Council on Aging

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RIVERMILLS CENTER REOPENS JULY 6TH, 2021

We are excited to announce that RiverMills Center will reopen on July 6th. We ask that you please follow the guidelines below when visiting the center: 

- All visitors to RiverMills Center must sign a waiver, which will be available at the main reception desk.

- Unvaccinated people must wear a mask. Vaccinated people do not have to wear a mask, but should do whatever makes them feel comfortable.

- Registration is required for ALL programs. Class/event/program size will be limited to begin with.

- All visitors must sign in at the kiosk with their swipe card. Participant applications are available at the main reception desk.

- Fitness renewals/waivers are due August 1st.

- All programming is subject to change. Cancellations may happen.

- Inside congregate meal dining is planned for September. The curbside meal pick-up program will continue until then.

Please keep in mind that every senior center is different in its reopening plans, but the common thread is that we are all doing the best we can to safely meet the needs of the older adults who we serve. We ask for your patience and cooperation as we transition back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

We look forward to seeing you again!


Vaccine Appointments for Our Homebound Residents

Vaccine appointments for our HOMEBOUND residents! Please call the following number to sign upfor an in-home vaccine appointment. Eligibility criteria applies. Offered by Commonwealth Care Alliance,use this centralized state call number: 1-833-983-0485.

iPad Lending Prgram

RiverMills Center Tablet Lending Program now has more tablets available for lending. If you are a Chicopee senior with internet access who needs an updated device, or if you are thinking of buying a new tablet but are not sure what to get. You can borrow one of our iPads for up to 3 weeks! These tablets can be used to get online, play games, or join Zoom programming. The tablets will also have charging and typing accessories, as well as a user's guide.

If you are a Chicopee senior who could use a tablet please contact Program Technician Jona Ruiz at 534-3698 ext.104 or send an email to jruiz@chicopeema.gov.

Here is our free iPad Guide! 

  1. iPad Guide

RiverMills Curbside Pick-Up Menu

RiverMills will continue to offer its curbside meal pick-up program through August and will revisit the program’s future based on COVID-19 developments. Meal pick-up is between 1 to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost is $3. Reservations must be made at least a day before by calling 534-3698. Meals are available to older adults who live in Chicopee. The meals are cooked on site, but must be heated up again at home.


Here is the RiverMills Curbside Pick- Up menu for next 2 week (meals are subject to change). You must call to place your order: 534-3698.

 Monday, 7/26- Kielbasa & Kraut on Egg Noodles

Tuesday- Chicken Thighs w/Rice & Veggies

Wednesday- Greek Salad w/Chicken

Thursday- BBQ pulled pork sandwich w/Coleslaw & Chips

Friday-Baked Mac & Cheese w/Peas

*Please bring the correct change to pay for your meals.

Monday, 8/2- Baked Fish w/Rice & Veggies

Tuesday- Sausage w/Peppers & Onion Grinder & Chips

Wednesday- Tuna Salad on Greens

Thursday- Chicken Fajita

Friday-Cheese Lasagna

 *Please bring the correct change to pay for your meals.


Download Menu for weeks of 7/26-8/6/2021

  1. 7.26.21
  2. 8.2.21

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. 

For a list of this months programs and Zoom links visit our RiverMills Reminder Newsletter page.

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.

End with Care Free Webinars 

end Care

End With Care is an educational resource that provides and promotes public, professional, and institutional awareness of end-of-life care issues. They present valuable information and offer an easy to use directory of care and service providers throughout Massachusetts, to assist individuals, their loved ones, and caregivers with end-of-life needs.

End with Care is introducing the first of their new free webinars and invite you to view: Advance Care Planning: "The What, Why, and How to speak for yourself...even if you're unable to speak for yourself." Delivered on-demand through their website, this free webinar is pre-recorded, so viewers can watch anytime that’s convenient for them. To start click the link below:

https://www.endwithcare.org/webinar

Chicopee Senior Transportation

The RiverMills Center Transportation Department follows the CDC and State Standards for drivers, passengers and vehicle safety.

1.Passenger MUST wear a mask and use hand sanitizer BEFORE entering the vehicle.

2. All vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before and after each passenger.

Round Trip Transportation Fees

$1 – Chicopee Senior Center

$2 – Anywhere in Chicopee

$4 – Springfield and West Springfield, Holyoke and South Hadley

The Chicopee Council on Aging receives Federal Older Americans Act Funding from local Area Agency on Aging, West Mass Elder Care, the State Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the Federal Administration for Community Living. 


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
The Chicopee Council on Aging receives Federal Older Americans Act funding from local Area Agency on Aging, WestMass Elder Care, the State Executive Office of Elder Affairs, and the Federal Administration for Community Living.