Real time reporting - Senior Center update

J. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS 

Economic development worked to rezone parcels off Exit 16
continuing to identify opportunities, pay attention to our next agenda


I. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS 
Karen Alves, Director, Senior Center
5th anniversary on Nov 11th

Council on Aging working on strategy for the next decade
project increase in seniors for the next decade
elderly population 7,624 in 2020, up 58%

65 and over, 20% of the population by 2030
Senior Center becomes much more relevant
Senior Center participants have better health stats than non-participants

put forward an increase in facilities, staff and services in light of the projections
the challenge comes with our operating budget for expansion

majority of funding does come from the Town
178,681 of this the Town funds 71%
$31,000 grant (17%)
Friends of Franklin Elderly funds 19,000 (11%)
30% of the total operations is from non-Town resources
funded the grill cook, partially fund the health and wellness nurse

increased funding from private foundation and corporations

affordability of the Senior Center, it is a great resource for the seniors
we do everything on the cheap, reasonably priced meals, volunteers in kitchen
in passed year 23% increase in cafe

health and wellness nurse does fitness programs and performs screenings, all free!

exercise activities, aerobics, zumba, $2 per session
offer recreational activities, computer classes, etc. majority free

opportunities for socialization which may be as critical as the health and well being

offering assistance with tax preparation, did about 200 returns
if you are home alone, come on down to the center

Franklin age is 50 years and older, a couple 60 and older but for the most part 50 and up
out of towners are welcome

about 1,000 unique clients serviced across all the programs during a year

Veterans Breakfast this Friday, 9:00 AM
Bronze and Silver Star will be recognized

Friends of Franklin Elderly a 501(c)3 entity funds the free coffee and entertainment

Expansion of the second floor is planned for sometime in the future
expansion of the parking lot would need to happen first

use of the new high school is planned for as the emergency shelter (instead of using Remington/Jefferson)