Our History and Vision

SAC LETTER TO COMMUNITY 2023

Dear Friends

In the interest of engaging the community in what we believe is a critical conversation, the Senior Advisory Committee (SAC) wishes to address fellow Islanders about the needs of seniors in our midst and about the role that SAC plays in responding to them.

Our History:

Created in 2007, the Senior Advisory Committee is charged by the Town of New Shoreham with providing for the needs of Island seniors. In those early years the committee focused on such issues as property tax relief, heating assistance, the need for a social worker, recreational activities and surveying the community to determine senior needs. During those early years the committee worked with a small budget to help with some administrative expenses. In 2010-2011 SAC successfully established the position of Senior Coordinator. It was initially filled by Kathleen Mitchell, followed by Anna Christina Rogers, Gloria Redlich and now our current coordinator, Jayme Hennessey.

Our Mission

SAC will work to sustain seniors within their Island homes and community for as long as possible and to create opportunities for improving quality of life for them within the community.

Our goals increasingly focus on the following areas and issues: Caregivers: We work to match families with this service. While we do have five or six fine local caregivers, we have reached a near crisis point in our ability to bring this critical resource to all seniors who need them.

Among the programs we have developed we are most proud of the Senior Ride Service (SRS). With seniors facing challenges of isolation/loneliness, a transportation service allowing them to get out of their homes, make appointments, meet friends and run errands is critical in supporting their independence.

To enhance quality of senior life, for years we have run a series of programs: educational, cultural, recreational, nutritional and social. We have sponsored weekly luncheons (the Lunch Bunch and Soup Group). These programs have been reconfigured under COVID to monthly delivered meals—to some 70 households. For three summers before COVID we sponsored excursions to the Matunuck Theatre by the Sea, taking 60 to 90 folks to two productions each year. Starting 2022 these events were again in-person.

We have co-sponsored programs with the Alzheimer’s and the Parkinson Associations as well as with Tri- County Community Action Agency in South County. We have worked, too, with the Contemporary Theatre Company of Wakefield to offer an interactive program for cognitively challenged folks.

Ongoing groups include Memoir Writing and Book Groups, Tai Chi, Seated Strengthening Exercise, Walking programs and a caregiver support group led by a local counselor, one for caregivers. During COVID SAC ran these programs virtually, adding a food/cooking program featuring Island chefs sharing favorite recipes and a music program. These programs ran collaboratively with the Library, which has consistently supported SAC goals

October 2023

Established a Senior Center “Connections.” Senior centers serve as a “gateway to the aging network connecting older adults to vital community services” that can help them stay healthy and independent. Connections at the Community Center offers every Tuesday and Thursday a wide variety of programs, services, movies, musical programs, meal and nutrition events, information and assistance. A chance to keep active both mentally and physically helps seniors stay stronger allowing them to support independent living— especially during our winter months.

SAC worked towards and advocated for many years the establishment of a Director of Human Services. First a half time position held by Maryann Seebeck and now to a full time position, Kim Einloth. The island now has Human Service Department of which SAC would be but one component. For years, most of our seniors were relatively independent and seemed to require little assistance. As our senior population has dramatically grown and aged so has the need for many more senior services. For years there has never been any department dedicated to senior needs on Island. SAC has stepped in to fill some of the gaps, but a more structured department was required and through the establishment of a coalition working with other island services such as the Medical Center, Director of Human Services, NAMI-BI and other town resources.

An Adult Care Residence: to serve approximately seven or eight seniors or senior couples who can no longer manage within their own homes—to provide a facility functioning between assisted & independent living residences. We need this critical housing for caregivers as well. For a long time, the Town has faced the issue of inadequate housing for Town employees. With the development of such a residence we may resolve two prominent issues: housing for seniors unable to stay at home & housing for critical personnel—in caregiving & nursing, etc.

All town constituents need resources and services, promoting well-being and improving the quality of life for all including those of our senior citizens. Serving elders, who make up one third of our community, enriches our entire population. The time has come to make senior issues a priority.

In sharing this information with you we hope to expand your understanding of the Senior Advisory Committee, its role and its goals. We hope this knowledge will inspire you to join us in educating the community about senior issues and advocating for policies that will help provide the resources needed to address challenges and to sustain the senior population on the Island.

Sincerely yours,

Co-Chairs Sandra Kelly, Gail Pierce, Senior Coordinator, Jayme Hennessey, Members Betsey DeMaggio, Judy Fucci, Dottie Graham, Ann Henault, Debbie Martin, Chuck McMellon, Jennifer Phillips & Hillary Transue.