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THE EXCHANGE:
SOUTHERN MAINE ALLIANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS
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After our third meeting yesterday, we are confident to say that The Exchange: Southern Alliance for Older Adults is a go. We started The Exchange because we saw a need for more networking opportunities among organizations and individuals working on behalf of older adults in York and Cumberland counties. Its goal is to build connections with one another, share resources and information, combine efforts and align services for greater impact, and work together to address the highest needs. The Exchange is open to non-profits, businesses, volunteer organizations, community partners, and individuals who care and work to improve the well-being of the older adults in our communities. We meet quarterly over Zoom.
Our 3rd meeting on October 26th included a presentation from Deqa Dhalac, the first Somali-American mayor, who discussed building cultural connections with diverse communities and learning to listen and ask questions when we do not know much about a culture. Her presentation was followed by an exciting Q&A about the immigrant communities in Maine. Deqa’s presentation was followed by two breakout rooms where attendees discussed topics on social isolation and loneliness, housing, transportation, local resources, and winter response to the needs of older adults. The video below is an opportunity for those who could not attend to hear Deqa Dhalac and the follow-up discussions.
We are at the final planning stages of how to continue connecting, exchanging resources, and problem-solving in between the quarterly meetings. Interested in being part of the conversation and the networking opportunities? Sign up for our mailing list |
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EVENTS, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES |
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YOU'RE INVITED!
Join us on NOVEMBER 30th at noon for a special lunch and tour of the Adult Day Program at the Sam L. Cohen Center in Biddeford!
Space is limited
ABOUT the Adult Day Program:
The Cohen Center provides a home-away-from-home experience for our members living with memory impairments. Our program continues to grow and with the cold weather upon us what better time to come to join for some socialization and brain-stimulating activities where there’s plenty of warmth and laughter inside. We have music…sing-alongs, musical entertainers, and recently our Lowrey organ is being dusted off and ready to be played!
We have art classes twice a month with our art instructor from Engine, a Biddeford-based art organization. Currently, members are working with painting on canvas.
Can you smell that apple crisp baking?? The members love to bake and share their dessert at lunchtime with all the members and staff.
We are looking forward to starting a handicraft club where members can knit, crochet or do embroidery and socialize. Do you like to play cribbage? We have several members who enjoy playing…do we hear a cribbage tournament coming soon?
Learn more about the Adult Day Program on our website |
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Southern Maine Agency on Aging's Conversation Café is a welcoming place to hold
interesting discussions, meet new friends, and celebrate life in general!
Join us for laughter and learning as we explore topics that impact us as we age!
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Conversation Cafe meets weekly on Fridays from 3:30pm to 5pm over Zoom. The meetings are predominantly discussion-based with some including a presenter and follow up Q&A. Check out the Conversation Cafe webpage to learn about what is coming in the next two months. The topics focus specifically on the needs of older adults! Then head to our events page to register for any one of them. Once registered, you will be notified about any incoming events. |
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A Matter of Balance workshop
at
the York Public Library |
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Falls are not an inevitable part of aging! Simple strategies - from a few home adaptations to modifying how you think about falls - can significantly decrease your chances of falling.
Join our 4-week workshop A Matter of Balance class at the York Public Library, beginning November 16th to learn those daily easy-to-follow strategies to protect yourself from falls.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Agewell is sponsoring a bi-weekly, virtual Poetry Conversation Class beginning November 7th on Mondays at 6 pm. It will run until January 31st.
We are still looking for volunteer facilitators for this group so please reach out at volunteer@smaaa.org if you are interested in joining! |
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Heating Assistance Program
The Home Energy Assistance Program assists qualified homeowners and renters to pay for their heating and energy costs. Benefits may include assistance with current and emergency energy costs; an eligible HEAP application may also qualify you for other energy-related services, such as furnace repair and heat pump installation. |
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Two organizations accept applications for the HEAP program:
- Cumberland County - Opportunity Alliance, (207) 553-5900
- York County - York County Community Action, (207) 459-2950
Income eligibility:
- One-person household: $2,572 per month.
- Two-person household: $3,363 per month.
Our resource specialists can help complete the application forms! Contact us at 207-369-6500
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FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM |
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NOVEMBER IS FAMILY CAREGIVER AWARENESS MONTH
A dozen events - presentations, support groups, Memory Cafe (Nov. 15th) - and numerous calls about the new Respite for ME grant are keeping our Family Caregiver Support Specialists busy. They are all looking forward to November and the many opportunities to connect with family caregivers and thank them in person (or over the phone).
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- You or a loved one received meals at your doorsteps
- We partnered to provide programs and services that improved the well-being of the older members in our communities.
- You are the caregiver of a member of our Adult Day Program.
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Winter Preparations Are Underway
Every year our Meal on Wheels (MOW) sites give to our clients boxes with shelf-stable food for when the real Maine winter begins. These boxes will help both clients in case of power outages and our volunteers if they cannot get to the clients during snow storms.
The boxes on the picture were just delivered at the Sam L. Cohen Center with more to come.
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Make a Difference in Somebody's Life: Be a Volunteer!
Below are only a few of our open volunteer positions. Explore all SMAA volunteer opportunities.
1. Southern Maine Agency on Aging is teaming up with Southern Maine Health Center to assist with volunteer aid within the Hospital Elder Life Program. Some of the volunteer responsibilities include:
- Daily Visitor: helping with orientation, communication and social support
- Feeding Assistant: helping set up trays, providing companionship during meals or feeding patients
- Therapeutic Activities: making sure patients have something to do while in bed or providing activities to encourage active participation and socialization
2. HIAS Refugee Resettlement Program at the Jewish Community Alliance is seeking volunteers to assist with grocery shopping for new and established refugee families in the greater Portland area. Volunteers should have a general level of experience shopping in both large superstore-type supermarkets as well as small, local specialty shops. Some of the volunteer options include:
- Pre-Arrival Grocery Shopping
- Recurring Grocery Shopping (with Refugees)
Mary Hadlock and Paul Hofelich are looking forward to hearing from you and what your interests are as a volunteer. Get in touch with them at volunteer@smaaa.org
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Age-Friendly Freeport & Pownal (AFFP)
Freeport Community Services Events
Guided Walks (featured), Cider Sipping, Free Yoga classes, Freeport Fall Festival and many more to list. Head to Freeport Community Services website to see detailed schedule of their events!
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Research to Look for Connections between Beta Blockers and Osteoporosis
Be a part of the discovery!
Researchers at MaineHealth are studying whether a medication called atenolol, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, can help prevent osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. A study of large historical health databases found that people who take this class of drugs, called beta blockers, tend to break fewer bones. That discovery inspired preliminary studies which suggest that there are previously unknown biological connections that may help beta blockers preserve bone in mature women.
Interested in participating in the research?
The Atenolol for Prevention of Osteoporosis (APO) Study is currently seeking women between 50 and 75 years of age who have experienced menopause and who are not already being treated for osteoporosis to volunteer to participate in this important research. Each woman who wishes to participate completes a screening process to help determine whether it would be safe and appropriate for her to participate. The initial screening test results are provided to the participant to discuss with her own health care provider if she wishes.
If you are interested in learning more about participating in the APO Study, the research staff is available to answer questions by phone at (207) 396-6850 or by e-mail at APOStudy@MaineHealth.org.
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For Community Providers:
Did you know you can refer clients to SMAA services through the HIPAA-compliant Community Provider referral form?
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If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you wish to join our mailing list, sign up here |
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If you or your organization is interested in partnering with us, please, contact us at info@smaaa.org |
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