A time to embrace. A good problem.
Yes, working toward an expanded Senior Center for Ashfield, Buckland and Shelburne’s older adults is due to a good problem. For 35 years, these three towns have worked in a cooperative fashion, offering vital services and enriching programs.
As director of the Senior Center for the past seven years, I have appreciated this joint effort. Due to the huge success of these efforts, the number of adults contributing to and availing themselves to the programs and services has outgrown the current space.
More than 20 sites have been researched. Which neighborhood will be the one to embrace its older residents and make them feel like a valuable part of the community? Two years of steady, hard work, including thousands of volunteer hours, has been productive.
Some feel the process is too slow. Doing due diligence, following legal and public input, the process takes time. The Expansion Committee is watching out for your tax dollars by finding the best solution for the lowest cost. Major fundraising, though not normally a part of municipal projects, is a key ingredient in this recipe for success, and the Senior Center Foundation is making serious plans to accomplish this goal.
Recently, some Ashfield officials questioned this process. Though they are investigating a local option, any decision to withdraw from the consortium would be up to the residents by vote at their annual town meeting, then giving a one-year notice.
Two years and so much accomplished. How long have towns worked on Wi-Fi, town garages, police stations? Would you buy a house before an inspection, getting the mortgage or forming an agreement with co-owners? The Expansion Committee has been preparing public presentations for this fall with updated information. Stay tuned for some exciting developments and remember, together we are stronger than one.
Cathleen Buntin
Charlemont