Here’s to 40 more

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To the Editor:

Two events recently held by the Edgartown Council on Aging, also known as The Anchors, commemorated the council’s 40th anniversary, while recognizing and acknowledging the staff and volunteers who have contributed so much to Edgartown and Martha’s Vineyard seniors in the last four decades.

At The Anchors, on a perfect spring afternoon, a free luncheon of gourmet pizza, salad, soup, and homemade chocolate chip cookies attracted about 100 happy seniors and other guests who celebrated the occasion. Balloons, decorations, flowers, and music added to the festive atmosphere in which grateful seniors and residents offered praise and appreciation for The Anchors and all it has given to our community and Island.

Since 1971, the Edgartown Council on Aging has provided programs, meals, counseling, entertainment, and so much more. Hundreds of seniors have gathered at Anchors to enjoy each other’s company while having lunch, taking a yoga class, traveling off-Island, or participating in a group hike or bike ride. The council’s outreach staff brings meals and services to the homes of seniors who cannot travel to The Anchors for whatever reason. The town of Edgartown provides funding in its annual budget enabling the Council on Aging to continue these programs, services, and wonderful activities.

A week after the 40th anniversary luncheon, on yet another beautiful spring day, the council’s volunteers, including the Friends of the Edgartown Council on Aging, assembled at the Edgartown Rod and Gun Club for a special afternoon of speeches, testimonials, and awards. Sponsored by The Anchors, the Friends, and staff, the event recognized and acknowledged the invaluable gifts of time, energy and effort these volunteers have donated over the years. Through their ambitious fundraising and wise counsel, the Friends have offered funding and guidance, without which many of The Anchors’ programs and activities would not be possible.

As volunteers, hundreds of good people of Edgartown have donated thousands of hours of their time, distributing food, delivering meals, and transporting our seniors to their medical and doctors’ appointments. Others have provided expert advice regarding health insurance, the law, or tax matters. Some have rolled up their sleeves and worked in the kitchen, helping to prepare, cook, and serve countless meals — then cleaning up afterward. A number of dedicated residents sit on the board administering the council, while volunteers assist the staff in maintaining The Anchors’ day-to-day operation, answering the phones. These are but a few of the many contributions and donations made by so many for so many years, enhancing the experience and lives of seniors in Edgartown and on Martha’s Vineyard.

On behalf of myself and the staff at the Edgartown Council on Aging, I wish to express our deep gratitude to all the volunteers who have served with selfless generosity and also to congratulate The Anchors for 40 years of extraordinary service to our seniors and their families. Here’s to 40 more.

Paul Mohair

Administrator

Edgartown Council on Aging