Holliston Council on Aging news
Tablets for Seniors
Would you like to attend virtual programs and meetings? Have you wanted a tablet but can’t afford one? Do you have a tablet, but aren’t sure how to use an app, such as Zoom? The Senior Center has received a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation to use technology to help decrease social isolation in seniors.
As part of the grant we will also be hiring a technology assistant to both set up the tablets, and to teach seniors how to use either one of these tablets, or their own tablet. You must have internet service, but if you are low income you may qualify for Comcast low income service for $10 per month. Examples of those who qualify would be those qualifying for benefit programs such as MassHealth, Fuel Assistance, or SNAP benefits. For those who qualify for low income internet, through the grant, we can assist you with up to 10 months of payment or through 10/30/21, whichever comes first.
Those receiving tablets must agree to complete a quarterly survey on how they are being used. The tablets are being loaned out, for as long a period as you continue to use them. If you stop using the tablet, we ask that you return it so we can offer it to other seniors. For more information about this, or any other programs, call Bryan at the Senior Center.
Chat with Staff
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 10am
Whether you received a tablet from us, have a computer/tablet of your own, or just want to call in, sign up to chat with the staff at the senior center! These will be informal sessions to simply talk with us about anything. WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE anyone who received a tablet from us to try to attend these chats with Zoom!
To sign up, please email Bryan at [email protected] or call him at the senior center at 508-429-0622 x218
Valentine’s Party to Go
Because our other “To Go” events have been so popular, we are offering another one for a Valentine’s Celebration. On Monday Feb. 8 at noontime, we will be offering our usual Baked Stuffed Shrimp lunch TO GO! Meal will include; salad, baked stuffed shrimp, baked potato with sour cream, veggie, and chocolate cake. Of course, a sweet treat will be included. We are requesting a $6 donation and you must sign up by Friday, Jan. 29.
Call the senior center to sign up at 508-429-0622!
Zumba Gold!
Tuesdays 10:30—11:30 am
ZUMBA IS BACK and our instructor is ready to bring you the same Zumba energy and excitement from the comfort of your own home.
This class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba® choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. It will also focus on all elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance! Come ready to sweat, and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong. This class is exercise in disguise.
Suggested $4 donation per class; make checks payable to the SSF. Please email our instructor, Lourdes Fournier directly to sign up at [email protected] or call the senior center with any questions at 508-429-0622
SINGING FOR WELL BEING
2nd and 4th Thursday at 10:30 am
Improve your overall health in these fun and easy, stress-free singing sessions. These one-hour sessions will include:
· Tips for better breathing
· Learning relaxing mindful meditations
· Easy body warm-ups (seated or standing)
· Singing songs from around the world together
· All in the comfort of your own home on Zoom!
The suggested donation is $4 per class and payments should be made to the SSF. Please call ahead to sign up at 508-429-0622
Yoga
Yoga is a wonderful way to stay limber and get more energy! It can help boost your circulation, stretch and strengthen all your muscles, help you get a good night's sleep, and relax and de-stress you! Roberta Weiner, a Certified Kripalu and Hatha Yoga teacher who runs the Prana Center in Holliston, will be running these live virtual sessions.
Þ Yoga—Monday & Wednesdays via Zoom, $4 donation per class requested. This is the usual Yoga class that is normally held at the Senior Center. Roberta will be holding her class every Monday and Wednesday morning from 11 am—Noon via Zoom.
Pilates
Pilates will also be held on Zoom!
Thursdays from 9—10 am via Zoom, $4 donation per class requested. Please join Sharon Broadley-Martin as she leads the class to help improve your strength, balance and circulation through a whole-body workout.
BOOK CLUB
We welcome you to join us on the second Friday of the month at 1:30 pm to enjoy some interesting titles. In January, we will discuss “The Bridge of Clay” by Markus Zusak. In February, we will discuss “Moloka'i” by Alan Brennert.
The Holliston Public Library can help you get books for the meetings and will be available for curbside pickup. Call the Library with any questions (508) 429-0617.
Please sign up at the Senior Center (508) 429-0622 to be added to the Zoom meeting. Conference call is also an option for those who do not have internet/camera access.
Creating Your Psychological First Aid Kit
for Surviving the Coronavirus
With Henry Quinlan
In the coming months, there will be more stay at home time because of the winter weather and the surging rates of the coronavirus. It is more important than ever to be prepared. Join Henry Quinlan in a one hour Zoom session to learn how to manage stress and anxiety brought on by being locked down. Come listen to him talk about taking care of yourself, building hope and resiliency, and how to stay connected during these isolating times. This is a FREE event!
Please sign up with the Receptionist by calling (508) 429-0622.
Java with Jay
Last Thursday Each Month at 9:30am
Enjoy your morning cup of coffee and join Jay for a workshop to learn about different estate planning strategies from the comfort of your own home via Zoom! Each month will feature a different topic and a conversational Q&A for your questions. Advance registration required for the Zoom call-in number/link. Please call the Senior Center at 508-429-0622to sign up!
January Topic: Protecting Your Forever Home. 1 simple planning tool = 3 invaluable benefits
February Topic: How to keep up to 500k of your own money and still qualify for Medicaid: A little known secret that the nursing home won’t tell you.
Legal Hour with
Attorney Jay Marsden
Helping clients plan and secure their legacy for future generations.
Attorney Jay Marsden continues to meet with individuals for a complimentary 30-minute consultation. This meeting will be done via Zoom or telephone on the 2nd Tuesday of each month between 10 am and noon.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Jay, please call the Senior Center at (508) 429-0622 to sign up for your personal consultation.
Virtual Seminars with Attorney Bergeron
Each month, Atty Bergeron will hold a Live Zoom Seminar with Q&A on various topics. Please sign up in advance to get the Zoom invitation. Call the senior center to sign up at 508-429-0622!
Jan. 5 at 1 pm: Qualifying for MassHealth
Learn estate planning techniques to help you qualify for MassHealth. Know your options to make an informed decision.
Feb. 1 at 1 pm: Staying Home
Is your wish to remain in your home for the rest of your life? Learn more about estate planning strategies that may help that wish come true.
Legal Advice with Attorney Bergeron
Attorney Bergeron will continue to offer a free 15-minute legal advice through the Senior Center on the 4th Monday of the month from 10 am - 12 pm. You have the option of either talking with him over the phone or virtually using Zoom video conference.
Call the Senior Center at (508) 429-0622 to sign up for your 15-minute meeting with Attorney Bergeron to discuss legal questions or concerns.
Grief and Loss Support Group
Second Tuesday of the Month
“When we lose someone we love, we must learn not to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind” - Unknown
If you have experienced grief and loss and would like to join us in community, friendship and support, please join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. We are still able to come together albeit on Zoom, so if you are interested in joining us and have access, please call and register with our receptionist to get the Zoom invite or information on how to connect with us by phone. Feel free to call Marty with any questions you might have regarding the group.
Phone-a-Friend
Recognizing the effects of the isolation this pandemic has had on all of us and how difficult it has become for all of us to see family and friends with any regularity, we here at the Senior Center would like to pilot a program to help people stay connected. If you are interested in making a new “phone pal”, please give a call and ask for Marty.
SHINE
With Medicare Plans, does it matter which pharmacy you use?
YES, the pharmacy you use could make a big difference in the cost of your drugs!
All Medicare drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans (HMOs, PPOs) have network pharmacies. Most pharmacies accept most plans. However, if you go to a pharmacy that is not in your plan’s network, your drugs will not be covered, and you will pay full retail price.
For 2021, all the 27 Medicare drug plans have preferred pharmacies as do several Medicare Advantage plans. You should check that the pharmacy you currently use is the best one to use with your plan; plans can change their preferred pharmacies from year to year. By using a preferred pharmacy, you may save money!
The SHINE Program remains available for remote counseling and assistance. Trained SHINE volunteers offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs. To schedule a SHINE phone appointment, call the senior center at 508-429-0622.
Fuel Assistance
Applications for Fuel Assistance are here!! This program runs through April 30th, 2021 and is available for both home owners and renters. If your income is below $39,105 for one person or $51,137 for two and you could use a little assistance with your fuel costs, please contact Marty for more information and/or to set up an appointment. We, here at the Senior Center can assist any resident of Holliston (regardless of age) with this application.
Holliston Cable Access Television - HCAT
Do you know how much HCAT has to offer? Did you know that you can watch some recorded presentations by Gary Hylander or get advice by watching “Money and the Law,” a program hosted by John Drohan and Jay Marsden where they speak about many different topics? Other programs include “Just Thinking” “a program hosted by Mary Greendale where she speaks with people throughout the community. Also, there are some Legal Presentations by Attorney Arthur Bergeron.
HCAT continues to work with the Senior Center to bring some additional programs to the community including Chair Yoga with Roberta Weiner, some of the Walking Fitness programs and Allie’s Pilate program.
Please be sure to visit their website www.HCATTV.org and add a few of these exciting programs to your daily schedule.
