Operated
as a collaborative effort with, and advice from, Patti Scussel
of the Leadership Center of the New Haven Chamber of Commerce,
the program's purpose is to identify aspiring community
leaders in the 55-and-over range and train them to serve
as catalysts for positive change in the community.
At the same time, the program
offers participants an insider's view of the issues shaping
Orange and the surrounding region.
As I listened to Marge Gloria, who
spoke for the 14 members of the 2008 class at their graduation
ceremony at the Paugusset Club last week, it was evident
that despite the varied backgrounds of these participants,
they bonded together as their teams learned and worked diligently
for a full year to achieve their chosen goals.
The grads had formed three teams last
September and each team had selected an ambitious project.
Team No. 1 decided to create a senior resource guide, and
that effort has resulted in an excellent, comprehensive
directory of services for seniors. Produced and printed
at no cost to the town, it is available free of charge at
the Orange Senior Center.
Team No. 2 chose an intergenerational
literacy project. Enlisting help from a senior housing complex
and an assisted-living facility, the team signed up 25 seniors
who were then matched with fifth- and sixth-grade students
with similar interests. The hope was to instill the joy
of reading in students and at the same time, provide an
opportunity for students to bond with a senior partner.
That goal was obviously achieved as evidenced by the letters
of enthusiastic praise from parents, students and the participating
seniors, as well.
The third project, and perhaps the
most complex and demanding, was that of senior tax relief.
The team, composed of four men and one woman, researched
a barrage of statistics, met with the tax assessor, the
director of finance and others, and eventually formulated
a proposal to help relieve the tax burden on seniors and
the disabled in Orange.
Team members found that out of a population
of 13,000, 2,600 are seniors, and the average property tax
bill is a hefty $6,000. Members of the team contend that
Orange seniors are major taxpayers, volunteers and important
members of the community who add to the economy, stability
and unique personality of the town. As such, they deserve
support in order to be able to afford to remain in the town
that has been their home for so many years.
The Senior Leadership program is funded
in part by the United Way and the town of Orange. Residents
older than 55 who are interested in learning more may apply
for the next program. From the overwhelming positive reports
from previous, as well as this year's graduates, the program
offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a stimulating and rewarding
experience that lasts long after the meetings end.
Perhaps the Shoreline senior community
centers would consider joining together to make this very
worthwhile program available in other towns.
Jean Cherni
is founder of Senior Living Solutions, a retirement advisory
service. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or
15 The Ponds, Branford 06405.
H. Pearce Company REALTORS®
is a full-service real estate company with more than 100
agents and branch offices in greater New Haven and the Shoreline.
Corporate and & Commercial offices are located in North
Haven, where the company was founded in 1958. All listings
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