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June 17, 2026
6 Tips to Stretch Your Food Budget and Eat Healthy
3 minute read
Leah Pryor, Executive Chef, and Culinary Medicine Leader at UVM Health and UVM Medical Center, is someone we work closely with at CVCOA, and she has these tips to share: 1. Start With What You Already Have Before you shop, check your fridge...
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Leah Pryor, Executive Chef, and Culinary Medicine Leader at UVM Health and UVM Medical Center, is someone we work closely with at CVCOA, and she has these tips to share: 1. Start With What You Already Have Before you shop, check your fridge...
June 15, 2026
CVCOA Stands Up for the Rights of Older Adults on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
1.5 minute read
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness. CVCOA joins the global movement to unite communities in raising awareness about elder abuse ...
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June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness. CVCOA joins the global movement to unite communities in raising awareness about elder abuse ...
June 09, 2026
Can You Walk the Walk?
1 minute read
Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) is looking for volunteers to lead walking groups for older adults in their communities. By becoming a certified Walk with Ease leader, volunteers and their walking buddies will gain all the benefits of ...
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Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) is looking for volunteers to lead walking groups for older adults in their communities. By becoming a certified Walk with Ease leader, volunteers and their walking buddies will gain all the benefits of ...
May 21, 2026
What we’ve learned about aging and cannabis use.
1.5 minute read
What we’ve learned about aging and cannabis use. ...
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What we’ve learned about aging and cannabis use. ...
May 13, 2026
Tech Tales: A CVCOA Tech Volunteer's Story
2 minute read
We recently had a chance to "drop in" on a Tech Help Drop-In session at Montpelier Senior Activity Center (MSAC), where anyone age 60+ can receive free basic tech support Mondays from 4 - 6 p.m. One of the Tech Drop-In volunteers, B, shared a...
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We recently had a chance to "drop in" on a Tech Help Drop-In session at Montpelier Senior Activity Center (MSAC), where anyone age 60+ can receive free basic tech support Mondays from 4 - 6 p.m. One of the Tech Drop-In volunteers, B, shared a...
May 12, 2026
This Older Americans Month, Champion Your Health!
1 minute read
It’s Older Americans Month! Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May and is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitments to serving the older adults in our...
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It’s Older Americans Month! Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May and is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitments to serving the older adults in our...
April 24, 2026
Did you know? As we age, our bodies may become more sensitive to medications.
1 minute read
Did you know? As we age, our bodies may become more sensitive to medications—sometimes, a little goes a long way! ...
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Did you know? As we age, our bodies may become more sensitive to medications—sometimes, a little goes a long way! ...
April 01, 2026
What's in a Meal?
2 minute read
Have you seen the countless hands and faces behind every home-delivered meal (usually referred to as Meals on Wheels)? Every day, teams of volunteers and small staffs show up at their local nutrition program site because they believe in the ...
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Have you seen the countless hands and faces behind every home-delivered meal (usually referred to as Meals on Wheels)? Every day, teams of volunteers and small staffs show up at their local nutrition program site because they believe in the ...
March 05, 2026
Did you know? As You Age, Alcohol Affects You Differently.
2 minute read
As we age, changes in the body such as lower water content, less-efficient metabolism and excretion and increased brain sensitivity may cause alcohol and other drugs to have a stronger effect. ...
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As we age, changes in the body such as lower water content, less-efficient metabolism and excretion and increased brain sensitivity may cause alcohol and other drugs to have a stronger effect. ...
January 27, 2026
Connect to Protect
2 minute read
We all need social connections to get the most out of life. As we get older, we may find ourselves with more time alone, leaving us more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation which can negatively affect our health and well-being. ...
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We all need social connections to get the most out of life. As we get older, we may find ourselves with more time alone, leaving us more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation which can negatively affect our health and well-being. ...
January 26, 2026
Toasty Tips
2 minute read
Fuel and Green Mountain Power Energy Assistance ...
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Fuel and Green Mountain Power Energy Assistance ...
January 22, 2026
CVCOA Expands Support for Family Caregiver Support Program
2 minute read
Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) has further evolved its Family Caregiver Support Program. Back in April 2024, the agency added a part-time position to respond to the growing population of family caregivers, especially concerning the needs...
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Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) has further evolved its Family Caregiver Support Program. Back in April 2024, the agency added a part-time position to respond to the growing population of family caregivers, especially concerning the needs...
January 15, 2026
This New Year, Give and Get Back
1.5 minute read
January 19th marks the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service, where Americans embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving the communities where we live, work, and play. As we enter this new year, many of us...
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January 19th marks the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service, where Americans embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving the communities where we live, work, and play. As we enter this new year, many of us...
December 17, 2025
It's Not One Thing that Enables You to Age in Place
2 minute read
This month, CVCOA looks to the public to support the myriad of free services they offer that enable older adults to age in their community of choice. It's not one thing that enables an older adult to age in place. Instead, most individuals ...
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This month, CVCOA looks to the public to support the myriad of free services they offer that enable older adults to age in their community of choice. It's not one thing that enables an older adult to age in place. Instead, most individuals ...
November 13, 2025
This National Family Caregivers Month, connect to support, tools, and community
1 minute read
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor caregivers nationally. ...
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November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor caregivers nationally. ...
October 29, 2025
Green Trolleys Hit the Streets: CVCOA and Net Zero Vermont Team Up for Green Mobility
2 minute read
Older Vermonters are traveling and transporting items with efficiency and ease, thanks to a partnership that began 18 months ago between Central Vermont Council on Aging and Net Zero Vermont, a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage...
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Older Vermonters are traveling and transporting items with efficiency and ease, thanks to a partnership that began 18 months ago between Central Vermont Council on Aging and Net Zero Vermont, a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage...
October 23, 2025
Creative Connections
1.5 minute read
Mary Lou has been involved in CVCOA's Creative Aging program since the beginning. She remembers when programs were being curtailed due to COVID, and when she and a friend first saw the ads for the Creative Care Kits. They each ordered a kit, had ...
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Mary Lou has been involved in CVCOA's Creative Aging program since the beginning. She remembers when programs were being curtailed due to COVID, and when she and a friend first saw the ads for the Creative Care Kits. They each ordered a kit, had ...
October 14, 2025
Are You Losing Your Advantage Plan?
5 minute read
Is Your Advantage Plan Ending? If your Medicare Advantage plan is being involuntarily terminated on December 31, 2025, you will revert to Original Medicare (Hospital Part A and Medical Part B) on January 1, 2026 and you will need to enroll in a...
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Is Your Advantage Plan Ending? If your Medicare Advantage plan is being involuntarily terminated on December 31, 2025, you will revert to Original Medicare (Hospital Part A and Medical Part B) on January 1, 2026 and you will need to enroll in a...
October 09, 2025
Let's Talk about Ageism!
1 minute read
October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to draw attention to the impact of ageism in our society and work together to build age-inclusive communities. ...
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October 9th is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to draw attention to the impact of ageism in our society and work together to build age-inclusive communities. ...
September 22, 2025
Top Tips to Prevent a Fall
1.5 minute read
It's Falls Prevention Awareness Week! Learn simple steps to help prevent a fall.
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It's Falls Prevention Awareness Week! Learn simple steps to help prevent a fall.
September 02, 2025
How to Change Your Plan for 2026 during Medicare Open Enrollment
1 minute read
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. Read on to learn the ways you can change your plan for 2026 during Open Enrollment.
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Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. Read on to learn the ways you can change your plan for 2026 during Open Enrollment.
August 26, 2025
Partnership with UVM Benefits Students and CVCOA
3.5 minute read
In 2022, CVCOA began working in partnership with the University of Vermont (UVM) Masters of Dietetics faculty to create an internship program. The program began with just two dietetics student interns and has grown steadily.
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In 2022, CVCOA began working in partnership with the University of Vermont (UVM) Masters of Dietetics faculty to create an internship program. The program began with just two dietetics student interns and has grown steadily.
August 14, 2025
Avoiding Medicare Scams/Fraud
1 minute read
It's important to know the signs of a Medicare scam so you can protect yourself. To get your personal information, like your Medicare number, scammers may call, text and email saying things like: ...
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It's important to know the signs of a Medicare scam so you can protect yourself. To get your personal information, like your Medicare number, scammers may call, text and email saying things like: ...
July 23, 2025
Connecting Through Creativity
1 minute read
This June and July, many central Vermonters enjoyed lunch with neighbors while experiencing art on display at CVCOA supported Creative Aging Celebration Luncheons.
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This June and July, many central Vermonters enjoyed lunch with neighbors while experiencing art on display at CVCOA supported Creative Aging Celebration Luncheons.
July 22, 2025
Filling gaps in Medicare Part A & B coverage
2.5 minute read
There are a number of ways to fill gaps in your Medicare coverage and/or to get assistance with Medicare costs.
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There are a number of ways to fill gaps in your Medicare coverage and/or to get assistance with Medicare costs.
June 18, 2025
Why have a personal Medicare or Social Security account?
3 minute read
Your Personal Medicare Account ...
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Your Personal Medicare Account ...
June 09, 2025
Sing, Laugh and Dance at the Longest Day Benefit
0.5 minute read
On Saturday June 21, put on your dancing shoes and join Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) at the Capital City Grange (6612 VT Route 12, Berlin) for singing, laughing, dancing and prizes at the Longest Day Benefit to support CVCOA and the ...
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On Saturday June 21, put on your dancing shoes and join Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) at the Capital City Grange (6612 VT Route 12, Berlin) for singing, laughing, dancing and prizes at the Longest Day Benefit to support CVCOA and the ...
May 27, 2025
CVCOA Staff Help Meal Program Volunteers Take a Break
1.5 minute read
April was volunteer appreciation month and as part of the effort to show how vital and valuable our volunteers are, our Community Engagement team supported several meal sites in hosting volunteer appreciation lunches. Lunches in South Royalton, ...
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April was volunteer appreciation month and as part of the effort to show how vital and valuable our volunteers are, our Community Engagement team supported several meal sites in hosting volunteer appreciation lunches. Lunches in South Royalton, ...
February 25, 2025
Getting Connected: How Choosing to Seek Help Allowed a CVCOA Client to Live in His Community of Choice
1.5 minute read
Fred had been getting by fine---he would have qualified for some food and fuel assistance, but he was getting by. Like many Vermonters, Fred was too proud to seek help.
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Fred had been getting by fine---he would have qualified for some food and fuel assistance, but he was getting by. Like many Vermonters, Fred was too proud to seek help.
January 02, 2025
Celebrating 25 Years of Service to CVCOA!
2.5 minute read
This month, we say farewell to Christine Melicharek, who’s served CVCOA as a Case Manager in Lamoille county for a quarter century! I recently had a chance to chat with Christine about what she valued most in her career with CVCOA.
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This month, we say farewell to Christine Melicharek, who’s served CVCOA as a Case Manager in Lamoille county for a quarter century! I recently had a chance to chat with Christine about what she valued most in her career with CVCOA.
December 11, 2024
Winter Warmers!
6.5 minute read
As we move into the colder part of the year, we have compiled some resources to help you stay warm and safe!
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As we move into the colder part of the year, we have compiled some resources to help you stay warm and safe!
November 18, 2024
Taking Care of Yourself as a Caregiver
2 minute read
As a caregiver, it's easy to focus all your energy on the person you’re caring for and forget about your own needs. Taking care of yourself is crucial -- not only for your own health and well-being, but also for the quality of care you provide to ...
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As a caregiver, it's easy to focus all your energy on the person you’re caring for and forget about your own needs. Taking care of yourself is crucial -- not only for your own health and well-being, but also for the quality of care you provide to ...
October 31, 2024
Locally Run Memory Cafés Alleviate Social Isolation
3 minute read
One major way that CVCOA’s Family Caregiver Support Program helps address social isolation among caregivers and those they care for is through Memory Cafés.
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One major way that CVCOA’s Family Caregiver Support Program helps address social isolation among caregivers and those they care for is through Memory Cafés.
October 31, 2024
CVCOA Expands Meals on Wheels Services with Therapeutic Meal Training Initiative
1.5 minute read
CVCOA is enhancing support for its 13 partner meal sites through specialized training in the production of Therapeutic Meals for the Meals on Wheels program.
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CVCOA is enhancing support for its 13 partner meal sites through specialized training in the production of Therapeutic Meals for the Meals on Wheels program.
October 17, 2024
Paying it Forward: A Meals on Wheels Volunteer's Story
2.5 minute read
Marybeth Longo volunteers with the Waterbury Meals on Wheels program 5 days a week and helps with pretty much everything.
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Marybeth Longo volunteers with the Waterbury Meals on Wheels program 5 days a week and helps with pretty much everything.
August 29, 2024
Preparing for Medicare Open Enrollment
1.5 minute read
You can make changes to your Medicare coverage each year during Medicare’s Open Enrollment, which runs October 15 to December 7.
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You can make changes to your Medicare coverage each year during Medicare’s Open Enrollment, which runs October 15 to December 7.
August 08, 2024
The Little Things: One Volunteer's Incredible Impact
2 minute read
Elaine Badger spent 8.5 years with CVCOA as an AmeriCorps Senior Companion, logging over 1780 hours! I spoke to her recently to find out more about the vital role she played in peoples’ lives and the special relationships she formed along the way...
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Elaine Badger spent 8.5 years with CVCOA as an AmeriCorps Senior Companion, logging over 1780 hours! I spoke to her recently to find out more about the vital role she played in peoples’ lives and the special relationships she formed along the way...
July 11, 2024
Time to Get Creative
2 minute read
I recently had a chance to speak to Marian, a long-time Creative Care Kit participant. All Marian ever wanted to do was make cards to send to her friends and relatives. She had tried taking a number of art classes, but they weren’t the right fit ...
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I recently had a chance to speak to Marian, a long-time Creative Care Kit participant. All Marian ever wanted to do was make cards to send to her friends and relatives. She had tried taking a number of art classes, but they weren’t the right fit ...
May 30, 2024
A Helping Hand
2 minute read
At the Central Vermont Council on Aging, a dedicated team of 18 staff members work behind the scenes to answer Helpline calls, make referrals, and connect people to supports that allow them to live with dignity in the homes and communities of ...
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At the Central Vermont Council on Aging, a dedicated team of 18 staff members work behind the scenes to answer Helpline calls, make referrals, and connect people to supports that allow them to live with dignity in the homes and communities of ...
April 10, 2024
Get On Board!
4 minute read
One major way that folks lend a hand to CVCOA is by being a member of the Board of Directors. I had the chance to speak with several board members about why they became involved and what they like best about being on the board.
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One major way that folks lend a hand to CVCOA is by being a member of the Board of Directors. I had the chance to speak with several board members about why they became involved and what they like best about being on the board.
March 20, 2024
Changing Lives
1.5 minute read
Bill, who has Lewy Body Dementia and other medical issues, and his primary caregiver, Donna, have been receiving Case Management Services from Andrew at CVCOA since May 2023.
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Bill, who has Lewy Body Dementia and other medical issues, and his primary caregiver, Donna, have been receiving Case Management Services from Andrew at CVCOA since May 2023.
February 21, 2024
Sharing Music and Memories with Friends in Scotland
3.5 minute read
Barb Asen, Director of Family Caregiver Support at Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA), along with Vermont Department of Libraries’ ABLE Library, has led a team of staff and volunteers to build a partnership with a memory cafe in Scotland. ...
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Barb Asen, Director of Family Caregiver Support at Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA), along with Vermont Department of Libraries’ ABLE Library, has led a team of staff and volunteers to build a partnership with a memory cafe in Scotland. ...
February 13, 2024
A Trip to the Coast
0.5 minute read
CVCOA connects people. This summer, one of our case managers was able to connect a donor and a client in an unconventional but impactful way.
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CVCOA connects people. This summer, one of our case managers was able to connect a donor and a client in an unconventional but impactful way.
February 06, 2024
Making the World a Better Place
2 minute read
In 2020, at the height of COVID, CVCOA started a Creative Care Kit project to bring arts activities to homebound older adults, helping to enhance social connection through arts and technology.
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In 2020, at the height of COVID, CVCOA started a Creative Care Kit project to bring arts activities to homebound older adults, helping to enhance social connection through arts and technology.
January 25, 2024
Stepping Up to Help
1.5 minute read
This past summer CVCOA Case Manager Bill Merrylees had the pleasure of working with David and Judy Murphy of Central Vermont Mission (CVM) to help some CVCOA clients be able to enter and leave their homes safely.
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This past summer CVCOA Case Manager Bill Merrylees had the pleasure of working with David and Judy Murphy of Central Vermont Mission (CVM) to help some CVCOA clients be able to enter and leave their homes safely.