The Templeton Advisory Committee convened on September 18, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding senior services in the community. The meeting began with a call to Jackie Prime, who provided insights into the current challenges faced by the senior center.
Prime highlighted the fragmented nature of funding for senior services, describing it as a "patchwork." She noted that the senior center director currently works only 22 hours a week, which has led to difficulties in retaining this essential position. Prime emphasized the need for the role to be full-time to better serve the community's senior population.
In light of these challenges, Prime proposed seeking legislative support for dedicated funding. She mentioned discussions with State Representative Jonathan Zlotnick, who represents three towns, suggesting that a year-marked funding request could provide a more stable financial foundation for the senior center.
The committee's discussions underscored the importance of addressing funding issues to enhance the quality of services available to seniors in Templeton. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further exploration of legislative options to secure necessary resources for the senior center. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, aiming to develop a strategic approach to improve senior services in the community.