By Janet Stoica

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The town hall space devoted to Charlton’s distinguished senior population has a vibrant and new Senior Center Director, Michelle Drumm, who has introduced herself with a flourish. 

“It’s a beautiful country ride through the hills and dales of surrounding towns to reach my Charlton destination,” said Drumm, “and it was time for me to return to municipal government. My ride to Charlton from my home in northeastern Worcester County is half-way to my family located in western Massachusetts. It’s a calming and great environment. Charlton is a beautiful community in a rural area and I’m in my element.”

Ms. Drumm’s credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a title she has held for the past four years. Before arriving in Charlton, Drumm held positions in assisted living centers located in Westboro, Ashland, and Grafton.

“My dear grandmother played a strong role in my upbringing,” she said, “and close to the end of her life she suffered from Alzheimer’s and in my taking care of her I learned that my time spent with her made me a better professional. She was such a great lady and shared so much with me. I’ve also come to see that right here there is a wonderful community of kindness and support for each other. There is laughter, love, music, camaraderie, silliness, and good educational features. Right now, we are working on getting in some great speakers and entertainment. We have classes in exercise, line dancing, Tai Chi, and crafting. Trying to keep events educational and inspirational is the key. Even having speakers come in like a death doula who talks about end-of-life preparations while providing emotional, physical, and spiritual support to people who are dying or to their loved ones will be part of our upcoming programs. On Thursday, August 29, we will have an elder law attorney here to speak about advanced directives. 

Director Drumm has indicated that they are working on getting grants for their supply needs and always welcome donations for supplies, craft, and exercise activities. Suggested donations would include Amazon gift cards, Michael’s gift cards, and similar cards.  Hot meals are served Monday and Wednesday through Tri-Valley with a suggested donation. This writer has personally experienced the excellent meals that Tri-Valley’s caterer has provided and can attest to their nutritional quality as well as their adherence to state and Federal guidelines. The meals are delicious. The local kitchen also plays a role in providing hot meals to the town’s seniors. 

The center really hops with many activities such as the Silver Moon Gypsies on August 12, Senior Citizen Day with a history presenter on August 21 along with tenor Michael Goodwin singing Broadway tunes later that same day, a Fit Minds class on August 26. The place is bursting with great activities and events.

As with most active community sites, the Charlton Senior Center appears to be growing rapidly and perhaps soon will require more space. Best wishes to all who gather there to enjoy each other’s company!  The center’s entrance is at the rear of the town hall located at 37 Main Street, Charlton MA 01537. Hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday. Phone: (508) 248-2231. Find them on Facebook or check out their newsletter and activities on the town’s website.