T O W N R E P O R T 2007 L U N E N B U R G - Town of Lunenburg

COUNCIL ON AGINGCouncils on Aging were established under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 section 8B to include “setting of local policy forthe administration of elder programs or services and to develop, coordinate and conduct such activities which advocate for elderissues”.In FY’07 the COA board members were: Sheila Lumi, Chairperson: Roland LeBlanc, Vice Chair; Theresa Longsjo Brackett, RobertFickett, Emily Foster, Edith Gay, Isabel Gallagher, Gloria O’Brien, Barbara Raboin, Rennie Shattuck and Judith Tarbell. The boardaccepted the resignation of Isabel Gallagher. Jane Doyle filled that position. The Council on Aging staff members were: JeanneDeBruin, Director; Susan Doherty, Secretary; Ruth Swiecicki, Meal Site Manager. Faith Anderson, the Outreach Coordinatorresigned in October 2006. Sue Carter Nelson became the Outreach Coordinator in June 2007. Other staff members are van driversGerald Beloin and Donald Paradise and George Pugsley, custodian. The Friends of the Eagle House, Inc., a non-profit 501c3organization, is the fundraising group for the senior center. In FY’07 they contributed $9888 beyond the Town budget towards acopy machine purchase, educational / recreational programming, newsletter mailing costs, internet monthly fees, Food SafetyTraining, garden maintenance, Nutrition Program donation, food items and the annual volunteer recognition. Other sources ofincome come from a state grant and the Montachusett Area Regional Transit Authority.Volunteers are the backbone of the center. Arnie Rill was honored for his 24 years delivering Meals on Wheels to Lunenburg elders.Fifty-five very dedicated people gave 3239 hours to the Eagle House. The value of these services is $39,125 using the states’ In-Kind calculation. Volunteer jobs range from Friendly Visitors, kitchen assistants, meals drivers, program facilitators, and groupswho collect toys for tots, knit items for the schools, a disabled children’s hospital, maternity wards, and collect and deliver itemsto the veteran’s hospitals. Elders not only volunteer at the senior center but many give of their time, talents and wisdom to theTown and other community organizations.As of October 2007 the Town census lists 2035 Lunenburg residents who are 60 years or older. In FY’07 the Council on Agingprovided 30,514 units of service to 953 individuals. Thirty-nine percent of those served were 75 years or older. The Older Americantheme this year was “Making Choices for a Healthier Future” Our seniors were able to do this through the many recreationalprograms which provide elders with opportunities to socialize with their peers, educational programs on health related issues, legalconcerns and in-home services and fitness programs providing suitable and varied physical activities.Many collaborative efforts brought new programs to our center. The Chair Moves and Artiste Palette program was arranged throughthe Fitchburg Art Museum. Montachusett Opportunity Council gave six weeks training for” Dealing with Chronic Illness”. Aprogram entitled “Taking Control of Your Future” through the Massachusetts Bar association gave elders the legal informationneeded to put their affairs in order. AARP provided free income tax assistance. Nashoba Nursing and Hospice conducted monthlyhealth clinics including the Flu vaccinations. Bob Gniot produced a moving pictorial program of Arlington National Cemeteryhonoring our veterans. Intergenerational programs such as the Elementary School Pen Pal letter exchange, the high school StudentCouncil Senior Prom for Senior Citizens, the high school WWII discussion group, and the student lead computer assistance classescontinue.Outreach is offered through home visits, Are You Okay telephone support program in cooperation with the Police Department,Friendly Visitor program, program eligibility applications elder at risk reports, and information and referrals. The annual Health andWellness Fair brings 30 agencies to the center offering a multitude of free screenings, programs and informational services. If youor family members need information or a home visit please contact our Outreach Coordinator.The mission of the Council on Aging is to advocate for improved quality of life for all seniors through supportive services,programs and education. The center is open Monday –Friday from 8AM to 4PM. Anyone who wishes to volunteer please contact thesenior center at (978)582-4166.