Report of the Council on Aging 2008

The Council on Aging Board Members:

 

The Senior Center enjoyed a very active and productive year. Pot luck dinners, Ice cream socials, Pizza parties, Picnics, Holiday gatherings, Birthday celebrations, Wonderful entertainment, Lectures, Tag sales and a Fabulous Fashion show were held during the year. Once again the seniors were entertained by the fabulous Westside Tappers. The center also presented a wonderful cookbook that showcased all the recipes gathered from the seniors. The Volunteer Recognition was held in May.
 

TRANSPORTATION:

Transportation is made possible through Franklin Regional Transit Authority with a van being provided by Hulmes Transportation.

The Hulmes van is available during the following hours.

Monday and Thursday 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM

The town owned van is manned by many gracious volunteers who enjoy helping the elderly during the hours when there is no van service available. The volunteers also drive day trips that are enjoyed by all who have attended. During the past year approximately 3600 rides have been booked through the center.
 

CLASSES:

The following classes are offered at the center weekly with some having small fees to cover the cost of teachers salaries.

Aerobics, Water Aerobics, Yoga, Tai-Chi, Writers Workshop, Painting, Ceramics and Line Dancing.

This past year Zumba was added and Jazzercise was eliminated. Bingo is played for fun on Tuesday Mornings. Poker is played on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Bridge is played on Wednesdays.
 

DINING CENTER:

The Dining Center served close to 20,000 meals during the year. Many of the frail who are not able to attend the congregate dining center have their noon meal delivered by very caring volunteer drivers who also check on their daily wellbeing. With gas prices and heavy snowfalls, the past year proved to be quite challenging for the drivers. Meals are served Monday – Friday at 11:45 AM. Donations are always welcomed to help defray the cost of the meals that are delivered from Northampton. In turn all donations are forwarded to Highland Valley Elder Services, Inc.
 

NEWSLETTER:

Eight issues of the newsletter were printed during the year and delivered to residents who are seniors and are listed on the town census. All functions that are held at the center are listed with dates and the time they will be held. The newsletter is mailed or hand delivered to twelve hundred homes. The newsletter is made available through State and Federal Grant monies. This year when the budget ran short one of Southwick’s local business’s stepped forward to help with the mailing.
 

TRIPS:

The following trips were held:

Riverboat rides with lunch, Smith College bulb show, Tiffany windows tour, Berkshire Botanical Gardens, Shopping excursions, Bright Nights and the Casinos.
 

HEALTH & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:

Monthly Blood Pressure

BI-Monthly Foot Care

Bi-Monthly Hearing Clinics

Cholesterol Screening

Manicures

Influenza (flu) Clinic is held in the fall

Health & Informational Fair was held in the Spring

Outreach & Neighbor to Neighbor

Nutritional Information
 

SERVICES:

Most programs are income eligible. Check with staff.

Fuel assistance & Food stamps

Income Tax Preparation (AARP)

SHINE (Insurance Information)

Various Prescription Programs

Brown Bag & Bread Program

Health Care Proxy & Homestead Protection Act

Speakers on Legal & Elder Issues

Safe Driving Workshop
 

In closing, I would like to thank the volunteers who help us to provide all the programs that are available to the elderly population. At this time, we have approximately 70 volunteers who help in many different ways. I would also like to thank my staff and the following Boards, Individuals and Organizations for their continued support during the year.
 

Board of Selectmen

Council on Aging Board

Senior Citizen’s Club Inc.

Park & Recreation

Executive Office of Elder Affairs

Highland Valley Elder Services, Inc.
 

Respectfully submitted,
 

Jeanne Margarites