NEW GENERATION MAYNARD COUNCIL ON AGING & SENIOR CENTER 50 BROWN ST., MAYNARD, MA 01754 978-897-1009
MARCH 2021 Turning the Corner We’ve been on this long road of the pandemic for a year now. There have been many bumps along the way, and the statistics and personal stories tell us how rough the road has been. We’re still a ways from the end, but I can’t help but feel a tinge of impatience for what’s around the bend as the vaccine rolls-out and society anticipates re-opening. While the uncertainties imposed by the pandemic are disheartening, I’m attempting to recognize the not-yet determined silver-linings and lessons learned from our shared experience. The community has adapted in ways we should all be proud of, including embracing outdoor dining, highly successful and productive online and remote public meetings, holding multiple outdoor Town Meetings, and even recognizing our home-town amenities and supporting the local economy, such as the opening of Market Basket. There are ways that Town Hall is turning the corner that may not be immediately apparent to the general public, including receiving the offi cial state-approval to re-name the Board of Selectmen to Select Board, new staff hiring from retirements in town departments, and the return of Assistant Town Administrator Megan Zammuto from maternity leave (please welcome new resident Winnie!). On a personal note, my wife and I adore our daughter’s turning her childhood’s corner as we register her for kindergarten in the fall, which comes with a mixture of excitement and curiosity for how the pandemic will infl uence the next academic year.
As we all look forward to “turning the corner”, please help support efforts to make it on the other side of the pandemic stronger than we were, and together, in Maynard, including local businesses (many new ones!), non-profi ts like Open Table and the Maynard Food Pantry and the Neighbor Brigade, and public bodies like the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee (celebrating Maynard’s 150th anniversary).
Thank you for doing your part for public health and safety, including wearing masks, practicing personal hygiene, following social distancing directives, and respecting everyone else’s sensitivities and anxieties. Please be safe and cautious in your daily activities and encourage your peers to do the same. Keep your ears and eyes open to further public health directions, and to news and offerings from the Council on Aging.
Please visit the town website www.townofmaynard-ma.gov and click the below image. This page highlights Town Hall updates, daily updates of positive COVID-10 cases in Maynard, Massachusetts response, resources for businesses, and health and safety practices. You can also fi nd a link to subscribe to the Town’s newsletter.
In an attempt to distract from the state of the world: Remember that I would include pictures of unique aspects of Maynard from time to time? Do you know where to fi nd this month’s?
Sincerely, Greg Johnson Town Administrator [email protected]
2 MARCH 2021 Together Though Apart
As I write this my back door is wide open, the temperature may reach fi fty degrees and Carolina wrens, titmice and cardinals are singing bouncy, excited songs. The sun is breaking out, the snow “mountains” around my house are melting and the path to the heated bird bath is becoming visible. Last spring, as the pandemic accelerated, life as we once knew it seemed to shut down. With the deafening quiet from no planes in the sky and traffi c in our streets, people around the world suddenly were exposed to the sounds of birdsong surrounding them. Many were astonished to discover that each April and May, bird migration brings with it a symphony of species establishing territories and seeking mates. Watching birds from newly created in-home offi ces and schools became a beautiful distraction from unsettling times and antidote to social isolation. Birds migrate thousands of miles through inclement weather, with many not surviving, to reach the prospect of food they need to raise their young. This year spring bird migration arrives with hope that the vaccine will allow us to visit the loved ones we have missed and a clearer understanding of how mask wearing is critical to our ability to safely socialize. I would like to thank Maynard Girl Scout Troop 62472 for the delightful Valentine cards and teddy bears that brightened some lucky seniors’ days. There is nothing quite as special as handmade cards. The girls demonstrated their artistic skills and playful sides which were enjoyed by all. The Maynard Police Department is to be commended for their service to Maynard’s seniors. Over the last year they were available to pick up and deliver prescriptions during the stay-at-home order and continue to be available assist. They will be offering rides to vaccination appointments for residents 65-years-old and older to Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park, and the Natick Mall. Please contact the Police Station at (978) 897-1011 or (978) 897-1012. Please call the Council on Aging if you need support in any way. If you would like to learn how to use Zoom and other similar technology, we will try our hardest to fi nd you resources to assist you, including devices like iPads and Chromebooks. If you would like to connect with someone you knew from attending activities at the COA, let us help you reach out. If you struggle with picking up prescriptions, running errands or need a ride to the supermarket, we can provide resources. If you would like to volunteer to become a virtual friendly visitor or provide technical assistance to a senior, please let us know.
Stay safe and be well, ~ Amy Loveless Director Maynard Council on Aging & Senior Center
Are you bored? Feeling down? Looking for something different to do? Please join us for a delightful activity to pass the time as we are stuck inside during these cold winter months. Sponsored by the Maynard High School Student Council, this project is easy and fun! You will be given a booklet with questions and prompts to jog your memory. This is a great opportunity to recall special moments and let the students know what your life was like. This activity will keep you entertained while providing a piece of your legacy to be kept and The Council on Aging Board Meeting treasured at the Council on Aging. will be held on Tell some stories, share your history, and keep those memories alive…. Thursday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m. Our Maynard High School students are looking forward to hearing what Please check the Town website for you have to say! information If you would like to be a part of this wonderful project, please call the Maynard Council on Aging at 978-897-1009 and a booklet will be https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/ delivered to you. or call the COA
MARCH 2021 3 Shop In-Person or Online:
63 Nason St., Maynard ANTHROPAUSE 6bridges.gallery/shop/ Facebook Instagram
r (*'5$&35*'*$"5&4 Give the joy of art and fi ne craft. Jeanne D’Amico, Natalie MacKnight, Brent Mathison, Peggy McClure and Judith Stein r 1&340/"-4)011*/( Appointments available via Five artists explore how their connections with nature have FaceTime, Zoom or in-person. Email [email protected] shifted in response to the pandemic’s societal interruptions. to schedule an appointment. In Gallery: February 25 – March 27, 2021 Online: 6bridges.gallery/Anthropause/ 6 Bridges Gallery fine art and craft Virtual Reception: Saturday, March 6, 7:00 pm* New (temporary) location: *Registration and viewing info will be posted on 63 Nason Street our website, Facebook and Instagram. Maynard, MA 01754 [email protected] Check 6BridgesGallery.com, Facebook & Instagram for hours! 978-897-3825
Get started on researching your family’s history with the best online resource for genealogy!
Access Ancestry Library Edition at www.maynardpubliclibrary.org/e-resources Now available from home!
Stream documentaries & movies with Kanopy!
Kanopy is an on-demand streaming video service that offers thousands of award-winning documentaries and theatrical releases across diverse subjects and disciplines.
Try it out today at maynard.kanopy.com or download the Kanopy app to your wireless device!
4 MARCH 2021 Maynard Sesquicentennial History Series Before the Europeans Arrived... and After presented by David Mark Thursday March 25, 7 pm via Zoom Our region was inhabited by the Nipmucs. Wherever Europeans arrived, within a generation entire cultures and populations were nearly wiped out by disease, displacement and war. Transfer of land from remnant native populations to English settlers was a combination of sale, forced sale and outright taking. During King Philip’s War non-combatant Nipmuc were relocated to Deer Island, in Boston Harbor where many died. Today, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognizes the present-day Nipmucs as constituting a group of some fi ve hundred members living in and around Worcester. Maynard author and historian David Mark will speak about the Native American presence before and after the arrival of European colonists. Read more and register at www.maynardpubliclibrary.org/May150 Brought to you by the Maynard Sesquicentennial Committee and the Maynard Public Library
For the month of March, Friends of Maynard Seniors will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag at the Shaw’s store located at 155 Great Rd. in Stow.
The Auxiliary and Corporators of Emerson Hospital invite you to discuss A Year of COVID Checking in on the pandemic’s effects on the mind and body Over the past year, COVID-19 has changed the way we all function on a daily basis and which has, in some cases, affected our mental and physical health.
Panelists from Emerson Hospital include: Join a moderated Q&A, sponsored by the Auxiliary and Corporators of Moderator: Martha Rafferty, BSN, RN, Associate Chief Nursing Offi ce Emerson Hospital, where health care clinicians will discuss topics like anxiety Tony Piro, MSW, Director of Operations, Behavioral Health and grief,addiction support, sleep management and self-care. Dr. Gary L. Stanton, MD, Neurology, Sleep Medicine Dr. Stephanie Stratigos, DO, Behavioral Health Learn more about managing and living during the time of COVID-19 and have Rich Kosses PT, DPT, Operations Manager Outpatient Rehab Department your questions answered of how to fi ght the mental and physical fatigue. Tuesday, March 9, 2021 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM A Virtual Event of the Connect Effect Series | To Register: https://www.emersonhospital.org/community-programs/community-events
MARCH 2021 5 Library Browser’s Market
Wednesdays, 10:30am -12:00pm Weather Permitting
Grab your library card and enjoy outdoor book browsing in the Maynard Public Library Parking Lot!
6 MARCH 2021
Maynard Public Library Meet Our New Director Jean Maguire
Wednesday March 10 7:00 pm Via Zoom
For the fi rst time in 25 years, the Maynard Public Library has a new Library Director, Jean Maguire. Join patrons and community members to learn about Jean's background and her vision for the library as an integral part of Maynard. Come introduce yourself and share your hopes, questions and concerns about the library.
No need to register for this Zoom event. Join the meeting at tinyurl.com/MPLDirector
Book Mill Discussion Group March 23 at 7PM April 27 at 7PM
The Cloister In the Heart of the Sea by James Carroll by Nathaniel Philbrick Join the Book Mill discussion group via Zoom to talk about these two great books! All are most welcome. Book are available through the Library’s Curbside Pickup service. Call 978-897-1010 to receive the Zoom link.
MARCH 2021 7 Something For Everyone COA Zoom Fitness Classes Senior Watercolor Class resumes via Zoom Yoga & Stretch with Rebecca • Tuesdays at 9:30am Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Maynard COA instructor Rebecca Reber will lead you through a series Still a few openings available! of yoga poses and stretches while you are seated on a chair. Safely Join Sandy Wilensky to learn watercolor painting skills (or brush build strength and stability and enjoy guided meditation to reduce up on the skills you’ve developed) to express the artist within all of stress and anxiety. This is Zoom class which allows you to see and us. All levels of experience are welcome, especially those who’ve interact with other Maynard seniors. Please call the COA at (978) 897- never held a brush! This is a wonderful opportunity to participate 1009 or email Amy Loveless directly at [email protected] in an activity from home which is certain to bring feelings of to sign up. excitement and accomplishment. In addition, you’ll be spending Zumba Gold • Wednesdays at 9:30am time with others who will be enjoying the creative experience with Zumba Gold is a low impact, fun dance-fi tness with international music you. $60 for an 8-week session. Materials provided. including oldies you like. This class will be taught by Yachun who is an Please contact the Council on Aging for more information & to sign up. AFAA certifi ed group fi tness instructor. We focus on building strength, cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, and fl exibility. Please call the COA at (978) 897-1009 or email Amy Loveless directly at [email protected] to sign up. New Zoom Fitness Class! Calling all Zumba lovers! Want to try the gentle version of Zumba Gold Toning? This class is designed for people who prefer seated exercise. We will work on mobility as well as increase muscle endurance and strength by using a pair of light weights. Please prepare two 16.9 oz bottles of water and a sturdy chair. The class will be held on Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. This is a 45-minute class. Please contact the COA if you have any questions or would like to sign up.
Great Zoom YouTube Tutorial! Drawing for All Marcia Chadly guides you through the how-to of responding to a Zoom invitation for a fi tness class or an educational All levels of experience are welcome to this drawing class. program. There’s nothing like being able to “see” the steps Participants build skill upon skill while experimenting with to take. Once you’ve watched her presentation, or maybe various drawing techniques and materials. Classes will begin reviewed a second time, you’ll feel ready to join Zoom! with a warm-up followed by a skill/technique lesson that will then be incorporated into a fi nished drawing. Learn about the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9isp3qPeQ0E line, shape, value, texture, and perspective of drawing. Drawing subjects will include still life, landscape, and the How To Use Zoom With Your Phone natural world. The initial approach to subjects will be realistic with a focus on personal expression and developing a style https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6QjODgTuQE of one’s own. Drawings will be shared with the group with a Marcia Chadly goal of positive affi rmation of learning. Start date and cost of class to be determined. Contact the Internet Service Offers Council on Aging to sign up. Free or Lower Cost Options (eligibility varies based on income) Comcast Essentials • (855) 846-8376 Contact the Council on Aging for information Verizon (for participants in the Lifeline program or FIOS at a lower rates) • (800) 837-4966 AT&T • (855) 220-5211 about our tablet loan program.
An invitation to participate in a program to promote safety and wellbeing for seniors. District Attorney Ryan will discuss the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic including the increase in scams that target the elderly and other vulnerable populations.
Discussion will also focus on the lasting impacts of isolation and provide advice on how to mitigate feelings of loneliness. Thursday, March 16 at 11AM • Virtual Meeting Please contact Sheryl Ball [email protected] for questions or help with registration for this event. Zoom information will be sent to you upon registering.
8 MARCH 2021 Join Our Wellness Webinars! $ ! "" $ ""$"##"& #"# ' $"#'& &# "# #$# & !"! $## ' $ !# !" &#' $! ""$"##" $ " & !# !# # $# #%#" !# & ""#' ## #! $ #' !"& ! # ! ! $# &# "#' #' "$! #" # "
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Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Wednesday, May 5, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET Eight Steps to a Healthier Heart Immunity Boosters and Busters Presenters: William Rowbottom & Tricia Silverman Presenters: Susan Flanagan & Tricia Silverman Register Now at bcbsma.info/March2 Register Now at bcbsma.info/May5
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 Thursday, May 27, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET Boost Your Health with Better Sleep Meditation for Busy Minds Presenters: Heather Hurd & Janet Fontana Presenters: Lisa Farnham & Janet Fontana Register Now at bcbsma.info/March23 Register Now at bcbsma.info/May27
Thursday, April 15, 2021 Tuesday, June 8, 2021 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. ET Food for Thought: Superfoods to Boost Memory, Eight Happiness Boosting Strategies Mood and Mental Functioning Presenters: Jenna Feitelberg & Janet Fontana Presenters: Luisa Lewis & Tricia Silverman Register Now at bcbsma.info/June8 Register Now at bcbsma.info/April15
Eight Simple Steps to a Healthier Heart Presented by Tricia Silverman, RD Discover simple tactics for preventing and treating heart disease. Learn easy strategies that can help to lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides while improving your overall health. Tricia’s fun props, stories, and practical tips will help motivate you to make the small changes that lead to better heart health. Boost Your Health with Better Sleep Presented by Janet Fontana, RN, and Certifi ed Health Coach Sleep is vital to your physical and emotional health. During challenging times, it can be especially diffi cult to stop worried thoughts from keeping you awake at night. Join us to learn strategies to get a good night’s sleep and discover stress-relieving breathing exercises to help you fall asleep or fall back to sleep faster. Discover how to feel calmer during the day and sleep more soundly at night. Food for Thought: Superfoods to Boost Memory, Mood and Mental Functioning Presented by Tricia Silverman, RD Can’t remember where you left the keys? Feeling tired and down? Learn the tools of nutritional success for enhancing your brain power, increasing your energy, and improving your mood. Immunity Boosters and Busters Presented by Tricia Silverman, RD Looking to boost your immunity? Learn which foods and lifestyle practices enhance immunity and which ones decrease your body’s ability to fi ght infection and illness. Join registered dietitian, wellness coach, and fi tness instructor Tricia Silverman as she shares practical tips and eye-catching nutrition demonstrations to help inspire you to eat for better health and immunity. Meditation for Busy Minds Presented by Janet Fontana, RN, and Certifi ed Health Coach Have you wondered about meditation and if it’s for you? Join us to learn what meditation is and how it works to quiet the mind. Practice simple meditation techniques during the webinar and discover free apps for creating an at-home practice. New and experienced meditators welcome. Eight Happiness Boosting Strategies Presented by Janet Fontana, RN, and Certifi ed Health Coach Have you ever wondered how some people can be happy even when things aren’t going their way? Explore the science behind what makes people happy. Learn eight simple happiness boosting strategies you can apply in your life.
MARCH 2021 9 Maynard Council on Aging Van Service To make a reservation call CrossTown Connect at (978) 844-6809 The Council on Aging van is operating fi ve days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., providing transportation to essential services such as health care providers, dentists, pharmacies, banks, and grocery stores. We are transporting one rider at a time on our twelve- seater vans. We are following strict safety precautions including disinfection procedures during a shift and after each rider, spacing riders to achieve maximum distance apart, requiring riders to wear a mask and providing hand sanitizer when riders enter and re-enter the van. The drivers will be wearing face shields in addition to masks when assisting a rider on the lift or are in close proximity to a rider. There is no fee to ride the van at this time. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Flexibility when making a reservation is required as medical appointments are the priority. All riders are screened for symptoms of COVID-19 and it is expected that if you are not feeling well you should not make a reservation. Residents of Maynard, 60 years of age and older, as well those with disabilities, may use the van. Please contact the Council on Aging at (978) 897-1009 if you have any questions.
Maynard Council on Aging Services Energy Resources The Maynard Council on Aging is continuing to provide services even though it is closed to the public. Please contact the COA for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) information and referral for supportive services including homecare, (800) 632-8175 health insurance counseling (SHINE), fuel assistance, food resources, housing, legal issues, public assistance programs and transportation. http://www.liheap.us/massachusetts-heap/
The Council on Aging is accepting and lending durable medical Citizens Energy Heat Assistance equipment – please do not leave equipment at the COA – call the (Joe4Oil) COA and we will arrange to pick up and deliver. (617) 338-6300 http://citizensenergy.com/assistance-programs
General Resources Good Neighbor Energy Fund (Salvation Army) Minuteman Senior Services (800) 334-3047 www.minutemansenior.org http://magoodneighbor.org/ (781) 272-7177 (888) 222-6171 Homecare, Caregiver Support, Legal Services, Senior Nutrition, Health Insurance Counseling (SHINE) and more. Discount Rates on Utilities
800AgeInfo National Grid Low Income Electric Services www.800ageinfo.com https://www9.nationalgridus.com/non_html/On_Demand_ (800) 243-4636 Electric_Initial%20v052209.pdf South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) National Grid Low Income Gas Services 7 Bishop Street, Framingham, MA 01702 https://www.nationalgridus.com/media/pdfs/billing- (508) 872-4853 payments/cm4445_ma_gas_discountrateapp.pdf Fuel Assistance Program, Housing, Rental Assistance Program (508) 620-0653), Financial Assistance for Homeowners and Tenants, Eversource Discount Rate Application Emergency Shelter Services and more. https://www.eversource.com/nstar/CustomerCare/ Mass211 Public Information and Referral Program Residential/DiscountRate www.mass211.org Joe-4-Oil Citizens Energy Discount Program SNAP/food stamps http://citizensenergy.com/assistance-programs www.fns.usda.gov/snap • (800) 221-5689
10 MARCH 2021 Greetings from Maynard Police Department! I would like to mention a few services we offer within the Maynard Police Department. If you need to dispose of any medications or sharps, the MPD has a medications container located inside the lobby of the police station. We also have a sharps container that is located outside of the police station. Due to the pandemic, we have been picking up and dropping off medications and other miscellaneous items, such as groceries, for members of the Maynard community if they cannot go themselves for underlying health reasons. A common issue MPD sees throughout the Maynard community are scam callers, specifi cally targeting the elderly community. Be aware of callers that ask for specifi c and personal information over the phone. Do not give out your personal information. If you think you may have been in contact with a scam caller but are unsure, contact the Maynard Police Department and we will investigate the matter. Also, contact the MPD if you have questions, concerns, or were a victim of a scam. My name is Offi cer Mirella Ruggiero and I am the Example of some scam calls you may receive: 1. A caller asks you to bail your grandchild out School Resource Offi cer and the Elder Services of jail and to send the caller money, 2. A caller notifi es you that your bank account is frozen, Liaison for the Maynard Police Department. and they need your social security number or other personal information to unfreeze it. I have been a Police Offi cer for the Town of The pandemic has been hard on everyone, so please do not hesitate to contact the Maynard Police Department if you have any questions or concerns. Once the pandemic is over, I look Maynard for 4 years and was also a dispatcher forward to meeting you all in person! Hopefully 2021 has a better outlook. for Maynard PD prior to becoming an Offi cer. Contacts: You can contact the Maynard Police Department business line at 978-897-1011. Also, you can contact me directly via my email, [email protected]. Hello from Maynard Public Safety Communications
I would like this opportunity to touch base with you about a few things we do here! Maynard Public Safety Communications is located within the Maynard Police Department; however, we service both the Maynard Police and Fire Departments. In short, if you call our business line, 978-897-1011 for a non-emergency or dial 911 for an emergency you will likely be connected to one of our fi ve Full-Time Dispatchers. We are responsible to sending you the resources that you require or helping you to get into contact with the proper agency. One of the many databases that we maintain is the Emergency Database Program, an initiative started by my predecessor. This form which can be found on our website, in our lobby at the Police Department and from the Council on Aging, it allows us to access information that may be vital in the event of an emergency. I strongly encourage that you fi ll out on of those forms and email, drop it off, send it to the Maynard Police Department located at 197 Main Street, attention to Sarah Finnerty. In the event you are unable to get one of the forms please feel free to give us a call and we can have a form dropped off to you, we are here to help. Hello from Maynard Public Safety Communications, my An issue we deal with here are accidental 911 calls. Whether you dial in error, activate an name is Sarah Finnerty, and I am the Communications emergency function on your smart phone, it happens to many people and its nothing to be Supervisor. Before becoming the Communications embarrassed about! We do ask that you stay on the line, and just let the Dispatcher know Supervisor here in Maynard, I was a Public Safety that you have dialed in error, we will have a few questions for you such as your name, Dispatcher for the Ashland Police Department for telephone number, address and confi rming that there is no emergency. We will send a approximately 8 years. I am coming into my 12th Police Offi cer to verify that you are okay, it is a part of our policy. Again, there is no reason year in Public Safety Communications. I have loved to be embarrassed but please do stay on the line, it makes our process a bit easier to make becoming a part of the Maynard Community, and have sure there is not a true emergency. even been afforded the opportunity to meet some of Please do not hesitate to reach out in the event there is anything that we can do to assist you at the Council on Aging luncheons. I hope to see you, we know that times are trying during the pandemic. We are here to serve the Maynard you all again very soon. community however we can. Our Public Safety Dispatchers are well equipped to assist you, and if I can be of service to you please do not hesitate to contact me at sfi nnerty@ townofmaynard.net. Best, Sarah Finnerty Communications Supervisor
MARCH 2021 11 Maynard Food Relief Resource Guide Food Pantries and Services Maynard Food Pantry and Backpack Program: Provides food and personal items to residents of Maynard, Acton, Sudbury, Stow & Concord. Food backpacks distributed during the school year at each school on Friday afternoons. Maynard residents can receive food twice a month and out-of-town residents can receive food once a month. • When: Mondays 10:00am-12:00PM • Where: 82 Main Street, Maynard. Drive-thru pantry entrance on River Street • Website: http://www.maynardfoodpantry.com Open Table: Food pantry and prepared meals (distributed in grocery bags). Some choice in protein and other weekly offerings. SNAP sign-up support upon request. To pre-order your groceries online, visit www.opentable.org/ order/ . If you are interested in home delivery, please contact [email protected]. • When: Tuesdays 1:00-6:30pm (1-3pm seniors only), Thursdays 1:00-4:30pm. • Where: Drive-thru Pantry at Maynard municipal parking lot behind 33 Main Street (enter from Summer Street) • Website: https://www.opentable.org Acton-Boxborough High School: In conjunction with the Acton Neighbor Brigade, Acton-Boxborough High School is offering a week’s worth of bagged meals for pick-up every Wednesday. Pick-up is at the back of the school using the Hayward Road entrance. • When: Wednesdays 3:30-5:00pm. • Where: 36 Charter Road, Acton • Website: https://www.abschools.org/district/food_services The Acton Food Pantry: Food provided to anyone in need. Drive-thru pantry for clients in cars and on foot. • When: Wednesdays 10:00am-7:00pm, Thursdays 9:30-11:30am. • Where: 235 Summer Rd Building 1, Boxborough • Website: https://www.actonfoodpantry.org Mount Calvary Supper: Drive-thru meal pick-up. Sample meal offerings include ravioli, cheeseburgers and hot dogs, baked ham, and Mediterranean chicken. • When: Wednesdays 4:00-5:00pm. Closed December 23rd and 30th. • Where: 472 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton (back driveway of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church) • Website: https://www.mtcalvaryacton.org/community-supper The Stow Food Pantry: Provides food and personal items one weekend a month. Pre-packaged client orders will be brought to the client's car at the appointment time at the drive-thru pantry. • When: One weekend a month (check website or call 978-897-4230 ). • Where: Pompo Community Center, 509 Great Road, Stow • Website: http://stowfoodpantry.com/ The Sudbury Food Pantry: Limited to once a month for non-Sudbury residents. Guests choose pantry items, personal care products offered as well. • When: Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00pm-2:15pm. • Where: Our Lady of Fatima Church, 160 Concord Road, Sudbury • Website: http://sudburyfoodpantry.org Meal Services for Seniors: Minuteman Senior Services: Meals on Wheels delivers lunch to homebound seniors who meet certain guidelines. Call 781-221-7177 for information and referrals. • When: Deliveries made 11:00am-1:00pm Monday through Friday. • Where: Delivery provided • Website: https://www.minutemansenior.org/
12 MARCH 2021 Greetings from your Fire Department!
Every week the fi re department commonly responds to two types of calls. The fi rst are fi re alarms sounding in a home. Often this is caused by burnt food, dust, or a malfunctioning device. March is a month that sees the beginning of Spring and a clock change at daylight savings time. We encourage you that every time you change your clocks, to check your alarms. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms are important devices that keep you safe from smoke, fi re, and CO gas that is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. But they do need fresh batteries and they can malfunction. If your alarms are 10 or more years old, they need to be replaced. If they are not old, check the batteries and test the alarms to ensure they work.
We do have a video on our YouTube and Facebook pages showing how to do this yourself. https://maynardfd. com/resources/public-education/. Sometimes it is not easy to reach the alarms and it can be hard to understand what you are looking at as well. If this is the case, we encourage you to request a Home Safety Visit. This is a free service where a fi refi ghter will come and inspect your alarms and look for other hazards in the home.
One of those hazards we look for is the second common response the fi re department has each week: falls. People of all ages fall for a great variety of reasons. Some are weather related like slips on ice. Others are caused because of a medical problem where a person is weak or passes out and falls. Often though falls are “mechanical,” meaning someone simply trips on a rug or item in the home and falls. As you get older it is important to listen to your doctor’s advice about treating medical conditions, staying active and maintaining your strength, as well as limiting tripping hazards in your home.
If you are interested in a Home SafetySafety Visit, you can sign-up by e-mailingmailing me at [email protected]. You can also call the fi re station at 978-897-1015 and leavee your name and contact informationn for Captain Parr to call you back and schedule a visit.
Until next month, Stay Safe!
Captain Mike Parr
MARCH 2021 13 14 MARCH 2021 REP. KATE HOGAN'S SENIOR NEWS MARCH 2021 Now what? What to expect after you’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine
Congratulations! If you’re one of the fi rst priority groups in Massachusetts to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, I applaud and appreciate you for taking steps to make everyone in our community safer and healthier.
If you haven’t received your vaccine yet and would like assistance making an appointment, call 2-1-1 to speak with a representative. Hearing impaired residents can use Mass Relay (7-1-1), the toll-free nationwide number that gives everyone access to relay services. If you’ve received your full vaccination, you may be wondering what happens now and if you can get back to “normal” already. Here’s what the experts say:
Immunity isn’t instantaneous Don’t expect instant immunity after your shots. We will remain susceptible to COVID-19 within 14 days of getting the fi rst shot, so it’s important to remain vigilant during that 14-day window.
Immunity isn’t 100% Even after they’re fully vaccinated, not everyone is immune. The vaccine is 95% effective, which means that 1 in 20 people is not going to be fully immunized. However, even though it’s not 100% effective in preventing infection, it is effective in preventing severe infection and death, which is very reassuring.
Keep Protecting Yourself We know that more contagious strains of the virus are spreading, so you'll need to be vigilant with mask-wearing and other infection-prevention measures until you are fully vaccinated.
Protect Others It's still not clear whether those who are vaccinated could still be carriers and transmit the virus to others, though we expect to know more in a month or two. Until then, continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Gather safely If you have plans or would like to get together with others who have been vaccinated, please do so safely and take basic precautions, like keeping masks on, staying distanced and making sure there is proper ventilation.
Know that the future will be brighter Masking requirements aren’t likely to go away before summer, but vaccinations, warmer weather, and increased knowledge will make summer look more normal. For the latest information on COVID-19 and vaccinations, check https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19- updates-and-information and for answers to personal questions and concerns, contact your physician.
Contact Rep. Hogan: If you need assistance or would like to contact me, please call me at (617) 722-2199 or email me at [email protected].
“Wherever you go, whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you!” Erin go bragh!
Proudly represents Bolton, Hudson, Maynard, and Stow State House, Room 163, Boston, MA, 02133 / Phone 617-722-2130 District Offi ce: Maynard Town Hall, 195 Main Street, Maynard, MA District Offi ce Phone: 978-897-1333 Email: [email protected]
MARCH 2021 15 COMING SOON TO COMING FEBRUARY 26 TOM & JERRY A legendary rivalry reemerges when Jerry moves into New York City's finest hotel on the eve of the wedding of the century, forcing the desperate event planner to hire Tom to get rid of him. As mayhem ensues, the escalating cat- and-mouse battle soon threatens to destroy her career, the wedding, and possibly the hotel itself.
COMING MARCH 5 RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. However, when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, WE ARE COMMITTED TO KEEPING OUR 500 years later, those same monsters have THEATRE SAFE AND ARE TAKING THE returned, and it's up to a lone warrior to track FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS TO KEEP OUR down the last dragon and stop the Druun for good. GUESTS SAFE AND COMFORTABLE! Social Distancing markers throughout the facility fineartstheatreplace.com | 978-298-5626 COMING APRIL 2 Watch Three parties allowed in the lobby OSCAR SHORTS Virtually Self serve items have been removed from Watch the collection of short films nominated the counter (napkins, salt, etc.) in each of the three SHORTS categories, Rows have been marked off in each Animation, Live Action and Documentary. auditorium prohibiting parties from sitting too close to others. Each Auditorium is limited to 25 people, COMING MAY 7 reducing our total capacity to 11% BLACK WIDOW Longer spacing between each film to allow At birth the Black Widow (aka Natasha our staff to thoroughly cleaned and sanitized Romanova) is given to the KGB, which grooms the auditorium after each film her to become its ultimate operative. When the All restrooms cleaned and sanitized during U.S.S.R. breaks up, the government tries to kill her as the action moves to present-day New each film. York, where she is a freelance operative. Mandatory temperature checks before each shift. All staff is required to wash and sanitize their hands frequently All staff and guests are required to wear face masks while in the facility.
19 Summer Street, Maynard, MA 01754