Other Area Senior Centers
Senior Centers around the state, just like MSAC, are all working hard to continue their responses and planning during the pandemic. Some have already opened, some are preparing to, and some will wait longer. To learn the status of meals, activities and any other updates from our neighboring senior centers, you can contact them or find them online:
Twin Valley Senior Center (East Montpelier), 802-223-3322, https://www.twinvalleyseniors.org/
Barre Area Senior Center, 802-479-9512, http://barreseniors.org/ (they have the most in-person activities of our region at this time)
Northfield Senior Center, (802) 485-8112, http://www.greaternorthfieldseniors.org/
Grants for Extending Broadband to Vermonters
Access to reliable internet is more important than ever during the pandemic as Vermonters need to learn and work remotely. Thousands of Vermonters without 25/3 Mbps broadband service live just beyond the reach of current cable and other Internet Service Providers’ networks. Help is now available. Grants of up to $3,000 are available to help consumers extend telecommunications lines to their homes.
For details about how to qualify for the Line Extension Customer Assistance Program (LECAP), call 800-622-4496 or visit the Line Extension Customer Assistance Program web page. The LECAP program is available to Vermonters who can demonstrate a COVID-19–related need, such as remote learning/telehealth/telework, lack of a minimum of 25/3 broadband internet service, and are “near net” for a cable video provider or other Internet Service Provider.
Consumers must request the line extension from the appropriate service provider and apply for the line extension financial assistance program from the Department of Public Service. Approval will be based on need, cost-effectiveness, and site-appropriateness of the line extension.
City of Montpelier is Hiring: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
City of Montpelier is Hiring: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER The City of Montpelier Vermont seeks a dynamic and energetic individual with strong customer service and communications skills to fill the full-time Executive Assistant to the City Manager position. The Executive Assistant serves as the first point of contact for the City Manager’s office and performs a variety of duties by providing administrative, analytical, and technical support to the City Manager and Management Team. The occupant of this position will communicate extensively with staff, department directors, elected officials, community organizations, consultants, volunteers, the press, and general public. Additionally, the Executive Assistant will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing activities and external communications. The Executive Assistant will perform general office administrative duties, respond to citizen inquiries, schedule events and meetings, monitor the City’s website and social media platforms, prepare and post City Council meeting agendas, and the City Manager’s Weekly Report. A bachelor’s degree or five years of increasingly responsible administrative experience, including two years of executive support; OR any combination of experience, education and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required is preferred. The salary range is $45,000 to $53,000 annually based on qualifications. The position is open until filled, active review of applications will begin by August 17, 2020. Please submit a cover letter and resume to tchambers@montpelier-vt.org. Montpelier is an equal opportunity employer. A full job description available at https://www.montpelier-vt.org/ExecutiveAssistant
Commodity Supplemental Food Program Online Application is Live!
A online application for CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) is now available. We hope this tool makes it easier/faster for people to sign up, and also for service providers to assist with enrollment.
You can find it, along with a printable paper application, on the VT Foodbank webpage: https://www.vtfoodbank.org/share-food/csfp
Travelers Circle Continues Online Sunday Nights
You’re invited (!!) to the Traveler’s Circle (tc), free travel storytelling, each Sunday at 8pm EST. Started in 1996 in Washington DC, tc is a friendly, informal way to share your stories or just listen. It started as a way to create community and also to encourage everyone, not just a few, to develop their own voice. T.C. often meets in Vermont (sometimes at MSAC in the past) and has now moved online to zoom interactive sessions. Email mark@vecotourism.org to receive a given week’s web link and password.
Older Announcements
Primary Voting Day Volunteers Needed to Support City Clerk’s Office on August 11
The City Clerk needs 4 folks a shift on August 11, in the following shifts (ideally):
6:30-9:00 am, 9 - Noon, 12:00-3:00 pm, 3:00-7:00 pm
The work will be checking people at a table and handing out the ballots. There will be some snacks and coffee provided. If interested, write your name in the appropriate slot on the Google sheet here, and it will be automatically saved:
"Grandparent Scam" on the Rise
Over the last month, The State of VT Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) has received an increase in reports of the “Grandparent” scam, and the office is notifying Vermonters through a scam alert, press release, and blog post. Please share this with other older Vermonters and their families, as we want to provide you with resources to share with your community members: https://blog.uvm.edu/cap/..
Crisis Support for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:
• Call your local mental health crisis line at 802-229-0591. (More info at https://www.wcmhs.org/services_category/crisis-services/ )
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line
. • For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide
. • See ways for Coping with Stress.
BIAVT and AT&T Present Free Tech Help | Tuesday, August 4 | 1:30-2:30 pm | Online
AT&T experts, in coordination with local Councils on Aging, host an interactive training session about how older adults can stay safe in a digital world while taking full advantage of the latest connected technology and devices. This will be a 20-30 minute presentation with time for a Question and Answer session to answer any and all device related questions. AT&T hosts for the event include Ryan Clark (Regional Director of VT External Affairs), Michael Hartigan (Director of Public Affairs - New England), and Shane Anderson (Montpelier, VT Store Manager). As life shifts online and we take advantage of connected technology like smart phones, tablets, and other devices to virtually engage with colleagues and loved ones, we all need to be aware of potential risks. The good news is we are here to provide simple, fast steps that we can all use to protect against scams, fraud, robocalling and more. This event is free, but donations are always welcome. Tickets will only be available until 10 am the morning of the event. https://www.classy.org/event/cyber-aware/e291203 You will receive a Zoom link via email the morning of the event. A password will be required!
If you have any questions, please reach out to: dani@biavt.org
Need Help With Using Online Meeting Platforms?
If you are feeling unsure of how to connect to Zoom, WebEx or other online platforms, Community of Vermont Elders (COVE) can help. We will set up a time to do a 1-on-1 call with you to help you navigate the system and learn how to connect. Online meeting platforms can be intimidating, and knowing how to do what and when can overwhelm any of us. Please reach out and we will set up a time to do a walk through and trial run on the system you are trying to use. Stay Connected! To set up a 1-on-1, email marichel@vermontelders.org or call (802) 595-9872 (leave a message if there is no answer).
Montpelier Mutual Aid - Here to help via phone or website request!
Remember, if you or someone you know needs help with grocery or prescription delivery, connecting with financial assistance, or other help during the pandemic, Montpelier Mutual Aid volunteers are trained to help or refer you to the right organization who can help. Their updated website is here: https://www.montpeliermutualaid.org/, and you can also be connected with them by phone by calling the Capstone number dedicated to Covid-19 response: Call line: 802-477-5160; Text line: 802-477-5130.
Montpelier Mutual Aid Update
Montpelier Mutual Aid has been overwhelmed by the support given to their organization and the amount of support they have been able to give to others. If you are interested in assistance use there Request Form or if you wish to be part of their continuing efforts to help those affected by Covid-19 visit their GoFundMe Page
Adult Protective Services: Filing reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation
VT Adult Protective Services (APS) continues to investigate allegations of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. If you are concerned— even if you have not directly witnessed or have first-hand evidence of maltreatment— please file a report with APS. How can I file a report? If you yourself are experiencing maltreatment or are concerned about someone you know, please report to APS via: • Online at: https://dlp.vermont.gov/aps/make-aps-report • Toll-free phone: (800) 564-1612 • Email: mailto:APS@vermont.gov
Navigating COVID-19 - Latest developments
We recommend following the current guidelines provided by the Vermont Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization. Their websites are as follows:
Vermont Dept of Health - https://www.healthvermont.gov/
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - https://www.cdc.gov/
World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int/
The Senior Help Line is coordinated by the Vermont Areas Agencies on Aging and can provide information and referral for caregiver support, health insurance counseling, transportation, senior nutrition programs including meals on wheels, adult day programs, home health services, housing alternatives, and exercise and wellness programs. The Senior Help Line number is 1-800-642-5119.