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Date: 8/3/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West Springfield Council on Aging (COA) has several upcoming events in which they encourage the community to attend.
Friends Seniors Travel Group
The Friends Seniors Travel Group has recently added another event to their current protracted list. According to Sarah Long, director of West Springfield COA, the group will be traveling on Sept. 16 to the Legacy Theatre in Stony Creek, CT, for a matinee performance of the “The Last 5 Years.” Participants will also be able to enjoy lunch at the Chowder Pot Restaurant.
The trip costs $133 per person, including the performance, lunch, roundtrip motorcoach transportation, and all meal taxes/gratuities.
In the past, the Friends Seniors Travel Group has gone on various bus trips, however the pandemic altered these trips to ‘self-drive,’ meaning participants drive themselves to more localized events. Beverly Boudreau, travel group leader, hoped to see the return of bus trips in 2021, and luckily, her wish came true.
In order to go on a bus trip, all participants must be vaccinated and a vaccination card is required for proof. “They are being extremely careful,” explained Long.
The travel group is hoping to add more bus trips this year.
or more information, call the Friends Travel Group at 495-1876 or email beverly-wstravelgroup@comcast.net. Signup forms are available at the Senior Center and on the Council on Aging website.
Forest Park Farmers Market
The COA is offering van transportation to Forest Park in Springfield, where seniors can browse a farmers market. Long said that the farmers market is a yearly event that COA members attend. The market operates on Tuesday afternoons, in which the COA will provide transportation both to and from on Aug. 3 and 17, and Sept. 7 and 14.
While the majority of the COA’s events are open to all communities, in order to go on the van, you must be a West Springfield resident over the age of 60. Long explained that the van picks up seniors directly at their house and brings them back as well. There is no cost for a ride, however a donation is strongly encouraged. “The city pays for a full-time van budget,” said Long.
The van holds up to eight passengers at a given time, however if there are more than eight people interested in the event, Long assured they will figure out how to get everyone there. All riders must wear a mask, regardless of a vaccination.
For those wishing to attend the farmers market, the COA has received additional coupons for West Side residents. These coupons are designed to be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables that can be found at many local farmers markets. To be eligible for a coupon booklet, you must be 60 years of age or older, a resident of West Springfield, and fall under a certain income.
For additional information on the farmers market or to see if coupons are still available, call the center at 263-3264.
Lunch Program
The Council on Aging’s Grab n’ Go lunch program is set to continue through August. For only $3, seniors are able to receive a full, healthy meal. Long said that the lunches offered include a cold meal such as salad or sandwiches – with the menu varying on a daily basis.
Monday through Friday, anyone over the age of 60 is encouraged to come into the COA and either pick-up their lunch or stay and indulge. “Originally, this began as a COVID program, but we’re talking about it now – deciding if we continue to offer this,” said Long.
She continued, “Even if you can’t stay – come. It’s better than going to Wendy’s or something like that.”
Weekly lunch menus can be found online or at the Senior Center.
Water Fitness Pool Party
Last but not least, the “Water Fitness Pool Party” has been ongoing during the summer months. The COA began this program in July and will continue it in August. According to Long, the month of August is already full with 25 sign-ups, however, they’re hoping that this event can continue in the future.
This was the first year that water aerobics was offered by the COA and the program turned out to be a success. Long explained that for 8 sessions, participants only had to pay $35.
“The ages ranged from 50 all the way to 92,” stated Long. “It’s really fun.”
She said that the only issue with continuing this program is that it takes place at the West Springfield High School pool. In September, kids will be back in school – making this difficult for public access.
“Health New England stepped up and helped with the cost of lifeguards and helped lower the cost for seniors. The program is off to a great start because of them,” said Long.