LYNN — Meegan Simpson-Best, the city’s director of elder services who runs the Lynn Senior Center, will be leaving her position when her contract expires in June.
“It has been a phenomenal experience,” Simpson-Best said. “We’ve watched the senior center move forward and grow in a lot of ways. Programming and attendance have increased significantly.”
Simpson-Best said the second floor of the senior center, which opened on Friend Street in 2022, is now open and includes a game room, computer lab, rooftop garden, exercise room, and meeting space. There is also a resource and relaxation room for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.
“We appreciate Meegan’s work with our seniors over the last three years and wish her well in her future endeavors,” Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said.
Daily attendance at the senior center averages from 60 to 75, with Bingo on Mondays and Wednesdays drawing the biggest crowds, Simpson-Best said. There are also monthly outings to casinos, restaurants, and other attractions.
Breakfast and lunch are served daily at the senior center, which is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., while some programs run until later in the day.
Simpson-Best has worked in human services for the last 30 years, including for the Mass. Department of Children and Families (DCF).
“Meegan is thoughtful, caring, and committed to making the Lynn Senior Center a welcoming place for all of our seniors. We appreciate all she has done to lead and grow the Senior Center,” said Lisa Tobin, director of public health.
“On behalf of the Council on Aging, sincere thanks to Meegan for her service to Lynn’s seniors. We wish her nothing but the best moving forward,” said Dianna Chakoutis, Council on Aging chair.
