Welcome to Athol Senior Center
&
Athol Council on Aging
Senior Center Scheduled Program Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Times subject to change
Additional hours by Appointment
Closed Fridays
Athol Senior Center is a Warming Center
With approaching colder weather, we will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM as a warming center.
Weather Related Cancelation Policy
Whenever the Athol/Royalston School District cancels and/or delays scchool, all events and programming will be canceled at the Senior Center. We advise you too monitor your local news stations and social media sources for updates
Medicare Open Enrollment Seminar to be held by CMS on December 3 and 4.
You’re Invited! Join us for an informative and engaging Medicare Open Enrollment Webinar designed to help you, your partners, and the people you serve make confident, well-informed healthcare decisions this enrollment season.
Webinar Dates & Times:
(Each webinar will feature the same presentation – please register for the session that works best for you.)
- Wednesday, December 3 10:00 AM- 11:00 AM EST Registration Link
- Thursday, December 4 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST Registration Link
All sessions will be held via Microsoft Teams and advanced registration is required.
Presentation Overview: This session will provide critical information to help those with Medicare navigate their healthcare coverage options and make informed decisions during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7). During this one-hour presentation, we will explore ways to get Medicare coverage, the importance of reviewing coverage options and how to use Medicare.gov to compare plans and manage a Medicare.gov account.
Please feel free to distribute and forward this invitation widely.
Questions, contact us at CMSBostonRegionalAdministrator@cms.hhs.gov
Interested in a CMS presentation during your next meeting or event? Click here!
***Brown Bag Pickup***
We are happy to be able to hold Brown Bag Distribution at the Senior Center once again.
Pickup time is from 11 am to 1 pm.
Volunteers: Please park on the far side of the stream. The truck will be delivering at the front door and we’ll also need room for recipients to pick up their bags.
Temporary Closure Update
Starting today, December 1st, we are now open for all activities!
The Dental Clinic has been rescheduled to Monday, November 24th
Click here for a letter of introduction from Sarie Whitehouse, BS, RDH
Outreach Dental Hygienist
The Breakfast Club
We invite you to visit the Athol Senior Center’s “Breakfast Club” to enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast prepared by our chef.
Monday, November 17th– Serving at 9am
Fee: $6 per person
The menu for September will be Chef’s Choice
RSVP by Thurs before Cafe date. Seating is limited, so call 978-249-8986 as early as possible.
Click HERE to visit Friends of Athol Council on Aging Facebook page
Important! Brown Bag Program Update
New Brown Bag guidelines require that if a member misses pickups for 4 consecutive months they will be removed from the program list. Please be sure to show up for distribution or let us know when you will be able to pick up your bag.
For any questions, contact us at the Senior Center at 978-249-8986
New Medicare Scam
Medicare beneficiaries are NOT receiving new cards this year!
Scammers may try to convince you otherwise. For example, scammers may falsely tell you that Medicare is issuing new cards–perhaps a card that is plastic, or a card that has a chip in it. They may tell you that for them to send your new card you need to verify your identity, which could include your Medicare number. This is an attempt to get your personal or medical information.
DO NOT give any information to:
* Unsolicited calls from anyone claiming to be from Medicare.
* Anyone needing your personal information so they can send you an updated Medicare card.
* Anyone saying your card is expiring and they need to send you a new one or you will be charged a fine.
*Anyone stating Medicare is issuing new cards and you need to verify your number.
Phishing Scam
Caregivers Support Group
For more information see the Events and Activities page.
New Scam Alert
Beware of Medicare Scams
NEW!! Peer to Peer Tech Group
See the Events and Activities page for more information
Portable Wifi Hotspots Available
Applications being accepted now
The Athol Public Library has a free lending program for hot spots.
So, what is a hotspot? A wifi hotspot is a device that lets you connect phones, tablets, computers, and other devices to the internet when you’re on the go. You can carry it with you and get wifi on the bus, in the car, in the woods, (and in your home, too). Each hotspot can provide connectivity for approximately ten devices, and has enough power for zoom calls, homework assignments, and streaming video.
For more information call Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., 978-249-9515.
Technology Assistance with Emily
If you need help with your cellular phone, laptop computer, or tablet device, Emily can assist and guide you through the challenging aspects of technology, such as
the categories below, and more:
~Create an email address
~Surf the Internet
~Activate your new devices
~Use Apps
~Navigate Social Media
~Text
~Access to Health Portals
~Create photo albums and more…
Emily’s schedule is limited to the following dates:
August 18
August 25
September 3
September 15
September 22
September 29
To schedule an appointment at the Senior Center, call 978-249-8996.
New Medicare Card Scam
Click here for more information on the News Page.
North Quabbin Memory Cafe
This new program will offer a monthly meeting place for individuals living with changes in their thinking or memory, mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease or a related disorder.
For more information, see the Events and Activites page.
There is a lot going on at Athol Senior Center.
Please check out the Events and Activities Page so you won’t miss out!!
Department of Transitional Assistance Warnings
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) has issued warnings to DTA (SNAP) clients regarding skimming and phishing scams that have impacted some residents. For more information, see the NEWS page.
20% Senior Discount on Food Products at Ocean State Job Lot in Athol, Mondays from 8 to 9 AM.
Congregate Lunches
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at noon.
Watch for menu information in the Newsletter and here on the Calendar page. Please call the Council on Aging at 978-249-8986
by 9:00 AM the day before to make your reservation.
Suggested donation: $3.50 per person
Wishing all a Happy Holiday Season and a Happy, Healthy New Year!