Letter to the Editor:

The Mendon Council on Aging began seeking a “home” more than 50 years ago for the population it served. Year after year, the Council settled for temporary spaces and “drop-in centers” as they referred to them. Seniors had lunches at the Henry P. Clough school and later at Nipmuc HS on Mondays and Wednesdays. They had supper and held Bingo in the evenings at McDonald’s on Rt. 140 in Milford. Eventually, St. Michael’s Church allowed the Council on Aging limited use in their facility to hold regular weekly programs including arts and crafts.

Out of these humble beginnings, the eventual senior center emerged through the generosity and sweat equity of Mendon residents. The 1989 Mendon Annual Report explains it best, “Ground was broken in August 1989 on Providence Street for the Mendon Senior Community Center. Money was placed in a building trust to start the project. The trust fund [consisted] of private donations and a discretionary grant received in 1988. All labor [was] generously donated by area individuals.” The then Mendon Senior Community Center officially opened on October 28, 1990. Fifteen years later, a second floor and garage were added, again with volunteer labor and donated materials, at no expense to the town.

For 34 years, the building has served as a home, not just a “drop-in center” for seniors and various clubs and organizations. Though it has served its purpose, it is no longer adequate for our community’s growing needs. The Council on Aging identified a need for a new facility 10 years ago. They conducted surveys, reviewed the programming needs and began the process of looking into an expanded facility. At that time, other town priorities were identified, and the Center was placed on hold but still recognized as a high priority. Since that time, the town has supported a new police station, town hall renovations, new library and the school system needs. All these initiatives were worthy of our support. 

This brings us to the present day. Once again, the Council on Aging approached the town with the idea of a new Center. The Selectboard, recognizing this as a high priority, established a committee to do a thorough study and design for a facility that would meet the needs of the community as well as its seniors. The current committee has worked diligently for two years to achieve that goal.

Get involved and make the Mendon Senior & Community Center a reality! This new Center will provide space for:

-  Services for senior and veterans in a fully ADA-compliant facility

-  Meeting rooms & event venues for the whole community  

-  Social functions

-  Sponsored meal programs

-  Education and wellness activities

-  Improved and accessible food pantry

-  Safe and ample parking 

-  Updated shelter facility for town emergencies

-  Recreational spaces for all ages

Respectfully,

~The Mendon Senior and Community Center Building Committee