Council on Aging - We have missed all of you!
We have been on a journey though we must admit that we had time to reflect on what was working and what is needed to improve and expand our long-term goals.
Serving as your new Director, I ask for your support. “It will take a village” to regain a semblance of order. Pope’s Tavern will be opened JULY 1, 2021. Please take time to visit us during the hottest days to cool off; and other days to catch up on current programs.
We are grateful to the COA’s dedicated staff for keeping up with daily changes, and for working to support our community during the closure. Donna Porcello, Outreach Coordinator, Lisa Silvia, Receptionist and Transportation Coordinator, as well as our Outreach Assistant and Nurse, Patricia Ross will continue their good works, and to serve senior residents, caregivers and anyone in need of special support services. A special thanks to Susan Lawless, former COA Director, who provided favorable leadership to keep the Halifax COA moving along. Kudos to our IT Support, Cesar Calouro for keeping us connected to technology that changed daily.
Although we closed our doors to in-person programming, we continued to provide transportation; distribute blankets during the winter months; and deliver food commodities to many senior homes. We provided wellness programs while under the tent and found ways to offshore events to keep us healthy. With the help of our Long-Term Services and Supports partner, Old Colony Elder Services, we served over 120+ members with special events and Grab n Go/Boxed lunches. It takes a village, and we stayed together.
Some may have learned to ZOOM or visit the Halifax COA website for updates right from the living room. Yes, there is “nothing like the real thing,” a person to see and a hug or smile, but the main point, you managed to stay connected to a core of care.
Perhaps we did not close, but we had to adjust to the “hiccup” of challenges. We ask for your continued patience as we work with various Halifax Municipal Departments to ensure the safest possible environment going forth. We are also working with the Massachusetts Council on Aging and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to learn of safe protocols and to keep you vibrant and well.
We ask for your help us to be successful by following some simple steps:
- Wear your mask in specified areas of Pope’s Tavern.
- Call to sign up for programs.
- Ask for a member kiosk tag; and register at the door upon your arrival.
- Remember to bring your humor and passion as we grow.
More importantly, as your new Director, please take time visit me, as I am approachable and want to meet you.
Leo Tolstoy, an inspiring Russian writer, often wrote about behavioral change either within us or utilization of moving forward, creating positive energy. How many times have we thought about starting a diet or giving up a bad habit? Change does not depend on pure luck but, rather the understanding that we all can think rationally and realistically.
- Working Together
Darlene Regan, Director
Halifax Council on Aging