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Council on Aging
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.
The Commonwealth’s preregistration system makes it easier to request and schedule an appointment at one of the 7 mass vaccination locations. People can preregister for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at mass vaccination locations only. More locations will be added to the system in April.
Once you sign up for preregistration, you’ll receive weekly status updates. You can opt out at any time if you find an appointment elsewhere.
Due to constrained federal supply, it will take several weeks to be notified about available appointments at mass vaccination locations. Once an appointment is available, you’ll be contacted with the opportunity to book the appointment and have 24 hours to accept it.
To begin preregistration click this link: https://vaccinesignup.mass.gov/#/
Here is our free iPad Guide!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Change in Meal Pick-up Location
Starting April 26th, meal pick-up will take place on the upper level of RiverMills Center. Cars must approach RiverMills by going down Oak Street and entering the center at the first senior center entrance off West Main Street, and then exit at the main entrance to RiverMills. Please see the map for guidance. You can download the route map by click the link below. There will be signs to guide you. Thank you for your consideration.
Download New Curbside Meal Pick-up Map
RiverMills Curbside Pick-Up Menu
RiverMills will continue to offer its curbside meal pick-up program through the winter. Meals are available Monday through Friday and cost $3. Meals must be reserved at least a day before by calling 534-3698. You must give your name and phone number and confirm you are an older adult who lives in Chicopee. Due to the cold temperatures, meals will be distributed between 1 to 2 p.m. starting in January. If you’re in line after 2 p.m. you will not be turned away. Thank you for your understanding. Please pick up your meal by going down the hill and around to the back entrance. The meals are cooked on site, but must be heated up again at home.
In case of snow, please go to WWLP Channel 22 to see if the meal program has been cancelled for that day. Or, go to our Facebook page by searching for RiverMills Center Chicopee Council on Aging. Meal cancellations will also be posted on our page of the city website at www.chicopeema.gov.
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 5/10 – Meatball Grinder with Chips
Tuesday – Baked Mac & Cheese with Veggies
Wednesday – Chicken Caesar Salad
Thursday - Pot Roast with Mashed Potatoes, Carrots
Friday – Caprese Chicken Breast
(tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic) over Pasta
*Weekend meals must be requested when ordering.
*Please bring the correct change to pay for your meals.
Monday, 5/17- Breaded Chicken Sandwich w/ Chips
Tuesday- Beef Ravioli w/ Vegetable
Wednesday- Chef’s Salad
Thursday- Kielbasa & Sauerkraut w/ Rye Bread
Friday- Chicken Parmesan w/ Broccoli
Weekend-Frank & Beans
*Weekend meal must be requested when ordering.
*Please bring the correct change to pay for your meals.
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 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:
Chicopee Senior Transportation
The Transportation Department at RiverMills Center is doing rides to supermarkets, pharmacies, and doctor’s appointments. Riders must adhere to new passenger safety standards. See below for more information. Please reach out to our Transportation Department if you have a transportation need at 536-5733. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you.
The RiverMills Center Transportation Department follows the CDC and State Standards for drivers, passengers and vehicle safety. The following outlines those guidelines.
1. Non-contagious medical appointments and grocery shopping etc.
2. Only 1 passenger (with 1 companion) is allowed in the vehicle at a time.
3. Passenger MUST wear a mask and use hand sanitizer BEFORE entering the vehicle.
4. Driver will take passenger’s temperature with a non-contact thermometer.
5. Passengers with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher will not be allowed to ride in the vehicle.
6. All vehicles are cleaned and disinfected before and after each passenger.
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