Currently, the Hawley Council on Aging has three members at present (chair Jennifer Rich, Ann Falwell, Nicole Polier, and Susan Draves).
The council receives some funds every year from the state and the town to pay for memberships in the Councils on Aging and the Charlemont/Hawley Senior Center. It also mails grocery vouchers to Hawley seniors. And it often hosts events.
If you need a hand with the rising cost of groceries, you may be interested in the local brown-bag grocery program. Once a month, groceries are provided free of charge to area adults who are 55 and older who meet the income guidelines to help supplement their food supplies. If you are interested in participating, call the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts at (800) 247-9632, or fill out an application at the Senior Center at the Charlemont Federated Church on Wednesdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Groceries may be picked up at the Senior Center on the third Wednesday of each month between 12:15 and 1 p.m. You may also want to investigate the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry, which distributes food every other week in Ashfield, or Good Neighbors, which has a monthly food distribution in Charlemont.
Van transportation service is available to Hawley residents over the age of 60 through the Shelburne Senior Center in conjunction with the Franklin Regional Transit Authority. This service is primarily for emergency medical rides and food shopping within the county, and 48-hour notice is required. Typical fares range between 75 cents and $2.25 each way. For appointments outside Franklin County, contact the Franklin Regional Transit Authority. Here is a brochure about the FRTA program.
If you have questions about legal matters, insurance, health and wellness, or home assistance, LifePath is an excellent local resource.
The Town of Hawley has been working in conjunction with the Franklin County Regional Council of Governments and LifePath to establish an “Age and Dementia Friendly Community.” Information as to precisely what this will mean for the senior community in Hawley will be shared as it becomes available.
Contact chair Jenn Rich by emailing info@townofhawley.com.
