On behalf of Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place (mGAP), Aging in Montclair (A.I.M.) Montclair Neighborhood Development Committee’s Do Drop In, and all of the residents of Montclair who count themselves as modern agers, we want to take this opportunity to express our thanks for the substantive gains that have been made in implementation and planning of services for seniors in the past year.
We especially want to thank Judy Hurley, director of the Division of Senior Services, Amy Monaco, director of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Interim Manager Michael Lapolla for transparency, meaningful communication, and sustained effort on behalf of the 26% of township residents who are over the age of 55. Since the Township hired new staff to oversee and administer programs, activities and services have grown.
As a result of the leadership of this team, the Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL), tirelessly spearheaded by Michelle DeWitt, the Township’s senior services coordinator, has expanded into mutually beneficial relationships with the Wally Choice Center and the Montclair Public Library. New initiatives have also been forged and with the Essex County Office on Aging.
We like to call ourselves modern agers. As baby boomers retire at the rate of 10,000 day, this demographic is quickly becoming representative of seniors across the country. These boomers, who have brought their ‘can do’ philosophy to civic awareness, have introduced a culture shift in expectations and energy for aging. Modern agers are ready to partner with our civic leaders in order to envision new solutions and to optimize aging in place in this community. By keeping its eye on the needs of this growing demographic, our Township will be better placed to support the age-friendly society we crave.
Ann Lippel
Montclair
The author is president of Montclair Gateway to Aging In Place
It’s great to see the Do Drop In mentioned in these plans. For those who are unaware, this is Montclair’s senior center. There are programs every day, there is a full kitchen that serves affordable meals and seniors are invited to hang out. It is in a brand new fully-accessible building and it within a newly renovated Glenfield Park. It’s everything a Senior Center should be.
Oh, I agree – it’s a state-of-the-art facility that offers excellent programming. I’m not sure I understand why some seniors insist on having a separate facility.