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Survey finds interest in expanded senior-center hours, volunteers offer help; selectmen to coordinate with COA
Summary
A town survey showed demand for longer hours and more programming at the senior center; 43 respondents volunteered to help, and selectmen will work with the Council on Aging to expand offerings and consider regionalization with East Brookfield.
Selectmen reviewed results from a town survey about the senior center and heard that many respondents want expanded hours, an additional day and more activities. The board said the senior center is currently underused and that outreach and clearer communication of offerings are needed.
Staff said the survey returned responses from about 10% of recipients; among those who replied, more than half asked for added hours and additional activities such as bus trips, technology training (computer and internet safety), exercise classes and social events. The survey also produced 43 volunteers who provided contact information to help run programs.
Selectmen and COA staff said volunteers could help run programs but that a COA staff member must be present for oversight. Board members said they will meet with the Council on Aging to prioritize the easiest program additions and evaluate how to extend hours—potentially using volunteers to augment programming while preserving required COA staffing.
The board also discussed potential regional collaboration with East Brookfield for shared services or transportation (a van) and expected to meet in January or February to advance regionalization conversations.
