In regards to the April 8 article on the hiring of the director of the Orange Council on Aging, the reporting structure of the COA (Council on Aging) is very clear, and the MCOA (MA COA) is the place to go for all this information. Every year, there is a conference where this information can be obtained. Each town must establish a COA. That is as far as it goes. The COA board oversees the director, evaluates them, and chooses the next one, with the vote from the Selectboard, as it does for board members. The director, in turn, hires (with Selectboard vote) any other personnel needed and also evaluates them. I have known the director for a long time, and am surprised that she and that the town didn’t know this. I hope the clarification will help the Senior Center/COA continue the great work they have done for so many years.
Heather Tower
Northfield