August 2020
A World Where Aging Is Honored

This time of year, the sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the cannis major (or dog star). They call these the “dog days” which we associate with the long sultry stretch of hot days typical from the end of July through August, not fit for a dog. 
This year, the dog days seemed to have started much sooner and are lasting much longer. We are feeling tethered to our homes, missing family and friends and ... waiting for things to get better. 

Here at CVCOA, we are in awe of all the sacrifices older Vermonters are making to ensure their own health and the health of family, neighbors and friends. CVCOA is doing a range of things to connect with and continue to support those needing assistance, whether increasing meals on wheels deliveries, adding more online workshops for family caregivers and Medicare recipients, launching a creative aging project to alleviate isolation, or seeking more funds to meet the growing need. We are aware of how much you all are doing, and we are here to help!   If you need assistance, please call our HELPLINE at 1(800)642-5119 or email info@cvcoa.org.    
COVID-19 appears to have slowed down the rate of response to the 2020 Census. In Central Vermont, we have a mere 56.6% response rate. If you, your loved ones and friends have not been counted yet, please do so as soon as possible.  The final deadline is September 30. An accurate census count matters. It directly affects funding that many Central Vermont non-profits receive to provide services that address critical needs like food insecurity, healthcare, education, and infrastructure in our community. The Census is safe, and your privacy is protected. Fill out your 2020 Census at www.2020census.gov.  
CVCOA continues to accept donations to support older Central Vermonters who need our help during this pandemic crisis. To donate online, go to www.cvcoa.org/donate or click on the red button below. You may use the drop-down list to designate your donation for Meals on Wheels or the CVCOAFlexFund to assist older Vermonters in need due to the impact of this pandemic. Or, you may mail your donation to CVCOA,
59 N. Main St., Suite 200 Barre VT 05641 or call
Mary Hayden at (802)476-2739 to make your donation by phone.
Big News! 

CVCOA is pleased to announce it has been awarded an AARP Community Challenge Grant. As one of five recipients of this grant, CVCOA’s sponsored volunteer agency, RSVP will use grant funds to expand a successful public art initiative to more area towns and activate older Vermont artists. The "Creative Care Kit Project" is a CVCOA/RSVP initiative to contribute to the successful aging of participants by addressing social isolation through the arts. To date, CVCOA has enrolled 50 participants and recruited 15 volunteers in the Creative Care Kit Project. 

Central Vermont Council on Aging has also been awarded a $10,000 Vermont Community Foundation VT COVID-19 Response Fund Grant. The grant will be used by CVCOA to assist Central Vermont communities to meet basic needs and respond to the longer-term impacts of the pandemic on older Vermonters. CVCOA is grateful to the foundation and to all the generous contributors to the VCF COVID-19 Response Fund!  
News From Vermont Farmers Markets and 3Squares VT
RSVP Volunteers and Twin Valley
Senior Center
Return to Safe Tai Chi Classes

RSVP Volunteers Susan Crampton and Dyne Sapp began holding in-person Tai Chi classes at Twin Valley Senior Center on Mondays at 9:30am and Saturdays at 10:15am by reservation only. Safety is the #1 concern for Susan, Dyne and Rita Copeland, the Twin Valley Director . Per safety guidelines, upon entry, each participant fills out a health form and has their temperature checked. Susan and Dyne have marked the floor of the exercise room at TVSC to allow for 6 participants and 2 instructors, with physical distancing being key. Most importantly, both classes are full, all participants are following the requested safety precautions and having a great time exercising and gathering in person again. Thanks to Susan and Dyne (and Rita!) for making this possible in their community and for creating a welcoming, safe and FUN environment for wellness and connection.
 Central Vermont Council on Aging toll free (877) 379-2600 or CVCOA Helpline (800) 642-5119