Sandwiches, Support & Summer Stories from NEKCOA - August 2025
Celebrating good food, great programs, and the joy of connection in the Northeast Kingdom
Sandwiches, Support & Summer Stories from NEKCOA – August 2025
August brings us sunny days, fresh-picked berries, and even a reason to celebrate sandwiches. It’s National Sandwich Month, and here at the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging, we’re combining good food with good news about the programs and people making a difference across Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties.
🥪 Rethinking the Sandwich – Hazel Style
This month’s featured nutrition tip from Alicia Armstrong, RDN, invites us to think beyond deli meat. Instead, try simple, wholesome fillings like:
- Tuna salad made with olive oil, herbs, and chopped veggies
- Egg salad flavored with garlic powder and herbs
- Chicken salad with grapes and walnuts
Her favorite base? Ezekiel sprouted grain bread—great for open-faced sandwiches or little lunchbox stacks.
Speaking of lunchboxes, Alicia’s daughter Hazel has a favorite: unsalted Teddie peanut butter and blueberry fruit spread. She even danced in the rain after picking her first ripe blackberry of the season. Now that’s a joyful meal.
🧭 Celebrating 60 Years of Aging Support
Did you know that Area Agencies on Aging have been serving older adults for 60 years?
NEKCOA is proud to be part of that legacy, offering trusted, local support to help older Vermonters live with dignity, choice, and connection. We’re here to help with:
- Information and referral services (like 3SquaresVT and fuel assistance)
- Case management
- Meals on Wheels and congregate meals
- Caregiver support and respite
- Medicare counseling
- Tech assistance
- Volunteer opportunities
Call us at 1-800-642-5119 to get started or refer a friend who may need help. You don’t have to navigate aging alone.
🐶 National Dog Day – August 26
Pets aren’t just companions—they’re family. On National Dog Day (August 26), we’re highlighting our Pets for Life program, which provides pet food, litter, hay, and other supplies to help seniors care for their beloved animals at home.
This program is 100% donor-funded, and without community support, it won’t continue. Help us keep pets and people together—donate at nekcouncil.org/donate.
🧠 Learn Something New with GetSetUp
Whether you want to explore photography, stretch with chair yoga, or master your smartphone, GetSetUp offers free, live online classes for older adults—all from the comfort of home.
Visit getsetup.io/partner/vermont to get started. Need help signing up? Call us—we’ll walk you through it.
💬 Share Your Story
Has a Meals on Wheels driver brightened your day or helped when you needed it most? We’d love to hear from you.
Email mmartin@nekcouncil.org or call 1-800-642-5119 to share how NEKCOA has made an impact in your life. Your story may inspire others.
Whether it’s a good sandwich, a caring phone call, or a friendly volunteer visit—we believe small things add up to big support. Thank you for being part of the NEKCOA community.
