Chatham

The Chatham Council on Aging is sponsoring the following events. To register or for help with Zoom, call 508-945-5190.

The Homeless Prevention Council of Cape Cod will present a proactive housing planning session

on Monday, Nov. 15. “Let’s Talk About Tomorrow” will be held via Zoom. The information session is designed to create awareness about senior housing on the Lower Cape, to encourage attendees to work with case managers to apply as soon as possible, and to connect residents to the many local resources available. This information session is crucial for older adults who are either considering applying for affordable senior housing or aging in place. Reservations are required.

On Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 9 a.m., Henry Quinlan will host a free online presentation via Zoom, discussing “The USSR – Russia, Myths, Mysteries and Spying.” Quinlan relays his 30 year involvement with the former Soviet Union and Russia, including living in Moscow for five years during the demise of the USSR and the rise of the new Russia. Reservations are required.

On Wednesday, Nov. 17th at 9:30 a.m., chef Heather Bailey will be online with the next monthly cooking class, “Keeping The Holidays Healthy.” In this class, certified nutritional consultant and natural chef Bailey of The Optimal Kitchen will demonstrate some favorite recipes and provide tips for making your meals both healthy and delicious. Online via Zoom. Reservations are required.

Harwich

With the help of Lower Cape Outreach Council, the Harwich Council on Aging will be distributing Thanksgiving baskets to seniors in need, containing complete turkey dinners to cook at home. Each frozen turkey is accompanied by stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, veggies, and more. Don’t want to make a turkey? Order a basket with just the fixings! Baskets will be delivered by volunteers on a date to be determined closer to Thanksgiving, usually the Saturday morning before the holiday. You must be home for the delivery. Sign up by Wednesday, Nov. 17 by calling 508-430-7550. Frozen turkeys will be available through the Pantry while supplies last.

Know a senior in Harwich who doesn’t have many family or friends in the area to check on them or bring them holiday cheer? The COA has a small holiday outreach program to reach the most isolated older adults. Contact the COA if there’s someone you know whom you think should be included. Each year, the COA delivers cranberry breads that are donated by the Kiwanis as well as holiday gifts, either through a program called Santa for a Senior, or through donations made by community members. To make a referral, please call 508-430-7550 or email COA Social Services Coordinator Julie Witas at jwitas@town.harwich.ma.us.

Chef Linda St. Pierre will be preparing special feasts for both Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 18 will feature a turkey dinner with all the fixings. Sign ups begin this week. Winter holiday: Thursday, Dec. 16 a roast pork dinner with all the fixings will be served. Sign ups begin Monday, Dec. 6. Both meals will have a capacity of 70 and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Folks who do not attend the Thanksgiving meal will be given priority for the winter holiday meal. Up to 40 people can be seated at the community center, and another 30 meals are available for grab and go or delivery.

The COA is always seeking new volunteers. To find out about current opportunities, contact COA Social Services Coordinator Julie Witas at jwitas@town.harwich.ma.us or 508-430-7550. Holiday food and gift delivery: Volunteers will help in either packing or delivering food and/or gifts at Thanksgiving and wintertime. Holiday meal serving: Help serve food and clean up at our special holiday meals (see page above). Room caretakers (one to four hours a week): Help keep the reception area and office spaces looking great. Come in once or twice a week to spruce things up. Building custodians keep everything clean, but someone is needed with an eye for detail to help with organization and suggestions for how to keep things warm and inviting. Reception/administration assistants (3.5 to seven hours a week): Responsible for greeting guests, directing clients to proper COA staff, helping in the distribution of medical equipment, acting as a backup to answering phones, and making reminder calls. Excellent communication skills and friendly demeanor would make this a very rewarding experience. Afternoon coverage is needed. Friendly visitor (one to two hours/week, six month minimum): Provide one-on-one companionship to combat social isolation through regularly scheduled visits and activities. Friendly visitors gain valuable experience, contribute to the community, have fun, make a friend, and learn something new.

COA Collaborations

Cape COAST (Councils On Aging Serving Together) has been collaborating to leverage resources to offer older adults on Cape Cod enhanced options for virtual programming. Below is a list of virtual programs to be held via Zoom in November and December. Each event is hosted by a particular Cape COA and is open to residents of all Cape towns.

Chef Kelli’s Surprise Holiday Treat, Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. (via Facebook and Instagram Live). With the Dennis Center for Active Living breaking in a new kitchen, Kelli will show how to make special holiday treats this season. To register call the Dennis COA at 508-385-5067.

Current Events In The Middle East, Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Why is the Middle East always in the headlines? Join Krishna Kulkarni, outreach coordinator at the University of Chicago Center for Middle Eastern Studies, for a presentation on current events in this diverse and tumultuous region of the world. Participants will learn about how the modern Middle East took shape through history and the most significant developments taking place in the region today. Kulkarni will also discuss the ways news media affects our perceptions about the Middle East and its diverse communities. To register call the Orleans COA at 507-255-6333.

Living With Wildlife, Thursday, Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. There is a diverse range of wildlife in Massachusetts in neighborhoods and open areas. Learn about commonly encountered wildlife such as deer, coyote, and raccoons and their intersection with wild and developed spaces. Find out best practices for maintaining bird feeders and attracting visitors. Presented by Sean Kortis of Mass Audubon. To register call the Harwich COA at 508-430-7550.