Ginger Wells-Kay: Unsung volunteer leader for seniors in Belmont

To The Daily Sun,

A month after the Community Action Program (CAP) Belmont seniors program terminated in 2020, a senior program re-opened under the legally registered name “Senior Friends of Belmont” that was led by member and activist Sue Roache. The town permitted the group to continue meeting at the Belmont Mill twice weekly so seniors could enjoy companionship, lunch, and programming including games, arts and crafts, movies, visiting nurse association (VNA) monthly visits, a mystery book club, pizza and birthday parties and special events.

The SFB Facebook page was created. Participation ranged from 6-22 each day. For 4 years, Sue Roache volunteered 10-12 hours weekly to direct the program. An unpaid volunteer, she undertook the responsibilities of running a senior citizen day program. She was successful; attendance equals that under CAP leadership.

In March 2024, the Belmont budget did not pass; Old Home Day and Hazardous Waste Day were cancelled. In April, the parks and recreation director was instructed to develop a program for seniors. At a Select Board meeting, the new senior program was announced without ceremony. It was scheduled on the same days and times as the current seniors program. No effort was made to consult with program members or leadership for input beforehand. Sue Roache did not receive any public recognition, honor, or even a "thanks."

Unsurprisingly, confusion and ill-feeling resulted. Members of organizations expect to be asked for feedback during a major change process. Volunteer leaders are at a premium, especially those with organizational skills willing to put in large blocks of time and commit to years of service. It is not too late for the Town of Belmont to collaborate with Senior Friends of Belmont members and leadership, to publicly recognize the dedicated work of Susan Roache and, perhaps, to apologize.

Ginger Wells-Kay

Belmont