The Shirley Council on Aging has received a significant boost in the form of $15,000 in state funding aimed at updating its kitchen facilities. This funding was officially presented on January 14, 2026, during a ceremony at the Shirley Senior Center. The financial support will be used to replace a 30-year-old refrigerator and purchase new tables and chairs, enhancing the center’s ability to serve the community.
At the check presentation, Amy Leonard, Director of the Shirley Senior Center and Council on Aging, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This is a celebration for the senior center. All of us work together, and this program has been made better by each and every one of you.”
Community Support and Acknowledgments
State Senator John Cronin was present to deliver the funding, highlighting the collaborative efforts that made this initiative possible. He acknowledged Representative Danillo Sena for his role in securing the funds and thanked former senior center director Kristen O’Brien and Town Administrator Bryan Sawyer for their contributions. Cronin emphasized his office’s commitment to assisting the community, saying, “Help us help you,” and noting that his Constituent Service Director, Beth Walsh, holds regular office hours at the senior center.
Sena praised Cronin’s efforts, stating, “Thank you for thinking of Shirley. Thank you for supporting the senior center here.” This sentiment was shared by attendees who enjoyed a meal prepared by the center’s cooks, which included veggie lasagna and salad.
Leaders like Leonard, who took on her role in September, are keenly aware of the importance of local support. Having worked in the community for years, she described the funding assistance as “earth shattering.” She remarked, “This is wonderful, so glad to see things moving forward. Dollars go a long way.”
Impact on the Senior Community
Community volunteer Vicki Landry, who has been involved with the Council on Aging for years, underscored the importance of such funding for maintaining vibrant services and programs for seniors. She stated, “Interaction with the community is beneficial for them. It is so needed to keep them from being isolated.” Landry expressed a desire for more younger seniors to engage with the center’s activities.
O’Brien, who previously wrote the grant that led to this funding, remarked, “I am just so grateful for everything they are doing to support the senior center.” She highlighted the flexibility of the funding, allowing the Council on Aging to prioritize what is necessary for infrastructure upgrades.
Cronin concluded the event by affirming the funding’s potential impact, stating, “The funding secured in this year’s budget for the Shirley Council on Aging will have a direct impact on our seniors and the special community they continue to foster.” He expressed enthusiasm for continuing to work with the town and its residents to enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.
The gathering at the Shirley Senior Center not only celebrated the funding but also reinforced the sense of community among those present, marking a positive step towards improving facilities for the town’s senior population.
