Council on Aging director outlines staffing changes, new van and May events

The City of Chicopee Council on Aging heard program and personnel updates at its May 13 meeting, where Director Sherry Manyak outlined upcoming events, staffing changes and facility developments.

Sherry Manyak reported that the center's nurse, Helen Biglin, has retired and that the receptionist, Sharon Brissette, also retired; the center will seek replacements and the nurse position will be converted to full time. She told the board the center's new van is now in service and has been wrapped with RiverMills signage; the vehicle will be dedicated in memory of Bob, the former transportation manager.

The director reviewed planned activities including an aging conference on May 16 (a catered lunch supported by Blue Cross), a successful Mother's Day breakfast, three summer concerts (each followed by dinner), a picnic, and a September carnival. She also said the Rotary Club has offered to sponsor a dinner, likely in July or August. Sherry said the staff is exploring expanded memory-group support and possible grant-funded work for the gardening club; the garden will continue to supply the kitchen.

Sherry described a nearby housing project: an eight-story apartment building intended primarily for low- and mid-income families. She said staff discovered an existing fence is on the neighboring property and that a shed will need to be moved three feet because it would otherwise be too close to the property line; she will meet with the property owner to discuss progress. She added the construction crew is the same group that built the RiverMills Assisted Living building.

The meeting minutes announce a ribbon cutting for the Veterans Memorial wall on May 23 at 2:30 p.m.; the minutes say all are welcome to attend. The minutes also note staff made a video of the Veterans wall for Harvey Lafleur, who recently died.

The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. The next Council on Aging meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 4:45 p.m.