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’ Voluntary Meal Donation
By Christopher McLaughlin, Executive Director of Elder Services
Hoping you are well as we begin to transition into the second half of winter. With any luck, by the time you read this we have moved past the postholiday COVID surge.
Elder Services Senior Nutrition Program is probably our best-known program. Everyone in Berkshire County seems to know someone who has received Meals on Wheels. Each day, Monday through Friday, the Program provides about 950 meals in each of the 32 cities and towns in Berkshire County. We deliver eighty-five percent of these meals to seniors in their homes and serve the remaining meals in senior community dining centers throughout the County.
Berkshire Senior
Editorial Board: Deb Aldrich, 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 1-800-544-5242, 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.
The regulatory body and funding source for our Nutrition Program is the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA). EOEA’s funding covers most of the costs to operate the Program. However, EOEA acknowledges they do not fund the program fully and expect us to find local community partners who provide grants and solicit voluntary donations from seniors who benefit from our meals.
Elder Services makes meal recipients aware that EOEA recommends a voluntary meal donation. These donations are voluntary and in no way impact whether a senior receives a meal. If a senior is unable to or chooses not to make a donation, they still receive a meal, no questions asked.
For more than 20 years now, Elder Services’ voluntary donation has been $2.00 per meal. I often receive letters and thank you cards from seniors who are grateful for the meals they enjoy. A few meal recipients comment that they are amazed we can provide these meals for only $2.00, which, unfortunately, simply is not accurate. It cost Elder Services $9.50 for each meal we provided during the twelve months ended September 30, 2021.
Elder Services’ sister agencies raised their voluntary donations many, many years ago. Consistent annual increases in the minimum wage and greater raw food costs continue to increase our cost of providing meals. When we first implemented the $2.00 voluntary donation, it cost us less than $5.00 to produce a meal.
As Elder Services no longer believes the $2.00 donation adequately correlates with the cost of providing a meal valued at $9.50, we have made the difficult decision to increase the voluntary meal donation. On March 1, the recommended voluntary donation will increase to $3.00 per meal. The donation will remain voluntary. Seniors who do not pay a voluntary donation will continue to receive a meal, no questions asked.
We appreciate your understanding.
Until next time be good, be kind and be careful.
Ageism versus Age Friendly: Two Very Different Ways of Thinking About Age
by Mary Jane Incorvia Mattina
Do you recognize these numbers: 8, 12.5, 16, 20.6?
No, this series of numbers is not from a question on a recent MCAS or SAT exam. It would be amazing if you do recognize the series because they are the percentages of the US population over the age of 65 in the years 1950, 1990, 2018, and projected for the year 2030 (https://www. statista.com/statistics/457822/ share-of-old-age-population-inthe-total-us-population/). What you very likely do recognize is that lifespan is increasing in our county, state, nation and across the world, largely due to evidence-based improvements in public health. There are many social impacts on one’s lifespan which correlate with the individual’s zip code of residence, but that is a topic for another discussion.
An individual or a community can think about age from two very different perspectives, perspectives which greatly impact quality of life for the individual as well as for the entire community. One perspective is “ageism” and the other is “age friendly.” Let’s take a brief look at both perspectives.
“Ageism” falls into the same basket as all the other negative “–isms”: racism, sexism, classism. Like all “-isms”, ageism is an approach based on pre-determined rather than evidence-based conclusions regarding age: “you shouldn’t be doing that at your age” is a good example. When it is directed at young people, it limits the vitality, enthusiasm, energy, creativity of
their thoughts and insights on all aspects of life—be it politics, labor, medicine, the environment and on and on. When it is directed to older people, it cuts off their life experiences and insights in the same cornucopia of pursuits. Age is one of the “crooked yardsticks” of assessment that all the “-isms” represent; individuals and communities must acknowledge the fallacy inherent in the “-isms” before they can be banished to the dust heap.
To help recognize and then banish ageism, the United Nations has declared 2021-2030 The Decade of Healthy Ageing. Activities have been planned around the globe, many of them in virtual format (https://www. who.int/initiatives/decadeof-healthy-ageing). October 1, 2021 was declared the UN International Day of Older Persons. It is the date on which the First UN Global Report on Ageism was launched. It will be possible to participate in a wide selection of exciting virtual events and to exchange ideas with people from cultures all over the globe, right in the comfort of your home in The Berkshires. Of course the challenge is to move beyond the talk from these healthy ageing events to positive action within ourselves and our communities to make the changes that will banish ageism from continuing to destroy people and places.
Rather than viewing age from the negative perspective of ageism, the Age Friendly initiative builds on the positive perspective of age, from the youngest to the oldest citizen.
The Age Friendly Berkshires logo incorporates this lifespan-
encompassing agenda beautifully: Age Friendly was first developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), an agency within the United Nations. If you search online you’ll find Age Friendly programs in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia (https://apps. who.int/agefriendlycitiesmap/) ; unfortunately there are very few in Africa and the Middle East. In the United States it is championed by AARP in cities and states across the country (https://www. aarp.org/livable-communities/ network-age-friendlycommunities/) . Massachusetts is a state member of the network along with 84 and counting cities across the Commonwealth.
The Age Friendly movement focusses on eight domains of liveability: Transportation, Community Support and Health Services, Housing, Communication and Information, Respect and Social Inclusion, Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Civic Participation and Employment, Social Participation. As an aside, under the domain of Community Support and Health Services is the Age Friendly Health Systems initiative (http://www. ihi.org/Engage/Initiatives/Age-
Friendly-Health-Systems/Pages/ default.aspx). This approach to healthcare delivery has been championed by our neighbors to the east, Baystate Medical Center. Bringing it into Berkshire County would make a most positive impact on quality of life in our community.
Although several areas of liveability are perpetual challenges in Berkshire County and require unique solutions which span the urban/suburban/ rural character of our 950 square miles, every age cohort is impacted. How does a young couple find affordable housing close to work and schools; where does the older adult find safe and affordable housing after downsizing; how can the new arrival to Berkshire County find doctors and dentists who are taking new patients; is telecommuting from rural hill towns feasible? Just as these are intergenerational issues, their creative solutions should come from intergenerational community activists.
Berkshire County offers a quality of life in which all ages ought to thrive. While there are no “one size fits all” solutions to the issues cited above for all our towns and cities, we can and must work as a coherent community to banish ageism and adopt an age friendly attitude to problem solving. Find out more about The Decade of Healthy Ageing and the Age Friendly movement online and perhaps there will be ways for you to participate. And give us your feedback for suggestions on implementing Age Friendly activities in the Berkshires.
Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit
You may be eligible for a refundable real estate tax credit!
By Laura Feakes, Elder Services I & R Specialist
Certain seniors who own or rent residential property are eligible for a refundable tax credit – find out below if you qualify:
The Circuit Breaker (CB) tax credit is offered to older persons in Massachusetts to offset high property tax bills. This tax break is called the “circuit breaker” because it is triggered like an electrical circuit breaker, when property tax payments (including water and sewer use charges but excluding any abatement or exemption) exceed 10% of a person’s income for the same tax year. Even though the CB tax credit is based on your property tax payment, it is the state that pays you back - not your local city or town.
To be eligible for the credit for the 2021 tax year you must be at least 65 years of age before January 1, 2022, own or rent a home or apartment in Massachusetts and occupy it as your principal residence. Your 2021 total income cannot exceed $62,000 for a single filer, $78,000 for a head of household, or $93,000 for married couples filing a joint return. For purposes of this credit, “total income” includes taxable income as well as exempt income such as social
security, treasury bills, and public pensions. The assessed valuation of your property cannot be more than $884,000. If the taxpayer owns more than one acre of land, only the assessed value of the principal residence, together with the land that immediately surrounds and is associated with that residence, not to exceed one acre, should be used in determining the eligibility of the taxpayer for the credit. The maximum credit allowed for tax year 2021 is $1,170.
If you rent, the law assumes that 25% of your rent goes toward property taxes. A formula, based on actual rent paid during the calendar year, is used to determine the amount of an elder tenant’s CB credit. No credit is allowed if the taxpayer claims the married filing separate status, receives a federal or state rent subsidy, rents from a landlord who is not required to pay real estate taxes, or is the dependent of another taxpayer.
You claim the credit by submitting a completed Schedule CB Worksheet and Schedule CB, Circuit Break Credit, with a 2021 state income tax return. If you do not normally file a state return because you don’t owe any state taxes, you still can take advantage of this tax break by filing a Form One plus the Schedule CB. You
cannot apply online for the CB Credit with MassTaxConnect. If you’re eligible, complete Schedule CB with your Mass state income tax return, using your tax software. You can also print out the forms found online and mail them to the Mass DOR. Any credit received by an eligible taxpayer is not considered income for the purposes of obtaining eligibility or benefits under other meanstested assistance programs including food, medical, housing, and energy assistance programs. If you find yourself eligible, you can go back 3 tax years and claim the credit retroactively. For example, you have until April 19, 2022 to file for the circuit breaker tax rebate for 2018. If you filed a Form One, you must file a Form CA-6, which is an Application for Abatement/Amended Return. Along with the amendment form, you submit a Schedule CB to calculate your credit. If you did not file Form 1, you must file Form 1 for that year now, together with Schedule CB. This must be completed within 3 years from the last day for filing the return, without regard to any extension of time to file.
For more information, you can go to the Mass. Dept of Revenue website, www.mass.gov/dor, where you can download forms and detailed instructions,
including the brochure “Tax Tips for Seniors and Retirees” and “Massachusetts Tax Information for Seniors and Retirees”. Free tax preparation assistance may also be available from February until April 15th through the Tax-Aide Program sponsored by the AARP Foundation for all middle and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Volunteers are trained in cooperation with the IRS and will assist in filling out tax forms and then filing them electronically. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service. Berkshire County sites offering this service are generally local Senior Centers. Due to the COVID pandemic, a number of AARP sites as well as the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites may be closed to in-person appointments and using virtual, telephone, and/or no contact drop-off services. Local VITA sites include Berkshire Community Action Council (bcacinc.org) and Berkshire Habitat for Humanity (berkshirehabitat.org/vita).
Elder Services Information and Referral (I & R) Department provides information about problems or issues relevant to seniors. I & R Specialists can be reached at 413-4990524 or 1-800-544-5242.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are an integral part of Elder Services, and volunteer opportunities abound for those who would like to share their time and talents to help meet the needs of Berkshire seniors.
If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Isaac Share, Home & Community Based Program Supervisor at (413) 499-0525.
Companionship - Visit a lonely senior or accompany him/her into the community for shopping or special events.
Grocery Shopping Assistant - Drive and escort a senior to the grocery store or shop for a homebound senior with a list.
Lunch Site Coordinator - Help seniors enjoy the lunch programs by overseeing the meal site functions including taking reservations, serving, and helping with clean-up at one of the sites throughout Berkshire County.
Meals on Wheels Driver - Deliver meals to homebound seniors.
Food Service - Help prepare and package Meals on Wheels at Elder Services’ kitchen in Lanesborough.
Money Management - Assist income-eligible seniors monthly in writing checks for household bills, budgeting, and reconciling bank statements.
Nursing Home Ombudsman - Make weekly visits to nursing home residents to monitor care and resolve complaints.
Office - Assist with special projects such as bulk mailings at Elder Services’ o ce, 877 South Street, 4E, Pitts eld.
SHINE Counselor - (Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone) Become trained to understand Medicare/Medicaid bene ts and other health insurance options so you can help seniors make informed choices.
Transportation - Drive and escort seniors to medical/dental appointments and other destinations.
Volunteers Wanted
Become a SHINE counselor
Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone
The Elder Services SHINE Program is currently seeking volunteers to become trained as SHINE Counselors.
About the SHINE Volunteer Program
The SHINE Program, a statewide initiative, provides free unbiased counseling and information regarding Medicare, Mass Health, and insurance-related public bene ts to Medicare bene ciaries and their families throughout Berkshire County. It is estimated that local SHINE volunteers and sta saved Berkshire County residents millions of dollars in insurance costs in recent years.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking to develop unique skills, work in a dynamic environment, and make a signi cant di erence in the community.
Volunteer Requirements
• 50 hours of classroom instruction (11 classes) and additional mentoring
• Pass a state exam
• Provide counseling in a variety of locations including local non-pro ts and Councils on Aging
• No prior knowledge regarding insurance is required.
Make an impact on your community. Volunteer today.
Interested parties should contact: Shauna Post 413-499-0524 or spost@esbci.org
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
• Companionship
• L aundr y Ser vices
• A ssist ance with Tr anspor t ation
• Shopping and Err ands
• Respite C ar e
166 East Street • Pittsfield, MA 01201 413-499-4562 or 1-800-649-4562 Visit us on the web : www.MOLARIinc.com
Rep. Paul Mark 24 Beacon Street, Room 160 Boston, MA 02133 (617) 722-2304
District Office: (413) 464-5635 Paul.mark@mahouse.gov
Helping Older Adults Prepare for 3G Network Shutdowns
3G wireless networks are scheduled to shut down next year, which will prevent older cell phones that utilize these networks from making or receiving calls or using data services. In addition to cell phones, other connected devices such as certain medical devices, alert systems, and security systems that use 3G network services will be impacted. Although most people have devices on 4G or 5G networks, the shutdown will likely disproportionately impact older adults and low-income individuals, who may be using older phones, life alert systems, and other devices still on 3G. Connectivity is critically important in this time when people are utilizing telehealth services and connecting with the courts and service providers remotely.
Advocates can take steps to help people prepare for the 3G network shutdown:
• Share information in your
community and with your clients on the upcoming shutdown. Some people may not be aware of the upcoming change, and others may not have taken steps to replace items if they were avoiding contact with technicians and service providers during the pandemic. Each mobile carrier has different dates for the planned shutdown, with AT&T scheduled as early as February 2022. The Federal Communications Commission has a consumer guide with more details.
• Help clients identify potential devices that may be impacted. Lifeline, a program used by many older adults, utilizes major service providers like AT&T and T-Mobile, which are included in the shutdown. iPhones older than the iPhone 6 will no longer work for calls and data. Medical alert devices, watches, and home security systems that utilize 3G may also be impacted. Advocates can assist by helping individuals log into their accounts to check whether they use 3G. Consumers can also contact the individual
carriers and reach out to product companies to determine if their device will be affected.
• Connect people to new options for discounted devices if they need to replace them. For people with limited resources, this change could present challenges if they have to spend money on new products. Some carriers are offering free or discounted replacement phones. Older adults and low-income individuals may qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit,
which could help them get discounted, updated devices. The local Area Agency on Aging may have a program for device distribution, and many libraries have technology lending programs, which could help keep people connected.
Advocates play an important role in outreach and education, particularly to communities that may be most impacted by this change, including older adults of color, those living in rural areas, and other marginalized groups.
“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
Elder Services’ staff once again collaborated with BCAC, (Berkshire Community Action Council), for the holiday ELF PROGRAM. Under the leadership of Lead IT Coordinator, Deb Aldrich, staff worked in teams and individually donating funds, shopping and wrapping presents for 10 children ranging in age from toddlers to teenagers. ESBCI staff has brought holiday cheer and happiness to many children through participation in the ELF PROGRAM!
Do you have a question about a health care bill charged to your Medicare account?
The Massachuset ts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program helps Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries avoid becoming victims of healthcare errors, fraud, and abuse. Did you know that Medicare loses more than $60 billion a year to erroneous and fraudulent claims?
You can do your par t! Make sure you understand your Medicare Summary Notices, your E xplanation of Benefits statements, and invoices from your healthcare providers. If you believe you have been billed for a service you did not receive or you were billed too much for a service you did receive, repor t it to the MA SMP Program at 800-892-0890.
To order a free MA SMP Program personal healthcare journal “My Health Tracker” to help you keep track of your medical appointments, medications, and treatments, call the MA SMP Program at 800-892-0890 or order one online at www.MASMP.org.
Remember: Never give out your personal information including your Medicare number to someone you do not know and trust. If you think you have been a victim of a Medicare scam, repor t it to the Massachuset ts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program’s Scam Line at 978-946-1243 or email Repor tAScam@MASMP.org.
• B athr ooms
Walkway s
Driveway s
Hous e Flooring
Pools
Elder Services of Berkshire County, Inc. NUTRITION
PROGRAM SENIOR COMMUNITY DINING CENTERS
Due to the end of the State of Emergency, the status and offerings of the Senior Community Dining Centers are likely to evolve. Please call for the latest update.
CITY/TOWN PHONE ADDRESS DAYS MEALS SERVED SERVING TIME
NO� ADAMS 662-3125 SPITZER CENTER 116 Ashland St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
WILLIAMSTOWN 458-8250 HARPER CENTER 118 Church St. M-W-F 11:30 am
ADAMS 743-8333 COMMUNITY CENTER 3 Hoosac St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
CHESHIRE 743-9719 SENIOR CENTER 119 School St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
LANESBORO 448-2682 TOWN HALL 83 North Main St. M-W 11:30 am
DALTON 684-2000 SENIOR CENTER 40 Field St. Ext. M-TH 12:00 pm
BECKET 623-8934 TOWN HALL Route 577 Main St. T & TH 11:00 am
PITTSFIELD 499-9346 SENIOR CENTER 330 North St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
LENOX 637-5535 COMMUNITY CENTER 65 Walker St. M-T-W-TH-F 12:00 pm
LEE 243-5545 SENIOR CENTER 21 Crossway Village M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
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 St. M-T-W-TH-F 11:30 am
STOCKBRIDGE 298-4170 SENIOR CENTER 50 Main St. CLOSED CLOSED
SHEFFIELD 229-7037 SENIOR CENTER 25 Cook Road W & F 12:00 pm
Eligible seniors 60 years or older are welcome to attend any Senior Community Dining Center. Reservations are requested 24 hours in advance. Begining March 2022 a 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 at a required fee of $8.00 per meal.
The Ralph J. Froio Senior CenterPittsfield Council on Aging
By Danielle Raimer
Now that we have entered the New Year, we are thankful for what we accomplished in 2021 and hopeful for what we see in front of us during 2022. Over the past year, the staff has been very involved with the battle against COVID-19 and its variants. As you may remember, at this time last year, the staff was very involved in making appointments for our seniors to receive their first of a number of vaccines to fight off the COVID virus. The staff made over 6000 appointments for our community members and continues to this day assisting with booster shots. In order to do that, we have teamed up with the CHP Mobile Health Unit and have delivered services to over 300 people in the form of vaccines, boosters and testing. During this same period, the staff and our Council on Aging Board of Directors made nearly 10,000 wellness calls to our Senior Community.
Early in the winter, our Center held a coat drive and received over 50 coats that we had professionally cleaned at no cost by our neighbors at Jean’s Cleaners. The staff distributed items to over 20 seniors and the rest were donated to The Dream Center here in Pittsfield.
On the activity front, we have started some new programs which include Line Dancing on Fridays @ 9:00 AM, Sound & Movement on Tuesdays @ 10:30 AM, and a new, Winter Pitch League that meets on Fridays @10:00 AM.
We will continue to carry on
Learn about the opportunity to enrich the lives of seniors by delivering meals by becoming a Meals on Wheels Driver. Join us for a virtual pop-up informational session:
an old tradition of having a city councilor here on the second Tuesday of the month @ 10 AM to discuss agenda items and to learn about city government and how that process impacts our community.
Our transportation continues to run daily, Monday – Friday from 9:15-2:30 and we remind everyone that they should call at least 48 hours in advance to make an appointment. Our Brown Bag Program continues on the 4th Friday of every month. Late last year we partnered with DoorDash, and their drivers have been delivering the Brown Bags to individual homes, eliminating the need for the seniors to come to the center to receive their items.
We are happy to announce that our Café has a new cook, Bill Mendonca. Bill operates the Café for Breakfast only on Monday, from 8:30 to 10:30, and Tuesday-Friday from 8:00-12:30 for breakfast and daily lunch specials.
Our Supportive Day Program has operated daily, with true dedication, throughout the entire pandemic. This important program, which offers not only respite for caregivers, but provides our clients with an active and safe environment to spend a part of their day with us.
We have worked hard to keep our Center clean, safe and open throughout the pandemic, and we will continue to operate within State and Local Health Regulations in order to continue to remain open to our Senior Community. We look forward to seeing all of our friends again both old and new.
February 14, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
February 16, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Register for a session by providing your name, email address and preferred session date/time by contacting kkelly@esbci.org. We will forward a zoom link to you.
COUNTY
Thank You To Our Donors:
The following donations were received between November 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. Donations received on or after January 1, 2022 will appear in the next issue of the Berkshire Senior.
Memorial Donations
In Memory of Rose Alessio
Margaret Donovan
Jim and Christa McCabe
In Memory of Marie Biron
Marian Roper
In Memory of William Broderick
Katherine Broderick
In Memory of Richard C. Donati
Jean Donati
In Memory of Wanda & C Fred Dubis Elaine Kittler
In Memory of John and Helen Fitzpatrick
Sheila Fitzpatrick
In Memory of Joseph ‘Barry’
Hollister
Donna Bell
Judith Burbank
Deborah Donovan
Diana Fontana
Mark and Osnedya Miller
Michael and Pricilla Moyer
Mary K. O’Brien
Joyce O’Donnell
Kevin and Darlene O’Donnell
Kara Robertston
Barbara Terry
Nancy Tully
Judy Wellfare
In Memory of Joanne Jones
Helen Austin
Donna Bell
Jacqueline Chapman
Laura and Thomas Gardner
Matthew and Annmarie Gravel
Ronald and Patricia Kelley
Mary Miner
Lois Murphy
Thomas and Jean Porter
Gloria Robinson
In Memory of John and Judith Kittredge
Judith Kittredge Anderson
In Memory of Barbara J Kurek
Richard Kurek
In Memory of Virginia Malloy
Michael and Bernedette Kozik
Daniel and Mary McGinnis
Sandra Trumble
In Memory of Charlotte and Charles McCann, Jr.
Richard and Dianna McCann Pikul
In Memory of Mary and Charles McCann, Sr.
Richard and Dianna McCann
Pikul
In Memory of Elizabeth Peppe
April Pepee
In Memory of Mary Richards
Robert and Claire Daub
Pamela and Thomas Kidder
James Morocco
Christine Paciorek
David and Frances Richards
Judy Spooner
In Memory of Rosemary Ryan & Lavena Pero
Ronald and Patricia Pero
In Memory of John Sharp
Karen Decker
In Memory of Amelia Swint
Diane Mintz
In Memory of Eugene Talbot, to bene t Meals on Wheels
William Briggs
Sharon Faye
Sheryl Fishman
Jo Anne and Benjamin Ginsberg
JoAnne Ginsberg and Family
Annette Gordon
Dr Richard Greene & Dr. Lyndsay
Crampton
Mally Rutkoff
Rebecca Rutkoff
Mike Schiffer
Bill Talbot and Family
In Memory of Nancy Wallingford
Randy Wallingford
In Memory of Phyllis Watroba
Robert and Lee Watroba
In Memory of Donald and Virginia Whelpley
Virginia Conner
Elder Independence
Donations
Ronald and Sandra Aasen
Marion Adler
Donald Alderman, Jr.
Louise Amstead
Dana Anderson
Robert and Shirley Annelli
David Ariazi
Cheryl Baker
Robert and Lucy Bellville
Jay and Elizabeth Bikofsky
Daniel Boino, Sr.
Nancy Bonvillain
Isreal and Jeanette Bronstein
Frances Buckley
Anita Busch
Mary Camyre
Carol Christopher
Richard and Wendy Clothier
Jacqueline Cobb
Dr. Laurence Cohen
Daniel and Emma Connors
C Jeffrey and Judith Cook
Constance Cooper
Bea DaSilva
Deborah and John De Forest, Sr.
Barbara Delmolino
Sarah and James DelSignor
Peter DeLuca
Malcolm Douglas, Jr.
Sandra Driscoll
Robert and Barbara Eccher
Harris Elder
Dale Finkle
Anne Fix
William and Patricia Flaherty
William and Sandra Flannery
Henry and Susan Flint
Diana Fontana
Joan Funk
Eleanor Gifford
Alfred and Evelyn Goggia
Joseph Havrilla
Sarah Henry
Harry and Marjorie Horn
George and Patricia Kellar
Dr. Wayne Klug
Ellen Krupka
Lanny and Laurie Lambert
Fern Lavelle
Ellen Leitch
Peter and Susan LeProvost
Joel and Patrice Less
Anne Lesser and Thom Lipiczky
Richard Macht
Mary Mackle
Charles and Sandra Magnesio
Michael Margolis
Lawrence Martz
John and Karen McComish
Betsey McKearnan
Franklin McLaren, Jr.
Dr. Fred and Andrea Mensch
Virginia Miner
Richard and Ruth Moon
Harry Morey
George Munson
Marcella Nevin
Karen Oak
Cornelius and Mary Obanhein
James and Joanne Pasquini
Donald and Barbara Percy
Arnold Perras
Wesley and Elizabeth Petersen
Dorothy Phillips
Asta Potter
Kathleen Randall
Raymond and Barbara Ranzoni
Attorney Alan Righi
Franklin Risatti
Frances and Ralph Robinson, Jr.
Helaine Rose
Joseph and Colleen Rossi
Joseph and Pat Salvadore
Walter and Marion Schleicher
Esther Schmidt
Joanne and Frederick Seymour, Jr.
Robert and Carla Skidmore
Dr. Erwin Stuebner, Jr. and Jane Stuebner
Uldis and Maija Surmanis
Judith Thompson
Joseph and Nancy Tirrell
Gary Trudeau Enterprises
Edward and Lisa Udel
Pauline Velmans
Adam Weinberg
Marjorie Wexler
Richard and Elizabeth Williams
Robert and Pamela Wirtes
Thomas Wojtkowski
Bruce Zarnoch
Stanley Ziemba
General Donations
Sylvia Allan
Judith Ambery
David Bacchioni
Bruce Barry
Kathleen Bartlett
Thomas Berkel
Jennifer Brennan
Katherine Broderick
Paul and Gail Burda
Elaine and Michael Christopher, Sr.
Frank and Suzanne Engels
Donna Fenn
Cynthia Golin
Wade Hoffman
Peter Hofman
Gerard & Christine Hurley
Gregory Jones
Fay Kalinowsky
Vera LeCoco
Robert Mercer
Antonio and Margaret Pagliarulo
Kathy Patterson
Bo and Katherine Peabody
Sharon Robak
James Shippee
Theodore & Elaine Sideropoulos
Jane Smith
Ronald and Martha Stewart
Lawrence Strauss and Francine Weinberg
Denise Talabach
Tomich Landscape Design & Construction
Judith Trask
Peter Traub
Thomas and Mary Vaughan
Meals On Wheels
Donations
Big Y Giving Tag Program
Paul and Kim Bruce
David Grady
Tamar Schrager
Stop & Shop Bloomin’ 4 Good Program
SHINE Donations
Cynthia Armstrong
Cynthia Conuel and Richard LaPlante
Dr. Andrea Jacobson
James Meaney
Charles and Marguerite Oakes
ESBCI’s Executive Director, Christopher McLaughlin, Food Services Supervisor Lisa Allen and Nutrition Program Manager Maura Doran accept a $10,000 donation from Fallon Health’s Community Impact Grant Program. The Grant is to support the Meals on Wheels Program and increase our capacity to make nutritious foods accessible to older adults. It provides funding for the new Medically Tailored Meal Program, providing meals to seniors with dietary restrictions. The Grant will also make it possible for the Program to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms. The support from Fallon Health’s grant program is critically to these two new initiatives. Representing Fallon Health and presenting the check are Linda Gillespie, Manger, NaviCare Outreach (far left), Christie Bik, Government Affairs and Public Policy Director (second from left) and Christine Cassidy, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer (far right). The presentation took place at ESBCI’s kitchen in Lanesborough. The kitchen prepares and delivers over 950 meals a day, five days week.
Then and Now…
by Susan Guerrero
As Valentine’s Day inches closer, thoughts zoom back many years to Bartlett School on Onota Street.
the decades tick by, do memories of past happenings seem to pop into the mind very frequently?
Images of things that happened a long time ago are suddenly clear and real. The mind is so amazing. Bartlett School, in my mind’s eye, is not comprised of apartments, as it is today. Instead, it’s an active elementary school, filled with chatting and laughing children.
It was an easy walk from my childhood home on Onota Street. We wore paths into the sidewalks, going to school in the morning, back home at lunch time, returning to school after lunch and then walking home!
There was a crossing guard at the bottom of Lakeway Drive. Nearby, where a facility for elderly residents now stands, was Zuckerman’s corner store.
Jake Zuckerman manned the store and his son, Nathan, a tall and shy boy, was in my first-grade class at Bartlett School.
The most prevalent Valentine’s Day memories center in Miss Barrett’s second grade classroom. She was an older teacher who was quite strict with the kids.
Near Valentine’s Day, however, she made our classroom a fun place to be. We all took turns decorating a big cardboard box. We covered it with red tissue paper and lacy white doily hearts as well as ribbons and handmade colored paper Valentine decorations. Miss Barrett left a big opening in the top of the box.
Each student received instructions to prepare Valentine’s Day cards, bring them into the classroom in the week prior to the Big Day, and deposit them into the box.
This was all very thrilling for eight-year-olds. I remember
bugging my poor mother to buy packages of Valentine cards. We had to go “upstreet” to Newberry’s Five and Ten on North Street. She had to do this for all five of her daughters. Of course, I wanted to pick out my own cards. The ones selected tended to have funny messages. At that stage of the game, mushy cards didn’t appeal.
All through the week prior to Valentine’s Day, we couldn’t wait to go to school. We brought in fat fistfuls of cards in small white envelopes. On the fronts of the cards, scrawled in carefully printed letters, were the names of the students the cards were intended for.
Every morning the Valentines got carefully dropped into the top of the beautifully decorated box which was quickly filling up.
On the special day, Miss Barrett had the cards all sorted out per student. How no one ever got slighted by receiving less cards than the next student is anyone’s guess.
The entire class of hyped-up second-graders felt the thrill of receiving cards from the dark innards of that gorgeous Valentine box.
When the signatures read “Guess who?” it was even more thrilling and imaginations went wild, guessing who the senders might be.
It has been more than half a century since those Valentine’s Day memories formed in a second-grade classroom at Bartlett School but they are as clear today as the red hearts decorating stores and other businesses all around town.
This month, it will still be exciting to look for Valentine cards in the mail but the feeling of sheer excitement and anticipation could never come close to what was felt in that big brick building with the huge windows on Onota Street!
Thanks, Miss Barrett, wherever you now reside on the other side of life, and to all, a Happy Valentine’s Day, 2022.
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