Town of Shirley - Shirley, MA

To further inform the community, we used articles in the local newspaper and on SPACO tocommunicate programs and services available. Our thanks to SPACO and the local papers fortheir help and allowing us to use a lot of their valuable print space every week.We want to thank our Director, John Oelfke. We believe John has been a major asset to ourseniors in structuring new programs to meet their needs and providing information and counsel tothose seeking assistance. He has managed the development of new programs, the day-to-dayoperations of the center and the activities of Volunteers and employees to ensure a consistent andthorough approach to meeting the needs of seniors. Much of our funding comes from Grants anddonations which he manages for us.Due largely to the economy and the aging population, during 2012 the number of people usingMeals-on-Wheel grew by 30% and the ridership on the Senior MART Van expanded as well.Drivers (Bob and Doug Perry) and our dispatchers (Aida Dombrowski and Olga Pender) ensurethat the seniors get the best possible service when they need a ride. We also have an “Angels-on-Wheels” program, paid for by a grant and staffed by Volunteers to help get seniors to medicalappointments. Our Angels include; Greg Dining, Barbara Nole, Cathy Landry, Jo-Ellen Sheehanand Mary-lou Clark.None of this would have happened without the tireless commitment from all the council membersalong with support and generosity from our Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator, towndepartments, community organizations, support groups, generous vendors and our alwayswelcomed and needed volunteers and donors.Respectfully,Shirley Council on AgingJon Pender, ChairFrank Esielionis, Vice ChairBarbara Nole, SecretaryAl Chevrette, MemberRon Deyo, MemberRay Gagnon, MemberNancy Siedliski, MemberHarold Smith, MemberMarcia Sullivan, Member97