Stoughton Resident Volunteers with AARP to Protect Social Security, Medicare

AARP volunteers urge elected officials to stop cuts to programs as part of the deficit debate.

A press release from the AARP: To coordinate with AARP’s national call-in day to Congress, held Wednesday, local volunteers reached out to their peers – other AARP members in the Bay State – during a phone bank in Boston.  The message: "Call Senator Kerry, Senator Brown, and your U.S. Representative; tell them no deal to reduce the deficit should cut Social Security and Medicare benefits. In just a few days, the President and Congress may make a political deal that could cut Social Security and Medicare benefits for today’s seniors and tomorrow’s retirees." In Massachusetts, more than a million residents rely on Social Security and Medicare. While Social Security benefits remain modest for retired workers – approximately $1,100 a month – …

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Council on Aging Volunteers Lend Helping Hand to Stoughton Senior

COA volunteers help make it easier for seniors to get in and out of their homes through small construction projects.

Ed Kimtis said he didn’t really know Jim Grant and Donald Interrante, but because of the goodwill of these two Stoughton residents, the hope is that Kimtis, 86, will have an easier time entering and leaving his home on the corner of Central and Lincoln Streets. Grant and Interrante, volunteers at the Council on Aging, built a 29-foot ramp running from the driveway to the back porch, along the side of Kimtis’ house. It took more than 20 hours to complete. But, Kimtis can now enter his house through his back sliding door, instead of having to negotiate his front steps. Bus drivers at the Senior Center requested a ramp of this sort be built because they were having trouble helping Kimtis into his house after his appointments, Interrante said…

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Stoughton Officials Say Thanks to Senior Center Volunteers

A special lunch was held to honor volunteers at the Senior Center Thursday afternoon.

Volunteers at the Council on Aging were treated to a catered lunch Thursday afternoon as a way of saying thanks for their part in helping the Senior Center operate. “I wanted to tell you guys how much it means to me—all the work you do for the Council on Aging. We wouldn’t be able to [provide] all the services [without you],” Karen Hall, director of the COA told a group of about 50 volunteers. Selectman John Anderson, Police Chief Paul Shastany, Executive Officer Robert Devine and Department of Public Works Superintendent John Batchelder joined Council on Aging employees and happily served the senior volunteers a multi-course meal, prepared by Catering by Linda. Following the Lunch Selectman Anderson presented Hall with the ceremonial …

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Christine Iacobucci

9:36 pm on Saturday, April 16, 2011

It is great to see volunteers being recognized for their efforts. I love how the town officials are coming together as a community. Thanks Jeffrey for reporting the "good" news of the town!   more ›

Moms Talk

Moms Talk: What to do About Volunteering at School?

Moms Talk is a new feature on Stoughton Patch that is part of a new initiative to reach out to moms and families.

This week the Moms Talk Council was asked about the practical ramifications of the Stoughton Teachers Association’s decision to no longer allow teachers to perform any voluntary activities, as the STA negotiates a new contract.  The question was as follows: The first Mother of a 4th and 6th grader that I spoke with said that when she is not working she typically volunteers every Friday because she coordinates the P.T.O. Popcorn Days.  She says, “This does not change how I do things.” When speaking to a 1st and 5th grade Mom, she informed me that although she does not attend P.T.O. Meetings, she is always offering help at the various events.  She expects that with the teachers unable to help with the upcoming Spring Carnival (at the Hansen …

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Town Says Thank You To Volunteers

Party drew an estimated 250 to the Town Hall last night.

There was no meeting or official matter of business at Town Hall Monday night, but Great Hall was packed nonetheless.  Last night was the Holiday Party for Volunteers, an event Stouhgton Selectmen Chairman Steve Anastos said was all about giving thanks to those who give their time to serve the community and help "make this town a better town."  The town sought to honor all of the elected or appointed members from the various boards, committees and councils in Stoughton. Anastos was "absolutely thrilled" with the large turnout. He estimated that about 250 people took part in Monday night's festivities, about 100 more than took part last year.   "There's so many wonderful, caring, thoughtful, giving people here it's important to recognize …

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