![](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/blog-images/Dean-Lagrotteria-Elder-Protective-Services.jpg)
LifePath’s Dean Lagrotteria on WHAI
On June 10, 2024, Dean Lagrotteria, LifePath Elder Protective Services Regional Program Director for Berkshire and Franklin counties and the North Quabbin area, spoke with Nick Danjer on radio station WHAI.
Community Engagement Center (CEC) Donations: What We Need
Donations of the following items for the Community Engagement Center are welcomed.
Different textured balls (dryer balls, tennis balls, wiffle balls, etc.) Different textured fabrics Art supplies Yarn Beads and jewelry-making supplies Large buttons for sorting Larger nuts and bolts for sorting, screwing together Musical instruments (bells, maracas, shakers, etc.) Simple adult coloring books Scarves for waving, dancing Table easels CDs with music from the 40s, 50s![Christopher Shepard (left), Mark Niemela (middle), and Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteer Linda Ackerman (right) at RegalCare on April 8, 2024.](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/blog-images/DSC_0066-1-scaled-e1718309230611.jpg)
How Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers Support Residents
Linda Ackerman, a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteer for the last 9 years, said she chose to introduce me to Christopher Shepard and Mark Niemela because they are “such fun.” Chris, 80, and Mark, 69, both enjoy chatting and share a love of music, which makes them excellent roommates at RegalCare, a long-term care facility in
![Money Management Volunteers Ken Heider (left) and Kelly Gagnon (right) facing the camera while standing on an outside walkway.](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/blog-images/money-management-kelly-gagnon-ken-heider.jpg)
Money Management Volunteers Kelly Gagnon and Ken Heider Love Seeing the Numbers Come Together for Their Clients
The Massachusetts Money Management Program (MMMP) has been helping adults over 60, and adults living with a disability, maintain their independence for 32 years. Without the program, many individuals would face food insecurity, financial exploitation, eviction, and premature institutionalization.
“LifePath’s Money Management program promotes and prolongs independent living for individuals over 60 who are at risk
![concert band playiing with "Concert for LifePath" banner](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/blog-images/NMH-Concert-Promo-e1706819072763.png)
Take Flight at Northfield Mount Hermon’s Free Concert, While Supporting Meals on Wheels!
For the twentieth year, the Northfield Mount Hermon Instrumental Ensembles will again host a benefit concert for LifePath’s Meals on Wheels program. The concert is scheduled for Sunday, February 18th, at 3 p.m., on the beautiful Northfield Mount Hermon campus in the Rhodes Arts Center, at 1 Lamplighter Way, Gill, MA. The concert is free
![James, 9, with his Grandma, Phyllis Sinclair](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/blog-images/James-and-Grandmajpg.jpg)
Older Relatives Raising Children: Many Local Options for Support Available
According to Jan Doody, Parent Educator & Grandparent Resource Coordinator at The United Arc, it is estimated that there are over 150 families in Franklin County in which an older relative is raising a child. Grandparents are often called upon to bring a grandchild into their home when the child’s parents are not able to
![(Left to right) Kathleen Augustine, Melissa Hatch, and Susan Arnold standing outside.](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/blog-images/DSC_0252-1.jpg)
Is It Possible To Love One’s Job? LifePath Employees Explain Why They Do.
On July 26, employees gathered at the LifePath offices in Greenfield to celebrate their coworkers’ milestones and enjoy some ice cream with all the fixings. When asked why she likes her job, Melissa Hatch, a ten-year LifePath veteran and Home Care Program Director said, “I have to start by giving credit to my incredible team.
![cartons of blueberries](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/Unorganized/pexels-veeterzy-70862.jpg)
Get $50 Worth of Farmer’s Market Coupons for Free!
Craving some fresh zucchini or ripe blueberries? LifePath will be distributing 625 free farmer’s market coupon booklets, worth $50 per person (up from $25 per person in previous years). One of these coupon booklets could be yours! The coupons are part of a program from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, designed to help older
![L. to R., front row: SHINE Graduates Marla Zlotnik, Martha Jamison, Kate DiSanto, Meg Ryan, Priscilla Phelps; L. to R., back row: SHINE Graduates Chad Hunter, Walter Valentin, Teddy Doucette. (Unable to attend: SHINE Graduate Ashley C. Fraga, CDP, Outreach Coordinator at the Easthampton Council on Aging and Enrichment Center.)](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/blog-images/shine-graduates-2023.jpg)
Graduates “SHINING” a Light on Medicare Options
On June 23, eight people celebrated their graduation from the SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) program at LifePath’s office in Greenfield. As newly-certified SHINE counselors, they will work in their own communities to provide free and unbiased health insurance information, education, and assistance services to Medicare beneficiaries and adults with disabilities. Lorraine
![Gina Govoni, Executive Director of the Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and Rural Development, Inc. (left), with Charity Day, Associate Director of Client Services at LifePath (right).](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/blog-images/DSC_0190.jpg)
Sanderson Place Affordable Senior Housing Celebrates Its Grand Opening: LifePath Provides Resident Support
On Friday, May 19, community members gathered on the back deck at 120 North Main Street in Sunderland to celebrate the grand opening of Sanderson Place, an affordable housing community. Standing in front of a backdrop of a beautiful, wind-blown field and trees, Gina Govoni, Executive Director of the Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment
![Older Americans Month 2023 Logo](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/Unorganized/OAMLogoRGB.png)
May is Older Americans Month, a Time to Celebrate Aging Unbound and Challenge the Status Quo!
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
This year’s theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore
![A nurse takes a patient's blood pressure](https://lifepathma.org/wp-content/uploads/blog-images/blood-pressure.jpg)
High Blood Pressure and Older Adults
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem that is common in older adults. Your body’s network of blood vessels, known as the vascular system, changes with age. Arteries get stiffer, causing blood pressure to go up. This can be true even for people who have heart-healthy habits and feel just fine. High