Laura Dillingham-Mailman, Director
Laura has been the C.O.A. Senior Center Director since February, 1993. During her tenure the services and programs increased to meet the growing needs of the senior population. A meals program was established in 1995 and today the Senior Center enjoys excellent home-style cooked meals (maybe better), Monday through Friday. Transportation services have increased with the addition of vans, and the staff works as a team to provide services, activities, special programs and services.
When not at the Senior Center, Laura can be found in her garden, traveling, singing in the choir, reading a book or cooking for a family “gathering”. She lives in Merrimac with her husband, George and various family pets. She has three grown children Kirstin, Karen and Katrina.
Joyce Gariepy, Administrative Assistant
Joyce has worked as a part-time Secretary, moving to full time Administrative Assistant since 1995. She has helped to develop the programs and data collection. She is editor of the monthly senior newsletter, The Centerpiece and is the Trip Organizer.
Joyce enjoys visiting her daughter, Karen and grandson, Hunter in the Florida Keys. Her son Dan lives in Las Vegas, and Mike with his wife Liliane and her grandaughter Caroline live in Mexico. Joyce enjoys traveling, shopping, and chocolate!
Sandra Blanchet, Volunteer Coordinator
Sandy began working at the Senior Center as a volunteer and became the Volunteer Coordinator when the position became available. She is responsible for finding volunteers for the NEET program (Northern Essex Elder Transport), the reception desk, helping with luncheon set-up and clean-up, activities, fairs, and more. Sandy enjoys knitting in her spare time.
Nick Fiorello, Van Driver
Nick works as one of the part-time van drivers. He works Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. He also assists the staff with the online newsletter and computer problems!
Dave Hall, Van Driver
Dave works as one of the part-time van drivers. He works Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Dave’s passion is long distance running and you will frequently see him around Merrimac.
Bonnie Kitsakos, Nutrition Program Director
In addition to her full time job as the Food Services Director to the Pentucket Schools, Bonnie is the go-to person for the Senior Center. She brings her talents, resources, knowledge and cheerful smile to the Senior Center. She is the proud grandmother of a beautiful baby girl born to her daughter Kaitlyn.
Eileen Murray, Cook
Eileen joined the staff this year bringing with her experience of managing a kitchen for a hospital and is ServSafe certified and Allergen certified. She is unflappable and her love for cooking is obvious as she is always happy and her food is unbelievable! She lives with her husband and son (who is a huge Bruins fan) in Groveland.
Dot Spinney, Kitchen Manager
Dot started out as a volunteer and soon found herself working for the Senior Center as Kitchen Manager. She works part-time Monday –Thursday and is know as affectionately “the Boss of the Kitchen”.
Herb Sayers, Senior Aide
Herb can be found doing just about anything that needs to be done, from cleaning to helping out with Peggy's Pantry and with Our Neighbors' Table Mobile Food Pantry.
Charlotte Eileen Stepanian, BS, RN, MSN, Public Health Nurse
As the Public Health Nurse, Eileen, as she is known at the Senior Center serves a dual role by also providing services to the seniors at the Senior Center. Blood Pressure Clinics are regularly held at MerriVillage on Monday (1 pm), and at the Senior Center on Tuesday (1 pm), as well as Flu Clinics.
Gerry Morenski, Outreach Coordinator
Gerry coordinates the Outreach Services for the seniors in Merrimac. To make an appointment, call the Senior Center at 978-346-9549. Gerry moved to Merrimac about 7 years ago. She has one daughter that is currently living in Mongolia (you must ask her about that!) and a son that lives in California.
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