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

Blog Post

NEK Council on Aging Celebrates May as Older Americans Month

Mel Reis • May 6, 2019

When we address the needs of older Vermonters, we improve the lives of all Vermonters.

In 1965, Congress enacted the Older Americans Act, which established the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) and state agencies on aging to address the social needs of older Americans. The Act is considered the major vehicle for promoting the delivery of social services to the aging population and provides a majority of the funding for the five Vermont Area Agencies on Aging to deliver a vast array of programs and services to area Vermonters. The Act is up for re-authorization in 2019 and hopes are that it will pass unanimously, just as it did during its last re-authorization in 2016.

To draw awareness to the value of the Older Americans Act, the month of May is designated National Older Americans Month. The theme this year is Connect, Create, and Contribute.

“The Older Americans Act funds programs that allow older Americans to live in their homes as they age. The Act supports nutritional programs such as Meals on Wheels, wellness programs, transportation, care-giver support, in-home services for safety, chore services, information and referral services, and so much more,” said Meg Burmeister, Executive Director of the NEK Council on Aging.

“All Vermonters are aging, and we need Vermonters of every age to make our communities into the places we want to live,” said Burmeister. “Older Vermonters contribute to our state and local governments, own businesses, and provide care for younger family members. They provide knowledge and experience to younger generations, shop locally, enjoy local entertainment and recreation, and volunteer in our communities. We need to recognize the contributions that older Vermonters make and how they make Vermont the place where we all want to live.”

This year, the Council is celebrating 40 years of service to NEK communities.

“The NEK Council on Aging traces its roots to 1974 when the Northeastern Vermont Development Association secured a grant to launch Project Seniors in St. Johnsbury. This was the second program of its kind in the state and offered a gathering place for older Vermonters to share a meal and visit with their neighbors,” said Burmeister. “By 1979, with funding from the Older Americans Act, together with local and state resources, the program had grown to meet additional community needs in Caledonia, Orleans and Essex Counties. Civic leaders formed a Consumer Board to shepherd efforts to create the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging, Inc., a registered non-profit corporation doing business as the Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont.”

In addition to celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Council has a special fundraising event planned. They have invited the comedy and musical troupe Say It Forward Productions to present “Our Third Act – Stories of Grace and Inspiration” on Saturday, June 8th at 7 p.m. at the South Church in St. Johnsbury.

“This performance is meant to be a light-hearted and fun-filled evening for the whole family where we honor the stage in life that is often filled with gratitude, serenity, reflection, and wisdom,” said Burmeister. “We wish to invite everyone to join us as we honor our older friends and neighbors, some of our most independent, vibrant, and engaging community members.” Tickets are $15 each and available at www.catamountix.org.

For more information on the NEK Council on Aging’s programs and services, and to sign up for their quarterly newsletter, visit www.nekcouncil.org.

By Melinda Martin February 11, 2025
Heartfelt Health: Prioritizing Your Heart This February
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: