The Town of Granby Commission on Aging (COA) was established in February 1980 and has served the town and its seniors for 45 years. Its continuing mission includes studying the needs of senior citizens, providing support to the Senior Center staff, supporting programs and activities for the aging, and serving in an advisory capacity to the Board of Selectmen as an advocate for the senior community.
The nine commission members each serve two-year terms and are appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The current commission members, Chair Jean Donihee-Perron, Vice Chair Ellen Thomson, Kimberly Becker, Maureen Eberly, Debra Helcomb, Judith Jones, Michael Lengvarsky, Jennifer Jalbert, and Lynette Simpson have a broad spectrum of expertise including healthcare professionals, educators, law professionals, business professionals and caregivers.
In the past year the COA has participated in a town-wide room-use policy discussion, reviewed and revised operational policies of the senior center, has members who are active in the CHOICES program, AARP Tax Program and the Board of Directors of Stony Hill Village. Its two-year goal of increasing Senior Center participation by 10 percent was met in 2024 with steady growth ongoing.
In 2024 the COA increased its community outreach and recognized the need for increased elderly housing. At that point the Senior Housing Initiative, in partnership with town officials, began the Kearns Redevelopment Project. The commission has taken an active role in selecting a developer and has a representative on the negotiations committee.
Future goals for the COA include working with the senior center staff to increase the visibility and financial stability of the Senior Center in the community and conducting a comprehensive long-term needs assessment. The COA will also continue to support the other agencies in Granby that ensure that the elderly of Granby can live full independent lives.
Submitted by Jean Donihee-Perron, Chair, Granby Commission on Aging