LYNN — At Wednesday morning’s Council on Aging meeting, members discussed exciting updates for the Lynn Senior Center.
Meegan Best, director of Elder Services, stated to the Council that with a grant from an opioid settlement that will go toward a grandparent support group.
“That has enabled us to apply for a staff person to be paid out of that,” Best said. “We are building a resource (and) relaxation room for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren on the second floor of the senior center.”
The room will be a support center that will include computers and printers for the grandparents to use.
Best also spoke on the SHINE program, where people volunteer to assist senior citizens to figure out what medicaid/medicare program is best for them. The program was based on helping elders decide what service suits their needs.
The center used to have a counselor, but they had to leave for family matters.
“We’ve reached out to a couple of local ASAPs, which are Aging Services Access Points, to inquire,” Best explained.
There is currently no one available to support the center.
“We’re going to continue to put out those feelers,” Best said.
Volunteers interested in supporting this initiative at the Lynn Senior Center can register for the mandatory training on the state’s website.
Chairman of The Friends of the Lynn Senior Center Calvin Anderson also discussed updates on the partnership with the Lynn Senior Center.
There is now a virtual form available in the the Friends newsletter.
“It’s a recruitment for new members, and importantly, donations,” Anderson said. “But we’ve added, at the bottom, wish lists and appreciation box.”
On the form, there are items that have already been donated to give an idea of what the Friends usually receive.
“Some postage stamps, pastel green paper, business-sized envelopes, holiday decorations, and bingo gifts, things like that.” Anderson stated.
He also shared, “We’re reaching more and more for sponsors.”
The Friends host a monthly birthday party with a cake for senior citizens, where any senior who had a birthday that month is celebrated.
The Friends of the Lynn Senior Center are seeking annual sponsors. If you are interested in partnering with them, contact Anderson at the number listed at the bottom of their digital newsletter.
In terms of the the Lynn Senior Center’s construction and space, Best said, ”I am happy to report that we have made leaps and bounds of growth with that.”
Part of the second floor is now being used for chair yoga, groups, and clubs, including decor club, chorus club, and photo club.
A new pool table has also been installed, and the game room is now officially open to visitors. Current hours of operation are Monday through Wednesday 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Additionally, the meeting included a discussion regarding the relaunch of the abatement program.
“We’ll be looking for additional volunteers to support second floor uses as well.” Best stated.
Dianna Chakoutis, chair of the Council on Aging, questioned: “Is there something we can do with the schools, say National Honor Society, or certain kids in there to help?”
Best noted that the center has utilized young volunteers for specific activities or to help, but they have never been put in a role of overseeing seniors. If high school volunteers were to be brought in for that, it would be students signing in people, and being able to call 911 in case of an emergency.
“Intergenerational interaction is very healthy for the older generations and the younger ones. There are kids who don’t have access to grandparents and would love to be around seniors,” Council member Jean-Marie Minton added, to which Best noted that they are currently doing a collaboration with RAW Arts and the seniors.
“We definitely support intergenerational activities,” Best said. “And as I said, we’re actively working on two right now with the Senior Center.”
