Welcome to Athol Senior Center
&
Athol Council on Aging
Senior Center Scheduled Program Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Closed Fridays
Additional hours by Appointment
May is Older American Month
NEW!! Peer to Peer Tech Group
See the Events and Activities page for more information
Portable Wifi Hotspots Available
Applications being accepted now
The Athol Public Library and the Athol Council on Aging are excited to announce the availability of 50 new portable wifi hotspots, free for the public to use.
So, what is a hotspot? A wifi hotspot is a device that lets you connect phones, tablets, computers, and other devices to the internet when you’re on the go. You can carry it with you and get wifi on the bus, in the car, in the woods, (and in your home, too). Each hotspot can provide connectivity for approximately ten devices, and has enough power for zoom calls, homework assignments, and streaming video.
The library has been successfully lending hotspots since 2021, and demand has been very high. “We typically have a waiting list, and patrons tell us that the wifi hotspots have made their lives much easier. It is terrific to have so many more to lend!” says Jean Shaughnessy, Director of the Athol Public Library.
The library’s 15 pre-existing hotspots, originally made available through a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, go out for three weeks at a time. Anyone over 18 is eligible to borrow them.
This new group of hotspots, made possible by a grant funded by ARPA through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs for the purpose of Enhancing Digital Literacy for Older Adults, is available to area residents 60 and older, and may be borrowed continuously from now through the end of November 2024.
Frequent hotspot users have said that being able to borrow the device from the library has saved them money and made it possible for them to productively work from home and homeschool their children. The hotspots have also been essential for folks who live in nearby towns where it just isn’t possible to purchase strong enough home internet.
According to Assistant Director Robin Shtulman, “We are really excited about this grant because it allows us to lend wifi hotspots to eligible applicants for the entire period from now through the end of November 2024, at no charge. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to pick up an application at either the Council on Aging or the Library. Applications for long-term wifi hotspots are being accepted now and will be approved on a rolling basis.”
If you want to borrow a hotspot for three weeks, simply visit the library for details.
For more information on any of the programs or services being offered please contact the Athol Council on Aging, 82 Freedom St., 978-249-8986, or the Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., 978-249-9515.
Posted: to Athol Library News on Wed, Jan 17, 2024
Updated: Wed, Jan 17, 2024
The Athol Council on Aging (COA) and the Athol Public Library(APL) have an exciting announcement for anyone 60+ who is struggling (or has ever struggled) to make sense of the
internet, their smartphone, iPad or other devices.
For more information see the
Events and Activities page.
One-on-One Technology Assistance
Felicia will be available to assist those needing help with their cell phone and/or tablet devices. You may schedule an available Monday appointment by calling 978-249-8986. You are always able to schedule return appointments should you need more help.
Fuel Assistance Application time is upon us!
MOC is now mailing Renewal Applications to those who received benefits last season.
We are making a list of all who need help with applications with renewals being done first.
PLEASE call us at 978-249-8986 to be added to the list and we will call you to make an appointment to help with your renewal or application.
Free At-Home COVID Test Kits
Beginning September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Before You Throw Out “Expired” Tests: Check FDA’s website to see if your COVID-19 tests’ expiration dates have been extended.
To order your free test kits go to https://www.covid.gov/tests
or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Brown Bag Pick-up Time Change
Starting with our Brown Bag Distribution on September 20, pickup time will be from 12 noon to 1 PM. The truck will not be arriving here until around 11:30.
New Medicare Card Scam
Click here for more information on the News Page.
Changes to DTA/SNAP Benefits
Federal COVID-19 SNAP Emergency Allotments recently ended and on March 2nd households received their final federal COVID-19 SNAP benefit. You may be able to take advantage of a Medical Expenses Deduction to increase your benefit. Forms for this benefit are available at Athol Senior Center by appointment or online at:
https://www.mass.gov/lists/out-of-pocket-medical-expenses-form
Bingo is BACK!!!
See the Events and Activities page for more information
Grief Support Group for Elders
Watch for more information about future meetings.
North Quabbin Memory Cafe
This new program will offer a monthly meeting place for individuals living with changes in their thinking or memory, mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease or a related disorder.
For more information, see the Events and Activites page.
There is a lot going on at Athol Senior Center.
Please check out the Events and Activities Page so you won’t miss out!!
Department of Transitional Assistance Warnings
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) has issued warnings to DTA (SNAP) clients regarding skimming and phishing scams that have impacted some residents. For more information, see the NEWS page.
20% Senior Discount on Food Products at Ocean State Job Lot in Athol, Mondays from 8 to 9 AM.
Congregate Lunches
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at noon.
Watch for menu information. Please call the Council on Aging at 978-249-8986
by 9:00 AM the day before to make your reservation.
Suggested donation: $3.00 per person
COVID-19 Test Kits are presently available at the Athol Senior Center. Ask at the front desk!
