September 2020
A World Where Aging Is Honored
Last week, our country lost a true American hero of justice. Ruth Bader Ginsburg worked tirelessly on behalf of all Americans to make our country a more just and equal place for all of us. Justice Ginsburg earned her law degree from Harvard and Columbia as one of just nine women in her class. It was far from the last time she would trailblaze for women; she went on to become first female tenured professor at Columbia Law School, founded the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union and helped craft the legal case for women's equality, bringing cases before the Supreme Court where she would in 1993 become only the second female Justice in history.

And talk about a mature worker! Having experienced setbacks early in her career due to the unequal treatment of women in employment in the 1950’s and 1960’s, Justice Ginsburg was already 60 when she ascended to the United States Supreme Court. 
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg,
1933-2020
She went onto serve as a Justice for 27 more years, finally succumbing to cancer while still on the Court. During those years, she was celebrated for her work ethic and her famous work outs to improve her health and sustain her in work and life.  Justice Ginsburg wanted to be remembered as "someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability; and to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better ....”
It’s Falls Prevention Awareness Week

“The coronavirus pandemic has changed a lot of things. One thing that’s still the same? Falling is NOT a normal part of aging. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Falls Prevention Awareness Week is designed to spread this important public health message.”--National Council on Aging

All of us, and especially older Vermonters, can remain independent and reduce our chances of falling by engaging in regular exercise, reviewing our medications with a healthcare provider, having our eyes checked annually, and making our homes safer. Please help Vermont raise awareness and prevent falls by supporting evidence-based interventions, community partnerships, and education to substantially reduce the numbers of falls. People can learn more by visiting Falls Free Vermont Coalition or by calling the Senior Helpline at 1-800-642-5119. Help spread the word!

Did you know that:

  • Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults?  

  • Falls are the primary cause of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-related deaths?

  • The highest percentage of TBI-related deaths were among those over the age of 65 (41%)?

  • Vermont was ranked 49th in the nation with regards to the % of adults 65 and older who had reported falling in the last 12 months? 

Exercise such as Tai Chi improves balance and may help prevent falls. Other TIPS:

Review your Medications

Check Your Vision

Make Your Home Safe
Take a Free Online Checkup Here
There are Lots of Options to
Shop With 3SquaresVT
Exciting News from CVCOA's Medicare/Health
Insurance Program

While CVCOA is only offering appointments by phone or Zoom during the COVID pandemic, we are still fully here to help you with Medicare. Here are some of the changes we have made during the COVID pandemic: 

--We have added regular “Medicare and You” classes via Zoom. These classes are easy to attend from the convenience of your home and are being offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. Classes are participitory, so you can be sure to get all of your questions answered. (See Schedule)

--We added educational videos from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services about Medicare to our webpage.

What is CVCOA Doing About Open Enrollment During the Pandemic?

Open Enrollment in Medicare Part D prescription plans runs from October 15 – December 7. During Open Enrollment, CVCOA will assist clients in comparing their prescription drug plan options for 2021. This year, we will be offering individual appointments by phone or by Zoom so in-person meetings can be avoided.  We are also offering Zoom workshops on how to compare prescription drug plans during Open Enrollment in October. See Schedule

We added a locally produced how-to video on “Choosing the prescription drug plan that is right for you”. This video gives step by step instructions in plain language on how to use the Medicare “Planfinder” to compare prescription drug plans. Many people with a computer will find that they can follow the instructions in the video instead of needing an appointment during Open Enrollment. View Video



Community Services
Volunteer Department
Hires New Americorps Member
Dante DeNault (he/him) graduated from Ithaca College with a B.S. in Communication Management and Design and a minor in Sociology. Born and raised in Latham, New York, he is delighted to call Barre City as his home. As a two-time AmeriCorps VISTA alumni, Dante has served with the City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service and the Philadelphia Water Department leading AmeriCorps members and promoting environmental justice initiatives. Prior to that, Dante has worked with Hospicare & Palliative Care Services coordinating events, donations, and volunteers. In various capacities, he has volunteered with Code for Philly, North Carolina Coastal Federation, 180 Degrees Consulting, and Ithaca College Bureau of Concerts. In his free time, you may find him eating, reading, tending to plants, listening to music, skiing, and hiking.

Dante will be an integral part of the Central Vermont Council on Aging’s Volunteer Department as our Good Neighbor Outreach Coordinator and Direct Service Volunteer for the 2020-2021 Vermont Housing and Conservation Board AmeriCorps year. As a Volunteer Outreach Member, Dante will reimagine and build partnerships with community members and organizations to create a local network of direct support services for older Vermonters in the COVID-19 landscape. Dante will also recruit and engage volunteers and provide some short-term services to help older adults at home.  To volunteer at CVCOA go to Volunteer .
September 30 is the Last Day to be Counted for the US Census

There is still time for you to be counted! By answering a few questions, you’ll help shape the future of your community for the next 10 years. Our state and local regions receive federal funding based on Census numbers that impact funding that many local non-profits receive to address critical needs like food insecurity, healthcare, and education. An accurate and complete Census count matters for your community and for your family. Fill out your 2020 Census at www.2020census.gov.
How Can You Help Older Vermonters?
CVCOA continues to accept donations to support older Central Vermonters who need our help during this pandemic crisis. To donate online, go to www.cvcoa.org/donate or click on the red button above. You may use the drop-down list to designate your donation for Meals on Wheels or the CVCOAFlexFund to assist older Vermonters in need due to the impact of this pandemic. Or, you may mail your donation to CVCOA,
59 N. Main St., Suite 200 Barre VT 05641 or call
Mary Hayden at (802)476-2739 to make your donation by phone.
FLU SHOT--More Important Than Ever!

According to the CDC, the flu vaccine doesn’t increase the risk of getting COVID-19. When you get your shot, try your best to maintain social distancing, avoid waiting areas, and always wear a mask. While babies, children, and older people are most vulnerable, no one is immune from the flu. Getting vaccinated is more important than ever. Getting the shot helps reduce illness and preserve health care resources as the country battles the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency. For more information and flu shot locator, visit Flu Shot Resources
 Central Vermont Council on Aging toll free (877) 379-2600 or CVCOA Helpline (800) 642-5119