Mission Statement: The Methuen Department of Elder Affairs (Also known as the Methuen Council on Aging) provides programs, services and acitvities for Methuen's 8,207 senior population at the Methuen Senior Activity Center, 77 Lowell Street. Centrally located, handicapped accessible and on a fixed bus route, the Activity Center strives to be a gathering place for retirees of all ages to enrich their quality of life.

Keeping healthy and connected with the community, a wide variety of exercise programs and volunteer opportunities are offered Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Some programs include: education/enrichment classes, multi-level fitness sessions, health screenings and clinics, support groups, outreach and information services, social events and many types of recreational activities.

The day-to-day operations are managed by the Executive Director with three full time staff persons paid by the City of Methuen. The Council on Aging, a seven member advisory board appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council provide guidance and support to the staff and set policy for the Senior Center. In addition to providing services, the Council on Aging advocate on behalf of Methuen's older residents by identifying their needs and developing community resources of assistance.

The Department is primarily funded by the City of Methuen with support from the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Elder Affairs, funds from the Older Americans Act as administered by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, the Area Agency on Aging and other grants. Fundraising events and activities are sponsored by the Council on Aging's non-profit organization, the Methuen Senior Activity Center, Inc.

Corinne LaCharite, Executive Director, Methuen Senior Activity Center

 Letter from the Executive Director

Senior Citizen Waste Disposal: White goods (appliances) and yard waste curbside pickup, along with disposal at the Transfer Station, are FREE OF CHARGE for Methuen senior citizens with proper identification. Information: Methuen DPW, 978-983-8545.

Foreclosures 

Homeowners Options for Massachusetts Elders (H.O.M.E.) now can offer free confidential help to avoid foreclosure for Massachusetts senior homeowners.  For more information call 1-800-583-5337 or 617-451-0680. This counseling project is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development and is a collaboration between the Massachusetts Association of Older Americans, Homeowners Options for MA Elders and seven legal service providers: Gr. Boston Elderly Legal Services; Merrimack Valley – North Shore Legal Services; Neighborhood Legal Services; South Coastal Counties Legal Services, Elder Law Project; Volunteer Lawyers Project; Western MA Legal Services; and the National Consumer Law Center. Call the Methuen Senior Activity Center at 978-983-8825 if you have any questions.

SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER STAFF

Linda Sheehan - Administrative Assistant
Lynneanne Moss - Head Clerk
Susan Foster - Activity Coordinator
Elena Ganem - Office Support 

GRANT-FUNDED & VOLUNTEER STAFF 

Elena Ganem - Office Support

Beverly Bradley - SHINE & Benefits Counselor
Dorothy Zazopoulos - Volunteer Services, Friendly Visitor Program, Volunteer Transportation Services
Maureen Donovon - Site Supervisor Meals on Wheels/Hot Lunch Program
Rita Lonardo, RN - Health Clinic
Barbara Skinner - Gift Shop Manager
Lilian Zakia - Thrift Shop Manager

Louise Edelblute, RN - Outreach/Support Services

Council on Aging Board