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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Three months ago, the Walpole Council on Aging acquired a new Director, Ms. Kerri McManama. While the COA has always provided a myriad of events and opportunities, McManama is making sure that this only increases in the months to come. This past Friday, the COA held its weekly Bingo event, which brought an enormous crowd. “This month, we really focused on gaming and festivities. Next month, we’re really going to be focusing on life skills,” McManama said. During this particular bingo event, a theater in Norwood offered their production of “The Nutcracker.” Forced to choose between these two activities, bingo still had an incredible turn out, showing how popular the event is, week to week.
In the coming months, activities include everything from a R.A.D. course – a women’s-only defense course offered by the Walpole Police – to an unlimited shredding day, during which seniors can bring in any papers they need to and shred away. They will also be offering a technology literacy course in which local kids who have studied computer science will help the seniors learn how to most effectively use their smartphones, computers, and other technological devices.
McManama has begun the process of undergoing the first-ever large-scale assessment of the COA. “We sent out surveys to the people who use the center the most, and we’ve already gotten over 100 back or so. I want to get the good, the bag, and the ugly, because that’s how we make changes,” she explained. “Otherwise, I’m just throwing events at the wall and seeing what sticks, which is no good!” To sweeten the deal, McManama pulled one name from those who had already submitted their surveys to win a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card. This is just the beginning of a new and improved route for the Walpole Council on Aging.
