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
David Collins Member 2028
Mary Mosley Member 2027
Roy Rudolph Secretary & Treasurer 2026
VACANT Chair 2026
VACANT Member 2028

Council Meetings

Ashfield Council on Aging members meet monthly on the first Wednesday at 2:00 pm in the lower level of the Belding Memorial Library, 344 Main Street. These monthly meetings are open to the public.  

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

2026 Council Meeting Dates
January 7July TBD
February 4August TBD
March 11September TBD
April 1October TBD
May 6November TBD
June 3December TBD


Monthly Senior Lunches

The Council on Aging hosts monthly lunches for Ashfield seniors on the first Thursday of the month March through December, 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


Important Local Resources

The Senior Center

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. 

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.

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.

ReQuipment

REquipment is a durable medical equipment (DME) re-use program offering free refurbished wheelchairs, scooters, shower chairs and more to adults, children and elders living in Massachusetts. For further information on REquipment or to search their inventory list visit them at dmerequipment.org.