Vaccination News for Older Vermonters |
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-Registration for COVID-19 Vaccinations for those 70+ is ongoing.
-Can't make an appointment online? You can make an appointment by phone:
855-722-7878.
-If you need to speak with someone in a language other than English, call the above number, and then press 1.
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Central Vermont Council on Aging Executive Director Search Underway
A Message from CVCOA's Board of Directors
Emily McKenna & Becky Wright, Co-Presidents
Thanks to the hard work of the board and staff leadership, the search for Central Vermont Council on Aging's new executive director has launched. By now, we hope that you've had the chance to read the position description that's posted on CVCOA's website. If not, we invite you to take a read. That document is the result of active listening and willful input from each one of CVCOA’s talented staff. Keeping up the great work at CVCOA is paramount and will provide the stabilizing factor needed as we all work through this transition. CVCOA is committed to maintaining a high level of service from our dedicated and caring staff during this transition period.
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Celebrating Meals on Wheels Program
During "March for Meals"
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The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. Each March, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country join forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate Meals on Wheels and garner the support needed to fill the gap between the seniors served and those still in need. “The pandemic has introduced many of us to the newfound and harsh realities of food insecurity and social isolation – something that far too many seniors experience as their daily norm.More than ever, we must rally around our essential community-based programs that serve as lifelines to a growing number of |
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people in need, to enable their own long-term vitality,”said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “Even when we make it through this unprecedented time in our nation's history, there will still be millions of vulnerable older adults who will rely on that familiar knock on the door that provides peace of mind and hope beyond the meal itself. Please join us in celebrating the power and importance of Meals on Wheels this March and always.”
Click here and use the drop down to make your online donation to CVCOA’s Meals on Wheels programs, or mail your donation to CVCOA, 59 N. Main St., Suite 200, Barre VT 05641.
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"Bernie Meme" sweatshirt sales benefited Meals on Wheels Programs in Vermont. |
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Much thanks to Senator Bernie Sanders for using proceeds from the now famous "Bernie Meme" for charitable donations including to Meals on Wheels Programs in Vermont.This donation could not have been timed better, as CVCOA has seen a 30% increase in the number of home-delivered meals needed during the pandemic. Thank you, Senator Sanders!
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Memorable Times Cafe Online Teams Up with Scotland Memory Café
Crossing the ocean, rolling back the years... On February 3rd, Central Vermont Council on Aging's Memorable Times Online program teamed with a memory cafe group from Falkirk, Scotland to share social time and revisit events and music from a period gone by. The year in focus was 1963 and top stories on both sides of the Atlantic were about the Beatles, John F. Kennedy, and the space race. Newsclips, photos and jukebox tunes prompted the sharing of memories as well as some spirited bopping and singing along! (Blue Velvet, anyone?) There were 38 participants in this international event, including 20 from our Vermont program. Our local organizing team is continuing to meet with our cohosts from Memories International to consider expanding on this successful pilot.
Memorable Times Online is a program of CVCOA run in partnership with the ABLE Library of the VT Department of Libraries. It takes place on the first Wednesday of each month over Zoom and telephone. Our next meeting is March 3rd from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. We invite persons with memory loss and their care partners to join from the comfort and safety of home to share stories, memories, music, and community. For more information or to obtain the link to join the session, please contact CVCOA's Family Caregiver Support Director, Barb Asen, at basen@cvcoa.org or 802-476-2681.
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Good Neighbor Volunteers Needed
for iPad & Friendly Caller Recruitment
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Calling all volunteers! The Good Neighbor Volunteer Program is actively recruiting for 2 people to help with iPad Tutoring and 3 people to help with making weekly friendly calls. These volunteer assignments are virtual and remote opportunities. If interested, apply online today or message the Program Coordinator via email americorpsmember@cvcoa.org or phone (802-279-0512) for a fillable application. Orientation and training are provided, and background checks are required. No formal experience is required, and COVID-19 protocols are in effect. Thank you for your interest in helping cultivate a caring network of support for older adults in Central Vermont!
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Staying Connected!
In this space, look for tips, news, training opportunities, and strategies for how to stay connected. Maintaining human connections with other people and our communities is vital to our health and well-being, especially as we continue to cope with COVID-19. Central Vermont Council on Aging has launched an initiative to support older Central Vermonters to get and stay connected and to combat loneliness and isolation experienced by so many of us.
CVCOA Virtual Art Show, April 2 at 3pm
Luke Rackers, Central Vermont Council on Aging’s Community Engaged Tech Specialist will host a Virtual Art Show to Showcase and Honor the Work of Creative Care Kit Participants on Friday, April 2nd at 3:00 p.m. Registration is required to attend this Zoom event. Please register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpdeyqrTwrE9EbH1f3ZYmNEY_48xmAFHfW
If you feel lonely and think it may be affecting your health, you may want to explore AARP’s Connect2Affect social isolation page for resources to overcome social isolation. https://connect2affect.org/. If you are feeling isolated and need assistance, please call the CVCOA HELPLINE at 1(800)642-5119 or email info@cvcoa.org.
Tune in here for more tips and news on staying connected!
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Eat healthy and live strong with help from 3SquaresVT — a program that can help you put nutritious foods on your table every day.
"3SquaresVT in a SNAP" is an easy way for older Vermonters and people living with disabilities to apply for 3SquaresVT benefits. Click Here for More Information
Call CVCOA's HELPLINE (800) 642-5119 for assistance with your application.
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University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine Conducting
Fall Prevention Survey of Older Vermonters
Vermont has a significantly higher annual fall rate compared to the national average. A group of UVM Medical students is working with the Falls Free Vermont Coalition to learn more about barriers in accessing fall prevention programs. We are hoping to learn more through the survey that is linked below! The survey will be open until March 10th.
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Central Vermont Council on Aging toll free (877) 379-2600 or CVCOA Helpline (800) 642-5119 |
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STAY CONNECTED and FOLLOW CVCOA |
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