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Blackstone Council on Aging flags driver shortages, winter fuel assistance and fundraising plans
Summary
Director Maggie Gunderson told the Council on Aging the transportation program is seeking drivers, fuel assistance appointments are beginning, AARP-funded garden beds are being installed, and talks continue with Good Stuff Smokehouse about a December fundraiser.
At its Nov. 7 meeting the Town of Blackstone Council on Aging heard a report from Director Maggie Gunderson on staffing, services and community partnerships.
Gunderson said the transportation department is seeking additional drivers to avoid scheduling problems. "Our drivers are great guys," she said, but noted that manager Dennis has only a small pool of drivers and "if more than one needs a day off, he's then having trouble." The director said social-service coordinator Kayla attended the Massachusetts Association of Senior Centers meeting and that the fuel assistance season has begun; residents are asked to call ahead and book appointments.
Gunderson described several program and service updates: an AARP grant secured by Celeste in Parks & Recreation will fund raised garden beds for the Senior Center, planned to support the center’s nutrition work next spring; the painting class has moved to Diane's Artful Dodger studio; the first hair-and-nail event drew participants and a similar event is scheduled before Thanksgiving with provider Pam Smith; and staff are exploring a January podiatry service with TransCare of Milford that would bill Medicare for qualifying patients.
Gunderson also described preliminary discussions with Dave and Megan of Good Stuff Smokehouse about hosting a fundraising night in early December where a percentage of proceeds would go to helping seniors; details were not finalized and the center will coordinate publicity and logistics when dates are set. Gunderson reported the center’s recent shredding day served about 30 families.
Administrative items discussed included a continuing bylaws review, a friends-group raffle and outreach plans, and scheduling of upcoming trips (tree lighting, Blythewold, Blink Out Blackstone, mansion tours). The board approved the previous meeting’s minutes and adjourned; its next meeting is Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.
