Council on Aging

Mission: The Ashfield Council on Aging works to enhance the lives of Ashfield seniors by providing meaningful social, educational, recreational and volunteer activities, that respond to the changing needs of the Ashfield senior population.

Vision: The Ashfield Council on Aging is dedicated to improving the lives of Ashfield seniors and serving as a local resource.  Both independently, and in cooperation with the Senior Center in Shelburne Falls, the Council will 1) design and implement support networks and services; 2) create life-enhancing workshops and classes; and 3) offer its services in a safe and congenial environment.

Members

Name Title Term
Douglas Field Chair 2024
David Collins   2025
Mary Mosley   2024
Wayne Wickland   2025
Janice Wright   2026

Council Meetings

Ashfield Council on Aging members meet monthly on the first Wednesday at 2:00 pm in the Town Hall, Lower Level. These monthly meetings are open to the public.  

Agendas and Minutes of past meetings are available in the online documents folder “Agendas & Minutes.”

2023 Council Meeting Dates

January 4, 2023July 5, 2023
February 1, 2023August 3, 2023
March 1, 2023September 6, 2023
April 5, 2023October 4, 2023
May 3, 2023November 1, 2023
May 31, 2023 (for June 2023)December 6, 2023


Monthly Senior Lunches

The Council on Aging hosts monthly lunches for Ashfield seniors on the first Thursday of the month, at the First Congregational Church (429 Main Street). Lunches are usually self-provided brown-bagged, with occasional holiday-related pot luck meals. Start time: 11:45 am. 

Senior Lunch


Senior Center Activities & Services

Ashfield shares a Senior Center with the towns of Buckland and Shelburne. It is located in the Masonic Lodge building at 7 Main Street, Shelburne Falls, on the street-level. Information about assistance to seniors, transportation coordination, a monthly newsletter, and much more can be found on the Center’s website. 


Important Local Resources

Ashfield Ambulance Association Medical Equipment Bank

The bank arranges for people to either borrow equipment or donate equipment to be borrowed for use by residents who may need special medical equipment. Such equipment includes wheelchairs, hospital beds, over-bed tables, commodes, raised toilet seats, shower chairs, crutches, canes, walkers, sock aides, adult diapers, chair cushions and more. Please contact Deb Scott (413) 628-4547 for more information.

Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA)

The FRTA currently serves 41 communities throughout Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester Counties. They can arrange transportation by request for elders and disabled residents, and, using a network of public and private transportation providers, can also offer Demand Response service. In order to qualify for these services, you must be 60 or older or have a significant mobility or functional impairment. Also, disabled customers must apply for eligibility through the FRTA under its ADA program. Visit the FRTA website for more information and to apply for Demand Response services, or phone (413) 774-2262.