ABOUT US

Philosophy

The Senior Center program evolves from the needs of those we serve, and the membership has a voice in whatever we do. Programs should facilitate fellowship and meaningful service aimed at keeping older persons active, intelligent, dynamic members of society.

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Objectives

1. To provide companionship and meaningful leisure time activities for older adults, an opportunity to do community service, learn new skills and make new friends.
2. To involve seniors in all phases of the organization; everyone able to do so is encouraged to assist in the function of the Center.
3. To provide a focal point for information and services of benefit to senior citizens.
4. To develop programs that enhance the dignity of senior citizens, support their independence and encourage their involvement in the community.
5. To offer a broad scope of stimulating programs which are acceptable to senior citizens representing various social, economic, and ethnic groups, men and women, the independent and the more dependent, the healthy and the less robust.
6. To encourage a relaxed atmosphere of warmth, friendliness, cooperation, and concern for others.

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History

The forerunner of the Springfield Senior Center - The Springfield Senior Citizens Club -held its first meeting on November 20, 1959 at the Universalist Church Vestry. For the next five years, monthly meetings were held at the Community House as well as at local churches.

During the February 4, 1963 meeting, at the suggestion of Eleanor Hilliard, the Commission of Social Concerns of the First Methodist Church discussed the need for a Senior Citizens Center in Springfield similar to the Keene Senior Center. The Commission agreed to study the needs of senior citizens in Springfield. The Commission agreed to study the needs of senior citizens in Springfield. A visit to the Keene Center convinced them that a center such as the one in Keene might be feasible for this area. A committee of interested citizens, with Eleanor Hilliard as chairman, formed to make this dream a reality.

At the March 22, 1963 meeting, Eleanor Hilliard, representing the Commission on Social Concerns, spoke briefly to the Senior Citizens Club on the activities of the Keene, NH Senior Center and indicated that plans were being considered for a similar senior center in this area.

On September 4, 1963, the Springfield Senior Center opened its doors for the first time becoming the first of its kind in Vermont. There were no assets except the offer of the Methodist Church Vestry for a meeting place, $18.00 worth of donations from committee members, and the conviction of the group of interested people that here was "an idea whose time had come!"

At the December 1964 meeting of the Senior Citizens Club, members voted to hold future meetings at the Senior Center.

On May 26, 1965, the club members voted to merge with the Senior Center and use their treasury of $27.00 to purchase draperies for the Senior Center facilities being planned at the Springfield Community House.

The Center continued to be open at the Methodist Church Vestry Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.. - 5:00 p.m. until October 27, 1965 when it relocated to the Community House in a suite of 10 rooms made available rent free by the Town of Springfield. Volunteer Director Eleanor Hilliard, members of the Senior Center and other interested volunteers carried on the programs.

On February 23, 1990, Senior Center Director Eleanor Hilliard retired handing the reigns over to Katherine (Kay) Mitchell who had come on board on January 29, 1990 to train for the position. Kay held the director's position until Terri Emerson joined the staff as a trainee in July of 1999 and became Senior Center Director in August 1999.

Administration

The Springfield Senior Center is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Director: Terri L. Emerson
• Treasurer: Katherine Mitchell
• Advisory Committee:
• Richard Gorton, Chairman
• John Follett, Vice Chairman
• Barbara Parker, Secretary
• Joan Matanle
• Paula Fellows
• Mathew McCarthy
• Dorothy Benham
• David Rorison

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Membership

You must be 50 years or older to be a member of the Springfield Senior Center. There are no dues to a member. To be an "active member" you must participate at the Center twice a month for three consecutive months. "Active members" receive discounts on trip.

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Community Involvement

The Springfield Senior Center strives to be a vital asset to the community. We host an annual flu clinic, legal clinics, free tax preparation clinics, foot clinic, blood pressure screening clinics and many educational programs open to all in the community.

We donate a $200 scholarship to a Springfield High School graduating senior each year.

We also donate $30 to the Family Center each year towards holiday baskets.

Currently, we are collecting Shaws receipts for the Springfield Humane Society and we also have a collection box for nonperishable food items to be given to the Springfield Family Center.

Our members volunteer in schools and the hospital. Our Songsters perform at nursing homes, adult day centers and senior centers in Vermont and New Hampshire.

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Inclement Weather Policy

If the Springfield Public Schools are closed due to bad weather, then the Springfield Senior Center is also closed.

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