| August 27, 2024 | Issue 36 |
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Dear COA Directors and Staff, As we gather to celebrate Labor Day, a time to honor the dedication and hard work that each of you brings to our communities, we also step into September, the heart of Senior Center Month. This month is a special opportunity to reflect on the vital role our Senior Centers play in building strong, connected communities.
Your efforts to combat loneliness and isolation among older adults are truly remarkable. Every outreach program, every warm meal shared, and every moment of companionship offered makes a profound difference in the lives of those we serve. By fostering these connections, you help create a sense of belonging and purpose, reminding everyone that they are a valued part of our community.
Economic security and outreach are also pillars of the work you do, ensuring that our older adults have access to the resources they need to live with dignity and independence. Your tireless commitment to these efforts is a testament to the compassion and care that define our COA teams.
This Labor Day and throughout Senior Center Month, let's celebrate the incredible impact of your work. Together, we continue to build communities where older adults can thrive, surrounded by support and friendship.
With heartfelt appreciation, Betsy, Maddie, Kelly, Hayley, Tara, Andrea, Paula, Donna and Lisa |
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DFM Survey
MCOA is seeking to gain a deeper understanding of dementia-friendly work that is happening across the state and how we can best support your efforts moving forward. We invite you will take a few minutes to let us know how you’re doing with dementia-friendly work in your community and how MCOA can best assist you. The survey link will be active until September 30, 2024.
Please click the following link to access the survey: https://mcoaonline.org/dfm-survey/ If you are interested in becoming a designated Dementia Friendly Massachusetts community or have any questions on the process, please reach out to Maddie Noonan at madeline@mcoaonline.org/413-326-6479 or Hayley Wood hayley@mcoaonline.org/413-923-1939. Thank you! MCOA |
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Get ready to ride the wave of excitement at the MCOA Fall Conference!
We’re thrilled to announce our Conference Tracks & Workshops—packed with innovative ideas, expert speakers, and hands-on sessions that you won’t want to miss. Whether you're diving into MySeniorCenter training or exploring AARP’s latest offerings, there's something for everyone.
📅 Don’t miss the boat—this year, we’re taking it to the next level at the stunning Sea Crest Beach Hotel & Resort in Falmouth, MA. It’s the perfect blend of learning and leisure, right by the ocean!
💙 A huge thank you to Platinum Sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts for supporting the Fall Conference and enabling year-long professional development opportunities for our members. Your partnership helps us make a real difference!
👉 Sign up now and secure your spot at the premier conference for Council on Aging professionals:
Let’s make waves together! 🌟 |
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EDUCATION & TRAINING | Behavioral Health |
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In-Person Behavioral Health Training The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) and McLean Hospital, a leader in mental health, are proud to offer an in-person behavioral health training program designed for professionals working with older adults.
This in-person training is being offered in response to the overwhelming demand for behavioral health resources, as identified as the #1 topic of interest in MCOA's Training and Education survey.
This will be the first of three trainings. Learn more about it by attending the September Membership Meeting!
Don't miss this valuable in-person opportunity to enhance your knowledge and better serve your clients.
Click here to pre-register today at a location near you!
Space is limited. Secure your spot now! |
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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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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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| 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 Communication Hub.
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 links below.
MyMCOA Infohub Training - Wednesday, September 4th, 11:30 AM | Register
- Thursday September 12th, 2:30 PM | Register
- Wednesday, September 18th, 11:30 AM | Register
Already have an Infohub account? Watch the Video trainings |
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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 Questions? Contact: Alicia Smith, Program & Volunteer Coordinator, East Longmeadow, alicia.smith@eastlongmeadowma.gov |
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In collaboration with community partners, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs is in the process of collecting community feedback. We want to capture your ideas on how to strengthen Massachusetts’ age- and dementia-friendly actions and uncover new opportunities to meet the challenges of the future. Your feedback will be used to update and refresh the Age-Friendly Massachusetts Action Plan. The Plan will serve as the state’s strategy and commitment to make the Commonwealth more age- and dementia-friendly over the next 5-10 years (explore the previous plan here). Feedback will be collected through the September 30, 2024. Please share this with your networks. Click the button below to share your feedback today! |
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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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We are thrilled to announce that the office of Governor Maura Healey has officially proclaimed September 28, 2024, “Good Neighbor Day” across the Commonwealth. As the proclamation notes, “all residents are encouraged to join in this celebration by reaching out to their neighbors, extending acts of kindness and goodwill, and fostering strong bonds within our communities.” Please see the attached news release for more information. In honor of this important day, the Massachusetts Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness has launched a movement to encourage communities to connect, and build a culture of kindness, caring, and respect. For a Good Neighbor Day of Action Toolkit, along with a reporting form to share community plans with the Coalition, visit our website here. If you have any questions, please contact Innessa Manning at manninin@bc.edu |
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Economic Security & Outreach |
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It's Time to Think about the Senior and Veterans Tax Work Off Program for 2025!
Does your community offer Senior Citizens' and/or Veterans' Tax Work Off Programs?
If not, perhaps you'd like to advocate for them, as they offer property tax abatements of up to $2,000 for people over 60 and up to $1,500 for Veterans. These programs provide an opportunity to define and get assistance with part-time jobs in your Senior Center!
Learn more by checking out the Economic Security & Outreach blog! |
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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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The Healthy Aging blog update reminds you to submit your ActiveAgers data, learn recent food insecurity data and access important tools for upcoming awareness weeks. |
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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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