SENIOR SPIRIT NEWSLETTER OF THE CONCORD COUNCIL ON AGING April 2021 Pushing the Envelope – A History of the US Post Office Through Stamps Wednesday, April 7th at 1:00 PM By viewing images of vintage US postage stamps, you will learn about the history of the US Post Office from the first letters carried on the Boston Post Road to the current postal controversies. Hear about the expansion of the Post Office after the Revolution, the involvement with slavery, the introduction of home delivery, the use of V-Mail during World War II, the start of zip codes, the introduction of Forever Stamps, and the impact of email on the Post Office’s financial situation. Join Henry Lukas, Education Director at the Spellman Museum of Stamps at Regis College on Wednesday April 7th at 1:00 PM. This program is offered free of charge thanks to Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop funds. Please call to register and we will send you a Zoom invitation. “Everything We Know About Covid” Presented by Dr. Schoenthaler on Zoom Thursday, April 8th at 1:00 PM Join a community conversation featuring Dr. Robin Schoenthaler, “The-Boston-cancer-doctor-who-writes- about-Covid” on Thursday April 8th at 1:00 PM on Zoom. Dr Schoenthaler will giving an update on “Everything We Know About Covid,” reviewing the science about staying safe and protecting each other. We will discuss the most up-to-date information on the pandemic, ways to stay healthy and sane in the meantime including historical perspectives, some new info on vaccines and variants, and how we may well be on our way to a brighter future. Dr Schoenthaler worked as a cancer doctor at Emerson and MGH for almost three decades. She has also been involved with helping patients with second opinions about their cancers and with physician medical education. For the last year she has been writing a popular blog on Covid with a world- wide readership. She will be available to answer any questions you have at the end of her presentation. Please call the COA to register and receive your Zoom invitation. Virtual Tour of the Wang Center – On Zoom Wednesday, April 28th at 1:00 PM Experience the beauty and wonder of the historic Wang Theater live from your home through Zoom, on Wednesday April 28th at 1:00 PM. The Boch Center has opened its doors digitally to the Wang Theater. Guests will go behind the scenes and see hallways walked by entertainers like Ella Fitzgerald, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Queen, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Liza Minnelli and more! This is not a prerecorded video; it is led by a trained guide that will take viewers through the building and backstage, and answer questions about its unique history; from its glamorous days as a movie “cathedral” to today’s role as a venue for performances and events. This tour is funded by Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop, and is free of charge. Please call the COA office to reserve and you will receive a Zoom invitation. Concord COA Grab & Go Tea Party with Harp Concert Thursday, April 29th - Pick up Tea Party Treats at the COA from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM Harp Concert on Zoom at 2:00 PM The COA presents this year’s annual Tea Party as a “Tea Party to Go” followed by a harp serenade on Zoom. A box of treats including tea, delicious scones generously donated by Concord Teacakes, and other treats will be available for pickup at the COA main entrance from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Drink your tea and enjoy your treats at home while you watch a live harp concert by Rebecca Swett on Zoom at 2:00 PM. The tea party take-out boxes are limited to 60. Please call to make your reservation and get a Zoom invitation. The Council on Aging will be closed on Monday, April 19th for the holiday. There will be no programs or van service that day. CONCORD COUNCIL ON AGING - TELEPHONE: 978-318-3020 page 2 Senior Spirit April 2021 April 2021 Senior Spirit page 7 The COA Van – Additional Route! The COA van continues to operate at a reduced capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. We currently are allowing two riders at a time. In addition to providing rides to medical appointments in Concord, we are adding to our route the Acton Medical offices in Acton, just off route 2. If your doctors are at Acton Medical and you need transportation to an appointment, please call the COA to schedule a ride. We look forward to when the van can increase ridership and return to our regular busy schedule. Petit Bouquet Giveaway with Greeting Card Thursday, April 8th from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM Please drop by and pick up some colorful flowers! The Power of Flowers Project out of Tewksbury is recognizing Concord’s seniors with a lovely petit bouquet. Is there a nicer way to feel cheerier than from a happy bouquet of flowers? The bouquets will come in a paper cup. Included with your posies will be a Mother’s Day card photographed by Jim Leahy, a Concord resident. This beautiful card is for you to keep or send. Please sign up to drive though the HWCC parking lot on Thursday, April 8th, from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM for your bouquet and card. Quantities are limited so please call the COA at 978-318-3020 to let us know you are coming. Disposable Face Masks Giveaway Tuesday, April 13th from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM Facemasks donated by the Concord Rotary Club are available for distribution to Concord seniors. You may pick up a package of five masks at the main entrance of the Harvey Wheeler Community Center on Tuesday, April 13th between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM. Please wear a mask and stay in your car. COA staff will bring the masks to you. Please call the COA office to reserve your package. Book Discussion Group on Zoom Tuesday, April 20th at 9:30 AM Join the COA book discussion group, led by Phyllis DiMarzio, on Tuesday, April 20th at 9:30 AM. This month the book of choice will be Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson. A diabolically entertaining tale of betrayal, deception, temptation, and love filled with dark twists leavened by Jackson's trademark humor, Never Have I Ever explores what happens when the transgressions of our past come back with a vengeance. The choice for May is Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray, and on a lighter note, the June read will be Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler. New members are always welcome. Please call the COA to sign up and receive your Zoom invitation. Fidget Pillows Fidget pillows can be a soothing solution to the restlessness, fidgeting and anxiety that often comes with Alzheimer’s and dementia. A team of talented volunteers have created a few of these especially designed fidget pillows for anyone who is soothed by having something to do with their restless hands. Multiple benefits include exercising hands and fingers, while stimulating the brain with colors & various gadgets and textures. Help a loved one alleviate boredom and keep fidgety hands busy. If someone you know might use one, call the COA at 978-318-3020 to arrange to collect your free pillow. Our Residents are a lot of things We are a community of seniors living with vibrancy, dignity, engagement and fun. • Involved • Vibrant Tour The Commons in Lincoln and discover our activities, volunteer opportunities and available • Interested programs. • Educated Retired isn’t one of them. CoTmhe mons I N L I N C O L N A Benchmark Signature Living Community 781-728-3043 • TheCommonsInLincoln.com page 6 Senior Spirit April 2021 April3 2021 Senior Spirit page 3 Support Groups The COA currently offers a support group for caregivers of loved ones with memory loss and dementia. We are also taking names for a chronic illness support group starting in May. Would you like to see us offer a grief support group or perhaps a group to address those experiencing significant life changes, or support to help maintain healthy habits? Let us know if you have suggestions for future groups by calling the COA. Healthy Helpings Has your doctor told you that you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and that eating differently might help? Are you struggling to meet your basic food needs, let alone follow a new diet? If so, the COA in partnership with Open Table has a new program to help! We are offering food insecure seniors twice-monthly Healthy Helpings kits. This program follows the American Heart Association’s recommended eating plan to lower or control blood pressure and heart disease. You will receive frozen meals ready-to-reheat-and-eat, select easy-to- prepare pantry items, plus recipes, health tips, and incentives to eat “heart healthy.” If you are interested in signing up or have questions, call the COA at 978-318- 3020. Participation is free and confidential, space is limited. Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop New treasures are added to our online shop regularly, so check back often. We have a little bit of everything, from pottery to jewelry. Just type into your internet search engine (Google for example) via your computer, laptop or smart phone Harvey’s Treasure Chest Gift Shop Concord and away you go! Beware of this “Tax Time” Scam! TRAIN WITH SHAIN The IRS never calls demanding payment and it does not IN HOME BALANCE THERAPY AND leave messages informing you that you will be arrested.