COA

Two millage-renewal requests sought by two county agencies were passed by St. Joseph County voters Tuesday. The St. Joseph County Road Commission was successful in its request for a 10-year renewal of 1 mill to maintain $2.5 million annually. The road millage has been in place since 1994 and a renewal request has passed every decade since. Nearly a quarter …

St. Joseph County Commission on Aging may be forced to raise monthly rent of its tenants at Rivers Enrichment Center in Three Rivers to cover an unexpected hike in utilities. COA director Pam Riley told commissioners during their executive committee meeting Wednesday that the cost for water and sewer services from the city of Three Rivers is expected to increase …

St. Joseph County Commission on Aging Executive Director Pam Riley brought up the issue of security deposits and a separate pet deposit during the county’s executive committee meeting Wednesday. Riley said both are on her radar in light of recent events. Riley said 14 residents have pets, which are limited to cats and dogs only. She said the COA facility …

After a one-year hiatus, the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging last week resumed a popular, annual event. The COA picnic took place Wednesday at Covered Bridge Farm Park. It was the first major outing for local senior citizens under the COA auspices since the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown. Alex Kelley, COA life enrichment coordinator, said about 140 people …

With restrictions easing in relation to COVID-19, the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging wants to celebrate by offering something fun and different for its members, and really for any senior in the county who is eager to get out of the house and socialize with others. This desire led to working with a local family known for its “Open …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging is pleased to announce that Alex Kelley is the new Life Enrichment Coordinator for the COA. Kelley, a Sherwood resident, is a familiar face to COA members as she has been the receptionist at the Oaks Enrichment Center in Sturgis since May 2018. Kelley, who attended Burr Oak High School and Glen Oaks …

In honor of Arbor Day, the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging invited Carolyn Grace from the St Joseph County Conservation District and Ashley Ives, a Farm Bill Specialist from the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to visit our Enrichment Centers on Thursday, April 29. In addition to giving away white pines to our COA members, Carolyn …

St. Joseph County Commission on Aging has reopened in-person activities at its centers in Sturgis and Three Rivers. COA executive director Pam Riley said the sites re-opened March 15 and so far, all is going well, she noted. Limited activities include exercise classes and bingo at both locations. The agency is adhering to a limited capacity of 25 percent per …

Both enrichment centers of St. Joseph County Commission on Aging plan to reopen July 1, following adoption of a plan Wednesday by the COA board. Due to safety and health concerns, guests will be asked health-screening questions and have their temperature checked. All seniors and staff members will be required to wear a mask if medically able. Also, class sizes …

St. Joseph County Commission On Aging offices are closed to comply with the governor’s executive order. The measure also affects COA’s enrichment centers in Three Rivers and Sturgis, as all activities and programs will continue to be canceled at both centers. COA will be providing critical services of Meals on Wheels delivery once per week and personal care once per …