October Brings Fall Fun and Revelries at the Canton Senior Center

Seniors had several reasons to celebrate at the Canton Senior Center in October, starting with a taste of Germany at the ever-popular Oktoberfest. While the Canton Lions Club generously hosted a lunch of bratwurst and complementary sides, a happy and expansive crowd gathered for the food, fun and some toe-tapping German accordion music.

Then, the month closed out with an official ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Senior Lounge. Canton’s new Chief Administrative Officer, Mark J. Penney, joined First Selectmen, Kevin Witkos and other members of the Board of Selectmen, along with seniors and representatives from several local organizations on October 30th to celebrate a newly-renovated room designed to give Canton seniors a living-room-like space to enjoy.

Canton’s Director of Senior and Social Services, Tonoa Jackson welcomed the crowd and expressed her department’s hope that this newly vibrant space will enrich the lives of Canton’s senior community by providing a welcoming space for activities, wellness programs, and social opportunities tailored just for them.

Senior Center Coordinator Kara McConville noted that an earlier 2022 survey disclosed that seniors’ #1 request was for more attractive and homier space, especially as more seniors are looking for social opportunities after Covid. Canton secured Federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to renovate and furnish the space with the feel of lounge. In addition, the Avon-Canton Rotary Club and the First Congregational Church of Canton volunteers generously gave their time to paint both the Senior Lounge and the Canton Community Center room.

A collection of comfortable chairs and game tables plus a faux fireplace will make the space cozy from winter and throughout the year. At the same time, the Canton Commission on Aging furnished a coffee corner to enable seniors to enjoy a free cup of coffee while meeting friends or participating in activities. Local artist Susan Bradley shared her original artworks, adding both color and creativity to the walls.

The brand-new Canton Dial-A-Ride van also made its first appearance at the event and began rolling through the streets on Canton in November.

The next major events will be the special Thanksgiving lunch on November 27, which, thanks to an anonymous donor, is free to the first 100 seniors. Tickets are currently already sold out. However, plenty of tickets still remain for the annual and regularly sold-out Winter Wonderland holiday party on December 18th. Seniors can buy tickets now until December 11 or until the supply runs out.

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