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The Friends of Walpole’s Elders (Friends) are very excited to announce their effort to fundraise upwards of $1 million to supplement the construction costs of the new elder facility to be located next to the Walpole Police Station on South Street. The Friends are kicking off the effort by donating $100,000 to the effort.
The elders of Walpole are currently utilizing the Aurelia Newell Senior Center located in the Town Hall. The center consists of one large room, a very small kitchen with a cafeteria-type walk-through, and one bathroom. Although this space was adequate years ago when first dedicated, it is now far from sufficient for the growing senior population. Health, fitness, and wellness programs cannot be offered, privacy for services is non-existent, and it does not attract a diverse group.
Left to right: President of the Friends of Walpole’s Elders Beth Pelick, Selectman Mark Gallivan, Council on Aging Director Kerri McManama, Director of the Friends of Walpole’s Elders Virginia Griffin, Vice President of the Friends of the Walpole Elders Katie Abate and Town Administrator Jim Johnson.
The Friends believe that the long-overdue new center will eliminate the previously-mentioned inadequacies while providing a welcoming environment for all of Walpole’s elders. The Friends feel it will improve the quality of life for many of the town’s citizens. It should be noted that every other town surrounding Walpole has a true center for their elders, and not just a room.
This is a very large undertaking that the Friends have accepted. They will now look to the community to support them and their elders. Every donation, big or small, will make a difference.
Donations can be made via mail or GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/support-walpole-elders). It is also worth noting that any donation made is tax deductible, as the Friends of Walpole’s Elders are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.
