initiative is built on the existing work of COAs, enhancing and expanding their physical activity offerings. |
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Falls Prevention Awareness Week ToolkitFalls among older adults continue to be a national public health concern. Join NCOA Sept. 23-27, 2024, for Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a nationwide observance with state coalitions and partners to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling.
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Looking for a new career opportunity? |
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-Resources & Information you can Share- Follow MCOA on our Social Channels |
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