2009-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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Report of the Council on Aging To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens of the Town of Mashpee The Council on Aging and the Mashpee Senior Center are the organized commitment by the people of Mashpee to coordinate and to carry out health, welfare, educational, social and recreational services and programs for those in the population who are 59 1/2+. The Council on Aging may act as a direct provider, a sponsor or co-sponsor, or the originating source of information and referral. The Council on Aging met monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at 8:30 AM, usually at the Senior Center. The meeting was and is open to the public and, from time to time, residents from the Town attended and participated in the meeting. Election of officers was held at the annual meeting which occurred in July. At that meeting John Dorsey was elected Chairperson, Eugenia Noussee was re-elected Vice-Chairperson, Virginia McIntyre was elected Secretary and Marijo Gorney was elected as Treasurer. During the year, Ms. Marilynn Brooks and Mr. Frank Kelly resigned their respective position on the Council after serving admirably for several years. In June, Mr. Jack Jordan was appointed to the Council by the Selectmen. Town Clerk records indicated that there were 1,536 seniors in Mashpee in December of 1990 and 3,050 seniors as of the Year 2000 census. A check with the Town Clerk in December of 2009 showed a tally of 4,350 seniors, an increase of forty-four percent since the 2000 census. The I senior population of Mashpee continues to grow at a rapid rate with increased numbers predicted according to Barnstable County estimates as the "Boomers" have begun to retire. In 2009 the Friends of Mashpee Council on Aging continued their support both of the Council on Aging, the Senior Center and the community. The Friends of the Mashpee Council on Aging continue their valuable community service by providing clothing and other necessities for many of our townspeople through the operation of their Thrift Shop located opposite the Senior Center. The Council on Aging through the Mashpee Senior Center promoted a number of volunteer opportunities both at the Senior Center and throughout Town. Volunteers numbered in excess of 220 citizens. They brought diverse skills, talents and abilities and happily shared their energy and time with their neighbors, friends and fellow seniors. Among the many ways they shared their gifts were Friendly Visiting, Nutrition Site Assistance, Meals on Wheels, Transportation, Senior Dimension Mailing, Telefriend, Social Committee, Senior Orientation, Senior Center Clerical Tasks, Crafts, Art Lessons, Receptionists, School Volunteer, Mobile Library Services, Thrift Shop, SHINE Counseling, Exercise Programs, Weight Training, Senior Singers, Fuel Assistance, Tax Preparation, Computer Training, etc. If you are looking to share your skills, talents, and abilities come and visit the senior center where we offer these and other volunteer opportunities. In May, 2009, the Council on Aging recognized several volunteers for outstanding service at the Volunteer Luncheon. Over one hundred sixty seniors attended. The "Most Valuable Volunteer Award" went to the Social Committee for their many hours of volunteering during the past ten years offering a variety of social programs and parties enjoyed by diverse groups of seniors. The "Rookie of the Year" went to Margaret Jackson for her contributions to the Volunteer Driving 114