Sue ScheibleThe Patriot Ledger
SCITUATE – The Scituate Senior Center, described by director Linda Hayes Kelley as "the new heartbeat of the community," has won national recognition for excellence and the third anniversary in its new building.
State and local officials joined patrons of the center at a mid-day party last week that emphasized how growing older can be a time of new friendships, learning, and activities.
State Sen. Patrick O'Connor praised Scituate for setting standards of excellence and said the South Shore is a leader in how to engage and help residents over age 60.
"I think the South Shore is home to the best councils on aging and senior centers in the entire state, by far," O'Connor said.
The Weymouth Republican cited the investments that Scituate has made in its senior services over the past eight years since he took office. That includes opening the new senior center three years ago.
"It's like night and day," he said.
Scituate 1 of 10 senior centers in state with national accreditation
The council on aging recently learned the senior center had earned its national accreditation, after passing a rigorous review of its operations and future plans by the National Council on Aging.
Jodi Breidel, the state's new assistant secretary for community programs in the state Office of Elder Affairs, had high praise for the town. Scituate is one of only 10 senior centers, out of 350 in the state, to have received national accreditation, Breidel said.
"This (council on aging) is a beacon for residents, and because of the work you do here, residents are able to age with dignity and independence. You are a valued partner to the state."
O'Connor praised Scituate for providing seniors with "a community inside a community" at the center through its variety of programs, activities and social events, including a cafe.
"To all be with one another in such a remarkable space is something special," he said.
'Give my regrets to the chef'
Breidel said she was sorry not to meet the center's highly regarded chef, Fred Willette, of Cohasset, who was not there Friday. The weekday luncheon program has been a big success. Willette is widely known for his menus and his food preparation; reserved seats often fill up, especially on fish days.
More: Savory senior menus A gourmet $5 lunch at an unlikely South Shore spot
O'Connor called the national accreditation a testament to the hard work of Kelley, the staff and the council on aging board.
The National Council on Aging offers the accreditation program through its National Institute of Senior Centers. The process is considered long and rigorous, with much paperwork.
Other senior centers accredited between 2019 and 2023 in Massachusetts communities are in: Amesbury, Danvers, Duxbury, Framingham, Groton, Hingham, Marshfield, Plymouth and Rochester.
To become accredited, senior centers have to meet nine standards of operation showing they provide effective planning and services. The standards include community connections, administration and human resources, purpose and planning, program development, fiscal responsibility, records and reports, and facility and operations.
What can we do better?
J.D. Miller, chairman of the council on aging board, said the national review meant the center had to ask itself "What do we do, what can we do better, where are there problems, how to we improve and where will we be 3 to 5 years from now – what is our strategic plan?"
More: A new beginning Finishing touches put on Scituate's new senior center
Kelley thanked the staff, class instructors, program directors and the patrons for the "high level of energy" at the center. She also credited the people who served on the different accreditation subcommittees.
"We met the rigorous standards and it is a tremendous accomplishment," Kelley said.
The accreditation review praised Scituate for "staff responsiveness to the needs of the patrons and the community," Kelley said.
The reviewer, who visited Scituate for two days, cited the center's "wide range of programs, its comprehensive transportation services and the fabulous luncheon program and the landmark building and amenities.
'You keep them coming in'
"Our instructors, facilitators, program leaders and volunteers keep everyone coming in," Kelley said. "We are tremendously blessed to have all the people who work here too. The staff are dedicated and talented."
In a brief interview, Kelley said future goals include reaching out to more people who are isolated in their homes, expanding the lifelong learning program and more community feedback.
Select board members Susan Harrison and Karen Canfield, the liaison with the council on aging board, also gave their congratulations.
The celebration included two special cakes, seafood finger sandwiches, couscous salad, a raw bar, shrimp co*cktail from Mullaney's Seafood and piano music by Elmer "Al" Fricker.
