Get your tickets soon for the annual corned beef dinner

The Tewksbury Council on Aging held its monthly meeting yesterday at the Senior Center.

Director Janice Conole gave her report on activities at the very busy center. The Gift Shop and the Boutique are doing very well. Income from these two shops contribute to many of the events not supported by the budget. The Men’s Group is gaining momentum, as is the Low Vision support group. The monthly virtual tour had to be cancelled because of stormy weather in Ragusa, Sicily. Keep watch for the next tour in March.

In with the new: Fresh tables and chairs should be arriving next month, replacing the much-worn current furniture. The Center has also added another bus driver, George Ferdinand, to assist residents with trips in and about Tewksbury and beyond.

The AARP Tax Aid Program is up and running. More than 150 residents took advantage of the program to have their taxes prepared by volunteers who have been certified by the IRS.

Staff and volunteers will renew certifications for the FOOD-SAFE program. This program’s purpose is to provide food handlers with the information they need to handle food safely.

Also approved were the TSC Medical Emergency Procedures. This policy is in place to address any medical emergencies that may occur in the building. There is always a CPR-certified staff member available whenever the building is open to the public.

Town Clerk Denise Graffeo reminded Board members to take Ethics Training as mandated by the state.

A final note from Chair Lynn Murphy about the upcoming Friends of the Elderly St. Patrick’s Day celebration on Friday March 10 at 4 p.m. Get tickets soon as they sell out. You can stop by the Senior Center Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. to purchase your ticket!

The COA board meets the third Tuesday of each month.