Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging in Vermont
Donate to the NEK Council on Aging

Blog Post

Kathy Hemmens Named 2022 Humanitarian Hero

Mel Reis • November 3, 2022

In recognition of her dedication to elder and disabled Vermonters and her commitment to the mission of the NEKCOA.

Every year, during their Annual Meeting in November, the NEK Council on Aging (NEKCOA) recognizes a special volunteer or organization with the Humanitarian Hero award in honor of their dedication to the Council's mission and the impact they have on the community at large. This year, the Council is pleased to announce Kathy Hemmens as their 2022 Humanitarian Hero.
 
“Kathy has been a long-standing member of our Board of Directors and her support and dedication to the Council has been invaluable,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director. “I am in awe of her energy and resilience as a mother, grandmother, caregiver, and cancer survivor. She is truly an example of being connected with, and of service to, her community. We were so fortunate to have had her support of our work for all of those years.”
 
In 1999, Hemmens moved to Hardwick when her husband retired. She continued her career and was named Executive Director of Northeast Kingdom Human Services where she served until 2005 when she retired.
 
“When I retired, I wanted to work with organizations that served elder people,” said Hemmens. “Health and wellbeing have always been important interests and my service to the Council has been an inspiring journey. The Council has grown and expanded services, reach, and influence. It was wonderful to meet so many different people and all were an inspiration to me on how to grow older gracefully.”


Hemmens has served a total of 13 years as a member of the NEKCOA Board of Directors (she retires from the Board this year). During this period, she served as President (2018-2020) and Chair of the Finance Committee. She also served 11 years as a wellness leader for the Bone Builders program in Hardwick and received training and taught Matter of Balance, an eight-week wellness course for building strength and mobility. In addition, she also taught Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a course that brings helpful resources to caregivers so they can learn to communicate with friends and loved ones who are struggling with cognitive disabilities.
 
Her service to community is also admirable. She was a selectboard member for the Town of Hardwick, served on the board of Lamoille Housing Partnership, and is a current board member of the Craftsbury Care Center. She also served as Board President for Northern Counties Health Care for a three-year term.
 
She received a bachelor’s degree in English from Manhattanville College and a Master of Social Work from the State University of NY at Albany when she turned 51. She enjoys reading, gardening, hiking, cooking, knitting, and cross-country skiing. In earlier years, she also enjoyed horseback riding and was pleased to achieve a life-long dream of owning a horse when she and her husband moved to Vermont.
 
Hemmens remains dedicated to supporting all Vermonters as they age. “Older people are the backbone of our communities. At times, it is unfortunate that they are spoken of as a burden, but we contribute a great deal.” She has three children and four grandchildren.
 
The 2022 Annual Meeting for the NEK Council on Aging will take place on Thursday, November 17th at 9:30 a.m. at the East Side Restaurant in Newport, Vermont.
Click here to read the 2022 NEKCOA Annual Report.

By Melinda Martin January 20, 2025
What You Need to Know About the ‘Silent Thief of Sight’ and How to Protect Your Vision
By Melinda Martin January 6, 2025
Start the Year Strong with Simple Steps for Health, Wellness, and Connection
By Melinda Martin December 11, 2024
Empowering Older Adults to Stay Safe from Holiday Scams and Protect Their Financial Independence
By Melinda Martin November 14, 2024
Staying Warm, Well, and Connected This November
By Melinda Martin November 6, 2024
Out of Appointments, But Not Out of Options: Here’s How to Get the Help You Need
By Melinda Martin October 11, 2024
Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment: We’re Here to Help! Medicare Open Enrollment is just around the corner, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone! Whether you’re new to Medicare or simply reviewing your current plan, understanding your options and choosing the right coverage can be a daunting task. That’s where the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging comes in. We want to make sure you have all the support and information you need to make the best choices for your health and budget. What Is Medicare Open Enrollment? Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15th to December 7th. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their health and prescription drug coverage for the upcoming year. This includes switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, changing Part D (prescription drug) plans, or even switching between Medicare Advantage Plans. With so many options and updates to plans each year, it’s crucial to review your coverage and see if your plan still meets your needs. Why It’s Important to Review Your Plan Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, changes to your plan’s premiums, co-pays, covered medications, and provider networks can have a big impact on your out-of-pocket costs. That’s why reviewing your options annually is so important. Making the right changes now can save you money and ensure you have the coverage you need. We’re Here to Help You Make the Best Choice The Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging is offering two walk-in Medicare Open Enrollment Clinics to assist you in navigating your options and making informed decisions. Our certified Medicare counselors are trained to provide unbiased, honest guidance and will work with you one-on-one to find the best plan for your situation. Here’s where you can find us: 📅 Monday, November 4th from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM Goodrich Memorial Library 202 Main Street, Newport, VT 📅 Wednesday, November 20th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM NVRH Conference Room 127 1315 Hospital Drive, St. Johnsbury, VT What to Bring To make the most of your visit, be sure to bring: Your red, white, and blue Medicare card. A list of your current medications and dosages. Any notices you’ve received from your current plan. No appointment is needed, and all our services are free. Our counselors will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option. We’re here to help you feel confident in your Medicare choices. If You Can’t Make It In Person… If attending one of our clinics isn’t convenient, don’t worry! You can call us at (802) 748-5182 or reach our helpline at (800) 642-5119 to speak with a Medicare counselor over the phone. We want to ensure every older Vermonter has access to the support and resources they need. Your Health, Your Choice Choosing a Medicare plan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your health. Let us help you find the right fit and feel good about your coverage for the coming year. Join us at one of our walk-in clinics, or give us a call. We’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. For more information, visit our website or stop by one of our walk-in clinics in November. We look forward to seeing you!
By Melinda Martin September 11, 2024
Your Voice, Your Impact: Help Shape the Future of Aging Services in the NEK
By Melinda Martin September 11, 2024
Call today!
Show More
Share by: