Council on Aging

The Mission of the Council on Aging 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.

We’re not just an organization; we’re your neighbors, friends, and advocates. So, if you’re an older adult in Groveland looking for a supportive community, a caregiver to an older adult, or if you’re someone who believes in making a difference in the lives of older adults, you’re in the right place. Join hands with us as we create a place where everyone’s welcome, understood, and celebrated.

Stay in the Loop! Receive our bi-monthly newsletter directly in your inbox. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/iGiQZ-/

Current, April/May newsletter can be found here. Looking ahead to May/June? Great! That newsletter is here.

For details and registration for our EngAGEment Celebration and Symposium taking place on June 29th, please click here.

Featured Upcoming Event:

Join us for our inaugural Monthly Memory Café, a unique gathering designed to provide support, companionship, and engagement for both care-partners and individuals experiencing dementia.

What is a Memory Café? It’s a welcoming space where individuals living with dementia and their care-partners can socialize, share experiences, and enjoy activities together.

At our Memory Café, expect stimulating conversations, engaging activities, and a chance to forge new friendships. Whether reminiscing over favorite songs or exploring art projects, our aim is to create a supportive community where everyone feels valued.

This pilot program aims to gauge interest and gather feedback to shape future sessions. Attendance of both a care-partner and individual experiencing dementia is required, fostering a meaningful and joyful experience for all. Come to one session or all three!

Cost: Free Dates: Mondays on May 13, June 10 & June 24 Time: 2-3:30pm Location: Groveland Town Hall

You can register online here (for those with a key-tag), call the COA office at 978-372-1101, or email COA@grovelandma.com

Current Updates

Happening The Week of April 29th:
- Monday, April 29:
  - Veterans Services with Mike Ingham at 1:30pm in the Outreach Office.
- Tuesday, April 30:
  - 3B Fitness: Bones, Brains & Balance, at 9am, $5/person
- Wed. May 1:
  - Grocery Shopping/Rivers Edge Plaza; free ride on the COA Van. Leaves Townhall at 9am; RSVP Required. Service can be door-to-door.
  - Line Dancing at 11am, RSVP, $5/person
  - Drop-In Game Day from 12-3pm, Free
- Thursday, May 2:
  - Mediation and Mindfulness at 10am, RSVP, $5/person
  - Tech Q&A at 10:30am – 12pm; Free, RSVP
  - Friends of the COA Meeting: 3pm; all are welcome.
- Friday, May 3:
  - Yoga at 10:45am, $5/person
Newsletter: See ALL our events, programming and services in our March / April 2024 newsletter which can be found here and May/June here.
Online Registration/RSVP: We’re thrilled to introduce a new and convenient way to register for our upcoming classes and events. Explore the complete list of classes and events on the MyActiveCenter website here. If you need help, please reach out! You can still visit us or call in to register. Our aim is to make the process more convenient, and we’re looking forward to introducing an online payment system soon.
Interested in Volunteering?
- How you can help:
  - Skilled Assistance: From replacing lightbulbs to repairing broken shelves, and even managing trash barrels, our Fix-it/Handy-person service is here to lend a hand with household tasks.
  - Engaging Conversations: Did you know that a simple phone call once a week can make a world of difference? Join us for meaningful conversations that can brighten someone’s day and foster connection.
  - Your Contribution Matters: We believe in the power of community support. Whether it’s lending a hand with practical tasks or engaging in heartfelt conversations, your involvement can greatly impact the lives of older adults in Groveland.
  - Ready to make a difference? Fill out our volunteer form to let us know how you’d like to contribute, and we’ll be in touch soon!

Kindly remember to stay connected with your older adult friends and neighbors.

If they require assistance with groceries, transportation to medical appointments, or any other assistance, remember that the COA is here to support. The COA remains dedicated to offering van rides to essential medical appointments and providing food pantry deliveries to older adults in need once a week, from Monday to Thursday. It’s the compassion of our community that truly enriches the spirit of Groveland, making it a truly wonderful place to call home!

For more information, please call the COA office at 978.372.1101, we’re here to help you find the resources you need.

Programs, Services, Events

May and June Programs, Services, and Events Calendar

March and April 2024 Programs, Services, and Events

Monthly Newsletter

Email distribution as our primary method for delivering the newsletter. However, hard copies of the newsletter will continue to be available at our office, Town Hall, and the Library. To ensure you receive the newsletter directly in your inbox, do remember to subscribe to our email list here, or call call us at 978.372.1101

2405-2406_Groveland COA May-June 2024 Newsletter and Event Flyer Download

2403 – 2404 COA March-April 2024 Newsletter Download

COA Food Pantry

The food pantry is located in Groveland Town Hall/Council on Aging Outreach Office.

Wednesdays Hours: Open drop-in 1:30 – 3:30pm.
- Our Pantry operates under normal COA office hours on other days as well, but we recommend calling the COA office to schedule an appointment and ensure we are available to assist you. COA Office is open Monday-Thursdays 8-4pm and Fridays, 8-12pm.
Delivery is available for homebound older adults. Please call the COA office to schedule a delivery by 11am on Tuesdays for a Wednesday delivery.

The Council on Aging food pantry is a certified partner with Our Neighbor’s Table in Amesbury and the Greater Boston Food Bank.

Most Requested Items:

Canned clam chowder / low sodium soups
Snack items (cookies, crackers, cereal bars)
Condiments
Coffee/decaf coffee/tea bags
Detergent / bodywash/ soap
Individual frozen meals
Tissue/paper towels/toilet paper
Gift cards, to grocery stores

We wish to acknowledge the Groveland Congregational Church for its consistent donations of non-perishable food items and gift cards, and to the many residents who continue to contribute items to help stock the pantry.

Volunteer Opportunities

The COA always welcomes caring (and discreet) individuals to assist us in reaching out to older adults. Ready to make a difference? Sign up to volunteer with the Groveland Council on Aging today!

Areas of greatest need include:

Drivers
Friendly visitors
Telephone reassurance callers

COVID-19 Information

Free at home test kits available in the Council on Aging office
Free at home test kits available in the Board of health office

Employment Opportunities

Substitute Van Driver
The Town of Groveland, Council on Aging (COA) is currently seeking a responsible and compassionate individual to join our team as an On-Call Substitute (Sub) Van Driver. As a Sub Part-Time Van Driver, you will play a crucial role in providing safe and affordable transportation services for elderly and disabled adults within the community on an as-needed basis. This position primarily involves local trips within the community, ensuring that our passengers can access essential services, medical appointments, and social engagements. However, there may be occasional opportunities for longer drives, including trips to Boston or other locations. A valid regular (Passenger Class D) driver’s license is required to fulfill these duties.

Your commitment to ensuring the well-being and comfort of our passengers, whether on local or long-distance trips, will contribute to enhancing their quality of life. We will call in advance to confirm your availability before assigning any rides. The rate of compensation is $16.04 per hour.

Position open until filled. Send completed job application to apply@grovelandma.com. AA/EOE.

CODE RED

Emergency Phone notifications: Go to Town’s website (grovelandma.com) to sign up for alerts … especially if your household no longer has a landline. If this is difficult for you, CALL THE COA and we’ll get you set up!

New SCAMS

New Scams abound over COVID-19. To report or if victimized – call 1-888-221-6023OR email FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint site www.IC3.gov

Grandparent Scams:

The Groveland Police Department and surrounding towns are becoming inundated with scams. The two common scams are the “grandparent scam” and companies requesting gift cards for payment. No company will ever request gift cards! This is a red flag. The grandparent scam claims to be your “grandchild” and has been arrested. They will request thousands of dollars in cash to be picked up at your home or even meet at a location. Many times, they are Uber delivery drivers and unaware of the scam in progress. Sometimes they pose as an attorney or bail bondsman. No one will ever call you directly with these requests, they are scams. As a reminder, never give out any personal information over the phone or internet.

Lieutenant Heather Riley
Groveland Police Department
181 Main St Groveland MA 01834
W:978-521-1212

Useful Links

New – Legal Help

New Elder Law Guide and Podcast available
www.massbar.org/elderlaw
https://www.massbar.org/public/dial-a-lawyer

Government

Medical Info and Health Insurance

Newspapers

Reliable Web Resource for Older Adults

American Assoc. of Retired Persons (AARP)
Savvy Senior! A nationally syndicated information column devoted to older adults and the families who support them.
Mass Options A free resource that links you to services that help you or a loved one live independently.
AgeSpan Connects people of all ages and abilities with information and services to help them lead fulfilling lives in the community.