Council on Aging

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RiverMills Programming On Zoom  

Though RiverMills Center remains closed to the public, we are rolling out programming via Zoom. Our goal is to make this transition as simple as possible for our members. If you would like to participate but are unfamiliar with Zoom, our Program Technician can help you get connected. To schedule an appointment for assistance, please call Jona at 413-534-3698 ext.104, or send an email to: jruiz@chicopeema.gov 

Note: Though you can use Zoom without a camera some programming will require a camera. Call Jona for more details. 

2020 Farmer’s Market Coupons 

Farmer’s Market Coupons will be distributed on Tuesday, July 21, 2020, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Chicopee Council on Aging’s RiverMills Center, 5 West Main St.

WestMass Elder Care has provided a limited number of coupons available to low-income older adults, ages 60 and older. The $25 coupon books will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in the lower rear of the building. People are asked to stay in their cars and wait in line. Coupons will be distributed via curbside pick-up.

• Must be 60 or older.

• Must be low –income: One-person household annual income of $23,606 or less; two-person, $31,894; three-person, $40,182; four-person, $48,470.

• Only one coupon book per person.


Dial-A-Lawyer: Free Legal Advice by Phone for Elders

The Massachusetts Bar Association sponsors a monthly Dial-A-Lawyer program and encourages members of the public to call our hotline for free legal advice. Dial-A-Lawyer attorney volunteers are in good standing and have a wide variety of legal experience.

On the first Wednesday of every month, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., attorneys are available at (617) 338-0610 or (877) 686-0711 to answer questions on a variety of topics, including family law, bankruptcy, employment, estate planning, real estate, consumer rights and more.

Questions? Contact the MBA Community Service Department at (617) 338-0695 or via email at communityservices@massbar.org.


UPDATE: Deputy Chief Dakin has assigned 2 officers to the Senior Center Director, to make checks, and assist, with checking on the well being of our Seniors and making sure they are ok, and have information they need for the various programs available, such as Meals on Wheels. The officers will be in full uniform, with PPE equipment on, when checking.
Meal Options for Seniors COVID-19

The Transportation Department at RiverMills Center is doing emergency rides to supermarkets, pharmacies, and limited rides to doctors for people receiving treatments, such as radiation or chemo. Please reach out to our Transportation Department if you have an emergency need at 413-536-5733. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you.

COVID-19 Testing Scam Alert for websites and Facebook

Duties & Responsibilities


The duties of the Council on Aging are to: 
  • Identify the needs of older adults 55 years or older & their younger spouses residing in the City
  • Educate the community & City officials
  • Enlist the support & participation of all citizens concerning those needs
  • Design, promote, & implement services to fill those needs

Services & Grants


The Council also coordinates existing services in the City & promotes & supports other programs which are designed to assist older adults in the community. The Council identifies funding sources, applies for appropriate grants, & administers grant-funded programs.

The Council on Aging must be aware of state & federal legislation concerning funding, information, exchange, & program planning to improve community programming for older adults.

Areas of Assistance


The Senior Center is committed to assisting and improving the quality of life for older adults in the areas of:
  • Community service
  • Good health maintenance
  • Lifelong learning
  • Mobility
  • Recreation
  • Related informational services

Close the Gap Matching Challenge Grant

The Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation, an affiliate of Westfield Bank, has announced their pledge of a $100,000 “Close the Gap Matching Challenge Grant” for the benefit of Chicopee Council on Aging’s RiverMills Center. The Friends of Chicopee Senior Citizens, Inc. is making a final push to meet its $2 million pledge for the construction of the city’s senior center that opened five years ago.

With only $200,000 left to raise, the Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation is once again taking the lead and challenging other businesses and institutions to step up and “Close the Gap” by generously offering to match all donation commitments up to $100,000 if received by December 31, 2019. This is on top of the $250,000 donation the Foundation pledged six years ago. The Friends and RiverMills remain forever grateful to all those who have already committed to this great cause.  For more information about the “Close the Gap Matching Challenge Grant” and naming opportunities still available inside RiverMills Center, please contact Ernest Laflamme Jr. at 533-4953.