Submitted by Alison Cservenschi, Director, Council on Aging
I hope you are all enjoying a lovely June and are doing well as we move into the summer months. June brings a number of important items to think about, support, acknowledge, and recognize.
First, Pride Month has been celebrated in the U.S., following Presidential declarations since 1999. Pride Month commemorates the riots that occurred on June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village of Lower Manhattan in New York City. As a result, many Pride events are held during the month and recognize the impact LGBTQIA+ people have had in the world.
Bedford Embraces Diversity will show their support with the flag outside the Department of Public Works again this year. This flag is a beacon of hope for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. It shows that our community supports and cares for each other, no matter our differences. Rainbow heart lawn signs will be available again this year from Bedford Embraces Diversity for those who would like to show their support. To learn more about resources and aging for the LGBTQIA+ community, please see page 3 of the latest “COA Connections” newsletter.
In June, the COA also recognize Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. This month is an opportunity to talk about the brain, learn about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and understand that these brain issues are a major public health issue in our aging community. Please go to https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers to learn more.
The COA Board is currently engaged in working towards a Dementia-Friendly Bedford by engaging community partners, neighbors, businesses, and interested organizations. This advocacy work will help to support those living with dementia, their families and care partners, and bring awareness to the community of this health issue that can affect anyone. Massachusetts now has more residents over the age of 60 than under the age of 20. The time to do this work is now to ensure our families, neighbors, and friends are supported as they age. If you are interested in joining in this work, please reach out.
In June, there was also a vote for officers on the COA Board and the Friends of the Council on Aging, 501c3 Non-Profit fundraising arm for the upcoming fiscal year. If you are interested in learning more or joining either of these groups, please attend these meetings in June.
In closing, thank you to everyone who has joined us so far this year. We have had a great six months this year bringing back tried and true programs, as well as new and improved ones. Our lunch and fitness programs are better than ever and if ever there was a time to come back, or try us out, it is now. Wishing you the best.
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