The Shirley Council on Aging has been awarded $15,000 in state funding aimed at upgrading its kitchen facilities. This announcement was made during a check presentation ceremony at the Shirley Senior Center on January 14, 2026, a moment celebrated by community leaders and attendees alike.
At the event, Amy Leonard, the director of the Shirley Senior Center and Council on Aging, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that made this funding possible. “This is a celebration for the senior center,” she stated, highlighting the collective work of community members.
State Senator John Cronin presented the funding, intended to replace a refrigerator that has served the center for over 30 years. He also mentioned plans for additional kitchen updates and the purchase of new tables and chairs. “Today is a great day,” Cronin remarked, acknowledging the contributions of Representative Danillo Sena and former center director Kristen O’Brien in securing the funding.
Cronin reiterated his commitment to assisting the community, noting that his office is available to address various constituents’ needs. “Our real job is to support communities,” he said, encouraging residents to engage with him and his team.
Community Celebration and Support
During the presentation, Senator Cronin was met with applause when he acknowledged the culinary efforts of the center’s staff, who prepared a meal of veggie lasagna and salad for the occasion. Danillo Sena expressed appreciation for the funding, stating, “Thank you for thinking of Shirley. Thank you for thinking of supporting the senior center here.”
Leonard, who took on her role in September 2025, expressed her deep connection to the community, having previously worked at the Ayer Library for 17 years. She described the funding offer from Cronin as “earth shattering,” emphasizing the positive impact such support would have on the center’s operations. “This is wonderful, so glad to see things moving forward. Dollars go a long way,” she said.
Volunteer member Vicki Landry, who has been active on the Council on Aging board for several years, underscored the importance of the funding. She noted that providing essential services and fostering community interaction is crucial for seniors, helping to prevent isolation. “It is so needed to keep them from being isolated,” Landry commented, expressing a desire for increased participation from younger seniors.
Future Prospects and Community Impact
O’Brien, who played a key role in writing the grant for the funding during her tenure, expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support from state and local officials. “I am just so grateful for everything they are doing to support the senior center,” she said, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the achievement.
Senator Cronin also stressed the flexibility of the funding, allowing the Council on Aging to prioritize its needs for infrastructure upgrades. “The funding secured in this year’s budget for the Shirley Council on Aging will have a direct impact on our seniors and the special community they continue to foster,” he stated following the event.
He concluded, “I’m grateful to the entire COA staff, Rep. Sena, and the entire town of Shirley, whose advocacy made this investment possible. I’m excited to continue working with the town and its residents to deliver meaningful support that makes life better for everyone.”
As the Shirley Council on Aging prepares to implement these updates, the community looks forward to enhanced facilities that will enrich the lives of its senior residents.