Council on Aging
The Town of Rockport and its Council on Aging provide the information to assist the community. It does not endorse or recommend any of the vendors."
The Rockport Council on Aging is based out of the Rockport Senior Center located at 58 Broadway and is located in the heart of Rockport, close to churches, the Town offices, the train station, and bus line. The center has noon lunches, classes, activities, a well-equipped kitchen, television, DVD, fitness classes, computer room, and fitness equipment available for use.
Mission Statement:
To design, promote, and implement services and programs that directly benefit our senior community. The COA serves as the focal point for Rockport seniors and their families in a safe and friendly environment.
Council on Aging History and Charter:
The Rockport Council on Aging was established at Town Meeting on March 1, 1971. Councils on Aging in Massachusetts were first created by Chapter 495 of the Acts of 1956 and made part of the General Laws Section 8B of Chapter 40.
The Rockport Council on Aging consists of 7 to 11 citizens of Rockport and are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for terms not to exceed four years for any member. Said terms shall be staggered so that not more than three appointments shall be made in any calendar year. Members can be reappointed for consecutive terms. The duties of the Council on Aging include to:
- Identify the total needs of the communities elderly population
- Educate the community and enlist support and participation of all citizens concerning these needs
- Design, promote, and implement services to fill these needs or coordinate present existing services in the community
- Promote and support any other programs which are designed to assist elderly programs in the community
The Rockport Council on Aging works in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Elder Affairs and stays current on state and federal legislation concerning funding, information exchange, and program planning which exists for better community programming for the elderly.
The Rockport Senior Center is located at 58 Broadway in the Community House building. Hours are: Monday-Thursday 8:00-4:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00-1:00 p.m.
The Senior Center offers many activities including bingo, strength/balance class, yoga,, duplicate bridge, canasta, quilting & knitting group, barbecues, and special lunches and dinners with entertainment.
Health and Wellness:
Health and Wellness is key to a healthy lifestyle. The VNA of the North Shore currently offers a blood pressure clinic at the Rockport Senior Center on the second Thursday of each month from 9 a.m.- 11 a.m.
Wellness activities include strength and balance class on Monday and Friday mornings from 9:00-10:00 a.m. This class is taught by instructor Linda Rowell. Our Yoga class is held Monday and Wednesday from 10:45-11:45 a.m. This class is taught by instructor Susan Himml. Our classes cost $4.00 per class. These classes are for seniors 60+.
Access to the senior center fitness room is available for use as follows:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00-2:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00-11:00 by appointment.
The Council on Aging provides information and referrals, client support, housing assistance, senior advocate assistance, and benefits counseling.
Community Education:
Several educational programs are offered at the Rockport Senior Center. Programs topics have included elder law, fall and fire prevention, scam prevention, prescription information, nutrition information, health information, benefit information, arts & crafts, computer, and many more.
Nutrition Program:
Meals at the center are provided by SeniorCare Nutrition Program for those 60 years of age and over. The Center is a designated meal site. Lunch is served daily at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Reservations are needed and can be made by calling 978-546-5027, 24 hours in advance. Transportation is free to and from the Rockport Senior Center for lunch. Reservations are to be made by calling CATA at 978-283-7916.
SeniorCare provides meals for the home bound for those 60 years of age and over. If you need Meals on Wheels, you may call SeniorCare at 978-281-1750 and ask for their Nutrition Department.
The Rockport COA together with The Open Door and SeniorCare Nutrition, provide the Senior Mobile Market on the first Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Senior Center for low-income seniors. Three bags of fresh fruit, vegetables, and groceries are provided for pick up. To sign up for the program, call 978-546-2573.
Transportation:
Transportation is provided by Cape Ann Transportation Authority, (CATA), Dial-a-Ride program. CATA provides transportation for medical appointments, local shopping. Grocery shopping is every Tuesday from 11:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m.. You must call 978-283-7916 to make a reservation. The bus makes stops at Stop & Shop on Thatcher Road in Gloucester, and Shaw’s Market on Eastern Avenue in Gloucester, and Market Basket near Blackburn Circle. The cost is $4.00 round trip.
SeniorCare in Gloucester provides Rockport seniors volunteer transportation beyond Gloucester for medical appointments. You must call SeniorCare in advance at 978-281-5128. For more information about Senior Care, visit their website at: www.seniorcareinc.org.
Board Members
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
Chair | |
|
Shirley Conway
| Member |
|
Jennifer Perry
| Member |
|
Nancy Pitman
| Member |
|
Nancy Robb
| Member |
|
Kathleen Skrabut
| Member |
|
Julie Young
| Member |
Staff Contacts
| Member | Title | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
Director | 978-546-2573 | |
Program Specialist | 978-546-2573 |
