ESBCI Volunteers and Staff Celebrate at the Pride Festival in Pittsfield
“They
helped us make every moment matter.”
How will you know when it’s time to call hospice? Visit www.HCIB.org/WhenToCallHospice to learn more. “I’m so
“When Mom got sick, I was so overwhelmed managing her care, filling out paperwork, and trying to be there for her. Thankfully, HospiceCare in The Berkshires was there to make everything easier. They provided compassionate care, that supported a quality of life for Mom.”
Offering compassion to our community:
• Emotional and spiritual support
• Symptom management
• Integrative therapies
• Home health aides
• Meaningful end-of-life care
• Bereavement counseling
Mission Statement
The mission of Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. is to provide Berkshire elders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and self-determination, and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.
Statement of Inclusivity
Elder Services practices non-discrimination in employment practices and service delivery. Embracing diversity, our in-home and community-based services are available to all without regard to race, ethnicity, language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or lifestyle.
Elder Services Now Offers Vegetarian and Medically Tailored Meals
By Christopher McLaughlin, Executive Director of Elder Services
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Berkshire Senior
Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, Kimberly Kelly , Christine Thomson, Laura Feakes, Christopher McLaughlin, Kathleen Cleary, Kathleen Phillips, Susan Guerrero and Kara Graziola.
Advertising: To place an advertisement in Berkshire Senior, please contact Kate Teutsch at (413) 496-6324 or e-mail advertising@berkshireeagle.com.
Berkshire Senior is published bi-monthly by Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc., 877 South Street, Suite 4E, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 499-0524 or 1-800-5445242, e-mail: esbc@esbci.org or on the internet at www.esbci.org.
NOTICE
Berkshire Senior advertising helps to the defray the costs of producing the newspaper. Inclusion of advertisers in no way implies that Elder Services endorses any product or service.
Signed columns are the opinion of the writers and not necessarily the opinion of Elder Services. For medical, financial or other advice, seek a qualified professional in the appropriate field.
Elder Services and its programs are funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
State and federal funds provided to Elder Services are limited. Elder Services welcomes charitable donations to help meet the growing needs of Berkshire seniors, and gratefully acknowledges all donations.
Hoping all is well with you and yours. Today is a 90-degree day and chances are, by the time you read this in early August, we will still have some 90-degree days ahead of us. Whether it is too hot or too cold, the weather in the Berkshires is never boring. At least we have had a little bit of a respite from COVID-19 during the past few months. The Pandemic is not an historic event yet but at least it seems to be playing a smaller role in our lives than it had been for more than two years.
One positive outcome of the pandemic was the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), new federal funding to ensure essential services continue to support people during a time when they need it more than ever. Elder Services was the beneficiary of about $1.0 million of ARPA funding, targeted at our federal programs, one of which is our Nutrition (Meals on Wheels) Program.
We are very proud of our Meals on Wheels Program but acknowledge that it has been a one-size fits all program. Prior to 2022, we had been unable to offer meals to individuals with vegetarian diets or to those who require specialized meals due to certain medical issues. During this time of many challenges, Elder Services took advantage of an opportunity to expand the Nutrition Program to broaden our outreach and offerings to the clients we serve.
Research suggests that vegetarian and medically tailored meals improve health outcomes, lower health care costs and increase client satisfaction. As a public service organization, Elder Services collaborates with local organizations focused on addressing social determinants of health as a means of improving health outcomes. Here are a few of the local organizations we teamed up with to offer our clients more meal choices:
The Berkshire County Sherriff’s Office – Meals are prepared at the Berkshire County House of Correction by a chef, supervised inmates and a registered dietitian. Vegetarian meals are tailored to meet the needs of individuals who refrain from eating meat such as beef, chicken, and fish. Meals contain fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, legumes, nuts and seeds. Additionally, some clients will receive fresh heads of lettuce grown in the House of Corrections’ Aquaponics Program, donated by the Sheriff’s Office.
Hillcrest Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center –Hillcrest Commons’ chef and registered dietician create appealing and nutritious cardiac and renal meals that meet the needs of individuals who require a more restrictive diet.
Berkshire Grown – Elder Services’ kitchen incorporates locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables into the daily meals it prepares. Farmers’ market coupons will be available at many local senior centers. To learn more about the vegetarian, cardiac or renal meals we offer, please contact Elder Services at 1-800-981-5201 or 413-499-0524 or via email at esbci@esbci.org.
Until next time be good, be kind and be careful.
Eat Well, Be Well
Nutrition is a vital component of our health and well-being, especially as we age. However, in communities throughout the U.S., older adults sometimes lack access to the high quality, nutritious food they need to remain healthy and independent.
Elder Services of Berkshire County offers the Senior Nutrition Program to promote healthy eating, decrease social isolation, and support better health. They also provide a gateway for older adults to access other home and communitybased services such as chronic disease management services.
Medical Nutrition Therapy is a one of the many vital service offered by Elder Services of Berkshire County.
What is Medical Nutrition Therapy? Medical Nutrition Therapy is an approach to treating severe illness. People living with serious illnesses benefit from eating foods specifically designed for a
medical condition. Food is medicine. Did you know that studies show that individual with obesity, diabetes, and lipid metabolism disorders who receive medical nutrition therapy (MNT) from a registered dietitian have better outcomes than those who receive traditional care? You are what you eat.
So why treat serious illness with nutrition? Food and nutrition standards founded in research result in better health outcomes. Tailoring the medical needs of an individual by a registered dietitian has been demonstrated to improve health outcomes, improve quality of life and longevity, and reduce hospital admissions for people with obesity, diabetes and lipid metabolism disorders, as well as other chronic diseases.
Who needs a medically tailored meal? If you or someone you love has a serious medical condition like cardiovascular disease, renal
failure, cancer or malnutrition. A registered dietitian then tailors the meal plan to the unique needs of the individual and completes a nutritional assessment. Elder Services of Berkshire County uses nutrition practice standards and provides evidence-based nutrition science to provide meals, education and counseling. Meals are available to those consumers who attend senior dining centers and for those individuals that require a home delivered meal.
What
meals are available?
Cardiac meals are available for those with heart disease. Nutrients including sodium, fat and saturated fat are reduced. Meals are 800mg Sodium, 30% total fat, 10% saturated fat Renal meals are available for those consumers that have kidney disease. Nutrients including potassium, sodium and phosphorus are reduced. Meals
are 800mg of potassium, 800 mg Sodium, 300 mg phosphorus.
Pureed meals are foods that are pureed and are of soft consistency (like applesauce). Puree meals are available for consumers that have difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Vegetarian meals are available for those consumers that do not eat meat products including beef, chicken, fish and pork. Meals do contain milk, eggs, nuts and seeds.
To learn more about our program and the services we provide by contacting ESBCI at 1-800-981-5201 or 413-499-0524 or email at esbci@esbci.org
Visit the ESBCI website at http://www.esbci.org/programs_ and_services/nutrition. html to learn more about this important program and join the conversation on social media using hashtag #MNT.
Sheriff Tom Bowler (center) with Sheriff Department Staff (left to right) Captain Renee Stracuzzi and Keisa Purry join Elder Services Executive Director Christopher McLaughlin and Nutrition Program Manager Maura Doran and Lt. William Ryan from the Sheriff’s Department to celebrate the new collaboration making vegetarian meals possible for the Meals on Wheels Program.
Do you know of a senior who volunteers their time and energy to help others?
By helping others they contribute to our Berkshire County community—whether in their neighborhood, place of worship, through a community agency, or any other group or organization. We would love to share these senior volunteer stories in Berkshire Senior
Contact: Kathleen Phillips at 499-0524 ext. 728
Lee Senior Center Host To Brownie Girl Scout Troop
by
Patricia
DiGrigoli,
Director of the Lee Council on Aging and Senior Center Girls have been blazing new trails and if you were ever a Girl Scout or involved in any type of Scouts you know how fun it was and all the memories you have of those “Good old Days”. Well here at the Lee Senior Center three seniors have stepped forward to become registered Girl Scout leaders. It is probably the most unlikely place to have a Girl Scout troop yet Susan Johnson, Brigiette White and Gayl Puhlaski host Brownie Girl Scout Troop 65244 every other Tuesday to a group of 10 girls. The girls with their leaders have hosted a spaghetti dinner for their parents, earned their First Aid badge with the help of the Lee Police and the Lee Fire/Ambulance Departments, earned a space badge, pet badge, learned the art of stained glass window making, had a drive collecting blankets, hats, scarfs, mittens, sox and donated to a homeless shelter and are planning a slumber party to prepare for a future camping trip!
Everyone is breaking the intergenerational gap and having fun. We may be a proud first and our recommendation is to try it. Host your Girl Scout troop this coming September. It is such a rewarding experience.
Editorial Board Members Wanted
Do you look forward to reading Berkshire Senior every other month? Do you have a passion for issues that are important to seniors? Are you creative? If you’d like to have input into the format and content of Berkshire Senior we’d love to have you serve on our Editorial Board! We meet once every other month for about 60 minutes in our administrative offices in Pittsfield or through Zoom
If you are interested, please contact Christopher McLaughlin, Executive Director at (413) 499-0524.
Andrew J. Puttick
Using Smart Technology to Help You “Age in Place”
By: Christian Tenczar
Aging in place is to have the capability to live in your own home and community safely, independently and comfortably regardless of age, income or ability. Now more than ever there are technology tools available to help everyone age in place as we all grow older. These technologies make everyday tasks easier for everyone involved, although sometimes require a little planning and setup beforehand.
Fall Detection & Wearables
DID YOU KNOW?
You can protect the accounts you have by using strong and unique passwords.
Beginning
July
This technology is worn like a piece of jewelry and comes in the form of necklaces, watches, and even rings you wear on your finger. If you are wearing one of these devices and fall, pushing a button on the device will make sure someone is called to come and help. Depending on the device, some can even recognize you had a fall all on their own and call emergency services for you. There are many options available including well known national companies such as Lifeline and Life Alert which might be covered by an insurance provider depending on your situation. Fall detection is also being added to mainstream technology wearables such as the Apple Watch, although with the Apple Watch it is not active by default and needs to be turned on in the settings to be used.
Medication Management
Sometimes it can be difficult to remember when to take important medications, especially if you have a large number of prescriptions or are prone to being forgetful. There are a number of medication dispensing devices available to help with this
16, 2022, dialing
“988” will route calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
In 2020, Congress designated 988 as a new three-digit dialing, texting, and chat code for direct connection to support for anyone experiencing substance use issues, a suicidal crisis, or mental health-related distress.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen to callers, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources as necessary.
The current Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, even after 988 is launched nationally.
For more information visit: www.988lifeline.org
sort of problem. These devices need to be programmed and filled with the medications beforehand, sometimes by a trusted caregiver. At the programmed time, an alarm or notification will go off to let you know that a medicine is about to be dispensed. Many of these devices even have the ability to send a message to a trusted caregiver if the medication is not taken out of the machine at the programmed time, making sure someone follows up to see why that medication was missed.
Home Safety
Smart technology in this category can do a number of things from telling you when someone is knocking at your front door, automatically locking doors and windows at programmed times, and even turning off appliances that might be dangerous if left unattended.
Doorbell cameras are becoming increasingly popular and can be very handy for someone who may have difficulty hearing a knock at the door or a ringing doorbell. When someone is at your door these devices send an alert on a cell phone or other device in the home like an Alexa or Google Home. In most cases, you can even use the app to see who may be at your door. Smart locks can be programmed to automatically lock at specific times for the case where someone might forget to lock up to stay safe at night. Another common occurrence is folks forgetting that they have a hot pan on the stove, possibly risking a fire. A variety of smart stove systems can be installed to automatically turn off a stove if it is unattended for a period of time. Through the use of smart technology, aging in place can be achievable by more and more people than ever before.
Famers’ Market Coupons have been delayed until August 2022
The ever popular Farmers’ Market Coupon program has been delayed this year. While the coupons usually arrive to Councils on Aging in early July, they will be dispersed a month late in 2022 due to issues in physically printing the coupons caused by the lingering COVID-19 Pandemic. Be sure to keep in touch with your local Council on Aging to inquire whether they have received their coupons. They should be arriving between early-to-mid August.
Community Volunteer in the Spotlight
by Susan Guerrero
“Volunteer Extraordinaire” could easily be Gisele Yetz’s middle name.
Throughout her life, the Pittsfield native has volunteered. Mention an agency throughout the City and Yetz has probably done something for somebody there. She drove a van for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), has helped with various local food pantries, ran a gift shop at Hillcrest Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and has made wellness calls to seniors who are patrons of the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center. One year she served lunch to people who came to the Froio Center’s daily lunch program to eat, she said. At RSVP in 2020, Gisele was chosen from among almost 300 volunteers as Volunteer of the Year.
She currently continues to make picturesque and warm lap blankets for Hillcrest Commons residents and every month she also sits down and makes out 20 “hello” greeting cards to Hillcrest residents and sends them to let them know someone is thinking of them, she said.
Those are just a mere smattering of volunteer jobs Yetz has dabbled in.
“Volunteering has great rewards, making someone happy and giving peace of mind to one or more individuals,” she said.
Her spirit of volunteerism goes way back to her childhood. “My parents were firm believers in helping people,” she said. Her own first volunteering assignment came when she was just 11 years old. It was “sweeping sidewalks for cookies,” she laughed as she recalled how the job evolved. There were two elderly sisters who never married and who lived together in the Atwood Avenue area. They were neighbors of Yetz’s family. They were very particular about their yard, she said. When she swept their sidewalk, they paid her in chocolate chip cookies.
When Yetz’s husband died eight years ago from cancer, she
was devastated but that didn’t stop her from continuing to volunteer. It actually helped her to feel useful and keep occupied.
Even this past May, Yetz visited 18 houses on three streets near her home in the city.
She left messages notifying them that she was collecting canned goods for people in need.
Yetz collected 18 bags of canned goods for the Salvation Army on West Street, she said.
When her own two adult children were little, Yetz said, along with a nun, Sister Kathleen Wallace, who was a Sister of St. Joseph, and two former St. Theresa Church parishioners, the Nifty-Thrifty Shop was formed in the basement of the former St. Theresa’s Church on South Street. “It was so much fun,” she recalled.Yetz was already known by women in the church for donating plants for bazaars. The thrift shop remained open for three years, she said, and all the money made was given back to the church. She even made curtains for the shop’s windows.
“The kids played dress-up,” while Yetz tended to the shop. In those days, it cost five cents for a pair of socks and $5 for a suit, she said. Every so often, the Nifty Thrifty Shop even offered shoppers to fill a bag with merchandise for $2, she recalled.
For more than 12 years, Yetz, along with Shirley Andrus, ran the fundraising bingo kitchen Saturday nights at St. Mark’s Church on West Street, she said. It was a huge operation that required many hours of cooking. She would start the night before the bingo sessions by baking cakes. Then, on the morning of bingo playing, cooking in three different crock pots would begin. The food kitchen finally closed up shop when everyone was fed and the kitchen was cleaned.
Also at St. Mark’s, Yetz served as a lector and even cleaned pews and straightened missals in the pews after Masses.
For the past eight years, Gisele has made quilted as well as fleece blankets to place in cages at the Berkshire Humane Society
and Allen Heights Veterinary Hospital so furry friends could be cozy and feel safe, Yetz said. Yetz has made scarves and lap blankets for people in the city’s homeless shelters, too. From the tiniest members of society to elderly residents, there is hardly a portion of the population that has not been impacted by her generous, handmade gifts.
For example, newborn babies at Berkshire Medical Center have received Yetz’s soft, knitted mittens and hats. Veterans who live at Soldier On, on West Housatonic St. have received Yetz’s beautifully knitted scarves. Luckily, friends donate material for dozens upon dozens of lap blankets Yetz makes.
These days, she’s still knitting and sewing up a storm in her home. Whenever she’s sitting while watching television, out come the knitting needles and yarn. Nearby one is sure to find Kleo, Yetz’s nine-year-old Persian
cat. “She’s very precious to me,” she said. If she is unable to sleep, Yetz gets up and works on lap blankets that are sure to be given to someone who will love their bright colors and warmth or on some other volunteer project.
“My hands are always moving,” Yetz said with a smile. So is her heart since she is always thinking of others and how she can serve, quietly, with dedication, and a lot of love.
The way YO U wo uld like to be re me mbe red...
Berkshire Senior Television
Currently airing on PCTV
Currently airing on PCTV, Channel 1301 Access Pittsfield
Channel 1301 Access Pittsfield
Broadcast schedule:
Broadcast schedule:
Mondays at 5:00 p.m. ▪ Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
PCTV channel 1301
Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. ▪ Saturdays at Noon
Mondays at 5 p.m., Tuesdays at 3 p.m., Thursdays at 11 a.m. & Saturday 11:30 a.m.
Or watch online, ON DEMAND on pittsfieldtv.org.
Thank you to our friends at PCTV for all their help in making Berkshire Senior TV accessible to our community.
SENIORS NEED YOU!
Volunteer in your community
You’ve got just what it takes to help your neighbors in need. Many older, low income taxpayers miss out on credits and deductions they’ve earned because they can’t afford to pay for professional tax preparation. With the help of neighbors like you, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation and filing help to those who need it most. You can make a big difference in someone’s life. We’ll show you how.
We’re looking for compassionate and friendly individuals to join our team of local volunteers for the 2022 tax season. Our volunteers receive training, IRS certification and continued support in a welcoming environment. And, as our current volunteers say, you’ll not only learn new skills but also get that great feeling from helping someone else.
Apply at https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/programs/taxaide/ (select the SUBMIT AN INTEREST FORM button) Or call 1-888-227-7669
For local information call 1-413-446-7483
Recent volunteers include: Engineer, Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher, Student, Professor, Accountant, Military, Administration, Tax Preparer, Homemaker, Finance, Retired and more.
Sites include: Williamstown, North Adams, Adams, Dalton, Pittsfield, Lenox, Lee, Great Barrington
Kim Kelly hosts Heather Luciani-Chair Yoga for Seniors
Comes To Your Medicare
Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner (October 15th-December 7th) and that means you will soon be seeing an increase in marketing materials, commercials, and telephone calls advertising coverage options for next year. A little research in the coming months could save you a lot of money and frustration in the New Year.
Savvy Medicare Beneficiaries should:
• Review their Annual Notice of Change letter from their current plans in September and note any changes
• Reflect on their health and medical needs over the past year and try to anticipate needs for the coming year.
• Research total costs involved when comparing plans. This should include the premiums, copays, and deductibles. A plan with a low cost premium and attractive add-ons may
BERKSHIRE
COUNTY
PROGRAM
SENIOR COMMUNITY DINING CENTERS
Due to the continuing State of Emergency, the status and offerings of the Senior Community Dining Centers are likely to evolve. Please call for the latest update.
NO� ADAMS 662-3125
Don’t Roll the Dice When It
also have large deductibles for certain services...KNOW YOUR BENEFITS
• Remember to contact their providers and confirm that they are in network (when applicable) before making changes to their coverage.
As the old adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Over the past several months the SHINE Program has interceded on behalf of numerous Medicare Beneficiaries in Berkshire County who have suddenly found themselves unable to access vital medical services due to plan limitations.
The SHINE Program (413-4990524) is available year round to assist Medicare beneficiaries with enrolling in Medicare, evaluating coverage for existing beneficiaries, making changes, and screening for insurance related public benefits. There is no cost or eligibility criteria to speak with a SHINE Counselor.
684-2000
623-8934
CENTER 116 Ashland St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
For more information contact Noelle at ESBCI (413) 499-0524 ext.725
GT� BARRINGTON 528-4118 SENIOR CENTER 917 South Main St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am PITTSFIELD 442-2200 KOSHER JEWISH COMM� CTR 16 Colt Road M-T-TH 11:45 am
STOCKBRIDGE 298-3222 HEATON COURT 5 Pine St. CLOSED CLOSED PROVIDENCE CT� 443-1841 PROVIDENCE COURT 379 East
Eligible seniors 60 years or older are welcome to attend any Senior Community Dining Center. Reservations are requested 24 hours in advance. The suggested donation is $3.00 per meal. All contributions are returned to the community toward the cost of the Nutrition Program and Services. Those 59 or under are welcome
Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold!
By Laura Feakes
It’s not too early to think about how you are going to pay your home heating bills all the way through next spring. It is particularly important this year, in light of skyrocketing fuel prices, to plan ahead for the impending cold winterdon’t wait until your heat is not working and your time and options are limited. Look at last year’s bills, then budget your money. Ask to sign up for your utility company’s budget plan. Apply for fuel assistance for help in paying a portion of winter heating bills. Now is also a good time to ensure your furnace is working properly – tune up your heating system or replace an old furnace with a new, more energy efficient one.
Here are some important money saving tips to help you manage your heating budget this coming winter season:
Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC, www. bcacinc.org) is the local agency that administers the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), known commonly as Fuel Assistance. This program helps low income people pay for part of the cost of their primary source of heat from November 1st through April 30th. Renters whose heat is included in their rent may also be eligible. The income guidelines for the 2022-2023 season are: up to $42,411 for a 1 person household and $55,461 for a 2 person household. To apply for fuel assistance, call BCAC: 413-445-4503 (Main office in Pittsfield), 663-3014 (North County), or you can also use the toll free automated system 1-866216-6200. Appointments for 1st time applicants are usually not scheduled until November and funds are usually not dispersed until November 1st.
Green Energy Consumers Alliance (https:// greenenergyconsumers. org/heatingoil) is a statewide heating oil co-op. Member’s
prices are lower than the typical consumer cost for a gallon of home heating oil. The program offers a consistent discount on heating oil from a credible full-service oil dealer. Join by phone at 800-287-3950 x4 (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm) or on-line at greenenergyconsumers.org/ heatingoil. The basic membership fee is $25 for 1 year, $15 for seniors, free for fuel assistance recipients. Serves all of Berkshire County except Florida and North Egremont.
Eversource (www. eversource.com) offers a discount rate for income-eligible residential customers who participate in certain state and federal assistance programs and whose income does not exceed 60% of the state median income (1 person household $42,411; $55,461 for 2 persons). Eligible programs include: Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC); Supplemental Security Income (SSI); MassHealth (Medicaid); Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Public/Subsidized Housing, and some VA benefit programs. Applications are available on-line or call Eversource to request one: 1- 877659-6326. If you have a verified financial hardship in which your income is within 60% of the state median income as listed above, Eversource offers New Start, an arrearage management program. New Start allows income eligible residential customers to earn past due balance forgiveness. For more information call 1-877-9632632. Translation services are available.
Berkshire Gas Company (BGC, www.berkshiregas. com) offers budget payment plans allowing customers more affordable payments by averaging higher winter bills with lower summer bills. Customers with overdue charges can possibly enter into an installment payment plan. BGC also offers discounted delivery charges to low-income customers who receive public assistance
benefits and meet income limits. Utility companies enroll eligible customers automatically, or customers can apply directly. For more information and to find out if you are eligible for these programs, call the Customer Care Center: 1-800-292-5012.
The Salvation Army (https://massachusetts. salvationarmy.org/) administers the Good Neighbor Energy Fund (www. magoodneighbor.org). The GNEF helps qualified Massachusetts residents pay electric, gas, and oil bills when, due to temporary financial difficulty, individuals can’t meet their energy expenses and they aren’t eligible for state or federal assistance. It is available from January 2nd until funds run out. Income for either the prior twelve months or the past month (times 12 months for a total annual figure) must fall between 60 – 80% percent of the state’s median income levels. The income guidelines for the 2022-2023 season are: 1 person household $42,411 - $56,548; 2 person $55,461 - $73,948) For more information about eligibility criteria and to apply, call Pittsfield Corps 413-442-0624 (298 West St) or North Adams Corps 663-7987 (393 River St). Those who qualify may receive up to $500 per household per heating season.
MassSave (www.masssave. com) is an energy savings program for Massachusetts’ homeowners and renters. It offers no-cost home energy assessments to help homeowners make home improvements that save money, electricity and heating fuel. To see which rebates, loans, home energy assessments, or other energy programs are available visit the website or call 1-866-5277283.
Veterans’ Services has a state program known as Chapter 115 benefits that provides cash and medical assistance to low-income Massachusetts wartime veterans and their families who are in need of immediate help, including help with fuel. To determine eligibility visit the Massachusetts
Veteran Benefit Calculator (https://massvetben.org). It helps residents who have served in the military to quickly and easily determine if they may be eligible for financial assistance. You can also call the Veterans Services Officer (VSO) in your area: 528-1580 (South County), 662-3040 (North County), and 499-9433 (Pittsfield area). There is a VSO finder online at https:// massvetben.org/find-your-vso.
The Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP) provides emergency heating system repair and replacement services to low-income households. The program is administered by a network of local agencies, in most areas the same agency that administers the Fuel Assistance Program. For more information, call BCAC: 445-4503 x 602 or visit their website bcacinc.org/ heating-repair. The first priority of the program is to address heating emergencies during the heating season (November-April). Eligible applicants are those that are eligible for LiHeap (Fuel Assistance) with a gross annual income that does not exceed 60% of the estimated state median income. The program is designed to primarily serve homeowners as landlords are required to maintain the heating system for their tenants.
Just a reminder... Massachusetts laws prevent utility companies from shutting off service to people in special situations. Senior households (65 yo or older), low-income families with infants, people with serious illnesses who cannot afford to pay their utility bills, tenants whose landlords are responsible for utility bills and low-income people who would be without heat during the winter are eligible for shutoff protection. Call ESBC’s Information & Referral Department for more information or go to www.mass.gov/ keepingyour-utilities-on.
BERKSHIRE COUNTY LEGISLATORS
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
Congressman Richard Neal
372 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5601
300 State Street, Suite 200 Springfield, MA 01105-1711 (413) 785-0325
Senator Adam Hinds
24 Beacon Street, Room 109E Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-1625
District Office: (413) 344-4561 Adam.hinds@masenate.gov
Rep. Smitty Pignatelli
24 Beacon Street, Room 473F Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2692
District Office: (413) 637-0631 Rep.smitty@mahouse.gov
Rep. John Barrett, III
24 Beacon Street, Room 237 Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2305
24 Beacon Street, Room 160 Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2304
District Office: (413) 464-5635
Paul.mark@mahouse.gov
Thank You To Our Donors:
Memorial Donations
In Memory of: Bernice “Red”
Alcombright
Jane Bernard
Jane Betti
Lynette Bond
Patricia Chenail
James and Bonnie Cunningham
James and Dorothy Kelly
Cecilia Kozik
Barbara Luscia
Robert Maroni
Antoinette Mastrangelo
Gerald and Carol Mullen
Adam and Angela Marie Park
Frederick and Barbara Pietras
James and Evelyn Robinson
West Oil Company, Inc.
James Wolfe
In Memory of: Joan Arienti
William and Carol Arienti
Jeanne Chesanow
James and Mary Mercer
Richard Murray
Sarah Murray
Carol Piontek
Since 1983 MOL ARI HealthCare has enjoyed providing our neighbors in Berkshire Count y with trusted, qualit y homecare Working as your par tner, our staff will create a flexible care plan to fit your needs. With MOL ARI you are assured that you and your care is our number one priorit y. MOL ARI is committed to providing the best possible solution for your home healthcare needs
• A ssist ance with Per sonal C ar e
• Medication Reminder s
• Meal Pr epar ation
• L ight Housekeeping
In Memory of: William Broderick
Katherine Broderick
In Memory of: Joseph Calderella, Jr.
Carol Morrison
In Memory of: Richard Cowan
John Kelly
USW Steelworkers, Local 12325
In Memory of: Remo DiTomasso
Douglas and Karen Bates
In Memory of: John and Helen
Fitzpatrick
Sheila Fitzpatrick
The following donations were received between May 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022. Donations received on or after July 1, 2022 will appear in the next issue of Berkshire Senior.
In Memory of: Clyde Horton
James and Carol Aitken
June Deblois
Lawrence and Sandra Frederick
Edward and Joan Marko
Cheryl Moderski
Roberta Orsi
Bernard and Dianne Pinsonnault
Gisele Torchia
In Memory of: Mary Richards
Barbara Tatro
Elder Independence
Donations
Ginger Alexander
Patti Annechiarico
Robert and Jo Ann Austin
Jane Betti
Linda Biros
Daniel and Jeanne Boino, Sr.
Penelope Borax
Linda Briggs
Walter Creer
Suzanne Crerar
Thomas Dillon
Virginia Florczyk
Louise Frankenberg
Michele Gilligan
Kathryn Goerlach
Alfred and Evelyn Goggia
Robert Hildebrand
Robert and Diane Hitter
Nanette Hucknall
Flora Karbelnik
George and Patricia Kellar
Winthrop Kie, Sr.
Frances Kollman
Richard Kurek
Sharon and James Kus
Jo Ann Lancaster
Herbert and Bertha Lawrence
Milton Lestz
Helena Matthews
Mary Miner
Rosalie Noyes
Mary and Robert O’Brien
William Patterson
Jenifer Picard
Andrea Pozzoni
Robert Race
Carolyn Renzi
Susan Ricci
Helaine Rose
Barbara Rubin
Helen Sciarra
Frederick and Joanne Seymour, Jr.
Veronica Silvia
William and Rose Ann Sturgeon
William and Martha Thompson
Joseph and Nancy Tirrell
Nancy Torrico
Jean Vankin
Jane Wheeler
General Donations
Berkshire South Pamona Grange
Jennifer Brennan
Paul Burda
Gilbert and Norma d’Oliveira
Louise Gai
Joan Gates
Cynthia Golin
Arthur Gordon
Guardian Life Insurance
Matching Donation
Margaret O’Connor
William and Janine Reid
Karn Rosenberg
Lawrence and Alice Spatz
Judith Trask
Jonathan and Barbara Zheutlin
Meals on Wheels
Donations
Adams Hometown Market
David Baran
Casual Day for Charity
Committee, Adams Community Bank
Teresa Guyette
Carol Perkins
Tamar Schrager
SHINE Donations
Cynthia Armstrong
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