Billerica Council on Aging

News & Updates

Mental Wellness Workshops Return 2 times per month, with Dana!

We're starting up another series of Mental Wellness Workshops, hosted here at the BCOA two times a month, until early 2024.  Join a small group of peers, along with popular facilitator Dana Fogarty - starting this week.  THU SEP 21st, the topic will be very timely for many elders challenged by some family dynamics with adult children.  Here's a great opportunity to address strategies to handle challenges with calm, humor, and tips to set boundaries with your kids.

 

 

Town of Billerica Flu Clinics are back! Details are below.

 

Ages 55+ and 18+ with a chronic medical condition including pregnancy can make an appointment for October 18, 2023, at the Council on Aging using this link: https://tinyurl.com/4wfrhcvj

 

Any resident ages 18+ can sign up for the flu clinic on October 21,2023 in the Town Hall Auditorium using this link: https://tinyurl.com/yxu75ynz

 

The 65+ High Dose quadrivalent and Regular quadrivalent flu vaccine will be available at BOTH clinics. If you have any questions please call the Board of Health, 978-671-0931!

 

 

ConversationsBillerica comes to the lawn in front of Town Hall for Yankee Doodle Homcoming:  SAT SEP 23rd, 11am to 1pm

 

A new intergenerational community event is coming to Yankee Doodle Homecoming: ConversationsBillerica will host an opportunity to convene in social talk on the lawn of Town Hall on SAT SEP 23, 11am-1pm. Come reconnect with neighbors, friends, and community-minded residents - for social conversations lead by our volunteer guides. Click here for more information: ConversationsBillerica

 

 

We are hosting another Introductory Medicare Information Session on September 28th, at 5:30pm at the BATV Building at 395 Boston Road.  Call or stop by the Front Desk at the BCOA to register.  978-671-0916.

 

 

Billerica Town Meeting by Representative -- Looking to fill over 30 precinct vaccancies!  Consider representing your precinct for the OCT 3rd Town Meeting:

 

Fall Town Meeting will convene on Tuesday, October 3,2023 at 7:00PM in the Town Hall Auditorium. But have you ever wondered what Town Meeting does? Take a look at the graphic below to learn more!

Currently there are over 30 vacancies for Town Meeting Members! If you are interested in filling a vacancy in your precinct, please contact the Town Clerks office, 978-671-0924!

Click here for more information on Fall Town Meeting: https://www.town.billerica.ma.us/1006/Fall-2023-Town-Meeting

 

 

 

Mind-Body Practice Weekly -  Yoga &  Tai Chi

 

We offer two great Mind-Body Sessions for your practice:

NEW in September --MON 9:30am Tai Chi, $5 - We welcome Dave Crocker to lead Tai Chi

WED 9:15am Yoga, $5 - gentle movements either from a chair or on a mat

Check it out.

 

     

Feed your BRAIN -- The Lahey Produce Market continues every Tuesday through OCT 24th.  Here are the details:

 

Summary of our Weekly Active-Mind Games for Brain-Power and Socializing

 

We've got the brain-boosting games you love to play -- to increase concentration and focus, and have fun, too.  Activating your brain-power, along with socializing with others who share common interests, makes our social games attractive to all members.  Check out our weekly offerings, and give these a try:

 

Walking Wonders Group Meets M-F at 9am for social walks outside!

Walking can:

Strengthen your muscles.

Help keep your weight steady.

Lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, colon cancer and diabetes.

Strengthen your bones, and prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis (regular walking could halve the number of people over 45 who fracture their hip).

Help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension.

Improve your balance and coordination, and decrease your likelihood of falling.

Keep your joints flexible.

Increase your confidence and mood, and help you feel better all round.

Improve your energy levels and increase your stamina.

Reduce anxiety or depression.

Improve your social life – walking is a great way to get out and meet people or socialize with your friends.

If you'd like to add walking (outside) to your routine in 2023 - here is a great opportunity!  Meet at the COA M-F, at 9am.

Call Carolyn at 978-215-2010 for more info.

At our COA, You have greater flexibility in choosing and attending Exercise Activities!  PAY-AS-YOU-GO means more flexibility.

As described in our Outlook Newsletter (click on the link below to go to the online version,) you now have more flexibility in choosing which daily exercise, dance, and mind-body activities you'd like to attend.  We do not require advance 'sign-up' or payment.  You do not need to commit to an entire series of classes.  You can choose which days and activities you want to participate -- try different classes, and suit your own daily schedule.  Work around your own appointments and daily plans.  Fit in classes where YOU want.

FREE Weekly Classes DO NOT Require Advanced Registration

• Use Key Fob to Sign into your classes at the Kiosks
• Limited to 35pp – get here early
• These classes are:  Chair Aerobics (M & TH)   Cardio-Boost (T & F)   Tai Chi (F)

PAID Weekly Exercise Classes DO NOT Require Advanced Registration

• Use Key Fob to sign into your classes at the Kiosks
• ARRIVE EARLY to pay for each class you attend
• Pay at the large table in the Community Room
• Each class is $3.00 or $5.00 (please bring cash, preferred)
• If you want 2-3 classes in a day – you can pay one time for one day
• Limited to 35pp
• These classes are:  Strength & Balance, Full Body Workout, Tap Dancing, Line Dancing (Beginner+)   Yoga, Barre Fusion, Zumba Toning and Zumba.

See our Activities PAGE, and Wellness PAGE on this website, for further info.

Any Questions?  Please call 978-671-0916.

**New** Starting in January 2023, our Companion Program is expanding to serve these communities:

• Bedford
• Billerica
• Burlington
• Carlisle
• Wilmington

For more information on this program that offers families and caregivers peace of mind, balance and support, please click on this link below to review and print our brochure (PDF format - two pages.)

BCOA Companion Program Brouchure

Administration for Community Living Offers Home-Delivered Meals Nationally.  In MA, the government organization is AgeSpan.  Available locally and easy to get information:

Since 1972, ACL's National Senior Nutrition Program has supported nutrition services for older adults across the country. Funded by the Older Americans Act, local senior nutrition programs serve as hubs for older adults to access nutritious meals and other vital services that strengthen social connections and promote health and well-being.

If you'd like local info on the AgeSpan Home Delivered Meal ('Meals on Wheels') please contact them at 800-892-0890.  If you'd like to speak to one of our Outreach Specialists about delivered meals and other community resources, call the Billerica COA at 978-671-0916, and ask the receptionist to connect you to the Outreach team.

Click on the ACL logo, below -- to watch an informational video on the National Senior Nutrition Program.