August 2023 Newsletter

Age Outdoors With CVCOA!

Our second annual Age Outdoors fundraiser takes place Saturday, September 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Northern Vermont University in Johnson!

Age Outdoors the way you like! This fundraiser celebrates healthy aging and supports opportunities for older adults in Central Vermont. Tickets include lunch from Morse Block Deli during our after-party and awards ceremony!

Because of the devastating July flooding, we've moved our event hub from Oxbow Park to Northern Vermont University in Johnson. Read more about this change and how we're supporting flood relief on the event page linked below.

Register and Build Your Fundraising Page Today!

More Upcoming Events

• BIA-VT Second Annual Caregiver Retreat: Friday, August 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join the Brain Injury Alliance for a day of caring for the caregiver. We'll meet for a light breakfast, attend sessions to help you in your caregiving journey, lunch, and an afternoon activity. Register at https://www.classy.org/event/2nd-annual-caregiver-retreat/e492908.
   
• Medicare and You Workshop: Tuesday, August 22 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Zoom Medicare & You Workshops are offered regularly to help individuals who are new to the Medicare system. If you want to participate, pre-register by calling 802-479-0531 or by sending an email with your name, address, phone number, and the date of the workshop you would like to register for, to: [email protected].
   
• Mitzvah Fund Mobile Veterinary Clinic: Tuesday, August 22 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Mad River Valley Senior Center Medicare & You Workshops are offered regularly to help individuals who are new to the Medicare system. 

  CVCOA is sponsoring free veterinary services through the Mitzvah Fund Mobile Clinic at the Mad River Valley Senior Center. This service is open to adults age 60+ who meet the income qualifications OR express special financial need. Contact Michelle Mahikoa, CVCOA’s Nutrition Outreach Specialist at 802-479-7524 to sign up or for more information! 

• Memorable Times Online: Wednesday, September 6 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom

  Contact Barb Asen at [email protected] or 802-476-2681 for more information and the Zoom link.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Fridays
Sept. 8 - Oct. 13
2:00 - 3:30 p.m. on Zoom

Are you a caregiver for a family member or friend with a chronic condition? Powerful Tools for Caregivers gives you the skills to take care of yourself while caring for someone else. Bring better well-being and resources to your caregiving!

Sign up early for this free six-week online class series. Spots are limited and registration closes August 17. All participants will receive a free copy of The Caregiver Helpbook. Donations to CVCOA are welcome.

To register or learn more, contact Barb Asen at 802-476-2681 or [email protected].

The Latest: News and More

• Flood Recovery 101 Session - Free Online Webinar from SBP USA - Wednesday, August 9th at 6pm. This training will cover navigating federal assistance, working with insurance, working with contractors and avoiding fraud, and mold remediation and muck and gut. Click here to join the session and or see the attached flyer for more information. 
• Most Meals on Wheels sites across the region need one or more volunteers to fill in for drivers who are out of town, in need of a break, or away for a variety of reasons.  Routes typically take less than an hour and a half to complete and can make your day!  Montpelier and Waterbury Senior Centers are also looking for help in the kitchen preparing meals or stashing away fresh produce for the winter. For more information, contact AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator Anne Greshin ([email protected] or 802-241-4840). Or, jump in by completing our volunteer interest form!
• Check out this short video with tips for protecting yourself from Medicare Fraud.
• During the month of August, when you purchase a GIVE BACK WHERE IT COUNTS Bag at the 10 Paine Turnpike Shaw's location, CVCOA will receive $1. Support healthy aging while you grocery shop!
• Take a moment to report all flood damage to 211. This data is often used to determine amounts of funding that can be assigned to impacted areas, so it’s very important that folks report even minor damages. Please share this link widely among friends, family, clients, and colleagues.

  This is NOT the place to apply for individual assistance from FEMA. 

• Vermont Department of Health has several flood-related resources, including guidance on protecting yourself from mold. Read the handout here.

• We're hiring a Volunteer Outreach and Direct Service AmeriCorps Member. This AmeriCorps Volunteer Outreach Member will reimagine and build partnerships with community members and organizations to create a local network of direct support services for older Vermonters who have been impacted by social isolation. This individual will also recruit and engage volunteers and provide some short-term services to help people in their homes. Learn more and apply here: https://vhcb.org/our-programs/vhcb-americorps/positions

• "I want to personally thank ALL the CVCOA staff, management, and volunteers for what you do every day to help our clients. It is all of you with your dedication, passion, and skill sets that make CVCOA the strong and effective organization it is and allows us to serve older Vermonters throughout the region with empathy, compassion, kindness, and understanding.  Please know that your efforts are recognized and appreciated by all." Read the full response to the July 2023 flooding from our Executive Director John Mandeville here. 

Staff Highlights

Luke Rackers is among the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers selected to participate in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program. The Obama Leaders program is a six-month virtual program that supports and connects emerging leaders in the United States, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe through a values-based leadership framework inspired by the ideals and legacy of President and Mrs. Obama. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applications, Rackers was selected to join the program for their work in the aging services field and is ready to build their skills and expand their impact across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Read more here!

Late Summer Senior Planet Classes

Meredith will be offering two Senior Planet five-week courses. Learn more and sign up at http://cvcoa.org/senior-planet.

iPad Essentials: Learn to use an iPad, how to navigate the internet, and how to send and receive email.

August 15 to September 14

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m.

Greater Randolph Senior Center

6 Hale St, Randolph, VT 05060

Intro to Digital Culture: Use the internet to contact your lawmakers, learn about health-related topics, connect with others, and explore your interests.

August 15 to September 14

Tuesdays and Thursdays,  1:00 - 2:15 p.m.

South Royalton Senior Center

Royalton Academy Building, 4266 VT-14, Royalton, VT 05068 

CVCOA provides iPads to use in class for those who do not already own a device.

Farm to Family, 3SquaresVT & Crop Cash

Farmers market season is in full swing! In addition to benefits from 3SquaresVT and Crop Cash, the Farm to Family program can provide you with up to $48 to spend at participating farmers markets.  To learn more about these programs, call Michelle, CVCOA Nutrition Outreach Specialist, at 802-479-7524.

We provide a wide range of services to older adults and caregivers, helping people navigate options and benefits that support independent and meaningful living.

Contact our CVCOA Helpline at 1-802-477-1364 to discuss your specific situation and needs.