At the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Marion Council on Aging (FMCOA) held on September 30, 2019, there was an abundance of gratitude expressed for the generosity of donors, who helped the Friends meet its fundraising goal to replace cubicles and with floor-to-ceiling walls, providing offices with much needed and required privacy. Additionally, appreciation was expressed to many who have contributed to the COA’s success over the past year: first to Karen Greggory, Director of the COA and the COA staff, the many volunteers, Sean Cormier, the Town Facility Manager, to members of the Recreational Department for their compatibility and support, the Selectmen and Town Manager and to Bob Raymond, an Architect who has volunteered his expertise. Specific accomplishments and acknowledgements include the success of the FMCOA summer fundraiser (An Evening on Sippican Harbor), extensive COA programs and volunteer dedication, and the formal dedication and plaque acknowledging Friends of the Marion Visiting Nurse Association (FMVNA) for fully funding the folding floor-to-ceiling wall divider.
An AARP representative presented a plaque certifying that the Town of Marion has committed to becoming more age friendly under criteria established by AARP and the World Health Organization and is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. A grant from AARP has been received to assist in preparation and send out of an Age-Friendly Needs Assessment Survey to Marion citizens ages 55 and older during October. The ultimate goal is to continue to make Marion an even more livable for all ages with a focus on the Town’s anticipated aging and increasing over 55-year-old population.