Watertown’s new Senior Center Director Anne-Marie Gagnon.
The new Senior Center Director, Anne-Marie Gagnon, is excited to be able to focus on one town after many years working for collaboratives which serve several communities.
Before coming to Watertown, Gagnon worked with HESCO (Health & Social Services Consortium Inc.) and Bay Path Elder Services before that. At one she worked with 12 communities, the other 8 communities, but now Gagnon has just one.
“On this side, I get to look at one town. I have the luxury of working to meet the needs of people in the community,” Gagnon said
Gagnon said will use her experience working to meet the needs of seniors in town.
“I’m used to working on a shoestring budget,” Gagnon said. “My experience allows me to see a gap and figure out how to fill it.”
Gagnon said she does not have plans for drastic changes at the Senior Center.
“I’ve been here two months, and I have taken over for a person who worked here for 22 years,” Gagnon said. “We will move the model forward.”
When she arrived, Gagnon said she found a dedicated staff, board of directors and Senior Center regulars.
“I really feel blessed with such a great staff,” Gagnon said. “They are well trained, well versed in Watertown and the people we serve. They are a great resource for me.”
That being said, she has already formed some new partnerships, including with Police Chief Michael Lawn, who will come to the Senior Center on a regular basis, Gagnon said.
She also spoke with Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Renee Gaudette about opportunities for intergenerational programs.
There are also opportunities for businesses and groups in town to get involved in the Senior Center.
“We are always looking for funding,” Gagnon said. “There is always the opportunity for community businesses to partner with us. We have movies on Thursdays, and it could be sponsored by business XYZ, and they could pay for the popcorn.”
Sponsors also cover the cost of the three big celebrations at the Senior Center: the Harvest Party in the fall, the Holiday Party and the Senior Center Birthday Celebration in June.
New Director Anne-Marie Gagnon found a dedicated and knowledgable staff when she arrived. Here Gagnon, far left, is show with, second from left Helena Cavallaro; Debbie Dunn, Program Coordinator; Joe Cavallaro, retired Senior Shuttle Driver; Rae Grassia, Principal Account Clerk; and Marina Kirsanova, Case Worker.
The popular Senior Shuttle, which takes seniors to local supermarkets and the malls, will continue. Gagnon said she has had requests for people living in Watertown Housing to have a bus to take them to the senior center. She is looking into whether that can be provided.
Seniors can also call the Senior Center if they need a ride to a medical appointment, Gagnon said. The center is also the place to go to learn about health care, and particularly Medicare benefits.
The center will continue to provide senior parking passes for municipal lots, and will coordinate the property tax work off program, where seniors give time to a town department in exchange for up to $750 off their tax bill.
Another program recently started at the Senior Center is a conversation group for Armenian speakers. The center also has a caseworker who speaks both Russian and Armenian.
The Senior Center is also the place for people who need help with electric or heating bills, and Gagnon will also oversee the Watertown Food Panty, run out of Grace Vision Church, 80 Mt. Auburn St.
The Senior Center serves anyone 60 and older, and in some cases their families.
“We are a good resource for people concerned about their elderly parents,” Gagnon said. “We have all kinds of services available.”
Gagnon wants every senior in town to feel welcome at the Senior Center, on Marshall Street.
“Whether we see you once, we are thrilled to see you, or whether you are here every day, that is what we are here for,” Gagnon said.
For more information about the Watertown Senior Center, or to request services, call 617-972-6490.
You have captured what we at the Senior Center like about Anne-Marie.