Season's Greetings,

This issue of our newsletter kicks off the celebration of our 45th anniversary. In 1972, a group of community leaders concerned with supporting elder friends started a planning project that introduced the first nutrition program in St. Johnsbury. Their efforts led to the formal incorporation of the NEKCOA on June 18, 1979. What started as a “project seniors” plan in southern Caledonia County has extended across the entire Northeast Kingdom supporting over 4,700 people per year and providing nutritional programs, and other positive aging and wellness related services, to thousands.

From a national perspective, our work continues to be essential as we find ourselves in times of limited resources, scams, and a shortage of residential care facilities and support for caregivers. These challenges can lead to difficult decisions made by state legislators and members of Congress. The Older Americans Act (OAA), the legislation that initiated the start of the national Area Agencies on Aging in 1965, continues to be a critical source of funding. The OAA supports legal services, nutrition programs, caregiver support, case management, transportation, and wellness activities to name a few. Our work continues to help aging friends, families, and neighbors to manage the challenges of this complex world. As we witness more people desiring to age in their own home, our services become more vital.  

With 2024 just around the corner, I remain grateful for the impact our organization has made on the lives of those we serve. We treasure the dedication of our staff and Board of Directors, the value of our vast network of community partners, the commitment of our volunteers, and the financial support from generous individuals and businesses.

There is much to be thankful for, but the need remains great. As always, call us if you have a concern, a question, or an idea (800) 642-5119.

Wishing you a happy holiday season,

Meg Burmeister

Executive Director

The NEKCOA hosted its Annual Meeting in St. Johnsbury on Thursday, November 16th. Use the link below to read the full press release.

Vermont's Lt. Governor David Zuckerman stopped by to chat with guests.

We were pleased to welcome Anna Guest from the Maine Council on Aging as our guest speaker.

Beth Stern from Senator Bernie Sanders office provided an update on work being done to support elder Vermonters.

Meg Burmeister and Felicity Norko present the 2023 Humanitarian Hero award to the NEKCOA Senior Companions for their service to the disabled and older residents of the NEK. Pictured are (l-r) Meg Burmeister, NEKCOA Executive Director; Felicity Norko, NEKCOA Senior Companion Program Coordinator; Susan Brill; Natalie Fuller; Christine Elder; Jeannine Richards; Joan Wollrath; and Wade Hudson.

Senior Companions are volunteers 55 and over who provide assistance and friendship to elders who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping, organizing paperwork or getting to medical appointments. If you have an interest in learning more about becoming a Senior Companion, please call Felicity Norko at (802) 334-4816 or email fnorko@nekcouncil.org

Use the link below to read the December issue of The Scoop, our monthly nutrition and wellness newsletter. Read about the Dutch tradition of Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) that embodies a sense of coziness and contentment by transforming the atmosphere within the confines of home, offering a refuge for those who live alone. 

Staff Service Awards

Congratulations to the following staff who were awarded milestone service awards at the Annual Meeting.

Kelly Sawyer, Data Administrator - 20 years of service

Lucy LeMay, Director of Care & Support (North) -

15 years of service

Jodi Lessard, IT & Helpdesk Coordinator - 15 years

Karen Desrochers, Director of Client and Caregiver Team Support -

5 years of service

Megan Durocher, Director of Care & Support (South) - 5 years of service

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

A note of thanks for Carol Smith, Case Manager in the Orleans County area:

"It's so nice, what a very smart lady--caring and compassionate. I feel safe and blessed. Thank you for sending Carol, she's a breath of sunshine in my life. She carefully protects my privacy and is completely dedicated to her work."

Our FREE monthly Medicare Bootcamp classes are held monthly online (via Microsoft Teams). Call Andrea Labor to register at (802) 748-5182. The class is free but a donation is always appreciated.

Thank you Lyndonville Hardware for supporting the NEKCOA during the month of October with your "Round Up" coin program

Thank you Wildflower Inn for supporting the NEKCOA with your Take Back Monday dinner event on November 20th.

Thank you Deep River Snacks and Farrell Distributing for their donation to the NEKCOA nutrition program!

We are pleased to announce two new wellness classes! Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program in Orleans and Bone Builders in Waterford. For a complete list of our wellness classes, use the link below. To register for classes, please contact Emily Sanderson (802) 751-0431 or esanderson@nekcouncil.org.

We continue to welcome those who wish to support their community by serving as a volunteer for the NEKCOA. Our team of volunteers, over 400 strong, provides support with meal site set up, service, and home-delivered meals delivery at 14 partner meal sites throughout the NEK. Volunteers also lead wellness classes, plow and shovel driveways, deliver groceries, pick up prescriptions, provide transportation to medical appointments and so much more. We will work with your schedule to find the right role for you. Call Emily Sanderson (802) 751-0431 or email esanderson@nekcouncil.org to discover your opportunity to change someone's life.

Pictured above are our friends at the West Barnet Meal Site who help to feed congregate and home-delivered meals to area friends and neighbors every Wednesday and Friday.

We are in need of home-delivered meals drivers for our meal sites (both regular and substitute) in the Lyndon, Craftsbury, and Greensboro/Hardwick areas. Please call Emily at (802) 751-0431 if you can support us. This critical service is at times, the only visit an elder friend or neighbor receives each week as a safety check.

The Vermont Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is offering free classes to learn more about the impact of Alzheimer's.

Please DOWNLOAD this PDF to access the registration links or call (800) 272-3900 to register.

Thank you to all who supported the NEKCOA team (led by team captain Karen Desrochers) for the 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's. We exceeded our $2000 goal and raised over $5,000! In addition, our regional fundraising goal broke a record and raised over $100,000. THANK YOU!