The Millis Council on Aging has hired a new director for the Council. Anne-Marie Gagnon started her new position on Aug. 1. 

Gagnon comes to Millis with over 20 years of experience leading other local senior centers where she has worked with older adults in the fields of lifelong learning education, healthy aging, and volunteer services. 

Shortly after she started last month, Gagnon said, “From my first week on the job, I can see that this is a special place and that the seniors and the Council on Aging board members really care about what happens here. We are looking forward to continuing to improve on what is offered, that will be an ongoing goal for me, and we have a lot of good work ahead of us.” 

Gagnon is also very passionate about “purposeful aging,” the idea of providing opportunities for older adults to age with dignity and independence with the hope of finding activities to fill their days with new information, volunteer experiences, and friendships.

“I am so excited to be a part of the Millis community. It takes a commitment and skills of a team to bring the Senior Center to life and for that I am grateful for the staff, the drivers, and the volunteers at the Millis Council on Aging. Together, I am confident we will bring a high level of service and social programming to our residents.”

The Senior Center is an extremely important part of the Millis community. Gagnon hopes more Millis residents will visit the Senior Center which is in Town Hall. They offer many exercise opportunities such as Tai Chi and yoga. The Senior Center also holds many different events for older adults to stay active in the community. One of the important services it offers is the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone – on Medicare) program. 

“SHINE offers free counseling sessions on Medicare options at the Senior Center by appointment,” said Gagnon. And with Medicare Open Enrollment beginning in October, she encourages “every senior to take a look at their Part D drug plan and to make an appointment to discuss options that could save them money.”

Residents invited to coffee hour with Gagnon on Sept. 7 

New Council on Aging Director Anne-Marie Gagnon will host a community coffee hour on Wed., Sept. 7, at 9 a.m. at the Senior Center located inside the Veterans Memorial Building.