Did you know that Amherst was voted by Money magazine
(click
here) as one of the top ten places to retire in the US? Amherst offers a beautiful New England setting full of traditional architecture, the beauty of a rural setting, and the amentias and resources of a college town. In fact, Amherst is home to 3 colleges, and home of the Learning in Retirement program sponsored by the Five Colleges (Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith, and the University of Massachusetts).
Another great benefit of living in the Five College area is that bus service is FREE all during the school year for transport among the Five College area towns—Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Northampton, South Hadley, and Sunderland. During the off season, fares are half price for elders and disabled people. Nancy Pagano makes PVTA discount cards two times a year only; the schedule for 2001 is Tuesday, June 12 and Tuesday, July 10, 10 AM-noon. Call Nancy at 256-4057 to schedule your appointment.
Besides the cultural riches created by the surrounding colleges, Amherst has resources specifically aimed at the interests of elders. The Amherst Senior Center provides a focal point for information (and referrals as needed), as well as a wealth of Senior Center
activities.
Click here for a Directory of Senior Center
staff.
- Visit the Amherst Senior Center in the Bangs Community Center at 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002. If you need directions, call (413) 256-4057.
- Stay for hot lunch, served Monday - Friday (except holidays, of course) at 11:45 AM. This is a social event, as well as providing good nutrition. Menus for the coming week are included in the weekly schedule,
click here. Call by
11 AM the day before at 253-2486 to reserve your lunch.
- These same meals, plus bag suppers if needed and special menu variations for diabetics, are delivered around noon to people in their homes for a donation. Call Highland Valley Elder Services at 586-2000 to get this service started. We also have the Meals on Wheels program, prepared by UMass Dining Commons. These meals are delivered for dinner time, with a set cost of $4.00 a day for dinner and bag lunch. Call Barbara Slovin at 256-4057 to get on this program.
- While you’re at the Senior Center, pick up a current copy of The Senior Spirit and be sure your name is on the mailing list. The Senior Spirit is published every other month, and mailed free to residents of Amherst who are age 59 and over. Others may subscribe for only $10 a year. The Senior Spirit
contains—
-Details and schedules for all regular events such as
classes on fitness, watercolors, oil painting, tai chi,
computer skills and internet, Scrabble, bridge, Mah
Jongg, etc.
-Regularly scheduled health care such as blood
pressure clinic, nursing center, massage, foot care,
ear care, and acupuncture.
-Schedules for upcoming bus and van trips to
restaurants, beaches and beauty spots, concerts,
museums, etc.
-Articles and reminders about health news, insurance
changes, and workshops and seminars of special
interest to seniors.
-Notices of special events held at the Senior Center
such as luncheons, social gatherings, and musical
entertainment.
For a current schedule of events,
click here.
- Consultations regarding housing needs, Medicare, Medicaid, prescription insurance, and
medi-gap insurance are available at the Senior Center with our social worker, Barbara
Slovin. Call Barbara at 256-4057 to make an appointment. Barbara also counsels about personal issues—depression, grief, giving up driving, etc.
- Many groups meet at the Senior Center, such as Caregivers Support Group, Craft Club, and New Options Discussion group led by Bob Johnston. This group is so popular, it is advisable to check ahead to see if there will be enough seating. Details of the subject for each weekly discussion are in The Senior Spirit.
- The Senior Center publishes a list of merchants who offer
discounts to seniors—click here for your online copy. We also provide picture ID cards to help you get these discounts. Call Nancy Pagano at 256-4057 to make an appointment for your card
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he Amherst Senior Center 
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