MCOA Aging Matters News

August 13, 2024 | Issue 34

The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is now accepting nominations for our annual awards!

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.

Registration is Now Open for the MCOA Fall Conference! 🍂✨

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! 🌟

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

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

TODAY! Tuesday, August 13th, 10:00 AM | Register

Thursday, August 22nd, 11:00 AM | Register

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood; a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine; could you be mine? “ -Fred Rogers

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.
• 

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!

Starting a new Memory Cafe? 

Whether you have a SIG grant or are starting a cafe with another source of funds, join us! Beth Soltzberg from the JF&CS Memory Cafe Percolator (www.jfcsboston.org/Percolator) and the EMC2 Memory Cafe national strategic planning initiative (www.emc2project.org) will answer your questions and facilitate sharing of ideas for those launching or revitalizing a memory cafe.

Before attending: please download and look through the free Memory Cafe Toolkit at www.jfcsboston.org/MemoryCafeToolkit 

Date: Wednesday, August 14, 1pm - 2pm on Zoom.

Registration required by August 13

Economic Security & Outreach

Cooling Centers

It's the time of year for heat advisories and difficult days for people without the luxury of air conditioning in their homes. Many Senior Centers in Massachusetts offer Cooling Center services for designated hours during heat waves. Is your Center one of them? Read some ideas for keeping your guests comfortable on the Economic Security & Outreach blog.

Healthy Aging

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. 

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.

Falls Prevention Awareness Week Toolkit

Falls 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.

Discover the joy of meaningful connections and a supportive community at Outstanding Life.

A Virtual Community of LGBTQ+ Older Adults

• Make Genuine Connections: Engage with like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions.
• Reduce Social Isolation: Become part of a community that values and supports each other.
• Inclusive & Accepting: Embrace diversity in a welcoming environment where everyone is respected.
• Interactive Events: Participate in a variety of events designed to foster relationships and personal growth.
• Resources & Support: Access a wealth of information and resources to enhance your quality of life.

Learn more about programming, resources and events @ OutstandingLife.org

Looking for a new career opportunity?

DEADLINE THIS WEEK!

Program Manager Consultant for the 50+ Job Seekers MA Statewide Networking Group

MCOA is seeking a part-time, contract-based Program Manager Consultant for its 50+ Job Seekers in MA program, which offers multiple online and in-person workshops and networking opportunities throughout the year. This is a remote position that requires occasional in-person event and meeting attendance; applicants must live in Massachusetts.

Hours: 28 hours per week; flexible, independent work schedule. Billable hours not to exceed 114 per month.

Specialized skills: Human Resources professionals and those familiar with state employment service programs (i.e. MassHire) are a particularly strong fit for this position.

Application Deadline, August 16, 2024

Learn more and application instructions >>

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