JULY 2021 VOL 7 ISSUE 7
SENIOR NEWSLETTER
TǑǒǜǕ ǟǖ CǟǞǤǕǞǤǣ
Letter from the Director3 Staff Directory3
Center Info4 Crime Prevention4 Senator DiZoglio6 FCOA Update7 Resources8 Calendar of Events9 Greenleaf10 Special Events12
Now Playing:
Tuesdays & Thursdays by Lin-Manuel Miranda More info on page 5
Join Us For Lunch! Traveling Chef July 21st Stay and Eat or Take and Go Lunches Every Tuesday Wednesday Thursday More info page 5
JULY 1 DAVIS BATES JULY 15 JOE CARSON JULY 28 MORE INFO PAGE 12 JOSEF NOCERA More Info Page 8
68 Elm Street • Amesbury, MA 01913 | Ph (978)388-8138 | Fx (978)388-8144 | www.amesburyma.gov/senior-community-center PAUL C. ROGERS Family Funeral Homes Amesbury, Merrimac, Haverhill & Newburyport 2 Hillside Avenue Amesbury, MA 978-388-0288 See our Pre-Planning Guide at: paulcrogers.com Member Lofty Oaks Assn. Memorial Tree Planting Community Action, Inc. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Would you like to know how you could get a 31% discount on your monthly National Grid bills and/or home heating oil at deep discounts? Homeowners can also receive assistance with heating system repairs, replacements and free home energy audits. Visit our website to learn more: www.communityactioninc.org or call 978-373-1971 ext. 218
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A Message from Director Doreen Arnfield
Hi everyone! If you’re wondering whether to come to the Senior community center the answer is yes! With the ~~~~~~~~~ beautiful weather, we are going strong with live STAFF DIRECTORY music almost every week, along with lunches, (978)3888138 games, support groups, exercise classes… And adding programs by the week both inside and out. And we are bringing bingo back in Director ………….…………………..x546 the great room, Tuesdays at noon starting July 6. The foot care Doreen Arnfield MA, LSW clinic with Catherine Languedoc is starting again on July 14. Our [email protected] newest programs starting in July are: pickle ball at the high school and yoga in the great room. Call Andrew to sign up. And the Assistant Director Greenleaf supportive day program is back three days a week along with the caregiver support group! Call Briana for more details. & EMHOT…………………...…...…..x543 Courtney Hutchinson MA, MSW, LICSW If you’re looking for help with technology, we have tablets and other [email protected] devices for you to borrow. We have skilled staff that can help you figure out how to use them. Call Rich for more information. Program Coordinator Even though the weather is beautiful, it can get hot. Please feel free & Community Relations ……..…...x545 to come on inside our airconditioned building anytime Monday Andrew Suggs through Friday 84PM. We’ll find a nice place for you to relax. [email protected] Newsletters since we are no longer mailing the Carriage Town Newsletter for free, as we have done this past year, we have a Greenleaf Coordinator….………….x553 generous supporter who has offered to pay for your newsletter to be Briana Fortado mailed to you over the next year. Please contact Andrew by July 23 [email protected] if you’d like to receive yours. One last thing… Please, please, please… It’s very helpful to us if Outreach Worker ...………………...x544 you sign up for events and lunches ahead of time, so that we can Delaney Payne plan accordingly. [email protected] If you have any questions, or suggestions about what you’d like to Greenleaf Staff ………….………….x551 see, please don’t hesitate to call me or any of my team. 9783888138 Ayako Tarbell [email protected] It’s wonderful to see everyone‘s smiling faces again. Come on down and say hi! Sarah Dolan Doreen [email protected]
Administrative Assistant ………...x539 Donna Scott [email protected]
MOW Site Manager ………………..x549 Karena Morse [email protected]
Interns……………... ………………..x550 Rich Stewart Rachel Gundersen 4 City of Amesbury Council on Aging The Center CITY OF AMESBURY COUNCIL ON AGING 68 Elm Street • Amesbury, MA 01913 (978) 388-8138 www.amesburyma.gov/senior-community-center www.facebook.com/amesburyseniors/ M-F ...... 8:00am-4:00pm
MISSION STATEMENT To advocate for older adults, to identify their needs, to meet their health, economic, social and cultural needs, to encourage maximum independence and to improve their quality of life.
BOARD MEMBERS CITY COUNCILORS Gayle Yarnall Chairperson Pamela L. Gilday District 1 Councilor D. Kliggi Thomas Vice Chair Anthony Rinaldi District 2 Councilor Sarah Kearney Secretary Matthew Einson District 3 Councilor Lee Ford Treasurer Nick Wheeler District 4 Councilor Timothy Kisieleski District 5 Councilor Michael Hogg District 6 Councilor Nicholas Costello Frankie Lallemand Adrienne Lennon At Large Councilor Jon Younger Ann Sutherland Scott Mandeville At Large Councilor
Steve Stanganelli At Large Councilor
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS WITH RETIRED OFFICER HANSHAW
We’re ready to celebrate the birth of our Nation and I’d like to wish everyone a very happy Independence Day. As our Nation and the world emerge from the pandemic, it’s great to see more and more people returning to a sense of normalcy. While we cannot forget the terrible toll Covid19 took on our lives, we must move forward. As a Nation, we have been through tough times before and hopefully we can start to heal together in unity. Summer has arrived so enjoy a Baseball game, throw another hot dog on the grill, have a slice of apple pie at the cookout and take a cruise in your Chevrolet; it’s time to enjoy America again. I’m a big proponent of following the weather forecast and admittedly a weather geek at heart. In New England, especially, the weather can change in a few minutes so being prepared is always important. As we get older, it’s important to know when a heat wave, thunderstorm or even a tornado is possible because of the side effects. A heat wave means drink more water, find air conditioning and slow down. Thunderstorms can bring damaging hail, torrential rain and power outages while everyone knows the dangers of a tornado. We may poke fun at the forecaster when he or she is wrong but checking out the daily forecast should always be on your todo list. Lastly, be sure to add the annual National Night Out to your todo list, as the event will return on Tuesday August 3rd. This will be the 25th time Amesbury has participated in the national event to promote community and police relationships. Organizers are looking to host a big event with details available in the Daily News and on the Amesbury Police Facebook page soon. At this time, a large Car & Truck Show is planned on Tuesday August 3rd from 6:008:00 PM at the Amesbury High School on Highland St. I’m sure there will be plenty to see and do, with something for kids of all ages! Carriage Town Senior Newsletter 5 A Note from Delaney Payne COA Outreach Worker This is Laney, Outreach Worker at the Amesbury Senior Center. If you are in need of transportation services, the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority (MVRTA) has both a fixed route bus system and an EZ Trans Van Service for those 60+ and/or with disabilities. The EZ Trans Van Service can be used for rides within Amesbury or the Merrimac Valley Region. The MVRTA is great for rides to the senior center, grocery stores, etc. Another option is the Northern Essex Elder Transport (NEET), a volunteer transportation service. NEET is a great option for folks looking for transportation to and from medical appointments. If you are interested in applying to the MVRTA or NEET, please call me at 9783888138 x544. I would be happy to assist you! MVRTA Helpful Tips:
Rides must be booked at least 2 days ahead of time M Please call the Senior Center to book rides
You will receive a reminder call the night before your ride from this number: 9783731184 Food Resources: The Brown Bag Program is a monthly food delivery service for seniors. If you could use an extra bag of groceries each month, please contact me to learn more! If you have any further questions, please contact me at 9783888138 x544. I look forward to working with you!
6 City of Amesbury Council on Aging A Message from Senator DiZoglio
Hello again, During the COVID19 pandemic, 77 residents of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke tragically died of the virus M the deadliest outbreak at a longterm care facility in the United States during the course of the pandemic. A report, commissioned by the Governor, spearheaded by attorney Mark W. Pearlstein,and released last summer, was critical of the home’s superintendent for mishandling the outbreak and making decisions that made little sense from an infectioncontrol perspective. Ultimately, the superintendent was placed on administrative leave, subsequently fired and later indicted on charges of reckless bodily injury to an elder or disabled person. Recently, the Boston Globe’s investigative Spotlight Team released a comprehensive, scathing report that described the behindthescenes roles of the Governor and Health and Human Services Secretary in the tragedy at the facility. This report revealed that the former superintendent was an unqualified, politically connected hire by the governor M and that the Secretary played a key role in supervising Walsh and addressing management issues under his tenure that were clear long before COVID19. The Globe report shined a spotlight on how theAdministration's supposedly independent report was riddled with errors and omissions that deflected blame from the Governor and Secretary onto others below them,such as local veteran and purple heart recipient Francisco Urena. Among the issues cited was the Administration’s failure to require superintendents at the Soldiers’ Home be a licensed nursing home administrator. This allowed someone with no health care background whatsoever to make life and death decisions for a vulnerable population during a global pandemic. Families who lost loved ones to COVID19 at the Soldiers’ Home deserve answers as to the Admin- istration’s involvement and decisions. The Pearlstein Report can no longer be considered the definitive report about the tragedy in Holyoke. It is up to us to ascertain what truly happened thereand prevent it from ever happening again.Accordingly, I am calling for a Senate oversight hearing,utilizing the full subpoena and record review powers within our purview with sworn testimony from the Governor and his Administration, to investigate and audit the alarming, unsettling and multiple layers of potential wrongdoing that occurred. We must take every possible step to overhaul a system that has truly failed our most vulnerable veterans. If you have questions about this or any other issue, please contact me and my team anytime via email at[email protected]or phone 9789847747.
Yours in service, Diana
THIS SPACE IS
Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.lpicommunities.com Amesbury Council on Aging, Amesbury, MA 06-5290 Carriage Town Senior Newsletter 7 CALLING ALL FCOA SUPPORTERS – LET’S TALK ABOUT THE PENNY MILL We have made it through the constraints of the Pandemic, and are now busy planning future fun events. Our yearround fundraiser is our PENNY MILL Thrift Shop, and we need YOU. At the Penny Mill, volunteers sort through items received, organize items, and sell goods and collect money during thrift shop hours. Commitment can be as little as an hour a week, either weekly, biweekly, or monthly, the choice is yours. Physical duties are generally minimal. DONATIONS While we appreciate all your donations, unfortunately we cannot accept the following: Appliances and electronics Intimate apparel Office Equipment (ie. Keyboards, computer mouse) Shoes Stuffed Animals Hats We ask all items please be in good condition and clean. Items not in good condition must be disposed of, which costs money. If you would not use these items yourself, please do not send them to us. Volunteer opportunities are available in other areas of FCOA, including, but not limited to, planning and running events, fundraising, and membership recruiting. Please contact us at (978) 3785058 or email [email protected]. Thank you to all who renewed your membership early. All checks received during April and May were credited to membership year July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. All renewals are due by June 30th, either by cash, per- sonal check, or online using your credit or debit card, or PayPal account. SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 26th the FCOA Craft Fest Here’s to a fun, safe, humidityfree Summer. Kathy Berman, Treasurer
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MǕǞǤǑǜ HǕǑǜǤǘ
NǥǤǢǙǤǙǟǞ ELDER MENTAL HEALTH OUTREACH TEAM (EMHOT) EMHOT is a completely free and confidential service SNAP BENEFITS: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to residents of Amesbury, Salisbury, Newburyport, Assistance is available to low-income individuals and families. Merrimac, West Newbury, and Groveland that are To check your eligibility visit: aged 60 and older.
https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/screening Funded by the Massachusetts Association of Our Neighbors Table is our SNAP facilitator and can help fast track Councils on Aging, EMHOT started as the number of elders with the process. Please contact Courtney at 978-388-8138 x543. mental health concerns continued to increase in our communities and the amount of resources remained limited. OUR NEIGHBORS’ TABLE: WED 10-4, THURS.12-6, FRI 9-3 & SAT 9-1 It is our goal that with the Elder Mental Health Outreach Team, we can Our local food pantry is available to all residents of Amesbury and help our elders return to their previous state of mental and social offers perishable and non-perishable groceries along with hot meals. health by providing free age specific one on one counseling and Hot to-go meals are available for pick-up on Wednesdays at the back services. of Main Street Congregational Church, 145 Main Street from 4-6 pm. To find out more information or enroll in EMHOT, please contact To see if you qualify please call Laney at 978-388-8138 x544. Courtney Hutchinson, M.A., MSW, LICSW (978)388-8138 x543.
WEDNESDAY FOOD DELIVERY: WED 1:30 - 3:30 PM SǥǠǠǟǢǤ GǢǟǥǠǣ The COA, in partnership with Our Neighbors Table, offers a Food SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SUPPORT: TUESDAYS 1 PM Delivery Program for homebound seniors every Wednesday. ACOA volunteers pick up the food at ONT Market and bring it to your If you are an older adult in recovery and want to stay in recovery, this is an opportunity to share your experience and to gain from others doorstep. If you are interested, please call Laney at (978)388-8138 x544. seeking similar support. For info or to register call Courtney at (978) 388-8138 x543. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS FOOD DELIVERY: MON. - FRI. 8 - 12 PM CAREGIVER SUPPORT: WEDNESDAYS 10 AM Vermette’s, the EOC, the COA have teamed up with local volunteers to help deliver groceries to homebound and immunocompromised Join this supportive, confidential group of caregivers to process your experiences and gain knowledge of resources. Respite may be seniors. Call the EOC at 978-388-8155 if you need assistance. available. For info or to register call Courtney at (978)388-8138 x543. BROWN BAG: MONTHLY ON THE FIRST TUESDAY GRIEF SUPPORT: THURSDAYS 1 PM Provides roughly 15 pounds of nutritional food to supplement Have you lost a loved on during this past year? Process your loss members meals for the month. Call Laney at 978-388-8138 x544 for with a small confidential group who understand and have had a more info. similar experience. For info or to register call Courtney at (978)388- MEALS ON WHEELS: EVERY MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 8138 x543. MOW offers hot meals to homebound seniors. Call Elder Services of Merrimack Valley at 978-683-7747 for more info. VǙǢǤǥǑǜ SǥǠǠǟǢǤ GǢǟǥǠǣ Support groups offered via ZOOM with various COA partners. Please TǢǑǞǣǠǟǢǤǑǤǙǟǞ call the COA at 978-388-8138 with any questions and to be connected NORTHERN ESSEX ELDER TRANSPORT with support group facilitators. NEET volunteers offer free rides to seniors for medical and specialty CAREGIVERS CARING FOR THOSE WITH MEMORY LOSS appointments. Please call Laney at 978-388-8138 x544 for more info. TUESDAY, JULY 6TH & 20TH, 5:30 PM - 7 PM WEDNESDAY, JULY 7TH, 11 AM - 12 PM MVRTA WEDNESDAY, JULY 21ST, 7 PM - 8 PM The MVRTA and the Senior Center offer free rides to members within Offered by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley Amesbury. You must be registered with the MVRTA. Call Andrew at CAREGIVERS SUPPORT 978-388-8138 x545 to find out more or book a ride. THURSDAY, JULY 1ST, 10 AM
HǕǑǜǤǘ IǞǣǥǢǑǞǓǕ Offered by Constellation Health Services MONDAY, JULY 12TH, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM SHINE - MEDICARE ASSISTANCE Offered by Care Dimensions Need assistance with Medicare? SHINE (Serving Health THURSDAY, JULY 1ST & JULY 15TH, 1 PM - 2 PM Insurance Needs of Everyone) can help! Offered by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley
Certified SHINE counselors offer free, unbiased, MEMORY CAFE confidential counseling on all aspects of health TUESDAY, MAY 6TH & 20TH, 1 pm - 2 pm insurance to anyone on or eligible for Medicare. To schedule a SHINE Offered by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley appointment, call (978)388-8138. Carriage Town Senior Newsletter 9
9:00 - Busy Needles 29 10:00 - Caregiver Support Group 30 9:00 - Balance Class w/Jennifer 1 11:00 - Blankets 4 Kids 10:30 - Exercise with Paula 10:00 - Zumba with Ivana 11:30 - Bagged Lunch 11:30 - Bagged Lunch 11:30 - Bagged Lunch Tuna Fish Ham & Cheese Grilled Chicken Wrap 1:00 - SUD Support Group 12:00 - Outdoor Games & Socializing 12:00 - Cultural Council Concert: 12:00 - Outdoor Games & Socializing Davis Bates 1:00 - Grief Support Group 9:00 - Busy Needles 6 10:00 - Caregiver Support Group 7 9:00 - Balance Class w/Jennifer 8 9:00 - Pickleball 10:30 - Exercise with Paula 9:00 - Pickleball 10:00 - Legal Clinic w/ Attn. Ebacher 11:30 - Lunch 10:00 - Zumba with Ivana 11:00 - Blankets 4 Kids Turkey Salad 11:30 - Lunch - Shaved Roast Beef 11:30 - Lunch - Fish with Rice 12:00 - Outdoor Games & Socializing 1:00 - Low Vision Group 12:30 - BINGO 1:00 - Grief Support Group
9:00 - Busy Needles 13 9:00 - Foot Care Clinic 14 9:00 - Balance Class w/Jennifer 15 9:00 - Pickleball 10:00 - Caregiver Support Group 9:00 - Pickleball 11:00 - Blankets 4 Kids 10:30 - Exercise with Paula 10:00 - Zumba with Ivana 11:30 - Lunch - Cuban Sandwich 11:30 - Lunch 11:30 - Lunch - Chicken & Broccoli 12:30 - BINGO Hot Dog 12:00 - Parking Lot Concert Series 1:00 - SUD Support Group 12:00 - Outdoor Games & Socializing Joe Carson 1:00 - Grief Support Group 9:00 - Busy Needles 20 10:00 - Caregiver Support Group 21 9:00 - Balance Class w/Jennifer 22 9:00 - Pickleball 10:30 - Exercise with Paula 9:00 - Pickleball 11:00 - Blankets 4 Kids 11:30 - Traveling Chef 10:00 - Zumba with Ivana 11:30 - Lunch - Chicken Teriyaki Hot Dog 11:30 - Free Lunch Courtesy of 12:30 - BINGO 12:00 - Outdoor Games & Socializing Methuen Village & Cornerstone Hampton 1:00 - SUD Support Group 1:00 - Crafts with Claire 12:00 - Social with the Chiefs 1:00 - Grief Support Group 9:00 - Busy Needles 27 10:00 - Caregiver Support Group 28 9:00 - Balance Class w/Jennifer 29 9:00 - Pickleball 10:30 - Exercise with Paula 9:00 - Pickleball 11:00 - Blankets 4 Kids 11:30 - Lunch 10:00 - Zumba with Ivana 11:30 - Lunch - Turkey & Rice Roast Pork 11:30 - Lunch - Grilled Chicken 12:30 - BINGO 12:00 - Parking Lot Concert Series 1:00 - Grief Support Group 1:00 - SUD Support Group Josef Nocera
Call Andrew at 978-388-8138 x545 to reserve meals and programs! 10 City of Amesbury Council on Aging 3 North Shore Locations: Amesbury 49 Macy Street SERVING MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS AND RECREATIONAL CUSTOMERS Salisbury 107 Elm Street • Private consultations available in person or by phone Salem • Knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly staff 50 Grove Street • Wide variety of products, including tinctures, gummies, and topicals • Supportive store environment • Exclusive senior-only pickup times • All products lab tested Call 978-834-6800
See our products online and order ahead at www.atgcannabis.com | email [email protected]
Please Consume Responsibly. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug. For use only by adults 21 years of age or older. Keep out of the reach of children. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edible Marijuana Products may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 911. This product may be illegal outside of MA.
Contact Lisa Templeton to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6377
Vermette’s Market Since 1943 6 Pond Street, Amesbury, MA 978-388-0320 We offer: Fancy Meats, Produce, Beer, Wine, Liquor, Lottery and More! www.Vermettes-Foodmart.com
Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.lpicommunities.com Amesbury Council on Aging, Amesbury, MA 06-5290 Amesbury COA 68 Elm St Amesbury, MA 01913
Please Sign up for all events, meals and activities by calling Andrew at (978)388-8138 x545
The Amesbury Council on Aging
Beyond the regular activities and special events, the Center has an abundance of resources, information and community partners to help those in need.
For needs large and small, we are here to help:
SNAP Applications Mental Health Advocacy Food Security Counseling Fuel Assistance Bereavement Support Rent Assistance Seasonal Yard Help Medicare Assistance In-Town Transportation Prescription Assistance Medical Transportation Health Clinics Tax Support Legal Advice Respite Care and much more!
If you are in need of a little extra help or guidance, please reach out to the Center at (978)388-8138.