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Local Voices

Old Colony Elder Services' Congregate Meal Sites Offer Special Meals, Activities & Camaraderie

Old Colony Elder Services' (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, offers themed and holiday meals at their congregate meal sites.

Congregate meal sites provide hot, nutritious noontime meals, Monday through Friday. The meal sites are located at local Councils on Aging (COA) and sometimes at local housing authorities. Themed specialty meals are interspersed with the regular menu to enhance the dining experience. Group activities, along with the occasional “Traveling Chef” who prepares a meal in front of congregate meal participants, adds to the excitement.

The Wareham COA is offering a themed meal, deemed the "Labor Day Special", on July 21, 2014 at 11 a.m. Mediterranean chicken breast, lemon olive rice, vegetable ratatouille, dinner roll and chocolate fudge cake (with alternate diet brownie) will be served. A “Funny Hat Party” competition will be held and there will be prizes for the most original hat and the funniest hat.

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"For many older adults, sharing a meal and companionship at a congregate meal site may be their only interaction with peers," said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES. "Anyone age 60 or older is encouraged to attend a congregate meal site where they can enjoy delicious meals, social interaction and fun activities."

Reservations for the Wareham COA’s Labor Day Special meal are required by Thursday, July 17th. Call 508 291-3100, extension 6514 to reserve a seat.

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OCES' Nutrition Program is designed to enrich older adults' quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals at the congregate meal sites and through home delivered meals (Meals On Wheels). Meals are planned by a Nutritionist and meet one-third of the Recommended Daily Allowance for major nutrients. The meals do not feature high sodium foods and no salt is added. Low-fat milk is provided. Congregate meal menus are published in local newspapers and in COA newsletters. A sample menu may be requested by calling OCES at (508) 584-1561 or visiting the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 179 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

                                             

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