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Date: 1/11/2022
GRANBY– Effective Dec. 29, the Granby Council on Aging (COA) announced that due to COVID-19 post-Christmas exposures and illnesses, they are canceling all activities and congregate lunches throughout January.
Interim Director for the COA Lisa Petraglia, said she didn’t receive any guidance to close from the Board of Health and made the decision out of concern and precaution after learning staff members had fallen ill and of others who had been in close contact with those infected with COVID-19. She said, “I have too many people I’m responsible for and can’t take the chance because many are careful, but some come in, and they just didn’t even want to wear a mask. I don’t want to do that to my staff and other seniors who have been careful.”
With this change, the lunch program will continue but will be available as a curbside grab-and-go at 11:30 a.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. The center’s exercise classes, Healthy Bones in Balance, cardio class Easy Country Fitness and chair yoga, have been recorded and can be viewed on Channel 15.
Addressing the decision to close and how seniors may experience isolation and loneliness, Petraglia said that when the coronavirus pandemic forced shutdowns, they performed wellness calls two to three days a week. She also added that she thought it would be a good time to lean into phone calls again and “have some fun.”
For some seniors who will go to the center to pick up their meals, Petraglia said, “It’s good for them to know that they have to get in the car and down to the parking lot and open the window. We all wear masks – we say hello. We have a little chit-chat, and then we put their meal in their back seat. You’ve got to do something, so people don’t feel too isolated.”
She also mentioned they would be preparing the February newsletter within the next few weeks about what activities might emerge, but said it would depend on COVID-19 trends in town. She added that residents can also get messages from the COA through Granby Community Access & Media if necessary.
Seniors can view updates on the COA website at https://www.granby-ma.gov/council-aging.