May 7th - Paul Horn

May 13th - Eric Denu

May 17th - Nancy Foster

May 30th - Maureen Conrad

 

 

May 11th - Jim & DeDe

May 17th - John & Kate

May 25th - Nancy & Robert

May 30th - Jason & Abby

 

 

May 15th - Shawn Oxford (2019)

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS - May

 

• Friday May 15 All Day - Buster Brush Golf Tournament Ralph Myhre Golf course (Dennis, Jason L, Maureen)
• Wednesday May 20 7;15 am - Regular Meeting, Rosie's, Shannon Bryant, Energy Navigators (Liz)
• Friday May 22 and Tuesday May 26 -Flags Out and In (Flag Teams)
• Saturday May 238:00 am - Float Build 11 am 16 Creek Rd (Eric)
• Monday May 25 8:00 am - Memorial Day Parade - Float (Eric)

 

 

Fines:

 

Happy Dollars:

 

 

Speaker: Erika Marks

 

Erika Marks outlines how AgeWell functions as the largest area agency on aging in Vermont, serving the northwest region including Addison
County and surrounding towns. The organization recruits, trains, and supports more than 1,000 volunteers, aiming to develop meaningful
relationships by matching volunteers with older adults in the community.
The talk highlights that while Meals on Wheels is the best-known program, AgeWell offers a broad suite of services funded mainly through
federal and local support, with most services provided free of charge to clients. Donations fund certain programs (notably meals and instructor
recertifications for Tai Chi and Matter of Balance).

The mission is to empower older Vermonters to age well by fostering community
connections and resources; eligibility includes anyone age 60 or older, and those 60+ who are disabled.

Key program and structure points raised:
• Meals on Wheels is the largest program; other programs include
free Tai Chi and Matter of Balance classes.
• AgeWell operates through a senior helpline designed as a single access point (no wrong door) for all services.
• Addison County hosts a robust volunteer network and multiple service pathways, including home visits, social visits, and practical
support.

A number of real-world details illustrate impact and needs:
• Addison County has 188 volunteers; Meals on Wheels routes serve
about 126 clients daily, with 11 routes operating (most five days per week; one route noted as two days/week).
• Since October 1 (fiscal year start), Addison County volunteers have contributed 3,959 hours, and 455 clients have been matched with
volunteers.
• AgeWell emphasizes “professional matchmakers” to pair volunteers with clients based on interests and needs (e.g., grocery shopping, companionship), creating meaningful, ongoing relationships.

 

AgeWell demonstrates a comprehensive, people-centered approach to aging in Vermont, combining a robust volunteer network with a broad spectrum of services designed to keep older Vermonters independent and socially connected. A central feature is the Senior Helpline, which provides a one-stop entry point and triage to personalized supports, from home visits and care planning to respite for caregivers.

The organization emphasizes meaningful matching between volunteers and clients and relies on ongoing training, background checks, and a strong volunteer culture. The most urgent community need is to recruit additional friendly visiting and Meals on Wheels volunteers, with a clear call to action for local residents to step forward and help bridge gaps in Addison County and surrounding areas.