Uxbridge senior center highlights staffing, space and transportation limits and urges long‑term plan

The Uxbridge Select Board heard a detailed update April 28 from Senior Center Director Lisa and members of the Council on Aging, who described the center’s programs, unmet needs and a strategic plan for expanding services.

Lisa said the senior center serves residents aged 60 and over (and some younger disabled adults), provides daily lunches, group fitness classes, outreach and transportation. She told the board the center operates five vehicles for medical trips across the Blackstone Valley, Worcester and Providence and that two vans were obtained through grant funding. The lunch program serves freshly prepared meals five days a week but the center does not operate Meals on Wheels out of the facility.

Council on Aging members and clients who spoke said the center is crowded, frequently runs waiting lists for programs and lacks private office space for confidential outreach work. They urged the Select Board to prioritize staffing, budget increases and either an expansion or a new, purpose‑built facility. A number of speakers recommended McCluskey School and other town‑owned parcels as possible longer‑term locations, though several board members said they favor building a single‑purpose senior center designed for accessibility, parking and programming.

Lisa reviewed the UMass gerontology aging report and a draft strategic plan organized around purpose and community, governance and program planning, facility and marketing. Goals included integrating senior center needs into the annual budget process, expanding outreach and promoting tax-relief programs and a stronger volunteer and intergenerational program. Lisa and the council stressed opportunities to rebrand the center to broaden appeal, expand intergenerational activities and develop more daytime programming if additional staff and space were available.

Select Board members acknowledged the center’s contribution and recommended the board focus on three priorities moving forward: staff, budget and building. Members discussed the possibility of a phased approach at McCluskey School or building a new facility on other town-owned parcels near the high school. Board members told attendees they would explore options and encouraged continued public input.

Speakers emphasized that Uxbridge’s elderly population is growing, that many seniors are on fixed incomes and experience isolation; presenters and residents asked the town to consider expanding property tax relief programs and other targeted supports for older residents.

No formal action was taken during the presentation; the board directed staff to continue work on a strategic plan and to return with budgetary and facility options for future meetings.