Council on Aging

Egremont Council on Aging Handicap Accessible Van

Download Your Copy of the Autumn 2023 Newsletter!

Fitness is on the mind of your Council on Aging, from improving your balance, getting out for a brisk walk (with a safety vest), and taking turns on the fitness stations installed at French Park (more below). There are also tips on staying protected from scams and, if you like to plan, the luncheon schedule and the programs planned for them.

Download the COA Autumn 2023 Newsletter (PDF)

Adult Fitness Playground Has Arrived at French Park: First 5 Stations Installed 

An adult fitness playground enabled by donations to the Council on Aging will be installed at French Park starting in September. Nine fitness stations will be placed in a line behind the children's playground and the smaller pavilion. The equipment will include a ski walker, a chest press/lateral pull, a hip twister, an exercise bike, a double leg press, a pommel horse, a self-weighted rower, and a balance beam. The equipment images below suggest how some of the stations will look. The equipment emphasizes core muscle strength and activities to increase flexibility and aerobics.

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Regular Meetings

The Council meets at 12:30 PM on the first Wednesday of each month.

Agendas & Minutes

View Most Recent Agenda and Minutes

Members

  • Donna Bersch-Gordon
  • Bruce Bernstein, Associate Member
  • Robin Goldberg
  • Georgette Kinney, Chairman
  • Pamela Knowles
  • Peg Muskrat, Administrative Assistant
  • Jo Ann Rock
  • Linda Warner

Events

Coffee Hour

Coffee Hours are held on the first and fourth Thursdays of every month at Mom's Country Cafe, 65 Main St., South Egremont.  Drop in anytime between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. All are welcome to join for interesting and diverse conservation. It's a great way to connect with your neighbors, those you know, and those you don't know.

Luncheons

"Grab 'N Go" Luncheons (from GB Bagel) are held on the first Wednesday of every month at The Barn, 17 Main Street (Rt. 23), South Egremont. 

So we can be sure we have enough food, please call and let us know you are coming.  528- 0182 x 16.  As always, a $5.00 donation is appreciated to assist with costs.

Sand for Seniors

Sand for Senior lidded buckets are available for pickup outside the handicapped entrance to Town Hall. You can pick up your bucket at any time. You'll find a signup sheet above the stack of buckets. Please fill it in so the Council can keep track of buckets taken. If you have an empty bucket from last winter, you can drop it off at Town Hall. If you want the Council to deliver your bucket, please phone 413-528-0182 ext 16.

Senior Water Exercise at Simon's Rock

The popular water exercise class is back at the Kilpatrick Athletic Center at Simon's Rock, 84 Alford Rd., Great Barrington. Class times are Mondays and Fridays from 11:00 AM to Noon. The cost is $5.00 per class payable at the Front Desk.

Keep Walking Program

The COA received a grant from the State to promote a Keep Moving Walking Program. As we work toward developing safe indoor and outdoor spaces for year-round walking, please use our local French Park trails and those in our neighboring towns. The COA also reminds you to wear a Be Seen Be Safe vest when out. The vests are free and available at Town Hall or the Egremont Police Department.

More information on French Park and its trail system can be found on the Parks Page

Great Barrington Land Conservancy for the following trails

  • Riverfront
  • GB Trails and Greenways
  • Housatonic River Walks
  • Lake Mansfield
  • Pfeiffer Arboretum & Trail
  • Three Mile Hill Trail & CHP Walking Loop

Senior Transportation

Egremont's Transportation Department has received a 2019 Dodge Caravan Minivan (pictured at the top of page), a Berkshire Regional Transit Authority loan for use by Egremont's Council on Aging. Equipped to handle one wheelchair, the van will remain on load until Egremont receives its ordered van paid for by grant funds. Two drivers, CORI-checked and insured, will drive residents. 

Seniors from 55 years old and up and disabled residents from Egremont, Alford, and Mount Washington, can book rides from Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. 

The van will operate within Southern Berkshire County and Pittsfield. Traveling to Great Barrington and surrounding towns will be $5 each way; traveling to Pittsfield will be $10 each way. Email Melanie Vicneire, Transportation Department Administrator, or phone 413-528-01822 ext 25 from 9 AM - 2;30 PM to book rides. Please give 48 hours' notice when arranging a ride.

Check out Egremont's Transportation Department for general transportation activities and resources.

Helpful Transportation Websites:

Egremont's 2023 Taxi & Limousine Grant Renewed

Egremont's Taxi Grant to cover ride costs for those in need was renewed for 2023. The grant also includes residents in Alford and Mt. Washington. Taxi services will be available to drive adults over 55, veterans, disabled individuals, essential workers (medical, nursing home), and first responders. The grant covers the costs of these rides. Examples of rides include:

  • Non-emergency medical appointments
  • Grocery shopping and food pantries
  • Senior center
  • Job and job training sites
  • Adult care facilities

Trips can be state-wide and to Albany and Hudson, NY, and to Sharon, CT. Trips are subject the taxi company's hours of service.

The taxi companies will take all necessary COVID precautions.

Qualifying residents can schedule rides with Melanie Vicneire, Transportation Department Administrator, by phone at 413-528-0182 ext 25 or by emailing Melanie. Please book at least 48 hours in advance.

Microtransit Pilot Program

Egremont has agreed to participate in a pilot program with Great Barrington and Stockbridge to offer an on-demand transportation service to residents of any age. Trips are limited to the three towns (see exceptions below) and can be for any purpose.

What You Need to Know

The TriTown Connector runs 7 AM. to 8 PM. on weekdays and 8 AM to 8 PM on weekends. The weekend service schedule runs on most holidays. There is no service on Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter. Visit the TriTown Connector website for more information.

Fares

  • For non-residents, travel within one town is $3.50; between towns, $5.00.
  • For residents, travel within one town is $2.00; between towns, $3.50.
  • Seniors (over 60) may purchase a discounted book of tickets for 10 one-way rides at the Claire Teague Senior Center transportation office, Great Barrington, on weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM. Ticket books may also be purchased (by seniors) on the vans. Books within one town are $15.00, and multi-town trips are $25.00 (approximately 29% discount).
  • Rides are available (for seniors only) to Monterey and New Marlborough for $10.00 (round trip), but only from 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday.
  • Rides (for seniors only) to medical appointments in Pittsfield are $15.00 (round trip) but only from 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday.
  • Payment is by cash or check; no digital payment yet. 

The vans can be requested up to 30 minutes in advance by calling 413-591-3826. People must use the program's app to schedule during the weekend. 

Egremont Information Sources

Created by residents and primarily for residents, the Google listservs, NeightborsNet, and Egremont Discussion can provide practical neighbor-to-neighbor assistance, the sharing of local events, and in-depth exchanges on topics affecting Egremont. 

To join NeighborNet, email Marj Wexler.
To join Egremont Discussion, email Bruce Bernstein

The listservs are not controlled, maintained, or regulated by the Town of Egremont. The Town is not responsible for the content.