Happy Spring!

May is certainly time to enjoy the emergence of spring in the Northeast Kingdom! The grass is greener, the hillsides are a tapestry of green, and gardens are blooming. May is also Older Americans Month and we take this time each year to celebrate aging well! This year the Administration on Community Living’s theme is "Aging Unbound" and it calls on us to explore unique aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes. Join us in promoting flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included. At the Council we see this every day in those who share their skills and talents in our communities.

Volunteers are a cornerstone in our ability to support our mission. With their dedication and compassion, we are able to support meals sites, wellness classes, and many friendly visitors. Our communities are rich with examples of aging unbound.



Enjoy this newsletter that shares the many stories of our work to help people feel valuable at every age.

As always, call us if you have a need, a question, or an idea (800) 642-5119.

Very sincerely,

Meg Burmeister

Executive Director

Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.

This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age.

This May, join us as we recognize the 60^th anniversary of OAM and challenge the narrative on aging. 

Kendra, the Fiscal and Benefits Coordinator at the NEKCOA, is pictured with her mother Inda. They are a wonderful example of Aging Unbound. Thank you for joining us as we celebrate Older Americans Month.

Scams and fraud cost Vermonters millions of dollars every year. Scammers use every tool available to steal money and information from consumers. Since most scams originate overseas and use sophisticated technology, we can't stop them with traditional law enforcement means alone.

Stopping Scams Together: To stop scams, we need to work together to protect Vermonters from losses to scams and fraud. You can help stop scams. Be a Scam Stopper by learning about scams and sharing information with your community.

Our Volunteer Services Team visited our meals site partners and wellness leaders throughout the NEK to provide individual gifts in recognition of their support of our mission and the care they share with members of their communities. Thank you to our team of 400+ volunteers! Pictured above (left to right) are Judy, Cathy, Connie, Priscilla, and Laura, volunteers from the Danville Senior Action Center.

Volunteers from the NEKCOA and CVCOA visited the Vermont State House to hear the reading of House Resolution 88 that honored all the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP and other volunteers from across the state who support the needs of elder Vermonters.

Every March we honor the dedicated volunteers and staff who provide nutrition support to our elder friends and neighbors throughout the NEK. During our last fiscal year, our 15 partner meal sites provided 224,323 meals. Every week, over 120+ volunteer home-delivered meals drivers provide services to over 1,100 people. We remain grateful for their commitment to supporting those who are aging positively in their communities.

A note of thanks for the assistance of Neil Glassman, Tech for Today Coordinator

"Neil wrestled with/resolved some critical issues with my computer, including my being locked out of it. He is a godsend … What a wonderful, money-saving program for the NEKCOA to provide. I’m very grateful." Nessa

Our staff offers valuable, honest, and unbiased information to those we serve. We are so thankful to our helpline staff, options counselors, and case managers who are able to assist in navigating their needs.

A note from Linda Caamano, NEKCOA Options Counselor

"I was pleased to help a couple from Groton who were self-employed and needed assistance with food. They were struggling financially and were really trying to make ends meet. They did not have any family living close by and we worked together to get their applications in for 3SquaresVT and fuel assistance. They were grateful and now they know we are here to help them in the future."

The new Gilman Senior Center was officially opened on April 3rd with an open house and ribbon cutting. Pictured (l-r) are Herb Will, Director of Nutrition for the NEK Council on Aging; Mary Woodruff, State Unit on Aging Operations Team Leader for the Vermont Department of Aging and Independent Living; Sharon Eaton, President of the Board for the Gilman Senior Center; and Trish Hey, Chef, Gilman Senior Center. Congratulations to all involved!

Click here for the full press release.

The Scoop is our monthly nutrition and wellness newsletter that is delivered to recipients of our home-delivered and take-out meals. It is a great blend of information, recipes, helpful hints, and usually a little humor! Past issues of The Scoop are available on our website in the Nutrition section.

The Building Communities Stronger for Elder Vermonters Grant was created to provide limited financial support (up to $2,000) to communities and partners to help NEKCOA build greater capacity and to develop a network of support for elder adults and family caregivers. This grant is to support community-based aging services non-profits the NEKCOA collaborates with. Applicants must be organizations with a 501(c)(3) status or be associated with one who is acting as their fiscal agent.

To be eligible for funding, proposed projects and activities must meet Older American Act requirements that funds be used to support:

 ·   Low-income older individuals,

·    Low-income minority older individuals,

·    Older individuals with limited English proficiency,

·    Older individuals residing in rural areas, 

·    Focused development of resources to help build greater capacity, and advance the development/implementation of a comprehensive and coordinated system of service to older adults,

·    Operational capacity and proven track records,

·    Ability to provide data, quality results/outcomes related to the investment to your area agency on aging

We have received terrific response from participants for the GetSetUp free online classes. Use the links below to discover a class that interests you!

Our FREE monthly Medicare Bootcamp classes are held online (via Microsoft Teams). Our next three classes are Tuesday, May 9th; Tuesday, June 13th; and Tuesday, July 11th from 9 - 11 a.m. Call Andrea Labor to register at (802) 748-5182. The class is free but a donation is always appreciated.

The increased costs of food, fuel, and other important needs have significantly affected those on a fixed income. We are also managing increased costs for mileage reimbursements for home-delivered meals drivers and visits to clients' homes. We remain grateful for the generosity of those who support our mission. Please help us to provide the tools our communities need to age well.