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Chautauqua County Aging Services Network Makes Donation

Pictured, from left, are Earl Ferry; North Harmony Senior Center president; and Melanie Booth, Aging Services Network president and director of Outreach Venture Forthe. Submitted photo

For several years the Aging Services Network in Chautauqua County has met quarterly to educate and connect seniors to available services.

Recently, the group has made the decision to pass the torch to others to carry on serving area seniors in this capacity.

“It was a hard decision to make,” said Melanie Booth, Aging Services Network president. “Over the past two years, we have tried new ideas to increase membership, but with so many others providing the same services, the executive board determined that it was time to allow others to continue the great work they are doing and focus attentions elsewhere.”

With the disbanding of the group, money that had been collected over the years was left over.

“We had a small amount of funds that we decided to donate to a local organization that would benefit seniors in the area,” Booth said.

The North Harmony Senior Center accepted the donation. The center works throughout the year to collect money to support not only the physical building and taxes, but also to continue social programs for area seniors.

“We meet monthly on the third Monday at 6 p.m.,” said Earl Ferry, center president.

The center offers entertainment and educational speakers, as well as pot lucks and prepared dinners periodically. Every Wednesday members meet to create items such as baby hats and lap blankets for area donations. The group sponsors trips throughout Western New York and holds monthly yard sales on site each summer. The group has more than 140 members and offers its location for rent and to host community events.

“This place means a lot to me, so we are thrilled for such a generous donation,” Ferry said.

“We are just happy that we are able to make a difference as we come to a close,” Booth said.

The Executive Board of the Aging Services Network was comprised of Melanie Booth, co-president and director of Outreach for Venture Forthe; Emily Benedict, co-president and service coordinator of National Church Residences; Melissa Swan, secretary and senior services coordinator, of the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging. The North Harmony Senior Center is located at 5377 Stow Road, Ashville.

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