Programs & Services

South Hadley Council on Aging’s Lifelong Learning Lecture Series 

The South Hadley Council on Aging’s Lifelong Learning Lecture Series was developed with a vision for an affordable, accessible, inclusive, collaborative community-based Lifelong Learning Program to serve South Hadley seniors aged 60 and over.

Working with Mount Holyoke College, the Senior Center has access to a variety of wide-ranging topics and interests.  As for qualified speakers,  Mount Holyoke College is able to draw from the Mount Holyoke College community, which includes active professors, retired professors and professors from the Five College Consortium that Mount Holyoke is part of, but could also include undergraduate and graduate alumni.  

The lectures are held monthly at the Senior Center and are free to the public. The South Hadley Council on Aging Travel Club is funding the Lifelong Learning Lecture Series. The Senior Center asks for a suggested donation of $10 to $15 per lecture, made payable to the Senior Center Activity Fund.

Lifelong learning is the "ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated" pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons. It is important for an individual's competitiveness and employability, but also enhances social inclusion, active citizenship, and personal development.

“I’m still learning.” ~ Michaelangelo at 87

Caregiver Respite Grant

A partnership between the South Hadley Council on Aging and WestMass ElderCare.This grant will provide fnancial assistance for 16-20 hours of paid, respite support to families in South Hadley who are caring for an older adult who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia. If you are a caregiver of a senior in South Hadley, please call the Center at (413) 538 - 5030 for information. This grant is made possible by donations from South Hadley citizens, local businesses, the Koske Family, and from the Cares Act from the Executive Offce of Elder Affairs. 

Council on Aging “Stay Well” Wellness Scholarship

Start the New Year off in a Healthy Way! Stay Well “wellness grants” are available to low- and moderate income South Hadley seniors. Interested individuals need to speak to Ann Andras in the Senior Center to fll out a simple means-test form. A maximum of $150 yearly can be used to cover the cost of any exercise classes. 

Recreational Activities

  • Billiards
  • Bingo
  • Book Club  
  • Cards
  • Circuit Training
  • Cornhole
  • Crafts
  • Dance
  • Fiber Arts Club
  • Fitness with Heidi
  • Games
  • Gratitude Journal Group
  • Healthy Bones & Balance
  • Jewelry Making
  • Line Dancing
  • Mah Jongg
  • Maurice "Fitz" & Margaret Fitzgerald Fitness Center
  • Movies
  • Quilting
  • Speakers
  • Support Groups
  • Tai Chi & Qigong for Health and Relaxation
  • Veterans Group
  • Watercolors
  • Yoga
  • Zumba

Services

  • Blood Pressure
  • Brown Bag
  • Exercise & Personal Training Programs
  • Files of Life
  • Foot Nurse
  • Health Programs & Screenings
  • Low Vision Group
  • Monthly Newsletter
  • Newspapers
  • Outreach
    • Food Stamps and Food Programs
    • Fuel Assistance
    • Prescription Advantage
    • RMV Near Me: Assistance with Registry of Motor Vehicle on line services
    • SHINE (Health Insurance Assistance)
  • PVTA Bus Tickets
  • Tax Assistance
  • Travel Club

Support Programs

The support programs listed below are made possible by grants from WestMass ElderCare and by funding from the Older Americans Act through the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs and the Administration for Community Living.

Call the COA at 413-538-5030 for more information. 


Memories Café:

Meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10:00 at the Council on Aging. A welcoming place for those with memory impairment and their caregiver to spend time together. Facilitated by experienced staff.

Caring for the Caregiver:

Meets every other Monday at 3 p.m. Join WestMass ElderCare and fellow caregivers for a free virtual support group. This online meeting features supportive conversation focusing on caregiver needs, support resources and self-care strategies facilitated by experienced staff. Call 413-538-9020, ext. 310 to register or email gmontero@wmeldercare.org

Companion/Escort Transportation Program: 

For individuals who qualify. Free transportation to medical appointments in South Hadley and outside of South Hadley.

Daily Mini-Bus Service:

To and from the Council on Aging. In-town appointments and grocery shopping on Tuesday & Fridays at Big Y. Wednesday Trips to Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Pantry. One day advance notice for reservations by calling 413-538-5030.