Kathy Bowler, Holyoke Council on Aging

2006 Local Hero Awardee

Kathy Bowler, director of the Holyoke Council on Aging (COA), worked with CISA in 2005 to implement the first Senior FarmShare program in Holyoke. Twenty-five low income seniors took part. COA Health Promotion Coordinator Stephanie Bozigian-Merrick created a cookbook, a full-color calendar, and coordinated a day-trip to Riverland Farm in Sunderland to meet farmers Scott Reed and Ferdene Chin-Yee. Kathy and her staff coordinate “Senior Day at the Farmers’ Market,” and sponsor a CSA distribution site for city employees. By strengthening the connection between farmers and elder residents of Holyoke, Kathy is strengthening our local economy and community.