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Board Members:

Nancy P. Cabot	Board Member
Ann Nelson	Board Member
J. Skipper Manter	Board Member

Staff:

Joyce Albertine	Director
Ellen Reynolds	Outreach Coordinator
Tanya Larsen	Asst. Director
Bethany Hammond	Administrative Clerk

Purpose:
To identify the physical and social needs and interests of senior residents in the towns of West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah. This includes educating the community to these needs and to design, coordinate and implement programs and services for elder persons sixty years or age of older. Services are continually provided to improve the quality of life of elders by assisting them in remaining as physically mobile, mentally alert and socially active as possible.

Programs/Services
(for a complete list, schedules and contact information call 508-693-2896)

Free Blood Pressure Checks
Free blood pressure checks are held at the Howes House (Up-Island Council on Aging) every second Tuesday of the month, 11:30am-1:30pm.
Click here for the full island schedule.

Health Maintenance Programs:

• Free Monthly Blood Pressure Checks
• Monthly Hearing Services: Screenings and Repairs
• Health Talks
• Podiatry Clinic
• Annual Flu Shot
• Health Promotion Visits
• Medical Equpment available for use on a free-loan basis.
• Stretchercise - Tai Chi Chih - Yoga - Walking Group

Education and Consultations:

S.H.I.N.E.
Provides elders with free information, counseling and assistance on health insurance and health benefit options.

Tax Preparation Assistance
IRS Tax Aid Program Volunteers help to prepare simple state and federal tax forms.

Legal Services of Cape Cod and the Islands, Inc.
Free consultation with an Elder Law Project attorney.

Senior Guidance

Transportation Services:

The Lift - Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm. Providing transportation to Island destinations by prior arrangement. Nominal fee is charged.

Medivan to Boston Area - Transportation for seniors and handicapped individuals traveling off-island for medical appointments. Service available on Tuesdays (Wednesdays on a limited basis).

Vineyard Transit Authority - Fixed route public bus system. Year-round residents, 60 years of age or older can purchase an annual pass for $10.00 through the Up-Island Council on Aging.

Steamship Authority ID Cards - Available to people 65 years of age or older. Passenger tickets are half-fare. Residency requirements apply.

Meal Programs:

Senior Dining Program - Thursdays at 12:30pm at Howes House. Reservations must be made by 10am of the previous day. $2.00 donation is requested.

Wednesday Lunch - Seniors are invited to bring a brown bag lunch on Wednesdays. The Council on Aging will provide beverage and dessert.

Monthly Luncheon - The Culinary Arts Department of the Regional High School provides a full course monthly luncheon during the school calendar year.

Surplus Food Distribution - The UICOA distributes surplus food sponsored by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education. Financial guidelines apply.

Useful Phone Numbers:

Elder Services of Cape Cod and the Islands - 508-693-4393
Hospice of Martha's Vineyard - 508-693-0189
Legal Services of Cape Cod and the Islands - 1-800-742-4107
The Lift and Medivan - 508-693-9440
South Shore Community Action Council (fuel assistance) - 508-746-6707
Vineyard Nursing Association - 508-693-6184

Elder Housing/Assisted Living Facilities/Nursing Homes

Island Elderly Housing, Inc. - 508-693-5880
Hillside Village - 508-693-7577
Woodside Village - 508-693-7555
Havenside Apartments - 508-693-2280
The Henrietta Brewer House - 508-693-4500
Long Hill - 508-627-7791
Windemere Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center - 508-696-6465

Council on Aging Bylaw