HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-11-06-COA-min-attachCopy of letter sent to Nancy Adler on 10/22/13
To: Nancy Adler
Chairman, Lexington Council on Aging
Dear Nancy,
Lexington Senior citizens look forward to participating in the Community Center and
appreciate your efforts in support of first rate programs for Seniors. For almost two
decades senior programs have been carried out under Human Services, an arrangement
that has not served Lexington Seniors well.
The Community Center Advisory Committee is currently working to identify space and
prioritize programs for the Community Center. We ask that you recommend to the
committee that the senior programs to be carried out in the Community Center be
removed from the Human Services Department and placed in a Department of Senior
Affairs.
The change would benefit the Town of Lexington and be fair to Seniors. Seniors
pparticipate in community center activities to improve t heir quality of life; for their social,
intellectual or physical well being. Persons who apply to the Human Service Department
do so on the basis of need; for youth and family services, tax relief, housing,special
needs, veterans services, etc. The type of leadership required is quite different. Educated,
experienced seniors should have a collaborative type leadership to ensure their success in
the new community center.
The number and age distribution of seniors is also relevant. According to the 2012 town
census, persons 60 and over, 8226, make up 25 % of Lexington residents.It is of interest
to note the senior age distribution: 46% are between the ages of 60 and 69, while persons
of age greater than 90 represent 6 % of the senior population. This should influence the
type of programs, facilities and hours of operation.
Seniors seek your help and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter with
you.
Seniors for a successful Community Center
Rita Sagalyn 3109 Main Campus Drive, Lexington,MA
Dorothy Tutko 16 Smith Avenue, Lexington,MA
Arlayne Peterson 12 Turning Mill Road, Lexington, MA