ANNUAL REPORT TOWN OF GRANBY MASSACHUSETTS FOR ...

effort to dredge Dufrense’s Pond. A new 8” water line has been
constructed from New Ludlow Road north onto Morgan Street.
Also, a new dog exercise park has been established at
Dufresne’s. Storm related clean-up following both Hurricane
Irene and the Halloween Blizzard provided ample challenges for
us all. As usual, we participated in the Mass. Association of
Conservation Commissioners annual meeting in March at Holy
Cross College in Worcester.
2011 has seen its share of Commission changes with Nancy
Milkey leaving after her three year appointment and was replaced
with Engineer David Washburn and Professor Amy Frary. Dave
is a retired Professional Engineer at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
service while Dr. Frary is a Professor of Plant Biology at Mount
Holyoke College. Nancy was relied upon to provide balanced
and valuable input on proposed projects. The Commission was
also most fortunate to have the services of Ms. June Hart this
year. June is a Masters Degree student at the University studying
environmental science. The Commission normally consists of
seven voting members and numerous associate members. The
Commission is currently seeking interested parties to serve. If
you are interested in becoming a part of our team, please contact
the Selectmen’s office. A list of current members, with contact
information is available at the Town Hall. The Commission holds
regularly scheduled public meetings on the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesdays
of each month unless otherwise posted.
Respectively submitted,
William Shaheen, Chairperson
Edward Chapdelaine, Vice-Chairperson
Patricia Kasulinous, Treasurer
Wenda Luff, Member
Amy Frary, Member
David Washburn, Member
Richard Gaj Sr., Associate Member
June Hart, Commission Intern
COUNCIL ON AGING
The Council on Aging is committed to enhancing the lives of
senior citizens, age 60 and older through services, programs and
activities that educate, assist and advocate on behalf of the
elderly.
The Council on Aging continues to join with various local
agencies to provide information and referrals to Granby’s
growing senior population. The latest Federal Census reports
1,262 elders residing in Granby.
Building on a strong base as the Town of Granby’s Social
Service Agency, assistance with fuel and the Food Pantry is
provided to a growing population of non-elders.
The Council on Aging continues to supplement the town
budget with alternate funding. The Formula Grant, as well as a
Title III-B grant through WestMass ElderCare, Inc. provide for
Outreach services and the Senior Nutrition Program. Beginning
in July 2011, the Nutrition Site Coordinator became a townfunded
position.
Satisfying the nutritional needs of Granby’s elder population
are accomplished through the Senior Nutrition Program, the
Brown Bag Program, Farmers Market Coupons, and the Produce
Bag Program, as well as access to the Food Pantry.
Identifying and meeting the health needs of Granby’s elder
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community continues to be a priority. On site foot care, twice
monthly blood pressure screenings (conducted by the Granby
Fire Department EMS), Osteoporosis exercise classes, indoor
walking, a WestMass ElderCare, Inc. sponsored program call “A
Matter of Balance”, SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance
Needs of Elders) are provided through the Council on Aging.
Additional healthy aging activities such as yoga and line dancing
are offered.
Recognizing the need for a strong social network, the Senior
Center offers weekly card games such as cribbage, pitch, bridge,
and canasta, as well as movies, bingo, a writing group, knitting
and the 1 st Annual Veteran’s Day Luncheon.
Keeping Granby’s elders informed and educated regarding
senior issues remains important to the Council on Aging.
Representatives Ellen Story and John Scibak, as well as James
Warren, Aide to Senator Gale Candaras are on hand monthly to
address topics of concern to our seniors. Other informational
programs offered are: “Taking Control of Your Future-A Legal
Checkup”, Choosing Proper Long-Term Care Solutions, as well
as Question and Answer sessions regarding Medicare Insurance.
The Friends of Granby’s Elderly, Inc. continued to provide
social events such as the Ice Cream Social, the Summer Picnic,
Tanglewood Bus Trip, as well as providing monthly Birthday
cakes to the Senior Nutrition Program and assisting with the
Annual Volunteer Evening of Appreciation.
The Granby S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement working
Together) Council continues to provide public safety
informational programs to Granby’s elders. Collaborating with
the Hampshire TRIAD, the Granby Fire and Police Departments,
this small group of volunteers provides house numbering, File of
Life packets, and a Home Safety Program. The S.A.L.T. Council
working with the Council on Aging sponsored an Emergency
Preparedness Program called the “Grab & Go Bag”. Bags were
given to our seniors with emphasis on properly preparing the bag
for a sudden emergency.
The Council on Aging newsletter, the “Gran Bee”, continues
to be a guide to Senior Center events and activities.
Unfortunately, due to budget restraints, the monthly newsletter
was no longer available by mail, yet placed in key locations
throughout Granby. The newsletter remains available by email
and on the Town website.
The 67 volunteers of the Council on Aging continue to be our
most valuable asset. This dedicated group donated over 9,942
hours of free time to the Senior Center.
The Council on Aging Executive Board of Directors,
comprised of 12 dedicated volunteers, lends support to the
Council on Aging Staff. The Council on Aging Board is as
follows:
Maureen Bail, Chairperson
Chief Russ Anderson, Vice-Chairperson
Beth Isabelle, Secretary
Richard Gaj, Sr.
Cynthia Custeau
Wayne Tack, Sr.
Alice Stewart
Carol Zebrowski
Lynn Trompke
William Kmelius
William Merullo