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Date: 12/31/2021
HOLYOKE - The Holyoke Council on Aging (COA) will continue to offer a variety of activities, and programs in-person, via Zoom, or both to keep seniors active and engaged throughout the New Year.
According to the Assistant Director of Activities Eileen Maginnise, am email is sent out every Monday and lists the events that are happening for the week. Those interested in receiving the emails can sign up for it on the COA website. Maginnise shared that, “the center has approximately 300 seniors visit daily,” and there are numerous opportunities for interested seniors to be involved.
As for safety protocols, the COA is advising attendees to wear masks, however it is not required. Maginnise also said that there are no capacity limits for activities at this time.
Coming up in January, there are a variety of health and fitness activities to help keep the body strong and healthy at the YMCA Fitness Center, with classes ranging from Tai Chi at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, in-person, or via Zoom. On Mondays, there is the Senior Strength class at 11:15 a.m. in-person or via Zoom. All Zoom links are available through the newsletter.
The center announced that the fitness room just expanded its hours to include Tuesdays and Thursdays. Their new hours are Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information, go to https://www.holyoke.org/departments/council-on-aging/ or stop in while the fitness room is open to speak with Len.
Another January highlight is the continuation of the Senior Companion Program. According to the newsletter, the program “engages seniors to help other seniors in the hopes of keeping them independent for as long as possible.” More information is available in the lobby or those interested can call Andrea Holden, director of the Senior Companion Program at the Valley Opportunity Council at 612-0229 or email aholden@valleyopp.com.
In the event of an emergency, first responders in Holyoke have started the Knox Box program. This program allows emergency responders entrance to a resident’s home, should an emergency occur. The fire department installs key vaults outside the door of residents’ homes, and every truck in the Fire Department has a key to the box so that rescuers can enter the home if the person inside is unable to answer the door.
Residents can apply for the box, and the Holyoke Fire Department will come to the home and install it for free. At the same time, the Fire Department will also make sure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home. In addition, they will sit with the resident to fill out a medical form that will aid EMS when they arrive on scene. Holyoke residents can apply for a Knox Box by contacting the Holyoke Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 534-2254 Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by email at fireprevention@holyoke.org.
Continuing in the coming year will be “Tech support with Wayne” on Jan. 12 and Jan. 26, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Learning Center. The newsletter states, “Wayne will be available to answer computer questions or any issues with phones…Feel free to bring the laptop, tablet, or phone that’s giving you trouble, and Wayne will help you out.”
The center is also helping seniors with scheduling appointments for COVID-19 booster shots. To find an appointment for a booster shot, visit Vaxfinder on the Mass.gov website. However, the center notes that if a resident needs assistance finding an appointment for a booster shot, they can call the center at 322-5625.
The Council on Aging provides transportation for Holyoke residents ages 60 or older. It is available to those who need a ride anywhere within Holyoke, and to certain parts of surrounding communities for medical appointments. Out-of-town rides are $1.50 each way, and are $1 each way within Holyoke. Rides are offered Monday-Friday, with the first pickup available being 8:15 a.m. and the last drop-off at 3:30 p.m. Reservations are required and are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. They book appointments as far as three months ahead of time and urge residents to call as soon as they know they need one. To make a reservation or for more information, call 322-5625.
The Holyoke Council on Aging is located at 291 Pine St. They are open 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday- Friday. The COA can be reached at 322-5625. Those interested in receiving the weekly newsletter may sign up through the link on their website.
For more information on the Council on Aging visit https://www.holyoke.org/departments/council-on-aging/