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 Town Hall every second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. with the exception of July and August. 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, bridge games, fitness classes, computer lessons, etc.
Meals on Wheels is on the 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 10:00 AM to 12:00 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 and the Senior Association. Interesting visits to educational or historical sites invariably include a stop at a restaurant for lunch and entertainment.
The Senior Citizen Association meets at 1:00 PM on the second Thursday of each month at the Town Hall (except for July and August). A typical meeting features a guest speaker and/or entertainment. A Christmas dinner is held at the Trinity Church every year. Entertainment, for the past two years, has been provided by Dr. Barlett and his Alley Cats. The event is sponsored by the Council on Aging and is funded through a Town grant.
Department Goals:
1. Finalize the MART van service for Bolton seniors and handicapped.
2. Offer a special program and meal site once monthly at the senior center. Would require revising our present lease agreement with tenant or find a suitable location for said program.
3. Work with the town to initiate a property tax relief program in addition to the Senior Tax Rebate Program (STRP).
4. Determine the need for 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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