Aging, Office for the (OFA)

Published on December 01, 2025

Download the December issue of our newsletter, The Buzz

A Message from the Office for the Aging Director

Dear Ulster County Older Adults!

Just because the snow flies, doesn’t mean we come to a halt!

We received the good news that Zumba will continue! I know a lot of you were concerned about that. Our Hub activities continue all year!

We will be having some holiday celebrations, a tea, a couple of midday dinners. We just began a new pilot program where we can set up live virtual tours to various places in the U.S. and other countries. We recently went to Dublin Ireland and New York City. It was lots of fun! Please note that many other places in the area offer dinners, activities, social events, and other holiday celebrations as well – your local libraries, senior centers and towns are good places to start – just take a look at their online calendars.

A few precautions to take for winter.

• Make sure your phone is charged if you know bad weather is coming – do you have gas in your car? Warm blankets? Water? A flashlight that works at home, and some shelf stable food and a can opener? And don’t forget plenty of water for drinking and washing.
• We will be offering a generator class on ways to be able to manage power outages soon, so stay tuned.
• The County always offers a place to go in case you need shelter, and if your home is too cold for you.
• Holidays got you down? Try reaching out to someone. Volunteer. Read to children. Have tea with a friend. Listen to favorite music. Read a book you love again. Go see a high school play (there’s lots of good drama clubs around!).

Sometimes folks struggle through the holidays. There are resources to help. Just reach out. Although holidays are always framed as cheery, warm and inviting, for many they are tough, especially if you are alone. We have things to do here – just call!

If you live alone and would like to receive a friendly call from one of our volunteers each week, call our office.

And everyone stay warm, toasty and safe! Winter is upon us!

In health,

Susan Koppenhaver
Director, Ulster County Office for Aging