By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough-The Marlborough Council on Aging (COA) has received a gift of $1,000 from Cummings Properties Employee Directed Giving Program to be used for the new senior center that is currently under construction at Ward Park. In a communication presented to the city council meeting at its Jan. 5. meeting, Mayor Arthur Vigeant stated that the generous donation will be used to purchase two ping pong tables, a sound system for the exercise room and supplies at the suggestion of Jennifer Claro, COA executive director.
Councilors accepted the donation from Cummings Properties, which was made at the request of and in honor of Raymond Forse of Marlborough.
James Confrey, the COA president, expressed his appreciation for the gift. Confrey, who is also a member of the new center’s building committee, confirmed the center is on target to open in late February in its new Ward Park location.
“We toured the new senior center last month and were impressed with the progress being made,” he said. “The many new additions to our current offerings – an exercise room, a billiard room, computer lab, a library, and a multipurpose community room that can accommodate over 300 people will add many more fulfilling activities for our seniors.”
“Electrical and plumbing work and painting the inside of the building are currently being completed,” said Confrey. “It has been a great experience working with so many knowledgeable people on the building committee – all having the best interests for the people of Marlborough.”
When the current center at 240 Main St. is vacated, Bay Path Elder Services will establish office space and staff there to expand supportive services. Under the terms of an agreement accepted by the Marlborough Community Development Authority (MCDA) Housing Division, Bay Path will provide on-site support 24 hours a day to seniors located at the three senior housing facilities at 250 Main St. Bolton Street and Pleasant Street.
Supportive services to residents include care management, homemaker services, personal care, medical transportation, social activities, and meals programs. Bay Path has also expressed an interest in leasing the full space currently occupied by the senior center, according to Douglas Bushman, Marlborough’s Housing Director.
