Council on Aging

Although our building is closed to the public at this time, we are in the office assisting individuals with food shopping, food pantry delivery, prescription delivery, mask deliveries, friendly visitor phone calls, emotional support, and more.

We are working on virtual programs that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

We are eagerly awaiting the day we can all be together again!

You can also find our programs at:

Canton COA Facebook

Canton Community Television: Comcast Channel 8 or Verizon Channel 43

If you are having problems connecting with any of these programs, please call us and we will walk you through it.

We are here to help!

781-828-1323

NEW

COVID19 Vaccine Update

The Town of Canton, through its Council on Aging, has developed a list of individuals 75 years of age and older that are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As vaccine becomes available we will be registering those over 75 years of age in accordance with his or her spot on the list.

Initially, this list included those under 75 with two or more comorbidities. However, since that time the eligibility requirements were changed by the State and those individuals are no longer eligible in this phase. As a result, we are not keeping a list for those under 75.

Going forward residents under 75 years of age will be expected to sign up for the vaccine when they become eligible.

But we are here to help you in several ways. Please visit the Town website to

1) Sign up for Town Alerts

2) Visit the Board of Health Webpage frequently for updates on phases, clinics, and when you can register

If you need assistance or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We are happy to assist anyone who has connectivity issues or who needs transportation. We are here to help 781 828 1323

NEW

COVID19 Vaccine Update

The message below was sent out yesterday by our Fire Chief, Charlie Doody, to individuals on our COVID-19 information list:

Good evening. On behalf of the Select Board and the Board of Health, this is Fire Chief, Charlie Doody with a public health update. Today, the Baker-Polito Administration and Secretary Sudders Executive Office of Health and Human Services notified Massachusetts communities, including Canton, that as of March 1st, the Commonwealth will no longer supply local Boards of Health with the COVID 19 vaccine.  Although Canton was making good progress in vaccinating our over 75-year-old residents, the Baker-Polito Administration has made the decision to focus on large vaccination sites like Gillette Stadium and has reallocated vaccines that were previously dispensed to local communities.
https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine

In addition to First Responders, Health Care Workers and individuals 75 years or older, as of Thursday, February 18th, the State has opened up vaccine availability for those individuals who are 65 and older or who have 2 or more specific medical conditions and for residents and staff of public or private low income and affordable senior housing.   
COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals with certain medical conditions | Mass.gov

Since Canton will no longer be able to offer 1st dose clinics to its residents, you are encouraged to visit the vaxfinder@mass.gov website frequently to find an appointment. New appointments are added weekly, so check often.  In addition, some CVS and Wegman’s locations will be offering vaccines.  

Residents who would like to receive automatic electronic updates to the State Vaccination Eligibility Schedule and clinic postings can log on to the town of Canton’s website and can click on the alert sign-up icon on the bottom right of the page. Residents who need assistance locating or registering for a clinic can call Canton’s Vaccination Hotline at 339-502-5715.  The Hotline is staffed during Town Hall Business hours Monday through Friday and you will be able to speak to a live person who can help answer your questions. 

  https://www.town.canton.ma.us/139/Board-of-Health                                      

Finally, residents who qualify for a vaccination and need assistance making an online appointment or need transportation to a vaccination site can call the Council on Aging at 781-828-1323.  The Council on Aging is no longer maintaining a list for local appointments.  Remember, if you are making an appointment at Gillette Stadium, you can make an appointment for your companion. The Companion Program is only valid a large vaccination sites like Gillette Stadium. 

As always, thank you for listening, and stay well.

**We will continue to provide as much information as possible, when it becomes available**

CANTON's COVID VACCINATION WEBINAR

March 18, 7pm Zoom webinar on Canton's COVID Related News, live on cable

Tune into Zoom for the next webinar to learn how Canton is responding to the most up to date vaccination and other COVID related news. Zoom ID number 834-2168-7207 or dial by phone (audio only) 301-715-8592. Direct Zoom link on Town website, Covid page. Or watch live on cable (Comcast channels 8 and 22 or Verizon channels 42 and 43) or visit CantonCommunityTV.org for a live streaming link. Send questions in advance to covid19@town.canton.ma.us by Tuesday March 16 at noon.

NEW

During these uncertain times, things are changing rapidly and we are doing our best to give you the most up to date information.

Starting Monday, December 21st, due to the increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth and in the Town of Canton, our Senior Center will be moving to a “by-appointment only” service model until such time as we can re-open safely.

As a result, our Senior Center will be closed to all Live Fitness programs beginning Monday December 21st.

Visits to the Senior Center will be limited to appointments only, in accordance with Township guidelines.

Please call us at 781-828-1323 to make all appointments

We had not anticipated closing down our Senior Center for Live Programs so suddenly and have now transitioned all events to a “virtual” medium.

From January, we will have all Fitness classes virtually and are working with the Instructors to use Zoom for their respective classes.

We are here to help you set up Zoom or assist you in any way to enable you to have an enjoyable virtual experience.

We will also start to offer Technology Assistance on Friday afternoons in January. Please call us at 781-828-1323 to make an appointment.

You can enjoy several programs by simply Dialing in, using your telephone! Please call us if you need assistance with technology to participate in any of these programs.

We are offering transportation for essential services and providing social services to those in need.

You can access our schedule as well as all that we are offering by visiting the following:

Canton Council on Aging website https://town.canton.ma.us/341/Council-on-Aging
Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/cantoncoa
Canton Community Television. We also have a schedule posted to our front door.

Please call us 781 828 1323 to pre-register or if you have any questions.

We miss you all very much! The Senior Center is not the same without you.

Virtual Programs At A Glance

Day	Time	Event
Monday	9:00 AM	Sports Class with Sherry
Tuesday	9:00 AM	Yoga with Sherry
Tuesday	10:00 AM	Coffee & Chat
Tuesday	11:00 AM	Line Dancing with Rich
Wednesday	1:00 PM	T'ai Chi with Vince
Wednesday	5:00 PM	Virtual Happy Hour
Thursday	9:00 AM	Sit Fit with Sherry
Thursday	1:00 PM	Zumba with Giliana
Thursday	2:00 PM	Conversations That Count
Friday	12:30 PM	Friday Specials!
Friday	2:00-4:00 PM	Tech Help

March Specials!

3/10: Book & Puzzle Grab and Go!

Come choose a book or puzzle, generously donated by Laura and her daughter Kate, Canton residents and pick up a HESSCO lunch while you’re here.
Please pre-register by Friday 3/5 for the lunch.

3/17: Gather, Grab n Go!:

Enjoy some great company as we gather in the parking lot.
Enjoy a delicious Grab and Go Lunch including Corned beef and Swiss Cheese on Rye and a special St. Patrick’s Day Cookie. Suggested donation of $3.00
Pre-registration required by Friday 3/12. Please call 781-828-1323

3/17: The Songs and Stories of Ireland and the Irish!

A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!
Put on some green & come kiss the Blarney as we sing along to some Irish favorites with singer/storyteller Michael Goodwin.
Thanks to the Milton Council on Aging for inviting us to join in this celebration!
Call 617-898-4893 to register and get the Zoom link.

3/31: Special Lunch from Heart to Home:

The team at Heart to Home Meals is offering a free Grab n’ Go lunch. Meals are frozen and can be stored in your freezer until you are ready to heat and enjoy! Choose between Turkey w/ Cranberry Orange Sauce and the Crumb Topped Cod in Lemon Sauce. Please call us by 3/24 at 781-828-1323 to register for the free lunch and to give us your preference.

We have some wonderful guests from our community for our Tuesday morning Coffee Chats in March!

Join Zoom meeting https://zoom.us/j/365693758

Dial in: +1 929 205 6099 At prompt enter Meeting ID 365 693 758#

3/2: Michele Ellicks from the Massachusetts RMV with important information on how to

renew your license during COVID, the RMV website and what it offers, the new reservation

only policy at the RMV, the AAA/RMV partnership and the Real ID.

3/9: Sean Kent from Mass Audubon will give an update on events/activities at the Museum of

American Bird Art in Canton and do a brief presentation on sights and sounds of Spring.

3/16: COVID19 Update by Chief Doody

3/23: Michael Scutari talks about taking care of indoor plants

3/30: Ask your COA Team!

Here are links to some wonderful online programs that you can enjoy!

Please call us at the Center 781-828-1323 if you require assistance with any of these programs, we’re here to help!

Links to Other Programs

https://www.metopera.org/season/on-demand/

https://nyphil.org/watch-listen

https://www.npr.org/2020/03/17/816504058/a-list-of-live-virtual-concerts-to-watch-during-the-coronavirus-shutdown

https://www.newportmansions.org/about-us/videos

https://www.kennedy-center.org/digitalstage/

https://www.youtube.com/user/LibraryOfCongress

Caregivers Support Group meeting via Zoom:
Tuesday, March 9^th at 1:00 PM

Calling all Caregivers to carve out some of their well-deserved time to join The Canton Council on Aging Caregivers Support Group. Let’s share our caregiving stories and discuss the ways we are caring for our loved ones. We hope you can join us!
Please call 781-828-1323 to register for this meeting.

You can call in using your telephone:
Dial: 1 929 205 6099 At Prompt Enter Meeting ID: 875 7250 6067#
OR
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87572506067

Calling All Family Caregivers

  ​ We are pleased to announce that HESSCO will be hosting a virtual caregiver support group.

This group is open to any and all family caregivers looking for support and a safe space to share their experience.
 

WHEN: The Third Thursday of each month
 6:00 -7:00 pm
 

Starting 2/18/2021

WHERE: Virtual on Zoom (call-in option available)

To RSVP and receive the log-in/call-in information,
 Please contact Haley Stansberry, Family Caregiver Specialist at HESSCO at 781-784-4944 or email:hstansberry@hessco.org
 

NEW

Canton Corresponds

The Canton Council on Aging and the Canton Parks & Recreation Department are opening registration for a community-wide pen pal program.

The program “Canton Corresponds” will connect older adults (or anyone feeling alone) with youth participants.

We are looking for student volunteers in grades K-12 and anyone who is feeling isolated during these trying times and would benefit from corresponding through letters with other Canton residents. This experience will be fun for all involved and be a great way to feel connected!

You can register by calling the Council on Aging at 781-828-1323

or at https://www.cantonrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29315

"Conversations that Count" with Professor Angelina Avedano

The daily barrage of bad news can often cause us to lose focus. This four week long discussion forum will look at the changes we are facing in the world today and how to identify and focus on the things that matter. These are the “Conversations that Count”: they create community and inspire us to live an engaged and fulfilled life.

Check out Dr Avedano's video at https://youtu.be/B-Da4rFfGTc

Thursdays March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th and 25^th at 2:00 PM

Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86257030822

or Dial in +1 929 205 6099 At prompt enter Meeting ID 86257030822

Grab and Go Lunch at the Canton Senior Center

Wednesdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

The Canton Council on Aging with the generous collaboration of HESSCO is offering a Grab and Go Lunch on Wednesdays

The packed lunch consists of a sandwich, chips, side salad, dessert and lemonade with a different sandwich each week.

Registration is required by noon on the Friday before and a suggested donation is $3, though the HESSCO estimate of the actual cost of the lunch is $8.50

Please call the Senior Center for registration

781-828-1323

Click here to see the flyer

Friday Specials!

At 12:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85999623025

Dial in +1 929 205 6099 At prompt enter Meeting ID 85999623025#

3/19: Music by Noteworthy Organization: This wonderful group of talented youngsters send recordings of their musical performances for us to enjoy!

3/26: Evan Weiner presents: The year 1960.

Join Evan Weiner, a popular speaker and author with a radio and TV background, for this interesting presentation!

The waning days of the Eisenhower Presidency and the end of the 1950s. But a closer look at 1960 reveals that much of the

Baby Boomers future life would be impacted by the year’s events that included the Cold War, Cuba, Vietnam, the Civil Rights lunchroom sit-ins,

a Presidential race, post-World War II and America Rust Belt economic dominance at its peak thanks to auto makers

and the steel industry. But the winds of change sweep in. Elvis is back but Cassius Clay and The Beatles are coming.

The Pill arrives and so do the Playboy Clubs. Football makes inroads on baseball’s

popularity in the US. This is Mr. Weiner’s first time presenting here in Canton---don’t miss out!

Resources and Referrals

For information on the social services we provide and helpful phone numbers please click on the following link:

https://www.town.canton.ma.us/807/Resources-and-Referrals?fbclid=IwAR1aQzcHwDZAsfbVHqmgxBRljtLFJshL5DlG20Fw927rHpIM-gz7U8RnLG8

Building Closure

Beginning Monday, March 16th, 2020 the Senior Center will be closed to the public, indefinitely. Your COA Team will be working on and addressing the challenges we are currently facing, and will be able to answer your phone calls and work through issues that arise. At this time the Meals on Wheels Program and Take-Out Congregate Meals, Limited Transportation and Outreach Services will continue. This was not an easy decision, we care deeply about all of our members, and we will continue to be here to support you.

We also want to make sure you are aware that this has unfortunately become an opportunity for COVID-19 scams. The AG’s office warns that scammers may try to steal your money and information by sending phony communications via phone calls, emails and texts. If a stranger claiming to be an expert on coronavirus contacts you, ignore them

Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of any assistance 781 828 1323.

Chair	Janet Walrod
Vice Chair	Elaine Gilmore
Secretary	Ellen Donovan
Member	Dr John Crowe
Member	Alan Leary
Member	Jane Pratt
Member	John Thoener

Council on Aging

The Canton Council on Aging is the only Public Human Services Agency in Canton providing a variety of social services to its residents.

Although our building is closed to the public at this time, we are in the office assisting individuals with food shopping, food pantry delivery, prescription delivery, mask deliveries, friendly visitor phone calls, emotional support, and more.

We are working on virtual programs that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

We are eagerly awaiting the day we can all be together again!

You can also find our programs at:

If you are having problems connecting with any of these programs, please call us and we will walk you through it.

We are here to help!

781-828-1323

Last Minute Updates!

**NEW**

COVID19 Vaccine Update

The Town of Canton, through its Council on Aging, has developed a list of individuals 75 years of age and older that are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As vaccine becomes available we will be registering those over 75 years of age in accordance with his or her spot on the list.

Initially, this list included those under 75 with two or more comorbidities. However, since that time the eligibility requirements were changed by the State and those individuals are no longer eligible in this phase. As a result, we are not keeping a list for those under 75.

Going forward residents under 75 years of age will be expected to sign up for the vaccine when they become eligible.

But we are here to help you in several ways. Please visit the Town website to

1) Sign up for Town Alerts

2) Visit the Board of Health Webpage frequently for updates on phases, clinics, and when you can register

**NEW**

COVID19 Vaccine Update

The message below was sent out yesterday by our Fire Chief, Charlie Doody, to individuals on our COVID-19 information list:

COVID 19 VACCINE LIST

Are you 75 years or older?

If you answered YES to this question, please call the Council on Aging at 781- 828 -1323 to have your name added to the list of individuals who need the vaccine as soon as it becomes available. You must be a Canton resident.

As soon as we have more details on the arrival of the vaccine and clinics, we will contact you. We anticipate that the vaccine will be available in early February.

CANTON's COVID VACCINATION WEBINAR

**NEW**

During these uncertain times, things are changing rapidly and we are doing our best to give you the most up to date information.

Starting Monday, December 21st, due to the increasing number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth and in the Town of Canton, our Senior Center will be moving to a “by-appointment only” service model until such time as we can re-open safely.

As a result, our Senior Center will be closed to all Live Fitness programs beginning Monday December 21st.

Visits to the Senior Center will be limited to appointments only, in accordance with Township guidelines.

Please call us at 781-828-1323 to make all appointments

We had not anticipated closing down our Senior Center for Live Programs so suddenly and have now transitioned all events to a “virtual” medium.

From January, we will have all Fitness classes virtually and are working with the Instructors to use Zoom for their respective classes.

We are here to help you set up Zoom or assist you in any way to enable you to have an enjoyable virtual experience.

We will also start to offer Technology Assistance on Friday afternoons in January. Please call us at 781-828-1323 to make an appointment.

You can enjoy several programs by simply Dialing in, using your telephone! Please call us if you need assistance with technology to participate in any of these programs.

We have transitioned to all Virtual Programs at the Canton Senior Center- here is the line-up for all the programs you can participate in, from the comfort of your homes.

Please call us at 781-828-1323 if you require assistance

March Specials!

3/10: Book & Puzzle Grab and Go!

3/17: Gather, Grab n Go!:

3/17: The Songs and Stories of Ireland and the Irish!

3/31: Special Lunch from Heart to Home:

We have some wonderful guests from our community for our Tuesday morning Coffee Chats in March!

3/2: Michele Ellicks from the Massachusetts RMV with important information on how to

renew your license during COVID, the RMV website and what it offers, the new reservation

only policy at the RMV, the AAA/RMV partnership and the Real ID.

3/9: Sean Kent from Mass Audubon will give an update on events/activities at the Museum of

American Bird Art in Canton and do a brief presentation on sights and sounds of Spring.

3/16: COVID19 Update by Chief Doody

3/23: Michael Scutari talks about taking care of indoor plants

3/30: Ask your COA Team!

Links to Other Programs

Caregivers Support Group meeting via Zoom: Tuesday, March 9th at 1:00 PM

​

​

We are pleased to announce that HESSCO will be hosting a virtual caregiver support group.

This group is open to any and all family caregivers looking for support and a safe space to share their experience.

WHEN: The Third Thursday of each month

6:00 -7:00 pm

Starting 2/18/2021

WHERE: Virtual on Zoom (call-in option available)

To RSVP and receive the log-in/call-in information,

Please contact Haley Stansberry, Family Caregiver Specialist at HESSCO at 781-784-4944 or email:hstansberry@hessco.org

The Canton Council on Aging/Senior Center is working in conjunction with other local COAs to offer a variety of Virtual programs for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home during this difficult time. Please feel free to explore and use the following links:

Bereavement Support:

** NEW**

Canton Corresponds

The Canton Council on Aging and the Canton Parks & Recreation Department are opening registration for a community-wide pen pal program.

The program “Canton Corresponds” will connect older adults (or anyone feeling alone) with youth participants.

We are looking for student volunteers in grades K-12 and anyone who is feeling isolated during these trying times and would benefit from corresponding through letters with other Canton residents. This experience will be fun for all involved and be a great way to feel connected!

You can register by calling the Council on Aging at 781-828-1323

or at https://www.cantonrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29315

"Conversations that Count" with Professor Angelina Avedano

Check out Dr Avedano's video at https://youtu.be/B-Da4rFfGTc

Thursdays March 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th at 2:00 PM

Grab and Go Lunch at the Canton Senior Center

Wednesdays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Book Club On Zoom

NEW

NEW

NEW

Caregivers Support Group meeting via Zoom:
Tuesday, March 9^th at 1:00 PM

NEW

Thursdays March 4^th, 11^th, 18^th and 25^th at 2:00 PM

Wednesday, March 24^th at 11:30 AM

Wednesdays, March 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th, 24^th at 5:00 PM

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84352718811