Spring Home Improvements - Area Health Leaders Encourage All Seniors To Get Vaccinated Berkshire Botanical Garden Offers Live and Online Class ...
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Spring Home Improvements Area Health Leaders Encourage All Seniors To Get Vaccinated Berkshire Botanical Garden Offers Live and Online Class Options Your Care, Your Home, Your Neighbors
“I’m just not ready
to say goodbye.”
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a life limiting illness, HospiceCare in The
Berkshires is here for the whole family. From understanding your options to offering home
health aides, spiritual guidance, and grief counseling, our team will create a personalized plan
for you. We’ll take care of the stressful tasks, allowing you to spend quality time with your
loved ones, on your own terms.
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
Call 413-443-2994 and make every moment matter.
877 South Street, Suite 1W • Pittsfield, MA 01201
413-443-2994 • www.hcib.org
The difference is in our care
2
Mission Statement
Elder Services Assists with
ELDER SERVICES UPDATE
The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. is to provide
Berkshire elders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities the
opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination,
and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Scheduling Vaccinations
By Christopher McLaughlin, Executive
Statement of Inclusivity Director of Elder Services
Elder Services practices non-discrimination in employment
practices and service delivery. Embracing diversity, our in-home and Hoping all is well with you.
community-based services are available to all without regard to race, In mid-March, we received a bit of a reprieve,
ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle. as spring appears to have arrived a little earlier
than usual. After an old-fashioned Berkshire
Winter and a significant increase in the number
Twitter: of COVID infections, the longer days, bursts
FB/BerkshireSenior @Berkshire Senior of sunshine and warmer temperatures are a
welcome relief. We continue finding our way
through the tunnel I alluded to in the last issue.
Instagram: LinkedIn: Elder Services The good news is that we are now closer to the
berkshiresenior of Berkshire County “light” than we were when I wrote to you in late January.
There are now far more Berkshire County residents vaccinated than
there were in February. It is natural to believe that more vaccinations and
the opportunity to spend more time outdoors means we are in a better
place and can let our guard down. Increasing numbers of vaccinations
clearly put us in a better place with each passing week. However, we are
not out of the woods yet. Recent news articles about COVID infections
increasing locally and several students at MCLA contracting COVID after
Berkshire Senior
a large social gathering suggest we must still be vigilant.
If you are still undecided if the vaccine is right for you, please read
the article from the Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative on Page 8. If you
Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, Bonny DiTomasso, Laura Feakes, need help securing an appointment for your vaccination, please call
Christopher McLaughlin, Kathleen Cleary, Kathleen Phillips and John Elder Services at (413) 499-0524.
Arthur Miller Our Information & Referral Specialists and other staff continue to
assist seniors who are unable to access the internet or find calling
Advertising: To place an advertisement in Berkshire Senior, please contact the Vaccination Resource Line (211) challenging. We access the same
Kate Teutsch at (413) 496-6324 or e-mail advertising@berkshireeagle.com. vaccination scheduling system everyone else does but our staff have
Berkshire Senior is published bi-monthly by Elder Services of Berkshire done it often enough that they seem to know the shortcuts. Our State
Home Care staff and other staff have also been active in calling the
County, Inc., 877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 499-0524 or
residents of local housing sites to schedule vaccines and have assisted
1-800-544-5242, e-mail: esbc@esbci.org or on the internet at www.esbci.org. during the clinics held at those sites. They describe the experience of
NOTICE helping people secure the vaccines as incredibly rewarding.
The Commonwealth has announced plans to vaccinate people
Berkshire Senior advertising helps to the defray the costs of producing who are homebound. People who meet the State’s criteria for being
the newspaper. Inclusion of advertisers in no way implies that Elder homebound are incapable of leaving home for a routine medical
Services endorses any product or service. appointment or require an ambulance or the assistance of at least two
people to attend a medical appointment. Individuals who meet these
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the criteria are eligible to receive a visit from a representative of the State
opinion of Elder Services. For medical, financial or other advice, seek a Vaccinator Program. Again, this option is for people that meet a strict
qualified professional in the appropriate field. definition of “homebound” and we are told it may be quite some time
Elder Services and its programs are funded, in part, by the Massachusetts before the vaccination teams get into people’s homes. As the goal is to
receive the vaccination as quickly as possible, if you can be vaccinated
Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
at a community vaccination site you should do so.
State and federal funds provided to Elder Services are limited. Elder It is hard to believe but by our next issue, it will almost be summer.
Services welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing needs No doubt with more vaccinations we will be in an even better place
of Berkshire seniors, and gratefully acknowledges all donations. by then!
Until next time be good, be kind and be careful.
Contents
Volume 39, Number 2
Spring Home Improvements�������������������������������������� 4 Most Anticipated Spring���������������������������������������������� 9 April 2021
Senior Employment Program������������������������������������� 5 Thanks to Our Volunteers������������������������������������������10 The bi-monthly
Berkshire Botanical Garden���������������������������������������� 6 Zoom Tips���������������������������������������������������������������������11 newspaper for Berkshire
Meals On Wheels����������������������������������������������������������� 7 Donations���������������������������������������������������������������������12 County seniors
COVID-19������������������������������������������������������������������������ 8 Councils On Aging������������������������������������������������14-15 FREE 3
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Be consumer savvy about spring home improvements!
by Laura Feakes, Information & business should have an actual the workplace remains clean and improvement contractor or to
Referral Specialist physical address, not just a P.O. Box. safe for the duration of the project. report a fraudulent contractor:
• Check the contractor’s state • Make sure that all necessary
Now that winter is finally Better Business Bureau: www.
re gistration. By law, most permits are secured by the
becoming a memory, many of bbb.org, BBB helps people find
contractors and subcontractors contractor and that they have
us will be turning our attention performing residential home proper liability and workers’ businesses and charities they can
to seasonal property damage improvements on owner-occupied compensation insurance. If you trust. Whether you’re looking for
and cleanup. Before you begin homes must be registered with apply for the permit, you may not be a plumber or a roofer, BBB can
your clean-up, be cautious and the state. The few exceptions to eligible for workers’ compensation steer you in the right direction.
plan ahead. Make a complete this requirement include: licensed from the state Guaranty Fund. The local office is the BBB Serving
assessment of what needs to be professionals, such as plumbers Central and Western MA and
• Shop around and get at least
done and then prioritize projects. and electricians; part-time or Northeastern CT. Email: info@
two or three written estimates for
While some clean up may seem small job contractors; and other cne.bbb.org. Phone: 508-755-3340.
the same work before selecting
easy and a “do-it-yourself ” contractors who specialize in a contractor. A small amount Attorney General’s Office:
project, be aware of potential certain kinds of work, including of research can eliminate big www.mass.gov for information,
risks. Broken tree limbs may be landscaping, central heating and problems later. and Attorney General’s Consumer
near power lines. Position ladders air conditioning installations, and
cautiously to look at gutters • Make sure the contract contains Guide to Home Improvement
interior painters.
and roofs. Don’t use gutters as a 3-day cancellation notice, at www.mass.gov/ago/docs/
• Don’t hire a contractor who informing you of your right to consumer/home-improvement-
a handhold and avoid reaching
refuses to give you names and cancel your contract if you signed guide.pdf ); Consumer Hotline
farther than the end of your arm.
phone numbers of references. the agreement in your home,
If you need to hire someone to 617-727-8400; Elder Hotline: 888-
help you with storm repairs or • Do not pay for the entire job or at a place other than at the 243-5337.
various other home improvement up front and don’t make final contractor’s office or business.
Office of Consumer Affairs
projects, the best protection payment until you are completely
satisfied with the work. Red Flags of a home & Business Regulation: www.
against problems is being actively
improvement scam: mass.gov for information.
involved in every step of your • D o n ’ t f e e l p re s s u re d by
project. Every year, hundreds contractors who make special or • U n s o l i c i t e d , t r ave l i n g To check contractor registration:
of Massachusetts residents file limited price offers. contractors who come to your (www.mass.gov/how-to/check-a-
consumer complaints about home and point out specific home-improvement-contractor-
home improvement contractors Sign the right contract before
problems you haven’t noticed registration).
who take money and don’t do work is performed on your home:
yourself. To file a complaint (www.mass.
any of the work or perform • Don’t sign a blank contract, or • Contractors who arrive in gov/how-to/file-a-complaint-
unsatisfactory construction or one that does not include all the an unmarked truck or van and against-a-home-improvement-
repairs. If you plan to hire a costs and supplies. Get a written who refuse to provide proof of contractor), & Homeowner’s Guide
contractor there are important contract that includes the type, insurance and references when to Hiring a Home Improvement
things to keep in mind: quality and warranty of materials requested. Cont ractor (www.mass.gov/
Protect yourself against the to be used and outlines all the • Contractors claiming “I’ve just info-details/homeowners-guide-
unscrupulous contractor: financial terms and payment done a job nearby and have some to-hiring-a-home-improvement-
schedules. Include a penalty left over material (like driveway
• Don’t enter into a repair or clause in the contract for failure contractor), (888) 283-3757
asphalt), so I can give you a great
improvement project without a to complete work on time. deal on the job.” Berkshire Consumer Services
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
written contract. • Have a complete description Program, 1 Fenn St 4th Floor,
• High pressure sales tactics.
• Don’t hire a contractor who does of the work to be done and a Pittsfield, 413-344-4861, https://
not have a business card or local guarantee that old materials and For additional information bcrha.com/consumer-counseling-
phone number and address. The debris will be removed. Insist that on how to select a home mediation-program.
Locally Owned... Nationally Known
s Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo and dizziness
s Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations
s Fall Prevention and vestibular rehabilitation
s Hearing Aid Dispensing
s Hearing Aid Repairs (all major brands) s Orthopedic physical therapy services
s Tinnitus Treatment s CBD products from Muscle MX
s Custom Hearing Protection & Musician’s Filters s Lightforce Laser Therapy available
Dr. Andrew J. Puttick 510 North Street, Suite 9, Pittsfield, MA 01201 • P (413) 443-4800 • F (413) 442-9701 Dr. Trevor Marcotte, PT DPT
Au.D., FAAA greylock@fyzical.com Clinical Director/Physical Therapist
4
Senior Community Service Employment
EMPLOYMENT
Program (SCSEP)
Unemployed? Looking For Work? Consider The SCSEP Program
Elder Services of Berkshire Potential SCSEP participants the agency a dedicated worker
County is proud to serve as the are assessed for eligibility, and provides the participant
regional sponsor for the Senior current job skills, interests with on-the-job experience and an
Community Service Employment and individual experience. If opportunity to re-enter the work
Program (SCSEP) – a federally qualified, applicants will likely force. The participant’s salary is
funded, state administered be offered the opportunity to paid by the SCSEP program.
program that assists seniors interview with a participating It is never too late to seek a
in job training, job matching community nonprofit new challenge, learn new skills or
and job placement. SCSEP’s organization referred to as a to gain meaningful employment.
mission is to provide job training Host Agency. If the interview
For more infor mation on
and placement to individuals goes well and a match occurs,
becoming a SCSEP participant
age 55 or older with limited the participant will be assigned
to the agency and receive on- contact Elder Services of
financial resources and to
provide employers with trained, the-job training for twenty (20) Berkshire County at (413)
motivated workers. The program hours per week, at the current 499-0524 or (800) 544-5242 and
provides persons who have met minimum wage, for up to a ask to speak with the SCSEP
the required eligibility guidelines, year. In addition to on-the-job Program Manager. If your
and have a sincere desire to work, training, formal trainings are agency is interested in becoming
the opportunity to overcome provided to participants enrolled resume writing, and interviewing a Host Agency for the program
two of the biggest barriers to in the SCSEP program. These techniques. contact Bonny DiTomasso,
employment - lack of experience trainings include, but are not The placement of a SCSEP SCSEP Program Manager, at the
and training. limited to, computer training, participant at a Host Agency gives same number.
The Best of Melbourne Place,
Reinvigorated.
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
Independent Living I Assisted Living I Memory Care
Wingate Residences at Melbourne Place is making the good life even better, with renovations currently underway! Located on a scenic
hillside in Pittsfield, residents enjoy many of the cultural art offerings and venues in the surrounding community. Location enhancements include:
Fully Renovated Residential Apartments I Spacious Lounging Deck for Recreation and Events
Outdoor Dining Year-Round Fire Pit I Spectacular Mountain Views
Call to learn more about our pre-construction incentives: 413.499.1992
ResidencesAtMelbournePlace.com • 140 Melbourne Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201
5
OUTDOORS Berkshire Botanical Garden Offers Live
and Online Class Options for Spring
Kathleen Cleary the spring and summer. Weather techniques. Get to know the will set the stage for successfully
permitting, he will do a hive plants that thrive in containers g rowing tree fruit in New
The Berkshire Botanical
inspection in the BBG apiary. and how to care for them. This England.
Garden will officially open
Bring protective equipment. three-part class will cover Members: $80/ Nonmembers: $100
on Saturday, May 1. They are
Members: $15/ Nonmembers: $20 practical aspects of gardening
celebrating the start of their 87th
season with Roy Boutard Day and with plants that do double duty as What: Transplanting Shrubs
offering free admission for all on What: Seed Starting for the housescape plants in the winter
and Small Ornamental Trees
and container plants in summer.
Sunday, May 2. New Cutting Garden Consider container selection, When: Saturday, April 17, 2021
If you are itching to get into
the garden and learn new things, When: Sunday, April 11, 2021 siting, planting, g rowing, - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Berkshire Botanical Gardens - 11:00am to 12:30pm controlling pests and maintaining Where: In-person class at BBG
has you covered with a host of Where: Online moveable gardens. Learn by doing in this hands-
offerings for both online and live Seed starting can be Members: $140/ nonmembers: on shrub and tree planting/
in-person learning, including: intimidating stuff, with calendar $150 transplanting workshop led by
complications and lots of arborist Ken Gooch. All aspects
What: How to Use Tools the equipment. Streamline your What: Home Orchard Care of successful planting will be
Right Way process in this course from Colie When: Saturday, April 17, 2021 demonstrated, and participants
Collen of Flower Scout, who will - 9:00am to 5:00pm will assist in transplanting a
When: Friday, April 9, 2021 review the optimal start dates and multi-stem shrub and planting
- 2:00pm to 4:00pm Where: In-person class at BBG
conditions for a wide range of cut a small tree. Learn how to
Where: In-person class at BBG
flowers, herbs and veggies, and Learn from expert successfully transplant shrubs
Expand beyond the spade. A guide you through the best ways instructor Michael Phillips how through correct timing,
wide variety of tools exist on the to start your own seeds at home. to manage your own orchard. placement and techniques
market for modern gardeners. Colie Collen, founder, farmer Successfully g rowing fruit designed to create minimal
But what is really essential and and designer at Flower Scout, fo r yo u r f a m i ly b e c o m e s disturbance and ensure a smooth
how can you feel confident and brings her love of all things wild straightforward when you transition to a new site. Consider
competent using the tools you and seasonal to her work. After narrow the big picture down to the differences between bare-root,
have on hand? Learn about the many years of farming on the getting the basics right. Fungal container-grown and balled-and-
different tools used for planting, west and east coasts, her interest and bacterial disease can be burlapped trees, and understand
garden maintenance and invasive turned to flower production in successfully managed with the impor tance of siting.
species removal, considering the 2012, and subsequently, to design. deep nutrition and competitive Participants should dress for the
pros and cons to different tools Colie seeks to create individual colonization. Major insect weather and bring pruners and
for particular tasks. Proper tool experiences for clients based on challenges can be resolved safely work gloves.
use and maintenance will be the colors, textures and shapes when you perceive who, what
and when. This overview of Members: $25/ Nonmembers: $35
addressed. Students will receive the land/g arden/season is
hands-on experience with the creating at a particular moment, complementary sprays backed For more information, visit www.
tools presented. Led by Bridghe with customers’ aesthetic by biodiversity and soil health berkshirebotanical.org
M c C r a c ke n a n d C a l i s h a preferences continually in mind.
Croney of Helia Nursery. Members: $12/ Nonmembers: 18
VALENTINES FOR SENIORS!
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
Members: $20/ Nonmembers: $25
What: Container Garden
What: Spring/Summer Hive Meals on Wheels recipient Larry
Design Dean was one of the 925 Meals on
Management When: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 Wheels consumers who received a
When: Saturday, April 10, 2021 - 5:30pm to Wednesday, April 28, card for Valentine’s Day. Community
- 11:00am to 1:00pm 2021 - 8:30pm volunteer Desire’ Lane initiated
Where: In-person class at BBG Where: In-person class at BBG the Valentine’s Day card project in
collaboration with Elder Services. The
Join 6th-generation Acquire the skills required initial goal was to make enough cards
beekeeper Ken Warchol for for beautiful and successful to be delivered by Meals on Wheels
an in-depth program on spring container gardens with Jenna drivers. The response to the appeal
honeybee hive management. O’Brien, owner of Viridissima which was made on Facebook was
This lecture and demonstration H o r t i c u l t u re a n d D e s i g n . fantastic. The outpouring of support by
will focus on how to open up your Star t with techniques for individuals, schools, houses of worship
hives from the winter, including overwintering tropicals, tender and community groups was so great
feeding and pest control. Ken will perennials, bulbs, annuals and that cards were not only delivered to
provide beekeepers with critical more without a greenhouse, the Meals on Wheels recipients but also
information and, most especially, through storage of dormant to the residents of 13 nursing homes in
timing of important management plants, seed collection, cuttings, the County.
6 techniques to prepare hives for divisions and other simple
Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc.
MEALS ON WHEELS
sponsored
NUTRITION PROGRAM in part by
SENIOR COMMUNITY 413-499-1750
BERKSHIRE COUNTY DINING CENTERS 234 Wahconah
CITY/TOWN
PHONE
ADDRESS DAYS MEALS
SERVED
SERVING
TIME Street
NO. ADAMS
662-3125
SPITZER CENTER
116 Ashland St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am Pittsfield
WILLIAMSTOWN
458-8250
HARPER CENTER
118 Church St.
VARIES –
Call ahead 11:30 am
MA 01201
ADAMS COMMUNITY CENTER M-T-W-TH-F MONUMENTS • MARKERS • LETTERING
11:00 am
743-8333 3 Hoosac St.
CHESHIRE SENIOR CENTER M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
743-9719 119 School St.
LANESBORO TOWN HALL T & TH 11:30 am
448-2682 83 North Main St.
DALTON SENIOR CENTER Now, staying home
M & TH 11:30 am
684-2000 40 Field St. Ext. isn’t just staying in
BECKET TEMP TOWN HALL
623-8934 CLOSED Route 8 P.O. Box 60
T & TH 11:00 am the place they love.
PITTSFIELD SENIOR CENTER M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
499-9346 330 North St.
LENOX COMMUNITY CENTER M-T-W-TH-F
It’s staying safe.
12:00 pm
637-5535 65 Walker St. It’s essential.
LEE TEMP SENIOR CENTER M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
243-5545 CLOSED 21 Crossway Village
GT. BARRINGTON SENIOR CENTER
528-4118 917 South Main St. M-T-W-TH-F 10:30 am
If your loved one is vulnerable and
PITTSFIELD
442-2200
JEWISH COMM. CTR
16 Colt Road M-T-TH 11:45 am needs in-home care, we’re here
KOSHER
STOCKBRIDGE TEMP HEATON COURT
to help. Call us today.
T-TH 11:30 am
298-3222 CLOSED 5 Pine St.
PROVIDENCE CT.
443-1841
PROVIDENCE COURT
379 East St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am Learn More:
STOCKBRIDGE TEMP SENIOR CENTER WED 12:00 pm
HomeInstead.com/369
298-4170 CLOSED 50 Main St.
413.442.0907
SHEFFIELD SENIOR CENTER W-TH-F 12:00 pm
229-7037 25 Cook Road
PERSONAL CARE | MEMORY CARE | MEALS | HOUSEHOLD DUTIES
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
Eligible seniors 60 years or older are welcome to attend any Senior Community Dining
Center. Reservations are requested 24 hours in advance. A suggested donation is $2.00
Each Home Instead Senior Care Franchise is independently owned and operated @ 2020 Home Instead. Inc.
per meal. All contributions are returned to the community toward the cost of the Nutrition
Program and Services. Those 59 or under are welcome at a required fee of $7.00 per meal.
Become a Brown Bag: Food for Elders Member
The Food Bank’s Brown Bag: Food for Elders membership program provides a free bag of groceries to
qualified seniors ages 55 and up as well as other adults who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance
(SSDI). This monthly bag of mostly non-perishable foods helps ensure that seniors have additional staples
in their pantries when they need them most.
Distribution sites are located in Berkshire County. Learn more and find out if you or
your loved one qualify for this free program today. Application assistance is available
five days a week.
Visit foodbankwma.org/brown-bag-food-for-elders,
or call our Brown Bag team at (800) 247-9632, ext. #110
7
HEALTH Area Health Leaders Collaborate and
Encourage All Seniors to Get Vaccinated
The complex operation to vac- To address the information COVID-19 vaccine because I felt • Information about when you
cinate the Berkshire community challenge, the Berkshire Vac- it was an important way to safe- are eligible and where/when
as quickly as possible is being cine Collaborative established guard my health, the health of the next clinics will be
led by the Berkshire Vaccine a website, getvaccinatedberk- my family, and the colleagues • Common side effects of the
Collaborative, a partnership shires.org, to provide a central, and patients I deal with every vaccine
between The Berkshire County up-to-date place to provide cred- day.” According to Laura Kittross,
Boards of Health Association, ible information as well as notic- Dr. Lederer urges seniors to “We can see the end, but we are
Berkshire Health Systems, Com- es about upcoming clinics at the “trust the science and trust the not there yet. Until we can vacci-
munity Health Programs, and three sites in Pittsfield, North CDC and learn as much as you nate everyone, we ask that resi-
local public health nurses. Adams, and Great Barrington. can. In the end, by taking the dents continue to protect those
“We recognized early-on that To date, the website has had vaccine you will protect your who are not yet vaccinated by
working together would be the over 170,000 unique visitors. health, your loved ones’ health continuing to wear masks and
most effective way to vaccinate Dr. James Lederer, Jr., the and those in the community that socially distancing.”
our community here in the Berk- Chief Medical Officer/Chief you interact with.” One woman in her 70s, who
shires,” said Laura Kittross, Di- Quality Officer of Berkshire On the getvaccinatedberk- preferred to remain anonymous,
rector of the Berkshire County Health Systems who has led the shires.org website, there is a shared her experience with CO-
Boards of Health Association. medical response to COVID-19 section on Frequently Asked VID-19. “I could not get out of
“Even before the vaccine ar- in Berkshire County, is eager to Questions, which includes the bed. It was so hard, and my body
rived in the Berkshires, we were dispel misinformation and pro- following important facts:
hurt everywhere. I had had the
concerned that residents would mote vaccination in Berkshire first shot which I believe kept
be able to access information County. • None of the vaccines being
administered contain a live me from getting it much worse.
from reputable sources, and that Dr. Lederer spoke of his own I was fortunate to get the mono-
information would be scientifi- decision to get vaccinated. “I COVID-19 virus, so the vaccine
cannot give you COVID-19 clonal antibodies.”
cally sound” said Laura Kittross. know the science. I took the Two months later, still feel-
• T he vaccines have been ing the effects, she admits, “I
developed safely and approved initially had concerns about get-
under a rigorous review process ting the vaccine, but having lived
and are based on methods that through COVID-19 and thankful-
have been in development ly surviving, I would advise any-
for over a decade. In addition body, ‘Get the vaccine!’ You don’t
to Federal oversight by the want to get or give COVID-19.”
Centers for Disease Control The Berkshire Vaccine Col-
and Prevention (CDC) and laborative is urging people
the Federal Food & Drug who have questions and con-
When it comes to caring for seniors, Administration (FDA) an cerns about the vaccine to go to
independent review panel in
it’s a matter of trust Massachusetts reviewed all
https://www.mass.gov/info-de-
tails/trust-the-facts-get-the-vax
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
Meet the Berkshires Senior Care Family scientific evidence before the or speak to a trusted medical
vaccine was delivered in the professional who can help you
Commonwealth. understand the facts.
Contact us so you and/or loved
Springside Craneville Place Sugar Hill ones can stay living at home!
255 Lebanon Ave 265 Main Street 45 Main Street Non-medical living assistance
Dalton Dalton
Pittsfield
413-499-2334 413-684-3212 413-684-0100
services from Angels!
Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Independent Living
Skilled Care Skilled Care Assisted Living • Memory Care
Visiting Angels of the Berkshires
RICHARD J. MESSER, DIRECTOR/OWNER
SUE CARPENTER, CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
197 South Street, Bldg. A, Pittsfield, MA 01201 rmesser@VisitingAngels.com
Visit us online at www.BaneCare.com Office: 413-344-9281 • Cell: 413-822-0123 www.VisitingAngels.com/Pittsfield
8
The Most Anticipated Spring Season
SPRING
More Clarity. More hearing.
by Kathleen Phillips turn toward the sun we can look
More life.
Spring is here! Finally! We upwards and feel the warmth of
turned our clocks forward and the sun on our faces.
now it’s actually light out after The extra hours of the day
6:00PM. The official first day of boost our mood. Flowers begin
spring was March 20th. Spring to bloom once they sense that the
is the vernal equinox when days
and nights are approximately 12
days have grown longer and the
weather has turned warmer. We
Hear the sounds that shouldn’t be missed
hours long and daytime begins welcome the sight and colors of Introducing Oticon More™ a life-changing hearing
to increase in length. We are crocuses, daffodils and tulips. As device with BrainHearing™ technology
coming out of the harsh winter plants grow their photosynthesis Science shows that we hear with our brains and not our ears.
and we embrace the warmer, process releases oxygen into the Oticon More helps your brain decipher intricate details of relevant
long awaited spring of 2021. We atmosphere. Temperate weather sounds for better speech understanding with less effort and the
are rising from the coldness and means that we get fresh air. We ability to remember more. All in a rechargeable hearing aid
stillness of winter and entering can throw open the windows that delivers direct streaming from iPhone® and Android™*.
FREE TWO WEEK TRIAL!
the season of rebirth. Birds and doors to let the fresh air and
are migrating north. There is sweet scents of spring in.
nothing sweeter to a Berkshire- Spring 2021 is moving us out • Better sound quality
ite than birds chirping in the of the past year. A reawakening. • 15% increase in speech understanding**
morning. Baby bunnies and • Available in rechargeable
We still must be vigilant—wear
ducklings and chipmunks abound • 3 year warranty & 3 year loss coverage
masks, wash our hands and
in the spring. Trees begin to bud
and unfurl their leaves. Robins observe precautions. But we will
are back in our yards looking for once again be able to be together
worms and building their nests. with family and friends in the
Animals and their babies that months to come. We will go the *Android devices need to support ASHA to allow direct connectivity to Oticon More.
Please visit oticon.com/support/compatibility for more information.
have been hibernating wake up. movies, attend concerts and the ** Compared to industry leading Oticon Opn S™
April showers bring May flowers. theatre, and cheer at stadiums….
We can now go outside and enjoy travel. With spring we are
the weather much like those moving away from this past year.
hibernating animals coming We can open our arms out to
out of their dens. We can start welcome this new season of hope
tending gardens and go for walks.
Just like the earth’s axis begins to
and renewal and we can finally
take a deep long breath.
Berkshire Physical Therapy & Wellness
BERKSHIRE COUNTY
LEGISLATORS
UNITED STATES CONGRESS Rep. John Barrett, III
Congressman Richard Neal 24 Beacon Street, Room 237
50 Independence Ave. SW Boston, MA 02133
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
Washington, D.C. 20515 (617) 722-2305
(202) 225-5610 District Office: (413) 743-8300
Senior aide: William.tranghese@mail. John.barrett@mahouse.gov
house.gov Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier
300 State Street 24 Beacon Street, Room 156 Elder services for outpatient
Springfield, MA 01105-1711 Boston, MA 02133 physical therapy needs
(413) 785-0325 (627) 722-2240 following surgery. From
Aide: Matthew.russett@mail.house.gov District Office: (413) 442-4300
Tricia.farley-bouvier@mahouse.gov total joint replacements,
Senator Adam Hinds balance and other muscle,
24 Beacon Street, Room 109E Rep. Paul Mark
24 Beacon Street, Room 160 bone, and joint injuries.
Boston, MA 02133
(617) 722-1625 Boston, MA 02133
District Office: (413) 344-4561 (617) 722-2304
Adam.hinds@masenate.gov District Office: (413) 464-5635
Paul.mark@mahouse.gov
Rep. Smitty Pignatelli
24 Beacon Street, Room 473F
Boston, MA 02133 3 convenient locations - Pittsfield, Dalton and Lenox
(617) 722-2210 Pittsfield Office Dalton Office Lenox Office
District Office: (413) 637-0631 740 Williams Street 400 Main Street 90 Pittsfield Road
Rep.smitty@mahouse.gov
Pittsfield, MA 01201 Dalton, MA 01226 Lenox, MA 01240
413-447-8070 413-684-9783 413-637-2810
9
Special Thanks to Our Volunteers!
VOLUNTEERS
We couldn’t provide essential services
without our volunteers.
By Christopher McLaughlin, and assistance of our volunteers,
Executive Director whose dedication to supporting
and enriching the lives of those
We at Elder Services of Berkshire we serve is second to none.
County are incredibly proud As April is National Volunteer
that since the COVID-19 state of Month, we wish to profile the
emergency began more than a year unsung heroes who have assisted
ago, our Agency has continued our consumers and our Agency
to provide all the services we during the past year. It goes without
previously offered in support saying that the past year was unlike
of Berkshire seniors, disabled any other. The realities of stay
individuals and caregivers. at home orders, social distancing
We provided some of our case and the inability to travel or have
management, counseling and visitors exacerbated our consumers’
other services by telephone as feelings of isolation and loneliness.
opposed to in person due to social Our consumers REALLY needed us
distancing mandates but all our this past year and our volunteers
programs, including Meals on were a godsend in enabling us to
Wheels, have continued to operate continue providing services and
without interruption. making our consumers feel safe and
Simply put, this would not have
been possible without the support continued on page 11
Volunteers
Active April 1, 2020 - February 28, 2021
Board of Vincent Marinaro Sharon Bartels Andrea Gaylord Michael Evans
Directors Meri-Ellen Morgans Joyce Boivin Eric Paul Greenberg Virginia Lafond
Randy Burdick Mary Shogry-Hayer Carol Boucher Sally Haver Eileen Gabriel
Teresa Caldwell Berkshire Beverly Clarke Carole Hilderbrand Georgette Kinney
Jacob Dabrowski, Senior Judith Douville Rosemary Houghtlin Carolyn Palmucci
Treasurer Newspaper Tanya Haas Charles Joch Deb Wehry
Since 1983 MOLARI Health- Sandy Driscoll Kathleen Cleary Susan Holland Jean Ketchum
Care has enjoyed providing our Frank Engels Deborah Golden Kristina (Tina) Kelly William Kormanik Partnership
Diana (Toni) Fontana Alecson Heather King Erna Lampman Volunteers
neighbors in Berkshire County Riverbrook Residence
Roberta Gale Berkshire Paula Morey Julia Lenney
with trusted, quality homecare. Jewish Federation
John Graziano Senior TV Karen Oak Alan Metzger
Working as your partner, our staff Christopher King, Diane Chicoine John Philpott William Moreau of the Berkshires
will create a flexible care plan to fit Finance Committee Jeff Turner Victor Roy Susan Morris SHINE (Serving
your needs. With MOLARI you are Georgette Kinney Home and Ronald Terry Katara Mullett the Health
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
assured that you and your care is Kimberly Mathews, Community Joseph Tirrell George Oleen Insurance Needs
our number one priority.
Clerk Based Gini Titterton Susan Pitman of Everyone)
Mary K. O’Brien Programs Donald Usher Theodore Pitman Janice Brindisi
MOLARI is committed to pro- David O’Neill Nancy Belouin Donald Pulver
Nutrition Patricia Carlino
viding the best possible solution Walter Orenstein Deena Berman Program Georgina Riley Peggy Clary
for your home healthcare needs. John Philpott, Carolyn Coco Sandra Aasen Pierce Roberts Phyllis DeMartino
President Carol Couture Rose Alessio Warren Robertson Karen DeOrdio
Services offered by MOLARI Stephen Radin Alexandra Huber Bonnie Andrews Susan Rothschild Terrill Douglas
Mary Shogry-Hayer, Elaine Hunter Anna Beining James Schantz Frank Engels
• Assistance with Personal Care • Laundry Services Vice President Jean Ketchum Ellen Bernardo Dennis Sears Michele Gilligan
• Medication Reminders • Assistance with Transportation Paula Walczyk Julia Lenney Richard Bosche Dan Skorcz
Mary Ellen Levin Robert St. Peter Judith Hyde
AAA Advisory Amy Butler Nancy Leren
• Meal Preparation • Shopping and Errands Council Karen Oak Franke Clarke Kathy Staropoli
Robert Allard Colleen Powers Kathleen Cleary Joanne Stegner Pattie Pero
• Light Housekeeping • Respite Care Steven Rosenthal
Quentin Chin Vicki Robare Carol Couture Samantha Tangney
• Companionship James Clark Laurie Schwartz Dennis DeVergilio Peter Traub Larry Shea
Maria Craft Mary Spina Robin Dewkett Diane Weinstein Catherine Spinney
166 East Street • Pittsfield, MA 01201 Frank Engels Diane Weinstein Judith Douville Rena Zurofsky William Tarmey
413-499-4562 or 1-800-649-4562 Lisa Fletcher-Udel, Money Michael Ende Ombudsman Gini Titteron
Visit us on the web: www.MOLARIinc.com Chair Management Donald Freedman Program Winnie Veretto
June Green, Vice Chair Program Jasmine Gage Virginia Bosco
10 Sandra Lussier Elizabeth (Bet) Azar Kathleen Garofalo Cristine ByrneThanks to Volunteers! volunteers has provided 6,659
ZOOM TIPS
“I’m proud to be an
continued from page 10 lifetime hours of volunteer
service to our consumers. During
well supported. the past year, our volunteers on
During a year in which often the accompanying list provided
the safest bet was to stay safe at
home, our volunteers answered
the call to serve on our Board of
6,240 hours of service. This is the
equivalent of three individuals
working full time and another
RSVP volunteer”
Directors and Advisory Council,
help prepare and deliver meals,
working a day a week. Keep in
mind…..all of this occurred
-Roger ( volunteering at the
write articles for the Berkshire
Newspaper, help produce the
during a pandemic.
You, our volunteers, have
Berkshire Museum since 2013 )
Berkshire Senior TV Show, stuck with us through thick and
provide SHINE counseling and thin and continue to share your
money management services, time, talent and compassion
a dvo c at e fo r re s i d e n t s o f with our consumers. You are
Berkshire County’s nursing extraordinary people and we are
homes, shop for groceries for incredibly proud of you and how
consumers and much, much more. special you are to our consumers.
We have some new volunteers On behalf of the Agency and our
and some who have been with consumers, we extend our warmest
us for a very long time…a few wishes of gratitude and thanks to
are approaching 18 years of our volunteers for helping us live
service. One of our more prolific our mission every day!
Zoom Tips for Success
By: Christian Tenczar is pretty easy to use. To join a
meeting all you need to do is
These days sometimes the best click or tap on the link which
way for us to see the people we
care about is through the use of
will be sent to you by the person
organizing the meeting. This link
Roger and nearly 300 volunteers from the
technology. Zoom is perhaps the might come to you in an email, a Retired Senior Volunteer Program are helping
most common technology for this text message, or perhaps even
as it’s easy to use, doesn’t require through Facebook. If you can’t operate over 50 amazing non-profit agencies
you to register or create an account, find the link to join then just ask
and typically just works. Zoom has the meeting organizer to resend
around Berkshire County.
even become a verb these days as it and make sure you know how Why not join us today? If you are 55 years old,
folks might ask, “do you Zoom?” they are sending it to you. If you
or maybe even suggesting, “we have a preferred way to receive reside in Berkshire County, and desire to give
can Zoom with you whenever you the join link, email for example,
want!” Here are some tips to help make sure you let them know! back to the community, RSVP is for you.
make your next Zoom a success.
Zoom Tips Call 413-499-9345, or visit our website.
Choose a Device
There are two main buttons to RSVP Benefits
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
You can use Zoom from
just about any type of device be aware of in Zoom, the camera
on/off button and the mute • Mileage reimbursement or van transport to job
including a computer, a tablet like
an iPad, or most smartphones. button. If you can hear others • Annual recognition luncheon
Installing Zoom is pretty straight in the meeting but they cannot • CIMA insurance coverage
forward, the first time you join hear you, then you are probably
muted. Look for the mute • Annual Big E bus trip
a meeting you will see popup
messages asking you to install button, it’s always in the lower • Quarterly newsletter, monthly new job listings
left corner of the Zoom window
Zoom. Installing Zoom on a
and looks like a radio-style
• Networking and social contacts
tablet or smart phone is just
like installing any other app, it microphone. If you are muted • Bi-monthly birthday celebrations
will bring you to your device’s it will have a big red slash on it, Get Active—Have Fun—Give Back !
store and you tap the button to just click it to unmute yourself.
download Zoom. Zoom is free, The camera on/of f button
so there won’t be any charges or works the same way, just click
credit cards required to download it to toggle your camera on and
and use Zoom if you just want to off. If you are on a smartphone
join a meeting. or a device with more than one
camera you can switch cameras
Joining a Zoom Meeting by clicking on the little arrow on 16 Bartlett Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201 • 413-499-9345
As explained above, Zoom the camera on/off button. 11DONATIONS
Thank You To Our Donors:
The following donations were received between January 1, 2021 and February John and Geraldine Crane Patrick Litano William and Janine Reid
28, 2021. Donations received on or after March 1, 2021 will appear in the next John and Jane Allen Patti Annechiarico William and Jeanne Bourdon
issue of the Berkshire Senior. John and Jeanne Davidson Paul and Sandra Merlino William Briggs
John Masiero, Jr. Paul Lennon William Herrick
Memorial Donations In Memory of Passed Solari Donald Goudey Joseph and Janet Rogge Paula Farrell
In Memory of Greno and Norma Family Members: Donald Hagberg Paula Wells Wohrle’s Foods, Inc.
Joseph Domenichini
Buratto: Frederick A. Solari Donald Hanson Joyce Orell Pern VanCamp Woody Printz
Marc and Wendy Buratto In Memory of Phyllis Watroba: Donna Chenail Judi Drozd Peter & Susan LePrevost
Robert Watroba Donna Cwalinski Meals On Wheels
In Memory of Thomas Cadorette: Judith Weber Peter and Jane Smith Donations
Wendy A Marshall Dr. Alan and Dr. Roselle Chartock Judy Whitbeck Peter Dudek
In Honor of Donations Dr. Daniel Patel Bernice Alcombright
In Memory of Edwin Cooke: Julia Wolfrum Peter Karpenski
In Honor of E. Galliford: Dr. Fred and Andrea Mensch Philip Damon Jr. Jodi St Peter
Christine M. McGinniss Kathleen Duquette-Penna
Cynthia Armstrong E. Bonnie Silvers Kathleen McMullen Raymond and Jeanne Moulthrop Richard J Alcombright
In Memory of John DiTomasso: In Honor of John and Helen Edward and Emily Zoladz
Remo, Dino and Janice Keith and Reanne Palmer Rhoda Kaminstein
Fitzpatrick: Edward and Kathleen Denault Keith Blanchard Richard and Anne Powers SHINE Donations
DiTomasso Sheila Fitzpatrick Edward and Linda Van Dyke Jeanne and Bruce Zdanis
Kent and Catherine Salvini Richard and Kathleen Luczynski
In Memory of Dorothy Gentile: In Honor of Cindy Armstrong: Edward and Pamela Bourdon Richard and Rosanne
K-M Motor Sales General Donations
Teresa Gentile Patricia Galliford Edward King Kurt Syer Beauchamp
In Memory of Clarence Green: Elizabeth Dillman Andrew and Marcia
In Honor of James Parkington: Kyunghwa and Doo Kyung Choi Richard and Ruth Moon
Glenn Duffy Amanda Parkington Elizabeth Shogry Laborer’s Local 473 Richard and Sandra Cobb Powdermaker-Potler
Matthew and Kristin Steiner Elliott and Grace Snyder Larry and Faith Newmark Richard and Wendy Clothier Arthur and Louise Hillman
In Memory of Jane Hanlon: Elder Independence Enid Shields Laurence Cohen Richard Kurek Betsey McKearnan
Paul Guillotte Donations Ernest and Carole LeBarron Laurie Mitchell Richard Nichols Bo and Katherine Peabody
In Memory of Marilyn Harte: Adriana Brown Ernest and Sharyn Godbout Laurie Spar Richard Phillips Caron Hobin
Brooke Hubley Albert & Lorraine Mancuso Eugene and Patricia Gebarowski Leda Melideo Robert and Barbara Eccher Danielle Christ
Ellen Krupka Alex and Judith Nardacci Fern Lavelle Lee Audio & Security Robert and Carla Skidmore
Allan and Susan Pike Flora Fressola David & Margaret Markham
Friends of Pittsfield Ballina Irish Lee McClelland Robert and Lynda O’Neil Donna Pignatelli
Sister City Allen and Alice Bassen Florence Reis Linda Greenhouse Robert and Margaret O’Clair
Heath and Linda Thomson Ann Piekos-Barber Frances Buckley Linda Lamke Robert Garvey Dr. Bruce and Barbara
Joan Bailey Anna Murphy Francis and Patricia Malnati Linda Thomas Rose Rondeau Shickmanter
John and Cheryl Blaisdell Anne Fix Francis Laundry Lois Nangle Russell Kenyon Edwin Neumuth Jr
Peter and Stephen Nykorchuk Anthony and Amy Anderton Frank and Edna Aulisio Lynn Barbieri Sam and Maggie Bittman Ellen Mazzer
Robert and Carolyn LeBlanc Anthony Parise Frank and Jeanette Lagowski MacCaro Real Estate Sandra Kearns Frank Battista
In Memory of Janet Kerwood: Barbara Benham Frank and Virginia Dubis Marilyn Barnes Sara Burke Frank Lipinski
William D Kerwood Barbara Favreau Frank Consolati Insurance Marilyn DeRosa Scott Ketcham
Bea DaSilva Agency Inc. Gail Roger
In Memory of Stephanie Marjorie Bissaillon Sheila Keator Gregory Jones
Benjamin Schawinsky Franklin McLaren Jr. Mark and Karen Daigle Sophie Buck
Pasternak: Bernice Alcombright Gary and Sandra Tatro Howard Rosenberg
Donna Pasternak Martin and Kathy Brown Spencer Fraker
Bernice Shainman Gene and Justyna Carlson Marty and Pat Salvadore Stedman Stephens Jane LePrevost
In Memory of Margaret Polidoro: Bill and Pam Lundergan George and Carole Manarchik Mary Ann Wojtaszek Stephen and Elinor Long, Jr. Jeffrey Bradway
Alan and Judith White Bob Veit George and Judith Szecsei Mary Hayes Steven and Sally Pullen King Francis
C. Nancy and Raymond C. Robert Librizzi George Bissell Mary Mercuri Sully and Mary Garofano
Woitkowski Knights of Columbus Berkshire
Carol Agnew George Smith, Sr. Mary Miner Susan Horsford Hills Council #314
Carol Pomeroy Carol Christopher Geraine Benham Mary Shogry-Hayer Susan Ricci
David and Theresa Allen Carol Kirby Lauren Svenson
Gerard and Christine Hurley Maureen O’Brien Susan Rothschild
Diana Mancivalano Carole Holliday Gina Vinciguerra Lee Audio & Security
Maureen Strype Sylvia Jamros
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
Edward and Debra Albuquerque Carole Kalisz Harold and Gretchen Hastings Michael Ancora Teresa Bragdon Linda Watson Montone
Elizabeth Palucci Carole Siegel Harold Rudin Michael and Justina Norton Terrence and Mary Jane Hanlon Lt. John N. Truden VFW Post 448
Frances Ricci Carolyn Whitney Harold Sherman Michael Cheesbro Therese Taft Lydia Lake
Joseph and Elizabeth Gingras Cheryl Ann Chalmers Harry and Marjorie Horn Michael Oullette Thomas and Jane Bernard M Patricia Fasce
Joseph and Lavina Perri Christine Richards Harry Morey Michelle Cutler Thomas and Nioma Coen
Joseph Williams and Laura Margot Towl
Cia Elkin and Larry Gedd Helaine Rose Michelle Smith Thomas Berkel Mary and James Nicoll Cooper
Touponce Clifford and Lynne Nilan Jacqueline Cobb Mike and Carol Boucher Thomas Maynard
Judith Bernardo Mary Ann Kirby
Cynthia Sault James and Jeanne Bill MyCom Federal Credit Union Tom and Kimberly Jones
Margaret Callahan Daniel and Jean Murphy James and Maryellen Tremblay Paul and Karen Johnson
Nancy Begbie Tom and Marcia Partenope
Marilyn Manning Daniel Barnini James Cross Nancy Bonvillain Uldis and Maija Surmanis Peter Caron
Mary Ann Archey Daniel Pupo James Furcinti Nancy Borges Ursula Ehretdichter Robert and Bonnie Connors
Michael J. Nichols David and Rosemary Morton James Shippee Nancy Cook Vicki Torrico Robert and Lucy Bellville
Patrick and Barbara Mooney David Ariazi Jean Davis Nancy Rodovick Victoria Williams Ronald & Martha Stewart
Patrick and Lois Ricci David Grady Jean Shade Nancy Torrico Virginia Cariddi Sandra J. Kleiner
Ronald J. Ricci David Olds Jean Veazie Neal Langlois Virginia Miner Sheila Irvin
In Memory of Della and George David Vacheron Jeanne Bresnehan Norma Tomkowicz Vito and Maria Vitrano
Shogry: St. Ann’s Church
Dery Funeral Home Jim and Bunny Whitman Northeast Fabricators and Walter and Elaine LaPierre
Cindy Shogry-Raimer Diana Fontana Jo Ann Lancaster Mechanical Services Walter Asdikian Susan Coles
In Memory of Mary Simeone: Diane Lavalle Joan and Jean Boyle Olivia Zegarowski Walter Ritter and Dianna Deacon Tony Pagliarulo
Charles Nichols, Jr. Donald Alderman, Jr. Joan Hayford Patricia Colvin Wayne and Lisa Tenney Tony Pagliarulo
Dawn Fahey Donald and Marie Cripps Joan Kearney Patricia Elser Wayne Klug Tony Pagliarulo
12 Dery Funeral Home Donald and Sharon Briggs Joan Zegras Patricia Galliford Wendy Linscott Vera LecocqTHE BERKSHIRES’ LARGEST Let Us Welcome You Home
ESTATE JEWELRY OUTLET Berkshiretown Apartments
SENIOR OWNED,
Appleton Managed Properties
SENIOR FRIENDLY Providing Quality, Affordable “Smoke
Free” Senior Living in Western and
Thank you for Voting us
Best in the Berkshires for
Coin/Collectable Dealer
Central Massachusetts for over 40 years!
Great Buys on Native American Jewelry,
Semi Precious Stones, Diamonds,
and Gold & Silver Jewelry.
We have over 2,000 Pieces of Sterling Jewelry
We buy gold and silver SCRAP, collector coins,
gold and silver bullion, and Paper Money.
Berkshire Hills Coins & Estate Jewelry
222 Elm Street, Pittsfield
(413) 499-1400
www.berkshirehillscoins.com
HOURS
Mon. - Fri. 9:30am - 5:30pm • Sat. 9:30am - 4pm
After hours please call & leave message
Our Apartments
ALWAYS Include
Heat & Hot Water
• Rent is Income Based • Resident Services
• All Utilities Included • Convenient Location
• Appliances & Window • Controlled Entry
Coverings • Private Balconies
• On-Site Laundry (for most apartments)
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
• Elevator • We are Pet Friendly
• Planned Activities • 24 Hour Emergency
Maintenance Services
• Professional Staff
176 Columbus Ave.
We have always believed that everyone deserves
to have their story told and their life acknowledged.
Pittsfield, MA
Let us help design the best way to honor your cherished family member. 413-443-9125
aberkshiretown@oconnells.com
oconnellseniorliving.com
Fri e nds he l p i ng f r i e n d s sinc e 1 9 1 5
40 MA PLE WOOD AVEN UE • PI TTS F I E L D, M A 0 1 2 0 1
Marketed &
C A LL U S: 41 3.4 45 .59 88 Managed by
Pro ud affi l i ate o f C ar ri age Servi c es | Jo h n W. Bre s n a h a n
13HEALTH
Egremont Council on Aging
Egremont COA continues to vest it is necessary to practice
Berkshire Senior
provide “Grab ‘N Go” lunches safe walking: always walk
on the first Wednesday of each facing traffic, walk single file,
Television
month. Pick up time is 12:00 – move as far to the edge of the
12:30 at The Barn at the Egremont road as possible when a vehicle
Village Inn. Drive up, we will approaches, and be aware of
bring your lunch to your car and your surroundings. If you walk
off you go to enjoy a delicious with your dog be sure they are
treat. Menus for each month leashed and out of traffic lanes.
are posted online 10 days before Remember, unless you are in a
the event. We suggest a $5.00 pedestrian zone, cars have the
donation to help with costs and right of way.
reservations must be made. You T he Town of Eg remont
can do so by calling 528-0182 x 16 and Eg remont COA are in
It feels like spring is in the air. receipt of a Taxi Grant from
Currently airing
ShaunaonPost , PCTV
Chris McLaughlin, Executive Director
of Elder Services, provides an Agency
SHINE Program
Coordinator, provides information on
The warmer weather encourages the state. This grant provides
us all to get out and start walking rides for our seniors to medical
Update Channel 1301 Access Pittsfield
the SHINE Program and getting some exercise. We ap p o i n t m e n t s, g ro c e r y o r
Broadcast
Currently schedule:
airing on PCTV have “Be Seen, Be Safe” vests
which will help protect you as
other essential shopping trips,
delivery of prescription drugs
ChannelPCTV
1301 Access
channel Pittsfield
1301 you walk Egremont’s scenic and transportation for essential
Mondays schedule:
Broadcast at 5 p.m., Tuesdays 3 p.m.,▪Thursdays
Mondays atat5:00pm Wednesdayatat11 a.m.
8:30am roads. The vests are free and workers. Call 528-0182 x 16 for
are available from the Police more information.
Thursdays at 11:30am ▪ Saturdays at Noon
& Saturday 11:30 a.m. Department, at the Town Hall or Your COA is here to assist you.
Or watch online, ON DEMAND on by calling 528-0182 x 16. Be sure and call us with your
pittsfieldtv.org. In addition to wearing your questions or concerns. 528-0182 x 16
Thank you to our friends at PCTV for all
their help in making Berkshire Senior Pittsfield COA
TV accessible to our community. Since the vaccination clinics new look Facebook page , with
have opened up, The Senior Center informative information ,links,
has booked and assisted in securing articles, programs and up to date
over 2,000 appointments for our happenings here at the center and
seniors. We realize this has been a around the city.
difficult and trying time for seniors, https://www.facebook.com/
caregivers and family members all pittsfieldseniorcenter
so anxious to get an appointment.
During these last few With the state slowly reopening
months we have still provided we will be opening our doors
transportation, running two vans back up to the public, doing a
five days a week between 9am-3pm soft limited activities opening
to medical appointments, grocery beginning no later than May 1.
shopping, and transportation for We will be starting with activities
our Supportive Day program that such as our ceramics group that
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
has since reopened operating meets on Thursday mornings,
five days a week also. Our grab scrapbooking and socially distance
and go meals have been a big exercise group. We will be opening
hit still providing a hot meal our congregate meal site where
to our seniors on a daily basis you can come in and sit down
as a takeout meal to take home along with continuing our grab
provided by Elder Services. We and go meals from 10:30 -12. Our
have been able to provide our café will be opening for breakfast
yearly tax service here also by (only) from 8am-10.We will be
appointment as well as our foot hosting a volunteer informational
clinic. Our Council has kept in meeting, if you would like to join
touch with our over 500 seniors our team of volunteers or have a
daily “checking in” via phone suggestion for a class or activity
calls provided by our staff and please call us Monday - Friday
local volunteers from RSVP as from 8:30-4 @ 413-499-9346 with any
well as sending out our monthly questions and more information.
newsletter while continuing with Let our Senior Center become your
our monthly brown bag . Senior Center, a place to meet new
Our senior center is in the friends, connect with old ones,
14 process of migrating over to a exercise and socialize.News From North Adams Council on Aging
MEALS ON WHEELS
Like most of the world, we, too,
find it difficult to believe that it
• Income tax assistance
appointments
state’s regional centers, our
staff of three has been fielding
Savino
Empire Monuments, Inc.
has been more than a year since • Grab and Go lunches calls, facilitating appointments,
the Mary Spitzer Center was and answering questions for
closed to the public due to the
• Van transportation (operates
the last several weeks. On an
Est. 1931
5 days per week) Complete Service of
COVID-19 pandemic. However, average day, we receive 80-90
with efforts being made to We also work with the North calls and voice mail messages Monuments & Markers
immunize against the virus, we Adams Library to distribute and from inquiring seniors and their
are eagerly anticipating the day retrieve books twice per week as families/advocates. Thus far, we
that we can begin scheduling well as distributing care packages have advised or scheduled several
some small group activities. from Berkshire Helping Hands. hundred vaccine appointments
We remain hopeful that we can More recently, we are pleased and this important work will
start hosting some pandemic- to share that we have been able continue as new appointments
compliant events in the near to add van transportation to are made available.
future. Pittsfield for those who have As we look forward to the
It is important to note that medical appointments. This summer and restrictions easing,
The Council on Aging staff includes door-to-door service, please keep in touch with us
has continued to work and enabling the people of our to see what events you might
be available throughout this community to access the care be interested in. We are also
past year. Below is a list of they need at a time that health is pleased to hear from you with any
essential programs that we have more important than ever. For suggestions or recommendations
maintained despite the many more information on this service, for activities that would provide 100 Wahconah St.
challenges we all faced. please call (413) 662-3125. value to our much-appreciated Pittsfield, MA 01201
Perhaps most importantly, seniors. We look forward to
• Monthly foot care clinics
we are proud to be playing a
(413) 442-4149
continuing our work throughout
• Socially-distanced Tai Chi major role in getting our seniors the year, one that we hope will Donna Brewer, Owner
classes appointments for COVID-19 bring a sense of peace and hope
• Distribution of “brown bags” vaccinations. As one of the to all. Steven J Brewer, Director
All-inclusive Assisted Living,
Where Extras Come Standard
“The great thing about new friends is that
they bring new energy to your soul.”
– Shanna Rodriguez
• Meet New Friends • Three Healthy Meals Daily
Elder Services’ Berkshire Senior, April-May 2021
• Have Peace of Mind • Assistance When You
• Feel Secure Need It
• Group Activities • Transportation and
Housekeeping
• 24-hour Nursing
Staff & Security
235 Walker Street
Lenox, MA 01240
413-637-7000
kimballfarms.org
We’re Perfecting the
Art of Superior Care.
15You can also read
