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.