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Date: 1/15/2024
EASTHAMPTON — For the senior citizens of Easthampton, there is no shortage of programs, activities and resources for them at the Easthampton Council on Aging and Enrichment Center.
“We offer a range of social groups, fitness activities, art classes, hikes, field trips and learning opportunities,” explained Dawn Graichen-Moore, program manager for the facility. “Our goal is to provide opportunities for as many folks as possible to have a place to meet others, be connected and learn.”
For those who may be looking for ways to stay fit in the new year, the center has an array of fitness classes and activities. Seniors can take Tai Chi, balance, and cardio/strength classes, as well as use the cardio equipment and weights in the gym space.
“We partner with the Hampshire Regional YMCA and great local instructors to provide high-quality fitness options,” said Graichen-Moore.
The center also offers its senior citizens a wide variety of programming to inform and educate them. Seniors can attend health talks, fire extinguisher training, and book discussions, just to name a few. The center also offers home safety assessments. All these are made possible through partnerships with other city departments and local organizations.
The center also hosts long-standing programs, such as the Healthy Bones Class offered by RSVP, and adds programs throughout the year based on the needs and wants of its senior citizens.
“We are constantly adding programs based on participant needs and suggestions,” explained Graichen-Moore. “A few examples of this in January are the formation of a decluttering resource group, a Ukelele lesson, and field trips to a Smith Pioneers Basketball Game.”
All of these opportunities are made possible to people through a mix of city, state and gift funds meaning some are low-cost and some are even free.
In addition to its many programs, the center and its staff offer many services to make the lives of senior citizens easier.
“One of our most popular services is transportation, both van rides and volunteer medical and errand rides,” said Graichen-Moore.
The city has a four-vehicle fleet and offers rides to in-city appointments until 2 p.m. and out-of-city appointments until 1:30 p.m.
“Out of town is limited to certain locations, including Northampton and Holyoke, while volunteer drivers will bring riders further afield to Springfield, Hadley, Amherst, and Westfield, and get them there any time of day,” explained Graichen-Moore.
The center also offers assistance with housing, fuel assistance, medical insurance counseling, tax services, nail care, veteran’s services, dental care, meals (through Highland Valley’s Grab and Go Meal Service). Some of the services are free and some do require a fee.
“Seniors, folks 55 and older, have varied interests and needs,” noted Graichen-Moore. “We try to offer a range of services and activities but also to be a referral source for things folks need and that we don’t provide.”
For more information, people can follow the center’s Facebook page or sign up for its monthly newsletter on the city’s website. People can also stop in to ask questions Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.