Council On Aging
We warmly welcome all to engage with us in our mission, regardless of economic status, ethnicity, family structure, gender identity or expression, marital standing, national origin, physical and mental health status, race, sexual orientation, or any other label that would seek to divide rather than to unite.
Current essential services include:
- Van transportation, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:15-1:00. $2.00 round trip within Hadley; Companions/aides ride for free. Call Outreach Coordinator, Lauren Hannigan for details about the timing of the circular route and to schedule a ride off-route: 586-4023 x3. Volunteers may be able to provide transportation to out-of-town medical appointments; please call at least 72 hours in advance.
- Congregate meals: Highland Valley Elder Services will continue individually packaged and portable lunches available for dine-in or to go. Delivery by volunteers is available for those who cannot pick up their meals. If you wish to have a meal, please call at least 48 hours in advance to request one.
- Brown Bag food pick up and distribution (monthly). To apply to be a recipient, contact the Food Bank of Western MA, 413-247-9738 or apply online: https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/brown-bag-food-for-elders/.
- Amherst Survival Center Senior Mobile Nutrition Program: A monthly distribution at the Hadley Senior Center of produce, meat, and other grocery items from the Amherst Survival Center. Sign up for the program by contacting the Amherst Survival Center Food Pantry Coordinator at 413-549-3968 x104 or email pantry@amherstsurvival.org.
- Outreach services: Outreach Coordinator Lauren Hannigan is available for consultation regarding social services, MassHealth applications, public benefits, or other individual needs and is available for phone appointments.
- One-on-one tech assistance over the phone to set up access to virtual programming and Zoom calls: Violet Suska will help troubleshoot Zoom video conferencing, using a tablet, and discussing options for internet access.
- General computer help by phone: Our volunteer Steve or Janice will talk with you on the phone to troubleshoot general computer problems. Call the Senior Center to arrange an appointment.
- Foot Care Clinics: Foot care by appointment (two appointment days per month).
- S.H.I.N.E.: Hadley residents in need of services relating to selecting health insurance can make appointments with Director and SHINE Counselor, Hayley Wood. A volunteer SHINE counselor is also available for phone appointments. Call Hayley at ext. 1 to schedule.
- Medical Equipment Loans: The Senior Center has a medical equipment supply closet and stores equipment (such as walkers, crutches, commodes, and wheelchairs) available for loan. It will also accept donations of equipment in good shape and clean. Staff disinfects all received equipment but appreciates receiving clean pieces.
Cooling and Warming Center: The Hadley Senior Center will operate as a cooling center open to all members of the public in heatwaves, and a warming center during cold snaps. Cooling/Warming Center hours will be announced when specific heatwave or cold-snap conditions are forecast, and Hadley residents will be informed via the town’s Nixle notification system, which communicates via phone and text. The cooling/warming center is set up in the dining room, and the current maximum capacity is 25 people. All visitors will be expected to wear a mask, sign a COVID-19 health form, and provide contact information.
Mission Statement
The Council on Aging is a municipally appointed volunteer board authorized under Massachusetts General Laws. Major responsibilities of this Department include setting local policy for the administration of elder programs and services; identifying the total needs of the community's elder population; developing, promoting, and implementing services to meet these needs; serving as an advocate for elders; and educating the community-at-large about these needs and the available resources. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life of Hadley's residents 60 years of age and over and to enable them to remain active and independent within their own community.
Council on Aging Board Members:
- Rosalie Weinberg, Chair
- Margaret Wilson, Vice Chair
- David Storey, Treasurer
- Sarah Chadwick
- Glenn Clark
- Elizabeth Faulkner
- Linda LaDuc
The following are the main categories of services offered:
- General information, referral, and social support
- Fitness Opportunities
- Health
- Social/Recreational
- Educational
- Benefit assistance program intake
- Daily Congregate meal