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By Robby McKittrick
Hometown Weekly Reporter
On Monday, Nov. 19, the Tolles Parsons Center (TPC) held a welcome breakfast for seniors in the community.
Director of Senior Services Gayle Thieme explained that the event was intended for residents of the community who had never had a tour of the center.
“The target audience was people who hadn’t visited the building yet, or maybe wanted to learn more about the Council on Aging,” said Thieme. “We are targeting more of the younger seniors, some that might still be working, so they are not able to participate during our regular business hours.”
Director of Senior Services at the Tolles Parsons Center Gayle Thieme speaks during a welcome breakfast at the senior center.
The overall goal of the meeting was to inform the residents of the community about the senior center and to explain to them the different programs offered at the TPC.
“We had a lot of people interested in learning more,” said Thieme. “They couldn’t get here for some of the events we have had here so far … so when we announced this [event], the time worked for them.”
“Some people are specifically interested in volunteering,” Thieme added. “There was [also] a lot of interest in the possibility of opening extended hours, so that’s something we are contemplating.”
Around 20 residents from the community showed up to learn about the center, and they were all impressed with the overview of the building.
“I came here and voted [a few weeks ago] and saw what a nice facility it is,” said Wellesley resident Sue Dean. “[I thought the talk was] great. After work and on weekends, we might as well use this as much as we can.”
“I had been meaning to come, and then the free breakfast was a good incentive,” added another senior resident, Joyce Marenghi. “I think it has a lot to offer for everybody, [such as] the fitness classes, the volunteer program, [and] a meeting place to connect with people.”
Thieme began the talk by explaining the positive effects the senior center has had on the community.
“It’s nice to see everyone benefiting from the building and giving back,” Thieme said. “The building has opened all kinds of new opportunities.”
The Tolles Parsons Center held a welcome breakfast for seniors on Monday, Nov. 19.
Thieme then discussed a variety of new programs, such as volunteer opportunities, social services, fitness offerings, new transportation options, and an online sign-up page to make it more convenient to enlist in a program.
Thieme concluded the meeting by thanking the seniors for coming to the TPC and by telling them to spread the word about the senior center.
“Feel free to reach out any time,” she said. “I am really happy with this turnout on a rainy Monday morning, and please tell someone else [about the senior center].”
