In Nahant, bus stops for seniors

NAHANT – Nahant seniors can look forward to a smooth ride in a new Council on Aging van.They received a 14-passenger van with the face value of $62,628 with room for three wheelchairs and air-conditioning. The van has been decorated with a somewhat fishy theme to it, as children from the summer program at the Recreation Department and from the Johnson School, with the assistance of artist Heather Goodwin, helped to paint fish on the side of the vehicle.Donna Hanlon, 64, said the fish detail makes the motor vehicle Nahant-ish.?It makes it cozy and personal,” Hanlon said. “It?ll also ride smoothly and be nice not to have bumps.”The former van, which was provided by Greater Lynn Senior Services, was older and had shock and suspension spring issues, according to Linda Peterson, executive director of the Nahant council.Selectman Michael Manning, who attended the unveiling ceremony, said a reliable means of transportation makes all the difference.?It?s always a delight to see seniors up and about,” Manning said. “They don?t have to worry about driving or parking. They can do it as a group.”Seniors use the van for day trips to the Peabody Essex Museum; Museum of Fine Arts; to visit historical sites; and for errands, such as trips to the grocery store, pharmacy and bank, Manning said.Peterson said the fish symbols are appropriate for the coastal town of Nahant.?It gives it a little character,” Peterson said. “It doesn?t just read, ?Council on Aging.?”Peterson said the MBTA bus arrives twice in the morning and twice at night, but not in the afternoon when seniors are most likely to need service.?As seniors age, one of the things they lose is their ability to drive,” Peterson said. “They become isolated in Nahant. But this van will give seniors freedom to get out of their house.”She said the van is probably the single greatest need and one of the costliest items on any council?s budget.Peterson said while the face value was more than $60,000, Massachusetts Department of Transportation provided 80 percent – $50,102. She also said the town of Nahant paid $12,526 and $800 for the fish graphics – a total of $13,326.?Painting the van was one of my favorite experiences,” Goodwin said. “It brought joy to the kids who helped paint it, and it keeps bringing joy to the seniors who ride it and the people who see it every day. I feel so lucky for the opportunity to bring art and creativity to our community.”Goodwin can?t wait to wave to passengers on the van while it drives by.Phil Joyce, 81, said he looks forward to a softer transport.?I?m very excited,” he said. “The previous van was a rattled ride.”Joyce called the new vehicle “nice and clean.”Ione Hansell, 95, said the van came out super.?Everyone did a fantastic job on it,” she said.