Author: Kayla Rochon

GROVELAND — The Groveland Council on Aging is celebrating the first week of December with a variety of exciting and meaningful events and would like to invite residents to join in on the fun. 

These events and activities are designed to educate, inspire, and bring the community together.  

Papermaking Workshop: Perfect for Gift Tags and Ornaments, Monday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. 

The COA will be hosting an eco-friendly workshop where participants have an opportunity to create custom holiday shapes using recycled paper. Accessible to all skill levels, this hands-on activity will be led by Mindy from Mindy Paper Cookies. Participants will use cookie cutters to shape shredded paper into festive designs perfect for gift tags and ornaments. This workshop is $10 per person, and all materials will be provided. 

Conversations That Matter: Cultivating Self-Care, Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. 

Join the COA for Conversations That Matter, a guided discussion inspired by Pema Chödrön’s book, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times.  

Attendees will come together and explore themes of resilience, self-care, and finding peace during life’s challenges. No prior reading is required — just come ready for an open and thoughtful conversation. 

Shifting Gears: Safe Driving for Older Adults, Thursday, Dec. 5 at 11:30 a.m. 

In recognition of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, the Groveland COA is hosting a Shifting Gears workshop, presented by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. This free session will cover essential topics such as the Disability Placard application process, age-related changes that impact driving, the REAL ID process, and resources for safe driving. 

To reserve your spot, call 978-372-1101 or email COA@GrovelandMa.com. 

“Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the Groveland Council on Aging,” said Director Alyssa Lee. “A week of creativity, connection, and learning awaits!”

About the Groveland Council on Aging:

The Groveland Council on Aging is dedicated to advocating for and supporting the health, independence, and well-being of Groveland’s older adults. Through a variety of programs and services, we strive to foster a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone can age with dignity. 

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The night of Oct. 31 is quickly approaching. Children will be out trick-or-treating, and everyone should take precautions to keep Halloween a safe event. From wearing appropriate attire to checking your children’s candy to driving safely, everyone plays a role on this holiday.

Trick or Treating for Groveland will take place Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Young children should always be accompanied by responsible adults and parents and guardians should set clear rules and expectations for older children who are going out alone. If you’re out driving on Halloween night, please take extra precautions and give yourself extra time to get wherever you’re going.

For tips about costumes, candy and more from the Food and Drug Administration, visit: https://tinyurl.com/HalloweenFDA

For tips about Halloween driving safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, visit: https://tinyurl.com/HalloweenNHTSA

Falling is not a normal part of aging. However, falls remain the leading cause of serious injuries and death for older adults. The good news is they are preventable, and there are proven steps people can take to reduce their risk.

In observance of National Fall Prevention Awareness Week, Sept. 23-27, Groveland COA is hosting a variety of events to help older adults reduce fall risk, maintain independence, and stay active. 

Groveland COA Fall Prevention Events

Tuesday, Sept. 24:

• 3B Fitness: Bones, Brains & Balance with Brian Coyne at 9 a.m.
  A dynamic class combining balance exercises, strength training, and brain games to enhance stability and reduce the risk of falls. Advanced RSVP is required for free entry.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 

• Ask the Nurse! with Board of Health Nurse Anita Wright, from 10-11 a.m.
  This event is free. Receive personalized advice on managing fall risks. RSVP is required to secure a time slot.
• Line Dancing with Susan Tribble starting at 11 a.m.
  Improve coordination and balance while enjoying a fun-filled dance session. Advanced RSVP is required for free entry.

Thursday, Sept. 26:

• Meditation & Mindfulness with Deborah Fay D’Onofrio starting at 10 a.m.
  Enhance mental focus and body awareness, which are both critical for preventing falls. Advanced RSVP is required for free entry.
• Fall Prevention Workshop with Letourneau’s Pharmacy & Home Medical Equipment starting at 1 p.m.
  This interactive session will cover the leading causes of falls, practical tips to make homes safer, and the use of mobility aids to reduce the risk of falling. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized advice during the workshop.

Friday, Sept. 27:

• Yoga with Mary Van Abs starting at 10:45 a.m.
  Join the COA for a yoga session focused on improving flexibility, balance, and strength, all vital for preventing falls. Advanced RSVP is required for free entry. 

To RSVP for any of these events or learn more, contact the Groveland COA at 978-372-1101 or COA@GrovelandMA.com.

About Groveland Council on Aging: 

The Groveland Council on Aging’s mission is to advocate for Groveland’s older adults, to identify their needs, to develop and implement services, to meet their health, economic, social, and cultural needs, to encourage maximum independence, and to improve their quality of life. 

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GROVELAND — The Town of Groveland would like to share the following information regarding cooling centers ahead of the expected high temperatures this week. 

The Town will have a cooling center available Wednesday, July 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday, July 11 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Town Hall Center, 183 Main St.  

Severe temperatures can be extremely hazardous and sometimes fatal, and the Town of Groveland would like to remind residents to remain vigilant against the heat and take necessary precautions when outdoors or doing activities during hot weather days. 

The town also reminds the community to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of heat stroke including:

• A fever above 103 degrees 
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin 
• Rapid, strong pulse  
• Headache  
• Dizziness  
• Fainting  
• Confusion  
• Nausea 

In case of heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Move the person into a cool place. Attempt to cool the body down using wet cloths, fanning, misting, or a cool bath. Do not give the person anything to drink. 

Also, be on the lookout for the following symptoms of heat exhaustion:  

• Heavy sweating  
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin 
• Fast, weak pulse 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Muscle cramps 
• Tiredness or weakness 
• Fainting  
• Dizziness 

For more information about heat stroke and heat exhaustion from the CDC, click here.   

For more information, residents are encouraged to view safety tips from the National Weather Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Red Cross. 

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