COA Notes/Reminders

Council on Aging Board Meeting
The COA Board will hold its monthly meeting on zoom at 4pm on Thursday, November 19th.  If you are interested in participating in citizen's speak, please reach out to the COA at (781) 235-3961 or by email at coa@wellesleyma.gov.  Want to watch live?  Tune into the Government Channel, Comcast channel 8 and Verizon channel 40.  The latest agenda can be found here.

Registration

Registration is on-going, and you can register any time.  All programs are online.  Registration is required for participation in all activities, unless posted otherwise.  Call us at (781) 235-3961.

Zoom Links

With the November/December cycle, we have been receiving a number of calls regarding when zoom links will be sent out.  The Activities Team currently sends zoom links out anywhere between 12 and 24 hours in advance of a program.  In addition, our software is generating automatic emails to participants two hours in advance of a program.  If it is an hour before a program and you do not have the link in your email, or you need assistance, please call us at (781) 235-3961.

Outside Programming/Offerings

Programming here is listed on behalf of an outside agency.  You will need to follow the directions below and/or contact that agency to register/participate in the programming.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society - Festivals of Trees
As many of you know Festival of Trees will look different than in years past, we will be offering reserved, timed ticket entry limited to 22 guests for each session. With complimentary hot chocolate in hand, a dedicated tour leader will escort each group through Snow Village, TWO rooms of beautiful and whimsical holiday trees, and send you to the fire pits with packaged s’mores to roast at the end of the visit. Visits are limited to 1.5-2 hours to help ensure safe numbers and minimal interactions.  

Your tour will not mix with other guests outside of your time slot so you can book with confidence that you will never be part of a large crowd. To give you a safe and secure experience tickets are extremely limited and we expect to sell out early.  

As always, we will still raffle the trees off on the final Sunday, so come prepared to choose your favorites! We will open at 10am on November 27th and run Wednesday to Sunday, ending on December 20th. Advanced purchase of timed tickets is required for both Mass Hort members and general admission. Tickets will not be sold on site. Mass Hort members receive a discount on tickets, join today to receive your discount.   

Bring your family, meet up with your social bubble, grab a slot for your end of year office party; get together in a safe way and enjoy the holidays! Click here to learn more about this event.  

Limited Tickets Available to ensure appropriate group sizes.  Attendees must reserve their entry tickets. No walk-in tickets available. Must book before you visit.  

Massachusetts State Plan on Aging - Feedback needed
Every four years, the Massachusetts State Plan on Aging is revised based on the needs of older adults (age 60+) and their family caregivers. The Plan serves to shape the policy development and programs that the Executive Office of Elder Affairs will pursue to promote independence, empowerment, and well-being so those in need will have resources to thrive in every community. 

The safest way to make voices heard this year is to complete our anonymous, secure survey found here by Friday November 27th.  You can also visit our website www.springwell.com for access to translated surveys (printable) in Armenian, Russian & Chinese. 

Wellesley Neighbors - Ted Talk on November 16th 
Have you heard about telomeres and their link to health and longevity? A TED talk by Nobel Laureate Elizabeth Blackburn tells how she discovered why our bodies age and suggests ways in which we might slow down aging. On Monday, November 16 at 3:00 pm, a 20-minute video of the talk will be presented on zoom by Wellesley Neighbors, a social and support organization for seniors. A panel of physicians will follow to discuss telomeres and take questions. Call Joyce at 781-283-0417 to provide your email address and receive a zoom link. She can also provide information about Wellesley Neighbors, which serves couples and singles in Wellesley and adjacent towns. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts - Wellness Webinars
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts wants to help you stay well, with no-cost health education webinars brought to you in partnership with your local Massachusetts Councils on Aging. Join a webinar to participate in educational activities, practice new hobbies, stay connected to other community members while remaining at home,
and learn more about how to stay healthy and safe during these challenging times. All are welcome—you don’t have to be a Blue Cross member to participate.

Wednesday, November 18
10:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. ET
Nutrition and Sleep: Fascinating Connections
Presenters: Lisa Farnham & Tricia Silverman
Register Now