The Council on Aging (COA) is a department of the municipal government established for the purpose of coordinating or carrying out programs that meet the needs of the aging. The council meets monthly at the Bolton Country Manor, 600 Main St. every first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. All meetings are open to the public. Observers and prospective new members are invited to any and all COA meetings. The members of the council are made up entirely of volunteer workers. All members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen and represent a cross-section of the community
Programs and services geared to the senior needs are offered including painting classes, yoga, podiatry, bridge games, card games, Scrabble, fitness classes, knitting, bus trips plus a lending library for books and a lending library of medical equipment. The COA also provides senior and handicapped transportation through the MART Van Service. To request a ride call 779-3313 at least 24 hours previous. The fee for rides is nominal. Programs and activities are added when an interest is perceived.
Well Adult Clinics are held at the senior center once monthly on the third Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. Additionally a "Keep Well" Elder Health Clinic sponsored by the VNA Care Network is held the second Thursday of the month from 12 noon to 2 pm.
Meals on Wheels is one of the Council's most valuable and successful programs. The program provides nutritious meals to the frail, homebound and to seniors throughout the year. Prepared on Tuesdays and Thursdays, these meals are often the most nutritionally balanced dinners received by recipients during the entire week.
Another program for seniors is the distribution of surplus foods to those that meet the qualifications. The WHEAT van will continue to deliver USDA food commodities to the Town Hall for distribution the second Tuesday of each month from 11:30 AM to 12:30 Noon. This program is very well received.
The COA plans and provides for five to six bus outings during the year. The bus transportation is subsidized by a town grant. Interesting visits to educational or historical sites invariably include a stop at a restaurant for lunch and entertainment.
A holiday banquet is held every year at various restaurants in the area. This event is sponsored by the Council on Aging and partially funded through the COA's budget and minimal fees from participants.
Department Goals:
1. Build or renovate an existing building for a new dedicated senior center.
2. Offer a special program and meal at the senior center.
3. Work with the town to initiate a property tax relief program in addition to the Senior Tax Rebate Program (STRP).
4. Establish a "Bolton Safe Senior program"" similiar to the R.U.O.K. Program " Are You OK?". Program is designed to call the homes of elderly residents with pre-existing health problems who have no one to check on them daily.
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