MIDDLEBORO — Gear up and get ready for a whole host of events happening this July and August at the Middleboro Council on Aging. 

Before diving into summer fun, take note of Middleboro Elder Affairs Officer Steve Valerio’s summer safety tips: 

1. Stay Hydrated. Drink 8 or more glasses of water per day to stay healthy & hydrated. 

2. Know the Side Effects of Medication. Some medications have side effects such as drowsiness or sun sensitivity

3. Stay Cool. Stay in the A/C. indoors, go swimming, etc.

4. Wear Light, Loose Fitting Clothing. Wear breathable clothing and light colors that reflect the sun. 

5. Have Emergency Contacts. Have a list of people to call in case of an emergency.

6. Know the Weather Forecast. Plan your days accordingly depending on the weather.

Now, to get to the fun part...

On Thursday, July 18 at 1 p.m., the Middleboro COA will host the presentation “A Lookback at Amusement Parks” by Nancy Franks of Frankly Speaking. Franks will delve into the history of Massachusetts amusement parks, taking the audience all the way back to 1893.

The presentation will be followed by an amusement park-themed raffle. Guests are invited to bring any memorabilia if they attended these parks. Call 508-946-2490 to sign up.

Kick back and relax at Free Moving Night at the Park on Saturday, July 17. On screen will be a 90’s classic about a 12-year-old orphaned boy who forms a bond with a captive whale at a theme park. Gates open at 7 p.m., the movie starts at 8 p.m. at 26 Jackson St., Middleboro.

The movie will be played at the lower softball fields at the Pierce Playground. You must arrive in a vehicle. Buses and large trucks are prohibited. 

Donations will help support the Parks and Recreation programs. 

The Bereavement and Grief Support group will hold a session on Thursday, July 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Tim Veglas from the Salvation Army will be facilitating the group. Call 508-946-2490 to sign up. 

The Middleboro COA offers a variety of transportation options.

The Downtown Middleboro Area Shuttle is open to everyone and runs Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dial-a-ride vans run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are available to residents 60 years or older or who are ADA Paratransit Certified). Reservations are required.

The Taunton Shuttle runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and the Plymouth Medical Shuttle runs Monday through Friday. Reservations are required with a minimum of two days notice. Call the office for more information and to reserve a ride.

Coming on Tuesday, August 13 at 1 p.m. is an essential oils workshop, led by Doterra Essential Oils Rep Chris Ventura. Call 508-946-2490 to reserve a spot. 

For a full list of the Middleboro COA’s upcoming summer events, check out the COA’s July newsletter.